June 6, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Somalis welcome results of Istanbul Conference
06 Jun – Source: Turkish Weekly – 616 words
The Somali Transitional Federal Government and political analysts say the momentum achieved from the Istanbul Conference bodes well for the future. Somali analysts and officials welcomed the results of the Istanbul Conference on Somalia after its conclusion Friday (June 1st) in Turkey. Analysts said they hope the momentum of the conference would put Somalia on the right path for building a new future.
The conference, held under the theme “Preparing Somalia’s Future: Goals for 2015,” issued a statement emphasising the unity of Somalia and the importance of dialogue and transparency in the appointment of new members of government. Attendees called on the international community to provide funds and assistance in the post-transition period to rebuild Somalia’s infrastructure.
Members of the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG), UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Turkey Prime Minister Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan, and representatives from 57 countries and 11 international organisations attended the two-day conference.
Key Headlines
- Somalis welcome results of Istanbul Conference (Turkish Weekly)
- Somali military court bans soldiers from collecting illegal tax (Jowhar Online/Shabelle/Hiiraan Online)
- Livestock prices hike in the Mogadishu over al Shabaab blockade (Radio Risaala)
- Police take over security at Kampala hotels malls (Daily Monitor)
- Galmudug state welcomes outcome of Istanbul conference (Radio Mogadishu)
- Kenya may lose Sh1bn in US aid to military (Daily Nation)
- Banadir regional court issues arrest warrant against former deputy Attorney General (Raxanreeb/Jowhar Online)
- Somali elder killed in Beledweyne (Bar-kulan)
SOMALI MEDIA
Somali military court bans soldiers from collecting illegal tax
06 Jun – Source: Jowhar Online/Shabelle/Hiiraan Online – 123 words
A judge in Somalia’s military court Wednesday issued orders to bar soldiers from collecting illegal tax in the town of Afgoye, 30 kilometres north-west Mogadishu.
Judge Hassan Mohammed Hussein better known as (Mungab), warned TFG forces controlling Afgoye, former al Shabaab stronghold in southern Somalia, over extorting fees from the vehicles travelling between Mogadishu and other region in southern Somalia.
On the other hand, the court has issued an order to prohibit people to carry all illegal weapons inside the town to prevent insecurity acts committed by gunmen who are not part of the Somali government forces. Afgoye town was recently captured by Somali and AMISOM forces from al Shabaab fighters who ruled it for three years.
Livestock prices hike in the Mogadishu over al Shabaab blockade
06 May – Source: Radio Risaala – 114 words
The rising prices of livestock in the markets of Mogadishu raised alarm within livestock traders in the country. The businessmen who make a living from this trade told Risaala Media that they blame the insecurity in the region over these price fluctuations. They further explained that the roads were blocked due to the recent confrontations between government forces and al Shabaab militia hence blocking the passage of livestock through Afgooye to Mogadishu thus causing a huge price hike. The clashes in Afgooye and Mogadishu have frustrated the livestock traders since Afgooye town is very crucial for the livestock passage to Mogadishu.
Galmudug state welcomes outcome of Istanbul conference
06 May – Source: Radio Mogadishu – 96 words
Mohamed Ahmed Alim, president of Galmudug state who is in Turkey has warmly welcomed the outcome of Istanbul conference that discussed the future of Somali people and country.
Speaking to Radio Mogadishu, President Ahmed Alim endorsed the communique issued from Istanbul conference saying they were only ways to the country that could quit from transitional period.
Many of Somali people who are in and outside the country similarly welcomed the two-day conference attended by representatives of more than 50 countries, clan elders, regional and international organizations that called for an economic recovery.
Tension rises in northeast Somalia region
06 Jun – Source: Shabelle – 133 words
Tensions are rising in northeast Somalia following clashes between Puntland forces backed by security for Saracen International and local militias loyal to Ras-Asayr State, officials called on all sides to show restraint.
Sources say on Wednesday that there are a growing build up of arms and troops at Bargal town inside Bari region between rival regional administrations of Puntland and Ras-Asayr State in northeast Somalia.
Farah Mohamud Dooha-Joog, the president of Ras-Asayr State, told his troops to ward off any attack from Puntland army against the territories of Ras-Asayr State on Tuesday, saying the intention of the attack was to create fear amongst the people and loot the mineral resources. Puntland officials who spoke to the Media said they have reached the area to fight the pirates at Bargal town of Bari region.
Banadir regional court issues arrest warrant against former deputy Attorney General
06 Jun – Source: Raxanreeb/Jowhar Online – 173 words
The Banadir regional court has on Tuesday issued a warrant of arrest against the country’s former Deputy Attorney General over alleged misuse of power and corruption, RBC reports.
In Tuesday’s court session which was the second since the charges against the former deputy of Somalia’s Attorney General Ali Mohamud Yusuf (Ali Yare) opened, the regional court announced four different charges including security threat and misuse of the power of the office against the Yare who was absent from the court session.
The court’s prosecutor presented several documents showing the charges against the former deputy of the General Attorney while the court also questioned five witnesses supporting the charges against the defendant.
Dr. Hashi Elmi Nur, the Head of Banadir Regional Court announced the court decision saying “Banadir regional court orders the arrest of Ali Mohamud Yusuf better known as Ali Yare and should be jailed for 15 years.” The court also ruled that he won’t be able to hold any government position for his life term.
Puntland maritime forces pursue pirates
05 Jun – Source: Garowe Online/ BBC Somali Service – 178 words
Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) entered the coastal district of Bargaal after reports that Somali pirates were holding ships they captured in the district’s coast, Garowe Online reports. A regiment of the PMPF arrived in the coastal district on Monday night and conducted operations to locate pirates that may have docked seized ships in the districts coast. Residents of Bargaal last week requested that the Puntland government take action about the reports of pirates entering the district.
The regiment which left the district of Hafun on Monday, has been after a group of pirates that reportedly were operating in Bargaal, a district in Bari region. According to local sources in the district, unidentified helicopters have been searching the coast for the reported ships but officials say the pirates have boarded there ships and fled the coast.
PMPF Commander Col. Abdirasak Diriye Farah who spoke to BBC Somali, said that the Somali pirates boarded the ships after hearing that the PMPF had entered the coastal district. The Colonel added that the pirates headed back into the Indian Ocean.
Somali elder killed in Beledweyne
06 Jun – Source: Bar-kulan – 124 words
Armed gangs Wednesday shot dead a local elder in central Somali town of Beledweyne near the border with Ethiopia, reports say. The elder, Abdi Hared Hilowle was gunned down by over three unknown gangs armed with pistols early this morning.
The elder was a broker in the area livestock market, according to his relatives who spoke to Bar-kulan. Confirming the incident, the area deputy regional governor, Mohamed Omar Issack said they are pursuing the gangs who are on the run and promised to bring them into book.
The assailants fled the scene of the incident, according eyewitnesses who spoke to Bar-kulan on condition of anonymity. The motives and the identity of the perpetrators behind the assassination of the elder are yet to be established.
Al Shabaab detains 30 people in Middle Shabelle region
05 Jun – Source: Radio Mogadishu/ Somalia Report – 50 words
Al Shabaab militias detained more than 30 Somali people in Mahadaay district of Middle Shabelle region on Monday afternoon. The detained people, including traditional elders and traders, were accused of having links with the TFG. After the allied troops seized ground from al Shabaab, the militia increased the harassment of the civilians.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Police take over security at Kampala hotels, malls
06 Jun – Source: Daily Monitor – 386 words
Ugandan Police have taken over the security management of all major city hotels and malls, including the newly constructed Mapeera building and Hilton Hotel. Police sources say that hotels’ security and profiling of the visitors will be managed by the directorates of Criminal Investigations, Intelligence, and Counter Terrorism.
Mr. Ibin Ssenkumbi, the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, confirmed the development. “It is true we have taken over the security of vital infrastructure and buildings like Mapeera Building, Crested Towers, Serena Hotel, Fairway, Imperial Royale and major malls in and around Kampala,” Mr. Ssenkumbi said yesterday.
Al Shabaab terrorists struck Kampala in 2010, killing 76 people who were watching the soccer world cup final at Ethiopian Restaurant in Kabalagala and Kyadondo Rugby Club in Lugogo.
The al Shabaab said they carried out the attacks in retaliation for Uganda’s involvement in peace keeping efforts in Somalia where they are fighting a transitional government.
Kenya may lose Sh1bn in US aid to military
05 Jun – Source: Daily Nation – 201 words
Kenyan security agencies risk losing massive foreign support after a committee of the US Congress proposed to withhold funds citing human rights violations.
The Senate Judiciary Committee says the Kenya Defence Forces and the police are alleged to have violated human rights since 2008 and as late as January this year. This year’s financial estimates show the US gave Kenya $14.1 million (Sh1.26 billion) for defence purposes, an increase from the preceding year.
The alleged violations cover part of Operation Linda Nchi, the military offensive launched against al Shabaab and Operation Okoa Maisha against the Sabaot Land Defence Forces in Mt Elgon in March 2008.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Somalis welcome results of Istanbul Conference
06 Jun – Source: Turkish Weekly – 616 words
The Somali Transitional Federal Government and political analysts say the momentum achieved from the Istanbul Conference bodes well for the future. Somali analysts and officials welcomed the results of the Istanbul Conference on Somalia after its conclusion Friday (June 1st) in Turkey. Analysts said they hope the momentum of the conference would put Somalia on the right path for building a new future.
The conference, held under the theme “Preparing Somalia’s Future: Goals for 2015,” issued a statement emphasising the unity of Somalia and the importance of dialogue and transparency in the appointment of new members of government. Attendees called on the international community to provide funds and assistance in the post-transition period to rebuild Somalia’s infrastructure.
Members of the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG), UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Turkey Prime Minister Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan, and representatives from 57 countries and 11 international organisations attended the two-day conference.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“While we see Somalia’s hunger and poverty as an opportunity to bring the nation’s struggle to the world’s attention, we should not overlook the essence of the problem, its interplay with all the problems of East Africa. Unless this international interest shakes and reshapes existing regional balances, the Somalia problem is likely to endure for quite some time.”
Getting Somalia right: How to solve Somalia’s disorder?
05 Jun – Source: Todays Zaman – 722 Words
Since last year interest in the conflict in Somalia has been steadily increasing, but will this be enough to achieve a long-term and stable peace?
Turkey has just hosted the second Ä°stanbul Conference on Somalia, after hosting the first one in 2010. In February, the British government organized its own international meeting on Somalia. Considering all these developments, one can identify changing dynamics in the Somalia problem, and have naturally higher expectations for the future of the country. However, the reality is still far from how many media outlets portray it, and there is a long way to go to achieve stability and peace.
There is no doubt international efforts have provided for two major developments. First, Somalia is no longer a sidelined country in global politics, but rather an arena in which the world’s key players want to make their presence felt. Second, increasing international efforts, led principally by Turkey, have relatively bettered the lives of Somalis. Economic and humanitarian aid, the building of hospitals and investment in infrastructure have been the most visible outcomes of the current international campaign in Somalia.
“In my view, the Istanbul conference is a genuine event organised by a neutral mediator with the best interest of Somalia and its people at its heart. This is because the host cannot be accused of ambitions of neo-colonialism agenda, as it cannot be associated with Somalia’s dark colonial history. Although the Ottoman empire once ruled some parts of the Somali nation it did not get its hands dirty by not participating the balkanisation of the our country by the European powers. Therefore, unlike the London conference, the suspicion that some past and neo-colonial interests might have propelled Britain to lead the conference, including helping Somaliland, its former British colony appear on the world map and stage, is totally absent from this conference.”
Why the Istanbul conference is different from the London conference?
05 Jun – Source: Hiiraan Online – 1055 Words
As the conference on Somalia concludes in Istanbul, I cannot help but to express my raw emotions towards the new political and military developments in Somalia as I cannot hide my higher expectation that our nation is finally coming out of the long and dark tunnel of a protracted civil war that caused the death of hundreds of thousands of Somalis and the destruction of properties and other resources. Indeed, these days the magic word in the media is that Somalia is finally getting rid of its bad image as a failed state.
First of all, let me shed some light on the Istanbul conference on Somalia, comparing it with the London conference.
In my view, the Istanbul conference is a genuine event organised by a neutral mediator with the best interest of Somalia and its people at its heart. This is because the host cannot be accused of ambitions of neo-colonialism agenda, as it cannot be associated with Somalia’s dark colonial history. Although the Ottoman empire once ruled some parts of the Somali nation it did not get its hands dirty by not participating the balkanisation of the our country by the European powers.
Lorenzo Masi : Struggle for survival
06 Jun – Source: La Letter De La Photographie – 406 Words
After twenty years of civil war Somalia is one of the poorest and most dangerous nations in the world. Avoiding the risk of been killed or forced to fight in an infinite war many of its inhabitants try to move to foreign countries. 
Considering its position in the Mediterranean Sea and the colonial past that links it with Somalia, Italy is one of the favorite destinations for people who flee the country from the horn of Africa. The common way to reach the Italian coast is to cross the desert by bus or truck to arrive at the shipping points near the city of Tripoli. 

“It’s hard to face the realities in Zona K. The overcrowding makes everything tense. I fear for the women and adolescent girls. Yesterday, I saw a girl, only 17, taking care of her two younger siblings a boy and a girl. In her small tent there is nothing, not even a change of clothes. Her parents have died. She is the head of her household. It is sobering to see the responsibilities she must shoulder at such a young age. Who will protect her?”
Somalia: Eyewitness to Reality of Famine and Violence
05 Jun – Source: CRS Blog – 643 Words
The crumbling building that once housed the political science department of the University of Mogadishu now harbors countless people displaced by famine and violence. Window frames are missing glass panes, doorframes are empty and the walls are so pockmarked you can look through them from outside. Seeing this building makes me think that this was once the future of Somalia.
The lecture halls and study areas now house desperate families waiting out this current emergency. What was built to form the next generation leaders is now a squalid monument to what might have been¬. Through the sheer number of families it currently shelters it has also become a testament to human endurance.
Top tweets
@howden_africa A little tasts of the Somali Riviera from AP’s Abdi Guled, lounge beds and lobster in Mogadishuhttp://bit.ly/LioSI3 #somalia.
@SagalBihi This wasn’t a Friendly fire it was a real war between cadets! Fighting Kills At Least Four Soldiershttp://bit.ly/L2pe8O #somalia via @all.
@AChristieMiller Why is #Turkey so involved in #Somalia, and will it make a difference? My piece for CSM: http://bit.ly/MerA5R.
@BillaoJournal Make sure to read the new statements from#Shabaab made available by @IntelTweet #Somalia #AMISOM#TFG #Ethiopia #HSM.
@lawofwomen: #Policewomen in #Puntland State #Somalia.http://pic.twitter.com/
@TerenceCheck #Somalia may be best served by giving#puntland and #somaliland the autonomy they desire. TFG seems to be incapable of effective governance.
Image of the day
A Somali police officer speaks to journalists after the opening of a military court in Afgoye. Military Court Judge Hassan Mohammed Hussein warned TFG forces over harassing civilians. Photo: Radio Mogadishu.