4,000 Eritreans fleeing human rights violations every month | United Nations Radio

4,000 Eritreans fleeing human rights violations every month

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Young Eritrean refugees in Sudan

The situation of human rights in Eritrea remains grave with rampant cases of extra judicial killings, enforced disappearance, incommunicado detention, torture and inhumane prisons conditions, according to a UN Human Rights expert.

Ms. Sheila Keetharuth Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea says the policy of compulsory military service was akin to forced conscription as those recruited are forced to work without adequate remuneration.

In a report to the UN Human Rights Council, Ms Keetharuth says up to 4,000 Eritreans among them hundreds of unaccompanied minors, are fleeing the country every month to escape repression and lack of basic freedoms.

"Excessive militarization is affecting the very fabric of Eritrean society, and its core unit, the family. The indefinite national service is depriving the women and men of Eritrea of their most productive years. They are unable to provide for their families, which exacerbates the living conditions in a society where many people struggle to meet their basic needs. Severe curtailment of freedom of movement, opinion, expression, assembly, association and the right to freedom of religion warrant serious concern. The restrictions of these rights, which are the very cornerstones of democratic societies, create a climate of fear fuelled by rumours, propaganda and suspicion. The result is an all-encompassing feeling of fear and distrust, even within families. The arbitrary use of power by the State is violating the most fundamental principles of the rule of law. This is coupled with a complete absence of accountability mechanisms to bring those responsible for the human rights violations to justice." 

She says although Eritrea was on track to attaining six out of eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), this must be accompanied by respect for human rights and basic freedoms.

Eritrea has rejected the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and has declined to invite her to visit the country.

Patrick Maigua, United Nations Radio, Geneva.

Duration 2.05″

Somlia & Eritreea - Security Council, Adopting Resolution 2111 (2013), Renews Mandate of Sanctions Monitoring Group in Somalia, but Eases Way for Domestic Troop Development

ecurity Council

7009^th Meeting (AM)

SECURITY COUNCIL, ADOPTING RESOLUTION 2111 (2013), RENEWS MANDATE OF SANCTIONS

MONITORING GROUP IN SOMALIA, BUT EASES WAY FOR DOMESTIC TROOP DEVELOPMENT

The Security Council today decided to renew the mandate of the group monitoring sanctions imposed on Somalia, explicitly targeting parties that obstructed justice while further easing funding and equipment restrictions on the United Nations and European Union missions in that country. 

Unanimously adopting resolution 2111 (2013), the 15-member body, acting under Chapter VII of the Charter, extended the mandate of the Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group, set to expire on 25 August, until 25 November 2014, and signalled its intent to review it by 25 October 2014 as well as take appropriate action by that date for any further extension.  The Council also underlined its expectation that the Government of Eritrea would facilitate the Monitoring Group’s entry into that country without further delay.

The Council decided that until 6 March 2014, the arms embargo on Somalia would not apply to weapons, military equipment, training or advice intended to develop Somalia’s security forces.  Nor would it apply to military supplies and aid to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNISOM), African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and its strategic partners, the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM) or to Member States and organizations working to combat piracy off the Somali coast.

Supplies of protective clothing temporarily exported for United Nations, humanitarian and development actors, as well as the press, and other non-lethal military equipment exclusively for humanitarian or protective use would also be exempt.   Furthermore, Somalia’s Government was reminded of its reporting obligations related to the partial lifting of the arms embargo.

The Council condemned any politicization or misuse of humanitarian aid and decided that until 25 October 2014, the measures imposed by paragraph 3 of resolution 1844 (2008) ‑ which imposed the targeted sanctions on Somalia ‑ would not apply to the payment of funds, other financial assets or economic resources needed to ensure the timely delivery of aid in Somalia by the United Nations and other humanitarian actors.

Expressing its deep concern over reports of continued violations of the charcoal ban by Member States, the Council reiterated that the export restriction applied to all charcoal regardless of country of origin.  It underscored it willingness to take action against violators and asked the Monitoring Group for more details on environmentally sound ways to destroy Somali charcoal. 

The meeting began at 10:10 a.m. and ended at 10:12 a.m.

The full text of resolution 2111 (2013) reads as follows:

Resolution

“The Security Council,

“Reaffirming its previous resolutions and statements of its President concerning the situation in Somalia and Eritrea, in particular resolutions 733 (1992), 1844 (2008), 1907 (2009), 2036 (2012), 2060 (2012) and 2093 (2013),

“Taking note of the final reports of the Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group (the Monitoring Group) on Somalia (S/2013/413) and Eritrea,

“Reaffirming its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia, Djibouti and Eritrea respectively,

“Expressing concern at the continued violation of the charcoal ban, and expressing particular concern over the situation in Kismayo and the impact of these violations on the deteriorating security situation in the Juba regions,

“Condemning flows of weapons and ammunition supplies to and through Somalia and Eritrea in violation of the arms embargo on Somalia and the arms embargo on Eritrea, as a serious threat to peace and stability in the region,

“Expressing concern at the reports of violations of human rights, including extrajudicial killings, violence against women, children and journalists, arbitrary detention and pervasive sexual violence in Somalia, including in camps for internally displaced persons, and underscoring the need to end impunity, uphold human rights and to hold accountable those who commit such crimes,

“Underlining the importance of the Federal Government of Somalia and donors being mutually accountable and transparent in the allocation of financial resources,

“Recognizing the significant progress in Somalia over the past year, commending the Federal Government of Somalia for its efforts to bring peace and stability to Somalia, and encouraging it to set out and define a clear political process towards implementing a federal structure, in line with the provisional constitution of Somalia,

“Encouraging the engagement of the Federal Government of Somalia in identifying for listing individuals and entities engaging in acts that threaten the peace, security and stability of Somalia, as well as other listing criteria,

“Welcoming the intention of the Monitoring Group to continue building a productive relationship with the Federal Government of Somalia,

“Expressing concern at the level of information sharing between humanitarian agencies and the Monitoring Group, and urging enhanced information sharing and dialogue between the Monitoring Group and relevant humanitarian agencies,

“Expressing its desire to consolidate and affirm current exemptions to the arms embargo on Somalia and Eritrea in order to facilitate its implementation as well as to add new exemptions in operative paragraph 10 of this resolution,

“Looking forward to the EU-Somalia Conference in Brussels on 16 September, and in that context urging the international community to work together to ensure Somali government priorities are effectively supported,

“Underlining the importance of international support to the Federal Government of Somalia in fulfilling its commitments under the terms of the suspension of the arms embargo,

“Welcoming the efforts made by the Secretariat to expand and improve the roster of experts for the Security Council Subsidiary Organs Branch, bearing in mind the guidance provided by the Note of the President S/2006/997,

“Recalling the Informal Working Group on General Issues of Sanctions report (S/2006/997) on best practices and methods, including paragraphs 21, 22 and 23 that discuss possible steps for clarifying methodological standards for monitoring mechanisms,

“Determining that the situation in Somalia, Eritrea’s influence in Somalia, as well as the dispute between Djibouti and Eritrea, continue to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

“Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

“1.   Recalls resolution 1844 (2008) which imposed targeted sanctions and resolutions 2002 (2011) and 2093 (2013) which expanded the listing criteria, and notes one of the listing criteria under resolution 1844 (2008) is engaging in acts that threaten the peace, security and stability of Somalia;

“2.   Reiterates its willingness to adopt targeted measures against individuals and entities on the basis of the above mentioned criteria;

“3.   Reiterates that obstructing the investigations or work of the Monitoring Group is a criterion for listing under paragraph 15 (e) of resolution 1907 (2009);

Arms embargo

“4.   Reaffirms the arms embargo on Somalia, imposed by paragraph 5 of resolution 733 (1992) and further elaborated upon in paragraphs 1 and 2 of resolution 1425 (2002) and modified by paragraphs 33 to 38 of resolution 2093 (2013) (hereafter referred to as “the arms embargo on Somalia”);

“5.   Further reaffirms the arms embargo on Eritrea imposed by paragraphs 5 and 6 of resolution 1907 (2009) (hereafter referred to as “the arms embargo on Eritrea”);

“6.   Decides that until 6 March 2014 the arms embargo on Somalia shall not apply to deliveries of weapons or military equipment or the provision of advice, assistance or training, intended solely for the development of the Security Forces of the Federal Government of Somalia, to provide security for the Somali people, except in relation to deliveries of the items set out in the annex to this resolution;

“7.   Decides that supplies of items in the annex to this resolution to the Federal Government of Somalia by Member States or international, regional, and subregional organizations require an advance approval by the committee on a case-by-case basis;

“8.   Decides that weapons or military equipment sold or supplied solely for the development of the Security Forces of the Federal Government of Somalia may not be resold to, transferred to, or made available for use by, any individual or entity not in the service of the Security Forces of the Federal Government of Somalia;

“9.   Reminds the Federal Government of Somalia of its obligations to report to the Security Council no later than 6 October 2013, following that by 6 February 2014, and every six months thereafter, on:

(a)   The structure of the Security Forces of the Federal Government of Somalia;

(b)   The infrastructure in place to ensure the safe storage, registration, maintenance and distribution of military equipment by the Security Forces of the Federal Government of Somalia;

(c)   The procedures and codes of conduct in place for the registration, distribution, use and storage of weapons by the Security Forces of the Federal Government of Somalia, and on training needs in this regard;

“10.  Decides that the arms embargo on Somalia shall not apply to:

(a)   Supplies of weapons or military equipment or the provision of assistance, intended solely for the support of or use by United Nations personnel, including the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM);

(b)   Supplies of weapons and military equipment, technical training and assistance intended solely for the support of or use by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM);

(c)   Supplies of weapons or military equipment or the provision of assistance intended solely for the support of, or use by, AMISOM’s strategic partners, operating solely under the African Union Strategic Concept of 5 January 2012 (or subsequent AU strategic concepts), and in cooperation and coordination with AMISOM;

(d)   Supplies of weapons and military equipment, technical training and assistance intended solely for the support of or use by the European Union Training Mission (EUTM) in Somalia;

(e)   Supplies of weapons and military equipment destined for the sole use of Member States or international, regional and subregional organizations undertaking measures to suppress acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia, upon the request of the Federal Government of Somalia for which it has notified the Secretary-General, and provided that any measures undertaken shall be consistent with applicable international humanitarian and human rights law;

(f)   Supplies of protective clothing, including flak jackets and military helmets, temporarily exported to Somalia by United Nations personnel, representatives of the media and humanitarian and development workers and associated personnel for their personal use only;

(g)   Supplies of non-lethal military equipment intended solely for humanitarian or protective use, notified to the Committee five days in advance and for its information only, by the supplying State, international, regional or subregional organization;

“11.  Further decides that the arms embargo on Somalia shall not apply to:

(a)   Supplies of weapons or military equipment and technical assistance or training by Member States or international, regional and subregional organizations intended solely for the purposes of helping develop Somali security sector institutions, in the absence of a negative decision by the Committee within five working days of receiving a notification of any such assistance from the supplying State, international, regional or subregional organization;

“12.  Decides that the arms embargo on Eritrea shall not apply to supplies of non-lethal military equipment intended solely for humanitarian or protective use, as approved on case-by-case basis in advance by the Committee;

“13.  Decides that the arms embargo on Eritrea shall not apply to protective clothing, including flak jackets and military helmets, temporarily exported to Eritrea by United Nations personnel, representatives of the media and humanitarian and development workers and associated personnel for their personal use only;

Notification to the Committee

“14.  Decides that the Federal Government of Somalia has the primary responsibility to notify the Committee, for its information at least five days in advance, of any deliveries of weapons or military equipment or the provision of assistance intended solely for the Security Forces of the Federal Government of Somalia, as permitted in paragraph 6 of this resolution and excluding the items listed in the Annex to this resolution;

“15.  Further decides that the Member State or international, regional and subregional organization delivering assistance may, in the alternative, make this notification in consultation with the Federal Government of Somalia;

“16.  Stresses the importance that notifications submitted to the Committee in accordance with paragraphs 14 and 15 above, contain all relevant information, including where applicable, the type and quantity of weapons, ammunitions, military equipment and materiel to be delivered, the proposed date and the specific place of delivery in Somalia;

“17.  Calls on the Federal Government of Somalia to fulfil its obligations under the terms of the suspension of the arms embargo, in particular the notification procedure set out in paragraph 14 of this resolution;

Charcoal ban

“18.  Reiterates that the Somali authorities shall take the necessary measures to prevent the export of charcoal from Somalia and requests that AMISOM support and assist the Somali authorities in doing so, as part of AMISOM’s implementation of its mandate set out in paragraph 1 of resolution 2093, and reiterates that all Member States shall take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect import of charcoal from Somalia, whether or not such charcoal originated in Somalia;

“19.  Expresses its deep concern at reports of continuing violations of the charcoal ban by Member States, requests further detailed information from the Monitoring Group on possible environmentally sound destruction of Somali charcoal, reiterates its support for the President of Somalia’s task-force on charcoal issues, and underscores its willingness to take action against those who violate the charcoal ban;

“20.  Reminds all Member States, including police and troop contributing contingents to AMISOM, of their obligations to abide by the charcoal ban, as set out in resolution 2036 (2012);

Humanitarian issues

“21.  Underscores the importance of humanitarian aid operations, condemns any politicization of humanitarian assistance, or misuse or misappropriation, and calls upon Member States and the United Nations to take all feasible steps to mitigate these aforementioned practices in Somalia;

“22.  Decides that until 25 October 2014 and without prejudice to humanitarian assistance programmes conducted elsewhere, the measures imposed by paragraph 3 of resolution 1844 (2008) shall not apply to the payment of funds, other financial assets or economic resources necessary to ensure the timely delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance in Somalia, by the United Nations, its specialized agencies or programmes, humanitarian organizations having observer status with the United Nations General Assembly that provide humanitarian assistance, and their implementing partners including bilaterally or multilaterally funded NGOs participating in the United Nations Consolidated Appeal for Somalia;

“23.  Requests the Emergency Relief Coordinator to report to the Security Council by 20 March 2014 and again by 20 September 2014 on the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Somalia and on any impediments to the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Somalia, and requests relevant United Nations agencies and humanitarian organizations having observer status with the United Nations General Assembly and their implementing partners that provide humanitarian assistance in Somalia to increase their cooperation and willingness to share information with the United Nations Humanitarian Aid Coordinator for Somalia in the preparation of such reports and in the interests of increasing transparency and accountability;

“24.  Requests enhanced cooperation, coordination and information sharing between the Monitoring Group and the humanitarian organizations operating in Somalia and neighbouring countries;

Public financial management

“25.  Takes note of the President of Somalia’s commitment to improve public financial management, expresses its serious concern at reports of misappropriation of Somalia’s public resources, underlines the importance of transparent and effective management of public finances, encourages more robust efforts across the Federal Government of Somalia to address corruption and hold perpetrators accountable, improve public financial management and accountability, and reiterates its willingness to take action against individuals involved in the misappropriation of public resources;

Petroleum sector

“26.  Encourages the Federal Government of Somalia, to mitigate properly against the risk of the petroleum sector in Somalia becoming a source of increased tension in Somalia;

Mandate of the Monitoring Group

“27.  Decides to extend until 25 November 2014 the mandate of the Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group as set out in paragraph 13 of resolution 2060 (2012) and updated in paragraph 41 of resolution 2093 (2013), expresses its intent to review the mandate and take appropriate action regarding the further extension no later than 25 October 2014, and requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary administrative measures as expeditiously as possible to re-establish the Monitoring Group, in consultation with the Committee, for a period of sixteen months from the date of this resolution, drawing, as appropriate, on the expertise of the members of the Monitoring Group established pursuant to previous resolutions;

“28.  To submit, for the Security Council’s consideration, through the Committee, two final reports; one focusing on Somalia, the other on Eritrea, covering all the tasks set out in paragraph 13 of resolution 2060 (2012) and updated in paragraph 41 of resolution 2093 (2013), no later than thirty days prior to the termination of the Monitoring Group’s mandate;

“29.  Requests the Committee, in accordance with its mandate and in consultation with the Monitoring Group and other relevant United Nations entities to consider the recommendations in the reports of the Monitoring Group and recommend to the Council ways to improve the implementation of and compliance with the Somalia and Eritrea arms embargoes, the measures regarding the import and export of charcoal from Somalia, as well as implementation of the targeted measures imposed by paragraphs 1, 3 and 7 of resolutions 1844 (2008) and paragraphs 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 13 of resolution 1907 (2009) taking into account paragraph 1 above, in response to continuing violations;

“30.  Decides that the Monitoring Group shall no longer be obliged to submit monthly reports to the Committee in the same months in which it provides its mid-term brief and submits its final reports;

“31.  Underlines the importance of engagement between the Government of Eritrea and the Monitoring Group, and underlines its expectation that the Government of Eritrea will facilitate the entry of the Monitoring Group to Eritrea without any further delay;

“32.  Urges all parties and all States, as well as international, regional and subregional organizations, including AMISOM, to ensure cooperation with the Monitoring Group, and ensure the safety of the members of the Monitoring Group, unhindered access, in particular to persons, documents and sites the Monitoring Group deems relevant to the execution of its mandate;

AMISOM

“33.  Looks forward to the results of the upcoming joint review of AMISOM by the Secretariat and the African Union, requests options and recommendations to be presented to the Council by 10 October 2013, and welcomes the African Union’s intention to work closely with the Secretariat on the review;

“34.  Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

Annex

“1.   Surface to air missiles, including Man-Portable Air-Defence Systems (MANPADS);

“2.   Guns, howitzers, and cannons with a calibre greater than 12.7 mm, and ammunition and components specially designed for these. (This does not include shoulder fired anti-tank rocket launchers such as RPGs or LAWs, rifle grenades, or grenade launchers.);

“3.   Mortars with a calibre greater than 82 mm;

“4.   Anti-tank guided weapons, including Anti-tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) and ammunition and components specially designed for these items;

“5.   Charges and devices intended for military use containing energetic materials; mines and related materiel;

“6.   Weapon sights with a night vision capability.”

Ethiopia Troops Vacate Baidoa- GAROWE ONLINE

The last battalions of Ethiopian troops left with their armored fighting vehicles, tanks and artillery trucks, according to eyewitnesses in Baidoa.

"Ethiopian troops stationed here began to vacate Baidoa yesterday [Sunday], they had three military bases and following their recent preparations, the last group of troops vacated Baidoa today," witnesses said.

Local reports in Baidoa confirmed to Garowe Online that AMISOM peacekeeping forces immediately filled the military stations vacated by Ethiopian troops. "Some of the troops walked out by foot and they were vigilant because they feared attack by Al Shabaab militants during the withdrawal," an eyewitness added.

On 10 July, Ethiopian troops vacated Bay regional districts of Bardale and Qansahdheere and their pullout was also felt in Baidoa as they retreated from major military bases including Hasey Factory station and 60th Somali Army Base.

Ethiopian troops intervened in Southern Somalia in Dec. 2006 and withdrew by Jan. 2009, but returned to Gedo, Bay, Bakool, Hiiraan and Galgadud border regions in early 2012 in support of Somali government's stabilization operations.

In March 2013, Ethiopian vacated Huddur town of Bakool region, near the Ethiopian border, and Al Shabaab militants almost immediately seized control of Huddur to date.

Somaliland’s Role in a Potential Military Conflict between Ethiopia and Egypt

By: Robleh Mohamud Lafcanbe

Somalilandsun - Tension is increasing as Ethiopia and Egypt continue to butt heads over the Nile River. Ethiopia remains firm on building the $4.2 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Egypt is determined to stop Ethiopia from building the dam, claiming that Egypt is the "gift of the Nile" and water supply will decrease by 20% and hydroelectric power would decrease by 40%.

The battle over the Nile has already drawn neighboring countries into the dispute. Sudan and South Sudan have expressed their support for Ethiopia's dam, while Somalia might show their allegiance to Egypt.

Earlier this month, Egyptian army officials arrived in Somalia to discuss revamping the Somalia National Army and building a possible Egyptian military base. It appears that if Egypt & Ethiopia do go to war, Egypt is relying on Somalia's strategic location to attack Ethiopia. In order to do so, they will need to go through Somaliland first – with the help of Somalia.

Which comes to the question: What is Somaliland's stance on this issue and what role would they play?

The people of Somaliland will never forget the role Egypt played during the struggle years against Siad Barre's regime. Egypt armed and supplied military hardware that was used to slaughter the people of Somaliland. After reclaiming our independence in 1991, Egypt has been using their influence in the Arab and African world to hinder any chance of us getting recognition.

Somaliland's strongest ally in Africa is Ethiopia. Since reclaiming the independence we were granted in 1960, Ethiopia and Somaliland have shared an unbreakable bond. Both countries have operated on issues such as trade and security. A close relationship – but not close enough considering the fact they have yet to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign nation.

Regardless, Somaliland remains loyal to their brothers of Ethiopia. If the two countries do go to the war we will support them through thick and thin.

The Somaliland government has made their stance on this issue clear and expressed their commitment to defend Ethiopia. That being said, we need Ethiopia to meet us half-way and take the lead of granting us our rightful recognition. It's time we stop lying in bed with each other and make our relationship legal and official.

Ethiopia has every right to use the Nile waters to develop their nation and provide for their citizens just like other countries situated on the Nile. It's in Egypt's best interest to diplomatically resolve this issue with Ethiopia and reach a common solution that will benefit both countries. If Egypt insists on stirring chaos, Ethiopia can definitely count on the people of Somaliland to help them fight off any potential threat.

Kenyan troops continue to defend Somali port - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Kenyan troops continue to defend Somali port

Forces who drove al-Shabab out of Kismayo eight months ago have stayed to maintain security. Last Modified: 08 Jun 2013 11:54

Kenyan troops who took over the Somali port of Kismayo, once a stronghold of al-Shabab fighters, continue to fight against the armed group. Eight months ago, the Kenyan forces, supported by local fighters, drove al-Shabab out of the city. But members of the armed group remain in the area and African Union forces are trying to maintain security in the town. Al Jazeera's Mohammed Adow reports from Kismayo.

Kenyan troops who took over the Somali port of Kismayo, once a stronghold of al-Shabab fighters, continue to fight against the armed group. Eight months ago, the Kenyan forces, supported by local fighters, drove al-Shabab out of the city. But members of the armed group remain in the area and African Union forces are trying to maintain security in the town. Al Jazeera's Mohammed Adow reports from Kismayo." 'via Blog this'

Jubaland Kenyan Buffer land becaming New State - YouTube

Somalia in deadlock over Jubaland - YouTube: ""

'via Blog this'

Mogadishu culture shock for diaspora Somalis - BBC News

COMMENTS (30)

Somalia: Failed State

• Lighting up Somalia
• Struggle for unity
• In pictures: Camp life
• Q&A: Who are al-Shabab?

The accents here in Somalia's capital can be hard to place these days.

I'm sitting in a grimy corner of Villa Somalia - the once rather grand government building in the centre of Mogadishu - waiting to talk to a minister.

"Would you like some tea?"

It is the minister's aide - Faiza Hassan - a cheerful woman in her mid twenties.

At first I thought she might be from Birmingham. She laughed at that.

No, her accent is Swedish, with a little Dutch, and some Liverpuddlian thrown in.

"I've been back for four months now," she says. "This city takes some getting used to."

“Start Quote

Without the skills, we'll still be stuck here in 100 years' time”

Faiza HassanMinisterial aide

It certainly does.

After two decades of anarchy and misery, Mogadishu is enjoying something of a renaissance.

The spectacular ruins are being patched up. Hotels are being built. There are even streetlights in some places.

And everywhere, you hear the accents: Texan, Geordie, Minnesotan, south London, Scandinavian.

Somalia's far-flung diaspora is coming back - in big numbers - to visit, to help out, to make money, and to find out if this renaissance has any chance of lasting.

The jury is still out on that one.

'At a crossroads'

Arriving at Mogadishu's beachside international airport, the first thing I noticed was that the wreckage of an old plane crash had finally been cleared from beside the runway.

The second thing I learned was that a massive car bomb had just exploded up the road, killing or injuring dozens of people.

"We're at a crossroads," says Ms Hassan, a few days later. "But I don't know which way it'll go."

Mogadishu remains a volatile city and security is still a problem

She left her husband back in the UK to come here to help at the education ministry.

She has a return plane ticket, a Spartan hotel room and no salary.

The plan is to get a million children back to school this year. But the ministry is starting from scratch.

And Ms Hassan, who left Somalia at the age of two, is wrestling with the culture shock.

“Start Quote

I'm a fish out of water here”

Mohammed YahyeCharity worker

Those who stayed behind seem to lack the drive and initiative that she picked up abroad.

"Without the skills," she sighs, "we'll still be stuck here in 100 years' time. People have got used to this way of life."

Across town, 29-year-old Mohammed Yahye is trying to shake off his homesickness with a can of Red Bull - it reminds him of his life back in Wembley.

"I'm a fish out of water here," he says with a smile.

I first met Mr Yahye last year - soon after he had flown in from London, determined to do his bit to rebuild Mogadishu.

He has been working for a charity that helps young people struggling to find jobs. Right now, he is organising a hugely popular televised talent competition, Idols - Somali-style.

Mogadishu is being patched up. There are even streetlights in some places.

"People think I'm rude," he says. "Aggressive. It's a cultural thing.

"I'm just too British. In Somalia you have to be subtler, more apologetic in the way you talk.

"But at least I get things done."

Mr Yahye works and sleeps in the charity's guarded compound.

One of the few times he went out, he got caught up in a gunfight and a bullet hit the wall just above his head.

"Anything can happen here," he shrugs.

"The Islamist militants - al-Shabab - are getting smart. You get the sense the government is lagging way behind.

"And the corruption here is horrendous.

"But I've made a commitment to stay, and I'd like to fulfil it, if I can."

'Please visit'

From Our Own Correspondent

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Plenty of troubled countries have wrestled with the tensions and opportunities presented by a big, energetic diaspora, anxious to help out and sometimes treading on local people's toes.

But I cannot think of anywhere that has seen such a rapid influx of talent and determination.

There is Abukar Dahir, a 25-year-old banker, who is now helping to rebuild Somalia's Central Bank: Wrestling with the complexities of a currency swelled by counterfeit notes - that everyone accepts; and trying to rewire an isolated country into global financial networks.

And there is Martello, an estate agent from Essex in the UK, who has already started clearing ground for a new development on the beach just north of Mogadishu.

He has even brought his 13-year-old son, Abukar, who emailed me a copy of the letter he wrote to his old teacher back in the UK.

Abukar Dahir is helping to rebuild Somalia's Central Bank

"Dear Ms Raffee," he writes. "Please visit Somalia. It is much better now. There is no street fighting. I play football with my new friends and go to school from Saturday to Wednesday."

"Come and visit us to see the beaches and education system. My dad will provide you with accommodation - and security."

A week later, Ms Hassan, the minister's aide, emails me from England.

"I really needed this holiday," she writes.

During her absence there was a mortar attack on Villa Somalia. No-one was injured.

Ms Hassan will be back in Mogadishu soon.

"But I have no social life," she says. "I don't think I could ever settle down there now."

Your co