1) Political and Security
South-central: The revival of Al Shabaab activity in Mogadishu and nearby regions is likely to continue. The British Foreign Office issued an advisory against travel to Somalia and in particular Mogadishu against a background of renewed reports of possible Al Shabaab threats in the capital. Risk management measures are already in place to address the existing terrorist threats and corresponding risk levels. A general advisory regarding kidnapping countrywide was also issued by NGOs. Necessary precautions are being taken.
The Kismayo conference has passed a new constitution for the Jubaland administration. A flag for the upcoming administration was then designed and agreed upon on 4 April. 45 members of parliament from the federal government arrived in Kismayo in order to negotiate between the Kismayo interim administration and government. Even though the government has officially rejected the conference and announced the outcome as unconstitutional, the delegates and the organizers of the meeting are continuing to establish a regional administration for Gedo, Middle and Lower Juba regions.
Somaliland: The Mayor of Hargeisa, who has been in Dubai for some time seeking treatment, recently passed away. Elections by the Hargeisa Local Council will be held to appoint a replacement. The Somaliland government is set to commence talks with the federal government of Somalia. Somaliland's approach to the talks is based on achieving diplomatic recognition for its independence. A truck carrying 20 Ethiopian immigrants overturned in Koosar neighborhood in Burao town. Two people were seriously injured and were admitted at Burao hospital. The driver and passengers were arrested.
Puntland: Puntland Ministry of Planning, International Cooperation and Federal Affairs (MOPIC) requested the establishment of Sectoral Working Groups for all operating UN Agencies in Puntland and to conduct quarterly sectorial coordination meetings. Bilaterals with the UN agencies and MOPIC are underway (first meeting scheduled for 17 April), to map out roles and expectations for this coordination. Three radio stations have been closed down by the Puntland government (Radio Daljir, Voice of Peace and One Nation) over allegations of reproducing programs broadcasted by external media, not licensed by government. Media associations and other human rights activists have indicated that the decision contradicts the constitutional rights of the free press. Some political observers assume there could have been connection between the upcoming elections and the silencing of the most prominent radio stations in the region. Subsequently, the Ministry of Interior lifted the ban under the condition that these radio stations will stop reproducing and broadcasting programs of already banned Radios (Hirad, Ergo and Bar-kulan).
