Ben Fender

Former British Ambassador to Somalia. RT does not imply endorsement.

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

Intl statement 👇. My view: an election soonest, on the basis of 17 Sept, with FGS-FMS on board, is the only realistic way forward and minimises risks + uncertainty; D4 made progress, consensus is in reach; leaders shd meet again urgently; all *must* avoid unilateral acts.

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

Delighted that these talks have now started. I agree with my colleagues 👇 - it’s vital that the leaders must continue until there is agreement on all outstanding issues, in the next few days, so that elections can begin right away.

[UNSOM @UNSomalia]

#Somalia's intl. partners welcome the ongoing discussions of Federal Govt. and Federal Member State leaders in #Dhusamareb, and urge participants to continue their #dialogue: now is the time to reach consensus on the implementation of the 17 Sept. agreement on #elections.

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

Lots at stake as @M_Farmaajo @MohamedHRoble and FMS leaders gather in Samareb to finalise plans for implementing the 17 Sept electoral model. I hope they will put the country first and find compromises, so elections can start right away, with everyone on board. My thoughts 👇

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

So sad to learn of the passing of Cali Khaliif Galaydh. As Prime Minister, he made great steps towards peace and reconstruction. I will miss his ever-thoughtful advice and passionate belief that development must leave no-one and nowhere behind. May he rest in peace.

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

Showing the Defence Minister and CDF our ground-breaking course for SNA officers who will set up the HQ of 8 Brigade in Baidoa. We will also provide long-term mentoring + help with HQ facilities. Effective planning and oversight of operations is vital to defeat Al Shabaab!

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

Warmest congratulations to Mohamed Roble on being confirmed as Prime Minister with overwhelming support from MPs. Look forward to the closest collaboration on shared priorities, such as economic and security reform, tackling Al Shabaab + helping the most vulnerable. Hambalyo!

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

Today, Britain’s diplomats and development experts are again becoming part of one organisation. The FCO and DFID no longer exist - instead, we have a new Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). My thoughts on what this means for Somalia 👇

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

Big moment for MPs to decide Somalia’s future values. Govt submitted a modern Sexual Offences Bill after consulting imams, scholars. Never debated. New draft allows marriage at puberty + says a forced marriage is one where the family (not individual) doesn’t consent. 🤦🏾‍♀️

[Adam Matan OBE @adammatan]

Sexual Offence Bill was approved by the cabinet in 2018 and the parliament shelf the SOB for 2 years. Yesterday they came up with their own bill ‘The Intercourse Bill’ which permits child marriage, forced marriage & contradicts the Somali constitution & international conventions.

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

A life of kindness and courage. So sad to hear of the passing of Dr Hawa Abdi. Our thoughts are with her family and all at #DHAF. In war and peace, she and her clinics gave hope as well as health to over two million people. Thank you, Mama Hawa. Allah u Naxariisto.

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

Warmest best wishes from me and the whole team @UKinSomalia to all Somalis and others who are celebrating Eid al-Adha. May the Eid bring you and your families peace and good health, now and in the months ahead.

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

A few reflections on recent events in Somalia, esp the need: for inclusive political dialogue, building on Dhusamareb; to respect the Constitution; and for Somalis to find progressive solutions that maintain + strengthen the country’s partnership with the international community.

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

All @UKinSomalia send our very best wishes to Somalis on the 60th anniversary of independence. 🇸🇴 has come so far in the last decade. Let all Somalis and foreign partners join hands so that the years ahead bring greater security, prosperity, freedom and good health for all.

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

Delighted to see @NIECsomalia confirm direct elections can be held in early 2021 with on-the-day voter registration (the more affordable model). Welcome plans for FGS-FMS Presidents to discuss soonest, with a view to broader consensus on the way ahead + completing Parly process.

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

Great to see Parliament re-open, despite COVID. Hope MPs and Senators can pass quickly the remaining measures to enable the first direct elections in 50 years - will be an historic achievement. Also hope they can soon adopt a revised budget to allow the best COVID response.

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

Today’s Global Vaccine Summit raised $8.8bn for @gavi to immunise 300m children over five years; UK will give £1.65bn. Thanks to @M_Farmaajo for joining 30+ world leaders, hosted by @BorisJohnson. @UKinSomalia vaccinated 90,000 Somali children against deadly diseases in 2019.

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

On Sunday, a bomb near Baidoa kills families celebrating the Eid. On Weds, health staff near Balcad are seized and murdered. Shabaab have no cause, no morals; this is just savagery. Let us unite and consign them to history. And may the souls of the victims rest in peace.

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

My very warmest wishes to all Somalis and others celebrating #EidalFitr. Wherever you are this year, may you and your families enjoy peace and the best of health, now and in the months to come. Eid mubarak!

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

Still too many attacks on the media, in all parts of Somalia. A free press is vital to check abuse of power, fight corruption and expose Al Shabaab’s lies. Delighted to see today’s commitment by @M_Farmaajo to reform the Penal Code to protect reporters. #WorldPressFreedomDay

[NUSOJ | National Union of Somali Journalists @NUSOJofficial]

Attacks on Media Freedom and Freedom of Expression in #Somalia. Journalism without fear or favour. Stop Criminalisation of Journalism. #WorldPressFreedomDay #WPFD2020

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

This generated lots of comment! My take: Somalis, like others, deserve to choose their leaders via free, fair and legal elections. Last August’s process was deeply flawed. It’s good to see old rivals reconcile but truly inclusive politics - local and national - requires more.

[UNSOM @UNSomalia]

#Somalia’s intl. partners welcome #Jubaland administration and Jubaland Council for Change talks which led to reconciliation pact, and are ready to support FGS and all FMS leaders with reconciliation and cooperation to advance national interests. For more: https://t.co/qGCcazo3m8

[Ben Fender @benfenderfcdo]

We are all battling so many serious problems, but do take a moment for this beautiful report on camels and Somali camel life. Building a better future isn’t just about creating jobs or training soldiers, but treasuring culture and making our spirits soar. Thanks @mary_harper

[Mary Harper @mary_harper]

Something to distract/ cheer you up in this difficult time of #coronavirus and #lockdown - Somali camels doing their thing @BBCAfrica @bbcworldservice @BBCSomali: https://t.co/GeptCTZu4z