Somalia and Ethiopia are at an impasse amid the diplomatic tension between the two countries over the January 1st MOU. There are reports that the backchannel diplomacy could resume in Nairobi. Here is the latest https://t.co/LPRLsLVufA
Honored to host Turkish delegates at CID with D/Pol.Com Gen Kanif.Guests include D.Minister of Justice Niyazi ACAR;Dr. Hızır Aslıyüksek,President of Forensic Lab & others.Talks reflect strong TürkSom partnership in supporting the establishment of a new National Forensic Lab at HQ
#Somalia: Key amendments in the first four chapters of the constitution apply to the following articles:
- Freedom of expression (Article 17)
- Women’s representation (Article 47)
- Leadership system (Article 49)
- Number of political parties (Article 54)
- Composition of Electoral and Boundaries Commision (Article 57)
Details:
Article 17 (1) of the approved version says everyone has the right to freedom of expression and to impart that in speech, print, media, art or any other format unless it’s in conflict with the Islamic sharia. (The final version deletes the phrase “unless it’s in conflict with the laws of the federal republic of Somalia)
Article 47 (7) of the approved version says the constitution “ensures the participation of women in the legislative councils and political parties, and the quota for women will be stated in special rules adopted by the federal parliament of Somalia.”
[The women parliamentarians wanted this article to say, “women should be participating in all three levels of government with a 30 percent representation.” That didn’t happen]
Article 49 (1) of the approved version says that citizens will directly elect the President. The president will appoint and be able to fire a Prime Minister. [Under the previous version, the president would only appoint but could not fire the PM (the parliament had the authority to fire the PM. Last year, the President and the leaders of the federal states (except Puntland) proposed a presidential system with a president and VP directly elected. That is now rejected]
Article 54 (2) of the approved version says that there will be three national political parties. [It rejects proposal from the president and federal member states (except Puntland) which limited national political parties to two]
Article 57 (1) of the approved version says the composition of the Electoral & Boundaries Commission will be 18. [It rejects proposal from the president and regional member states (except Puntland) which put the number of the Commission at 15]
We stand firm against Ethiopia's exploitation of the African Union, which it hosts, & IGAD, with its significant staffing, as tools for advancing its destabilizing agendas in the Horn of Africa,
In my address at NAM, I emphasized that the continuous reckless and irresponsible rhetoric emanating from the officials of Ethiopia constitutes a dangerous violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, demonstrating an absolute disregard for the cardinal principles of international law.
This evening,I signed the law nullifying the illegal MoU between the Gov’t of Ethiopia & Somaliland. With the support of our lawmakers & our people, this law is an illustration of our commitment to safeguard our unity, sovereignty & territorial integrity as per international law.
Turkish President Erdogan in phone call with Somali counterpart Mohamoud:
– Discussed fight against terrorism, global & regional issues
– We stand with Somalia in its fight against terrorism
– Tension between Somalia & Ethiopia should end based on Somalia's territorial integrity
US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller comments on the MoU signed by Ethiopia and Somaliland, and resulting tension - clip includes both the leading and closing question and response by Miller.
BREAKING: The United States expresses “serious concern” over the diplomatic crisis in the Horn of Africa; recognises Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity “within its 1960 borders.”
Full comment by @StateDept Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
“We did see those reports, we are concerned by them, we join other partners in expressing our serious concern as well about the resulting spike in tensions in the Horn of Africa, we urge all stakeholders to engage in diplomatic dialogue, and the United States recognizes the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the federal republic of Somalia within its 1960 borders.”
BREAKING: Somalia has strongly rejected Ethiopia’s ‘Memorundum of Understanding’ with Somaliland, says the deal is “null and void”, and has no legal basis.
The Somali government says Ethiopia’s move is a “naked aggression” that violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.
Following a cabinet meeting in Mogadishu on Tuesday, Somalia says Ethiopia’s actions threatens good neighbourliness and peace and stability in the region.
Somalia has summoned its ambassador to Addis Ababa for consultations, and urged the UN Security Council and the African Union to convene an emergency meeting on Ethiopia’s actions.
Somalia urged the UNSC, AU, Arab League, OIC and regional organisations to support Somalia defend its territorial integrity and pressure Ethiopia to return to international norms.
BREAKING: The United Nations Security Council voted to lift arms embargo on Somalia, Friday. Fourteen UNSC members voted in favour, 1 abstained. The embargo was imposed in January 1992 at the height of the civil war. Somali officials earlier described today’s vote as “historic.”
🎉 Exciting news! Huge congratulations to @inlandrevpolcom Col. Muhudin Ahmed Osman on being appointed as the head of CID. 🌟 Wishing you and all newly appointed leaders divine protection and success in your roles for the betterment of our nation. 🙏
BREAKING: Somalia formally joins regional economic bloc, the East African Community (EAC), after Heads of State admitted the Federal Government of Somalia’s application, becoming the 8th member of the EAC, @jumuiya announces, Friday. The President of Somalia @HassanSMohamud was at the event in Arusha, Tanzania to witness the acccession. @TheVillaSomalia previously said joining the EAC is a major opportunity for the country in trading and travels.
Today, I had the privilege of sharing my journalism journey and insights with first-semester students at the @MogUniver Mogadishu University, جامعة مقديشو. It was a wonderful experience. Big thanks to Shafi'i Ibrahim, Younis Hirey, Ahmed, and everyone at the University. 🎓
Sad to learn of the tragic loss of journalist Abdulfatah Qays and other innocent lives in the devastating suicide bombing at Blue Sky Restaurant, Mogadishu, Somalia tonight. Qays was an outstanding journalist in Mogadishu. My thoughts are with his family. 💔 #Mogadishu#RIPQays"