- Mohamed Dheere, the newly appointed Mayor of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, has used his inaugural speech to ban civilians from carrying guns on the streets. With effect from Friday, only security officers loyal to the government would be allowed to carry weapons in the city.
The ex-warlord believes the move will help bring back stability to Somalia – a country that experiences 16 years of anarchy.
The gun ban came after the government ceased a six-week fatal operation against Islamist insurgency in Mogadishu.
The new Mayor said punishment lies ahead of anyone that fails to comply with the new order.
Mayor Dhere handed over 10 war vehicles to the Minister of Interior for the enforcement of the law and order in the city.
The government’s order has come barely a day after prominent companies in the country entrusted their security in the hands of the government and therefore handed over their guns to the African Union peacekeepers.
Most Somalis buy guns to secure their lives and properties.
The transitional federal government has also banned civilians from driving vehicles with tinted glasses in Mogadishu. It has given owners of such vehicles three days either remove glasses or desist from plying the streets. Security officers would be deployed in the streets to make sure that people comply with government orders.
The new Police Chief, General Abdi Hassan Awale, warned that anyone found driving such vehicles will be viewed as obstacles to peace. He said his office will not have mercy on violators.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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