February 21, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Roadside bomb at IDPs camp in Mogadishu kills soldier
21 Feb – Source: Shabelle – 139 words
One soldier was killed and another injured after a roadside bomb hit an IDP camp in Somalia capital, Mogadishu, military officials say on Tuesday.
Witnesses say the blast was targeted on TFG soldiers who have been patrolling the area which is home to thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs). A government official confirmed to Shabelle Media that a soldier has been killed and another sustained injures from the land mine blast.
The injured soldier was immediately rushed to a local hospital in Mogadishu to receive medical treatment. The explosion which took place overnight at Badbado camp in Mogadishu’s Dharkenlay district sparked fear and anxiety among the displaced people at the camp as well as the local residents.
Key Headlines
- Somali PM meets with committees of African Caribbean and Pacific states group ( Radio Mogadishu)
- Roadside bomb at IDPs camp in Mogadishu kills soldier (Shabelle)
- Somali journalists request establishment of special protection police unit (TFG)
- Prime minister ruled out al Shabaab negotiations ( Radio Kulmiye)
- Ethiopian troops in central Somalia hit by explosion (Jowhar Online Shabelle Radio Kulmiye )
- Turkey has no hidden interests in helping Somalia says Bozdag ( Radio Bar-kulan)
- Al Shabaab vows to widen attacks car bombs in Somalia ( Shabelle)
- UAE ship hijacked off Omani coast (Times of Oman)
- London conference to define political future of Somalia (Coast Week Xinhua)
- US urges support for Somali areas seized from rebels (AFP)
- Kenya’s Military Presses Advances Against Al-Shabaab (VOA)
PRESS RELEASE
Somali journalists request establishment of special protection police unit
20 Feb – Source: TFG – 982 words
Following the early meeting, Mogadishu based journalists contributed their ideas and hinted their interest to have kind of concept considering safety for their live and how to deal with insecurity in a city like Mogadishu and also armed freelance militia, who most of them don’t know about the rights of freedom of expression and journalist values. Therefore, the MMH’s Executive Director Mr. Abdulahi Mohamed Hassan “Black” organized an important seminar on the topic of “Safety and Security of the journalist in Mogadishu” which 25 (seniors, juniors both male and female) journalists from diverse local media participated at the MMH’s headquarter, Mogadishu.
MMHouse which is a nonprofit organization with a mandate of protecting, empowering and training the Somali journalists who live and work in Somalia despite the difficult economic, political and security status, said this kind of seminars are important to address issues which needs to be addressed, because of the recent accidents which took place in Mogadishu such as killing, threats and harassments.
Three different trainers were involved in the seminar and each one considered same topic, but at different angels. Therefore, journalist who participated in the seminar acknowledged and got ideas about the meaning of safety and security of their own, such as who is at risk and why? Why journalist particularly at risk, security, safety and mental health for journalist, who is responsible of journalist protection? What to do if any accident took place in the neighborhood that you are walking or working at? How to report at the danger places and frontlines where both warring sides are confronting and many more aspects regarding safety and security.
During the seminar, the journalists requested the following
1. TFG
· To provide protection, security and rights for the Somali Journalists.
· Establish unit of the police, which carries the journalists security protection.
· To generate environment where the journalists can carry out their duties in a safe and security manner. And also to provide the strategic plan to deal with the murders of Somali journalist and to bring fair justice.
2. AMISOM
· Amisom should be encouraged on how to develop the rights and consideration of Somali journalist.
· To participate in the investigation and arresting of the murderers who are behind the killing of the Somali journalist.
· To take part in the development of the skills of the Somali journalists.
3. Media owners
· To respect the rights of the journalist and not to put them in danger areas.
4. Opposition
· To respect the journalist and ensure their safety and security.
· To with journalist as they are working on behalf of the Somali people not by certain group.
5. People
· To work closely with the journalist and assist in creating safe environment for them
· Asist in ensuring that journalists’ killers are brought to justice
Conclusion
At conclusion, the MM House’s Executive Director Mr.Abdullahi Mohamed Hassan “Black” noted that MMH stands in support of the journalist, in terms of their knowledge, providing the necessary training regarding their professions, lobbying and advocacy and also developing the private media in Mogadishu. The Executive Director encouraged the participants to care their safety and security very seriously and make it first priority.
SOMALI MEDIA
Somali PM meets with committees of African, Caribbean and Pacific states group
21 Feb – Source: Radio Mogadishu – 196 words
Somalia’s Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali who is on official visit to Brussels has held meetings with the Belgium officials and the committee of Ambassadors of the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of states (ACP). He also paid a courtesy call to the Somali embassy in Belgium. The premier Abdiweli toured the offices of the embassy of the Somali republic in Belgium to check on the activities of the embassy.
The Prime Minister spoke to the committee of Ambassadors of the African, Caribbean and Pacific groups of state (ACP group). The premier spoke on the current status of the country and the progress of the TFG on security, good governance, and humanitarian activities. He added that Somalia is a signatory to the ACP and will continue to play its role.
Dr. Abdiweli is scheduled to meet the Somali Diaspora in Belgium and also the heads of the European Union including the current president of the EU Mr. Barosso. He is also expected to address the EU Security Council. The Prime Minister will proceed to the upcoming London schedules on 23rd February after he is over with the meetings in Belgium.
Roadside bomb at IDPs camp in Mogadishu kills soldier
21 Feb – Source: Shabelle – 139 words
One soldier was killed and another injured after a roadside bomb hit an IDP camp in Somalia capital, Mogadishu, military officials say on Tuesday.
Witnesses say the blast was targeted on TFG soldiers who have been patrolling the area which is home to thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs). A government official confirmed to Shabelle Media that a soldier has been killed and another sustained injures from the land mine blast.
The injured soldier was immediately rushed to a local hospital in Mogadishu to receive medical treatment.
The explosion which took place overnight at Badbado camp in Mogadishu’s Dharkenlay district sparked fear and anxiety among the displaced people at the camp as well as the local residents.
Prime minister ruled out al Shabaab negotiations
21 Feb – Source: Radio Kulmiye – 175 words
Speaking to the media, Somali Prime Minister Abdiwali Mohamed Ali dismissed the news that his government is considering calling on al Shabaab to join the upcoming London conference this month. “we have already called on al Shabaab to join negotiations, but failed to accept, at this present time we are not considering any talks with al Shabaab to join Somali negotiations any where even in London conference.” He however said doors are open with other groups that are ready to join the government.
Prime Minister accused al Shabaab of bringing al Qaeda terrorist groups on board, saying they don’t deserve to remain in the country and vows strong offensives against the al Qaeda linked group throughout the country.
Ethiopian troops in central Somalia hit by explosion
21 Feb – Source: Jowhar Online, Shabelle, Radio Kulmiye – 147 words
A landmine explosion was on Tuesday morning targeted on Ethiopian troops in the centre of Beledweyne town, Hiiraan region, an eyewitness said. According to local residents, the explosion hit Ethiopian troops passing on a road at Hawo Tako village of Beledweyn town, which is just 350-Km away north of Somalia capital, Mogadishu.
“The blast took place in Hawo-Tako neighbourhood, where the Ethiopian troops pass every day. The Ethiopians captured many residents and taken to undisclosed locations,” a local resident who requested anonymity told Shabelle Media by phone. After the blast, hundreds of soldiers have reached at the scene and began massive security operations to find out the mastermind of the attack, arresting a number of locals.
Al Shabaab fighters head to Gedo region for reinforcement
20 Feb – Source: Radio Andulus, Somalia Report – 74 words
Dozens of al-Shabaab fighters from Bay and Bakol regions are heading to the front-lines of Luuq district in Gedo region, where the Ethiopian troops and the pro-TFG militia are planning to attack al shabaab militia in the region. The fighters left from different parts of Bay and Bakol regions. The chairman of Bay and Bakol regions, Sheikh Mahad Abdikarim, spoke to the fighters and urged them to defend their country from the enemy.
Turkey has no hidden interests in helping Somalia, says Bozdag
21 Feb – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 297 words
Turkey has ruled out of having any hidden agenda in extending its help to Somalia, which has recently experienced deadly famine.Turkey’s deputy Prime Minister Beki Bozdag said Turkey was extending help and assistance to Somalia without any political interest or agenda but with the most sincere feelings. “We are helping this country for only humanitarian purposes, as we have done to many other countries before”, Bozdag said in a statement. He said Turkey moved swiftly to respond to the plight of hundreds of thousand of Somalis facing hunger in and outside the country during the recent human tragedy in the country.
Turkey launched a massive humanitarian campaign in many areas in Somalia including al Shabaab controlled regions. Turkish aid efforts came following a high-profile visit by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the Somali capital on 19 August 2011 to draw the attention of the international community to this human tragedy.
He strongly dismissed Somali rebel claims that Turkish was providing expired aid to displaced people in the southern part of the war-ravaged African country. Turkish ambassador to Somalia, Cemalettin Kani Torun, described the group’s allegation as “totally false.” Torun said all the food aid distributed by Turkish aid agencies was regularly checked and that the closest expiry date for food aid currently handed out was in June 2012. He said Turkey’s intention in Somalia was “purely humanitarian,” adding that his country had no history of colonization. An al Shabaab official early this month accused Turkish aid agencies operating in Somalia of distributing expired food and medicine to the internally displaced people.
Al Shabaab vows to widen attacks, car bombs in Somalia
21 Feb – Source: Shabelle – 169 words
The al Qaeda linked militant group of al Shabaab has Tuesday vowed to increase their guerrilla-style attacks and deadly car bombs in the war-torn horn of Africa country, Somalia. Sheikh Muqtar Abu Mansor, one of the Senior Commanders of al Shabaab fighters said that the rebels are planning to step up attacks against Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) troops, AMISOM, Ethiopians and Kenyan army operating in south and central regions unless they pull out of the country.
While speaking to hundreds of newly al Shabaab trained fighters in a large militant-training camp in Somalia’s southern town of Baidoa, Sheikh Abu Mansor urged militants to be ready to carry out massive attacks, including suicide car bombs and hit and run attacks against TFG and foreign forces across Somalia.
Yemeni government provided 135 university scholarships to Somali student refugees in Yemen
20 Feb – Source: Radio Mogadishu, Somalia Report – 50 words
The Yemen government provided university scholarships to more than 135 Somali students who graduated from the al-Kaharaz refugee camp and secondary schools in Yemen. The Yemeni Education Minister Yahya Mohamed al-Shu’ayb who met with the Somali students urged them to continue their education and also to take advantage this opportunity.
REGIONAL MEDIA
UAE ship hijacked off Omani coast
21 Feb – Source: Times of Oman – 344 words
International maritime security forces confirmed yesterday that MV Leila, owned andoperated by a UAE shipping company, was hijacked by Somali pirates last Wednesday. According to International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reports, the vessel was captured around 50 nautical miles south-southwest off Ras Al Madrakah, Oman.
However, the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) reports that the vessel was captured on Thursday with 24 crew on board, while the IMB states there were only 15 crew on board.
The hijacking was confirmed to the Somalia Report by local pirates, who said that, “a group of pirates hijacked a new vessel this week. The pirates contacted their friends in the Ceel-Dhanaae area after they had hijacked the vessel.
London conference to define political future of Somalia
21 Feb – Source: Coast Week, Xinhua – 919 words
East African leaders will be hoping to see a political formula that defines the structure of a permanent Somali government emerge out of the London conference on Somalia planned for Thursday. Kenya’s Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula said with less than six months to the end of the life of the current Transitional Federal Government (TFG), there is urgent pressure to define a new government structure during the London conference.
“We hope this, coming at a time when they are coming to an end of the transition in that serious decisions have to be made or else in six months,” Wetangula told local television station, NTV in an interview on Sunday night.
“There would be no recognizable legal authority in Somalia if there is no structure that succeeds the TFG,” Wetangula said ahead of the London meeting.
Kenyan foreign ministry officials say the London meeting will gather international support for the prevention of piracy in the Indian Ocean, which has recently dropped in its magnitude and frequency since the launch of a Kenyan military operation.
Somalia factions accused of using children
20 Feb – Source: Al jazeera – 2:30 min
Somalia factions accused of using children Somalia’s warring factions stand accused of drawing children into the ongoing conflict, many of them being used as child soldiers. Human Rights Watch has blamed Islamist group al Shabaab for some of the worst abuses.
Major Hawala firm Qaran Express collapses
20 Feb – Source: Africa Review – 210 words
Qaran Express, reputed as the second largest hawala (money transfer) company and popular with the Somali diaspora, has declared failure.
In a letter circulated and also published on the company’s web site www.qaranexpress.com on February 16, its chairman Abdulkadir Hashi Jumale announced that the Dubai-headquarters firm, with many transfer and banking businesses in and outside Somalia, had collapsed.
“Qaran Express is going to stop services to the public,” wrote Mr Jumale. “It encountered serious financial problems.” Hawala is a value or debt transfer system that operates primarily on trust.
Mr Jumale said that the company would meet the required wounding up procedures including safeguarding depositors’ money, company assets and stakeholder interests. Qaran Express was founded in 2005 and by 2007 it expanded its operations, especially after merging another hitherto big hawala company, Global Express. The enlarged Qaran Express became second to Dahabshiil, the largest money transfer company globally.
The operations of Dahabshiil, Qaran Express and other hawala companies grew after the United States applied sanctions on rival Al-Barakat in 2001, after it accused of contributing funds to al Qaeda, an organisation blamed for the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
US urges support for Somali areas seized from rebels
21 Feb – Source: AFP – 280 words
The US special envoy for Somalia on Tuesday urged support for Somali regions seized from the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab rebels controlling swathes of territory, but now under pressure from regional armies.
James Swan said local authorities should be bolstered in the Mogadishu outskirts recently captured by African Union forces, and in southern and western Somali regions where Kenyan and Ethiopian forces are battling the insurgents.
“United States believes a key priority that straddles security, politics and recovery is how to govern and assist in areas recaptured from al Shabaab,” Swan told reporters during a conference call. “It is urgent to avoid security and governance vacuum in these locations and to provide a rapid recovery where al Shabaab has left,” he added.
The hardline rebels have controlled much of central and southern Somalia since emerging as a strong political and fighting force five years ago after Ethiopia sent troops to Somalia to oust an Islamist movement they belonged to.
The extremist insurgents have been fighting to topple the Western-backed Somali government protected in Mogadishu by some 10,000 soldiers from Burundi, Djibouti and Uganda who make up the AU force. Since plunging into lawlessness 21 years ago, Somalia has been governed by warlords, ruthless gunmen and internationally-backed interim governments, all of which have failed to exert credible authority across the country.
On Thursday, Somali and foreign leaders will meet at a London conference to tackle the Horn of Africa country’s protracted chaos that has spawned piracy, terrorism and a devastating humanitarian crisis. “We support the London agenda to address key issues,” Swan said. “Post-conference action will be the true test of success in London, and we are fully committed to the hard work that will follow.”
Eritrea denounces foreign meddling in Somalia
20 Feb – Source: AFP – 316 words
Eritrea, often accused of supporting Islamist rebels in Somalia, on Monday criticised foreign interference in the war-torn country, ahead of an upcoming peace conference in Britain.
“External actors, even those most friendly and most sympathetic to Somalia, need to resist the urge… to act on behalf of Somali people, as such an approach has been repeatedly proven to be counter-productive,” Eritrea’s foreign ministry said in a statement. “The people of Somalia should be allowed the political space and time to hammer out among themselves a political arrangement that serves as the basis of peace, stability and development.”
Several peace bids have failed to restore normalcy in Somalia, which has lacked an effective central government since the 1991 ouster of president Mohamed Siad Barre sparked civil unrest. Somalia’s current Western-backed transitional government, which was set up eight years ago, has also been unable to asser its authority and its mandate is set to expire in August.
Kenya’s Military Presses Advances Against al Shabaab
20 Feb – Source: VOA – 212 words
VOA’s Gabe Joselow reports from Liboi, Kenya, on the border with Somalia,where al Shabaab militants block roads, preventing food aid from being delivered.
I’m in a Kenyan military base in Liboi, Kenya, near the border with Somalia, where the Kenyan military is waging war against al Qaeda linked militant group al Shabaab. Kenyan military officials here say, at this point, the operation would start in October. The military’s objective is mainly to pacify regions that were previously under militant control.
We have just returned from one such town which is called Tabda in southern Somalia which Kenyan forces secured last year. Local forces here say they welcome the Kenyan forces for bringing security to the area, but they say al Shabaab continues to block roads into town, so that’s preventing food aid from being delivered.
While we were there, Kenyan forces did bring in some sacks of flower and some other very basic provisions to people there, but the area is pretty much untouched by humanitarian agencies. Meantime, Kenya is preparing to join up with the African Union’s Amazon force, which has been protecting the rest of Somalia, and if that does happen, they will be taking on a broader role to provide security throughout the country, and to prop up the country’s transitional federal government.
Security Council committee on Somalia and Eritrea adds one individual to list of individuals and entities
17 Feb – Source: UN – 217 words
On 17 February 2012, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 751 (1992) and 1907 (2009) concerning Somalia and Eritrea added one individual to the list of individuals and entities subject to the travel ban, assets freeze and targeted arms embargo imposed by paragraphs 1, 3 and 7 of resolution 1844 (2008).
Ali Ahmed Nur Jim’ale (Jim’ale) has served in leadership roles with the former Somali Council of Islamic Courts, also known as the Somali Islamic Courts Union, which was a radical-Islamist element. The most radical elements of the Somali Islamic Courts Union eventually formed the group known as al Shabaab.
Al Shabaab was listed for targeted sanctions in April 2010 by the United Nations Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolutions 751 (1992) and 1907 (2009) concerning Somalia and Eritrea (the “Somalia/Eritrea Sanctions Committee”). The Committee listed al Shabaab for being an entity engaged in acts that directly or indirectly threaten the peace, security, or stability of Somalia, including but not limited to acts that pose a threat to Somali Transitional Federal Government.
According to the 18 July 2011 report of the Somalia/Eritrea Sanctions Committee’s Monitoring Group (S/2011/433), Jim’ale is identified as a prominent businessman and figure in the al Shabaab charcoal-sugar trading cycle and benefitting from privileged relationships with al Shabaab.
Jim’ale also controls Hormuud Telecommunications (“Hormuud”). Hormuud Telecommunications is a company identified as being one of the single largest financiers of al Shabaab, which includes large lump-sum payments to al Shabaab in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and these payments to al Shabaab were facilitated by Jim’ale.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“If the London meeting ends merely with a boring communique that minimises international investment and absolves Somalis from the obligation to bring their best to the arena, it will become the latest in a string of let-downs. This will bring further shame on the international community and, more painfully, continue the catastrophe that has pushed the Somalis to the bottom of global league tables and leave them vulnerable.”
How the London talks can give hope to Somalis
21 Feb – Source: The Guardian – 641 Words
In a few days, there will be a gathering in London, hosted by the British government, to discuss the grim saga of Somalia. For the past two decades, the country has become the poster-child for wretchedness – with a loss of civic solidarity, the destruction of the national state and institutions, an absence of able and legitimate leadership, and violent foreign interventions or mediocre international succour.
To date, more than a dozen international conferences have been convened to address this condition. Despite noticeable contributions to assuage some of the calamities, such as the current famine, none of the meetings has amounted to more than contemptuous endorsements of stop-gap political dispensations. These affirmed the worst of an opportunistic Somali lumpen-elite: civic degeneration and a retribalisation of everything in pursuit of personal gain.
“Somalia is one of two countries – along with Yemen – listed as “key areas of concern” on the MI5 website, while British aid minister Andrew Mitchell recently told the Sun newspaper: “There are more British passport holders engaged in terrorist training in Somalia than in any other country in the world.” “Neighbouring countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia, which have large ethnic Somali populations, also fear that al Shabaab could stage terror attacks on their territories, as it did in Uganda in 2010. Both Kenya and Ethiopia have recently sent troops into Somalia to tackle al Shabaab.”
Why does Somalia matter?
21 Feb – BBC – 761 Words
The British government is hoping a conference it is hosting on 23 February can finally start to bring peace to Somalia, which has known little but conflict and misery over the past two decades. Like many Western governments, the UK is cutting spending in order to pay off debts – but one of the few areas to escape the cuts is foreign aid.
At a time of domestic austerity, why is the government using up some of its limited resources on trying to bring peace to a far-off country widely dismissed as a “failed state”, which has already seen more than 15 attempts to end the fighting? The government argues it is in Britain’s interests to do so.
“A Somali-owned political process does not preclude, but requires the help of an honest external facilitation process, whose role would be to enhance the environment for Somalis to sort out their problems and find arrangements that they can live with in peace and stability. To be successful, the facilitation group needs to be composed of representatives of countries and organizations that do not have their own vested interests in Somalia and be acceptable to all key Somali actors. The facilitators must be respectful of the choices of the Somali people and be prepared to persevere and sustain their efforts in a long and complicated process.”
A Comprehensive and Enduring Solution for Somalia: Eritrea’s Perspective
20 Feb – Source: Tesfa News – 910 Words
For over two decades the collapse of the Somali state has caused untold suffering to the people of Somalia, aggravated regional conflict and instability and spawned problems with wider ramifications.
Over this period many attempts at finding a settlement have been made- some by Somalis, many more by external actors. Whatever the merits or demerits of these efforts, it is undeniable that the Somali problem continues to fester. Hence the need for a sober and honest assessment of past experience and the adoption of a courageous and effective approach that gives primary focus to addressing the root causes of the Somali crisis.
The experience of the past two decades has repeatedly and amply demonstrated that only Somalis can find an enduring solution for themselves and their country. Clearly what is required is a Somali-owned and Somali-driven political process. The people of Somalia should be allowed the political space and time to hammer out among themselves a political arrangement that serves as the basis for peace, stability and development. Their right to set their own agenda, draft their own documents select their representatives and elect their leaders must be acknowledged and respected. External actors, even those most friendly and sympathetic to Somalia, need to resist the urge, no matter how tempting or “expedient,” to act on behalf of the Somali people, as such an approach has been repeatedly proven to be counter-productive.
“Evidently, many analysts also have low hopes for the conference, though some are encouraged by the participation of several Muslim states for the first time in a big Somali conference. The heart of the problem, as the Somali expats told Hague, is how to get a legitimate, credible and representative government in Mogadishu.”
‘Leave Somalia alone’
21 Feb – Source: Independent Online – 622 Words
Last week visiting British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, met the leaders of the Somali diaspora in the Western Cape to seek their advice on the major international conference about how to resolve the Somalia crisis which his prime minister, David Cameron, is hosting in London this week.
Afterwards, Hague said he agreed with the Somalis that the conference should point the way to a more legitimate, representative government, “so that Somalis can address their problems themselves”. But he also explained Britain’s other intentions for the conference, including securing greater and longer-term international funding for Amisom, the AU’s peacekeeping force in Somalia.
Top tweets
@AJEnglish What would you like to convey to delegates of the London Somalia Conference? Tweet responses with the hashtag #SomaliaSpeaks
@Aynte #Somalia‘s #alShabaab
@Bruckefe The Developmental non-state #Somalia developed more without a state says BBC News – Somalia: Far from a failed state? bbc.in/zUszfl.
@GdnDevelopment Keep track of all our #LDNsomalia blogs here bit.ly/xKGFXr #globaldev
@SophiaSiyad @UKinSomalia In order to address the major issues in somalia in a long term, it is detrimental to establish a strong educational campaign.
@Semhar Loving somalia.
@Semhar Despite being top in Failed States Index 4 yrs in a row, #Somalia ranks in top 50% of African ctries in dev indicators. tinyurl.com/
Image of the day
Today is International Mother Language Day. Osman Yusuf (left) creator of the Osmanya Script with his nephew Yasiin were influential in the Somali linguistic circles during the 1920s-50s at a time when a national writing language hadn’t been chosen.