Day: March 19, 2023

Somalia’s federal and regional leaders have agreed to increase the number of armed forces and police officers to meet security demands as African Union forces leave the country by the end of next year.

The leaders have agreed the number of national armed forces to be at least 30,000 soldiers and at least 40,000 police personnel, according to the agreement obtained by VOA Somali.

According to the agreement known as the “National Security Architecture” signed by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and the leaders of federal member states last week, the new number of armed forces do not include the navy, air force and special commando units trained by the United States and Turkey.

The agreement revises a 2017 deal between Somali leaders, which specified the number of military and police to be at least 18,000 and 32,000 respectively. The earliest age to register for the army will be 18 and 62 is the new retirement age.

According to the new agreement, the country’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) will continue to have special armed agents until current security conditions end. Federal member states, which currently have their own intelligence agencies and armed agents, will no longer have these agencies once the country is stabilized.

The new agreement also allows the number of custodial corps to be 5,300 — comprised of 4,500 federal and 800 prison guards.

Leaders of the Puntland semiautonomous region did not participate in the meeting held in the southwestern town of Baidoa between March 15 and 17. In January, Puntland leaders said they would govern their own affairs like an “independent government” until the federal constitution is completed.

Somali government officials said the new agreement is intended to prepare the country’s forces to take over security responsibilities from AU forces.

“The Somali government today is concentrating on transferring security responsibilities from ATMIS (African Union Transition Mission in Somalia) which have been in the country for not less than 15 years,” Kamal Dahir Hassan Gutale, national security adviser to Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre told VOA Somali.

“The target is that on December 2024 the last AU soldier will leave the country. This is important for Somalia meeting its security responsibilities.”

Gutale said paramilitary forces belonging to the regions will be used as stabilization and holding forces in areas captured from al-Shabab militants.

Immediately after the agreement was reached, Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud flew to Uganda to attend the graduation of newly trained soldiers.

Somalia’s national security adviser Hussein Sheikh-Ali confirmed to VOA in January that the government is training 3,000 soldiers in Uganda.

Ali also recently confirmed that troops from neighboring countries will participate in the next phase of military operations against al-Shabab.

Gutale told VOA that the new offensive will commence during Islam’s holiest month, Ramadan, which starts this Wednesday.

“There is a rigorous preparation by the Somali national armed forces and all other forces for large operations during Ramadan,” he said.

“God willing, we hope Somali forces will achieve [a] big victory.”

Source: Voice of America

INEC on Sunday declared Mr Kagbang Ofiks of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the Andoni State Constituency in Rivers in the March 18 House of Assembly election.

The Returning Officer, Prof. Omoankhanlen Akhibe, declared that Ofiks polled 7,835 votes to defeat the first runner-up, Dr Somsan Dressman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who polled 2,976 voters.

Akhibe noted that Ofiks was returned winner having satisfied the requirements of the law.

Ofiks, a grassroots mobiliser had held various political positions beginning from 2008 when he was appointed Secretary of the Andoni Local Government Council.

He was appointed Caretaker Chairman of the council in 2018 and was until the March 18 election the State Organising Secretary of the PDP.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), says many African countries are struggling to meet the continent’s development goals due to the impact of severe and mutually reinforcing shocks.

Mr Adam Elhiraika, ECA’s Director, Macroeconomic Policy Division, in a statement said the continent encountered severe developmental challenges due to increased poverty, high inequality rates and lack of decent jobs.

Elhiraika said that the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukrainian war and resultant food and energy crisis, rising inflation, debt tightening, and natural disasters were critical factors to the challenge.

The director said this while presenting an overview of recent Economic and Social Conditions in Africa at the ongoing meeting of experts.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was held to herald the 2023 Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Ethiopia.

According to the Report, growth in Africa dwindled from 4.6 per cent in 2021 to 3.6 per cent in 2022.

“In 2022, an additional 18 million new poor emerged in Africa, with more than half the highest proportion of the world’s poor at 54.8 per cent.

“This is alarming because 546 million people were living in poverty in 2022, which is more than half of the continent’s population,” Elhiraika said.

According to the director, women and girls remain particularly vulnerable, and the continent is facing a potential reversal of the hard-won gains made on gender equity.

He said another challenge stressed during the meeting was inequality which remained pervasive across all African sub-regions and was exceptionally high in Southern Africa.

“Among the top ten countries where wealth inequality is the highest, seven of them, South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, Angola and Malawi, are in Southern Africa.

“While two are in west Africa, Guinea-Bissau, and Sao Tome.

“ECA estimates that although the economic outlook remains bleak, Africa is anticipated to grow by 3.9 per cent in 2023,” he said.

Elhiraika said the commission had cautioned that the growth might experience headwinds.

“Especially with an unfavourable external environment created by the recession in both the United States and the Eurozone and expected to weigh on commodity prices,” he said.

Fostering recovery and transformation in Africa to reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities is the theme of the ongoing meeting in Addis Ababa.

At the meeting, countries were urged to pursue pro-poor and inclusive macroeconomic policies and ensure access to affordable and innovative finance for an inclusive recovery.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Some stakeholders have stressed the need to embrace cultural diversity to promote unity, peace and development in the society.

They made the call on Saturday at a World Cross Cultural Day celebration organised by Safe Heritage Crest Academy in Abuja.

Mrs Feyikemi Arolasafe, Proprietress of the academy, said diverse cultures, values and ways of life, showed the rich cultural history and heritage of a people, hence should not be allowed to go extinct.

Arolasafe said the event was aim at showcasing the school as a cross-cultural and cultural inclusiveness academy.

This, she said would prepared the students to adapt to various cultures, wherever they find themselves in future.

“As such, we need not perceive a country’s culture as an aspect of another country rather; it should be allowed to stand on its own.

“Every country is unique and we should embrace each other cultural diversities for unity, progress and prosperity of one another.

“We are training world conscious students and pupils who will find themselves tomorrow in various parts of the world as undergraduates, graduates and professionals.

“They will perfectly fit into the societies as responsible ambassadors,’’ she said.

Arolasafe said the event brings hopes, hope for harmony and peace between all races, tribes and religions in Nigeria, particularly at a time that the country was challenged.

“We hope to see the young generations inspired by the values of culture.

“This event will continue to promote sustainable peace, togetherness, co-existence and development that promote prosperity for this country and the world at large,’’ she said.

Also, Mr Gbenga Arolasafe, the school Chief Operating Officer, said: “the world is rich in cultural diversity and we want to make our children aware of this at an early age.

“We want them to appreciate various diversities in culture, languages, fashion, food, academic system.

“This will help them in their education because once they are aware of all these, they will not get overwhelmed when they travel to other countries because they are already familiar with their lifestyle.

He called on the government and other stakeholders to implement policies that would improve quality education standard in Nigeria.

One of the students, Miss Precious Enoma, said the cultural celebration would enable students, from an early age to know the different cultures especially their languages, fashion, music, arts and literature.

Other highlights of the day were, various food presentation, music, dance, drama and other activities showcasing various cultures in Nigeria, Jamaica, South Africa, India, France and China by the students

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Alhaji Muhammad Baba-Shehu, Chairman of Keffi Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa state, has praised concerned officials for ensuring there was no security breach during Saturday’s elections in the area.

Baba-Shehu gave the commendation while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Keffi after the state’s Governorship and House of Assembly elections in the area.

He said the success recorded was as a result of the zeal and commitment of security agencies in the area.

The LGA Chairman said officers of the concerned security agencies worked hard to ensure no one carried out any act that would destabilise the peace being enjoyed in the area.

“So far, as the chief security officer of the area, I have not received any report of any breach in security and that is because our security personnel are up and doing.

“All the security agencies in Keffi LG did what they know best and what was expected of them. They were in every corner of the community,” he said.

Baba-Shehu added that the peaceful conduct of the elections in the area was commendable, and lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring the process met Nigerians’ expectations.

“I also have to commend INEC officials because the electoral materials reached polling units in good time and the election process also started early.

So, there was no complaint of delay of accreditation or voting in Keffi,” he said

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The photography of three ethnic Rohingya refugee artists and genocide survivors from Myanmar are being featured at a major art exhibition in Doha, Qatar. The 2023 Tasweer Photo Festival Qatar is showing the award-winning photography of Omal Khair, Dil Kayas, and Azimul Hasson, authors of A Chance to Breathe, a new book of exclusive photography and poetry published by FotoEvidence with the support of Doha Debates and human rights organisation Fortify Rights. The Tasweer exhibition, also called ‘A Chance to Breathe,’ opened on 15 March at M7, Qatar’s centre for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion, and technology. The show will run until 20 May 2023. ‘This exhibition is a testament to the authors’ powerful and inspiring art,’ said Matthew Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Fortify Rights. ‘The authors not only survived genocide in Myanmar but continue to face human rights violations in Bangladesh, and despite that, they’re creating impactful art and reaching global audiences,’ he added. ‘Omal, Azimul and Dil’s photos and videos are captivating and deeply moving,’ said Amjad Atallah, the managing director of the Qatar Foundation’s Doha Debates. ‘Doha Debates is honored and pleased to team up with Fortify Rights and Qatar Museums to present the world premiere of this powerful photography exhibition’, he continued. The Tasweer exhibition features the three authors’ original poems and photographs of the daily lives of Rohingya confined to sprawling refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh. By telling visual stories of life and resilience and the Rohingya struggle for survival, the exhibition helps reframe dominant narratives of death and victimhood often associated with the Rohingya people. From 2018 to 2022, the three authors were Media Fellows at Fortify Rights and Doha Debates, receiving training and support in photography and storytelling. As part of the exhibition in Doha, Tasweer extended the fellowship of Omal Khair, Dil Kayas, and Azimul Hasson for a unique collaboration with Doha Fashion Fridays. From Ramadan to Eid, the trio will work with Doha Fashion Fridays photographers and Tasweer curators to photograph fashion and style in their community. Their photographs will be featured as pop-up exhibits alongside the exhibition at M7 in Doha. Speaking from Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh, photographer Omal Khair said: As a Rohingya refugee, I use photography to share the stories of my people and document their lives. Photography is a powerful medium that allows me to capture the daily struggles of refugees and convey their experiences to the world. I am excited about the Tasweer fellowship because it will enable me to further develop my skills as a photographer and tell more impactful stories. Also speaking from Cox’s Bazar District, Azimul Hasson, another of the exhibited artists said: I work as a photographer for my Rohingya people. My photos tell what I see with my eyes, and I want to tell the world the situation of my people in the refugee camps. . . . [T]here is no future in the refugee camps. It has already been over five years now. How many more years do we have to live in the refugee camps? All we want is to go back home and live in harmony and peace like other minorities in Myanmar. Azimul Hasson hopes to pursue higher education and work as a professional journalist. Dil Kayas the third artist in the exhibition added: ‘I focus on children going to the schools and want to help our children and support their education. . . I can upload pictures on Instagram to show our current situation and what we need.’ The photographers could not attend the exhibition in person; however, Omal Khair and Azimul Hasson interacted live with VIP guests at the opening in Doha through an innovative immersive portal provided by Shared Studios, enabling live full-body interactions between the photographers in Bangladesh and VIP guests at the event. In 2016 and 2017, the Myanmar military razed hundreds of Rohingya villages in Rakhine State and killed and raped masses of men, women, and children, forcing more than 700,000 to flee to Bangladesh. In March 2022, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared the situation of the Rohingya in Myanmar to be an ongoing genocide. In 2019, the Republic of the Gambia filed a case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice in The Hague for genocide against the Rohingya people. Omal Khair, Dil Kayas, and Azimul Hasson survived the genocide and were forced from their homes and into Bangladesh in 2017. In 2018, Fortify Rights and Doha Debates began providing on-the-ground photography and social-media training for Omal Khair, Dil Kayas, and Azimul Hasson in Bangladesh. Equipped with smartphones, the photographers started documenting Rohingya life in the camps, amassing followings on Instagram. In 2020, the three authors, Fortify Rights, and Doha Debates won a Shorty Award for the project; in 2021, the project won a Communitas Award; and in 2022, it won an Anthem Award. The Rohingya authors were also featured in the 2021 film ‘Exodus,’ produced by Fortify Rights and Doha Debates and directed by former Fortify Rights Senior Multimedia Specialist Taimoor Sobhan. The film, also featured at the exhibition in Doha, follows the three photographers through their training and offers a look into their lives in Cox’s Bazar refugee camps. The 2023 Tasweer Photo Festival Qatar marks the first international event showing the Rohingya authors’ work on a global stage. Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, attended the photo exhibition opening in Doha. Fortify Rights CEO Matthew Smith presented her with a copy of the book, A Chance To Breathe, and in an Instagram post on the same day, Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani wrote: ‘I was also amazed to witness the strength and hope of the Rohingya community and viewing the faces of resilience in the A Chance To Breathe Exhibition at M7. Their visual stories of life gave the world an inside look at their lives, and have certainly touched my heart.’ The book A Chance to Breathe (FotoEvidence, 2022) is available on Amazon and through FotoEvidence.

Source: Somali National News Agency

Amid a global gold price rise, the Myanmar domestic price of 24 carat gold rose to nearly 2.9 million kyat in the market, with people in gold trading circles saying there might be coming instability in the market. After the banking crisis in the United States of America with the collapses of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank, these banks had liquidity problems and they could not pay the customers’ deposit. This bank crisis pushed gold prices upward. Before the bank crisis, gold was traded in the global market at US$1,876 per troy ounce and then it rose up to around US$1,929 on 17 March. Yangon Gold Entrepreneurs Association (YGEA) announced that the domestic price for 24 carat gold was 2,272,600 kyats per tical (approx. 16.3 gms). Reportedly, the domestic price of 24 carat gold rose up to 2.9 million kyat per tical because of the rising trend in the global market and that the gold prices were unstable and volatile. A Myanmar gold trader said that gold was in high demand in the global market after the US bank crisis with the collapse of the two banks and the price of gold was rising too but the trading of gold in the domestic market was sluggish. The 24 carat gold price in the domestic market reached the record high level of around 3.5 million kyats per tical in August last year after the soaring exchange rate of the US dollar. Under the rule of the National League for Democracy-led government the 24 carat gold price was around 1.3 million per tical in the domestic market and then it rose markedly after the military coup and also experienced price instability more often.

Source: Somali National News Agency

In the speech to the public on Saturday, Acting President of the NUG stated that rays of hope were on the way for Myanmar to build a federal democratic nation. On Friday morning, there was a meeting between the NUG Central Committee on the Interim Public Administration and People’s Administrative Teams from Sagaing Region and Magwe Region. On Friday, Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration-NUG instructed local and international organizations to inform in advance if they would like to travel or carry out activities in the areas under control of the NUG. At the schools under the NUG in Yinmabin Township of Sagaing Region, the ABSC Medical Team conducted health talks and provided anti-worm tablets. In Ayadaw Township of Sagaing Region, there was public health training completed on Friday. Revolution Activities At the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, Noeleen Heyzer, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General to Myanmar, claimed that the military junta in Myanmar has been preparing for the election just to form a military government. In Sagaing Region, Taze Township General Strike marched against all the artists in cooperation with the military junta. On Saturday, Kalay General Strike marched against the military dictatorship. On Saturday morning, a rally of Yinmabin North marched for the end of the military dictatorship. In Yinmabin Township, a combined rally of Shwe Nwe Thwe and local farmers protested against the military dictatorship on Saturday. In Ayadaw, a midwife was shot dead in Ward (1) on Saturday morning. At 8:00 am Saturday, there was an attack on a junta army contingent between Kani and Alegyun Village. Reportedly, 3 junta soldiers and Pyusawti members died. In Salingyi Township, the junta armed forces set fire to two local villages on Friday. Reportedly, 12 houses were burnt to ashes and 7 people were arrested. On Friday morning, the PDFs attacked the junta army gate on the way out of Shwebo. Reportedly, 3 junta soldiers died. In Khin-U Township, there was a clash between the junta army and local PDF on Friday morning. Reportedly, 2 junta soldiers died. In Salingyi Township, there were two battles between the junta armed forces and local PDFs on 15 March. Reportedly, there were casualties among junta soldiers. At a crowded market in Yangon Region, Basic Education Students Union and Burmese Youth Revolutionary Force conducted an anti-junta public talk. They also marched against the military dictatorship. Somewhere in Yangon, the Octopus group carried out an anti-junta movement on Saturday. In Hmawbi Township, local PDFs made a grenade attack on the housing of the junta army on Friday night. Reportedly, there were casualties in the incident. In Thaketa Township, 3 junta policemen were shot dead in front of No. (2) Police Station on Friday afternoon. In Yesagyo Township of Magwe Region, PDFs attacked the Pyusawti on watch duty near the junta army at 8:30 am Saturday. Reportedly, a junta member died and weapons were confiscated. In Htilin Township, there was a mine attack on the junta army at about 4:30 pm Friday. Reportedly, 4 junta soldiers died. In Myaing Township, a combined force of PDFs attacked the junta army camp in the oil area on Friday morning. Reportedly, 7 junta soldiers died. In Ngazun Township of Mandalay Region, the junta army raided Natgyi Village and arrested a local resident. They were faced with a mine attack at 6:46 pm Thursday. Reportedly, 4 junta soldiers died. In Mandalay Region, the junta army cracked down on Doatta Waddy Revolution Force. Reportedly, a large number of the urban guerrillas were arrested. In Moenyo Township of Bago Region, there was a grenade attack on a gambling event on Friday night. Reportedly, 3 Pyusawti members died. In Yetashay Township, the PDFs shot down a drone of the junta army in the west of Ywathit Village at 2:30 pm Friday. In Gyobinkauk Township, Basic Education Students’ Union conducted an anti-junta movement on Saturday. In Mawlamyein of Mon State, PDFs conducted bomb attacks via drone on the officer housing in the compound of Southeast Military Headquarters and the helicopter ground on Thursday night. In Hpakant of Kachin State, local people marched for the KIA, PDF and NUG on Saturday. They also protested against the military dictatorship. In Moenyin Township, there was a mine attack on 4 military cars on Nantmoon Bridge on Thursday morning. Reportedly, one of the cars was burnt and damaged. The soldiers from Namsam Ka-La-Ya (247) were sent for frontline battles in Karenni State and Pekone of Shan State. Reportedly, a military officer and 2 junta soldiers ran away on 14 March. Sittaung Urban Guerrillas claimed that they have been in need of general supplies including bullets. In Daegu of South Korea, Daegu Sayardaw led a protest against Myanmar’s military dictatorship on Friday. Ethnic Armed Organizations In the east of Dimawso Township in Karenni State, there has been heavy fighting and the KNDF are in urgent need of bullets. So, the Brigade (9) called for participation in the 500-lakh MMK project. In Rikhawdar of Falam Township in Chin State, CDFs attacked 2 junta army camps at about 10:00 am Thursday. Reportedly, there were exchanges of fire. In Pekone Township of Shan South, there have been clashes between local PDFs and the junta armed forces since 8 March. According to Karen National Union (KNU) on Saturday, the junta armed forces fired heavy artillery into the area under the KNU Brigade (3). Reportedly, 4 religious buildings were damaged and over 1000 people had to run away. In Mu Township of Bago Region, the junta army fired mortars into local villages at 4:30 am Friday. Reportedly, a child was injured and more than 1000 people had to run away. In Kyar-In Seikgyi Township of Kayin State, there was a battle between the junta army and PDF on 15 March. Reportedly, over 40 junta soldiers died and the others ran away. The Military Council On Friday, Myanmar Gems Emporium was conducted at Mani Yadanar Jade Hall in Nay Pyi Taw. Over 2500 sets of pearl, jade and other precious gems would be sold via open tender. Reportedly, the junta leader Min Aung Hlaing was present at the opening ceremony. Regarding the war crimes against children in Ukraine, Russian President Putin was issued a warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC). In Special Investigation Department under the junta Ministry of Home Affairs, the junta officers just remain at the headquarters in Nay Pyi Taw and they have not been transferred at all to other states and regions, especially those with lack of security. In commemoration of the 78th Army Day, there will be a trade fair and sale in Nay Pyi Taw. Reportedly, the military junta instructed all the government employees to join it. According to the junta Union Election Commission, the People’s Labour Party and Arkar National Development Party applied for registration on Friday. The junta Industrial Ministry announced that E-Market Place for Myanmar’s Products Platform has been established for the show and sale of local products. On Saturday, the junta Central Bank of Myanmar announced that the working teams would be formed to set the international criteria for measurement and quality in the local gold market. Summary on 18 March The junta leader has praised and looked upon the President of Russia. On the other hand, the International Criminal Court issued a warrant to Putin for his alleged war crimes. Judging from this, the same may happen soon for the junta leader of Myanmar doing violent activities. The junta staff members have had to worry about their security and they do not want to be transferred to the areas with powerful revolution. It highlights that the military junta is not capable of protecting even their own staff.

Source: Somali National News Agency