May 8, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Big blast in Mogadishu kills three, including soldiers
08 May – Source: Shabelle – 120 words
Witnesses say at least three people, among them two government soldier have been killed on Tuesday in a landmine blast that took palace in Somalia’s conflict-torn Mogadishu. “At dawn on Tuesday morning a remote-controlled landmine explosion ripped through a military vehicle carrying Somali government soldiers at Florenza junction in Mogadishu’s Wardhigley district, killing three, including a passerby,” an eyewitness told Shabelle Media.
No group has yet said it carried out the attack, but al Shabaab has previously staged such coordinated attacks in Mogadishu. Islamic militants of al Shabaab with ties to al Qaeda have been battling the western-backed Somalia government and its AMISIOM and Ethiopian allies since their combined forces pushed the Islamists from the capital in August 20011.
Key Headlines
- Big blast in Mogadishu kills three including soldiers (Shabelle)
- Kuwait PM hosts dinner banquet for visiting Somalia leader (Kuwait News Agency)
- Widespread irregularities reported on the selection of Traditional Clan Elders (Hiiraan Online/VOA Somali Service)
- Japan donates equipment to Somali Police Force (SPF) (Radio Mogadishu)
- Somali MPs cry foul over making of constitution (Star/Nairobi)
- Turkish Airline begins direct flights from Khartoum to Mogadishu (Radio Bar-kulan)
- Seven killed in Mogadishu mortar attack (AFP/Washington Post)
- Somali clan elders accuse TFG officials over selecting impostors (Kismayo News/Dhanaan Online)
- Nine suspected terrorists held in Kapsabet on their way to Nairobi (Star/Nairobi)
- Al Qaeda demands US to end air strikes in Afghanistan Pakistan Somalia (AFP)
SOMALI MEDIA
Big blast in Mogadishu kills three, including soldiers
08 May – Source: Shabelle – 120 words
Witnesses say at least three people, among them two government soldier have been killed on Tuesday in a landmine blast that took palace in Somalia’s conflict-torn Mogadishu.
“At dawn on Tuesday morning a remote-controlled landmine explosion ripped through a military vehicle carrying Somali government soldiers at Florenza junction in Mogadishu’s Wardhigley district, killing three, including a passerby,” an eyewitness told Shabelle Media.
No group has yet said it carried out the attack, but al Shabaab has previously staged such coordinated attacks in Mogadishu. Islamic militants of al Shabaab with ties to al Qaeda have been battling the western-backed Somalia government and its AMISIOM and Ethiopian allies since their combined forces pushed the Islamists from the capital in August 20011.
Widespread irregularities reported on the selection of Traditional Clan Elders
08 May – Source: Hiiraan Online/VOA Somali Service – 141 words
Some traditional clan elders are coming out and complaining irregularities in the selection process of the traditional clan elders as genuine clan elders are substituted with fake ones in order to sway potential MPs in favour of voting for certain presidential candidates.
One of those Somali Clan elders who spoke strongly against the tainted process is Suldan Faqi Said Faqi Suldan who after informing members of his clansmen that he will thoroughly follow the process and consult with other traditional elders of the clan was threatened and kicked out of the conference hall.
“Politicians who are part of the selection process in ending the transition as well as government officials were responsible for such reprehensible action and that there will be other genuine clan elders who will be disqualified in the coming days and substituted with fake clan elders” said Suldan.
Japan donates equipment to Somali Police Force (SPF)
07 May – Source: Radio Mogadishu – 309 words
The government of Japan gave out donations meant for the Somali Police Force (SPF) to the transitional federal government of Somalia. The donations included 16 Land cruisers, two ambulance vehicles, two vehicles of personnel carriers, bullet proof jackets and combat helmets. The commissioner of the Somali Police Force General Sharif Sheikhuna spoke at the handover of the police protective equipments, thanking the government of Japan for their generosity.
“Japan has many times taken part in giving out the stipends for the police and other police equipments. We hope Japan will continue assisting our police force”, Commissioner Sheikhuna said. Sheikuna said the donation will greatly help the police force in carrying out their duties urging them to double their efforts of stabilization.
Japan’s ambassador to Kenya Shahisa Takeda who was present at the ceremony said he was visiting Mogadishu for the first time and expressed his happiness for the warm reception he received from the officials of the TFG. “Japan government donated the equipment to help the Somali people and will continue to support their Somali brothers in providing police equipments in the near future”, Takeda said.
Minister for interior and internal security of Somalia Abdisamad also spoke at the ceremony saying that the equipments for the police will help raise their strength and at the same time help them maintain security. Prime Minister Abdiweli also spoke at the occasion where he thanked the Japan government for their help and donation. Abdiweli also said Japan has been a long ally of Somalia and has been helping equip the Somali police force as well as offer training.
Turkish Airline begins direct flights from Khartoum to Mogadishu
08 May – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 160 words
Turkish Airline has for the first time started direct flights between Khartoum and Mogadishu in an effort to end tiresome trip between the two countries involving transit to neighbouring countries. The Airline which has also for the first time in two decades landed at Mogadishu airport in war-torn Somalia early this year intends to operate direct passenger service from Khartoum to Mogadishu.
It has also reduced its ticket price more than three times the initial price where a passenger travelling from Khartoum to Mogadishu used to pay $900 but now they will only pay about $200. Early last march, Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bosdag was on board the first Turkish flight to Mogadishu few months after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan – who said he wanted to challenge the idea that the Somali capital was a no-go area visit to Mogadishu last year.
Somali clan elders accuse TFG officials over selecting imposters
08 May – Source: Kismayo News/Dhanaan Online – 68 words
Some Somali clan elders from Somalia’s southern lower juba region have accused Somali government officials over substituting some of them with fake ones (Traditional elders) in order to achieve their political agenda. Ugaas Irshaad Ugaas Sigaale Ugaas Guure one of the Absame (Ogaden) elders said that such change of the traditional elders is a political interest of few power-hungry individuals within the Transtional Federal Government.
“It is very shocking to witness a conference meant to mend harmony within the society turned into forum to select imposters as traditional elder for our clans,” said Ugaas Guure. He called on the international community and the countries concerned on Somalia affairs to intervene and stop such reprehensible action that would jeopardize efforts to have stable Somalia.
Somaliland Foreign Minister Meets Djiboutian Leader
07 May – Source: Somaliland Press – 137 words
Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Gelle on Monday in his office met with Somaliland foreign minister Dr. Mohamed Abdillahi Omar accompanied by Somaliland minister of interior Hon Mohamed Nuur Araale (Duur).
Dr. Mohamed Omar who is currently in neighboring Djibouti said during his meeting with the Djiboutian leader they discussed many issues pertaining the current political situation in the horn of Africa and how they would strengthening the existing cordial ties between the two countries such as development, commerce and security.
The foreign minister also said that he delivered a personal message from Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Mohammud (silanyo) to the Djiboutian leader Ismail Omar Gelle. Dr. Mohamed Omar said the Somaliland government is keen on establishing a very conducive and cordial diplomatic relations with its neighbour which would in turn created commercial opportunities for both countries.
Killers of Somali journalist must be brought to justice, says UNESCO chief
08 May – Source: Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu/UNESCO – 227 words
The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) called on authorities in Somalia to bring to justice those responsible for the murder of radio journalist Farhan James Abdulle.
Mr. Abdulle, 27, was shot dead on 2 May by unidentified gunmen in Galkayo’s Garsoor neighbourhood. He was a reporter for the Galkayo branch of Radio Daljir, and the fifth journalist to be murdered in the Horn of Africa nation this year.
“Every effort must therefore be deployed to find the killers of Farhan James Abdulle and bring them to justice,” UNESCO’s Director-General, Irina Bokova, said in a news release. “There must be no impunity.” She noted that Mr. Abdulle was a “fervent defender of press freedom,” and fought for improved security for journalists.
“His tragic death, on the eve of World Press Freedom Day, deprives the people of Somalia of a voice that spoke out for their right to be informed and their right to freedom of expression,” stated Ms. Bokova. Observed annually on 3 May, the Day celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom.
“The construction of a robust democracy is a complex task, especially in those countries emerging from conflict. Press freedom plays a vital role in this and journalists must be able to work without fearing for their lives, if they are to fulfill their responsibilities,” the UNESCO chief added.
Unknown Gunmen kill two in Somali capital
08 May – Source: Radio Shabelle – 136 words
Unidentified gunmen have overnight shot dead at least two people in Mogadishu, Somalia capital, the latest violence Witnesses told Shabelle Media that the assailants armed with pistols have on Monday evening shot and killed two middle-aged men, a TFG soldier and Moallin Ismail, a man working for Somalia’s immigration and identification at Bulo-Hubey neighbourhood in Wadajir district.
Some reports suggest that TFG forces at the area killed the soldier as he was trying to run after the assailants who assassinated Moallin Ismail in Mogadishu overnight. No group or individual has yet claimed responsibility for the killing, but locals said the attacker have escaped from the shooting site before TFG soldiers arrived. Al-Shabaab was driven out of Mogadishu by government and African Union forces last year but has continued to carry out attacks in the city.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Somali MPs cry foul over making of constitution
08 May – Source: Star/Nairobi – 55 words
A section of Somali MPs from Somalia want the current constitution-making process stopped and left to handled by the next government. Speaking in Nairobi yesterday Awad Asharah, who chairs the Transitional Parliamentary Committee for Information, Culture and Heritage, said the process is being carried in an “opaque” manner without participation of all the Somali nationals.
Nine suspected terrorists held in Kapsabet on their way to Nairobi
07 May – Source: Star/Nairobi – 300 words
Nine foreigners suspected to be members of an international terrorist ring were yesterday arrested in Kapsabet while on transit to Nairobi, police in Nandi have said. The suspects were nabbed by police at a roadblock at Chepsonoi police station aboard a newspaper delivery van belonging to one of the leading media houses. They boarded the van from Kakamega town moments after delivering daily papers.
Nandi North police commander Nelson Okioga and area criminal investigation chief Samson Thoya said their office received a tip off from members of the public that some foreigners had boarded two newspaper delivery vans in Kakamega and were headed for Nairobi.
“When officers on patrol searched the Toyota pick up van registration number KBQ 532C they found nine suspects and a four-month-old girl with a few of their belongings. Five had valid Somali passports with Ugandan visas while one had his Somali identity card,” the OCPD said.
Yemen deports Somali Belgians in suspect of terrorism
07 May – Source: Yemen Observer – 228 words
The two Belgians who have been arrested with suspicion of terrorism in Sana’a last month are to be deported from Yemen, said Yemeni official on Sunday May 6.
The Yemeni Official mentioned that the two Belgians were detained on April 13 at Sana’a International Airport as they tried to enter the country. He identified them as Ibrahim Bali, a Belgian of a Somali Origin and Ezzeddin Tuhairi a Belgian of Arab descent.
According to the official they were arrested on suspicion of planned terrorist activities in Yemen. “We are in a process of negotiation with the Belgian government. We expect them to be deported within days,” said the Official.
A Belgian Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed the two Belgian were being held over suspected involvement in terrorist activity, and said Brussels was seeking consular access to them.
Kuwait PM hosts dinner banquet for visiting Somalia leader
07 May – Source: Kuwait News Agency – 58 words
The Kuwait Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-hamad Al- Sabah hosted on Monday a dinner banquet in honor of visiting Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and the delegation accompanying him on the occasion of his visit to the country. Meanwhile, President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed met the Somali Community in Kuwait in his residence in Bayan Palace here Monday.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Seven killed in Mogadishu mortar attack
08 May – Source: AFP/Washington Post – 127 words
Seven civilians were killed and nine wounded after a mortar shell was fired into a crowded neighbourhood of the Somali capital Mogadishu, official and witnesses said Tuesday.
It was not immediately clear who was behind the shelling late Monday, the latest in a string of attacks in the anarchic capital, where diehard al Qaeda allied al Shabaab insurgents have launched guerrilla assaults on the government.
“Seven people were killed and nine others injured, it was a disaster that shocked everyone,” said Dahir Adan, a witness. Somali security officials confirmed the attack and said they were investigating. The Islamist al Shabaab abandoned most of their fixed positions in Mogadishu in August, but have vowed to continue to battle the Western-backed government, who are protected by an 11,000 strong African Union force.
Dutch navy frigate to join NATO Ocean Shield mission
07 May – Source: Radio Netherlands Worldwide – 188 words
The Dutch navy frigate HNLMS Evertsen is leaving for Somali waters on Thursday to combat piracy as part of NATO mission Ocean Shield. The mission begins in June. According to the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the warship has 223 people on board, including sailors and helicopter pilots. A Lynx helicopter will also join the mission to watch over waters around the ship.
HNLMS Van Amstel is currently stationed off the Somali coast. The Dutch frigate is participating in the EU anti-priacy mission Atalanta. Later in the year, HNLMS Rotterdam will sail to Somali, accompanied by two Cougar helicopters and an unmanned drone, which can be used for scouting tasks.
At the beginning of April, the Dutch cabinet agreed to expand the EU anti-piracy mission, which includes air attacks on pirate camps on the coast. Troops are not however allowed to go on land to fight pirates.
Al Qaeda demands US to end air strikes in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia
08 May – Source: AFP – 463 words
Elderly US development worker Warren Weinstein has appeared in an al Qaeda video for the first time since he was kidnapped in Pakistan just days before he meant to return home last August. The two minute, 40 second video was posted on jihadist forums by al Qaeda’s media arm as-Sahab on Sunday, according to the US monitoring service SITE. There is no sign of when the video was made and Weinstein appears alone before the camera.
Dressed in a traditional Pakistani tunic and speaking impassively in English, he urges US President Barack Obama to respond to his kidnappers’ demands. He also tells his wife Elaine that “I’m fine, I’m well, I’m getting all my medications, I’m being taken care of”.
There was no response from the US embassy inIslamabad. Pakistani security officials said they were not immediately aware of the video but believe Weinstein is being held by al Qaeda and local Taliban near the Afghan border. Weinstein, 70, suffers from asthma, heart problems and high blood pressure.
“If you accept the demands, I live; if you don’t accept the demands, then I die,” he told Obama in the video, sitting behind a table with books and food on it. He also appealed to Obama as a father. If the president responds to the militants’ demands, Weinstein said, “then I will live and hopefully rejoin my family and also enjoy my children, my two daughters, like you enjoy your two daughters.”
Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in December claimed that the group was holding Weinstein, but at the time provided no proof. Zawahiri demanded thatWashingtonend air strikes in Afghanistan,Pakistan,Somalia and Yemen, and release the 1993 World Trade Centre bombers along with relatives of Osama bin Laden.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“However, an examination of few articles of the publicly available Draft Constitution on the status of Mogadishu, on the general provisions, on the election of the president in a parliamentary system, and on the original language of the constitution as well as the analysis of the political dynamics affecting the constitution making process highlight sufficiently why the public strongly opposes the Draft Constitution. What is more troubling is that the final draft of the constitution is secret and not subject to public consultation before its approval. The Draft Constitution challenges Somalia’s will for nationhood.”
Draft Constitution challenges Somalia’s will for nationhood
08 May – Source: Allgedo Online – 1424 Words
The debate on the Constitution-Making Process in Somalia shifted to a perilous level after the international community demanded IGAD to submit the list of the critics –labeled “spoilers” of the peace process of Somalia for referral to the International Criminal Court and to the UN Security Council for uncontestable harsh punishment. Compulsory acceptance or legitimate rejection with severe consequences of a conflict-ridden Constitution is an awful predicament that challenges the conscience of many Somali citizens.
“Tribal war has been complicated by religious tensions and fighting over resources. But when the conflict started to calm, a new phase of unrest took hold. Redrawing of inland boundaries – threw towns together – with new district heads and presidents governing new regions. “Fiefdoms,” Osman calls them. “Every day they are springing up in cities.” The result? There is no clarity on who is ruling where or what.”
Understanding Somalia
07 May – Source: This Is Culture – 723 Words
What is the situation in Somalia? Who is mostly affected and is anyone coming up with any solutions? I met a young Somali who was able to answer these questions. In many African societies, tradition dictates that owners of the most cattle are the toast of the neighbourhood. In urban Africa, this is rarely observed. But for rural communities’ livestock remains king.
Somali-born artist/painter/sculptor Loul showcases her work
07 May – Source: Soobax Blog
Meet Somali visual artist Loul Samater, a painter, sculptor and teacher with roots in Saudi-Arabia and currently based in the United States. With an educational background in painting, fine arts and sculpting from Chicago and Florence, Loul has showcased in Los Angeles, New York and other galleries and institutions throughout the world. She recently returned from Somaliland, where she expanded the visual vocabulary that now fuels the work in her studio.
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Image of the day
Somali Police Force (SPF) receive new equipment donated by the government of Japan through the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) Trust Fund to support the rebuilding of the SPF in the Somali capital Mogadishu. PHOTO: AU-UN IST/STUART PRICE.