03 Oct 2011 – Daily Monitoring Report
Key Headlines:
- President Sharif says fight against al Qaeda to be doubled
- Somali Government condemns extremists’ ban on telecom and money transfer companies
- The African Union Mission in Somalia Awards Medals to Ugandan Police Contingent in Mogadishu
- Kenya sends mediators to Somalia to get Frenchwoman released
- TFG MP’s debate Somali territorial waters in parliament
- Kenya plans to establish special anti-sea crime unit
PRESS RELEASES
Somali Government condemns extremists’ ban on telecom and money transfer companies
02 Oct – Source: TFG – 161 words
The Ministry of Information, Posts and Telecommunications has strongly condemned the ban on telecom and money transfer companies in south and central Somalia by al Shabaab extremists. The ban on NationLinks Telecom, Telecom Somalia, and Dahabshiil Money Transfer, imposed when companies refused to comply with their extortion demands, heavily damages two of the most vibrant industries in the country, which employ and benefit hundreds of thousands of Somalis.
The ban also undermines the humanitarian relief efforts, as the Somali Diaspora and some of the aid agencies use the money transfer system because the system is fast, reliable and covers virtually every part of the country. This is another way al Shabaab is preventing aid reaching the people in need.
The Minister of Information, Posts and Telecommunications, H.E. Abdulkadir Hussein Mohamed (Jahweyn), said: “al Shabaab penalize successful businesses that are thriving in this difficult environment and beginning to help the country to recover.
“The Government supports businesses by offering a stable and free market where businesses can work without intimidation.”
Brothers in Arms exhibition to open eyes to the conflict in Somalia
03 Oct – Source: AMISOM Force HQ – 512 words
The Nairobi National Museum is to host a cutting edge photographic exhibition examining the conflict in Somalia from October 7th – 16th. Focused around the work of the African Union Mission to Somalia, or AMISOM, the exhibition is a vivid portrayal of the impact the conflict has had on the city of Mogadishu and its people.
Capturing in intimate detail the lives of soldiers on the frontline, it will give a uniquely human side to this long-running battle for the freedom of the Somali people. The exhibition, named Brothers in Arms, has been organised by the African Union/United Nations Information Support Team and AMISOM, and will display twenty eight photographs of Mogadishu taken over the last twelve months.
The photographs have been taken by AMISOM’s Burundi and Ugandan combat photographers, together with Kate Holt, a Zimbabwean-born photojournalist, who provided some training for them earlier this year. The photographs illustrate the current situation in Mogadishu, the work of the African Union mission and life for the civilians in the city. The exhibition is complemented with a film of daily life in Mogadishu.
It is hoped that the exhibition will help to explain the reality of the Somali conflict to a range of visitors to the Museum, from schoolchildren to politicians. After being displayed in Nairobi, the exhibition will then travel on to Uganda and Burundi.
Notes to editors
- The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) is a regional peacekeeping mission operated by the African Union with the approval of the United Nations. It was created by the African Union’s Peace and Security Council on 19th January 2007. It comprises of a number of components including military, political, police and humanitarian. The AMISOM Force in Mogadishu currently stands at 9,000.
- The photographic team:
James Baker Tumusiime – Sergeant Major – Ugandan People’s Defence Force Tumusiime has been in the Ugandan Peoples Defence Force for 12 years and a photographer within the Public Information Office for 6 years. Tumusiime describes his passion for photography: “A picture lets me deliver a message when words do not say.”
Jean-Claude Mbayisenga – Sergeant – Burundian Army
Jean-Claude has served the Burundi National Defence Force since 2005. He took up the role of Public Information Office photographer in 2011.
Emmanual Mucunguzi – 1st Sergeant – Ugandan People’s Defence Force
Emmanual has served the Ugandan Peoples Defence Force since 2001 as a military photographer since 2010. On photography, Emmanuel says: “Pictures allow the world to see the difficult work we do.”
Stephen Mugabi – Sergeant Major- Ugandan People’s Defence Force
Stephen has served the Ugandan Peoples Defence Force for over 20 years. He has been a military photographer for 6 years. On photography, he says, “I enjoy looking for something real, something true”
Kate Holt
Born in Zimbabwe, she now lives in Kenya. With a post graduate degree in photojournalism Kate has travelled extensively photographing refugees and the effects of war and poverty on civilians in conflicts in the DRC, Somalia, Kenya, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Iraq and Afghanistan. More recently she spent nearly two years in Afghanistan, photographing both US and UK military operations.
The African Union Mission in Somalia Awards Medals to Ugandan Police Contingent in Mogadishu
30 Sept – Source: AMISOM – 368 words
A Medal Parade was held today at AMISOM base camp to honor ten Ugandan Police Officers who have served more than six months in the African Union Police (AUPOL) in Mogadishu.
The ceremony was presided over by Honorable Wafula Wamunyinyi, Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC), and was attended by the Force Commander, Major General Fred Mugisha, the acting Police Commissioner, Dr. Steve Kasiima, the Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Timothy Kiguti, Police officers from other contingents, military staff officers, and AMISOM senior officers.
The ten Ugandan Police officers reported to the AU mission on 15 February 2011 to join their colleagues for a peace support operation with an AU Mandate to train, mentor, and advise Somali Police Force (SPF). By doing so, they were expected to give a new shape and lease of life to the shattered and degenerated SPF, and help them restore law and order, the rule of law, and put in place internationally accepted democratic methods of policing the population.
Although security conditions were very difficult at the time of their deployment, they have worked tirelessly to contribute to the restoration of the SPF. They have trained over 4,000 Somali Police officers overtime. These trained officers are now playing a key a role in the security of the airport, the seaport, and important government institutions.
Addressing his officers, the Acting Commissioner, Dr. Kasiima emphasized that awarding of medals is a sign of recognition of the good work they have done. “You have earned and deserved those medals”, he said.
Major General Fred Mugisha in his remarks, praised the professionalism, loyalty, and commitment of the police officers, and thanked them for their contributions to the Mission. In his remarks, Honorable Wafula highlighted the accomplishments and progress the police officers have made. He commended them for their outstanding performance in fulfilling their tasks and helping the peace building and reconstruction of Somalia.
“On behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, I would like to express my gratitude for your service and contribution towards peace in Somalia. You have set an example. I strongly call upon all African countries to help in whichever way they can, to support the African Union in its efforts to bring peace and stability to our brothers and sisters in Somalia.” he said.
SOMALI MEDIA
President Sharif says fight against al Qaeda to be doubled
03 Oct – Source: Radio Mogadishu, Sonna, Risala – 168 words
Somali president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has officially declared that his administration is keen on launching a major military operation to free the country and the people of Somalia from al Shabaab. The head of state announced that the Somali government will immediately commence and broaden its military assaults in regions of Somalia under the extremists group. President Sharif reaffirmed the TFG’s commitment to protecting the interest of Somalia and its people, also calling on both the AMISOM and TFG forces to re-double their efforts and free the people of Somalia from al Shabaab. The President also called on Mogadishu and Somalia residents at large to assist the forces in maintaining peace in the country, also appealing on the forces to prioritize the interest of the Somali people.
TFG MP’s debate Somali territorial waters in parliament
02 Oct – Source: Radio Mogadishu, Shabelle and Bar-Kulan – 116 words
In a highly-attended session that took place in Mogadishu, MP’s allied to the Somali transitional federal parliament of Somalia discussed critical issues related to Somalia’s territorial waters. The session was chaired by the first Somali parliament deputy Hon. Abdiweli Ibrahim Mudey in the absence of the house speaker Hon. Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan who is away on official duty.
Some 290 members of Somali parliament, who attended yesterday’s meeting, debated Somalia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the sea -related pact the government of Somalia has had with neighbouring Kenya. The fishing minister was asked questions about the pact and other issues associated with the matter.
At the opening session, the deputy parliament speaker Abdiweli Sheikh Ibrahim Mudey addressed and asked the minister of Sea Resources if the territorial waters of Somalia were mooted during a meeting the minister attended which took place in Seychelles. The minister rebuffed the reports saying that Somalia waters had been discussed during that meeting. He said fighting against Somali pirates and their activities were the main focus of that convergence.
Somali president: We set the policy to free terrorist groups from the whole country
03 Oct – Source: Mareeg Online, Hiiraan Online – 82 words
Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, president of the TFG has said that his government has set plans to remove al Shabaab from the country. Sharif Ahmed said they have set plans to remove terrorist groups like al Shabaab from the whole country.
http://www.mareeg.com/fidsan.php?sid=21261&tirsan=3
Calm returns to Dhobley after a day of heavy clashes
02 Oct – Source: Radio Star FM – 233 words
Calm has returned to Dhobley town following heavy clashes between al Shabaab fighters and TFG troops joined by Ras Kamboni militia. The fighting reportedly started after al Shabaab fighters opened fire at the government troops taking control of the town briefly before they retreated back.
At least 30 people, including civilians, have been reportedly killed and several others injured though the figure has yet to be confirmed. The clashes which forced many civilians to flee their home have brought the town to a standstill.
North Eastern of Kenya Provincial commissioner Mr. James Ole Serian said al Shabaab fightes who started shooting at the Kenyan security forces on the border with Somalia before the Kenyan forces responded and repulsed them. Speaking to Star FM, Mr. Serian denied reports that Kenyan forces entered Somalia to fight along the TFG forces.
No casualties have been reported or confirmed by the Kenyan PC on the Kenyan side. Al Shabaab fighters are fighting for control of the town which is currently in the hands of the TFG. Meanwhile, security on the Kenyan border town of Mandera has been beefed up.
Puntland livestock law being developed
02 Oct – Source: Garowe Online – 124 words
The government of Puntland State of Somalia is developing a new livestock law as part of an effort to boost the livestock sector, Garowe reports. A seminar organized by the Somali Animal Health Service Project (SAHSP) is being held in Garowe. Some 30 persons are attending the three-day conference, including government officials, parliamentarians, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry officers as well as veterinarians. Nur Ahmed Yusuf, Puntland’s Deputy Livestock Minister, told the participants that the livestock law is in its draft phase and still requires finalization by the Puntland parliament. SAHSP program officer Dr. Mohamed Abdikadir Jama said the purpose of the seminar was to review the livestock laws of Puntland State. The three-day seminar aims to address and discuss key issues relating to livestock, including livestock law and animal health policies.
http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Puntland_livestock_law_be ing_developed.shtml
Explosion kills 2, injures 3 others in Mogadishu
03 Oct – Source: Mareeg Online, Shabelle – 79 words
At least 2 people were killed and 3 others wounded – all civilians – in a minibus after a land mine exploded in Karan district, north of Mogadishu, resident said. The blast was said to be a roadside bomb that targeted a minibus from Hamar-weyne district and was going through Kaaran district, which is one of the areas reportedly deserted by al Shabaab two months ago.
http://www.mareeg.com/fidsan.php?sid=21256&tirsan=3
Aid agencies urged to help IDPs in Sanaag region
02 Oct – Source: Radio Bar-Kulan – 108 words
The Dhahar district administration of Sanaag region has called on humanitarian agencies and locals to take part in efforts to help drought and war-displaced people camping in the district. Reports from Dhahar indicate that the ravaging droughts in the region have mainly affected displaced people from the Galgala division of Bari region, where fighting between Puntland forces and militias led by Sheikh Mohamed Atam occurred several times in the past. Dhahar district commissioner, Ali Mohamed Jilwe, told Bar-kulan that the IDPs are large in number and are in dire need for urgent humanitarian assistance. Ali called for aid agencies and local businessmen to intervene in the situation before it deteriorates.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Kenya sends mediators to Somalia to get Frenchwoman released
02 Oct – Source: Daily Nation – 181 words
Kenya has sent mediators to Somalia to negotiate the release of a disabled Frenchwoman abducted Saturday from her beachfront resort home, a security official said. Kenya has “already sent envoys to Somalia to establish contact with the abductors,” the official, who asked not to be named for fear of jeopardizing the talks, told AFP Sunday.
He said talks were ongoing and described them as “an extension of the talks which have been going on for the other British woman who was taken away earlier.” The official was referring to Judith Tebutt, a Briton, was kidnapped some three weeks ago from a report north of Lamu by gunmen who shot dead her husband.
She is since believed to have been sold to pirates now holding her in central Somalia. “With negotiations such as this, and considering there is no government on the other side, it may take quite some time, and patience is required. We are just pleading with them not to harm the women and return them safely,” the security official said. Somalia has been without an effective central government since 1991.
http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Kenya+sends+mediators+to+Somalia+to+get+Frenchwoman+rele ased/-/1056/1246400/-/thtwn/-/
Manufacturing a famine: How Somalia crisis became a fund-raising opportunity
02 Oct – Source: East Africa – 593 words
On July 18 this year, the United Nations Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea tabled a report to the UN Security Council. The report stated that United Nations agencies, international humanitarian aid organizations and local Somali non-governmental organizations had been forced to move their operations or cease them entirely in many parts of Somalia, mainly due to “an alarming void in international humanitarian aid and development assistance,” and also because of “threats from elements of Al Shabaab,” who control much of southern Somalia.
Two days later, the UN’s World Food Programme — the largest distributor of food aid to Somalia — declared that Bakool and Lower Shebelle, two regions in southern Somalia, had been hit by the worst famine in 20 years. The UN agency further claimed that 3.7 million people across the country — almost half the total Somali population – were in danger of starving, of which 2.8 million were in the south.
This declaration led to a massive multimillion-dollar fund-raising campaign by UN and international humanitarian agencies. Meanwhile, journalists began referring to the famine as a “biblical event.” By September, Time magazine was reporting that the famine had expanded and that a full 12.4 million people in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia and Uganda were at risk from hunger.
The magazine also stated that in southern Somalia, 63 per cent of the population was either starving or at risk of it. These figures did not convince many Somali analysts, including Ahmed Jama, a Nairobi-based agricultural economist and former consultant with the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization. “I was disturbed by the WFP announcement because Lower Shebelle is Somalia’s breadbasket and had even experienced a bumper harvest last year,” he told this writer.
UN agencies, including WFP, use an Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) scale developed by the FAO-managed Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit (FSNAU) to determine levels of food insecurity, which range from “generally food secure” to “famine/humanitarian catastrophe.”
http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/How+Somalia+crisis++became+a+fund+raising+opportuni ty+/-/2558/1246690/-/oe8n10/-/
Saudi Minister of Health values WHO Director General’s praise of Saudi efforts in Somalia
02 Oct – Source: Saudi Press Agency – 93 words
Minister of Health Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabiah valued yesterday the praise of Dr. Margaret Chan, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other participants in the 58th session of WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, which is currently taking place in the Egyptian capital, of initiatives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for Somalia.
On his part, the WHO Regional Director Dr. Hussein Al-Jazaeri also commended the financial, health and medical assistance provided by the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Somalia.
http://www.spa.gov.sa/English/cdetails.php?id=930586&catid=9
Kenya plans to establish special anti-sea crime unit
03 Oct – Source: the Standard – 486 words
Kenya is pushing for the establishment of a special force to stop attacks on ships within her waters. Transport Minister Amos Kimunya said other measures to combat piracy and armed robbery against ships included enhanced patrols and aerial surveillance.
“The proposals for the establishment of a Coast guard that will further enhance our naval capacity within the territorial waters and exclusive economic zone (sea zone over which a State has special rights over the exploration and use of marine resources) are also at an advanced stage,” Kimunya said.
He said a maritime security zone has been established outside the port of Mombasa for vessels waiting for berths at the port. The minister made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by assistant minister Simon Ogari at the World Maritime Day celebrations at Bandari College at the weekend.
Ogari said establishment of the Coast guard was being considered to boost security of Kenyan waters. Kenya Maritime Authority director general Nancy Karigithu said the Coast guard would be in charge of security in Kenyan waters to boost efforts by other agencies such as navy, police and wildlife forces.
Mrs Karigithu said no ships were attacked in Kenyan territorial waters this year. She said the ship sailing to Mombasa port was attacked at about 296 nautical miles south east of Mombasa, which is in the high seas.
http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/news/InsidePage.php?id=2000043977&cid=159&story=Kenya %20plans%20to%20establish%20special%20anti-sea%20crime%20unit
Demonstrations over tourists’ kidnappings
03 Oct – Source: Nairobi Star – 79 words
Police are holding a suspect in connection with the kidnapping of a French tourist at Manda Island a couple of days ago. Meanwhile residents of Shella Island in Lamu are expected to hold demonstrations today over the rising incidents insecurity in the area.
The residents are accusing the government of laxity in combating suspected Somalia pirates who have abducted two foreigners in the area in the last one month, posing a threat to their only source of income which is tourism.
http://www.the-star.co.ke/classicnews/42867-demo-over-tourists-kidnappings
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Britons warned to avoid Kenya-Somali border
02 Oct- Source: Guardian – 493 words
The Foreign Office has warned British citizens to stay away from all Kenyan beaches within 93 miles (150km) of the border with Somalia after a spate of kidnapping raids by armed pirates in speedboats. The updated travel warning against all but essential travel to the area comes after an elderly disabled French woman became the third foreigner to be attacked by pirates in Kenya’s northern coast in recent weeks.
On Saturday, despite a boat chase and shootout with pirates, local coastguards failed to rescue the woman, identified by Kenyan authorities as 66-year-old Marie Dedieu, as her attackers fled with her into Somalia.
The FCO had previously warned holidaymakers to stay 37 miles away from the border after British publisher David Tebbutt, 58, was killed and his wife Judith taken hostage as they holidayed at a luxury resort 25 miles from the Kenya-Somalia border on 11 September. In 2010 British couple Paul and Rachel Chandler were snatched from their yacht and held for 13 months. They were released after a ransom was paid.
Dedieu’s kidnappers had stormed a seafront property near the island of Lamu after arriving by speedboat in the early hours of Saturday. Neighbors reported shots as the gang burst into the thatched house and rounded up staff before carrying off the woman.
Officials chased and surrounded a “suspicious vessel” reportedly heading towards neighboring Somalia with six to 10 gunmen and the elderly hostage on board. Despite wounding several of the gang, officials admitted that they had failed in their rescue mission.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/02/britons-warned-avoid-kenyaborder? newsfeed=true
Walk for Somalia team meets the public at Toronto City Hall
03 Oct – Source: Digital – 1226 words
The Walk for Somalia team that recently concluded an eight-day, 400 KM walk from Toronto to Ottawa passing through 20 communities, held a memorable meet and greet session at City Hall in a colorful event attended by community members and artists.
Team members recounted their experiences through personal accounts while a video and photo presentation highlighted the significance of the walk that was meant to raise funds for the victims of the Somali famine as well as rally the Canadian public to support this important cause.
The UN has declared the unfolding humanitarian disaster in Somalia “the world’s worst crisis” as the devastating famine has already claimed the lives of 30,000 children while 750,000 people are on brink of starvation in the coming months if the international community does not move fast to curtail the effects of the famine.
Abdiqani Mohamed, a walk for Somalia organizer, thanked all the 24 team members who took part in the historic trek and all others who supported this initiative. “The walk went according to plan. This initiative was very successful and we plan to make it an ongoing event” said Abdiqani.
The Walk for Somalia is an initiative that began in 2009 in response to the humanitarian crisis in the Afgoi-Mogadishu corridor. The ongoing crisis in the Horn of Africa has prompted organizers to act again, this time, under a campaign that has seen young activists hit the long road to Ottawa to raise public awareness, raise funds as well as call upon the Canadian government to extend the matching period for all funds donated beyond the elapsed September 16th deadline.
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/312267
Singer Ajda Pekkan gives concert for Somalia
02 Oct – Source: Todays Zaman News – 421 words
Turkish pop diva Ajda Pekkan performed a concert to raise money for millions of starving Somalis on Saturday at the Kuru祳me Arena, the Antaolia news agency reported. Pekkan, performing “Crying Mother” first, sang together with a children’s choir, dressed all in white. Turkish Minister of EU Affairs Egemen Bağıs’s daughter, Ecehan Bağıs, was a member of the choir. After finishing her first song, Pekkan, addressing the crowd, said it is insufficient to explain the tragedy in Somalia in words. “I will not only sing songs this evening,” Pekkan said.
“At the same time, I will make a call for peace and brotherhood around the world. I sincerely thank all of our citizens who are helping Somalia tonight. I believe that our message of brotherhood here can reverberate all over the world.”
Pekkan’s 11th song was a duet with artist Muazzez Ersoy. She ended the concert with the children’s choir, together singing “We Are the World.” Bağıs and his wife, Beyhan Bağıs, attended the concert. Bağıs told journalists before the concert that the participants would share a significant event together. Thanking Pekkan for her outreach, Bağıs said: “In fact, the prime minister himself asked me to come. Unfortunately, he told us he could not.
In the meantime, all of the companies involved in the concert such as the Besiktas Culture Centre [BKM] have decided to donate all of the proceeds to Somalia while undertaking all of the costs. I would like to thank them for these sensitivities. Our artist Adja Pekkan will present the proceeds to the prime minister in his office at Dolmabah祠Palace. I thank all of our artists who came this evening for their compassion.”
“It is necessary that not only our artists, but also our well-known companies, businesspeople and think tanks do not forget what is going on in Somalia,” Bağıs said. “But the hunger and the famine in Somalia are not over. There are still problems. We must continue organizing similar activities to this [concert] because Somalia expects a lot from us. In my most recent meeting with the Somali prime minister in New York, he said, ‘the hopes of Somalia are tied to Turkey.’ These words really stirred in me many emotions,” Bağıs said of the need to continue supporting the struggling people of Somalia. Bağıs said that Turkey has already been an example in its unending generosity toward Somalia when the rest of the world was slower to respond. “We have already [served as an example], and I believe we will do better,” he said.
http://www.todayszaman.com/news-258594–singer-ajda-pekkan-gives-concert-for-somalia.html