Changes at the US Embassy in Mogadishu, Amb. André is out, replaced by Amb. Riley!

Richard H. Riley, IV, Nominee for Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Somalia

          Richard H. Riley, IV is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor. He currently serves as Minister Counselor for Economic Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, Canada.  Previously, Riley was the Consul General at the U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar, Pakistan. 

       He has also served in senior leadership assignments such as Charge d’Affaires, ad interim, and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, Norway, Assistant Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Sana’a, Yemen, and Senior Civilian Representative (Team Leader) at the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Nangahar Province, Afghanistan. 

          Earlier, he was Deputy Director of the Office of Egypt and Levant Affairs at the Department of State, Senior Coordinator for Democracy and Human Rights at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, and Deputy Team Leader of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Dhi Qar (Nassiriyah), Iraq. Riley has also served in London, England, Moscow, Russia, Beijing and Chengdu, China, as well as Kingston, Jamaica. 

       He replaces Ambassador Larry André, Jr of Texas who was confirmed by US Senate back in December of 2021 and he presented his credentials on February 7, 2022.

       André is a career diplomat with extensive experience on the African continent, including two previous ambassadorship in Djibouti and Mauritania. Ambassador Andrè leaves a legacy of improving the relations between the two countries! He was a great ally in the fight against the terrorist group, Alshabaab. 

By: Abdirahman Dahir (Samawade)

Entrepreneur | Activist | Blogger 

Somali's Application to The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)

        The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a United States trade act that was passed in 2000. The act provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the US market for over 1,800 products, in addition to the more than 5,000 products that are eligible for duty-free access under the Generalized System of Preferences program.

        AGOA was designed to promote economic growth and development in sub-Saharan Africa by increasing trade between the United States and the region. The program has been successful in increasing trade between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa. In 2019, the United States exported over $29 billion worth of goods to sub-Saharan Africa under AGOA, and the region exported over $32 billion worth of goods to the United States.

        The AGOA has also had a positive impact on economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. A study by the World Bank found that the AGOA has helped to create over 2 million jobs in the region. The act has also helped to improve the lives of millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa by providing them with access to affordable goods and services.

        Somalia's Minister of Commerce, Jirbil Abdirashid Haji has submitted an application of behalf of the Federal Government of Somalia for Designation as an AGOA Beneficiary Country. During the application ceremony, the US ambassador to Somalia, Larry Andrá said, "The African Growth & Opportunity Act will provide Somalia with an opportunity to export its products to the United States with greatly reduced trade barriers."

“The African Growth & Opportunity Act will provide #Somalia with an opportunity to export its products to the United States with greatly reduced trade barriers.” - Amb. André with @mocisom Min. @HonJibrilAHaji at the #AGOA application ceremony yesterday. #prosperity 🇺🇸🇸🇴… pic.twitter.com/oAlXi5INP4

— U.S. Embassy Mogadishu, Somalia (@US2SOMALIA) March 29, 2023

Somalia's Minister of Commerce, @HonJibrilAHaji, submitted #Somalia's application for Designation as an #AGOA Beneficiary Country. #US Ambassador Larry André said this will provide Somalia with an opportunity to export its products to the US with greatly reduced trade barriers. pic.twitter.com/fbf9SDBpPv

— SONNA (@SONNALIVE) March 29, 2023

        According to the program's website, AGOA has also been successful in promoting economic growth and development in sub-Saharan Africa. The program has helped to create jobs, increase investment, and improve access to markets for African businesses. AGOA has also helped to promote democracy and good governance in sub-Saharan Africa by encouraging countries to adopt market-based economic policies and to respect human rights.

By: Abdirahman Dahir (Samawade)

Entrepreneur | Activist | Blogger

Crab Mentality and Tall Poppy Syndrome!

Crab Mentality

        Crab mentality is a metaphor for the way people react negatively to the success of others. It is named after the behavior of crabs in a bucket, who will try to pull down any crab that tries to escape. The metaphor is often used to describe people who are jealous of others' success and who try to sabotage their progress.

        This type of mentality can be a destructive force in relationships and in the workplace. It can lead to envy, jealousy, and resentment. It can also lead to people trying to undermine each other's success. People who exhibit crab mentality often feel threatened by the success of others. They may feel like they need to put others down in order to make themselves look better. 

        There are a number of things that can contribute to crab mentality. One factor is the feeling of competition. When people feel like they are competing with others, they may be more likely to try to pull others down in order to improve their own chances of success. Another factor is the feeling of envy. When people see others achieving success, they may feel jealous and resentful. This can lead them to try to sabotage the success of others in order to make themselves feel better.

How do you overcome?

There are a number of things that can be done to overcome crab mentality:

• Understand why you are feeling this way and start addressing it.

• Focus on the positive aspects of your own life and your achievements. Do not worry about what other people are doing.

• Surround yourself with positive people. Supportive and encouraging people will help you stay focus on your goals and you will lose the thinking of crab mentality.

• Be supportive of others and celebrate their successes. 

• Say Masha Allah when you see others succeed.

        It is also important to remember that everyone is different and that everyone has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Just because someone else is successful does not mean that you are not. If they can do it then you can do it too.

Tall Poppy Syndrome

        Tall Poppy Syndrome is an informal term referring to when a person's success causes them to be attacked, resented, or criticized. Intense scrutiny and criticism of such a person is termed as "Cutting down the tall poppy". It is similar to the crab mentality but it is little more destructive.

        Tall Poppy Syndrome gets its name from a story told about King Tarquin the Proud, the ancient Roman tyrant, by the historian Livy. Tarquin’s son Sextus was infiltrating the leadership in a neighboring city and asked his father what he should do next. Tarquin did not say anything, but went into his garden and cut the heads off all the tallest poppies with his sword. Sextus took that to mean he should destroy the leading aristocrats of the city, which he did. Rome then easily overtook the city.

        Tall poppy syndrome can have a negative impact on people who are successful, as it can make them feel like they are not allowed to be proud of their accomplishments. It can also discourage them from striving for further success, as they may feel like they will be attacked or criticized if they do so.

        There are a few things that people who are successful can do to deal with tall poppy syndrome:

• Try to ignore the criticism and focus on your own goals. 

• Surround yourself with supportive people who will encourage you and who will not try to cut you down. 

• Use your success to inspire others and to make a positive impact on the world.

        Let's us reflect on our behavior as we deal with others and let’s ask ourselves with this question; are we bringing one another up or down? Celebrating the success of others is healthy and we should encourage it more. Nevertheless, to bring one another down is a human behavior and it is not a humane nature. The difference is that it is hard to change a human nature, but a behavior can changed with a little pit of training. 
        It is also important to identify the real victim here. The person with the crab mentality is the one who needs the most help because they might be suffering from a crab mentality or tall poppy syndrome. In the end, it helps to know why certain people behave in certain ways and how you can deal with it.

By: Abdirahman Dahir (Samawade)

Entrepreneur | Activist | SpacesHost 

@AbdiSamawad

Mogadishu Sultanate's footprint on Sofala, Mozambique!

The First Settlers

        Sofala is a coastal region in Mozambique that was once an important trading center. The region was first settled by Somali merchants in the 10th century, and it later became a major center for the trade of gold and other commodities. The name Sofala is thought to come from the Somali word "Sofal", which means "go and cultivate". Sofala was also a major center for the spread of Islam in the region. Sofala was also home to a number of important Islamic scholars and theologians, including the 11th-century jurist al-Shatibi.

        The Mogadishu Sultanate was the main power in the region of Sofala during the 12th and 13th centuries. The sultanate controlled the trade routes between Sofala and the interior of Africa, and it also had a strong military presence in the region. The sultanate's influence on Sofala can be seen in the city's architecture, which is heavily influenced by Islamic styles.

The Kilwa Takeover

        The Kilwa Sultanate took over Sofala in the 1180s. The Sultan of Kilwa, Suleiman Hassan, sent a fleet of ships to Sofala and captured the city. The Sultan of Kilwa then installed his own governor in Sofala and began to collect taxes from the city. 

        The Kilwa Sultanate took over Sofala for a number of reasons. First, Sofala was a major trading center, and the Sultanate wanted to control the gold trade from the city. Second, Sofala was a center of Islamic learning and culture, and the Sultanate wanted to spread Islam to the city. Third, Sofala was a major center of Somali culture, and the Sultanate wanted to bring the Somali people under its control.

The Arrival of the Portuguese

        The Portuguese ruled Sofala for over 400 years, and during that time they had a significant impact on the region's culture and economy. The Portuguese introduced new crops and technologies to Sofala, and they also built roads and bridges that connected the region to the rest of the world. However, the Portuguese also exploited the region's resources, and they often treated the people of Sofala with violence and cruelty. 

        In the 20th century, Sofala became a part of the Portuguese colony of Mozambique. The Portuguese continued to exploit the region's resources, and they also suppressed the people of Sofala's efforts to gain independence. 

        The Portuguese arrived in Sofala in the 16th century, and they quickly established control over the region. Sofala was a major center of the gold trade in the Middle Ages. The Portuguese built forts and trading posts in Sofala, including the Sofala Castle, and they began to exploit the region's resources. The city was also a center of the slave trade. The Portuguese also began to convert the people of Sofala to Christianity. 

Somalia’s Role in Mozambique

        Somalia helped Mozambique get independence by providing a base of operations for FRELIMO, the Mozambique Liberation Front, and by providing material support, such as trucks, tractors, and medicine. FRELIMO was founded in 1962 by Eduardo Mondlane, who was inspired by the success of other African liberation movements, such as the Algerian FLN and the Kenyan Mau Mau. FRELIMO's goal was to overthrow Portuguese rule in Mozambique and establish an independent socialist state. 

        Somalia's support for FRELIMO was essential to the success of the Mozambican War of Independence. Without Somalia's help, FRELIMO would not have been able to launch its attacks against Portuguese forces and would not have been able to maintain its base of operations. Somalia's material support, such as trucks, tractors, and medicine, was also essential to FRELIMO's success.

        In 1964, FRELIMO launched its first attacks against Portuguese forces in Mozambique. The war for independence lasted for 11 years and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people. In 1974, Portugal's Carnation Revolution led to the overthrow of the Salazar dictatorship and the end of Portuguese rule in Africa. FRELIMO declared Mozambique's independence on June 25, 1975. 

        However, supporting FRELIMO was not without its risks. It had angered Portugal, which was a major economic partner of Somalia. Portugal retaliated by cutting off Somali aid and by closing its embassy in Mogadishu. It also angered South Africa, which was a major ally of Portugal. South Africa retaliated by launching a series of attacks against Somalia.
Despite the risks, Somalia's support for FRELIMO was a courageous and selfless act. Somalia's efforts helped to bring about the end of Portuguese rule in Mozambique and the establishment of an independent socialist state. 

Present Day

Beira, Sofala, Mozambique 

        Sofala is now a relatively poor region, but it is rich in history and culture. The region is home to a number of important historical sites, including the ruins of the old Portuguese trading posts. The people of Sofala are also known for their hospitality and their strong sense of community. 

Today, there are probably Somali merchants back in the region of Sofala, where their ancestors have established centuries ago, without knowing the true history behind its establishment. It's important to know and to learn our history in Africa and beyond.

By: Abdirahman Dahir (Samawade)

Entrepreneur | Activist | SpacesHost 

@AbdiSamawad

How Can Somalia Benefit from the Blue Economy?

What is a blue economy?

    The blue economy is, the economic activity that takes place within and around the oceans, the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs. Somalia has a long coastline and a rich marine environment, which makes it well-positioned to benefit from the blue economy. It includes activities such as fishing, shipping, tourism, offshore energy development and marine research.

    Somalia has a long coastline, rich marine environment and a large exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The country's waters are home to a variety of fish species, as well as coral reefs and other marine life. This means that Somalia has a lot of potential to benefit from the blue economy. These resources could be used to develop a sustainable blue economy that benefits all Somalis. 

    Some of the ways Somalia can benefit from the blue economy include:

• Fishing and aquaculture:
  
   Somalia has a large and untapped fishing industry. The country could develop its fishing industry by investing in modern fishing vessels and equipment, training fishermen, and building processing facilities. The country can export fish, lobster, and other marine products to other countries. Somalia could also develop its aquaculture industry by building fish farms and hatcheries.
  

• Maritime transport: Somalia is a major shipping hub in the Indian Ocean. The country could develop its maritime transport industry by investing in port infrastructure, improving port efficiency, and developing a coastal shipping industry.
• Offshore oil and gas: Somalia has significant offshore oil and gas reserves. The country could develop its offshore oil and gas industry by investing in exploration and production, building a pipeline infrastructure, and developing a gas processing industry.
• Tourism: Somalia has a beautiful coastline and a rich marine environment. The country could develop its tourism industry by investing in coastal resorts, developing dive sites, and promoting its natural beauty.
• Research and development: Somalia could develop its research and development capacity in the blue economy. The country could establish a blue economy research institute, fund blue economy research projects, and support blue economy entrepreneurs.

    The blue economy can help Somalia to create jobs, boost its economy, and protect its environment. The country can also use the blue economy to improve its infrastructure, such as its ports and roads. The blue economy can also be used to improve Somalia's security. The country's coastline is a major smuggling route, and the blue economy can help Somalia to combat smuggling and piracy.

Building Strong Partnerships

    The resources of the blue economy could be shared among federal member states in a number of ways: 

1. Create a national blue economy fund: The national fund would provide financial resources to support the development of sustainable blue economy projects. This fund would be used to finance projects that benefit the blue economy, such as projects that improve the country's infrastructure or that support the country's fishermen.
2. Create a blue economy council: The council would bring together federal member state representatives to discuss and coordinate blue economy development. 
3. Create a national blue economy strategy: This strategy would outline how the country's blue economy resources will be used and shared.
4. Creating a national marine management plan: A national marine management plan would identify the resources of the blue economy and how they can be used sustainably.
5. Developing a system of marine protected areas: Marine protected areas would help to protect the marine environment and the resources that it supports.
6. Providing training and support to fishermen and other marine workers: Training and support would help to ensure that the resources of the blue economy are used sustainably.

Growth Throught Export Opportunities

    Somalia can export fish to other countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The country's ports are located on the coast of the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and they are well-positioned to export fish to other countries in the region.

    The country's fish exports are currently limited by a number of factors, including the lack of a strong fishing industry, the lack of infrastructure, and the lack of access to markets. However, there is potential for Somalia to increase its fish exports in the future. 

    The first step is to improve the fishing industry. This could include investing in new fishing vessels, training fishermen, and providing access to markets. Another thing is to improve infrastructure. This could include building roads, bridges, and ports. This could include negotiating trade agreements with other countries, or by participating in trade fairs. Another way is to export fish to processing plants in other countries, where the fish can be processed into products such as canned fish or fish meal.

    The blue economy has the potential to create jobs, boost economic growth, and improve the livelihoods of Somalis. By investing in the blue economy, Somalia can unlock its potential and build a more prosperous future.

By: Abdirahman Dahir (Samawade)

Entrepreneur | Activist | SpacesHost 

@AbdiSamawad