Training
That most Somalis lived as nomads has always made
it difficult for children to attend school. In the
1970s, a seven-year primary school was created. The
introduction of a Somali writing language in 1972 was
followed by a campaign for literacy. But the educational
system collapsed during the civil war. Only a number of Quran schools continued to function. Later, elementary
schools have been reopened in some areas.
Some of the elementary schools are run by local
authorities, NGOs or religious groups, in many cases
with the help of the UN, the EU and Western-based aid
organizations, but also Islamic groups. In many places,
Koran schools are the only education offered.
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COUNTRYAAH:
Country facts of Somalia, including geography profile, population statistics, and business data.
Formally, everyone has the right to free elementary
education, but the reality looks different. Parents are
forced to pay school fees, and the security situation
prevents many from participating in education. It is
estimated that 30 to 50 percent of children who attend
school (there are no reliable statistics). Many students
quit school early. More boys than girls participate in
teaching, especially in the higher stages. There is a
shortage of educated teachers, especially female
teachers, and in many schools there are no textbooks.
Some traditional Qur'an schools have been transformed
into so-called mattresses, where students receive a
shorter basic education at low cost. This is especially
common in the countryside and in areas controlled by al-Shabaab.
 Higher education has also suffered. There are about
10 small private universities or institutes with limited
resources. The majority of students read technical
subjects, especially IT, economics and law. The quality
of teaching has major shortcomings.
FACTS - EDUCATION
Number of pupils per teacher in primary
school
36 (2007)
2018
December
Burundi protests against withdrawal from Amisom
December 23
Burundi says no to a request from the AU to withdraw a thousand soldiers from
the Amisom peacekeeping force in Somalia until February 28. A spokesman for the
Burundian army says the military should urge the AU to reduce each country's
troop strength more proportionately, rather than just selecting Burundian
soldiers. AU pays Burundi about $ 18 million in the quarter, which is one of the
country's most important sources of income in foreign currency. especially since
the EU withdrew its support because of the Burundian regime's violation of human
rights. One of AFP's news sources says that the Burundian soldiers are the worst
equipped in Amisom, and that is one of the reasons they are allowed to go home
first.
Former Minister of Energy wins state elections
December 19
Former Energy Minister Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (also known as Lafta Garen) is
elected new president of the Southwest State. He is appointed by the state's
MPs. He has four counter-candidates, but Muhktar Robow (also called Abu Mansur),
who was the favorite to win, was not allowed to participate. Robow who dropped
out of al-Shabaab was arrested on December 13. Some observers believe that there
was no strong legal basis for the arrest, and that it may deter other al-Shabaab
leaders from resigning from the Islamist group. The arrest of Robow also risks
leading to new unrest in the Baidoa area. It is also speculated that the arrest
was prompted by the federal government's concern that a victory for Robow would
strengthen cooperation between the states that are already on a collision course
with the Mogadishu government in terms of their powers. The states, for their
part, are concerned that Amisom will hand over the responsibility for security
in their area to Somalia's National Army (SNA), which would reduce their
influence. There is also a risk that al-Shabaab will carry out more attacks in
the Baidoa area in order to take advantage of the fragmentation that prevails.
USA: "62 Islamist Rebels Killed in US Aircraft"
December 17
US military claims to have killed 62 rebels from militant Islamist group
al-Shabaab in six air strikes. The United States claims that the raids did not
require any civilian casualties. This means that at least 400 people have been
killed in US air strikes since the beginning of 2017. In 2018, the United States
carried out 40 attacks, compared with 35 in 2017. According to a Somali think
tank, the Hiraal Institute, al-Shabaab has been forced to change tactics because
of the increasing more American raids. The number of attacks on military targets
has decreased significantly, instead government buildings and business
operations that have refused to pay taxes to al-Shabaab have increased
significantly. According to US estimates, al-Shabaab consists of between 3,000
and 7,000 men, while the Islamic State (IS) has between 70 and 250 rebels in
Somalia.
Concerned in Baidoa after detainees from al-Shabaab were arrested
December 14
Mukthar Robow (also called Abu Mansur) who in 2017 jumped off from al-Shabaab
(see August 2017) is arrested by the Baidoa
authorities and accused of posing a security threat. Robow has had the intention
of running for election to the state president of the Southwestern state, and he
has profiled himself as a strong opponent of the federal government. The arrest
raises unrest which leads to several people being killed. Among the victims is a
Member of Parliament, but it is not clear how he was killed. The state elections
are scheduled to be held on December 19. Witnesses say Ethiopian soldiers, some
of them in tanks labeled Amisom, come to the area to bring calm.
Afwerki is visiting Somalia for the first time in over 30 years
13th of December
Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki visits Somalia for the first time in three
decades for talks with his Somali colleague Mohamed Abdullahi "Farmajo" Mohamed.
Relations between the countries were strained until last summer, Somalia has
previously accused Eritrea of supporting the militant Islamist group
al-Shabaab, something the Eritrean government has denied.
Declaration of trust is void
December 11
The statement of disbelief against President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed is
rejected when 14 MPs deny that they have signed it. This means that it is
therefore only supported by 78 members and is therefore not valid. The day
after, President Mohamed Mursal leaves his post in protest of the decision. In
most cases, the MPs who oppose the president belong to hawaii and issaq who
compete for power with Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed's clan there.
Declaration of mistrust against the president
December 10
A statement of mistrust is directed at President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed.
It has been signed by 92 of 275 MEPs and has been endorsed by President Mohamed
Mursal. The President is accused of violating the Constitution by making secret
agreements with other countries. The statement of disbelief comes a month after
Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed met with Ethiopian and Eritrean presidents to
strengthen economic ties between the countries. The president may be forced to
resign if the declaration of confidence is supported by at least two-thirds of
Parliament. It is not clear when a vote on the president will be held.
Seven soldiers are killed in a mine explosion
December 6
At least seven militants, including two generals, are killed in a mine
explosion in Mogadishu. The militant Islamist group al-Shabaab is suspected of
the act.
US opens embassy
December 4th
The US now decides to establish permanent diplomatic relations with Somalia.
The embassy established in 2015 in the country was formally part of the US
mission in Kenya. Career diplomat Donald Yamamoto becomes US ambassador to
Somalia.
November
At least 15 dead in suicide attacks
November 26th
A Muliman minister, Sheikh Abdiweli Ali Elmi, and 17 others are killed in a
suicide attack against a religious center in Galkayo in the Mudig region in the
north of the country. The militant group al-Shabaab takes on the deed and has
previously accused the preacher of having blasphemed Prophet Muhammad by playing
music during his religious ceremonies. Elmi, who is a Sufi, has defended this
and said that the music does not constitute a violation of Islam's teachings.
At least 37 dead in US airstrikes
20th of November
The US military says at least 37 members of the a-Shabaab militant group
killed two US air strikes near Debate Scile. The United States Africa Command
claims that "no civilians were killed or injured in the raids". In October, some
60 people were killed in another American air tree in Somalia.
At least 41 dead in Mogadishu attacks
November 10
At least 41 people have been killed in a suicide attack near a hotel and the
Criminal Police Office in Mogadishu. Hundreds of people are injured. The
militant Islamist group al-Shabaab assumes responsibility for the act.
Amisom soldiers are accused of killing four civilian Somalis
November 6
Witnesses accuse Burundian soldiers of the Amisom force of killing four
civilian Somalis. Amisom soldiers are said to have opened fire on civilians
after driving on a homemade explosive charge in Huriwa district in the north.
This triggers street protests in Huriwa, where protesters demand that the guilty
be punished.
October
"At least 50 dead in clashes in Somaliland"
October 23
At least 50 people are reported to have been killed in connection with clan
battles in the Dhumey area of Somaliland. Another 100 people are said to have
been seriously injured, and the death toll is believed to be rising, especially
as the fighting continues, according to data from Puntland. Puntland claims in
the Dhumey area
IS leader killed in Mogadishu
October 23
One of Islamic State's (IS) supreme leaders in Somalia, Mahad Moallim, has
been killed in Mogadishu. It is not clear how it went, but according to the
British news service BBC, it may have happened because of a power struggle
within IS. The Islamist group is believed to have around 400 to 500 members in
Somalia, most of them based in Puntland.
Pentagon: "50 al-Shabaab rebels killed in aerial trees"
October 16
The US military claims to have killed some 60 al-Shabaab rebels in an air
raid in the coastal area near Harardere, which was previously an important hub
for Somali pirates. According to the United States, no civilians were killed in
the attack, which should have been carried out on October 12. However, no
independent sources confirm this information. The number of US air strikes has
increased in recent months as the military no longer needs to seek special
permission from the White House to carry them out. The US military cooperates
with both Somali defense forces and Amison and has approximately 500 men
stationed in the country.
One is executed for terrorist acts
October 14
A man sentenced to death for involvement in the terror attack in Mogadishu on
October 14, 2018 is executed. Hassan Adan Isak was driving one of the vehicles
involved in the attack that claimed about 600 lives. No group has assumed
responsibility for the act, but most judges suspect it was performed by
al-Shabaab.
At least 20 dead in terror attacks in Baidoa
October 13
At least 20 people are killed in two suicide bombings in Baidoa. Another 10
or so people are injured in the death. The Islamist group al-Shabaab claims to
have carried out the attacks.
New airline between Ethiopia and Somalia opens after 41 years
October 13
For the first time in 41 years, there is commercial traffic between Addis
Ababa and Mogadishu. It is a plane from the Ethiopian company Ethiopia National
Airways which lands in Mogadishu. The intention is that there will be four
flights a week between the countries.
September
Somalia agrees on new cooperation agreement with Ethiopia and Eritrea
September 6
Relations between Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea seem to continue to improve.
The three countries have agreed on a new cooperation agreement that covers
political, economic, security, cultural and social issues. Somalia and Ethiopia
have pressed for Eritrea to start a dialogue to resolve the border dispute with
Djibouti. During the day, the foreign ministers of the three countries travel
there for talks. Estimates say that so far, not much has happened that can
eventually resolve old tensions between the countries in the region.
al-Shabaab takes hostages as elders
September 5
Some 60 seniors from Galgadug in the middle of the country are taken hostage
by al-Shabaab and taken to an area controlled by the militant group. They are
accused of failing to pay the entire damages to a sub-clan whose members were
killed two years ago. The authorities of the state of Galgmudug criticize the
government for not doing enough to protect the civilian population.
July
Amisom force reductions are postponed
July 30
The UN Security Council decides to postpone planned cuts to the Amisom force.
The intention was to leave 1,000 people by the end of October. Now they remain
in Somalia until the end of February. As a reason, it is stated that the
country's defense forces are not ready to take over responsibility for security
in the country. Amisom's mandate is also extended to May 31, 2019.
June
Interventions against media in Somaliland
June 1st
Somaliland authorities arrest several journalists and shut down two TV
stations that have reported on recent fighting between Somali and Pound soldiers
in the disputed Sool region. It reports the Press Freedom Organization Reporters
Without Borders.
May
Worried about the Sool region
15th of May
At least 40 people are killed in clashes between Somaliland and Puntland
forces in the disputed Sool region. Both sides accuse the opposing party of
initiating the attack. President Abdullahi Mohamed urges groups of elders and
other organizations to try to mediate in the conflict.
At least 11 dead in attacks on the market
May 9
11 people are killed when an explosive charge explodes in a market square in
the small town of Wanlaweyn, north of Mogadishu. The explosion takes place in
the area of the square where the sale of the drug khat occurs. No group has
taken on the blame for the deed.
Nine Kenyan soldiers are killed by road bombs
May 7
Nine Kenyan soldiers are killed in southern Somalia while operating on a road
bomb. The Somali terror organization al-Shabaab is taking on the deed.
The Shabelle River floods
May 4th
After a long period of severe drought, heavy rainfall causes flooding in the
area around the Shabelle River. The AU force Amisom evacuates about 10,000
people from the city of Beledweyne, but over 100,000 people are affected by the
floods. There is great concern that waterborne illnesses will follow in the wake
of the floods.
April
Somalia cancels cooperation with United Arab Emirates
April 11
Somalia is suspending cooperation with the United Arab Emirates in a training
program for government soldiers. However, the program will continue and will
from now on be financed by the Somali government, says Defense Minister Mohamed
Mursal Abdirahman. Since 2014, hundreds of Somali soldiers have been trained
with money from the Gulf state, which has also contributed money to just over
2,000 government soldiers' salaries. The decision is made after the United Arab
Emirates promised to also train soldiers in the Somaliland breakaway republic.
The President resigns after a power struggle
April 9
The Speaker of the Somali Parliament, Mohamed Osman Jawari, is retiring. This
occurs after a period of turbulence in Parliament due to conflicts between the
President and several Members of Parliament. The week before, a police unit
supporting Jawari had taken the parliament building to prevent a vote of no
confidenceagainst him. At the same time, forces loyal to President Mohamed
Abdullahi Mohamed "Farmaajo" had gathered outside the building. A confrontation
between the groups can be avoided, after mediation from the AU. According to
Somali media, members of Jawari's side had accused members of the opposition
side of having received money to vote him out. According to an article in the
New York Times, Jawari has strengthened its power and, among other things,
pushed through a ban on foreign contracts being signed without Parliament's
approval. This has happened without previous consultations with the President or
the Prime Minister, which led to a distrust vote against Jawari. However, the
vote has been postponed twice due to security concerns. Parliament also claimed
an agreement between Somaliland and DP World, a company based in the United Arab
Emirates, about the port of Berbera. This must be seen as a mark against
Somaliland. But it is also a consequence of the conflict between Saudi Arabia
and the United Arab Emirates on the one hand and Qatar on the other. Qatar
supported Farmaajo in the 2017 presidential election, but the president is now
under intense pressure from the United Arab Emirates who wants him to break with
the Gulf state. New information emerges later on the power struggle between the
president and the president. According to Reuters news agency, citing government
and police sources, nearly $ 10 million in cash had been seized in a United Arab
Emirates plane. There is no mention of what the money would have been used for,
and the data pertains to the suspicions that many Somalis have about other
countries interfering in Somali politics. However, it is unclear whether
Jawari's departure will reduce tensions between the government and parliament,
or within parliament's various groupings. Earlier in the year, attempts were
also made to dismiss Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire via a vote of no
confidence. This, according to the magazine Africa Confidential, could have been
stopped by Jawari, who chose not to do so.
Five dead in American aviation against al-Shabaab
2 April
US military reports that five members of al-Shabaab have been killed in an
air raid against the village of El Buur, some 40 miles northeast of Mogadishu.
This is the seventh time since the turn of the year that the United States is
carrying out a scare against the militant Islamist group.
Several dead in attack on AU base
April 1st
Several people are killed when al-Shabaab attacks an AU base in Bulamars,
about 13 miles southwest of Mogadishu. A three-hour firefight erupts after the
militant group detonates two car bombs outside the base. According to the Somali
Ministry of the Interior, at least 20 al-Shabaab rebels are killed and the AU
seizes large quantities of ammunition. Ugandan sources indicate that eight
Ugandan AU soldiers have been killed in the fighting.
March
Several dead in Mogadishu attacks
March 25th
At least three people, as well as the assailant, are killed in an attack just
a few hundred meters from the Parliament and the Ministry of the Interior in
Mogadishu. The bomb explodes right next to a roadblock. The militant group
al-Shabaab takes on the deed.
Free Trade Agreement in Africa
21 March
Somalia is one of 44 countries to sign a Free Trade Agreement at the African
Union Summit in Rwanda. The agreement must be ratified at the national level
before the AFCFTA free trade area can become a reality, but it is seen as a
historically important step towards increased trade exchange within Africa.
Clans in Sanaag agree on harsh penalties in new peace agreement
March 18th
The clans in the disputed Sanaag area in the north agree on a peace agreement
after three weeks of mediation. According to him, the perpetrator of revenge
attacks should be sentenced to death, and the perpetrator's family must be fined
$ 100,000. In recent years, land and water disputes have triggered a spiral of
violence that also feeds off conflicts that in some cases go back several
generations. Both Somaliland and Puntland claim the Sanaag area. The clan
battles there claimed at least 23 lives in 2017, and some 60 people were
injured. The revenge attacks that triggered this have claimed at least 15 lives
since the beginning of 2018.
February
At least 38 are killed in two assaults in Mogadishu
February 23
At least 38 people were killed in two car bomb attacks near the presidential
palace in Mogadishu and a nearby hotel. Outside the presidential palace, a
firefight erupts, killing five assailants, according to the government page.
Al-Shabaab takes on the act, saying that 35 government soldiers were killed in
the attacks, as well as five members of the militant Islamist group, including
the drivers of the two cars.
The 23-year-old is sentenced to death for terrorist attacks
6th of February
A 23-year-old man is sentenced to death for his involvement in the terrorist
attack in Mogadishu in October that claimed at least 500 lives. The man is
accused of suffering from al-Shabaab terror cells. Another man is sentenced to
life imprisonment for membership in another group that is close to al-Qaeda, and
for providing the assailants with vehicles.
January
Somaliland prohibits female genital mutilation
February 8
In Somaliland, the government and Muslim ministers are calling for a fatwa, a
religious injunction, to ban all forms of female genital mutilation. They also
promise that those who violate the ban will be punished. And that girls who are
nevertheless subjected to the intervention will be awarded damages. The next
step is for the Somali parliament to legislate on this.
al-Shabaab forcibly recruits thousands of children
January 14
The Islamist group al-Shabaab forcibly recruits children from small
communities in the countryside. According to a report from Human Rights Watch,
Somalia: Al-Shabab Demanding Children, thousands of girls and boys between the
ages of eight and 15 have been taken from their parents since September 2017.
Militants have also come to schools and urged teachers to hand over children to
them. Al-Shabaab then uses religious schools as a cover when they indoctrinate
the children and train them for battle. To avoid this, hundreds of children have
been sent to safer areas, where they are often forced to live in refugee camps
under aggravated conditions. In at least four villages where the residents have
refused to hand over any children, al-Shabaab has responded by kidnapping
elderly people.
The Appeal for Debt Amortization
7 th of January
Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire urges donors to speed up the process of
writing off the country's debts, as money is needed to fight terrorism and to
build a functioning state. Somalia's foreign debt amounts to about $ 4 billion,
and stems from loans taken before 1991. As no repayments have been made and
penalties have been applied, the debt has continued to grow, and the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank are not very willing to
grant new loan. The government's total budget amounts to approximately $ 274
million
Somaliland adopts law against rape
January 8
Somaliland faces a law that prohibits rape, where anyone convicted of the
crime faces up to 30 years in prison. There are many years of pressure from
organizations working for the rights of children and women. Until now, it has
been common for the victim to be forced to marry the rapist.
Three ministers are dismissed
January 4th
Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire dismisses three of his ministers. Those who
are allowed to go are Foreign Minister Yusuf Garaad Omar, Interior Minister Abdi
Farah Said Juha and Trade and Labor Minister Khadra Ahmed Duale. Their
replacements are newcomers to the government. As a reason, it is stated that new
forces are needed to deal with the government's workload. The posts as head of
the police and of national security are still vacant.
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