September 12, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Blast rocks new leader’s meeting in Somalia
12 Sept – Source: Radio Shabelle/Reuters/Aljazeera – 50 words
Two explosions rocked the Somali capital Mogadishu on Wednesday outside a hotel; the explosion has occurred outside the Mogadishu hotel where the newly elected Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was meeting with Kenya’s foreign minister, witnesses said. There was no immediate word on casualties.
Key Headlines
- Hillary Clinton congratulates Somalia’s new leaders – calls for continued reforms (Raxanreeb)
- Gov’t officials warn of civilians casualties in Jubba region (Radio Kulmiye)
- Din of hammers now dominate Mogadishu (The Standard)
- Somaliland: NEC rejects UDUB request to postpone 14th of September deadline (Somaliland Press)
- More to be done in Somalia after presidential poll (AP)
PRESS RELEASE
Somali National forces and AMISOM troops capture Harbole Town
12 Sept – Source: AMISOM – 139 words
Somali government forces backed by AMISOM troops have captured Harbole town in southern Somalia. The brief afternoon operation also recovered an assortment of weapons and ammunition from the Al Qaeda-affiliated terror group, Al-Shabaab. Harbole is 6km from Miido which also fell to AMISOM troops just 10 days ago.
AMISOM Force Commander Lieutenant General Andrew Gutti commended AMISOM soldiers saying that the latest success had come at a critical time in Somalia’s history.
“This operation demonstrates AMISOM’s continuing determination to support the people of Somalia as they embark on a new path of renewal and reconstruction.” He said.
“Securing Harbole will allow the local community to be part of the continuing process of national reconciliation.” The operation comes just a day after Somalia’s historic presidential election which marked the end of the transition to a more representative system of government.
SOMALI MEDIA
Blast rocks new leader’s meeting in Somalia
12 Sept – Source: Radio Shabelle/Reuters/Aljazeera – 50 words
Two explosions rocked the Somali capital Mogadishu on Wednesday outside a hotel; the explosion has occurred outside the Mogadishu hotel where the newly elected Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was meeting with Kenya’s foreign minister, witnesses said. There was no immediate word on casualties.
Gov’t officials warn of civilians casualties in Jubba region
12 Sept – Radio Kulmiye – 99 words
Somali government officials in southern regions say civilians must avoid conflict zones such as Kismayo. An unnamed government official warned civilians to avoid the fighting in the region saying “Kismayo will be a major target for allied forces; government troops along Kenyans are heading to Kismayo to capture the most important port town that is an al Shabaab stronghold”.
Roadside blast kills 4, wounds 10 in Mogadishu
12 Sept – Source: Shabelle/Raxanreeb/Bar-kulan/
A roadside bomb hidden killed four people and wounded 10 others in the Somali capital on Tuesday, police and witnesses said. The attack was targeting government soldiers patrolling Yaqshid district, a former stronghold of insurgents, but instead struck a nearby minibus carrying civilians, said a witness. “We ran away (from the scene) fearing that we would be arrested as suspects,” said a witness who asked not to be named.
Hillary Clinton congratulates Somalia’s new leaders – calls for continued reforms
12 Sept – Source: Raxanreeb – 169 words
“I want to congratulate President Hassan Sheikh and the Somali people on yesterday’s election. I commend former President Sheikh Sharif for his humility in conceding the election. With the election of a New Federal Parliament and Speaker, the national constituent assembly’s adoption of a provisional constitution, and the election of a new president, Somalia has completed its political transition. This significant achievement is the result of years of hard work – by Somalis and the international community.
I especially want to thank the African Union, the United Nations, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development for their critical contributions. We applaud these steps toward a responsive, representative and accountable government and Hassan Sheikh’s commitment to inclusive governance. But there is still more work to be done.
The United States calls on Somalia’s new leaders to continue the reform effort and to work together to create a better future. We are committed to helping the new government strengthen democratic institutions, improve stability and security, and deliver results for the Somali people”.
The new Somali president receives warm welcome
11 Sept – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SONNA – 298 words
The new president of the Somali republic, H.E. Hassan Sh. Mohamud has received a warm welcome from the Somali people across the world as well as neighbouring countries and the international community for winning the elections. Djiboutian president, H.E. Ismail Omar Gelle and his people sent his congratulations and best wishes to the president of the Somali republic, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The AU Deputy Special Representative congratulated His Excellency Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on his election as President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, as well as the United Nations’ special envoy to Somalia, Ambassador Augustine Mahiga who congratulated H.E. Hassan Shiekh Mohamud on his victory, saying that Somali people have taken great step forward on the path to peace and prosperity.
IGAD-Intergovernmental Authority for Development, British, the White House and the European Union also welcomed the new president of Somalia, Hassan Sh. Mohamud. Professor, Hassan Sh. Mohamud was born in Jalaksi district in Hiiraan region central Somalia in 1955 and graduated from the Somali national university in 1981.
Professor, Hassan Sh. Mohamud, the new president prepared his master degree in India and worked with United Nations’ children’s fund-UNICEF, CRD (Centre for Research and Development) and founded the SIMAAD institute, later changed into a university.
‘Registration of political associations open’: Puntland Election Commission
12 Sept – Source: Garowe Online – 160 words
The process for registering political associations has opened in Puntland State of Somalia, according to the Puntland Election Commission, marking the first time that political parties can be registered during the state’s 14-year history.
Mr. Mohamed Hassan Barre, chairman of Puntland Election Commission and a former minister in President Siyad Barre’s central government, said at a press conference on Tuesday in the Puntland capital of Garowe that political associations are welcome to register with the election commission.
“Puntland has satisfied the requirements, such as adoption of the State Constitution and Parliament’s passing of key laws including the Referendum Act, the Political Association Law, and the District Elections Law,” Mr. Barre said.
The Puntland Election Commission says many political associations will register under an approval process by the commission. In early 2013, the political associations will compete for seats in District Councils across 21 districts across Puntland, in accordance with the demarcated districts of former President Barre’s rule.
Somaliland: NEC rejects UDUB request to postpone 14th of September deadline
12 Sept – Source: Somaliland Press – 122 words
The Somaliland National Electoral Commission has rejected a request submitted by UDUB to extend the current deadline date (14/9/2012) set for candidates from the various political parties participating in the upcoming local council elections to submit their papers with the electoral commission.
NEC has rejected the request submitted by the chairman of UDUB and the former President of Somaliland Dahir Riyale Kahin after finding no substantial reason to extend the deadline; he went on to say UDUB case was not exceptional .
NEC spokesperson Mohamed Ahmed Hirsi, speaking to the media today, said that the Electoral commission had rejected a formal request submitted by the UDUB for the deadline set by the commission to be extended for two more weeks.
REGIONAL MEDIA
President Kibaki sends Ongeri to Somalia
12 Sept – Source: Citizen News – 108 words
President Mwai Kibaki has dispatched Foreign Affairs Minister Professor Sam Ongeri to deliver a goodwill message to the newly elected Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Prof Ongeri left the country Wednesday morning for Mogadishu where he will be delivering the President’s message to the civilian President and the nation of Somalia at large.
Sheikh Mohamud was elected the President Monday this week in a highly contested race where he beat the incumbent President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed in the second round of the election. Sheikh Mohamud was sworn in on Tuesday as the country’s first elected President since the ouster of former President the late Siad Barre in 1991.
Din of hammers now dominate Mogadishu
12 Sept – Source: Standard – 369 words
After 21 years of civil war, reconstruction has started in earnest in Somalia’s capital city Mogadishu which has known little else than gun battles and bombings.
Residents are conducting business with relative calm now as compared to a year ago when al Shabaab militia group reigned. With the election of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud on Monday, expectations are high in Somalia that reconstruction efforts will be doubled.
The Somali National Army, supported by United Nations and African Union peace-keeping force, is conducting security checks in key areas and local police manning the town centre and directing traffic. Buildings that were bombed and shattered are being rebuilt and new shops dot the city.
“Things have changed as shops opening up to midnight while a year ago they closed at 6pm,” Mr Hassan Ali, a businessman told The Standard in Mogadishu. Fourteen-seater matatus, like the ones playing Kenyan roads are operating in fairly orderly manner with no touts shouting and fighting.
President Kikwete recognises Kenya’s role in Somalia transition
11 Sept – Source: Capital News – 315 words
Tanzania’s president Jakaya Kikwete has acknowledged the bold steps Kenya took to enter Somalia last year in pursuit of the Al-Shabaab and other militants that threatened the country’s economic interests.
President Kikwete said the entry of Kenya’s defence forces into Somalia had proved to be a major determinant to the current peace prevailing in the Horn of Africa country.
Speaking to the media after holding bilateral talks with President Mwai Kibaki at State House Nairobi, the Tanzanian leader noted with appreciation that efforts by Kenyan forces AMISOM allies have borne fruit.
“The bold steps taken by the president have in many ways contributed to the results that we are beginning to see,” Kikwete said. On his part, President Kibaki challenged Somali citizens including those in the Diaspora to play their rightful roles in embracing the new Somalia.
50 al Shabaab shot dead in war on terror
11 Sept – Source: Daily Nation – 234 words
Kenyan troops in Somalia moved closer to entering Al-Shabaab stronghold of Kismayu after killing more than 50 militants on Tuesday. The troops had encountered Al-Shabaab defence positions in Harbole town, nearly 50km from Kismayu, according to the information officer at Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) headquarters Cyrus Oguna. A KDF soldier and six others from the Somalia National Army (SNA) were injured in the 1pm battle. One SNA soldier was killed.
“The march to Kismayu is on again. Al-Shabaab had put a defence line to block the march. Our forces attacked both on land and in the air, using helicopter gunships, and cleared the way,” said Col Oguna. By late afternoon, he added, KDF troops were about 50 kilometres from the port city.
African parliament happy with UPDF job in Somalia
11 Sept – Source: Observer – 641 words
Brigadier Michael Ondoga hunches forward into the room and sits quietly in a sturdy wooden chair. His colleague, Colonel Stephen Kashure, the commandant of Singo Army Barracks, who is already in the room, appears nervous.
“We have nothing to hide,” Kashure says quickly, before inviting Cecilia Ogwal, the Dokolo Woman MP, to explain why her delegation from the Pan African Parliament (PAP) is at his office in Luttamaguzi House on this Wednesday morning, September 5.
Ogwal says the delegation, comprising her PAP colleague, Onyango Kakoba (Buikwe North) and journalists, is “interested in what goes on in Somalia”, especially “what happens in the training process of our boys and women”.
But before she has finished explaining our mission here, Kashure, staring at the cameras, says: “There are certain things we cannot comment on”. Ogwal does not take kindly to this: “Uganda might have a hidden agenda in Somalia. . . Of course we don’t know, but we have come to get answers.”
If her intention is to use the accusation as blackmail, to get the men in uniform talking, it works like magic. A previously quiet Brig Ondoga springs into action, imploring Ogwal and her delegation to avoid mixing the role of UPDF in Somalia with politics.
Khalifa, Mohammed greet Somali leader
12 Sept – Source: Gulf Today – 77 words
President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory cable to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, on winning the presidential elections. Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum also send a similar cable to Mahmoud.
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a congratulatory cable to Mahmoud on his victory.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
UN chief welcomes new Somali President
12 Sept – Source: UN News Center – 200 words
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the selection of a new president for Somalia, the final step in the war-torn East African nation’s political transition process. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was selected as President of the Federal Republic of Somalia on Monday, following a vote which involved two rounds of balloting in the country’s so-called New Federal Parliament in the capital, Mogadishu.
“The selection of the new President brings an end to the eight-year political transition. The Secretary-General congratulates the New Federal Parliament and its Speaker for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the process,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement.
“He also pays tribute to all the signatories of the Roadmap for Ending the Transition for the important role they have played to bring the process to a successful conclusion,” the spokesperson added, while also noting that the UN chief congratulates Mr. Sheikh Mohamud on his selection.
After decades of warfare, Somalia has been undergoing a peace and national reconciliation process, with the country’s transitional governing arrangements coming to an end with the selection of a president – a key and final part of the so-called Roadmap for Ending the Transition, which Somali authorities had been implementing.
Somali militants brand new president a “traitor”
11 Sept – Source: Reuters – 153 words
Islamist rebels on Tuesday dismissed Somalia’s presidential election as a ploy by the West to boost its economic and strategic interests in the country. They branded the new leader, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, a traitor and said they would keep up their war to make Somalia a strict Islamic state.
Somalian lawmakers on Monday elected political newcomer Mohamud as president in the most inclusive election in the country in years, ousting Sheikh Sharif Ahmed. Among the former academic’s priorities will be to crush the militant al Shabaab group, who have fought for five years in an insurgency that has killed thousands of people but is now under pressure from regional military forces.
Al Shabaab spokesman Sheikh Ali Mahmud Rage said the group did not regard the election as being in the Somali people’s interests. “They represent Western interests, and interests of their agents in the region,” he said in a statement.
More to be done in Somalia after presidential poll
11 Sept – Source: AP – 125 words
The International community has supported the election of Somalia’s new president saying it’s a step toward moving the country out of its failed state status but still much more needs to be done to achieve that goal. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, a political newcomer, won the election against outgoing President Sheik Sharif Sheikh Ahmed by the legislative vote of 190 to 79.
Somalia has had transitional administrations since 2004. Mohamud, an academic and activist, is expected to form the county’s first functioning central government since 1991. The U.S. said Monday’s vote is a crucial step forward in building a representative government.
A statement from the White House encourages Mohamud to strengthen democratic institutions, improve stability and security and bring tangible improvements to the lives of Somalis.
US voices hope for new era in Somalia
11 Sept – Source: AFP – 323 words
The United States Tuesday congratulated the new president of Somalia, voicing hope the election of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will mark a new era for the African nation torn by two decades of war.
“We look forward to working with him,” State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told journalists, adding that Monday’s presidential vote was “the final step in the roadmap to end the transition.”
“It’s also a hopeful sign for the new era of Somali governance,” she said, highlighting security gains made in the Horn of Africa nation by an African Union mission and Somali national forces.
The White House late Monday also sent congratulations to the “Somali people for completing this momentous political transition” which it said marked “an important milestone” for the country.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“With the local war on terrorism winding down, perhaps the war on poverty can begin. There is no chance of political self- sufficiency or security until the country has a functioning economy”.
Help somalia’s new president: cut off aid
12 Sept – Source: Bloomberg – 842 words
A surprise candidate, Sheikh Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, has won Somalia’s first freely contested presidential election. The bigger surprise will be if his government proves any less corrupt or incompetent than the one it is replacing.
Somalia is the world’s premier basket case, with a stranglehold atop Foreign Policy magazine’s annual Failed States Index. It’s home base for the pirates of the Indian Ocean, an intermittent haven and recruiting ground for al-Qaeda, and the cradle of al-Shabaab, a jihadist sect that kills aid workers, conscripts children and until recently controlled the capital, Mogadishu, and most of the south of the country.
Somalia is also a place with great promise. It stands at a crucial trade crossroads, the portal between Arabia and East Africa (there’s a reason for those pirates). Despite the lack of a functional government for two decades, it has a bare-bones agricultural economy and even exports livestock. And it has oil — maybe lots of oil: Up to 110 billion barrels underground and offshore estimated to be recoverable.
“President Mohamud faces a labyrinth of problems. From terrorism to piracy and rival militias, Somalia has no shortage of tragedies. But during his first 100 days in office, the President needs to focus on achieving – or at least beginning – four fundamental tasks:
-Declare war on corruption
-Rebuild competent state institutions
-Reconciliation
-Constitutional and governmental overhaul”
Somalia: Appointment of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud signals change and challenges
11 Sept – African Arguments – 1040 words
On Monday, Somalia lived up to its track record for never re-electing an incumbent leader. President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed lost to a political newcomer, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in a landslide victory that represented a stinging condemnation of the status quo, and an unequivocal vote for change.
The 275-member parliament, which also voted out a widely reviled former speaker and replaced him with a respected legal expert, appeared to be listening to the aspirations of the Somali people for the first time when they picked Mohamud over Ahmed. But the former President was gracious in defeat, delivering a unifying exit speech at a time when the overwhelming majority of the Somali people wanted him to strongly support his successor and cement the optics of nascent democracy.
I’ve known President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for sometime. He’s a man of integrity and humility and a social entrepreneur who founded one of Somalia’s most successful higher education institutions: Simad University in Mogadishu. Mohamud is also accessible and intrepid – a civil society leader who endured Somalia’s 21-year-long period of war in the capital. Needless to say, he’ll now be evaluated more on his deeds than his personality.
Top tweets
@WilliamJHague I’ve spoken to Somalia’s new President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to congratulate him and offer UK help and support in this new era for#Somalia.
@UNPOSomalia Read selections of #UN, #AU, #EU, #US & #UK statements in reaction to #Somalia‘s #presidential election outcome: http://bit.ly/PqiG8b#UNPOS.
@StateDept #SecClinton Statement on the Election of New Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud http://www.state.gov/
@UN_DPA #Somalia: Selection of new President brings an end to eight-year political transition. More: http://ow.ly/dDDi7 via @UN_News_Centre.
@amisomsomaliaSomali National forces and #AMISOM troops capture #Harbole Town.http://bit.ly/RR3v8D .
@amisomsomalia #Harbole is 6km from Miido which also fell to #AMISOM troops just 10 days ago. http://bit.ly/RR3v8D .
@UNIC_Moscow Secretary-General congratulated Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on his selection as President of the Federal Republic of Somaliahttp://www.un.org/sg/
Image of the day
SRSG Mahiga shakes hands with Somali President-elect Hassan Sheikh during a courtesy visit yesterday in Mogadishu, Somalia. Photo: UNPOS.