Somalia and the United Nations on Wednesday launched a major innovation challenge to seek ideas from young Somalis on improving the living conditions of people in internally displaced persons (IDPs) communities. Both Somali government and UN officials who attended the launch in Mogadishu urged the Somali youth to develop solutions for tackling the many problems facing IDPs in their country. Achim Steiner, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator advised the youth to develop professional networks to promote their innovations. “We do a lot of emergency support. But what we love the most is to work with people like you because if we can succeed with you, to help you to the next level, you will take Somalia to its next level,” he said in a statement issued by the UN mission in Somalia (UNSOM). The challenge is part of an ongoing “Innovate for Somalia” project led by UNDP, in collaboration with Somali government which has conducted two previous innovation challenges to improve the dairy industry and on coding development focused apps. The third of its kind, the new innovation project is open to young Somali IDPs, returnees and young people from host communities. Mark Lowcock, Emergency Relief Coordinator and head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said no country wants to be reliant on emergency assistance. “And the only way I can achieve my dream of not being needed anymore (as UN Emergency Relief Coordinator) is if Achim (Steiner) is fantastically successful in helping all of you to be fantastically successful. As far as I am concerned, you are the solution, and good luck,” Lowcock said. The officials welcomed innovative ideas developed by young Somalis that can address the various social and economic difficulties facing their country. World Bank Senior Vice-President Mahmoud Mohieldin called on young Somalis to maximize the opportunities provided by the government, civil society and Somalia’s development partners under the innovation challenge. “As the World Bank, we do business with governments directly. But we have a very strong private sector arm, and I am pleased to know from my colleague today that we have a fund of around 10 million U.S. dollars dedicated for Somalia to help the start-ups, small and micro enterprises,” noted Mohieldin. The inaugural “Innovate for Somalia” camp was held in October 2017, where young people were given the opportunity to pitch their business ideas in order to raise start-up funding. The most viable solutions for improving the living conditions and livelihoods of IDPs will be supported through entrepreneurship trainings, incubation and access to finance. Source: Xinhua The post Somalia, UN launch initiative to improve lives of IDPs – Xinhua appeared first on Caasimada Online.

As immigration remains a hot-button issue in American politics, more Somali media outlets have spread across Minnesota in recent years — often to amplify the community’s positive contributions — even as the businesses face steep financial challenges. In 2017 alone, Somali American, a monthly 10,000-circulation newspaper in Minneapolis; GTN News, a bilingual television channel in St. Cloud; and Somali Link Radio, a weekly show at KFAI Radio, joined an already crowded Somali-language print and broadcast landscape in Minnesota. In 2015, the Minneapolis-based KALY Somali-American Radio, a low-power FM station, joined the airwaves to provide Somali-Americans with around-the-clock news and music programming. And in 2014, the online news operation Tusmo Timesadded a 5,000-circulation newspaper that is now distributed in Somali-owned businesses and community centers throughout the Twin Cities metro area. While the owners of these news sources may have different niches, what motivated them to enter the media business, they say, is the desire to focus attention on community stories that other news outlets often only give a passing glance. “One of the reasons I started this work is to promote the success stories of the African community,” said Haji Yusuf, owner and host of GTN News. “I wanted to show their success stories and the success of their businesses; the success of individuals who are doctors and nurses.” A tough business Covering those kinds of stories was also the reason Warsame Guled founded the monthly Somali American last year. But that wasn’t the only one. Guled, who also owns a home care business in Minneapolis, thought of the idea to establish a newspaper when he and other entrepreneurs realized they couldn’t find a platform to promote their businesses. “We were looking for ways to reach the Somali community,” Guled said. “I found out that there were no direct channels to reach Somali people.” Today, the paper distributes 10,000 free copies of the paper, which — like other ethnic newspapers — are available in coffee shops, restaurants, community centers, libraries and other public spaces that Somali-Americans frequent. The paper often focuses on Somali-related events in Minneapolis. Stories are written by freelance reporters or volunteers, or reprinted from other news organizations. Its competitor, Tusmo Times, tends to cover local, national and international Somali-related stories. Originally called Ciyaartoy and established in 2012 to give the Somali community online coverage of sports, the organization eventually changed its name and expanded its coverage to include hard news and created a monthly newspaper printed in both Somali and English. “My main goal is to document and archive the stories of the Somali-American community in Minnesota,” said Abdirahman Mukhtar, founder of Tusmo Times. “That way, if my kids want to read about their own Minnesota history tomorrow, they can find it in both Somali and English languages.” Yet whatever the intended goal, most local Somali-owned media outlets — including those that have been around for more than 20 years — struggle to generate revenue. Many rely on volunteers and the people who run them often have other jobs to pay the bills. “I sometimes put in my own money to print the newspaper,” said Mukhtar. “That’s why I haven’t printed in the last two years.” As with the mainstream media, Somali media entrepreneurs are trying new models to try to build sustainable businesses. GTN, for example, has partnered with Xidig African TV, a system that lets users watch African television stations via the internet, to air its programs — and to make money. GTN’s Yusuf noted that the station now reaches more than 800 homes in St. Cloud and its surrounding cities. Customers buy a custom streaming media device for $119 or pay a monthly fee of $20. The equipment gives users access to GTN’s on-air programs and more than 300 other channels through Xidig African TV. Giving ‘a full picture of who we are’ GTN provides its programs in both Somali and English, and focuses on local, state and national issues that affect the Somali-American community. “I want to give this community an alternative voice so that they can see how we’re making contributions in this part of Minnesota,” Yusuf said. Mahamed Cali, the head of KALY radio, echoed that sentiment in describing why he established the radio station, which also covers local, state, national and international issues that affect the community. Since its launch in 2015, the station has become a popular source of news for Somalis in the Twin Cities, who listen to the radio through 101.7-FM, online and via an app. “This radio,” Cali said, “is helping, protecting and empowering the voiceless people in the East African community.” Abdirizak Bihi, longtime Minneapolis activist and host of the weekly Somali Link Radio, also thinks he can change the negative image people have of immigrants and refugees through storytelling. Although KFAI isn’t Somali-owned, it provides airtime to several East African community members, who host bilingual programs. Since his hourlong show was launched a year ago, Bihi has invited Somali activists, entrepreneurs, artists and elected officials to talk about issues facing the Somali-Americans and accentuate their contributions to Minnesota. “I wanted to give them the full picture of who we are,” Bihi said. “That we have doctors; that we have a culture; that we have music; that we have a museum; that we care about success and the American dream, like everybody else.” Source: Minnpost The post Growing number of Somali media outlets in Minnesota aim to shed positive light on community appeared first on Caasimada Online.

The European Union has announced a new funding package of 42.5 million euros (nearly $53m) to help the Palestinians build their new state. Source: Hiiraan Online

Magaalada Garowe oo ah xarunta gobalka Nugaal ahna caasimada Dawlada Puntland tan iyo 1998 ayaa horumar baaxad leh samaynaysay tan iyo burburkii Dawladii dhexe ee Soomaaliya oo ay usoo qaxeen kumanaan qof oo markoodii hore uga haajiray gobalada kale ee Soomaaliya. Garowe waxaa lagu tilmaamaa magaalooyinka ugu nidaamsan, ugu wadooyinka wanaagsan, ugu amaanka badan, uguna koboca wanaagsan guud ahaan magaalooyinka Soomaaliyeed, waxayna magaaladani samaysay horumar iyo fiditaan baaxad leh sanadihii u danbeeyey. Caasimada Puntland waxay noqotay magaalo soo jiidatay dad aad u fara badan oo Soomaaliyeed waxaana la arkaayey sanadihii u danbeeyey dadyow fara badan oo ka kala yimi guud ahaan dhulka Soomaalida oo si baaxadleh magaalada u dhisanaaya, una maal gashanaaya sababtoo ah waa magaalo caan ku ah nabad galyo la isku halayn karo, cimilo wanaagsan ayna ka jirto waxbarasho tayo leh, sidoo kale waa fadhiga Dawlada Puntland iyo hay’adaha caalamiga ee degaanadan ka hawlgala. Maxaa u diiday Garowe adeegyada asaasiga u ah arimaha bulshada? Inkastoo dadweynuhu ay dadaal fara badan muujiyeen ayna caasimadan ka dhigeen magaalo soo jiidata Soomaalida iyo aduunkaba, hadana nasiib daro Garowe waa caasimad aan lahayn adeegyadii asaasiga ahaa sida caafimaad,biyo macaan iyo xitaa dab-damis. anagoo mid mid u kala qaadi doonaa taya xumada adeegyada arimaha bulshada ee caasimada balse marka hore waxaan is-waydiin doonaa halka la geeyo dhaqaalaha xoogan ee magaaladan soo gala. Dakhliga usoo xarooda Caasimada iyo curaarta 1% ee uga xaroota dhamaan gobalada Puntland Magaalada Garowe waxay kamid tahay magaalooyinka ugu dakhliga wanaagsan guud ahaan Puntland, waana magaalada labaad hadaysanba ahayn tan kowaad, bil walba Dawlada hoose ee Garowe waxaa u xarooda boqolaal kun oo dollar oo ah casnhuur ay ka qaado dadweynaha magaaladan degan. Sidoo kale Garowe waxay kaga duwan tahay magaalooyinka kale waxaa canshuurta guud ee Dawlada Puntland uga xarooda curaarta 1% oo ah dakhliga guud ee Dawlada dhexe dhamaan gobalada Puntland, taas oo bil walba dhan ugu yaraan sideetan kun oo doolar, lama oga halka ay aado lacagtaasi maadama magaaladu ka aradan tahay wax yaabihii ugu muhiimsanaa ee ay ahayd inay Dawlada hoose ku qabato dhaqaalahan xoogan, waxaana dakhliga uga xarooda gobalada Puntland lagu magacaabaa(Horumarinta caasimada Puntland) Dabkii khasaaraha dhaliyey oo banaanka soo dhigay fadeexada dul-hoganaysa maamulka degmada Garowe Sida aan lawada socono magaalada Garowe waxaa labba maalmood kahor ka dhacay dab khasaare nafeed iyo mid maalba geystay, kaas oo ay ku dhinteen inta la hubo 6 qof uuna dhaawac culus kasoo gaaray ugu yaraan 7 qof oo kale, markii dabku kacay waxaa magaalada laga waayey dab-damis bakhtiiya dabkan khasaaraha geystay, waana tan sababtay inuu dabkani geysto khasaare baaxadleh. Shirkadda gaarka loo leeyahay ee iibisa biyaha sifaysan ee Al-naciim ayaa ku guulaysata iyadoo kaashanaysa dadweyne soo gurmaday inay dabkan bakhtiiso, sidoo kale waxaa jirey shaqsiyaad naftooda ku biimeeyey dabkan oo ka hortagey khasaare tan ka baaxad weyn oo uu dabkani geysan karay maadama ay meesha taagnayd booyad weyn oo shidaal sidey, waxaa xusid mudan in shaqsiyaadkan qaarkood ay u geeriyoodeen dhawaacii soo gaaray. Mar arimahan dabka wax laga weydiiyey duqa caasimada Xassan Maxamed Ciise(Goodir) wuxuu qiray inaysan magaaladu lahayn wax dab-damisa, sidoo kale uusan ka jirin magaalada adeeg caafimaad oo kaafin kara dadkii dhaawacyada culus ay soo gaareen sidaa darteedna wuxuu sheegay duqu in dadkaas diyaarad khaasa ay u qaaday magaalada Muqdisho. Isbitaalka guud ee Garowe Nasiib daradii ugu weynayd ayaa dhacday markii mashaqada dabku dhacday in Isbitaalkii guud ee caasimada oo kamida xarumaha caafimaad ee ugu waaweyn Soomaaliya uu awoodii waayey inuu qaabilo dadkii ay wax yeeladu kasoo gaartay dabkan daryeel xumo qudhiisa haysata awgeed, Isbitaalkan kama jiraan adeegyadii muhiimka ahaa ee ay ahayd inuu qabto, wuxuuna mararka qaar u shaqeeyaa sida xarumaha gaarka loo leeyahay. Waxaa nasiib daro ah in dhibanayaashii dabka ku dhaawacmay loo qaado Muqdisho oo Garowe u jirta ku dhawaad kun kiilo-mitir markii loo waayey daryeel caafimaad oo ku filan ayna qaarkood diyaarada dusheeda ku dhintaan. Gaba-gabadii:- Waxaa is weydiin mudan tolow maxaa lagu qabtaa dakhliga xoogan ee magaaladan soo gala hadiiba hooyadii hilibka iyo khudaarta gadaysay ee laga soo qaaday aysanba haysan Cafimaad, biyo macaan ama aysanba jirin dab-damis ay gurmad ka helayso hadii gurigeeda uu dab qabsado? waxaa xusid mudan inaan dhaqaalahan xoogan lagu dhisin wadooyin, iskuulo iyo xarumo kale toona ayna wadooyinka magaalada laga dhisay sanadihii u danbeeyey ay dhamaantood ku deeqeen hay’adaha caalamiga ee ku midaysan mashruuca loo yaqaan JPLG marka laga reebo 10% ay bixiso Dawlada dhexe ee Puntland. PUNTLAND POST The post Faalo: Garowe magaalo ka aradan adeegyada asaasiga hadana soo xaraysa dakhli xoogan appeared first on Puntland Post.

The European Union has announced a new funding package of 42.5 million euros (nearly $53m) to help the Palestinians build their new state. Source: Hiiraan Online

Muqdisho (Caasimada Online)-Agaasimihii hore ee Hay’adda Nabad-sugidda Somalia Cabdullaahi Maxamed Cali ‘’Sanabloolshe’’ ayaa markii ugu horeysay ka hadlay guul daradii ka raacday doorashadii dhowaan ka dhacay magaalada Jawhar ee Gobolka Shabeellda Dhexe ee looga guulaystay kursigiisii hore ee baarlamaanka. Sanbloolshe, ayaa sheegay inuu aad u dhaliilsan yahay doorashada looga guuleystay, waxa uuna tilmaamay in lagu sameeyay faragalin dadban iyo mid toosa. Sanbloolshe, oo u waramaayay Idaacada VOA laanteeda afka Soomaaliga ayaa sheegay in guul daradiisa ay tahay mid ka danbeysay isdabamarin iyo xadgudubyo ka dhex dhacay Hoolka doorashada oo indhaha laga qabsaday. Sanbloolshe waxa uu dowlada ku eedeeyey inay faragelin ku samaysay doorashadaasi isla markaana ay dhaqaale ku taageertay musharraxa ku guulaystay doorashadaasi Nuur Iidow Bayle. Sanbloolshe, waxa uu sheegay in eediisa ay tahay mid ku saleysan Guddiga Doorashooyinka oo hab aan wanaagsaneyn howsha u waday, Faragelin toos ah oo Dowladda Doorashada ay ku heysay iyo Ergada oo lacag garka loo geliyay, si ay ugu codeeyaan qofka ay Dowladda wadato. Sanbloolshe, waxa uu cod dheer ku sheegay inuusan ku faraxsaneyn qaabka ay u dhacday doorashada, balse uu isaga qancay, wuxuuna tilmaamay in dowladda Federaalka ay maalgelineysay Nuur Iidow Beyle oo xildhibaanimada kaga guuleystay isaga. Waxa uu tilmaamay Sanbloolshe in isaga iyo Madaxda dalka ay ahaayen dad isku dhow oo saaxiibo ah, balse sheekada ay xumeeyen dad uu sheegay in ay u dhaxeeyan. Waxa uu intaa raaciyay hadii uu ku soo bixi lahaa kursiga shaqsi ahaantiisa inuusan noqon laheyn sida laga filyey ee ah inuu Mucaarad noqdo, balse kursigan uu shacabka ugu adeegi lahaa. Sidoo kale, Sanbloolshe ayaa yiri ‘’waxaan la tartamay dowlad ee lama aan tartamin shaqsi caadi ah, waxaan hubaa in danta laga lahaa faragalin ay aheyd in leyga guuleysto’’ Haddalka Sanbaloolshe ayaa kusoo beegmaaya xili dowlada Somalia la sheegay inay wakhti iyo dhaqaale badan ku bixisay Nuur Iidow Beyle oo xildhibaanimada kaga guuleystay Sanbaloolshe. Caasimada Online Xafiiska Muqdisho Caasimada@live.com The post Sanbaloolshe oo kashifay kaalinta ay DFS ka qaadatay guul daradii ka raacday doorashada Jowhar appeared first on Caasimada Online.

Facebook is putting its short-term money where its mouth is, reducing the presence of viral videos in an effort to boost well-being of users of its site. In Facebook’s Q4 2017 earnings report today CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that “Already last quarter, we made changes to show fewer viral videos to make sure people’s time is well spent. In total, we made changes that reduced time spent on Facebook by roughly 50 million hours every day.” Source: Hiiraan Online

Muqdisho (Caasimada Online)-La-taliyaha dhinaca siyaasada xafiiska Madaxweynaha Somalia Maxamuud Axmed Nuur ‘’Tarsan’’, ayaa ka hadlay wararka sheegaya in caburin lagu hayo Siyaasiyiinta ku dhaqan dalka, gaar ahaan kuwa magaalada Muqdisho. Tarsan ayaa sheegay in shaqsi ahaantiisa aanu u muuqan caburin lagu hayo Siyaasiyiinta, waxa uuna tilmaamay in la doonaayo keliya ilaalinta xadka hadalka. Waxa uu sheegay Tarsan in Siyaasiga ka tabankara caburinta keliya uu yahay mid ka weecda xadka loogu talo galay xoriyada hadalka, waxa uuna tilmaamay in la doonaayo in hadalka lagu saleeyo waaqica jira. Tarsan oo u waramaayay Idaacada Risaala ee magaalada Muqdisho ayaa carab ***** in xiliga lagu jiro Siyaasiyiinta ku nool magaalada Muqdisho ay yihiin kuwo heysta xoriyad hadal, markii laga soo tago dowladihii hore. ‘’Anigu waxaan qabaa inaanu jirin caburin lagu hayo Siyaasiyiinta, midka dareemikara caburinta waa kan doonaayo inuu ku hadlo waxa uu rabo, dabcan taa macquul manoqoneyso’’ ‘’Siyaasigu maaha inuu sheego wax ummadda iska horkeenaya, oo ka dhalan kara burbur iyo xasilooni daro siyaasadeed, haddii uu hadalkiisa xadka ka baxo waa laga hortagayaa inta uusan dhibaato abuurin hadalkiisa taa lama orankaro caburin’’ Tarsan ayaa sheegay in xoriyadu ay tahay in qofka la xadido hadalkiisa, waxa uuna cadeeyay in xitaa dalalka qaar aysan ka jirin xoriyad lamid ah tan ay heystaan Siyaasiyiinta. Haddalka Tarsan ayaa imaanaya xili Siyaasiyiinta mucaaradka ay dowlada Somalia ku eedeeyan inay ku heyso dhibaato iyo caburin dhanka hadalka ah. Caasimada Online Xafiiska Muqdisho Caasimada@live.com The post Tarsan oo ka Jawaabay wararka sheegaya in Caburin lagu hayo Siyaasiyiinta Mucaaradka appeared first on Caasimada Online.

Smartphones helped terror organizations grow and communicate. Now the devices are contributing to their downfall. Source: Hiiraan Online

During President Trump’s first State of the Union address Tuesday night, he repeatedly tried to conflate immigrants, including DREAMers, with terrorists and gang members—the latest in a string of racist or xenophobic statements Trump has made throughout his time in office. Source: Hiiraan Online

A Kenyan member of parliament, TJ Kajwang, who presided over the symbolic inauguration of Raila Odinga has been arrested. Source: Hiiraan Online

More than a year after United Nations peacekeepers were condemned by their own auditors for heedlessly dumping sewage, untreated waste water, garbage, medical waste and other dangerous materials in a wide array of war-torn countries, the same horrific health practices have surfaced again, in battered Somalia. Source: Hiiraan Online

Zimbabwe has announced that white farmers still in business after controversial land reforms will be able to obtain 99-year leases, signalling a new government approach to the key agricultural sector. Source: Hiiraan Online

Somalia and the United Nations on Wednesday launched a major innovation challenge to seek ideas from young Somalis on improving the living conditions of people in internally displaced persons (IDPs) communities. Source: Hiiraan Online

As immigration remains a hot-button issue in American politics, more Somali media outlets have spread across Minnesota in recent years — often to amplify the community’s positive contributions — even as the businesses face steep financial challenges. Source: Hiiraan Online

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — An iron collar that kept slaves in bondage. A branding iron that marked human beings as someone’s property. A photograph of black babies captioned as “alligator bait.” A fine china plate with gold lettering that says, “KKK ‘God Give Us Men.’” Source: Hiiraan Online

DJIBOUTI — “World War III will start here.” We had been driving around the streets of this African city for more than an hour, and my companion — an agent from the national intelligence service whom I will call Mohammed — was excited by the implications of what he had been showing me Source: Hiiraan Online

The President of Somalia, Hon. Mohamed Abdilahi Farmajo has lost the confidence of Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) which the Head of State held discussions in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital. Mr. Farmajo lobbied IGAD members to vote for his candidate who was running for the Secretariat. Somalia Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Ahmed Isse Awad held series of meeting in the sidelines with IGAD officials to rally behind their candidate to clinch the regional bloc top position. Mr. Abdusalam Hadiye Omer, a Somaliland by birth was Somalia’s hopes were dashed o head the eight member regional bloc since its establishment in 1996. Somalia was later defeated in its bid by Uganda which succeeded in convincing the Bloc members to rally behind their candidature. The biggest challenge that impeded the chances of Somalia was that the debt of Somalia reached around 1 million. Uganda has recently paid the IGAD debt which has boosted its chances to defeat Somalia in leading the regional bloc.

WICHITA, Kan. — Federal prosecutors are dropping one of the charges against a man accused of plotting to bomb an apartment complex housing Somali immigrants in western Kansas. Source: Hiiraan Online

Isbitaalka Erdogan ee magaalada Muqdisho waxaa la gaarsiiyay afar qof oo ka mid ah dadkii shalay ku dhaawacmay dab qabsaday xarumo ganacsi oo ku yaalla magaalada Garoowe. Sida uu inoo xaqiijiyay guddoomiyihii hore ee gobolka Mudug, Maxamed Yusuf Tigey, waxaa isbitaalka ku geeriyooday Cawil Ismaaciil oo ka mid ah afarta qof ee dhaawacyadooda ay cuslaayeen ee la geeyay Muqdisho. Isbitaalka ayaa sidoo kale la tacaalaya saddexda qof ee kale, kuwaas oo haatan ku jira qeybta gargaarka deg deg ah halkaas oo lugu dabiibayo. Duqa magaalada caasimadda ah ee Garoowe, Xasan Maxamed Khaliif (Goodir) oo dhankiisa shir jaraa’id Garoowe ku qabtay wuxuu sheegay afar qof inay dabka ku geeryoodeen, wuxuuna baaq u diray bulshada reer Puntland oo uu ka dalbaday inay ka qeyb qaataan sidii aanu mar labaad usoo laaban musiibadii ka dhacday magaalada Garowe.

A combination of family ties, the desire to avenge ill-treated loved ones and economic distress is driving some young Kenyan women into the arms of Somali terrorist group Al Shabaab. Once recruited, the women play various roles in the violent extremist group as recruiters, spies, cooks and cleaners, according to a report by the Institute for Security Studies in Africa. Researchers interviewed 108 women from communities in Nairobi, Mombasa, Garissa, Diani, Kwale and Kisumu, which have been affected by violent extremism. They also spoke to women who had returned from Al-Shabaab camps, civil society and community leaders and organisers, as well as government officials and donors. Responses from the study, “Violent Extremism in Kenya: Why women are a priority”, provide an expansive view of women beyond being mere victims of violent extremism. Even though the full extent of women’s involvement in violent extremism remains unknown, researchers Irene Ndung’u and Uyo Salifu found that women were more actively involved in non-combative or indirect roles than in direct ones. The indirect roles women play appear to be more prominent than direct participation as perpetrators of violent extremist acts. Globally, women are trapped into violent extremism and terrorism by strong relationship ties based on family, kinship and romance. They may also be driven by grievances regarding their economic and socio-political circumstances and a commitment to and/or the oppression of certain religious or ideological beliefs. The interplay between these drivers, which create the dynamics for women’s involvement in violent extremism, is also reflected in the study’s findings. However, the report had remained embargoed for a year because of the sensitivity about releasing information regarding terrorism. Intelligence wing Ms Salifu, a researcher in the ISS transnational threats and international crime programme, said: “The heightened sensitivity around terrorism in Kenya and the nature of the security situation at the time gave rise to the delay in the report’s release.” Women’s involvement in violent extremism remains deeply nuanced and defies generalisation, according to the report. Women have reportedly travelled to Somalia to join Al Shabaab, or have been recruiting for the group, masterminding terrorist attacks in Mombasa, forming terror cells, and channelling information and finances for terrorist organisations. Government officials in Garissa and Diani told researchers, however, that in their experience, perpetrators were often male, and aged between 16 and 25 years and that no women had been convicted on terror-related charges. So far only four women – three Kenyans and a Tanzanian – have been charged in connection with terrorism. Maryam Said Aboud and Khadija Abdulkadir Abubakar from Malindi, Ummul Khayr Sadir Abdalla from Tanzania and Halima Adan Ali of Mombasa were charged with 19 terror charges, including being members of Al-Shabaab and conspiracy to commit terrorism in Kenya. Another five have been charged with aiding terrorists or concealing information about them. Although none of the respondents for the study conducted in 2016 had first-hand knowledge of women who had carried out acts of terrorism, government officials told researchers that many girls had gone to Somalia, where some had been trained as suicide bombers and that one had been arrested on terror-related charges, while the others had some involvement in attacks. Extremist groupings are increasingly targeting women and children as these might not come under the scrutiny of security agencies as attackers. Secrecy around cultural and religious norms has likely made women fearful of speaking out even when attempts are made to recruit them. Some women are reluctant to speak publicly and prefer to have men speak for them. Also, those who take part in violent extremism fear exposure by government officials, reprisals from Al Shabaab or being stigmatised by their communities should they confess their involvement or speak about their experiences. Government officials claim that women play operational roles, gathering intelligence and spying for Al Shabaab. The women are reportedly ‘used to collect information [and for] surveillance because they are viewed with less suspicion’ and ‘pass this information on to others’. One official claimed that “women are part of Amniyat, the intelligence wing of Al-Shabaab”. Speaking in focus groups, women revealed that some of them used their positions as wives, sisters and mothers to recruit for violent extremist organisations. Kinship In Nairobi’s Majengo area, a female recruiter was reportedly well known for inducing young men in particular to join Al-Shabaab with the promise of jobs. “It may well be that women’s involvement as violent actors is kept hidden,” the researchers say, but they cite prevalent socio-cultural and religious norms that limit the roles women play in extremist organisations. Kenya and Somalia are male-dominated societies where women traditionally play the role of nurturers and peacemakers, preferably within a domestic context. Female recruiters continue to be viewed through the patriarchal lenses of two female stereotypes: mother and temptress. Those recruiting outside the home, such as in the refugee camps, were seen as temptresses ‘luring’ young men with false promises. Inside violent extremist groups, women play various supporting roles for the fighting men. They could provide shelter and hide terrorists or family members involved with the groups; or take food to family members arrested on terror-related charges. Others facilitate financial transactions to fund extremists, provide medical care in refugee camps for injured fighters, cook and clean in training camps, and radicalise their own children. Providing ‘company’ or ‘comfort’ to the terrorists, usually through marriage among the networks of extremists’ own relatives and friends, is another unremarked role women play. Invisibility The picture of women’s involvement in violent extremism as enablers and sympathisers is complex, as aptly summarised by an Anti-Terror Police Unit officer quoted in the report: “Some women are caught between a rock and a hard place. They are the caregivers to the terrorist and play a supportive role; they are facilitators because they are least suspected,” said a police officer. Also, fear [of security agencies] discourages women from disclosing information, especially where police are deemed to be corrupt and extortionist. Returnees interviewed for the ISS study did not appear to be inspired by ideological or religious factors in joining Al Shabaab. Aside from finding work, following partners and husbands to Somalia was a leading motivator for many women. One reported that her brother’s widow went to Somalia with their daughter to visit his grave a while back. They have not returned since. Women’s participation in extremism remains hidden from policy view, with official interventions targeting visible young males. Some of the women revealed in the focus group discussions that their partners are members of Al Shabaab in Somalia, and explained that girls entering unions with such men risk being radicalised. Interviewees spoke of women being blackmailed, intimidated or kidnapped by people known to them to join Al Shabaab. One returnee said her husband’s friends forced her to join him when he left six months after they married. Poor education A poor educational background may also play a factor as s senior counter-terrorism official noted that most of the girls recruited to join Al Shabaab through personal relationships have only have a primary school education. However, this does not exclude recruitment of the more educated. Others choose to join their loved ones in Somalia as testified by a woman from Kwale who said that her 34-year-old female cousin was radicalised by her husband and followed him to Somalia, where she has also joined Al-Shabaab. Extra-judicial killings Revenge for the ill-treatment of loved ones at the hands of security agents was noted as a key factor in influencing women to become involved in extremism. Interviewees cited experiences including the extra-judicial killing of their husbands and children, media profiling of Islam, police brutality and the disappearance of innocent people, allegedly at the hands of security agents, turning them away from formal state securitisation activities. One woman, who said she was not aware of the government amnesty programme for those returning from terrorist training in Somalia, is sceptical of state efforts to counter violent extremism: “I believe my religion is under threat because those who are guilty of terrorism and the innocent are treated in the same manner by the authorities.” High unemployment Another said that her 24-year-old daughter received $170 (Ksh17,000) to join the extremists, instead of the $260 (Ksh26,000) promised. She was ferried to Oman, where the her recruiters demanded $400 (Ksh40,000) ransom for her release. Al-Shabaab has capitalised on the high unemployment levels in the coastal region to lure youth with promises of jobs, money and other livelihood opportunities. “Poverty is pushing people into embracing Al-Shabaab. If one is earning $30 (Ksh3,000) but is promised $260 (Ksh26,000), that is a lot of money and the person will choose to join Al Shabaab,” one woman added. An informant — with the pseudonym Khadija — was interviewed over the telephone for this study. She was in hiding, fearing for her safety at the hands of the police and fellow returnees. Men who join Al-Shabaab often leave their homes and families without breadwinners. Women step in as heads of households, but the burden of providing for their immediate (and often extended) families is exacerbated by the lack of a regular income, and many find themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty. Citizenship rights The denial of citizenship rights was mentioned as a factor that could drive women to radicalisation. Two women in Lamu reported that their sons were denied national identity documents because they look Somali. The lack of this document has major implications for travel and access to higher education opportunities. Most of those interviewed for the ISS study had only a primary school education. They added that perceived injustices against Muslims, as well as media profiling, had created a feeling of being ‘under attack’ within the community, especially among husbands and sons. “Islam is not terrorism but a religion that has been misused to carry out terror attacks,” said an unnamed interviewee. Returnees speak out 22-YEAR-OLD FROM LIKONI: “I was married to my first husband for six months before he left for Somalia. I do not know if he is still alive. I was 18 years old when I went to Somalia. I remember finding myself in a forest after getting into a car with my husband’s friends, who harassed, intimidated and forced me to go and join him, although I never found my husband at the camp. The living conditions at the camp were terrible; we were treated like slaves and ate only once a day.” “We were verbally and physically abused. I did not get married to any of the group’s members but they would use us for sexual purposes. We were given contraception so that we did not conceive. I fled when I got the chance and to take advantage of the Kenya government’s amnesty.” 24-YEAR OLD INTERVIEWEE: “Poverty is pushing people into embracing Al-Shabaab. If one is earning $30 (Ksh3,000) but is promised $260 (Ksh26,000), that is a lot of money and the person will choose to join Al Shabaab…” “I was born in Garissa and became involved when I was 20 years old. I went to college and high school. I joined with Al Shabaab because I was jobless and needed a job. A friend took me to Mombasa where we stayed for some days before we hopped onto a bus and were given a drink (which must have been laced with a drug), after which I found myself in Burabe.” “We were about 40 girls in a camp and all of us were Kenyan,” she says. “I received religious, weapons and combat training, as well as suicide bombing. I was a virgin when I arrived and after receiving basic training, I declined sexual advances by a fighter. I stabbed him to death and because of this incident, I was made commander in charge of the women because they saw I could fight,” she adds. “I returned to Garissa through Doble where she sold the gun for money to buy passage back to Kenya because of the amnesty programme, but did not enroll in it fearing how the government would treat me. The reaction from my family was also disheartening and I currently live with friends. But it has been difficult because I am jobless.” Source: The EastAfrican The post Al-Shabaab: Inside the ranks of women fighters appeared first on Caasimada Online.

A Somali woman carries a box of food distributed by the Turkish Red Crescent in a camp, Mogadishu, Somalia, May 23, 2017. Turkey’s unprecedented engagement in Somalia started in 2011 as a response to the catastrophic famine that ravaged the country at the time, while the most momentous event was the visit by then prime minister, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Since then, the Turkish-Somali relationship has been praised locally, regionally and has caught the attention of major global powers. In a short time, Turkey became one of the closest allies that Somalia has in the international political arena. The unparalleled success of Turkish assistance and aid projects in Somalia has yielded many responses and results. The most significant has been a direct review and renewed approach by other international donors that have been present in Somalia far longer than Turkey. Instinctively, the curiosity and inquisitiveness about the Turkish assistance model in Somalia has become a global subject, not only for Western donors, but even the Muslim ones. Most importantly, two questions every global donor has asked themselves are how has Turkey’s assistance model become more effective and valuable, and what are the factors helping Turkey to accomplish all these projects to accelerate Somalia’s state recovery. These questions and more had been presented in the international political arena, which led to discussions and research directives at global research centers and entered multi-national political discourse. I am of the opinion that Turkey’s ability to accomplish this unprecedented success is as a result of two intertwined reasons. History shapes the future History is more than a path left by the past – it influences the present and can shape the future. Perhaps, what is undeniable is that history vitally influences any relationship and nations structure their relationship with the historical connections alongside their mutual interests. Moreover, for the past two decades, the world has seen a global socio-political shift in which emerging powers are entering into the international political arena with a unique foreign policy as compared to the elite powers. Turkey encompasses this shift, and the Ottoman Empire’s immaculate history has become a significant tool for Turkey’s foreign policy, an ultraclean civilization that was left by their ancestors in a wide range of former Ottoman territories without any record of colonization or exploitation. The strategic advantage is over and above the colonial history of their Western counterparts and the negative connotations associated with Western colonization. Of course, that allows Turkey to initiate close relationships with the majority of developing countries. Moreover, this is not only influenced by Ottoman history, but also by modern foreign policy decisions. Turkey’s leading party is deploying a unique foreign policy and strategy with key principles such as a non-political interference and, perhaps more significantly, provision of aid without special conditions, which in turn has inclusively shaped an era of aid diplomacy. This has assisted Turkey in engaging and establishing more responsible and realistic relationships with global partners and allies. Somalia remains a good example of this. Adopting an effective model Despite historic connections, an additional significant secret of Turkey’s success in Somalia is the assistance model that Turkey deploys there, and doing so at the right time while the opportunity of structuring a new relationship was there, and economic and political matters was settled internally. When Turkey arrived, Somalia was in the middle of multiple crises, the severe famine that was a result of around two decades of a failed state, terrorism and the recklessness of international donors or, in other words, the global powers who were involved in Somali issues at that time. In addition to the neglected support of the U.N. and other international organizations that were keeping an arm’s length, largely engaging by remote control from offices in neighboring Kenya with the occasional short trip to Mogadishu’s heavily fortified airport. Moreover, Turkey had convenient tactics to establish this relationship successfully. Then Erdoğan visited Mogadishu, which global leaders considered as the most dangerous place in the globe – a war zone. He was the first leader to visit Mogadishu since the state collapse. A smart move of regenerating a relationship and, most importantly, gaining credibility and trust from Somali society. It was an important key for the success of regenerating the Turkish-Somali relationship. Not only had his visit launched multidimensional projects of assistance inclusive of humanitarian aid and developmental projects to support the rebuilding process with a high-quality implementation strategy, the two assisting projects being implemented together. This was a totally opposite technique from the traditional donors that only deliver humanitarian aid occasionally. Furthermore, with the integration of local communities, delivering assistance to them quickly based on priority and visibility of their projects, putting all those pieces into context, we can come to comprehend why Turkey has been successful in helping Somalia. Lately, speculation that common identity, belief systems and values influence this relationship was brought to light after the remarkable success mentioned above. However, I am hesitant to believe that, as many countries share a similar Islamic identity and values with Somalia and have been involved as well, but are unable to cultivate a similar relationship to that which Turkey shares with Somalia, or their projects are not as effective and constructive as those of Turkey. The flourishing capitalization by Turkey on its opportunity, which Western donors and even some Muslim donors have created for them, made this relationship unique and productive. However, Turkey indicates clearly that its relationship with Somalia will go beyond assistance and support. The recent establishment of both Turkey’s biggest foreign embassy and foreign military base has categorically set a precedence as to how much Turkey is willing to develop its relationship with Somalia. Meanwhile, the new political developments in the region, particularly the Gulf crisis, have left behind significant questions of how Somalia will hold its allies together, especially the global and emerging powers, and the emerging Muslim donors that are again demonstrating their interest in the country. Source: – Daily Sabah The post Turkish-Somali partnership at its highest level appeared first on Caasimada Online.

Dr. Merera Gudina a leading opposition voice in Ethiopia continues his political engagements across the Oromia regional state. Thousands turned up to greet Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) leader over the weekend in the town of Ambo in the state. Exclusive materials shared by the Addis Standard portal showed how people from all over turned up at the Ambo national stadium to catch a glimpse of a political hero. On his part, Gudina is reported to have thanked the people for pouring out in their numbers to meet him and also for their unwavering support during his incarceration. The largely peaceful event lasted a few minuted the Addis Standard portal added. Key dates in Gudina’s political ups and downs December 1, 2016: Arrested after arriving from European visit December 30: Appears in court, denies terrorism links Feb 23, 2017: Charged with terrorism Later in the year, terrorism charge downgraded to multiple criminal charges January 17, 2018: Charges dropped, released from prison. Oromia erupts January 25: Meets German and U.S. embassy officials in Addis Ababa January 28: Returns to stronghold of Ambo to massive welcome #Ethiopia : A hero’s welcome to Dr. Merera in #Ambo pic.twitter.com/BdHo9Q6aep — Addis Gazetta (@addisgazetta) January 28, 2018 Beside his party political engagements, Gudina has undertaken significant diplomatic discussions. Late last week, he met with German and United States embassy officials to discuss political developments in the country. The the over 400 days that he was held on multiple criminal charges, Gudina became the center piece of opposition defiance against the government. He was also a constant name in diplomatic calls for Addis Ababa to release political prisoners and to open the political space. The European Union Parliament, U.S. lawmakers and rights groups continued to drum the call for his release. Early this year, the ruling coalition announced a plan to release a certain category of politician prisonsers as a sign of fostering national unity. Of the over 500 detainees whose cases were dropped, Gudina was the center of attraction. He has since stated publicly that it was in the interest of the government to follow through with promised political reforms. According to him, refusal to heed the call for true national dialogue will slip the country back into state of protests. Source: – Africa News The post Ethiopia Oromia leader’s political capital shoots after release from detention appeared first on Caasimada Online.

Somalia was eliminated from the quarter finals of the 2018 Bandy World Championship. The team that consists of Somali refugees based in Sweden is the only non-Nordic country that takes part in this ice-hockey lookalike. Source: Hiiraan Online