01 Sept 2011 – Daily Monitoring Report
Key Headlines:
- Swedish minister visits Mogadishu
- Crown Princess Mary of Denmark visits refugees in the Horn of Africa
- Security operation ongoing in Mogadishu for the second day
- Seven wounded in southern Somalia grenade attack
- Al Shabaab set free a prominent cleric arrested in Wajid town
- Local clan up in arms with rebel group in Baidoa Bay region
- Somali soldiers conclude training in Uganda
- EU pledges 300 million euros for African peacekeeping missions
SOMALI MEDIA
Swedish minister visits Mogadishu
31 Aug – Source: Radio Mogadishu, Bar-Kulan, Kulmiye and Shabelle – 161 words A delegating from Swedish government on Wednesday arrived in Mogadishu to witness the famine displaced people in the capital. Sweden’s Minister for International Development and Cooperation Gunilla Carlson and her delegation held key discussions on the Horn of Africa famine with Somalia’s minister of trade Abdiwahab Ugas Khalif in the seaside city. After the discussions, Mr. Khalif, Somalia’s Minister of Trade and Swedish Minister for International Development and Cooperation held a joint press conference. Khalif said he was very pleased with the visit by Swedish delegation to Somalia to see the situation of drought and famine in the country.
He said that many Somali refugees were granted asylum by Sweden after Somalia’s central government collapsed decades ago. For her part, Carlson says that Swedish government is committed to helping the drought and famine affected Somalis. She said that ensuring overall security in Mogadishu is needed and very important for the ongoing humanitarian operations in the country.
Security operation ongoing in Mogadishu for the second day
01 Sept – Source: Radio Mogadishu, Shabelle – 112 words
The Somali government forces today embarked on a massive operation for the second day in Mogadishu aimed at eradicating weapons from the capital. Addressing journalists, Somali Police Commissioner Sharif Sheikhuna Maye said that the TFG forces managed to pin down nine suspects and numerous military hardware, police and military uniforms in the districts of Shangani, Waberi, Bondhere, and KM4 junction. The Director General in the Ministry of Interior and National Security Bashir Goobe said the operations carried out by the Somali TFG forces was in line with the president’s declaration of a state of emergency in the liberated areas and in the IDP camps located in Mogadishu city. The ongoing operations in the capital are meant to ensure the Somali civilian populations live in a conducive environment.
Seven wounded in southern Somalia grenade attack
01 Sept – Source: Shabelle – 176 words
At least seven people have been wounded after unknown assailants launched grenade attack on a teashop in Luq town of southern Somalia. Diyal Abdi Kalil, a military officer for Somali government gave further details about how the incident took place. Mr. Kalil says that some of the government soldiers and civilian people were among those injured in the grenade attack. He said the wounded people were rushed to a local hospital where they received some treatments. The government military official said they have plans to fight rampant insecurity in the town of Luq which Somali forces had confiscated from al Shabaab months ago after fierce battles. No one was arrested in connection with the attack so far, according to local residents in the town.
http://www.shabelle.net/article.php?id=10288
Uganda, Somalia gathered to pray for peace in Somalia
31 Aug – Source: Radio Kulmiye, New Vision – 111 words
Leaders from Ugandan government and Somalia representatives held a prospective conference in Kampala. Prayers at the Gadaffi Mosque were presided over by Imam Sheikh Rajab Kakooza and Uganda Mufti Sheikh Shaban Mubajje. The prayers also were attended by Somali minister of defence Hasan Arab Ese, Somali ambassador to Uganda Sayid Ahmad as well as Adam Yusuf Muhammed, the Consul General of Sudan in Uganda. The Somali defense minister thanked Uganda for its role in restoring stability in Somalia. The Somali minister said “things are getting better and now the challenge is to maintain the peace. We thank Ugandans for the consistent help to the Somali cause”.
Al Shabaab set free a prominent cleric arrested in Wajid town
01 Septt – Source: Radio Bar-Kulan – 120 words
Al Shabaab in Bakol region has released a prominent local cleric from custody after keeping him behind bars for more than four days. A brother of the cleric Sheikh Mohamed Sheikh Ali confirmed to Bar-kulan the release of his brother who was arrested in the area on Sunday night. Local traditional elders secured his release after pleading with militia leaders. Sheikh Ibrahim Sheikh Hussein was on Sunday night whisked away from his house in Wajid town by hooded militia men who later took him into custody. Eyewitnesses claimed the militia physically assaulted the Sheikh before keeping him behind bars. The militia is known for carrying out arbitrary arrests, detentions and restriction of free speech in areas under their control.
Somali PM returned to Mogadishu after visiting Puntland and Galmudug states
31 Aug – Source: Radio Mogadishu, Somalia report – 44 words
After five days visiting Puntland and Galmudug regional states, the Somali Prime Minister Abdiwali Mohamed Ali has returned back to Mogadishu. He stated that his trip was successful since he reached agreements with the leaders of both administrations.
Local clan up in arms with rebel group in Baidoa, Bay region
01 Sept – Source: Radio Bar-Kulan – 155 words
Tension is reportedly prevailing in and around Baidoa, Bay region, as fighting looms between al Shabaab rebels and a local clan in the area over the recent killing of ICRC officer in the district. Local clan elders ordered the militia group to surrender the assailant for execution or face the same punishment, in a literal application of al Shabaab’s Sharia eye-for-eye laws in their hands. The clan elders who will meet area rebel leaders on Thursday night could not agree with the rebel leaders on how to deal with the escalating situation in the area. Elders demanded that the murderer, who is among the rebel fighters, be killed because of his actions but the militant group has been reluctant to do it.
Local youths from the clan of the deceased aid worker Abdisalam Feleg in Habare village are reportedly arming themselves in preparation for retaliation. An al Shabaab militant shot the aid worker several times in the head and chest earlier on Sunday night.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Somali soldiers conclude training in Uganda
01 Sept – Source: New Vision – 104 words
A total of 900 Somali soldiers on Wednesday concluded their training at Bihanga Military training School in Ibanda district. This was the second intake of Somali soldiers trained in Bihanga camp since last year, the School commandant, Lt. Col. Winston Byaruhanga said.
They were trained in basic military skills, medical, physical training among others. The European Union Ambassador, Dr. Roberto Ridolfi, reiterated the European Union’s determination and concrete engagement in the stabilization of Somalia.
He said EU will continue supporting African countries in the fight against insurgents and keep peace. The Somali defense minister, Hussein Arab Esse, presided the end of the training.
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/12/764016
Spanish warship ‘Infanta Cristina’ joins anti-piracy patrol off Somalia
01 Sept – Source: Coast week – 150 words
On August 29 the Spanish warship SPS Infanta Cristina joined ‘Operation Atalanta’ off the Horn of Africa, having previously deployed for this operation in the autumn of 2010.
Commanded by Lieutenant Commander Angel Gamboa Perez-Pardo, the ship and its crew have conducted specialist training before joining Task Force 465 and are fully ready to take part in counter-piracy operations and escorting of vulnerable ships in the region. SPS Infanta Cristina is a patrol craft of the Descubierta class, has a length of 89 meters, a displacement of 1,495 tons and a crew of 148.
EUNAVFOR Somalia – ‘Operation Atalanta’s main tasks are to escort ships carrying humanitarian aid of the World Food Program and vessels of African Union Mission in Somalia, deter and disrupt piracy and protect other vulnerable vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.
In addition, EUNAVFOR monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.
http://www.coastweek.com/3434_piracy_02.htm?
EU pledges 300 million euros for African peacekeeping missions
31 Aug – Source: QNA, SPA – 79 words
A European Union fund supporting peacekeeping missions in Africa is to be replenished with 300 million euros (433 million dollars), the bloc”s executive said on Wednesday. The African Peace Facility helps the African Union and other regional organizations launch peacekeeping missions, as well as institution building and mediation initiatives. It is currently funding operations in Somalia, the Central African Republic and Sudan. The money pledged Wednesday is to cover the 2011-2013 periods, the European Commission said in a statement.
http://www.qnaol.net/QNAEn/News_Bulletin/News/Pages/11-08-31-1910_467_0051.aspx
GCC must beef up coastal security against pirate attacks
01 Sept – Source: Arabian Business – 175 words
Gulf States including the GCC and Oman must ramp up measures to fend off the growing problem of marine pirate attacks, or risk becoming a hotbed for hijackings, analysts said.
Oman in August saw two attacks on ships near the port of Salalah, with one tanker and crew snatched from inside the port in front of the coast guard. Experts warn these attacks may be the tip of the iceberg.
“The problem will only worsen in the short-term as the Monsoon season is due to end in mid- September. The Gulf of Oman might be a new area of focus, which will pose a concern for Emirati shipping interests which must pass through the area,” said John Drake, a senior risk consultant at AKE Group. Piracy is a well-organized and highly lucrative business and has expanded into a vast area off the coast of Somalia. An estimated $150m was paid in ransoms for ships, cargoes and crews to pirate gangs last year, while a record 1,181 seafarers were kidnapped, according to consultancy Dryad Maritime Intelligence.
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/gcc-must-beef-up-coastal-security-against-pirate-attacks- 418369.html
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
US give another $23M in grants for famine relief
01 Sept – Source: AP, News.yahoo.com – 583 words
The head of an agency providing federal aid to famine relief efforts in Somalia reassured a crowd in Minneapolis Wednesday that those who work with the U.S. to help the millions of people starving in the Horn of Africa won’t be prosecuted for supporting terrorists. Raj Shah, the administrator of the federal aid arm USAID, was part of a public forum addressing the ongoing famine in Somalia. He made the comments in response to an audience question about the government’s anti-terror laws.
“Any partner working with the government, or USAID in particular, will be immune from that type of prosecution,” Shah said, reiterating an announcement the Obama administration made in early August. “We’ve heard your concerns and tried very hard to be responsive,” he said.
The concerns are very real in Minnesota, which has the largest Somali population in the U.S. but has also been the center of an ongoing investigation into the recruiting and travels of more than 20 young men who authorities believe left Minneapolis to fight with al-Shabaab in Somalia. A total of 20 people have been charged in Minnesota in connection with the travelers and terror financing — including two women who claim they were raising money to charity.
About 350 people attended Wednesday’s forum about the famine, including many in the local Somali community. The forum was moderated by U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, and participants included House minority leader Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Rep. Tim Walz.
http://news.yahoo.com/us-gives-another-23m-grants-famine-relief-232134815.html
Crown Princess Mary of Denmark visits refugees in the Horn of Africa
01 Sept – Source: Alertnet – 476 words
The patron of the Danish Refugee Council Crown Princess Mary and Danish Minister for Development Cooperation S??ren Pind visited the world’s largest refugee camp, Dadaab in Kenya, on Saturday. Here, more than 430,000 refugees mainly from Somalia are living – and more are coming every day.
The need for urgent action and more aid for victims of famine in the Horn of Africa came very close to the Danish Refugee Council’s patron Crown Princess Mary, when she and Minister S??ren Pind visited the Dadaab camps. The camps are located in Kenya nearly 90 kilometers from the border with Somalia. This is where most of the refugees from famine in Somalia come after a long and hazardous journey through drought and war torn areas.
The Danish Refugee Council is not only the largest Danish aid organization in Somalia, the epicenter of the humanitarian crisis, but also a key player when it comes to relief to Dadaab in Kenya.
During her visit, Crown Princess Mary inaugurated the Danish Refugee Council’s new compound marking a more permanent role since work began back in 2005. The Crown Princess thanked staff for their hard work to deliver emergency aid, and said further in her speech: “Sometimes a catastrophe can seem too large to cope with, but this should not stop us from doing our utmost to make a difference for the hungry and needy. We must save lives, and we must light hopes.”
In the part of Dadaab where newly arrived refugees are registered, the Crown Princess met several of the exhausted and weakened refugees who had just arrived. Many have lost family members and suffered violence underway, and all are marked by famine and traumatic experiences. Meanwhile they are also among the lucky ones who reached safety and aid in Dadaab.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/denmarks-crown-princess-mary-visits-refugees-in-the-horn-ofafrica
UN renews Somalia famine warning
01 Sept – Source: BBC – 72 words
Millions of people will die of starvation if more is not done to help Somalia, the UN high commissioner for refugees has warned.
Antonio Guterres said that the international community’s aid was not reaching the people at risk, due to conflict in the country.
The Horn of Africa is facing its worst drought for decades, with millions in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan in urgent need of food, water and healthcare.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14742658
Insurgents are gone but Mogadishu still struggles
01 Sept- Source: Reuters- 560 words
Under the arches of Mogadishu’s ruined Catholic cathedral, 25-year-old Habiba Ahmed helped one of her five children urinate in a tin can. A mortar shell killed Ahmed’s husband three years ago. She lived in the port town of Merka, south of Mogadishu, until three months ago when hunger and the punishing rule of al Shabaab militant Islamists there drove the family to the capital.
Now al Shabaab fighters have retreated from Mogadishu itself after four years of battling government forces and foreign peacekeepers. But memories of their rule and fears they may return still grip Ahmed and many others in the city, not least the thousands of refugees who have fled al Shabaab rule in the hinterland. “There was no life under al Shabaab,” Ahmed said, squatting below a bomb-blasted stone carving of Jesus and his disciples.
“There was no freedom to walk carefree, no freedom to work, no freedom to dress as we liked. Al Shabaab stole my son, to recruit him into their forces, but I got him back,” the widow said. While the insurgents’ retreat from Mogadishu effectively handed full control of the city to the government for the first time since civil war broke out in 1991, the rebels still control huge chunks of southern and central Somalia.
Foreign Minister Mohamed Mohamud Haji Ibrahim, asked if the government might again lose the city, said: “No, we are in control of Mogadishu.” “But to recapture the whole country we need extra forces, extra equipment and we need the support of the international community,” he told reporters at the presidential palace, a heavily guarded hilltop compound that overlooks the once grand Italian colonial facades of Mogadishu’s seafront.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/01/us-somalia-conflict-idUSTRE7801EH20110901
CULTURE, BLOGS AND EDITORIALS
Saving children in the Horn of Africa
31 Aug – Source: Al Jazeera – 724 words
What can we do, collectively and individually, in response to the famine in the drought-stricken Horn of Africa, which has been called “the most severe food security emergency in the world today”?
Since the rains failed in October 2010, famine in Somalia has already caused tens of thousands of deaths, including more than 29,000 children under age five, and is likely to persist through at least December. This is part of an even wider regional drought and conflict-induced humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa that threatens the lives and livelihoods of some 12.4m people. This includes people not only in my native country of Somalia, but also people in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and other countries.
The situation is worsened by prolonged conflicts that have forced millions of people to flee the security of their homes and abandon their pasture and livestock. Thousands every day are arriving in already disastrously overcrowdedrefugee camps.
But the famine conditions were foreseen, and the world possesses resources enough to cope, if they were shared and distributed more promptly and effectively. So people in the Horn of Africa are dying not just because the rains have failed but also because politicians and policies – and to some degree, all of the parties to Somalia’s prolonged armed conflict – have failed.
On August 25, the African Union hosted a fundraising conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where African leaders and institutions pledged more than $380m, including $300m from the African Development Bank, to be spent over four years for long-term development in the Horn of Africa. African leaders promised to donate more than $51m. However, aid groups say there remains a shortfall of some $1.4bn. So far, 21 out of 54 AU member states have contributed, with Algeria, Angola and Egypt leading the way by donating a combined $20m. Yet some African activists and citizens are calling for even more leadership to meet the shortfall.
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/08/2011830112614475886.html