James Khalil PhD’s Post

The conflict in **Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)** has been brutal and complex, with historical and regional reasons. Although there are no simple answers, several steps can be taken to reduce violence and promote peace: 1. ** Armistice agreement **: - Encourage all armed groups to join and comply with the ceasefire agreement. The agreement includes conditions such as cessation of hostilities, disarmament, demilitarization and rehabilitation of combatants²⁵. - International mediators and regional leaders should continue to facilitate discussions and negotiations for lasting peace. 2. **Root Address**: - Address underlying issues causing conflict, such as competition for natural resources, ethnic conflict and political instability. - Improve resource management in balance with economic development in order to reduce the fighting will of armed groups. 3. **Reform of security institutions**: - Strengthen the DRC security forces against armed groups while respecting human rights. - Carry out appropriate training, accountability and monitoring to prevent abuses by security agencies. 4. **Regional cooperation**: - Involvement in neighboring countries, particularly ............... related to history and conflicts. Address issues related to cross-border financing of armed groups. - Collaborate with regional organizations such as the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to coordinate activities. 5. **Emergency Assistance**: - Provide immediate assistance to people in crisis, including internally displaced persons and refugees. - Do everything possible to help organizations provide assistance and help people. 6. **Justice and responsibility**: - Pursue justice for war crimes and human rights violations committed during the conflict. - Establish accountability mechanisms, including truth and reconciliation processes. 7. **Sustainable development**: - Invest in education, healthcare and infrastructure to improve quality of life and improve security. - Empower local communities to participate in decision-making and peacebuilding. Remember that achieving lasting peace in the DRC requires the sustained efforts of the international community, regional actors and the Congolese people themselves. It's a difficult journey, but every step leads to peace. 🕊️ Source: Interview with Bing-Basekerufite 02/19/2024

The recent Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement, addressing a complex geopolitical situation in the Horn of Africa, raises concerns about regional stability and sovereignty. Somaliland, not internationally recognized, and Ethiopia bypassed the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) in this agreement, leading to FGS's rejection of the MOU for violating Somalia's sovereignty. This has sparked conflict and highlighted the tension between regional autonomy and national integrity. Let us remember that the decisions made today will echo through the lives of our future generations. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these decisions lead to a future where peace, cooperation, and mutual respect are the cornerstones of our regional dynamics. Let's work towards a future where our children and grandchildren inherit a legacy of peace and prosperity, not conflict and division. This is not just about a single agreement or the interests of two parties; it's about the future of an entire region. Any conflict, irrespective of the outcome, will not benefit our future generations. It could deter investors, divert resources, and escalate disputes, further complicating the path to peace and prosperity. Therefore it is time for Ethiopia to be cautious and respect its neighbors and foster a culture of peace and prosperity.

We are happy to announce the release of the Nigeria INGO Forum 2023 Annual Report! In this #annualreport, we share the remarkable progress and achievements of the Forum in strengthening coordination, increasing information sharing, and fostering partnerships among #humanitarian, development and peacebuilding actors throughout 2023. Read about the significant strides we have taken towards supporting the operational realities of the INGO community in #Nigeria and making a positive impact in the country. To learn more about the #NIF’s mission, objectives, and activities in 2023, click the link below and download the report! https://lnkd.in/dffZEskA #NIFAnnualReport #NIFNews

The authority to determine when the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) or its successor, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), leaves Somalia does not solely rest with the Somali National Advisor. This decision typically involves multiple stakeholders, including the Somali federal government, the African Union, and the United Nations, among others. The Somali National Advisor, likely referring to a senior security or political advisor within the Somali government, can certainly have significant influence and input in these discussions. he can provide critical assessments, recommendations, and strategic guidance to the Somali government and its partners regarding the security situation and the readiness of Somali forces to take over security responsibilities. However, the final decision on the withdrawal timeline of AMISOM/ATMIS would be made through a coordinated process involving consultations between the Somali government, the African Union, and other international stakeholders to ensure that the withdrawal aligns with the stability and security needs of Somalia. I hope the advisor for national security in Somalia will know what his duties are and won't become confused about them. Being aware of your responsibilities enables you to generate work of a higher calibre than you have previously Studying and gaining more knowledge are the only ways to understand your abilities and responsibilities Author Mohameddeq Ali Abdi

World Fund for Development and Planning - WFDP issued a statement condemning the Berbera Agreement that was signed between Ethiopia and the Somaliland region, with the aim of Ethiopia obtaining access to and a port on the Red Sea. Ambassador Ekramy El Zaghat, president of WFDP, announced that the Somaliland region is not a separate region but rather an integral part of Somali territory, and it will not be possible to treat it as a sovereign region or state, explaining that there are international agreements to recognise territorial integrity and independence, stressing that Somalia is one country governed by one government, and its division will not be recognized for any reason. WFDP called on the General Secretariat of the United Nations and the international community to adhere to the international agreements concluded regarding the state of Somalia and its territorial integrity, under a unified confederal government with Mogadishu as its capital and to refuse to register any agreements with any region under the rule of the state in accordance with international law. He also stressed the commitment to support the State of Somalia regionally and globally in accordance with the agreements signed between the Fund and the Somali government. At the beginning of this year, Ethiopia, a country that does not have access to any outlet on the Red Sea, unexpectedly signed an agreement with the leader of Somaliland, in order to gain access to an outlet on the Red Sea. The agreement granted Ethiopia access to the Red Sea for 50 years, with a length of 20 kilometers. It includes the port of Berbera and a military base, in exchange for Addis Ababa recognizing Somaliland, a breakaway from Somalia, as an independent republic after the region failed to obtain recognition of its independence from any country in the world. This step sparked many criticisms, while the Somali President announced that he would not recognize the signed agreement. #wfdp #Somalia #UnitedNations

Nigeria’s new crop of northern governors represent a powerful layer of policymaking through which to encourage the only viable strategy to stabilize the Sahel and West Africa — one that prioritizes good governance, an assault on corruption, well-shaped economic investments, and opportunities for Nigerian youth. Our Chris Kwaja and Matthew Edds-Reitman have the latest on how U.S. and international partners can strengthen state-level peacebuilding capacities in Nigeria:

Building strong peace building in Somalia is to addressing the underlying causes of violence, and encouraging inclusivity are all necessary for achieving enduring peace in Somalia. Important prerequisites consist of: 1. **Inclusive Dialogue:** To guarantee that all viewpoints are taken into account during the peace process, facilitate an extensive and inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders. 2. **Reconciliation:** To allay historical grievances, put in place initiatives that promote harmony between various political, clan, and ethnic groupings. 3. **Effective Governance:** To foster institutional trust and guarantee equitable representation, strengthen governance frameworks, the rule of law, and anti-corruption initiatives. 4. **Economic Development:** Encourage sustainable economic growth to combat unemployment and poverty and lessen the elements that fuel instability. 5. **Security Sector Reform:** Build a professional and accountable security sector to maintain law and order while respecting human rights. 6. **International Support:** To support domestic initiatives, work with the international community to provide financial, technical, and diplomatic help. 7. **Education and Awareness:** Make programmes for tolerance, comprehension, and respect for diversity an investment. 8. **Disarmament and Demobilisation:** Put into practice efficient disarmament and demobilisation initiatives to cut down on the number of weapons in circulation and help ex-combatants reintegrate into society. 9. **Humanitarian Aid:** Ensure that aid is provided to meet urgent needs, promote stability, and stop conflict from reoccurring. 10. **Media Engagement:** Encourage responsible media coverage that steers clear of divisive narratives and advances peacebuilding. Establishing enduring peace is a difficult and drawn-out process that calls for cooperation from both national and international players. Author Mohameddeq Ali Abdi

Today, I'm particularly reminded of the core principle guiding survivor-centered investigations: Do no harm. This principle is fundamental to all #humanitarian work. #Safeguarding humanitarian workers and those in vulnerable situations is critical, now more than ever. As Jeannette Nduwamariya stated: "Zero tolerance means zero tolerance". #ActForHumanity #WorldHumanitarianDay #CompassionMatters

In many respects, social threats originate from social problems that a society faces due largely to historical injustices and inequalities that they create. In our context, the country is characterized by its long dictatorial and authoritarian history where justice was denied for the majority of its citizens, thereby calling into its current dangers and injustices. Somalia today is at a serious crossroads. A combination of internal factors including the activities of warlords, war profiteers, and rival political factions have been pitted against each other. Humanity as a whole has also failed the greater society by its lack of commitment to justice, peace, and prosperity for all citizens of Somalia. The book is about the failures of local leadership, the Ethiopian intervention of 2006, and international policy towards Somalia. Read this amazing article Author Mohameddeq Ali Abdi