Gender, Politics, SOMALIA:
Tough foreign policy challenges for Somalia’s “Iron Lady”

11/21/2012 2:40:26 AM Reprint | | Print |

MOGADISHU - Fauzia Yusuf Haji Adan was sworn in as Somalia’s first female foreign minister and deputy prime minister this Monday. - The little-known politician comes from the unrecognised, self-proclaimed republic of Somaliland, which unilaterally declared independence from Somalia after the collapse of the government in 1991.

Adan takes on the mantle of leadership in a country with a number of tough foreign policy challenges, including bridging the divide between Somalia and Somaliland.

There is also the growing friction between Kenya and Somalia over the formation of local administration areas in southern Somalia where the Kenyan military captured the Al-Shabaab-controlled port city of Kismayo in late September.

Kenya has reportedly been pushing for the region, known as Azania or Jubaland, to be given the status of autonomous state. /IPS (END//2012)

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