IMAGINE: Somalia Under IGAD Trusteeship in 2016
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Midnight, 16 Sept. 2016 – The story you read is partially fact and partially fiction about what would happen at the end of the tenure of the present Federal Administration and the term of office of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia and if the promised election fails to take place in September 2016.
One can say it is difficult to imagine that.
But take one thing for granted. The covert plan by the African Union,
supported by the United Nations and the International Community is ready
for implementation. The signs are that the African Union, supported by
the International Community will not remain idle and let Somalia fall in
a vacuum in case the present Federal Government fails to organise free
and fair elections in 2016: A perfect pretext to execute a well planned
takeover.
Back for four more years of “Transitional” government, will not
happen as that has been replaced by “a Permanent” government whose mandate is to end by 2016, the date that the tenure of the Federal Government will also end
Well, so far there is no speculation of what is going to happen in
case of vacuum of authority. However, by the way the AU is speeding up
boosting of its military and civilian presence in Somalia gives the
impression that such a large number of military personnel and equipment
are intended to be deployed by the Organisation in Plans yet to be
revealed rather than in protecting the government from opposition
attacks.
The African Union and the neighbours of Somalia, especially those
with which Somalia has territorial disputes, will have a lot to
celebrate for the success of their campaign to combat against the Somali
quest to regain its missing territories in the Horn of Africa.
The Somalis are now more likely not to talk about the “unity and
territorial integrity” of their country. They are now more inward
looking and tribal affiliation has become more important than unity
among the Somalis.
Somalis do not realise that they are losing everything including
independence and sovereignty. Following are the factors that caused the
Somalis to lose their sense of patriotism: “Tribalism and Greed”
AU headquarters Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
At the H.Q. of African Union
In Addis Ababa in 2016
In Addis Ababa in 2016
This is just a hypothetical question. Suppose Somalia fails to fulfil
the promise that it would organise general elections in 2016. At the
Headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the African
Union has put in place a special contingency plan for the future of
Somalia. The plan is not yet for the public consumption. Only few
actors, such as the International Community who are the main supporters
of the African Union mission in Somalia, and the United Nations are
present. There are very few Somalis around who, unfortunately, are not
even consulted about the fate of their land and people.
The plan is that Somalia should be made toothless sharks,
politically, economically and militarily so that the Indian Ocean will
be a Sea, an international maritime route for all, and the Horn of
Africa (Somalia) to be brought under the IGAD Trusteeship.
There is also a theory held by certain countries that Somalis cannot
govern themselves and therefore better to divide the country into two
parts and give one part to Ethiopia and one part to Kenya.
High level representatives from International Community approved the
African Union plan. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development
(IGAD) is imposing its authority throughout Somalia. The Somali
politicians seem to be oblivious of the rumours of the probable
take-over. As long as they are going to stay members even in the “The
Territorial Council” and the “Internal” Government, and salaries will be
paid, no one cares about the rest of the situation?
During the 10 years UN Trusteeship under Italian Administering
Authority in Somalia 1950-1960 financial burden was on the shoulder of
Italy. It paid the salaries of the members of the “Territorial Council”
(Consiglio Territoriale), the Civil Servants and the Teachers as well as
the salaries of the Military and Police.
In today’s Parliament, over 50% of the MPs have dual citizenship and
most of them receive money from their children or relatives who are
abroad, in addition to what the IGAD Trusteeship Authorities will pay
them monthly as attendance allowance (Gettoni di Presenza).
The IGAD Trusteeship Authority also controls Somalia’s foreign
relations with other countries. Recently, it was rumoured that it vetoed
a Turkish offer to provide military assistance to Somalia unless such
assistance is channelled through AU.
Take-Over of Somalia
By IGAD Trusteeship Authority
The ceremony starts with a minute of silence to mourn the sad
situation in which the Somalis find themselves, and the worst is that no
one can assure what the future holds for them. In the centre of the
venue for the celebration two flag poles are erected for the flags of
the Somali Federal Republic and that of the African Union. At 00.00hrs
(midnight) Mogadishu time a soldier calls for the attention of the
officials. On the right hand side only the Somali flag is hoisted.
The Chairman of the African Union holds the string of the Somali flag
and while the national anthem of Somalia is played the African Union
Music Band, Chairman lowers the Somali flag. Next The African Union
Chairman hoists the African Union flag with the African Union anthem
played by the band of the African Union.
Somalia’s membership of the United Nations has been suspended till
further notice. But the Office of the Permanent Representative of
Somalia will be allowed to operate as Information Office, at the
Headquarters of the United Nations, New York.
The Somali leaders were not told in advance about the plan of the
African Union. But, of course, all others knew what was going on and all
other steps taken in secret.
To each of the so-called States a number of military and police men
were sent to look after the security in case of unexpected riots.
Although, at that moment, there was no unusual movement, rumour or
murmur in town, some people already went to bed and few still stuck on
the TVs or the local radios to kill the time.
The venue of the ceremony is the Halane Camp, known as the “No Go
Zone” and it has a conference hall which can accommodate over 300
people. It is air-conditioned and made of bullet/bomb proof material. It
also has 30 medium-size 7 Star hotel rooms and a few villas.
As for the Somalis, they are taken back to the 1950s when the UN
Trusteeship took over, under Italy, as the Administering Authority.
Imagine, after over 50 years of independence again repeating the same
experience as a colonial territory.
Suddenly the whole tent is silent as if no one is there. More lights
are switched on and a line of people some dressed in the African robe
and others in Western dress. They are seated by a Protocol Officer of
the African Union. The Chief of the African Union is seated in the
centre of the table facing the dignitaries who are invited for the
function. The Somali leader is seated on the right hand side of the
Chairperson. Others are seated with the invitees.
This is what the Chairperson of the African Union, speaking on behalf
of the AU and the International Community said on the occasion of
placing Somali Republic under IGAD Trusteeship Authority in 2016.
As the function is not broadcast live on TVs or Radios, the speech
will not be heard by the Somali people before the morning news of Radio
Mogadishu at 06:30.
Your Excellency, Mr. President,
Dear Brothers and Sisters of Somalia,
Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations,
Commandant of the AMISOM forces in Somalia,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
I wished the atmosphere would have been different from what we are
delivering to you, Somalis, tonight. For the last 25 years and more,
since the collapse of the Military Administration in Somalia in 1991,
there has not been a single Summit of our organisation that the Heads of
State and Government missed adopting a resolution on Somalia calling
upon you to reconcile and to bring Peace and Stability in your country.
Somali Brothers and Sisters,
It is unfortunate that the leaders in your country, (Sorry Mr.
President and other Somali leadership), underestimated the gravity of
the consequence of the lack of peace in Somalia. It is a very peculiar
night, peculiar because we see that a country which has been a full
member of the United Nations crashes out of the Club of the family
nations.
I am referring to what was known as the Republic of Somalia born from
the union of the former British Somaliland and former Italian Somalia
in 1960 whose, membership of the United Nations has unfortunately been
suspended with effect from today September 16, 2016. And in consequence
the African Union decided to place the territory under the Trusteeship
of IGAD.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
As you are aware of, Somali Republic has been without a central
Government since the collapse of the Government in 1991 and the various
factions who were opposing the government failed to bring peace and
reconciliation. Civil war claimed hundreds of thousands of lives
including children, women and elders as well as the destruction of
private and public properties and displacement of hundreds of thousands
of people.
On behalf of the African Union and on my own behalf, I extend my
deepest sorrow and condolences to the families and relatives who have
lost their loved ones in the two decades of civil war in Somalia.
Somali Brothers and Sisters,
What is happening tonight in your country is not an invasion or
occupation by the African Union or by any member of the AU. It is not an
occupation by the United Nations or any other member of the
International Community. We are here tonight to tell you that for over
two decades the International Community was on your side with moral and
material support, both inside Somalia and outside as well as in the
neighbouring countries where there is a large population of Somali
refugees. We wished that together with your leaders peace will be
achieved throughout the country.
It did not happen so, simply because your leaders have let down both
you and the international community. They failed to establish a
government that took national interest at heart.
Four years ago, the United Nations, the African Union and the
International Community, have witnessed the election on 12thSeptember
2012, of a new President who is not “Transitional” and who promised that
the world will see a different Somalia than what it has been since
1991.
For the last two decades of civil war in Somalia, we came to help you
to rebuild your country’s institutions, to complete the Draft
Constitution and prepare for democratic elections to be held in
September 2016. We, the African Union and the International Community
met obstacle after obstacle. So far the outcome happens to be zero.
To come to this stage, the international community spent millions of
their Tax Payers money. They supported the African Union Forces, AMISOM
in Somalia to protect the government institutions and members of the
Federal Government.
Dear People of Somalia,
African Union sacrificed lives in defence of your country, the
government and the people of Somalia. Since the collapse of the regime
in 1991, the Organisation of African Unity, and later on, the African
Union with the full participation of the International Community and the
United Nations have spent time and money for the recovery of Somalia.
But unfortunately, you have not done enough to help us bring your
country back to the family of nations.
After having failed to hold the promised election in 2016, the
International Community lost its faith in the Somali Federal Government,
and the money which it used to send to the Federal Government of
Somalia will, from now on be delivered to the Administering Authority –
Somalia’s Trusteeship Authority, IGAD.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is 25 years and Somalia still lacks a central government and that
situation has ruined the country and made the Indian Ocean, unsafe
which is an important and vital sea linking Africa and world. After
more than two decades of no central government, the Somali people were
finally hoping to vote for the first time in 2016, for a government
which was not “Transitional”. But this has failed to happen.
Today, Somalia has no government of its own and makes it difficult
for the United Nations to recognise a government which is not
democratically elected by the people in free and fair elections and
mandated by a legitimate government as its own representative to the
World Body. The International Community made it clear that if the Somali
leaders are unable to lead their nation, then they should give up to an
alternative way of governance. This is what is happening today here in
your capital, Mogadishu. Till the Somali people show that they can
govern their territory themselves, the IGAD will be the Administering
Authority of the African Union, with effect from today 16 September,
2016.
The African Union, (AU) has adopted a Special Resolution to place
Somalia under the African Union trusteeship system. This system will be
applied also in the future to any country in Africa which fails as a
state due to civil war or coup d’etat,unless situation is normalised
within two years through free and fair elections. IGAD is going to be
the Administering Authority in Somalia and AU Trusteeship Council will
include IGAD member countries on annual rotation for each member state.
Other members in the council will include the stake holders but with no
right to chair or vote.
In fact, for the UN, Somalia cannot be placed even under its
trusteeship system. According to Article 78 of the UN Charter: “The
trusteeship system shall not apply to territories which have become
Members of the United Nations, relationship among which shall be based
on respect for the principle of sovereign equality.”
The present Permanent Mission of Somalia at the United Nations will
be allowed to operate as the “Observer Mission of Somalia” at the United
Nations, New York.
Distinguished Guests,
Our last hope was that the present government has promised to
eradicate corruption and mal-practice, but it too has been allegedly
accused of ranking the “Number One” corrupt country in the world.
Anything less than that, would have been an encouragement to the
International Community and to the people of Somalia.
Excellencies and distinguished guests
As from today, nearly fifty thousand of AMISOM forces are deployed in
various parts of Somalia to protect the Somali Nation from attacks and
for the internal security of the country.
There will be a sufficient number of people who are medical doctors,
teachers and other professionals that will be contributed from different
African countries as well as from the other continents to work, side by
side, with the Somali counterparts, in the civil departments.
Finally, as the Chairperson of the African Union and on behalf of the
AU, I wish all the best to the Somali people. I also ask the people of
Somalia to welcome African Union and support it in the fulfilment of
this difficult task to bring peace and stability in Somalia.
In conclusion, I wish express my gratitude to all the guests here tonight to witness the special event.
Long live Africa
Long live Somalia.
That was the end of the speech of the High Commissioner of African
Union addressing a small but selected gathering of VIPs from African
Union, the international community and the United Nations in Mogadishu’s
“No Go Zone” on the occasion of placing Somalia under the AU
Trusteeship System.
The President, the Speaker and the Prime Minister as well as the
Chief Justice of Somalia were invited to the function but not told what
was going on behind the scene.
The game has become one sided. The African Union has the upper hand
and holds every strategic point and the Somalis being on the receiving
end, has no voice in the chapter. They were treated so unceremoniously
that they were just asked to put their signatures under their names on
the AU document. Then each one was given a written statement to be read
in public saying “they have voluntarily placed Somalia under the system
of the African Union Trusteeship.”
The three top leaders and the Chief Justice of Somalia who were the
only Somali leaders present at the ceremony were handed over a ready
document which placed Somalia under African Union Trusteeship with
effect from 16 September 2016 for an unspecified period of time. The
atmosphere was tense and all the three lost their voices and the Chief
Justice also could hardly believe what their ears heard without prior
notice.
Anyhow, in the night’s agenda there was no time allotted for anyone
of them to speak at the function. They look at each other, probably
angry but not able to do anything. They signalled to each other like
“let’s go from here.”
They cannot move from their chairs because the AU Police have already
started their surveillance over the movement of the Somali leaders. At
03.00 the ceremony ended and almost all the guests have gone. Those to
Nairobi, Kenya, have taken their own special planes and some went on
board aircraft carriers which were waiting in the Indian Ocean close to
the venue of the function.
The three Somali leaders and the Chief Justice were kept behind and accommodated in the villas of the camp for security reasons.
The people of Mogadishu were getting up for the morning prayers.
Those who stay near the strategic areas of Mogadishu already in the
street could not believe their eyes when they spotted soldiers in heavy
armed cars. Their minds jumped back to the events of 21st October 1969
when the Armed Forces of Somalia took to the streets and toppled the
civilian government in a military coup d’etat.
As they forgot how the uniform of the Somali Armed Forced looked,
the darkness of the morning and half asleep, coupled with nostalgia they
developed for Somali Military during the two decades of the civil war,
the inhabitants of Mogadishu, even those who used not to go to the
mosque for morning prayers came out of their homes to join the crowd
waving green leaves to welcome the soldiers they saw in the streets
just the same way as they did for what was then dubbed as the “Bloodless
Revolution” on 21st October 1969.
But when morning news at 06:30 a.m., of Radio Mogadishu announced
that the African Union had taken over power from the Somali Federal
Government and the three top leaders and the Chief Justice are under
African Union security protection, it has become clear that the Somali
people lost its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This is my own imagination, but I believe, within the next two years
if drastic change in our situation is not made, what we are taking for
granted could be just a dream. For that we are going to pay high price.
But I hope I am wrong.
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