Day: May 26, 2023

In a series of successful special operations conducted by the Somali security forces, commendable outcomes have been achieved in their ongoing efforts to bolster security operations in the capital. These meticulously planned and executed operations in the Tabuunka area and Bakara Market have resulted in significant breakthroughs, enhancing stability and safety in the region.

The operation in the Tabuunka area, located in the heart of Mogadishu, aimed to neutralize specific threats and combat disruptive elements jeopardizing the peace and stability of the city. With expertise and determination, the security forces apprehended two individuals involved in illicit activities and confiscated a substantial cache of weapons, preventing their potential use in further destabilizing acts.

Similarly, in a major security operation at the Bakara Market, the security forces achieved a significant breakthrough by apprehending a cache of illegal weapons, vehicles, and individuals. The operation, meticulously planned and executed, aimed to dismantle illicit networks and curb the activities of extremist groups operating within the region.

Acting on credible intelligence, the security forces swiftly confronted the imminent threat posed by these unlawful elements. During the operation, a range of illegal weapons, including firearms, explosives, and other prohibited materials intended for destructive purposes, were seized. Additionally, several vehicles suspected to be linked to criminal activities were impounded, further disrupting the operations of these illicit networks.

The apprehension of two individuals believed to be associated with the notorious extremist group Al-Shabaab marks a significant milestone in the fight against terrorism. These suspects, currently under investigation, are believed to have played significant roles in planning and executing acts of terrorism.

Moreover, recent operations at the port of Mogadishu yielded remarkable results with the seizure of two containers filled with military hardware. This discovery underscores the extensive efforts undertaken by the security forces to prevent the illegal flow of weapons and equipment into the country, thereby safeguarding the stability and peace of the nation.

The successful operations send a clear message that the Somali security forces remain resolute in their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the people. By dismantling illicit networks, seizing illegal weapons, and apprehending individuals associated with extremist groups, they continue to strike a blow against terrorism and maintain the rule of law.

The Somali government commends the security forces for their bravery, professionalism, and dedication to safeguarding the nation. These operations are a testament to their ongoing efforts to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity in Somalia.

As investigations continue and security measures are reinforced, the Somali people are reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. Together, with the unwavering determination of the security forces, the nation can overcome the challenges posed by extremist elements and work towards a peaceful and prosperous future.

Source: Somali National News Agency

92 migrants, including two medical evacuations, arrived in Malta by sea between 1 January and the end of April this year, figures published by the UNHCR show.

During the same period in 2022, only one person arrived to Malta by sea (also a medical evacuation).

All individuals who arrived in 2023 were male (adults with the exception of one alleged minor) and departed from Libya. The new arrivals were of Bangladeshi (75), Egyptian (11), and Sudanese (5) origin. The nationality of one person is unknown as the Maltese authorities were not able to officially register him due to his medical condition.

UNHCR said that its protection team attends and monitors disembarkations, providing interpretation support to the authorities and giving initial information on reception and asylum procedures to all new arrivals.

Continuing with the trend of increasing numbers of adult males arriving to Malta the previous years (65% in 2021 and 80% in 2022), almost all new arrivals in 2023 are adult males (99%), apart from one alleged unaccompanied minor whose age determination procedures by the Maltese authorities are ongoing.

According to AWAS, 287 individuals are residing in open reception centres (OCs) in Malta and an additional 212 more in the community benefit from social assistance. Half of the population in the reception centres are adult males, 65% of those living in Hal-Far Tent Village alone.

The top 3 countries of origin identified in the open centres are Eritreans (16%), Sudanese (15%) and Somali (13%) nationals, whilst Syrians (33%), Libyans (16%) and Ukrainians (9%) are the main beneficiaries of assistance while living in the community and not in the open centres with the rest of the beneficiaries.

There were 116 first-time applications for asylum in the first four months of 2023. Nationals from Bangladesh, Syria and Libya were amongst the top three nationalities applying.

As of 30 April, the International Protection Agency had issued 616 decisions at first-instance. The recognition rate (grants of Refugee or Subsidiary Protection status) stood at 16% (97), whilst the rejection rate at 41% (253).

As in 2022, there was a high number of ‘Closed’ cases (43%) in January-April 2023, referring to decisions comprising of Administrative closures (64), Dublin closures (18), applications that are Explicitly (27) or Implicitly withdrawn (147), and those deemed Inadmissible (9). Also, Temporary Humanitarian Protection (THP) was granted to one person during this timeframe.

Analysis shows that the average waiting time for a first instance decision issued in 2023 was 3.7 years. International Protection was granted on average after 2 years for Eritreans, 3 years for Syrians, and 3.5 years for Somalis. The average time for rejected cases stood at 3.3 years for Sudanese and Syrian nationals, 2.8 years for Somali, and almost 2 months for Bangladeshi nationals.

Malta meanwhile has granted 264 Temporary Protection Certificates in the first four months of 2023 to persons fleeing the war in Ukraine. A total of 1,888 Certificates have been issued since February 2022.

Most of the applicants in 2023 are Ukrainian nationals, except two, one adult female and one adult male from Russia. Women and children account for about 75% of the TP Certificates issued during 2023, and 62% of the adult males are over 35 years old.

UNHCR said that it visits open and closed centres to provide information on the asylum system, Dublin Regulation, rights and obligations, and to refer persons of concern to the appropriate services.

UNHCR said it is also present during disembarkations and works closely with forcibly displaced and stateless persons, partners and the authorities to strengthen their capacity and ensure access to international protection and durable solutions. UNHCR, through its partners, also provides legal aid and psycho-social support to persons of concern.

UNHCR said that it continues to provide information counselling and referral to persons of concern by email, over the phone and through WhatsApp, and continues to provide face-to-face counselling services at the office premises in Ta’ Xbiex.

Source: Somali National News Agency

In a significant joint effort, Somali forces, supported by international partners, have launched a special operation targeting the extremist group Al-Shabaab in the Lower Shabeelle region of Somalia.

The operation, comprising of air raids and ground assault, aims to combat the threat posed by the terrorist organization.

Reports indicate that over 30 Al-Shabaab fighters have been confirmed dead as a result of the operation.

Additionally, a number of vehicles carrying supplies for the militants were successfully intercepted and destroyed.

These vehicles were found to be transporting ammunition and heavy weapons, dealing a significant blow to the capabilities of the extremist group.

The decision to undertake this special operation was made in response to a recent suicide bomber attack on an African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) base located in Bulo-Marer, a town in the Lower Shabeelle region. The attack was a stark reminder of the continued threat posed by Al-Shabaab and the necessity for robust counter-terrorism efforts.

The joint operation signifies a strengthened collaboration between Somali forces and international partners in their collective mission to combat terrorism and restore peace and stability in the region.

It highlights the determination to disrupt the activities of Al-Shabaab and safeguard the lives and security of the local population.

While the operation is ongoing, officials have assured that every effort is being made to ensure the safety of both the military.

personnel involved and the civilians in the affected areas. Further details and updates regarding the progress of the operation will be provided as they are verified.

The successful execution of this special operation against Al-Shabaab demonstrates the commitment of Somali forces and international partners to combat terrorism and establish a secure environment conducive to the well-being and development of Somalia.

The collaborative efforts in dismantling extremist networks and reducing the threat posed by Al-Shabaab are crucial steps towards achieving lasting peace in the region.

As the operation continues, the collective determination to counter terrorism remains unwavering, and the resilience of Somali forces and their international allies shines through in their relentless pursuit of a more secure and stable Somalia.

Source: Somali National News Agency

The Seychelles islands woke up Friday to the news that the island nation’s first Anglican priest and bishop, Archbishop Emeritus French Chang Him, had passed away. Chang Him was 85 years old.

The beloved bishop was hospitalised a fortnight ago and underwent emergency surgery last weekend. Last Sunday, Archbishop James Wong of the Anglican Diocese Seychelles – 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean – held a prayer service at the St Paul’s Cathedral where people from all walks of life prayed for the health of Chang Him. French Chang Him is survived by his twin daughters, Michelle and Frances, and three grandchildren.

On June 9, Chang Him would have celebrated 60 years of service and devotion to the Anglican Diocese of Seychelles and the province of the Indian Ocean.

French Chang-Him was ordained to the priesthood in June 1963, following theological studies at Lichfield Theological College in the United Kingdom. Over the years, he pursued other studies, which included Post Ordination Studies at St Augustine’s College in Canterbury, England, and at Trinity College at the Toronto University of Canada.

Over the years, Chang Him served in parishes all over the main islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue as well as for the Anglican community on Cousine and for the leper settlement on Curieuse Island.

Bishop French also served as the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Seychelles from 1979 until his retirement in 2004. He was consecrated by Bishop George Briggs, his predecessor, and Bishop Trevor Huddlestone, assisted by three other bishops from Madagascar.

He was, in 1984, given the position of Archbishop of the Indian Ocean. Archbishop Chang Him was conferred the title of Archbishop Emeritus by the Indian Ocean Province of the Anglican Church in 2014.

Until his passing Archbishop Emeritus French Chang Him was still active in pastoral duties and was based at the St John’s Parish in the northern district of Glacis.

Aside from his church duties Chang Him was also very active in civil societies; he was a founding member of the Cancer Concern Association – a cause close to his heart as he had lost his beloved wife Suzy to cancer and was himself a cancer patient. He was the longest serving member of the Archbishop Makarios Foundation, which awards bursaries to children in need, which he kept alive and most recently saw the donation of bursaries on May 5, when he gave his last interview to the press.

Archbishop Emeritus French Chang Him also played a key role in setting up the Seychelles Inter-Faith Council (SIFCO), which he saw as the spiritual voice of Seychelles, linking both Christian and non-Christian religions. A key function of the council was to offer spiritual guidance and interact with both government and NGOs for both material and spiritual progress in a fast-changing world.

Archbishop Chang Him (right) receiving the insignia of the OBE from British High Commissioner Lindsay Skoll at the time in the presence of daughter Frances and grand-daughter Shannon in early December 2014. (Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

In December 2014, Archbishop Chang-Him was designated an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II. This was for his services to reconciliation, human rights, charity, and democratic values and his invaluable service to British nationals in Seychelles, past and present.

President Ramkalawan’s condolences

Seychelles’ President Wavel Ramkalawan has sent a message of deepest condolences on behalf of the government, the people of Seychelles and on his personal behalf, to his daughters, Frances and Michelle, the grandchildren, the family and the Anglican community.

“Seychelles is in deep mourning following the passing of Archbishop Emeritus, French Chang-Him. The country has lost a precious child, a man of deep faith, an obedient servant and a devoted father and grandfather. His departure leaves a void in the Anglican church, in our community and around the world,” said Ramkalawan.

The President said that “As a man who believed in justice, Bishop French stood against any form of tyranny. He expressed himself openly against the abuse of human rights and was often the sole voice of the voiceless during the one-party years. He would give support to those whose loved ones were detained or whose children had disappeared, all while mourning the brutal death of his dear brother, Davidson Chang-Him, who was murdered on 5th June 1977. He paid the consequences for standing up in many ways.”

President Ramkalawan, who is also an Anglican priest, and spent much time with Archbishop French throughout the course of his life, expressed that “His soft voice and gentle touch will be missed by everyone. He fought the good fight and was faithful to the end. May he be blessed with the gift of eternity as he is welcomed by the Saviour he served. May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.”

Source: Seychelles News Agency