26 Jul 2011 – Daily Monitoring Report
Key Headlines:
- TFG forces in Wadajir foil al Shabaab attack on herders in Jazira
- MP’s condemn al Shabaab for detaining IDPs in Lower Shabelle region
- Chief commander of TFG forces denies recruiting children
- IDPs complain of aid mismanagement
- Somalia leaders propose new state
- Police arrests over 7 persons in Mogadishu security crackdown
- World Bank pledges more than 500 million dollars to Horn of Africa region
- UN races to get food to Somali refugees
PRESS STATEMENT
Women, children bear brunt as Mogadishu influx swells to 100,000
26 Jul – Source: UNHCR – 1179 words
Over the past month, UNHCR figures show that nearly 40,000 Somalis displaced by drought and famine have converged on Mogadishu in search of food, water, shelter and other assistance. A further 30,000 have arrived at settlements 50 kms from the centre of the capital. In total, it is estimated that Mogadishu has received up to 100,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) over the last two months. The number is growing by the day, with daily arrivals averaging 1,000 in July.
One of the biggest settlements in Mogadishu is Badbado, 9 kms west of Mogadishu on the road to Afgooye. Yesterday (Monday), the UNHCR’s Somalia country representative and our head of office in Mogadishu visited IDPs in the Badbado settlement, currently home to an estimated 28,000 people (approximately 5,000 families). More are arriving every day from drought- and famine-affected areas of southern Somalia. Others are being relocated by the municipal authorities from settlements within the city centre.
Our colleagues got a first-hand view of the desperation of hungry, displaced people as they jostled for food being distributed by local charities. Given the growing numbers of displaced people in search of food assistance, the amounts being delivered are not sufficient to meet all of the needs. This has caused serious crowd crushes and even some looting. As a result, some of the weakest and most vulnerable are left with nothing, despite the best efforts of agencies and charities.
Our Somalia country representative, Bruno Geddo, spoke with a mother who had travelled for 11 days from the famine-affected Bakool region with her five children to seek assistance. However, due to the limited availability of food, she is forced to beg almost daily to provide for her family. He also spoke with an elderly man who came from Lower Shabelle, also declared famineaffected, after all his cattle died. The man said he was unable to push his way through the crowds, so was often left without food aid donated by a charity and organised by local business people.
Even if people are able to obtain the food and water being distributed, they often lack even the most basic containers to carry it. Often, they must haul food and water in plastic bags. To address this need, UNHCR will begin distribution of 4,000 assistance packages for 24,000 people in the coming week. This includes jerry cans, buckets, pots, plates, bowls, cups and other utensils so that they can carry the food and water they receive. We also provided a large marquee tent so that a health centre can be established in the Badbado settlement. Geddo said living conditions there are very difficult, as is the protection situation. UNHCR has already distributed shelter materials, including plastic sheeting, in Badbado.
http://www.unhcr.org/
SOMALI MEDIA
TFG forces in Wadajir foil al Shabaab attack on herders in Jazira
26 Jul- Source: Radio Bar-kualan- 103 words
Authorities in Wadajir district, Banadir region, say they have foiled an attack by al Shabaab targeting local herders in Jazira, are area on the outskirts of Mogadishu.
Wadajir district commissioner, Ahmed Hassan Adow, said that al Shabaab tried to attack local herders in Jazira area but government troops repulsed them, thwarting the militias’ attack on the local herders.
World Bank pledges more than 500 million dollars to Horn of Africa region
26 Jul- Source: Radio BBC Somali Service- 96 words
The World Bank today pledged more than 500m dollars to aid the drought-stricken Horn of Africa region, as the United Nations aid chiefs met in Rome to discuss scaling up relief efforts. The bulk of the money will go toward long-term projects to aid livestock farmers while 12m dollars will be for immediate assistance to those worst hit by the crisis and facing starvation, the World Bank said in a statement. The dry spell has hit hardest in war-torn Somalia but has also wreaked havoc for farmers across the region in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.
Police arrests over 7 persons in Mogadishu security crackdown
25 Jul- Source: Shabelle- 126 words
The police forces of Somali interim government on Monday conducted security operations in parts of the capital, arresting more than 7 persons, an official said.
Abdullahi Hassan Barise, the spokesman of Somali police told Shabelle radio that the operations took place in the districts of Hamarweyne, Waberi and also KM4 junction in Hodan district. Barise said that some men dressed government soldiers’ uniform were also captured in the security crackdown in Mogadishu.
The police spokesman said investigations on captured armed men are underway and details will be released later.
http://shabelle.net/article.
Negotiations over hijacked ship
26 Jul- Source: Radio BBC Somali Service- 63 words
Clan elders from Boosaaso town, Bari region are negotiating the release of a hijacked ship belonging to Somali businessmen.
Reports indicate that the ship was heading to Berbera port when it was hijacked. The pirates have reportedly defied calls to free the ship and crew onboard crew until a ransom has been paid.
Somali military sentences soldier to death for murdering colleague
26 Jul- Source: Shabelle. All headlines – 118 words
The military court of Somalia’s interim federal government on Monday sentenced to death a soldier found guilty of murdering a colleague in Mogadishu.
Abdi Kus Abdi was convicted Monday morning for deliberately shooting and killing a coworker, Hussein Abdi Yusuf in Mogadishu’s Hamarweyne district, a statement from the court said. “The verdict of capital punishment was reached according to the Islamic religion and the country’s punishment laws” it noted.
Monday’s death penalty verdict comes less than five months after Somalia’s military court sentenced to death two Somali soldiers found guilty of murder.
http://shabelle.net/article.
Chief commander of TFG forces denies recruiting children
25 Jul- Source: Radio Mogadishu, Radio Kulmiye- 49 words
The chief commander of the Somali National forces, General Abdulkadir Sheikh Hassan Diini denied claims that the Somali government recruits children under-age and instead blamed al Shabaab for recruiting children as fighters. Mr Diini criticized the media for exaggerating a baseless news story and citing unreliable sources.
Al Shabaab beheads a man in Bur-hakaba, Bay region
26 Jul- Source: Radio Bar-kulan, Radio Risaala- 137 words
Al Shabaab in Bur-hakaba town, Bay region reportedly beheaded a man accused of being part of a group of gangs allegedly terrorizing public service vehicles plying the route between Wanleweyn and Bur-hakaba districts.
The Shabaab leader in Bur-hakaba, only named as, Adar, confirmed that his militia beheaded the suspect, Osman Omar, without any proof of guilty in the said charges.
The militia has so far beheaded four men, three in Afgoye and the fourth one in Bur-hakaba, all accused of alleged robbery with violence.
IDPs complain of aid mismanagement
25 Jul- Source: Radio Kulmiye- 187 words
There have been reports of widespread abuse of IDPs at Badbaado camp in Mogadishu. IDPs in the camps have expressed concern of the distribution of aid stating that they have not received any aid so far. Redsidents and government officials have been accused of denying IDPs access to aid in the camp.
MP’s condemn al Shabaab for detaining IDPs in Lower Shabelle region
26 Jul- Source: Radio Mogadishu- 132 words
Members of Parliament allied to the Transitional Federal Parliament of Somalia have condemned al Shabaab for detaining hundreds of IDPs in Lower Shabelle region.
The detained IDPs were reportedly fleeing the drought and were enroute to Mogadishu to receive aid from government and other aid agencies.
The MP’s called al Shabaab to free the IDPs so that the can access help being accorded to them.
Somali refugees in Yemen receive financial aid
26 Jul- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 126 words
A humanitarian organisation in Yemen, the Interaction in Development Foundation (IDF) has distributed financial aid to hundreds of Somali refugees in Yemen’s Capital, Sana’a.
The aid agency is said to have assessed the plight and living conditions of Somali refugees in Sana’a before distributing the financial aid, with each refugee receiving $140.
IDF officials said the money distributed to the Somali refugees in Yemen will help ease financial constrains facing the refugees inside their camps.
Hamar Wayne business community suffer losses after inferno
26 Jul- Source: Radio Mogadishu-125 words
An inferno in the business district of Hamar Wayne has caused heavy loses to the business community in the early hours of Tuesday.
Joint efforts from locals as well as TFG and AMISOM forces managed to put out the fire. The Mogadishu Mayor Mohamud Ahmed Nur Tarsan was present at the scene of the inferno whose cause has not yet been independently confirmed.
The inferno set ablaze there floors of a business flat and according to close sources, property of unknown value was burnt down.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Somalia leaders propose new state
26 Jul – Source: Daily Nation – 521 words
Efforts to establish a semi-autonomous region on Kenya’s border with Somalia have engaged fresh gears.
Leaders from the three regions of lower and middle Juba and Gedo – that forms the new Azania state are meeting in Nairobi to firm up plans of nominating at least 65 MPs and a house of elders who will assist in the region’s governance.
“The MPs and the council of elders will be nominated by their various clans,” said Prof Mohammed Gandi, a former defense minister of Somalia, who was recently elected the President of the semi-autonomous region in an interview.
“We want to move forward and ensure that we have a functional government soon so that we can start offering the much needed services to our people,” he added.
“Once they have been nominated, they will be sworn in alongside the yet to be appointed House Speaker…my administration will then be ready to take over and bring stability,” went on Prof Gandi.
His sentiments come in the wake of criticism by some Somali parliamentarians mainly hailing from the Gedo region, who claim the Azania administration doesn’t represent clans of Somalia. Mr Ahmed Mohamed Abukar, one of the legislators was recently quoted as having said that Azania was not formed in accordance with the rules of the country, pointing out they will not support that administration.
However, Prof Gandi said they would be bringing in everyone on board in the administration of the newly created region, which is expected to provide a buffer zone that will prevent the entry of refugees and illegal arms into Kenya.
“We have had several consultations with a number of people from the area including amongst others, village elders, civil society and religious society leaders with an aim of bringing everyone on board,” he said.
The meetings have led to the adoption of a charter on how the new semi autonomous state is to be governed, how power is to be shared, representation amongst others. The semi autonomous region will be modelled like Puntland and Somaliland in the northern part of Somalia.
Kenya is reportedly interested in helping develop the new regional administration establish a buffer zone between it and the Islamist insurgency in southern Somalia.
However, neighbouring Ethiopia is reportedly unhappy about the plan and Kenya’s involvement in it, as it fears that the project will have an effect on its own military struggle against rebels in the Somali-inhabited Ogaden region, who seek independence.
http://www.nation.co.ke/News/
Al Shabaab sambusa ban ‘linked to symbol’
26 Jul – Source: Daily Nation, Telegraph – 157 words
Somali militant group al Shabaab may have banned the making and sale of samosa, a popular snack in the war-torn country, because of its shape, linking it to a Christian symbol.
The ban on samosa, a pastry often stuffed with minced meats and vegetables, comes amid a devastating famine that is sweeping across the country.
No reasons were given for the bizarre move, announced by militants in vehicles mounted with loudspeakers.
However, residents of a south Mogadishu settlement and Afgoye, a town 30 kms south of the capital where the ban was imposed speculated that the Islamists may have associated the triangleshaped snack with a symbol of Christianity that is not compatible with their strict version of Islam.
http://www.nation.co.ke/News/
Ethiopia, Uganda discuss “role of Eritrea” in Somalia
25 Jul- Source: Walta Information Center- 255 words
Ethiopia and Uganda have set up a Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) aimed at fostering overall relations between the two countries.
The JMC was agreed on between Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in 2010.
The Ethiopian delegation, led by Hailemariam Desalegn, the deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, signed the agreement establishing the JMC and a declaration on strategic partnership on 22 July in Kampala, Uganda. The Ugandan delegation was led by Sam K Kutesa, the minister for foreign affairs.
According to the communique released afterwards, the ministers exchanged views on wide-range of issues, including regional peace and security with emphasis on the situation in Somalia, the outstanding issues relating to [Republic of] Sudan and South Sudan, the fight against terrorism and the role of Eritrea.
“We have made considerable progress, but the challenge Somalia poses for our region and the continent at large remains centred on the activities of Al-Shabab, supported by various actors both in the region and beyond,” Hailemariam was quoted as saying by Ugandan media. “We need to expand our joint activities because the situation in Somalia still requires serious and close attention,” he said.
“Somalia, indeed, would certainly be one of the issues that a strategic partnership would deal with.”
He also called for economic, political and security cooperation in a regional context.
http://www.waltainfo.com/
UAE team flies to Somalia on famine aid mission
26 Jul- Source: the National 611 words
A four-member UAE aid team leaves today for Mogadishu on a mission to assess the immediate needs of Somalis facing starvation in the worst drought in six decades.
The team has gone into action just days after the President, Sheikh Khalifa, issued directives to provide emergency relief.
In the first phase of their mission, the Red Crescent Authority specialist delegation will travel to the Horn of Africa to determine the most efficient way to get food to those who need it most. They will also determine the number of people to whom the RCA can provide food, water and health facilities, and the funds it will require to do so.
Ahmed Al Mazrouei, the chairman of the RCA, said: “We are already on the move. The team is going to make an assessment, determine how many people to cover, what are the major food supplies they need. The report they send will be used to set a budget that will make us effective.” The agency’s priority is to establish the closest and cheapest market from which to buy food.
“We will see if we can buy food supplies like rice and wheat from the nearest market, which could be Nairobi, so the cost of shipping is not very high,” Mr Al Mazrouei said.
http://www.thenational.ae/
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
UN races to get food to Somali refugees
26 Jul – Source: AP – 824 words
The UN will airlift emergency rations this week to parts of drought-ravaged Somalia that militants banned it from more than two years ago – a crisis intervention to keep hungry refugees from dying along what an official called the “roads of death.”
The foray into the famine zone is a desperate attempt to reach at least 175,000 of the 2.2 million Somalis whom aid workers have not been able to help.
Tens of thousands have trekked to neighboring Kenya and Ethiopia, hoping to get aid in refugee camps. Some – like Isaac Bulle and his family – have nearly nothing left.
“I hope we can cross to Ethiopia, but if we can get help here, we will stay here,” said Bulle, who traveled with his two wives and 14 children for 25 days by donkey cart to reach this border town. “Our aim is just to get food. Not to leave the country.”
Restarting the aid effort is a huge challenge for the World Food Program, whose workers were previously banned from the region by the Al Qaeda-linked militant group Al Shabab. Fourteen program employees have been killed in Somalia since 2008. New land mines have severed a key road to Dolo. A landing strip has fallen into disrepair. Old employees must be found and rehired.
The new feeding efforts in the four districts of southern Somalia near the border with Kenya and Ethiopia are expected to begin by Thursday, slowing the flow of tens of thousands of people who have fled their homes in hope of reaching aid.
The UN said two regions of Somalia are suffering from famine and that 11 million people are in need of aid. But as of Aug. 1, the UN is set to declare all of southern Somalia – including Dolo – a famine zone.
In Rome, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization said a coordination conference would be held tomorrow in Kenya.
The UN is pressing its efforts to gather $1.6 billion in aid in the next 12 months, with $300 million of that coming in the next three months.
Ertharin Cousin, the US ambassador to the UN’s Rome-based food agencies, told reporters she didn’t immediately know if the United States would boost its contribution on top of what it has given.
Last week, the US pledged an additional $28 million in aid for the drought crisis on top of more than $431 million in emergency assistance to the Horn of Africa this year.
New aid will reach Dolo this week. The program is sending 5 tons of high energy bars by emergency airlift Thursday. More food will follow by land. The program halted its operation in southern Somalia in January 2009 after al Shabaab forced it out.
Africa famine: £220 million urgently needed
25 Jul – Source: Telegraph – 692 words
Josette Sheeran, executive director of the UN World Food Programme, said at an emergency UN summit in Rome that the refugee routes into Kenya risked becoming “roads of death”.
“We want to make sure the supplies are there along the road because some of them are becoming roads of death where mothers are having to abandon their children who are too weak to make it or who have died along the way,” she said.
The number of Somalis needing urgent food aid has jumped by one million people and children are worst affected, the UN’s children’s charity said on Monday.
The new data came as senior officials from the G20 nations met in Rome, where Bruno le Maire, France’s agriculture minister, said the famine was set to become “the scandal of the century” if action was not taken.
Almost 800,000 children in Somalia are now “acutely malnourished” and in need of special feeding – an increase of 40 per cent. 82 per cent of them are in the country’s south, which is largely cut off from aid deliveries.
The number of people needing help has increased by one million since January, and is 85 per cent higher than at the same time last year, Unicef said.
Afshan Khan, a Unicef director, told the Rome conference that the response to the current crisis must be “flexible”.