President faces tough task Jun 26, 2009
The ARS and the transitional government have been negotiating in Djibouti but it is al-Shabab who have been making headlines. In Shabab-controlled Kismayo a young girl accused of adultery was stoned to death - in fact she had been raped. (BBC News -- Africa)
U.S. Ups Somali Aid To Foil Rebels Jun 26, 2009
(AP) The Obama administration has decided to bolster efforts to support Somalia's embattled government, U.S. officials said, by providing money for weapons and helping the military in neighboring Djibouti train Somali forces. The goal is to stem insurgent advances in the Horn of Africa. (CBS News -- World)
Somalia: 26,000 More Flee Capital - UN Jun 26, 2009
Just last week, the Security Council voiced its concern at the situation there, and reiterated its support for the Transitional Federal Government, its efforts to achieve peace, security and reconciliation in Somalia through the UN-facilitated Djibouti process, which aided the formation of the new government in February, as well as the creation of a newly-expanded Parliament and election of President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. Be the first to. (allAfrica.com)
AU Supports Somalia Plea For Foreign Troops Jun 24, 2009
Somali lawmakers pleaded this weekend for immediate international military intervention from countries including Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti to help quash the insurgency ... Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti are members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, a regional group that has led past peace talks on Somalia and last month imposed a sea and air blockade to stop supplies reaching the Islamic insurgents in Somalia. (CBS News -- World)
Laying the tracks Jun 23, 2009
The French built it for the Emperor Menelik in the early 1900s, and French influences are everywhere, from the glazed canopies of the Addis Ababa railway station to the startling sight of the Ethiopian station staff in Dire Dawa talking to each other in French as they dispatch a night goods train down the line to Djibouti. Like so many rail systems, the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway was neglected for years in favour of road transport, but the loss of its main ports when Eritrea gained independence... (BBC News -- Business)
Somalia pleads for outside help Jun 21, 2009
We have, as a parliament, decided to ask the regional governments - like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti - as well as the international community to intervene militarily in Somalia within 24 hours to help the Somali nation, said Parliament speaker Sheik Adam Mohamed Nor. President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, who is also a member of parliament, did not take part but it was not clear why. (Boston Globe)
Somalia seeks urgent foreign military aid Jun 21, 2009
"We have, as a parliament, decided to ask the regional governments like Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti as well as the international community to intervene militarily in Somalia within 24 hours to help the Somali nation," Nor said ... Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya are members of the Intergovernmental Authority Development, a regional group that has led past peace talks on Somalia and last month imposed a sea and air blockade to stop supplies reaching the Islamic insurgents there. (Time.com)
Somalia: Security Council Speaks Out Against Recent Suicide Bombing Jun 20, 2009
The Council reiterated its support for the Transitional Federal Government, its efforts to achieve peace, security and reconciliation in Somalia through the UN-facilitated Djibouti process, which aided the formation of the new government in February, as well as the creation of a newly-expanded Parliament and election of President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. The body also expressed its continued backing for the work of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in its statement, while... (allAfrica.com)
France in Africa: Burying Mr Bongo Jun 20, 2009
Yet they also plan to close one (as yet unspecified) of their three permanent African military bases in Djibouti, Senegal and Gabon. A one-time base in C te d Ivoire has been downgraded to a temporary overseas mission , and wound down from 2,400 troops to 1,150. (The Economist)
Ethiopia plans new rail system Jun 16, 2009
At the moment the country has only one railway - the historic narrow gauge line from the capital Addis Ababa to the neighbouring country of Djibouti. But it is in very poor condition and only half of the line is operational. (BBC News -- Business)
Pirates, Inc.: Inside the booming Somali business Jun 1, 2009
"When the ship [carrying food aid to Mombasa, Kenya] left Djibouti, everyone in port knew who the crew was and that it was due to arrive in Mombasa within a week. It didn't require a genius to plot a course to find the Maersk Alabama.". The capture of the ship brought Somali piracy to the attention of many Americans, as much for its violent resolution with US Navy Seal snipers killing three of the pirates, and the fourth sent to the US to face trial as for the hijacking itself. (Christian Science Monitor)
US alarmed at Eritrea 'arms link' May 16, 2009
In recent days there have been suggestions that the Somali government might collapse, but Mr Carson ruled out deploying the American troops currently stationed in neighbouring Djibouti into Somalia. There would be no case for US forces to engage on the ground, Mr Carson said. (BBC News -- Africa)
U.S. President Barack Obama dropped off a plan to release abuse photos on Wednesday, saying that it would not bring "additional benefit" to the country.• U.S. admits flawed rights record May 14, 2009
Elected by secret ballot were five African countries -- Cameroon, Djibouti, Mauritius, Nigeria and Senegal, four Asian States -- Bangladesh, China, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan and Saudi Arabia, two Eastern European countries -- Hungary and Russia, three Latin American and Caribbean countries -- Cuba, Mexico and Uruguay, and three Western European and other States -- Belgium, Norway and the United States. Being a member of the rights council was no different than being a member of any other UN committee... (Xinhuanet, China)
China re-elected to UN Human Rights Council May 13, 2009
Besides China, the other 17 countries elected to the Council are Cameroon, Djibouti, Mauritius, Nigeria, Senegal, Bangladesh, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Saudi Arabia, Hungary, Russia Federation, Cuba, Mexico, Uruguay, Belgium, Norway and the United States. UNITED NATIONS, May 12 (Xinhua) -- The United States on Tuesday was elected for a three-year term to the 47-member UN Human Rights Council for the first time. (Xinhuanet, China)
Somalia: Top UN Official Deplores Deadly Attempt to Destabilize Government May 13, 2009
" Relevant Links The Special Representative welcomed any group that supported peace and stability to join the ongoing UN-facilitated Djibouti process, which aided the formation of a new Government of National Unity in February, as well as the creation of a newly-expanded Parliament and election of President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. He also applauded the regional grouping Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU), who moved quickly to condemn the conflict,... (allAfrica.com)
Somali government encircled by hardline Islamists May 13, 2009
Hardline Islamists say they reject the Sharif government, despite the fact that Sharif won overwhelming support from Somali clans and traditional leaders during a UN-sponsored election held in Djibouti on Jan. 31. Sharif's credentials as a former Islamist commander during the Islamist government of 2006 were thought to have given him the best chance of buying Somalia enough time to restore peace, open up humanitarian corridors for aid delivery, and allow for peaceful elections at a later time. (Christian Science Monitor)
NEGOTIATIONS May 3, 2009
Aweys and Ahmed later split, with Aweys taking over the Eritrea-based Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia from Ahmed, who was elected president early this year at U.N.-led talks in Djibouti. Ahmed said his administration, the 15th attempt at a central government since 1999, would prioritise security, rebuilding, reconciliation and good governance. (AlertNet)
Somalia: Donors Pledge U.S. $200 Million for Peacekeeping, Security Apr 28, 2009
"While strengthening security, providing youth employment and delivering humanitarian assistance are essential, lasting peace and stability will come through continued dialogue as laid out in the Djibouti Agreement," he said, referring to the last year's UN-facilitated pact between the Transitional Federal Government and the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia (ARS), in which the two agreed to end their conflict. Due to that Agreement, uprooted people are returning to their homes, the... (allAfrica.com)
US gets tough on pirates Apr 14, 2009
Last Updated: 08:47am 14 Apr 2009. 11 22 SPONSORED LINKS. (iAfrica.com)
Eritrea 'ignored' UN resolution Apr 9, 2009
The UN Security Council says Eritrea has failed to fulfil its obligation to withdraw troops from part of Djibouti ... Eritrea rejects any suggestions that its troops are on Djiboutian territory ... Djibouti's UN Ambassador, Roble Olhaye, in a letter to the Council, accused Eritrea of "utter intransigence", reported Associated Press news agency. (BBC News -- Africa)
U.S. seen strengthening U.N. rights council Apr 1, 2009
Its current roster includes Azerbaijan, China, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Cuba, Djibouti, India, Mexico, Russia and Egypt. (Reporting by Laura MacInnis; Editing by Janet Lawrence). (Yahoo News -- Politics)
Somalia: UN Shocked by Attack on Minister Mar 29, 2009
Aided by the UN-facilitated Djibouti Agreement, last month saw the formation of a new Government of National Unity, as well as the creation of a newly-expanded Parliament and election of President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in the Horn of African nation, which has been ravaged by factional conflict since the overthrow of Siad Barre in 1991. Relevant Links. (allAfrica.com)
Somalia: Thousands Still Fleeing to Kenya, Reports UN Agency Mar 28, 2009
"Despite the recent elections held in Djibouti which saw a new Government come to power, many parts of Somalia are still insecure.". Somalia, which has been beset by factional strife since the overthrow of Siad Barre in 1991, has witnessed a number of positive developments in recent months, including the creation of an expanded Parliament, the election of President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and the formation of the Unity Government. (allAfrica.com)
Unleash the Gubernator! Mar 27, 2009
The U.S. military operates out of Camp Lemonier in Djibouti, the base of operations for counterterrorism efforts in the Horn of Africa. Aircraft as large as the AC-130 gunship are thought to operate from there, though most of the presence there is thought to consist of CIA and special operations force elements. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Somalia: Nation 'Steps Back From Brink' Mar 23, 2009
Last year's UN-facilitated Djibouti Agreement between the Transitional Federal Government and the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia, in which the two agreed to end their conflict, has helped to bring Somalia "back from the brink," the Special Representative said. "I would argue that with the Djibouti Agreement, the country has passed the crossroads," he said ... At the end of today's Council meeting, the 15-member body welcomed the "positive political developments" made during the course... (allAfrica.com)
Somalia: Disagreement in Country Over U.N. Peacekeeper Plan Mar 23, 2009
Foreign Minister Oomar appealed to the U.N. to continue supporting AMISOM peacekeepers and Somali government troops, who are currently being reorganized under the terms of the 2008 Djibouti Agreement. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon is expected to present a report to the Security Council in April, detailing whether security and political conditions in Somalia have improved to deploy U.N. blue helmets. (allAfrica.com)
Somalia insurgents accuse Kenya over border security Mar 9, 2009
Al Shabaab's statement came as newly-elected President Sheikh Shariff Ahmed began his first official visit to Kenya since his election in Djibouti last month. Ahmed was the leader of the Islamic Courts Union which controlled large swathes of southern Somalia and the capital Mogadishu. (AlertNet)
Nicholas D. Kristof: Wanted president Mar 6, 2009
Obama could also announce that from now on, when Sudan violates the UN ban on offensive military flights in Darfur by bombing villagers, we Americans will afterward destroy a Sudanese military aircraft on the ground in Darfur (we can do this from our base in Djibouti in the Horn of Africa). I won't pretend that we can end all genocides. (International Herald Tribune)
In soccer, Somalis find a link to home Mar 5, 2009
"Before this tournament, we were training in Djibouti," says long-time national coach Ali Abdi Farah, who still lives in Mogadishu. "Djibouti is now our home stadium.". (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
Somalia: Thousands Return to Mogadishu Despite Clashes Mar 1, 2009
3 million Somalis uprooted within their own country, while last year alone, 100,000 people fled to neighbouring Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Yemen, and the total number of Somali refugees in asylum countries numbers nearly 450,000. The majority of the IDPs who have recently returned to Mogadihsu have come from the southern and central regions, which have faced a combination of renewed conflict and severe drought. (allAfrica.com)
Somalia: 21 Killed in 'Worst Battle' Since Ethiopia Pullout Feb 25, 2009
Sheikh Sharif, who was the Islamists' leader in 2006, became Somali President at an election in neighboring Djibouti last month. Relevant Links. (allAfrica.com)
New Somali gov't faces huge challenges Feb 22, 2009
MOGADISHU, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The nearly three dozen ministers in the newly appointed Somali cabinet was sworn in Saturday in Djibouti City where the Somali parliament and the entire cabinet is currently based. But analysts contend the task facing the new government is as huge as the popular supports it enjoys inside the war-torn country. (Xinhuanet, China)
Somalia: Govt Returns to Mogadishu Feb 21, 2009
He welcomed the fact that the Prime Minister chose a Government of National Unity as outlined in the 2008 UN-facilitated Djibouti Agreement by the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia (ARS), in which they agreed to end their conflict. "It is encouraging to see members of the original Transitional Federal Government alongside some fresh faces from what was the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia," Mr. Ould-Abdallah said in a news release. (allAfrica.com)
The Arab world's (uneven) progress Feb 20, 2009
In an assessment of global business climates, the World Bank ranked Egypt as the world's top reformer and highlighted reforms in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Kuwait, and Djibouti. Despite these gains, the assessment is far from rosy. (Christian Science Monitor)
CLERICS' DEMANDS Feb 20, 2009
Two years of Islamist insurgency in Somalia have created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises with 1 million internal refugees, and others fleeing across borders to Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti. (Additional reporting by Abdi Sheikh; Writing by Wangui Kanina). (AlertNet)
Somalia: First Steps in a New Direction [analysis] Feb 17, 2009
Djibouti - Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed was recently elected President of Somalia at a parliamentary meeting in Djibouti. Before returning to Mogadishu where he will appoint a prime minister and form a government, Ahmed talked to IRIN about the challenges ahead. (allAfrica.com)
Canadian approved as new Somali PM Feb 17, 2009
They backed the appointment of Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke by 414 votes to nine at a meeting in neighbouring Djibouti, the United Nations political office for Somalia said ... But the insurgents do not recognize the government and have forced it to meet across the border in Djibouti. (Globe and Mail -- International)
Somali parliament endorses new prime minister Feb 14, 2009
After a 414-to-9 vote in his favour, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, 48, took the oath of office at a session of the legislature in neighbouring Djibouti ... Armed Islamist insurgents have declared jihad against the new power-sharing government, formed in a U.N.-brokered peace process in Djibouti. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Somali parliament approves ex-leader's son as PM Feb 14, 2009
The U.N. political office on Somalia says 414 legislators approved the presidential appointment of Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke with nine opposed during a meeting Saturday in neighboring Djibouti. Sharmarke's father was a popular elected president who was assassinated in 1969. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Slain Somali president's son to become PM Feb 13, 2009
The newly-elected Ahmed's choice of Sharmarke, 49, was to be formally announced later on Friday in Djibouti, where Somali politicians are meeting, senior government sources told Reuters. Today in Africa & Middle East. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Somalia: U.S. Advised to Back Reconciliation Efforts Feb 12, 2009
Indeed, there were unconfirmed reports Tuesday from Mogadishu, where Sharif arrived Saturday after his election in neighbouring Djibouti in late January by the Somali Parliament, that the new president has already met with a top Shabaab official, despite the group's rejection of the U.N.-backed "Djibouti peace process" that resulted in the replacement of the former hard-line president, Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, by Sharif. Sharif was a key leader of the ICU in June 2006 when its forces routed a... (allAfrica.com)
INTERVIEW-AU calls for quick reinforcement of Somalia force Feb 10, 2009
Nicolas Bwakira, the AU's special representative for the Horn of Africa nation, said Sheikh Sharif Ahmed's election at United Nations-led talks in Djibouti provided a rare opportunity for peace in the country, which has been at war for 18 years ... Ethiopia's military withdrew last month, clearing the way for Ahmed's election in Djibouti a week ago. (AlertNet)
* World News Quick Take Feb 9, 2009
Mortars were fired at the presidential palace on Saturday, hours after the countrys new president arrived in the capital for the first time since his election last week in neighboring Djibouti, a spokesman said. No one was hurt when the four mortars exploded near the palace in Mogadishu, and President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed ordered soldiers and African Union (AU) peacekeepers not to return fire, presidential spokesman Abdullahi Khadar said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Radio chief in Somalia shot dead Feb 7, 2009
President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed was elected president by MPs at a meeting in neighbouring Djibouti last Friday as part of a UN-brokered plan ... Al-Shabab now even controls Baidoa, the seat of the interim parliament, taking the central town while MPs were in neighbouring Djibouti for the presidential vote. (BBC News -- Africa)
Somali leader arrives in capital Feb 7, 2009
Sheikh Sharif, 44, was elected president on 31 January at a meeting of Somali MPs held in neighbouring Djibouti, replacing President Abdullahi Yusuf who resigned a month earlier after a power struggle. He was appointed as part of a UN-brokered plan to try to form a unity government and bring peace to Somalia for the first time since 1991. (BBC News -- Africa)
