May 22, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.
AMISOM operation to help largest concentration of displaced people in the world
22 May – Source: AMISOM – 321 Words
Early this morning, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali National Army (SNA) launched a carefully planned operation to bring security and stability to the people of the Afgoye corridor, west of Mogadishu. The Burundi and Ugandan forces of AMISOM have been careful to avoid built†up areas, and together with the SNA, are making good progress against the al Qaeda†backed al Shabaab terrorists.
The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (Deputy SRCC) in Somalia, Honourable Wafula Wamunyinyi, said: “The Afgoye corridor holds one of the biggest concentrations of internally displaced people in the world. We are helping them by building security so that they can share in the economic revival of the capital. They will now be able to access humanitarian services and eventually return to their original homes in Mogadishu.
AMISOM has helped to remove the foreign and barbaric grip of al Shabaab terrorists from some of the most vulnerable and impoverished people in Somalia. The number of Somalis who are enjoying peace and security now includes these 400,000 more people. “Afgoye town has been controlled by the al Qaeda†backed al Shabaab terrorists who have been preventing many aid agencies from operating in the area.” Said Honorable Wamunyinyi.
The Force Commander of AMISOM Forces, Lieutenant General Andrew Gutti, said: “During this joint operation AMISOM is taking every precaution to prevent harm or injury to civilians. We will only fight when attacked by the al Shabaab terrorists.”
Key Headlines
- AMISOM operation to help largest concentration of displaced people in the world (AMISOM)
- Somalia AU forces attack al Shabaab stronghold oustkirts Mogadishu (Jowhar Online/ Shabelle/ Bariga Afrika/ Hiiraan Online)
- Gen. Guti Sharif discuss Somali security (New Vision)
- Kenyan border town under curfew following blast (Shabelle)
- AU Somali troops attack Islamist stronghold of Afgoye (AFP)
- Somali al Qaeda praised Yemen bombing (Radio Kulmiye/Jowhar Online)
- Washington Somali Community leaders welcome Minister of Planning & International Co-operation (Hiiraan Online)
- 50 al Shabaab fighters surrender to TFG in central Somalia (Radio Mogadishu/SONNA)
- Battle against al Shabaab intensifies in Southern Somalia (Coastweek/ Xinhua)
- Ahlu Sunna: We have no any representations in ongoing roadmap meeting (Shabelle/Bariga Afika)
- Somalis tried in Paris for luxury yacht crew hijack (AFP/ Radio Netherlands)
- Al Shabaab warns businessmen over engagement with western aid agencies (Radio Kulmiye)
PRESS RELEASE
AMISOM operation to help largest concentration of displaced people in the world
22 May – Source: AMISOM – 321 Words
Early this morning, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali National Army (SNA) launched a carefully planned operation to bring security and stability to the people of the Afgoye corridor, west of Mogadishu. The Burundi and Ugandan forces of AMISOM have been careful to avoid built†up areas, and together with the SNA, are making good progress against the al Qaeda†backed al Shabaab terrorists.
The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (Deputy SRCC) in Somalia, Honourable Wafula Wamunyinyi, said: “The Afgoye corridor holds one of the biggest concentrations of internally displaced people in the world. We are helping them by building security so that they can share in the economic revival of the capital. They will now be able to access humanitarian services and eventually return to their original homes in Mogadishu.
AMISOM has helped to remove the foreign and barbaric grip of al Shabaab terrorists from some of the most vulnerable and impoverished people in Somalia. The number of Somalis who are enjoying peace and security now includes these 400,000 more people. “Afgoye town has been controlled by the al Qaeda†backed al Shabaab terrorists who have been preventing many aid agencies from operating in the area.” Said Honorable Wamunyinyi.
The Force Commander of AMISOM Forces, Lieutenant General Andrew Gutti, said: “During this joint operation AMISOM is taking every precaution to prevent harm or injury to civilians. We will only fight when attacked by the al Shabaab terrorists.”
“We ask the population of the Afgoye corridor to continue to stay in their places of residence, avoid unnecessary travel on main roads and not to stray far from their homes. Some 400,000 more people will now benefit from the same sense of increased security and progress that Mogadishu has been enjoying since last August.” Added Lieutenant General Gutti. AMISOM’s method of operation was specifically designed to minimize harm to the population, in conjunction with the Somali National Army (SNA).
SOMALI MEDIA
Somalia, AU forces attack al Shabaab stronghold oustkirts Mogadishu
22 May – Source: Jowhar Online/ Shabelle/ Bariga Afrika/ Hiiraan Online – 125 words
Somali forces alongside AU soldiers with heavily armoured vehicles have on Tuesday attacked several al Shabaab strongholds out of Somalia’s capital Mogadishu. Residents and officials said.
Officials in Somali government, said the assault is aimed to capture the rebel-held Afgoye town, 30 KM away south of Mogadishu. Residents in Elasha-Biyaha, out of the capital say they could hear the sounds of gunfire and mortar shells northern side of the area.
No casualties is yet established on the fighting as the battle still going on location towards Afgoye town and many parts out of Mogadishu. Al Shabaab has in the past lost many towns, including Mogadishu, the capital in south and central Somalia in a result of war by Somali Government and AMISIOM forces.
Kenyan border town under curfew following blast
22 May – Source: Shabelle – 147 words
A curfew has been imposed and came to effect overnight in Mandera town, north eastern Kenya following a deadly bomb blast on Monday, causing unconfirmed casualties on the Kenyan military, residents said.
Kenyan police forces reportedly halted public movements in the town as they have been conducting patrols to secure the overall security of the border town which has been rocked by a deadly landmine blast that hit Kenyan military convoy on Monday.
“The security personnel had embarked on a door-to-door operation to mop up arms and other crude weapons this morning, but as far as I know no arrests were made until now,” a local resident, told Shabelle Media by telephone from Mandera town.
The town is less than 100 metres from the Kenya border. The security has worsened since Kenya sent its troops into the neighbouring Somalia last year to pursue al Shabaab militants.
Somali al Qaeda praised Yemen bombing
22 May – Source: Radio Kulmiye/Jowhar Online – 150 words
In the aftermath of a suicide bombing of a military parade earlier yesterday in the Yemen capital Sanaa that killed at least 96 people the official Twitter feed of Somalia’s al Qaeda aligned al Shabaab insurgents offered its congratulations to al Qaeda in the Arab Peninsula (AQAP) and its thanks to God.
“The Mujahideen in the Arabian Peninsula have just carried out a Martyrdom operation targeting a Military parade in San’a” wrote @HSMPress at 11.27 a.m. on 21 May. “May Allah Grant victory to our brothers in the Arabian Peninsula in their war against the Kuffar and Murtadin,” read a second tweet a minute later.
Al Shabaab has in the past offered to send fighters to Yemen to support AQAP. “We call upon all Muslims to give a hand to our brothers in Yemen and we, al Shabaab, are ready to send them reinforcements,” said a spokesman in early 2010.
50 al Shabaab fighters surrender to TFG in central Somalia
22 May – Source: Radio Mogadishu/ SONNA – 281 words
Government forces stationed in central Somalia conform that more than 40 al Shabaab extremists fighters crossed over into the Somali controlled side and denounced the atrocities being committed by al Shabaab against the innocent Somali population. Majority of those who defected hailed from Galgadud where Somali government forces launched a major military offensive to flash out the al Qaeda affiliated extremists from Somalia.
Ahlu Sunnah Waljamaa military operations leader Abdi Hassan Mohamed told SONNA that the fighters decided to surrender after being forced to fight a war they barely understood its concept. “These fighters called us earlier in April and asked us for assistance, we promised to assist them get out of the al Shabaab group and we have kept our end of bargain, we welcome them since they are our children who have been misguided” Ali told SONNA.
In a separate incident 10 heavily armed al Shabaab fighters surrendered to security forces in Hiraan region. The batch came with a PG vehicle that the al Shabaab uses during fighting. Somali army Chief of Staff has called on the al Qaeda affiliated extremists overpowered in Baidoa and central Somalia to cross over and join the Somali TFG in fighting the extremists al Qaeda.
Government pardon duration was extended to enable fighters willing to cross over from the extremists join the government side. Somali Defense Minister Hussein Arab Isse also added that any al Shabaab fighter who disarms and surrender to the government will be given full life care.
Al Shabaab warns businessmen over engagement with western aid agencies
22 May – Source: Radio Kulmiye – 92 words
Somalia’s al Qaeda group of al Shabaab has released a new release in which they officially warned the Somali businessmen to avoid dealing with the western aid agencies who are working in the Somalia’s southern parts.
Al Shabaab said they are warning businessmen who are associated with the western aid agencies which are already banned from operating in Somalia by the Mujaahidiin according to a statement released. Al Shabaab has recently imposed restrictions on several western aid agencies, manily those working in south and central Somalia.
Residents battle al Shabaab in Lower Shabelle
21 May – Source: Radio Mogadishu/ Somalia Report – 77 words
At least two al Qaeda militias were killed and more than that number injured as local residents fought against the al Qaeda militias in Lower Shabelle region on Monday. The fighting erupted when the militants tried to loot properties from the local residents. The chairman of Lower Shabele region Abdukadir Mohamed Nur told Radio Mogadishu the militants demanded every family in the region to bring a boy to attend the fighting in Somalia, but the locals opposed that idea.
Ahlu Sunna: We have no any representations in ongoing roadmap meeting
22 May – Source: Shabelle/Bariga Afrika – 123 words
The administration of Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a (ASWJ), a pro-government group in central Somalia, announced on Tuesday that the group has no representations in the ongoing Somalia’s roadmap meeting in Addis Ababa.
Sheikh Mohammed Yusuf Hefow, the chairman of Ahlu Sunna’s executive council in central Somalia, told Shabelle Media during an interview that they deny having any representations in the meeting.
The differences between the roadmap signatories mainly arise from the new draft constitution. Puntland state and Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a (ASWJ), both signatories, have recently opposed the draft constitution. These comments came as a meeting to bring together the six signatories of theSomalia’s Road-map is underway in the Ethiopian capital with officials from the international community.
Washington Somali Community leaders welcome Minister of Planning & International Co-operation
21 May – Source: Hiiraan Online – 128 words
Key leaders of the community met with Minister Godah, welcomed him, listened to his extensive remarks on various issues, and engaged in discussions with him about the Somalia situation.
Minister Godah spoke extensively about the prevailing situation in the homeland, shared his thoughts and first hand knowledge about the critical issues, including but not limited to progress and challenges on security, governance, the so called controversial Draft Constitution, and ways that the Somalis in Diaspora can play meaningful role in the future of Somalia.
Minister extended an invitation to the Diaspora community to join the efforts towards good governance and The community leaders agreed with Minister Godah that the Diaspora community must contribute in the rehabilitation and rebuilding of the homeland.
Ethiopian military to increase onslaught against al Shabaab
21 May – Source: Garowe Online – 300 words
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said that his military is looking to gain more ground from al Shabaab in southern Somalia, Garowe Online reports. Prime Minister Zenawi stated that the Ethiopian troops deployed in south central Somalia a preparing to increase the onslaught against al Shabaab, so they can drive out insurgents remaining in southern regions.
“We are committed to strengthening the battle against al Shabaab in south central and southern Somalia,” said Prime Minister Zenawi. According to the Prime Minister, Ethiopia has had a great deal of experience in suppressing and limiting the ability of insurgent groups to thrive.
Last year Ethiopian troops were deployed to parts of Somalia and since then have been able to force al Shabaab from their major strongholds in southern Somalia. Baidoa and Beledweyne were two key cities that Ethiopian troops were able to uproot al Shabaab from.
Prime Minister Zenawi suggested that Kismayo, a major al Shabaab stronghold 500 kms south of Mogadishu could be the next operation for the Ethiopian troops. “Our troops have forced al Shabaab from a large part of land in south central Somalia, and soon we will take over more key strongholds,” said Prime Minister Zenawi.
On Saturday, Ethiopia’s Major Gen. John said that it would not be a problem for his troops to take over the key port city of Kismayo. “Truthfully Ethiopia has fulfilled its mission in Somalia, and it is not a problem for our military to liberate the port city of Kismayo,” said Maj. Gen. John.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Gen. Guti, Sharif discuss Somali security
22 May – Source: New Vision – 313 words
The president of Somali, Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed has met the new commander of the Africa Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM), Lt. Gen. Andrew Guti with whom they discussed the security situation in the war torn country.
The meeting at Villa Somalia in Migadishu was also attended by the AMISOM police commissioner, Dr Charles Makono and the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission in Somalia, Wafula Wamunyinyi .
President Sharif told journalists after the meeting that he had discussed with the officers the security situation. AMISOM has routed the al Shabaab militants fighting Sharif’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) from Mogadishu and is now spreading its sphere of operations outside the town.
“We welcome them and shall support them,” Sharif commented. “We all acknowledge there is progress in the pacification of the country and need to applaud AMISOM. We need to build on that progress and move forward so that the Somali people can once again live in peace,” Sharif observed.
The President pointed out that the Somali people are happy with the efforts of AMISOM to bring peace to Somalia which has been almost stateless since 1992. He said in the fore-going period much emphasis will be put on building the security systems and institutions of Somalia.
The President disclosed that his last trip to Kampala that coincided with commanders of the Land Forces in Africa conference in Munyonyo was to mop up more support for AMISOM. “Very much so,” he answered when asked whether he had come to Kampala to mobilize for more troops. “As you are aware those countries are supportive of amisom.”
Kenya launches major security operation in northeast after blast
21 May – Source: Caost Week/Xinhua – 978 words
Kenya’s authorities have launched a major security operation in Mandera town in northern region after hours after two soldiers were seriously injured in an explosion near the Somalia border on Monday.
Some of the suspects have been arrested in the joint operation which is being conducted by the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) and the police. Residents said over 20 residents living villagers near the scene of the Monday morning attack were rounded by the military personnel and taken to the local police station for interrogation.
Mohamed Yusuf, a resident of Bulla-Geneva told Xinhua on phone that three of his family members were picked up by KDF shortly after the blast that also ripped off the military lorry into mingled piece of metal, but later released after questioning.
Pirates who hijacked UAE ship sentenced to life in prison
22 May – Source: National (UAE) – 153 words
Ten Somalis who hijacked the UAE ship MV Arrilah were this morning sentenced to life in prison. The Federal Court ruled that following their 25-year sentences, the men should be deported. The court also ordered the confiscation of all the missiles and explosives found by the special forces troops who retook the ship in a daring raid that led to the capture of the men.
Counter-terrorism units stormed the bulk oil carrier in April last year after it was hijacked in the Arabian Sea, east of Oman, en route from Australia to Jebel Ali. The 37,000-tonne ship is owned by two subsidiaries of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and the rescue was said at the time to show the UAE’s commitment to act firmly against piracy.
Battle against al Shabaab intensifies in Southern Somalia
22 May – Source: Coastweek/ Xinhua – 882 words
Kenyan forces serving in the expanded African Union military force in Somalia (AMISOM) have announced plans to expand beyond their traditional stronghold of Kuday in what a military spokesman called a new round.
Kuday lies south of the strategic port town of Kismayu, often seen as the ultimate prize in the battle against the al Shabaab. The town has seen some of the most intensified battles since the deployment of the Kenyan troops in October 2011. “The troops are in good spirits and focused on round two of the showdown.
“AMISOM troops are likely to push beyond Kuday soon,” Major Emmanuel Chirchir, spokesman of the Kenyan Defense Forces (KDF) said in his official Twitter account on Saturday night.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
AU, Somali troops attack Islamist stronghold of Afgoye
22 May – Source: AFP – 389 words
African Union and Somali troops launched a long-awaited assault Tuesday against the al Qaeda linked al Shabaab stronghold of Afgoye, the world’s largest displaced people’s camp, officials said. Residents reported intense clashes and heavy artillery fire on the outskirts of Mogadishu as tanks and troops pushed out in a pre-dawn attack from Deynile, a suburb of the capital.
“Early this morning, the African Union Mission in Somalia and the Somali National Army launched a carefully planned operation to bring security and stability to the people of the Afgoye corridor,” an AU statement read. The troops are “making good progress,” the AU added, while the Somali army claimed that Shebab fighters were fleeing ahead of the advancing troops.
“The remnants of the al Qaeda militants have already suffered a major defeat and they have emptied their barracks in the area,” said Mohamed Osmail, a Somali military official. “The army cut off a key road on the outskirts of Deynile, which the enemy has been using when organising attacks and transporting fighters to undermine the security of the city, they are no longer there now,” he added. Witnesses said civilians in the battle zone were fleeing the fighting.
“Several artillery rounds struck the KM13 area, and families who had remained in the area started fleeing this morning — the fighting seems to be advancing on to Afgoye corridor,” said Muhidiin Adan, a resident in Deynile. “I saw two AU tanks crossing streets near Deynile airstrip… they want to cut off the supply routes of al Shabaab,” said Hassan Abdi, another resident.
Deynile commands access to the Afgoye corridor, an area some 30 kilometres (20 miles) northwest of Mogadishu, which is controlled by the al Shabaab. Top al Shabaab official Sheikh Fuad Mohamed Shangole called on the people to rise up and attack the AU and government troops. “The enemy wants to destroy the religion of Allah by attacking the mujahedeen fighters, be assured that the Army of Allah will win and the enemy will lose in the battle,” Shangole told the group’s radio Al-Andalus.
“I call on Muslims to unite to defend their religion and country from the enemy.” Some 400,000 people, around one third of all the displaced people in Somalia, were still living in the Afgoye corridor at the start of the year, fleeing war or drought, according to figures from the UN refugee agency.
Somalis tried in Paris for luxury yacht crew hijack
22 May – Source: AFP/ Radio Netherlands – 304 words
Six Somalis go on trial in a Paris court on Tuesday charged with taking the 30 crew of luxury sailing ship Le Ponant hostage in the emerald, pirate-infested waters of the Gulf of Aden in 2008.
The six men, aged 25 to 50, face life in prison if convicted of kidnapping and theft as part of a gang after they were arrested in a French airborne operation on land in Somalia after a ransom was paid.
Only one admits to being a pirate, two admit to having been aboard the elegant 88-metre three-master but only to sell goats, cigarettes and the mild narcotic khat. The other three deny ever having set foot on the boat.
Le Ponant left the Seychelles on March 30, 2008 with 30 crew and no passengers on board, headed for Yemen where they were to take on passengers for a cruise.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“A lot has changed in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, since America’s ugly involvement in the 1990s (as captured in the 2001 film Black Hawk Down). Evgeny Lebedev travels to a city fighting for recovery, and sees progress and stagnation battling for primacy. As Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali tells him, “Somalis are sick and tired of being sick and tired.” There are signs of promise—the city’s Bakaara market has replaced bullets and forged passports with local produce, grain, and meat. But with the al Shabaab militia still festering in the south of the country and al Qaeda maintaining a toehold, control may still be out of the government’s reach.”
Beyond Black Hawk Down: A Visit to Contemporary Mogadishu
22 May – Source: Vanity Fair – 1597 Words
Upon landing at Mogadishu airport, I found it hard to ignore certain omens. The carcass of a crashed cargo plane litters the end of the runway. Visible through the crystal-clear water of the Indian Ocean below is the outline of a sunken trading boat, a memento of the struggle with pirates for control of the surrounding sea.
When I arrived last month, the passenger on my right stared down at the plane wreckage below. He was a Western security contractor, one of those seeking the bumper paydays that come from working in a place many international newspapers describe as “the world’s most dangerous city.”
“Somalia’s leaders now need to decide whether they are prepared to put aside personal differences and interests and help bring peace and security to Somalia after 21 years of conflict, or whether this will be another wasted opportunity for future generations to regret. If Somalia’s leaders are ready and willing to do the right thing, the UK, together with our international partners and the UN, will make sure the process doesn’t suffer for lack of resources.”
The Roadmap: focus on the destination
21 May – Source: FCO Blog – 493 Words
This week the Roadmap signatories meet in Addis. Their aim? To resolve a number of outstanding issues relating to the political process. And it’s vital they do.
Over the next few months, the Signatories have an historic opportunity to make real progress and help Somalia move forward towards greater stability. Theirs is a challenging agenda: ending the Transition successfully and succeeding it with institutions that are more legitimate and credible is a considerable task. But it’s also an essential one.
“Every Somali should have a say in how these issues are addressed and, with patience, I believe every Somali will. The peace process, on which we have laboured for so long, is now bearing fruit. Mogadishu is now flourishing and showing a real sense of peace and hope. Never before have I seen the traffic jams of today on Makka Al-Mukarama Road. Businesses are reopening, buildings are going up everywhere, and the sense of hope within the Somali people is palpable.”
Somalia: Prof A. I. Samatar and his fallacy on the new life in Mogadishu
21 May – Source: Mareeg – 1250 Words
In response to Professor Abdi Ismail Samatar’s article entitled “UN threatens the Somali democratic movement” which he raised a number of questions including what is a Roadmap? And who is Spoiler?
While the TFG welcomes constructive criticism and encourages discussions and debate on the proposed new political dispensation, blaming the International Community for our own mistakes serves no purpose. We must accept responsibility for our actions and be creative in finding solutions, recognising that these ultimately lie within us. It is time to seriously debate and discuss issues that matter to all the Somali people.
“The European Union, Somalia’s biggest donor, contributes $112 million a year to the education sector in the whole of Somalia, including the two breakaway regions. EU education support “helps prevent a situation where young people with no qualifications get involved in extremist activities,” said Isabel Faria de Almeida, who heads the EU’s Education and Economic Development unit for Somalia. The programme also aims to get more girls into school, particularly into secondary school, where there are fewer girls despite an increase in overall enrolment.”
A winning solution: Education to combat extremism
22 May – Source: Independent (Rwanda) – 483 Words
Spared the violence that has ravaged southern Somalia for two decades, the breakaway Somaliland and Puntland regions are investing in education to lure youngsters away from extremism and piracy.
The self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland hopes to prove it can build a stable, independent state as the international community has not recognised its autonomy since it split away from Somalia in 1991.
Semi-autonomous Puntland to the east — created in 1998 and now boasting its own political institutions and administration — is striving to keep its youth from joining Islamist extremist or pirate groups.
Top tweets
@msadek621 Extremely ambitious agenda for an up-and-running #Somali
@mary_harper Wonder if 6 #Somali delegations in Addis will reach agreement today. British ambo to #Somalia offers sticks & carrots: http://bit.ly/KExJVT.
@noorimages “The most difficult task in the world?” @jangrarup‘s latest work about #Mogadishu’s mayor, published by @GQ_France: http://ow.ly/
@BillaoJournal Despite optimistic attitude of #TFG http://tinyurl.com/
@BillaoJournal HT @
Image of the day
A Burundian soldier serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) is seen manning a frontline position in Deynile District. On Tuesday AMISOM launched planned assault to secure the Afgoye corridor, west of Mogadishu. File Photo: AU-UN IST / STUART PRICE.