A week ago I posted a blog about world press day and the plight of journalism in Somalia – one of the dangerous countries in the world to be a journalist. I want to pick up this theme – but also highlight one of the many and vital successes. This is of course, Jamal Osman, recently named journalist of the year at the One World media awards in London this … Read more »Celebrating excellence in Somali journalism
Somalia: World Press Freedom Day
On World Press Freedom Day, my thoughts are with the families of the brave Somali journalists who were killed on the course of duty and those who still brave the dangers of operating in one of the most difficult places in the world to be a be a journalist. The shocking fact is that so far in 2012 one Somali journalist has been murdered each month. The latest victim Farhan James Abdulle … Read more »Somalia: World Press Freedom Day
We stand with those building a peaceful and better Somalia
Yesterday’s horrific bomb attack in Mogadishu has served as yet another reminder of Al Shabaab’s cruel and twisted ideology. The day was meant to be one of celebration – marking the first anniversary of the launch of Somali National Television at the newly re-opened National Theatre. Yet it is to be remembered now for the tragic death of the President of the Somali Olympic Committee, Aden Yabarrow Wiish, the chief … Read more »We stand with those building a peaceful and better Somalia
Celebrating International Women’s Day
Last week the world marked International Women’s Day – a day to renew our commitment to the empowerment, education and advancement of women and girls around the world. Somalia is, according to a 2011 survey, one of the worst countries in the world in which to be a woman. Women are subjected to violence, harassment and discrimination at every level. Many are forced to give birth in appalling conditions, with … Read more »Celebrating International Women’s Day
After the London Conference on Somalia: Share Your Views
In my opinion the London Conference on Somalia yesterday was a great success. In case you missed any of it then you can find full reports and links here. It was the biggest conference on Somalia, involving the greatest number of senior leaders, from as wide a range of countries and international organisations, as seen in many decades, possibly ever. The overriding feeling in the room yesterday was that we … Read more »After the London Conference on Somalia: Share Your Views
Why a stable Somalia is in our interests
As the first British Ambassador to Somalia for twenty years, people often ask me why we should get involved with Somalia at all: haven’t we got enough to worry about? Somalia has an unenviable record as a failed state. Its twenty-year civil war has brought lawlessness and chaos at a massive human cost: one million Somalis are believed to have died; another 750,000 Somalis are currently seeking refuge in neighbouring … Read more »Why a stable Somalia is in our interests
Somalia: Two Weeks to Remember. Two Weeks to go.
It’s been quite a fortnight. At the end of January, I accompanied the UK Development Secretary, Andrew Mitchell, to the AU Summit in Addis Ababa and then to Somalia. In Dollow – the first time a British Minister has visited southern Somalia in recent years, Mr Mitchell saw for himself the huge difference that UKaid is making to the lives of thousands of Somali people in the south. Arriving in … Read more »Somalia: Two Weeks to Remember. Two Weeks to go.
London Conference on Somalia: Political Process
Reading all of the comments on my three previous blogs has clearly reminded me (as if I needed reminding) that Somalis around the globe love political debate. That is why I am so glad that this blog is beginning to provide a forum for a large number of people to express their views. Those views have been wide-ranging and usually heartfelt. And if you have left a comment so far you … Read more »London Conference on Somalia: Political Process
London Conference on Somalia: Enhancing Security, Supporting Stability
Thank you for the fantastic response to my previous blog. It’s great to see so many comments. For my next few blogs I intend to focus on the key themes of the London Conference, and would like to ask that comments try to focus on each of those issues. So, in this blog I want to open the floor – to a discussion of security issues. I want to pose … Read more »London Conference on Somalia: Enhancing Security, Supporting Stability
London Conference on Somalia: Building Momentum
So far, we’ve had an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the British Prime Minister’s announcement to host a Conference on Somalia in London next month. After 20 years of sliding backwards, it’s clear – and welcomed by many – that Somalia needs a step-change in effort, both from the international community, but also Somalia’s political leaders. This is what the London Conference is about – bringing together in London senior representatives … Read more »London Conference on Somalia: Building Momentum