July 6, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.
U.S. sanctions Eritrean officials for aiding Somalia militants
05 Jul- Source: Reuters- 449 words
The United States imposed sanctions on two Eritrean government officials on Thursday, saying they had assisted Islamist militants including the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab in the lawless neighboring state of Somalia.
The U.S. Treasury included the two Eritreans on a list of six people newly placed under sanctions for their role in the Somalian conflict, which U.S. officials see as a growing threat to regional stability across East Africa.
“The United States is determined to target those who are responsible for the ongoing bloodshed and instability in Somalia,” Adam Szubin, director of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in a statement.
Key Headlines
- AMISOM assumes formal command of Kenyan forces in Somalia (AMISOM)
- Cabinet Ministers meet to discuss security constitution issues (Radio Mogadishu/OPM)
- Somali traders protest against high taxation (Radio Kulmiye)
- Somalia emerging tourism market in East Africa says UN (Radio Bar-kulan)
- Al Qaeda-linked Islamist groups operating in Africa (Capital News/AFP)
- Puntland troops accused of killing civilians (Radio Risaala)
- Three Kenyans on US terror sanctions list (Standard)
- Al Shabaab beheads well-respected Somali cleric in Galgadud region (Radio Mogadishu/ Somalia Report)
- AU Forces Push al Shabaab Further from Mogadishu (VOA)
- A famine crisis one year on: Lives saved and lessons learned (UNHCR)
PRESS STATEMENT
AMISOM assumes formal command of Kenyan forces in Somalia
06 Jul- Source: AMISOM – 449 words
The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) today assumed formal command of the Kenyan forces in Southern Somalia at a colorful ceremony held at the Kenyan Department of Defense headquarters in Nairobi.
A total of 4664 Kenyan personnel are being integrated into AMISOM, bringing the AMISOM force strength to slightly over 17,000 troops out of a total authorized strength of 17,731.
The Special Representative of the Chairman of the AU Commission for Somalia, Ambassador Boubacar Diarra and the AMISOM Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Andrew Gutti, attended the function on behalf of AMISOM.
Ambassador Diarra thanked the Kenyan people and government for responding to the AU’s invitation to join AMISOM. “We are proud to welcome our brothers and sisters from Kenya in this African effort to help the people of Somalia,” he said.
“A major goal of the African Union is to encourage the collective defense, security, and stability of its members. It is clear that Al Qaeda-affiliated extremists based in Somalia pose a significant threat not just to Somalia but to other countries in the region, including Kenya,” he added.
He lauded Kenya for its historic contribution to efforts to secure peace and stability in Somalia noting that the country had borne the brunt of the terrible humanitarian and displacement crisis in Somalia, hosting massive numbers of refugees.
“The integration of Kenyan forces into AMISOM will provide a boost to the effort to secure the Somali peace process and help create the security conditions to enable much-needed humanitarian assistance to be delivered to the needy population,” he said.
The Kenyan contingent joins those from Burundi, Djibouti and Uganda, with Sierra Leone due to send a battalion in the near future.
AMISOM deployed to Somalia in 2007 with an AU Peace and Security Council and UN Security Council mandate to provide peace and stability for the Somali people. Since then, AMISOM has helped Somali security forces secure Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, and other key strategic towns, freeing them from the brutal grip of the Al Qaeda affiliated terror group, al Shabaab.
As a result, the capital is experiencing its longest period of relative peace in two decades. This has not only spurred an economic resurgence with many Somalis returning to rebuild their homes and businesses, but has also given a boost to the peace process.
The country has made huge strides in implementing the Roadmap to ending the transition which was agreed to in a conference held in Mogadishu in September last year. An interim constitution will soon be deliberated upon and adopted by a National Constituent Assembly representing a broad cross-section of Somalia paving the way for the establishment of a more permanent, representative and legitimate government for the country.
SOMALI MEDIA
Cabinet Ministers meet to discuss security, constitution issues
06 Jul- Source: Radio Mogadishu/OPM- 230 words
Somalia’s Cabinet Ministers yesterday had their ordinary session under the chairmanship of the deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Trade Abdiwahab Ugas Hussein discussing how to maintain security, selection of the Constituent Assembly and issues of judiciary.
Minister of Defence briefed the cabinet about the latest operations undertaken in all regions of the country. He stated that the Somali National Army is in the final stage of preparing for a last and final assault to capture the remaining areas under the control of al Shabaab. The army, in collaboration with the Somali Police Force and Security Agencies, is also conducting security operations in the liberated areas to flush out and detain remnants of al Shabaab.
Interior and National Security minister of the TFG Abdisamad Mallin also briefed the ministers on plans to deploy police officers in the liberated areas like Bal’ad adding that the AMISOM police contingent will soon arrive and immediately start operations.
Ministry of Constitution and Reconciliation Abdirahman Hosh told the cabinet ministers that about the process of the constitution saying that the Constituent Assembly will soon be selected. He added that the some elders forwarded the list Constituent Assembly members while the rest are expected to bring forth soon.
TFG’s minister of Justice and Religious issues Ahmed Hassan stated that his ministry is working hard to ensure creation of effective and strong judiciary arm to deliver justice to the Somali public.
Somali traders protest against high taxation
06 Jul- Source: Radio Kulmiye- 158 words
Traders in the capital of Mogadishu are protesting against a high taxation in which the government has imposed them at the time of budget tightening.
Guuled Ahmed Farah one of the businessmen in Bakara market told Kulmiye news that the government is making businesses very difficult at this time, Guuled says” We are against the government’s unacceptable taxation. This is too much for us, we are unable to pay, none of government ministries is contacting us, it is not right what they are doing to us, we have to review this and negotiate.”
The Somali government has launched a taxation campaign around the market places in Mogadishu since it has gained full control of the city in August last year after removing militants following a military offensive led by TFG and AMISOM troops.
Somalia emerging tourism market in East Africa, says UN
06 Jul- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 297 words
Somalia could give its Eastern Africa neighbours a run for their money in tourism business if its internal conflict and piracy problems are contained, a UN report on regional sustainable tourism shows.
The report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa titled a study on the challenges and opportunities for tourism development says the country has the largest coastal belt in Africa, architectural heritage and beautiful pristine beaches that are great for tourism.
The report which was compiled last year but released officially last week however notes that war, perceptions of poor governance and Islamic fundamentalism and piracy have hampered the development of Somalia as a tourism destination.
“Somalia tourism also includes the landmark of Shanghai old city. Presently controlled by the warlords and the wealthy businessmen, the city is known for its scenic beauty and the old architectural heritage,” states the report in part.
“Another most sought after sightseeing spot in Somalia tourism is the Sinbusi beach, which is situated about five kilometres away from the city of Merca,” added the report.
The report lists some of the key untapped tourism business opportunities like eco-tourism, culture and cruise; expansion of air and water transportation; fairly modern and affordable ICT infrastructure.
Relative stability in Somaliland and Puntland have also been listed as major entry areas in the exploitation of Somalia’s tourism business. By virtue of offering similar tourist attractions, the report recommends a unified approach to Eastern Africa’s tourism development under the umbrella of a regional integration. It further suggests the development of an Eastern Africa tourism master plan.
Adoption of an open skies policy in which even low budget airlines can easily operate flights within the region’s countries and adoption of a single tourist visa have also been proposed to drive growth for the sector.
Al Shabaab beheads well-respected Somali cleric in Galgadud region
05 Jul- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Somalia Report- 80 words
Al Shabaab militias on Wednesday night beheaded a well known religious leader in Bergaan village of Galgadud region. Sheikh Abdisalam Mohamed Barre who was also Qur’anic teacher was in al Shabaab custody since the militias recaptured El-bur district last month. The beheaded body of Sheikh Abdirahman was seen in Bergaan village on Thursday morning and the people of the region were disappointed with the killing of innocent cleric. Al Shabaab militias beheaded at least seven residents since they recaptured El-bur district a month ago.
Puntland troops accused of killing civilians
05 Jul- Source: Radio Risaala- 84 words
Puntland antipiracy forces are accused of killing at least 2 civilians and injuring 8 others. The governor of Hiriro district in Bari province, Jeylaani Mohamed Ismeal revealed that Puntland forces on Monday opened fire on a group of civilians in tea parlor, killing 2 people instantly. One of the commanders of Puntland forces told Risaala Radio that the incident occurred when his forces were undertaking an antipiracy operation in the area. Puntland accuses Hiriro of harboring pirates though the area governor denies such claims.
Speaker of Somaliland’s House of Representatives tours Sanaag region
05 Jul- Source: Hadhwanaag Times- 97 words
A large delegation led by the speaker of Somaliland’s House of Representatives Abdurrahman Mohamed is touring in Erigabo, the provincial capital of Sanaag. The speaker is to attend a meeting that will be held at Daallo mountain, according to initial reports. The speaker’s main aim of the trip is to meet the clan elders at the mountain of Daallo. Besides the meeting, there are political campaigns by the politicians from the region.
Water shortage hits Diff town
05 Jul- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 187 words
A server water shortage is being reported from Diff town in Lower Juba near the border with Kenyan after experiencing several years of successive failure of rains. This water shortage is attributed to the failure of two consecutive rainy seasons which forced water pans and wells which served as the main source of water for locals and their livestock to dry up.
Most of the local pastoralist families have reportedly moved with their livestock to other regions in the country in search of water and pasture for their live-eking livestock.Reports say the price of water has now skyrocketed to a level most of local residents cannot afford. A barrel of water, for instance is now costing about 150,000 Somali shillings more than a half of its earlier prices.
Government officials in the area appealed to both local and international aid agencies to start water tracking for locals in the area to save their lives.
The water shortage in the area comes a time an international charity organisation, Save the Children, has warned of looming humanitarian crisis in Somalia nearly a year on since famine was declared.
Championship to conclude next week, FC Ports and FC Sahafi in competitive match
05 Jul- Source: Raxanreeb- 167 words
With the first leg of Somalia’s 2012 football championship due to conclude on 17th of July,the FC Ports, one of the country’s oldest clubs on Wednesday clashed with Sahafi Hotel FC in a very competitive match which finally ended in a goalless draw. If any of the two clubs won Wednesday’s match it could have entered in the 3rd position of the tournament with 8 points while Heegan is in the second position with 9 points and defending champions of Elman FC are leading with 11 points.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Three Kenyans on US terror sanctions list
06 Jul- Source: Standard- 294 words
The United States has imposed sanctions on three Kenyans for allegedly assisting Islamist militants, including the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab. The three are Aboud Rogo Mohammed, Abubaker Sharif Ahmed and Omar Awadh Omar. Rogo is an Islamic cleric who advocates radicalization and recruitment of non-Somali Africans. Ahmed is accused of recruiting Kenyan Muslims for “action” in Somalia. Omar is awaiting trial in Uganda on charges of helping to plan a 2010 terror attack in Kampala.
The three are included on a US Treasury list of six people newly placed under sanctions for their role in the conflict in Somalia, which US officials see as a growing threat to regional stability across East Africa. The others include two Eritrean government officials, Col. Twolde Negash and Col. Taeme Goitom, and Sudanese militant Abu Fahris.
Al Qaeda-linked Islamist groups operating in Africa
06 Jul- Source: Capital News/AFP- 860 words
Several radical islamist groups have sprung up in Africa in recent years, openly declaring their alliance with al Qaeda and carrying out attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities. Active in Somalia, the group was designated a terrorist organisation by the United States in 2008, but only formally joined al Qaeda in 2012.
This came as the group found itself on the backfoot militarily in terms of territorial control, pulling out of the war-torn capital Mogadishu last August and having lost several key towns since then.
African Union troops as well as Ethiopian soldiers are pushing into al Shabaab-held southern Somalia, with multiple reports of covert assistance by Western forces, including US survelliance drones and missile strikes.
Tough new security measures will contain terrorism threat
06 Jun- Source: Coastweek/ Xinhua- 822 words
Kenyan authorities on Thursday introduced tough security measures in the wake of terrorism attacks targeting key cities and towns particularly in northern region across the East African nation. Acting Internal Security Minister Yusuf Haji said over 700 new police officers will be deployed in northeast region where Somali militants al Shabaab have been carrying out landmine and grenade attacks including abduction of foreigners.
“We have made special arrangements in stepping up security and this involves more security personnel who have been deployed in northern region.
“We have also resolved to enhance security during church functions,” Haji told journalists in Nairobi.
The raft measures come as authorities said they are questioning over 30 people in connection to the twin churches attacks which killed at least 17 people and injured more than 65 others in northern Kenya.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
U.S. sanctions Eritrean officials for aiding Somalia militants
05 Jul- Source: Reuters- 449 words
The United States imposed sanctions on two Eritrean government officials on Thursday, saying they had assisted Islamist militants including the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab in the lawless neighboring state of Somalia.
The U.S. Treasury included the two Eritreans on a list of six people newly placed under sanctions for their role in the Somalian conflict, which U.S. officials see as a growing threat to regional stability across East Africa.
“The United States is determined to target those who are responsible for the ongoing bloodshed and instability in Somalia,” Adam Szubin, director of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in a statement.
AU Forces Push al Shabaab Further from Mogadishu
05 Jul- Source: VOA- 365 words
African Union forces in Somalia have pushed al Shabaab militants to the outskirts of Mogadishu, retaking several key areas in the past few weeks. African Union forces patrol the streets of Bal’ad, Somalia after seizing the town a little more than a week ago.
This farming community, some 30 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu, had been under al Shabaab control for nearly five years. But now, residents say life has returned to normal.
Mohammed Ali sells cigarettes on the streets of Bal’ad, an activity that was illegal under al Shabaab’s strict Islamist rule.
“Everything was tough, you couldn’t listen to radio or any music on your phone,’ he said. “If they caught you, they would take out your SIM card [from your cellular telephone], give you a glass of water and tell you to swallow it. Now we thank God that all those problems are gone.”
AMISOM says al Shabaab had already fled the town by the time their troops arrived.
Seychelles’ fishing industry recovering from piracy
06 Jun- Source: Reuters- 276 words
Seychelles’ vital fishing industry is starting to recover after international anti-piracy efforts and boats carrying armed guards deterred attacks by Somali pirates, Natural Resources and Industry Minister Peter Sinon said on Thursday.
The Indian Ocean islands’ economy depends on tuna exports and tourism, both badly hurt after pirate attacks sent foreign fishing boats out of its waters in 2010.
A famine crisis one year on: Lives saved and lessons learned
05 Jul- Source: UNHCR- 806 words
A year after the onset of the Somalia famine, Aden Yusef Kabey can laugh at the pain he endured. He has regained the body weight he lost over the past year. He can walk, eat and sleep. “I’ve come back from the dead,” says the 22-year-old. “Now I want to have a future and take full advantage of my life. I’m even handsome.”
A year ago, Kabey lay in his father’s shelter wrapped only in a flimsy blue cloth. The wind blew incessantly around the hut, which was constructed of just of sticks and cloth. Kabey had arrived in Ethiopia starving and desperate from Baidoa, Somalia. Almost immediately after his arrival in July of last year, he contracted measles and could no longer take in food or sleep.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“This resolve is the inspiration behind our film project Through The Fire, which is a documentary about what Somalis, particularly women, are doing to rebuild their country. It gives a different perspective on Somalis: not as helpless victims or faceless militants, but resilient people who have not only persevered, but managed to move forward through some of the most difficult circumstances in the world.”
Somali Women Are Rebuilding Somalia, New Documentary Shows How
05 July- Source: Policy Mic-370 Words
For more than 20 years, there has been a seemingly endless litany of bad news coming out of Somalia. Images of famine, war and piracy have made Somalia the poster child for dysfunctional African countries — the epitome of a failed state that needs to be saved from itself.
But Somalia is still standing. In fact, the streets of Mogadishu are bustling with life, and business has begun to thrive since African Union and Somali Transitional Government troops have secured the capital from al Shabaab insurgents. Contrary to the idea of Somalia as a basket case of development, this is a testimony to the resilience of the Somalis. Especially the women, who have found ways to rebuild the country in spite of the severe restrictions and reprisals imposed on them by al Shabaab.
“AMISOM has been a life support machine for the TFG, which could not function without their presence in the capital. “I believe that the government would not have been standing today had it not been receiving the military backing of AMISOM,””
What is AMISOM?
05 July- Source: Somalia Report-1422 Words
Since the collapse of the last central government in Somalia January 1991, the country has fallen apart into fiefdoms, controlled by power-hungry warlords with clan loyalties.
The rebels who deposed Mohamed Siad Barre, Somalia’s longtime military ruler, had nothing in common beyond their opposition to Barre’s rule. Lack of a shared post-Barre strategy between the different rebels and their clans inflamed the resulting anarchy.
As each rebel group sought autonomy and dominance for their own community, they blocked the possibility, which meant a power vacuum was left as the country fell into chaos. This sparked a struggle over food and international aid, with much of it being looted or mismanaged with deficient logistic support, leaving many to suffer from a devastating famine.
Top tweets
@ravi_sodha More needs to be done to stop conflict in Somalia to avoid another hunger crisis @EUNAVFOR #Somaliahttp://bbc.in/O8bCIA
@usembbrussels U.S. sanctions 6 individuals based in Somalia, Kenya & Eritrea, Sources of Violence, Instability in#Somalia http://bit.ly/N3nzkM
@HOA_News #Kenya has strongly denied reports that its on the process to set up a semi-autonomous state’s in South/central regions of #Somalia.
@ClaraBoxy “The courage of the #Somali women is something to behold” – http://bit.ly/LWbNFo Resilient, resourceful peacebuilders. #Fem2 MT @karmanomad
@BillaoJournal @AinteJr #Shabaab has been able to tap into foreign sources of support -especially from #Kenya & #alQaeda– in addition to clans in #Somalia
@SomWarMonitor IRIN Africa | “Our settlements are now the front line between the #AMISOM / #TFG alliance forces and#AlShabab…” :http://bit.ly/L47EEl
Image of the day
Somalia’s Cabinet meets to discuss security, selection of the Constituent Assembly and judiciary. It was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Trade Abdiwahab Ugas Hussein. Photo: SomaliWeyn