August 14, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Two burnt Ugandan army helicopters found in Mt Kenya
14 Aug – Source: Capital News/Standard/New Vision – 172 words
The burnt wreckage of two Ugandan army helicopters was found Tuesday, two days after crashing in a remote mountainous region of Kenya while flying to war-torn Somalia, army officials said. “The aircraft have been found but they are all burnt,” a senior Kenyan military official said. “We do not know the fate of the crew.” Kenyan army spokesman Bogita Ongeri confirmed the aircraft had been found.
“The helicopters were sighted by a fixed-wing aircraft somewhere around Mount Kenya,” Ongeri said, adding that officials would release more information later in the day. “The rescue efforts are ongoing.” There was no news of the reported 10 servicemen onboard the two helicopters. A third helicopter on the same mission also crashed in forests in the Mount Kenya region late Sunday, but all seven Ugandan servicemen onboard were rescued on Monday, after they managed to radio for help.
The three Russian-made Mi-24 combat helicopters were flying to Somalia to support African Union troops battling al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgents, who have vowed to topple the country’s Western-backed government.
Key Headlines
- Strikes on southern Somalia continue despite civilian casualties (Garowe Online)
- Two burnt Ugandan army helicopters found in Mt Kenya (Capital News/Standard/New Vision)
- AU Deputy Special Representative warns spoilers against intimidating members of the Technical Selection Committee (TSC) (AMISOM)
- Seoul Republic of Korea 13 August 2012 – Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Somalia (UNPOS)
- Secretary-General seriously concerned over delays in selection of new Somali parliament (UN News Center)
- Suspected al Shabaab shoot dead tailor hurl grenades at food kiosk (Standard)
- As Somali Election Nears Candidates Accused of Corruption (VOA)
PRESS RELEASE
AU Deputy Special Representative warns spoilers against intimidating members of the Technical Selection Committee (TSC)
14 Aug – Source: AMISOM – 279 words
The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia, Honorable Wafula Wamunyinyi has noted with great concern the behavior of some disgruntled individuals who are desperately trying to intimidate members of the Technical Selection Committee (TSC) by sending death threats through anonymous text messages and phone calls. Honorable Wamunyinyi has also noted with regret reports that some political leaders are involved in interfering with the work of TSC members.
The AU Deputy Special Representative while condemning these deplorable acts reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to supporting the people of Somalia in the implementation of activities towards the end of the transition and sternly warned that AMISOM along with other members of the international community will not allow spoilers to derail the process. He said; “No amount of intimidation will stop the process of ending the transition from moving forward and the criteria for selecting delegates will have to be followed.”
The AU Deputy Special Representative said it is important to note that this is the longest period of peace that Somalia has enjoyed since the fall of a central government in 1991 saying there have been sacrifices to get to where we are and that AMISOM will not allow anybody to disrupt the peace process.
“At this critical point of Somalia’s political process of ending the transitional period, an opportunity has been availed for the people of Somalia to determine the destiny of their country. I therefore wish to reiterate my earlier calls to all stakeholders to refrain from acts and statements that may distract the ongoing progress and a new dawn of peace enjoyed in Mogadishu and most parts of the country.”
Seoul, Republic of Korea, 13 August 2012 – Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Somalia
13 Aug – Source: UNPOS – 209 words
The Secretary-General is seriously concerned about delays in the selection of the new Somali Parliament, and recent acts of intimidation and violence which should not continue or be allowed to threaten the successful conclusion of Somalia’s transition. He calls upon the Somali political leadership, the traditional Elders and other parties to rise above their differences and to act in the best interest of the Somali people.
The Secretary-General emphasizes that the work of the Elders must proceed in a manner free from intimidation, coercion and corruption. Likewise, the Technical Selection Committee must be allowed to perform its duties independently and impartially, without fear of reprisal. The outcome of its work must be respected.
The Secretary-General has been encouraged by the progress achieved in Somalia’s political process, and stresses that this progress must not be lost. He recalls the commitment of the United Nations to the peace, security and stability of Somalia, and emphasizes that action may be taken against any actor seeking to threaten the peaceful conclusion of the transition.
The Somali people expect and deserve a credible, inclusive and transparent end to the transition, delivered in a timely manner, in accordance with the Garowe Principles, which is the only hope for a stable future for all Somalis.
SOMALI MEDIA
Strikes on southern Somalia continue despite civilian casualties
14 Aug – Source: Garowe Online – 195 words
Heavy air and sea strikes reportedly by the Kenyan military on the southern port city of Kismayo resulted in civilian deaths on Sunday which did not stop more shelling on Monday, Garowe Online reports. The barrage of strikes reportedly by Kenya’s navy and air force on the al Shabaab controlled port city of Kismayo resulted in at least 5 civilian casualties and four other injuries.
According to local sources, the civilian casualties occurred after a mortar hit a family’s house in the V- Afmadow neighborhood late Sunday evening killing 4 members of one family. Among the killed was an 11 year old child, who according to witnesses, said that the child was playing outside his home when the shelling began and ran into his home to escape the strikes.
There have been no reports of al Shabaab agents being killed in the air strikes although according to sources top al Shabaab officials’ homes were targeted in the strikes. The barrage of strikes in the lower Jubba region continued on Monday, the district of Afmadow which is located 110 kms away from Kismayo was reportedly hit with strikes from Kenyan naval ships on Monday night.
Four arrested for Ifo market inferno
14 Aug – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 105 words
Kenyan police have arrested four Somali nationals on suspicion of being behind the recent fatal blaze in Dadaab’s Ifo market, reports say. Police say the suspects will soon be arraigned in court if their investigations reveal any links with the fire.
Among the suspects are said to be a man, his wife and their children who were on the run after police recovered an AK47 riffle and seven magazines of ammunition. They are now being held in Ifo police station for further interrogations. Meanwhile, Police have issued three days ultimatum for locals in Dadaab refugee complex to hand in all illegal firearms in their possession.
U.S. special representative for Somalia condemns assassination of veteran journalist
13 Aug – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SONNA – 139 words
The U.S. Special Representative for Somalia, Ambassador James C. Swan,condemned in the strongest terms Sunday’s cowardly murder of Yusuf Ali Osman. A veteran journalist, Mr. Osman worked as the Media Relations Director for the Ministry of Information, Posts and Telecommunications.
“We extend our profound condolences to Mr. Osman’s family friends, and colleagues. The United States is committed to helping end the culture of impunity and violence that threatens both the lives of Somalis and their universally recognized right to freedom of expression,” the US envoy said.
Denmark opens Project Office in Somaliland
13 Aug – Source: Somaliland Press – 119 words
On August 6th, Danish government opened a project office in Somaliland stepping up the Danish contribution towards a more stable Somalia. The office is the first Western bilateral office in Somaliland. The initiative makes Denmark one of the first donors to support locally-defined development needs in the region.
On the the opening of the project office in Hargeisa the Danish Minister for Development Corporation, Christian Friis Bach, states. “With the opening of the project office in Somaliland we are taking an important step in supporting fragile states. The development coorporation in fragile states is risky; however, the willingness to take risks is crucial in order to kick start the development in these countries, where the need is also the gravest.”
Himan & Heeb receives medical aid package
14 Aug – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 93 words
Somali Community in the U.S has donated 890 cartons of medical aid to the Himan and Heeb administration in central Somalia. Heman and Heeb’s head of social affairs, Omar Mohamed Diriye, told Bar-kulan they received the supply comprising of Vitamins, Antibiotics and other drugs from the community members in the U.S who have roots in the region. He said they have already distributed 458 cartons of the medical aid they received to all health facilities in the region, adding that their doctors declared the remaining cartons unfit since they contain expired medical supplies.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Two burnt Ugandan army helicopters found in Mt Kenya
14 Aug – Source: Capital News/Standard/New Vision – 172 words
The burnt wreckage of two Ugandan army helicopters was found Tuesday, two days after crashing in a remote mountainous region of Kenya while flying to war-torn Somalia, army officials said. “The aircraft have been found but they are all burnt,” a senior Kenyan military official said. “We do not know the fate of the crew.” Kenyan army spokesman Bogita Ongeri confirmed the aircraft had been found. “The helicopters were sighted by a fixed-wing aircraft somewhere around Mount Kenya,” Ongeri said, adding that officials would release more information later in the day. “The rescue efforts are ongoing.”
There was no news of the reported 10 servicemen onboard the two helicopters. A third helicopter on the same mission also crashed in forests in the Mount Kenya region late Sunday, but all seven Ugandan servicemen onboard were rescued on Monday, after they managed to radio for help.
The three Russian-made Mi-24 combat helicopters were flying to Somalia to support African Union troops battling al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgents, who have vowed to topple the country’s Western-backed government.
Suspected al Shabaab shoot dead tailor, hurl grenades at food kiosk
14 Aug – Source: Standard – 265 words
Suspected al Shabaab militants killed a middle-aged man in Mandera town on Sunday night. The deceased, a well-known tailor in the town, was shot dead at 7.30pm in his house a few metres from the local prison. The attackers hurled a grenade at a neighbouring food kiosk but it did not explode.
North Eastern police boss Philip Tuimur said experts had picked the unexploded grenades for analysis and detonation. “Their aim was to harm those who would rush to the scene. We are investigating the incident,” said Tuimur.
Planned al Shabaab assault takes major hit after chopper mishap
13 Aug – Source: Africa Review – 257 words
The AU Mission in Somalia’s plan for the final assault on the key Somali port city of Kismayo could be hauled back to the drawing board after three of four Ugandan attack helicopters headed to shore up the meticulously planned operation were involved in a serious mishap over Kenyan airspace.
Two of the three Russian-made Mi-24 attack helicopters were still missing by Monday evening, while the other crash-landed in the thick forest slopes of Mount Kenya in central Kenya.
Uganda military spokesperson Col. Felix Kulayigye told reporters in Kampala that the fourth –a Mi-17 transport helicopter with 13 crew– had made it to Mogadishu. Military sources said Tuesday that the three Mi-24 choppers were badly damaged and would most likely be written off.
Military sources say the mishap in which the helicopters, bought expensively by Uganda in 2011, would significantly affect the plan to attack Kismayu as the Ugandan air wing was to lead planned airstrikes.The Kenyan contingent in the mission was charged with naval operations while both countries were moving ground troops to squeeze the al Qaeda-allied militants.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
As Somali Election Nears, Candidates Accused of Corruption
14 Aug – Source: VOA – 246 words
As the process for ending Somalia’s political transition gathers momentum, some presidential candidates have been accused of both interfering with the process of electing new parliamentarians and vote-buying ahead of the presidential election, which is due to take place on August 20. It is common to hear one of the dozens of presidential candidates say “I want to run for president.”In response, many Somali politicians and the public ask, “Does he have money to buy votes?”
Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed, a presidential candidate, says questioning how deep is the pocket of a candidate is like saying only corrupt leaders who have stolen from state coffers are eligible to run.
“That’s the most cynical question, because the issue of running Somalia is not about money,” he said. “That’s a wrong question. The issue is do you have vision and plan how you are going to build Somalia?” The transition process calls for clan elders to choose members of a new parliament. Those new lawmakers will then elect the new president.
Mohamed Ali Hashi, a former political advisor in Somalia, says clan elders are using their power in the process to advance their communities’ interests — something the candidates are well aware of. “Even clans have their own interests. They do negotiate with candidates but since candidates are very many and everybody is trying to sell his own candidacy campaign, the clans can also be confused because everybody is promising whatever he was asked,” he added.
Secretary-General seriously concerned over delays in selection of new Somali parliament
13 Aug – Source: UN News Center – 179 words
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is seriously concerned about delays in the selection of the new Somali Parliament, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson today. “Recent acts of intimidation and violence which should not continue or be allowed to threaten the successful conclusion of Somalia’s transition,” the spokesperson said. “He calls upon the Somali political leadership, the traditional Elders and other parties to rise above their differences and to act in the best interest of the Somali people.”
After decades of warfare, Somalia has been undergoing a peace and national reconciliation process, with the country’s Transitional Federal Institutions implementing the Roadmap for the End of Transition, devised last September. The Roadmap spells out priority measures to be carried out before the current transitional governing arrangements end on 20 August.
At a meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, in July, Somali leaders and representatives gathered to discuss a number of outstanding issues and to finalize agreements, including the establishment of a National Constituent Assembly (NCA), which would adopt the East African nation’s new constitution in line with the roadmap.
Somalis express their pride for Mo Farah
13 Aug – Source: AFP – 0:32 sec
While Britain’s double Olympic gold hero Mo Farah, 29, born in Somalia but moved to Britain at age eight, shook hands with the British premier outside Number 10 Downing Street Sunday to help launch a “hunger summit” aimed at tackling malnutrition worldwide, Somalis are filled with joy and pride for the Somalia-born Olympian’s achievements.
Al Qaeda’s brutal new weapons: Children kidnapped and kept in chains suicide bombing mission
12 Aug – Source: Daily Mail – 613 words
Al Qaeda is kidnapping young children in troubled Somalia and brainwashing them to launch future attacks on the West, it has been claimed. The ‘terrorist schools’ keep the children – some as young as seven – chained up to beds while they were taught an extreme version of Islam.
The youths, all under 10-years-old, were also taught about suicide bombings and told they would go to paradise if they killed themselves in ‘martyrdom-operations’. The teacher claimed that the children were in chains because they missing classes. Most of the children’s parents were unaware they were there. The raid was one of a number of operations sanctioned by the government in recent months and led to the arrest of 200 people.
Mr. Doyle, author of Terror Base UK and Terror Tracker, told the Sunday Mirror: ‘The images suggest al Shabaab has turned to slavery in order to produce a generation of child soldiers and suicide bombers.
Killing of two journalists in Somalia prompts investigation call
13 Aug – Source: Amnesty International – 469 words
The Somali authorities and the international community must act to end impunity for the killing of media workers, Amnesty International said today, following the deaths of two journalists in separate incidents in the country’s capital Mogadishu at the weekend.
Yusif Ali Osman, a former veteran journalist and official in Somalia’s Ministry of Information, was shot dead in the Dharkenley district of Mogadishu on Sunday morning by two young men reported to have been wearing school uniforms. Before he started working for the Ministry of Information, Osman was director of the government-run radio station Radio Mogadishu.
The Islamist armed group al Shabaab has reportedly claimed responsibility for his death, calling him an enemy working for the Transitional Federal Government.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“The 30% quota is admirable and will if achieved, enrich the Somali nation enormously. Some women in Somalia still contribute substantially as they run NGO’s, set up and manage businesses and teach in schools and universities.”
More Women, More Equality
14 Aug – Source: Harowo – 2026 Words
The most recent press release by the Somali Women’s Circle Network (SWCN), a female activist group lead by a Somali Canadian female researcher and activist Dr. Idil Ladane Salah, urged the Somali government and traditional leaders to honour and respect the newly agreed constitution which allocates a minimum of 30% of all parliamentary seats, including cabinet positions, to women.
It is a miracle that it even passed the constitutional vanguard made of tribal elders for whom this would have probably been unthinkable in the past. But it did and women now theoretically will make up 82.5 of the possible 275 future law makers in the Somali Parliament.
“This accident in Kenya may yet prove to have ramifications beyond the possible loss of life and equipment. The attack on Kismayo, perhaps the hardest single battle of the war, could be in jeopardy and a lot more lives could be lost without the support of those helicopters.”
Will Uganda’s Vanishing Helicopters Affect AMISOMs Ability To Take Kismayo?
13 Aug – Source: Twatsot Blog – 486 Words
Search and rescue attempts continue in the face of terrible weather conditions for three Ugandan military helicopters that disappeared in Kenya while on their way to Somalia to support the AMISOM mission. Out of the flight of four:
One landed safely at the refuelling point at Garissa, Kenya
One pilot reported in though it unclear whether his plan crashed or was forced to land
Two have disappeared without trace
These helicopters, reported to be Mil MI-24 helicopter gunships, were on their way to southern Somalia to support AMISOM forces in an assault on the al Shabaab-held stronghold of Kismayo, a port city near the border with Kenya. This assault has been reported to be happening in the ‘next couple of days’ and will be a major turning point in the war against the Islamic extremist group, if it succeeds….
Top tweets
@AbukarArman #Somalia: Authorities, Somali pple & pple of conscience eve/where must assist in ending the journalist hunt-down http://nyti.ms/RKpv4g.
Image of the day
The injured captain of a Somalia-bound Ugandan attack helicopter lies next to the crash site at Mount Kenya. Photo: Reuters.