24 Oct 2011 – Morning headlines
Key Headlines:
- AMISOM commanders meet with Somali President over ongoing Deynile operations
- French forces join fight against militants in Somalia; thousands flee camp fearing clash
- 14 injured in Nairobi grenade attack
- Kenya says Western Nations join fight in Somalia as U.S. denies role
- Kenyan jet fighters attack Kismayo
- A roadside bomb attack in Mogadishu kills 1 injures 3
- Deputy Manager of Mogadishu harbor resigns
- Al Shabaab officials killed in Mogadishu bombardment: Official
- Al Shabaab loses most of Jubaland
- Kenya’s offensive wins world support
PRESS STATEMENT
AMISOM commanders meet with Somali President over ongoing Deynile operations
23 Oct- Source: AMISOM- 130 words
The commanders of the Ugandan and Burundian contingents of the African Union Mission in Somalia today met with the President of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia to discuss the ongoing operations being carried out in Mogadishu’s outlying Deynile district. On Thursday, AMISOM in support of the Somali National Army, launched an operation aimed at ensuring security in the capital, Mogadishu.
The contingent commanders briefed the President on the situation on the ground. In the ongoing operation, AMISOM forces have so far advanced to the outskirts of Deynile town. In the operation, AMISOM forces have lost one armoured vehicle and incurred some casualties, including10 confirmed deaths and 2 missing in action. Hundreds of civilians who have previously been trapped in areas controlled by the extremists are now streaming into Mogadishu.
COMMUNIQU� of the 41st Extra-Ordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers
21 Oct- Source: IGAD- 1088 words
The 41st Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the IGAD Council of Ministers was held in Addis Ababa on October 21, 2011 under the Chairmanship of H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and the current Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers. The meeting was attended by H.E. Moses Wetang’ula, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya, H.E Mr. Siraj Fergessa, Minister of Defence of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E Hon Yusuf Haji, The Minister of State for Defence of the Republic of Kenya, H.E Abdirahman Sheikh Ibrahim, Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Environment of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia; H.E. Hamid Ali Masheye, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Ali Ibrahim, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia; H.E. Mohamed Idriss Farah, Ambassador of Djibouti to Ethiopia, on behalf of H.E. Mr. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Djibouti; H.E. Dr. Hassan E. El Talib, Ambassador of Sudan to Djibouti on behalf of H.E. Ali Ahmed Karti, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Sudan; H.E. Ambassador Mull S. Katende, Uganda’s Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Republic of Djibouti on behalf of H.E. the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Uganda, and H.E. Eng. Mahboub Maalim, Executive Secretary of IGAD. Also in attendance were Gen. Samora Yonusse, Chief of General Staff of the Defence Forces of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Gen. Julius Karangi, the Chief of Defence Forces of the Republic of Kenya and Gen. Abdukadir Sheikh Ali Dini, Chief of Staff of the Somali Armed Forces.
After exchanging views on the prevailing political, security and humanitarian situation in Somalia in particular the current security operations by TFG and Kenyan troops, the Council:
- Takes Note of the briefs on the current political and security situation in Somalia as presented by H.E. Moses Wetang’ula, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya and H.E Hamid Ali Masheye, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Transitional Federal Government of Somalia
- Expresses serious concern regarding the recent security developments, in particular the escalation in violation of Kenya’s territorial integrity as indicated by the kidnappings of foreign tourists and aid workers on Kenyan territory by the Al Shabaab, the Qaeda-affiliated group.
- Welcomes and supports the up scaling of the security operations by Kenya in response to these threats in pursuit of the Al Shabaab in under ‘Operation Protect the Nation’.
- Welcomes the agreement between the Government of Kenya and the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG) to cooperate on all aspects of the operation, and endorses the Joint Communique from the meeting between the Government of Kenya and the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia in Mogadishu on 18 October 2011.
- Strongly Condemns the actions of Al-Shabaab for kidnapping aid workers from the Dadaab refugee camp where humanitarian efforts are being made in response to the drought and famine in Somalia; Takes note of the statements of the humanitarian organizations over their security concerns for their officers in view of the escalation of Al Shabaab attacks; and urges the Humanitarian actors not to scale down humanitarian support to the more than 600,000 refugees in the Dadaab camp; further urges the international community to redistribute the burden of hosting refugees.
- Condemns in the strongest terms, the recent attack against AMISOM troops by Al Shabab and expresses condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers. The Council expresses its support and solidarity with the people and the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia and AMISOM in their struggle against extremist forces.
- Reiterates the commitment of IGAD to continue working in partnership with the International Community to enable the TFG to assume full control over the territory of Somalia. In this regard, calls on the International Community to implement the decisions and recommendations of the IGAD and the AU to enhance the capacity of the national security forces of the Somali Republic, as well as the mandate and capacity of the AMISON, to undertake effective Peace Support Operations.
- Urges the International community, in particular the UNSC to impose a blockade on Kismayu and impose no fly zone on parts of Somalia; Further calls for the lifting of the arms embargo on Somalia, as well as a concerted effort to stem the menace of piracy affecting the IGAD coastal countries in particular Djibouti and Kenya.
- Pays tribute to the AMISOM peacekeeping troops and the troop contributing countries, Uganda and Burundi for their continued sacrifice in pursuit of Security in Somalia; and calls upon the UN and the International Community, at large, to enhance assistance to AMISOM.
- Welcomes the successes of TFG and AMISOM forces for capturing the entire of Mogadishu; and urges that further deployment be done outside of Mogadishu, in an effort to expand the areas under the TFG control.
- Further Welcomes the African Union’s understanding of and support for the sustained ongoing joint security operations against Al Shabaab and calls upon the AU to support this operation through the fast-tracking of the next phase of deployment of AMISOM in order to sustain and consolidate the current successes.
- Expresses confidence in the leadership of the TFG to deal with the current security concerns in the country and calls upon the International community to continue rendering support to the TFG to ensure the full implementation of the Mogadishu Roadmap; in this regard, reaffirms the decision of the 18th Extra-Ordinary Summit of IGAD to act in concert in enhancing the capacity of the TFG and its institutions in its effort to expand stable zones and re-establish Administrative institutions in liberated areas.
- Expresses its appreciation for the support and assistance provided by the International Community to the people and Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, in particular in relation to the escalating drought and famine situation. In this regard, mandates the secretariat to reinforce its efforts in humanitarian support and take the lead in coordinating ongoing responses.
- Expresses its appreciation to the Government and the People of Ethiopia for hosting this Extraordinary Council session.
- The Council decides to hold an IGAD ordinary session in mid-December 2011 in Djibouti.
- Requests the Executive Secretary of IGAD to communicate these decisions to the African Union and the United Nations Security Council.
- Decides to remain seized of this matter.
Control of Deynile critical to security of Mogadishu
21 Oct- Source: AMISOM- 353 words
AMISOM Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Fred Mugisha, today undertook a tour of the frontline following the commencement yesterday of operations in support of the Somali National Army, aimed at pushing al-Qa’ida linked extremists from the strategic Deynile district on the outskirts of Mogadishu. “Deynile is of vital strategic importance as it controls access to the Afgoye Corridor which links the capital to the terrorist-controlled areas of southern Somalia, allowing them to reinforce and resupply their fighters in Masla and Balaad in the far northeastern edges of the city,” he said following his tour. “The Afgoye Corridor is also home to hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons and securing it will allow humanitarian aid, which the extremists have so far been restricting, to finally reach them,” he said. “The extremists have also been using the suburbs of Deynile as a base to assemble improvised explosive devices, including car and truck bombs such as those recently employed to target civilians in the capital.”
He said that the success of this operation was critical for the security of Mogadishu. “As was to be expected, given Deynile’s significance, the operation has encountered heavy resistance but steady progress is being made. In the face of this resistance, AMISOM has suffered casualties.,” he added. AMISOM has confirmed that 10 of its soldiers have been killed and 2 are missing in action. One AMISOM armoured vehicle has also been destroyed in the fighting. However, as the operation is ongoing, the mission has been unable to provide final casualty figures at this stage. Regarding pictures purporting to show dead AMISOM soldiers currently circulating in the press, the Force Commander urged caution. “While it is true that some of our soldiers remain unaccounted for, regardless of whom the deceased may be, the desecration of remains for propaganda purposes is against all civilized norms and international conventions.”
“AMISOM will continue to do everything in its power to support the Somali people and to ensure that the terrorist menace is eradicated so that the citizens, not only in Mogadishu, but also in all of Somalia, can go about their daily lives without fear.”
SOMALI MEDIA
Kenyan jet fighters attack Kismayo
23 Oct- Source: Radio Bar-kulan, Radio Shabelle,Hiiraan Online, and Kulmiye- 157 words Kenyan fighter jets have on Sunday bombed several military bases in the rebel held Port city of Kismayo, reports say. No casualties have been reported so far. Locals say Kenya MiG-29 fighter jets attacked al Shabaab’s military base north of the city. Reports say locals started fleeing the areas for their own safety.
Abu Mansoor condemns al Shabaab actions against Somali civilians
22 Oct- Source: Radio Mogadishu, SONNA- – 182 words
Al Shabaab’s second in command Muktar Rhobow Abu Mansoor in a public address has said that the extremists group has caused suffering to the innocent Somali people, stating that the group suffered a deadly blow in the latest fighting in Mogadishu. The al Shabaab leader added that they lost uncountable number of fighters in Daynille where the Somali national army with the support of AMISOM launched a massive military offensive.
Al Shabaab kill two for espionage in Afmadow
21 Oct- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 128 words
Al Shabaab rebel group in Afmadow has on Friday morning killed two men for allegedly spying for advancing Kenyan and TFG troops in parts of Lower Jubba. Al Shabaab’s deputy leader in the area Shueib Ali Adan said the two were spying for Kenyan and Somali troops who are reportedly advancing in the area in efforts to flush out the rebel group from the region.
Somali PM: We will keep on battling against al Shabaab
23 Oct- Source: Radio Mogadishu- 155 words
The TFG’s PM on Sunday proclaimed that his government is committed to keeping on with their battles against al Shabaab group. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, Somalia’s premier, made the comments while speaking a meeting organized by Somalia’s national reconciliation committee in Mogadishu.
A roadside bomb attack in Mogadishu kills 1, injures 3
23- Oct- Source: Radio Gaalkacyo, Mareeg Online- 117 words A convoy of African Union peacekeepers has come under a landmine attack in Mogadishu killing three people and injuring others. Different reports have emerged on yesterday’s explosion which targeted an AU convoy in Mogadishu, suggesting it could have been a suicide attack. A Somali government official who declined to be named told the media that the injured people were mostly passers-by in the area.
Al Shabaab leader welcomes death of Libyan leader, Qadafi
21 Oct- Source: Mareeg Online, Somalimemo, Somalimidnimo, – 150 words
Ahmed Godane, leader of al Shabaab, has on Saturday warmly welcomed the killing of Libyan leader, Col. Muamaral Qadafi and talked about the latest wars in Mogadishu, reports said. In a audio tape released from Shabab run media, al Andulus, Ahmed Godane, the militant leader has welcomed the death of Libyan leader Col. Qadafi, saying that he was a dictator and a ruthless leader.
Deputy Manager of Mogadishu harbor resigns
23 Oct- Source: Radio Shabelle, Jowhar Online- 109 words
The deputy manager of Mogadishu’s international seaport on Sunday resigned from his position. Ahmed Ali Hilowle imparted his letter of resignation to Somalia’s minister of air, maritime and ground. Hilowle, the resigned manager, was named to that title on May 1, 2010.
Somali PM: Time of armed warlords in Mogadishu ends
21 Oct- Source: Mareeg Online-89 words
Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, premier of the TFG has on Thursday declared that the time of weapons and warlords in Mogadishu has ended, reports said. Somali prime minister, Dr. Abdiweli delivered this speech in Mogadishu Stadium on October 20th.
http://www.mareeg.com/fidsan.
Al Shabaab officials killed in Mogadishu bombardment: Official
23 Oct- Source: Radio Shabelle, Radio Mogadishu- 113 words
The administration of Daynile district for the TFG on Sunday disclosed that al Shabaab officials were killed in Mogadishu bombardments. In an interview with radio Shabelle, Dahir Hassan Hussein, the district commissioner of Daynile district stated that the slain al Shabaab officials included both Somalis and foreigners. He said the death of those officials was confirmed by their relatives inside the country.
Somali gov’t displays al Shabaab defected fighters
22 Oct- Source: Radio Shabelle, Risaala, Kulmiye- 139 words
The TFG on Saturday displayed at least four people said to have defected from al Shabaab. The national security agency said the defectors are Abdulakir Moahmed Mohamoud, Hassan Abdullahi Moahmed, Abshir Mohamed Abshir and 12 year old boy Sharma’arke Ahmed Sheikh.
REGIONAL MEDIA
14 injured in Nairobi grenade attack
24 Oct – Source: CapitalFM – 652 words
Nairobi suffered a grenade attack early on Monday morning that left 14 people injured, in the wake of persistent warnings by terrorist group Al Shabaab which is protesting a Kenyan military offensive targeting them in lawless Somalia.
Al Shabaab loses most of Jubaland
23 Oct- Source: the Standard- 624 words
The full picture and impact of Operation Linda Nchi began to take shape as Kenyan troops and Somali soldiers drew their last military strategies to take over the entire Jubaland region. The forces were planning to seize remaining towns in upper and lower Jubaland and Gedo in the coming three days before hitting Kismayu, an al Shabaab stronghold key to dislodging the militia from the war-scarred country.
Kenya’s offensive wins world support
22 Oct- Source: Daily Nation- 511 words
Kenya’s pursuit of the ragtag militia al Shabaab is quickly gaining success on the international stage with the diplomatic offensive registering impressive returns. Nairobi has been courting world support as it goes after the often provocative terrorist group linked to al Qaeda that has consigned neighbouring Somalia into endless instability and a haven for piracy.
http://www.nation.co.ke/News/
Regional body supports Kenya’s offensive against al Shabaab
22 Oct- Source: Ethiopian TV- 102 words
The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development [IGAD] has expressed its support to the military offensive launched by the Kenyan government in collaboration with the TFG against al Shabaab. The IGAD ministerial Council during its emergency meeting held in Addis Ababa discussed the current situation in Somalia. Ethiopian Foreign Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, said that IGAD member states are “united against any forms of terrorism” in the region.
Uganda cautious as Kenya enters Somalia for al Shabaab
23 Oct- Source: the Eastern African- 470 words
Kenya’s pursuit of al Shabaab into Somalia has been received with caution by Ugandan authorities, who are still studying its broader implications for regional security. Uganda People’s Defence Forces spokesman Felix Kulayigye said the decision by Kenya to make a military incursion into Somalia was proof that “this is a regional issue, an African issue.” Kulayigye suggested that the Ugandan military had been aware of Kenya’s entry into Somalia before the rest of the world got to know. “We have been aware of what Kenya is doing,” he said.
US planes join Kenyan battle
22 Oct- Source: Daily Nation- 484 words
Al Shabaab militants were on the back foot on Saturday evening as they faced heavy bombardment from multiple fronts from a combined force of Kenyan troops, US drones, African Union peacekeepers and TFG fighters. Reports from the battlefront indicated that Kenyan troops were advancing towards four al Shabaab-controlled towns as they launched a final push to capture the Kismayu port and Afmadow in Central Jubaland.
http://www.nation.co.ke/News/
US embassy warns on Kenya attack
22 Oct- Source: Daily Nation- 388 words
The US embassy in Nairobi warned on Saturday of an “imminent threat” of attacks possibly targeting foreigners, one week after Kenyan forces crossed into Somalia to hunt down al Shabaab fighters. The embassy cited “credible information of an imminent threat of terrorist attacks directed at prominent Kenyan facilities and areas where foreigners are known to congregate, such as malls and night clubs.” http://www.nation.co.ke/News/
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Burundi’s foray into Somalia increasingly costly
22 Oct- Source: AFP- 588 words
Fighting Thursday evening in Somalia left six Burundians dead according to the army and more than 70 according to Shabaab rebels who displayed dozens of bodies to witnesses. Burundi, a tiny central African country struggling to emerge from more than a decade of civil war, is paying the price for its military intervention in Somalia as part of the African Union force.
Kenya says Western Nations join fight in Somalia, as U.S. denies role
23 Oct – Source: New York Times – 934 words
Foreign military forces have joined the offensive against the al Shabaab militant group in Somalia as Kenyan troops advanced toward the rebel stronghold of Kismayu from two different directions, Kenya said Sunday.
French forces join fight against militants in Somalia; thousands flee camp, fearing clash
24 Oct – Source: Washington Post – 764 words
Kenya on Sunday said that France’s navy bombed a town in Somalia near a stronghold of al-Shabab, the first confirmation that a Western military force is involved in the latest push against the Islamist militia.
Kenya: Region backs operation against Somali militants
22 Oct – Source: BBC World – 301 words
The regional grouping in the Horn of Africa has welcomed Kenya’s military incursion into Somalia. The organisation said it supported the move, and the agreement between Somalia’s government and Kenya to co-operate in the operation.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
Rebel base struck in south Somalia, Kenya troops
23 Oct- Source: Reuters- 203 words
A fighter jet struck a rebel base near the militant-bastion port city of Kismayu on Sunday, as Kenyan and Somali troops edged closer to another town hoping to strike a quick blow against al Shabaab. The al Qaeda-linked rebels, blamed by Nairobi for several kidnappings of foreigners on Kenyan soil, pose a significant security threat to the Horn of Africa region and Nairobi launched an air-and-ground offensive against them a week ago.
http://af.reuters.com/article/
Thousands of Somalis flee area fearing fighting
23 Oct- Source: AP- 550 words
Thousands of people fled a camp for the displaced near Somalia’s capital on Sunday, fearing an imminent clash between African Union peacekeepers and the al-Qaida-linked militants who are trying to demonstrate their strength amid an assault on two fronts. In the country’s south, meanwhile, others braced for fierce battles as Kenyan soldiers closed in on a militant-held town in their week-long effort to defeat the al Shabaab group blamed for suicide bombings, kidnapping foreigners and killing famine victims.