August 10, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Al Shabaab suspect arrested in Kenya’s refugee camp

10 Aug – Source: Xinhua – 590 words

Kenyan police have arrested suspected al Shabaab fighter who is behind a spate of crimes in Dadaab, the world’s largest refugee camp in northern Kenya. Regional deputy police commander, Noor Gabow said on Thursday that Mohamed Ibrahim Ali was arrested by fellow refugees who raised the alarm after he went to rob in her homestead.

Gabow who described the arrest of the terror suspect as a big breakthrough said that security had been enhanced in the refugee camps in northern Kenya with the deployment of more officers. “It is a big group which has been causing all sorts of crimes in the refugee camps, we are closing down on the others, our security along the border has also been increased,” the regional deputy police boss said.

Key Headlines

TFG embarks on disarmament in Mogadishu (Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu)
SRSG Mahiga: Transition to Transformation in Somalia (UNPOS)
AU wants 600 Ugandan soldiers to leave Somalia (New Vision)
Supporters of president Sharif clash with Pro-Farmajo demonstrators 1 killed (Raxanreeb)
Somali nationals killed in South Africa (Bar-kulan/Hiiraan Online)
Al Shabaab suspect arrested in Kenya’s refugee camp (Xinhua)
The geography and defense of Kismayo under al Shabaab (Strategic Intelligence News)
Gunmen attack Burundian army base in Somali capital (Radio Shabelle)

PRESS STATEMENT

SRSG Mahiga: Transition to Transformation in Somalia

10 Aug – Source: UNPOS – 502 words

One of the truths I’ve come to learn during my time working on the Somalia peace process is that everything seems impossible—until it happens. I have lost count of the number of times I have read or been told that a particular benchmark simply could not be met or that an impasse could not be overcome. When I began as SRSG, one of my diplomatic interlocutors referred to Mogadishu as “The Capital Kilometer”—a reference to the small amount of territory held by the TFG. Around the same time, prior to the June 2011 Kampala Accord, the political process in Mogadishu was completely paralyzed. Cynicism bordering on hostility was the norm. There was a real danger of the TFG fracturing into two separate and competitive governments. The end of the transitional period was a distant dream, given little chance of realization by most observers.

Since then, the TFG—with the help of our brave AMISOM brothers and sisters—have retaken their capital city. A reinvigorated peace process characterized by inclusiveness and participation of regional administrations allowed for progress on a number of critical political issues. We’ve seen the signing of the roadmap in Mogadishu, the agreement of the Garowe Principles to underpin the ongoing process and most recently the watershed adoption of the provisional Constitution by a National Constituent Assembly representing all segments of Somali society.

But this is no time to rest on our laurels—in fact on the contrary now is the critical moment; the decisive juncture when full engagement can mean all the difference. And let us be clear: the situation remains fragile and volatile. A functioning legislature will be central to stability, stabilization and development and the New Federal Parliament needs to be selected in the coming days with a sufficient number of women to ensure gender balance and adequate representation. The selection process must be transparent and fair and the Technical Selection Committee must continue with its important and historic task. Their work will require courage, integrity and overall, independence. Somalia needs a clean, qualified and competent leadership with a vision for the future.

As the end of the transition on 20 August nears, the stakes will get higher and the potential for spoilers to undermine the process will increase. I am sure there will be moments in the coming days when the situation will look bleak and the critics will again raise the familiar cry that things never really change in Somalia. I reject this hopelessness and I remain more optimistic. When I look back on the past year, I see how far we have come, I see how the Somalis have tenaciously moved the process forward, I see a civil society determined to participate in a vibrant and inclusive political process. We have climbed a big hill, but now that we are near the top, it is clear to see that a long road stretches out in front of us. It is time to move, together, from selection to election, from transition to transformation.

SOMALI MEDIA

TFG embarks on disarmament in Mogadishu

10 Aug – Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu – 139 words

Somali government has started disarmament in Mogadishu and banned carrying of firearms in the city as part of its strategy to strengthen security. Defence Minister Hussein Arab Isse says the move is aimed at containing crimes in the city ahead of the upcoming presidential election schedule mid this month.

Isse assured that public that more security measures will be put in place to make sure that the prevailing security in the city is never interrupted. He warned politicians from politicizing military activities and called on them to respect the force which is now making recommendable achievements in security the city, adding that politicians should not use the force wrongly.

The minister however assured the security of the city as the country continues to get ready for the upcoming elections and called on the public to report any suspicious elements.

Supporters of president Sharif clash with Pro-Farmajo demonstrators, 1 killed

09 Aug – Source: Raxanreeb – 145 words

At least one young person was shot dead while three others including a security guard were wounded after supporters of Somalia’s Ex prime minister, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed (better known as Farmaajo) clashed with the supporters of TFG president Sharif Sheikh on Thursday in Mogadishu, RBC reports.

The clashes started after supporters of Ex prime minister, now a presidential candidate gathered at Sayidka Square at Wardhigley district near the presidential palace of Villa Somalia where they were holding a demonstration to support Farmajo’s returning back to Mogadishu.

Eye witnesses at the scene told RBC that armed men who were driving small vehicle and holding the pictures of president Sharif attempted to disperse the pro-Farmaajo demonstrators and opened fire on them. “We only gathered to receive and show our ambition to Farmaajo’s candidacy but unfortunately the pro-president loyalists attacked us.”a demonstrator told RBC.

Somali nationals killed in South Africa

10 Aug – Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Hiiraan Online – 149 words

Two Somali nationals were on Thursday killed on the outskirt of Western Cape South African city of Cape Town, reports say. The duo, Bashir Sheikh Sufi and Abdi Tifow were reportedly attacked by two armed South African gangs while offloading stock for their shop in Valhalaburg.

Police conducted search operation in order to arrest the assailants who fled the scene of the crime.
Saeed Ali Madow, who works at the shop where the two were killed, said the gangs escaped without taking away anything from the shop.

Area Somali community chairman Abdi Jidow said they have already discussed with local police over the killing and promise to push for the arrest of the gangs. The latest incident is part of increasing violence against ethnic Somalis who run Spaza shops- makeshift kiosks usually run from private houses or a shack of corrugated iron in black South African townships across the country.

Gunmen attack Burundian army base in Somali capital

09 Aug – Source: Radio Shabelle – 80 words

Unknown gunmen have carried out a surprise attack on Burundian army base in Mogadishu. Heavy fighting erupted between the two sides after the gunmen hurled bombs at the Burundian bases behind the cigarette factory.

Area residents told Radio Shabelle that AMISOM and Somali forces carried out security operations in the surrounding localities after the clash. However, casualties resulted in by the fighting remain unknown. Attacks on AMISOM and government troops by unknown gunmen have been increasing in the recent days.

Police Attack Female Reporter in Somaliland

09 Aug – Source: Mareeg Online – 148 words

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) protests against the police attack of a female television journalist in [self-declared republic of ) Somaliland while the she was carrying out her professional work.

On Saturday 4 August 2012, Somaliland police in Borame, a town in Awdal region, attacked Hodan Abokor Afi, a female reporter for Somaliland Television (SLNTV), insulting, slapping and beating her with plastic tubing, damaging her face. The suspected instigator of the attack is the deputy commander of Borame central police station.

Hodan Abokor Afi was investigating a case of disputed guardianship involving a 12 year-old child. The disputing “parents”, both of whom claimed the child was theirs, were being interviewed at the Borame central police station when the journalist was attacked. NUSOJ condemns the attack on Hodan Abokor Afi and demands that the Somaliland Ministry of the Interior and the police chief take immediate action against the responsible police officer.

Journalist injured in Mogadishu’s demonstration

09 Aug – Source: Raxanreeb/Kulmiye – 199 words

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is concerned about the safety and the security of the Somali journalists amid a broadcast journalist, covering demonstrations in Mogadishu, was slightly wounded on Thursday August 09, 2012 around 11:00am local time.

At least 2 people were reportedly killed and three others were wounded including a journalist Abdikarim Said Yusuf “Shujac” who reports for one of the leading radio stations, Kulmiye News Network at the Sayidka area in Waberi district, after a stray bullet hit him on the left leg below the knee, according to Yusuf Ahmed Abukar, the editor of radio Kulmiye who spoke with NUSOJ.

“As I was covering the demonstration, it automatically turned into violent and i was hit by a stray bullet.” Abdikarim Said Yusuf “Shujac” said , “my health condition is good now, but will go further medical treatment to check if the bullet penetrated or still in my body.”

Somali-Finish diaspora donated cash to IDP families in Mogadishu

09 Aug – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Somalia Report – 65 words

Somali Diaspora in Finland donated money to more than 100 families in Mogadishu IDP camps on Thursday. Each family received 300,000 shilling ($15), and the IDP families thanked the donors as the IDPs received at a very crucial time of their lives. Haji Abdiasis Barre Ibraahim, who is one of the distributors, told Radio Mogadishu that they will continue to help the poor Somali people.

Somaliland opposition party condemns Somalia’s new constitution

09 Aug – Source: Hadhwanaag Times – 111 words

UCID, the main opposition party of Somaliland on Thursday denounced the newly approved of Somalia constitution. In statement, the UCID party said the constitution lies claims on the land of Somaliland republic.

However, Somaliland Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomed the adoption of the constitution but expressed some dismay, saying it claims Somaliland territory. The party considered the minister’s comments as contradicting.

Somalia constitution claims Somalia’s territory can not be divided as it lien on east Africa, as it borders Djibouti to northwest, Ethiopia to west, Kenya to southwest and Indian Ocean to east. The statement said UCID and Somaliland people don’t see a reason to applause the constitution as it is against them.

REGIONAL MEDIA

AU wants 600 Ugandan soldiers to leave Somalia

10 Aug – Source: New Vision – 244 words

Uganda has over deployed in Somalia and as a result, the African Union (AU) has directed that 600 of its men return home. UPDF chief of land forces Lt. Gen. Katumba Wamala told MPs on the defence committee Thursday that the directive came after AU noted that Uganda had exceeded its quota by 600 officers.

“The AU notified us in July that we had over-deployed our soldiers and needed to scale down by 600. These will soon come back home. Some of these will be the most recently deployed Police officers,” he said, adding, “if you see us not deploying anymore yet we have carried out training, please know the reason.” According to Katumba, Uganda has so far deployed 6,332 officers in Somalia. He explained that AU only endorsed 17,730 officers from all the contributing countries. “The scaling down is also partly due to deployment by Kenya and we are also expecting another from Sierra Leone,” he said.

Katumba and other defence officials led by state minister of defence Maj.Gen. Jeje Odong were appearing before the committee to defend the ministry’s budget estimates. During the discussion, committee chairman Milton Muwuma asked the officials to brief the committee on the current situation in Somalia. “We are getting lots of complaints from the Ugandan soldiers in Somalia that part of their money is being deducted yet the work they do is just too much. What does defence do with this money?” Muwuma asked.

Somali stock market to be based in Nairobi

10 Aug – Source: Star – 332 words

War ravaged Somalia plans to set up its own stock exchange to be based in Nairobi to help tap investments aimed at reviving the troubled country’s economy. Representatives of the Somalia government and the Somalia Stock Exchange Investment Corporation yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nairobi Securities Exchange to help in technical expertise needed to set up a bourse.

Somalia which has suffered economically and socially due to over two decades of war and civil strife has never had a stock market. “Initially the exchange could be based here in Nairobi but as the situation improves it could move to a suitable place in Somalia,” said NSE boss Peter Mwangi. NSE will have the primarily help in technical development of the Somalia stock exchange and also help in developing a business plan for the planned exchange.

The geography and defense of Kismayo under al Shabaab

09 Aug – Source: Strategic Intelligence News – 165 words

Strategic Intelligence has been critically following up on what kind of defensive positions the al Shabaab militants have put in place, in and around Kismayo to stymie a ground and aerial attack. Al Shabaab have been busy putting anti-aircraft equipment in place to ensure they fed off aerial attacks in and around the port city.

The south of Kismayu is a dense forest that poses a significant problem to attacking ground troops hence an assault on the sea-port can only be done from the front.

This means attacking forces KDF, will have to use the city’s main gate which is the road that connects Afmaddow to Kismayo, a reason why KDF had to take Afmadhow before marching further south.

Proliferation of radio stations in Somalia brings greater freedom, potential inaccuracies

09 Aug – Source: Sabahi Online – 587 words

The growing number of radio stations in Somalia in recent years has brought about an elevated level of competition and freedom of expression, yet has also provided a mouthpiece for under-trained and subversive elements, observers say.

The emergence of a diverse pool of political and financial resources has helped Somali media progress, veteran journalist Abdullahi Igalle told Sabahi. However, he said these news agencies are operated by a younger generation that lacks the professionalism and ethos to cover news accurately, thus placing them in the crosshairs of rival groups that resort to assassinating media personnel.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Al Shabaab suspect arrested in Kenya’s refugee camp

10 Aug – Source: Xinhua – 590 words

Gabow who described the arrest of the terror suspect as a big breakthrough said that security had been enhanced in the refugee camps in northern Kenya with the deployment of more officers.

“It is a big group which has been causing all sorts of crimes in the refugee camps, we are closing down on the others, our security along the border has also been increased,” the regional deputy police boss said.

After decades of war, seed of hope arrives in Somalia

09 Aug – Source: Alaska Dispatch – 862 words

In a field of dozens of candidates, President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed is confident of re-election later this month. It’s a sign that while in many ways everything is changing for Somalia, in other ways nothing is.

“I believe I am a strong candidate and I am very confident I will win,” the transitional leader said in an interview in Mogadishu. “We are coming to the end of the transition and beginning the process of full government for the first time in 20 years.”

In Mogadishu’s corridors of power, all the talk is of “ending the transition.” The political jostling is frenetic. But widely reported corruption is dashing the hopes of many here.

Overlapping wars ripped Somalia apart for more than two decades, since the collapse of the last stable government in 1991. They’ve now been replaced by a fragile peace that has held in the capital for most of the last year. It has allowed businesses to flourish and Somalis to resurrect their daily lives without the constant fear of violent death.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“The far reaching implications of this document include infringing on the rights of minorities, land grapping, renewed violence, and ultimately the balkanization of Somalia. One of the items in the new constitution is the article that says the borders of Somalia can be discussed in a later time. What constitution delays the critical importance of that nation’s territorial integrity?”

Somalia: The Consequence of a Cooked Constitution

10 Aug – Source: Scoop/International News Magazine – 987 Words

Indeed nations need constitutions; a social contract to establish rule of law and become the foundations for needed legislations to protect the individual rights as well as the nations from greedy and corrupt politicians that may abuse the power vested in them. Furthermore, constitutions are needed to outline the domestic boundaries of authority and safeguard the sovereignty of the state Constitutions are not always perfect; however, under such circumstances they are not entirely replaced. They are simply amended, but not in Somalia.

Somalia had one of Africa’s first democratically ratified constitutions. In 1961 the constitution of the newly independent nation was ratified by an overwhelming popular support of the citizens of a newly formed Somali nation state. So, one might ask, what prompted the new “provisional” constitution that was passed on August 1, 2012?

“For now, power rests with 135 traditional clan elders selected by a UN-backed committee to guide the transition. It was these elders who appointed the 825 delegates to a constituent assembly that this month voted in favor of a new draft constitution. The same elders will choose the 275 members who will make up the country’s new parliament. These lawmakers will then elect a speaker and a president by Aug. 20, who will then choose the prime minister and cabinet.”

Somalia’s brave new world

09 Aug – Source: Global Post – 851 Words

In Mogadishu’s corridors of power, all the talk is of “ending the transition.” The political jostling is frenetic. But widely reported corruption is dashing the hopes of many here.

Top tweets

@UN_DPA #Somalia: New parliament to be selected soon. View the work of the Technical Selection Committee at: http://bit.ly/TkcNsH via @UNPOSomalia.

@UNPOSomalia #UN Envoy #Mahiga: “Time to move, together, from selection to election, from transition to transformation.” http://bit.ly/MfRyFe #Somalia.

@jackserle #Kenya‘s troops re-hatted as #Amisom soldiers gearing up to storm key #Somalia deep-water port Kismayo reports @FT http://on.ft.com/RFcnic (£)

@AbukarArman #Somalia: We r living through extraordinary times of historic value. Per tomorrow, we can only expect to harvest the seeds that we sow today.

@t_mcconnell ‘Destination #Mogadishu‘, my series of reports & photographs for @GlobalPost on #Somalia‘s changing capital: http://bit.ly/ONw8PS.

Follow the conversation →