October 17, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Parliament endorses Somalia’s New PM
17 Oct – Source: Radio Mustaqbal/RBC/Jowhar Online/Hiiraan Online/Bar-kulan – 205 words
Somalia’s parliament has unanimously endorsed the appointment of Abdi Farah Shirdon ‘Saa’id’ on Wednesday in a historic session that saw all lawmakers raising their hands for approval. Parliament Speaker, Prof. Mohammed Osman Jawari said 215 were present at the time of voting with no one objecting or abstaining to the confidence vote.
Earlier on, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud urged the parliament to approve his new premier so that he could go ahead with the formation of the cabinet that will make up the federal government. On his part, Prime Minister Saa’id vowed to form a cabinet that will move the country towards growth and prosperity.
Key Headlines
- Parliament endorses Somalia’s New PM (Radio Mustaqbal/RBC/Jowhar Online/Hiiraan Online/Bar-kulan)
- Kenyan police kill three suspects in al Shabaab raid (Reuters)
- AU Troops asked to vacate soccer stadium (Raxanreeb/Radio Risaala)
- UN urged to approve funding for Kenya’s Navy in Somalia (Daily Nation)
- Somali govt commander in Jubaland rejects reports of ‘looting by soldiers’ (Garowe Online/BBC Somali Service)
- Pakistan pledges help to Somalia in meeting post-transition challenges (APP)
- Two assailants dead 10 Kenyan officers wounded in Likoni raid (Capital News/KBC)
SOMALI MEDIA
Parliament endorses Somalia’s New PM
17 Oct – Source: Radio Mustaqbal/RBC/Jowhar Online/Hiiraan Online/Bar-kulan – 205 words
Somalia’s parliament has unanimously endorsed the appointment of Abdi Farah Shirdon ‘Saa’id’ on Wednesday in a historic session that saw all lawmakers raising their hands for approval. Parliament Speaker, Prof. Mohammed Osman Jawari said 215 were present at the time of voting with no one objecting or abstaining to the confidence vote.
Earlier on, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud urged the parliament to approve his new premier so that he could go ahead with the formation of the cabinet that will make up the federal government. On his part, Prime Minister Saa’id vowed to form a cabinet that will move the country towards growth and prosperity.
AU Troops asked to vacate soccer stadium
17 Oct – Source: Raxanreeb/Radio Risaala – 161 words
The Somali Football federation officials asked the African Union peacekeepers in Somalia (AMISOM) to vacate the country’s largest football facility Stadium Mogadishu during an official visit to the site on Monday.
Somali Football Federation president Ali Said Guled Rooble and Secretary General Abdi Qani Said Arab held a lengthy meeting with the commander of AU peacekeepers stationed at Stadium Mogadishu Captain Angua and other military officials during which they discussed on the possibility of AU troops to vacate the facility.
“ Today (Monday) we are at stadium Mogadishu on an official visit which has two main objectives; one was to asses and to know the real situation of the stadium and the other was to ask the African Union peacekeepers to vacate the stadium so that we can host the next edition of regional football tournament for peace and development here by December this year” Somali Football Federation Secretary General Abdi Qani Said Arab told the media during the visit.
Somalia’s government forces conduct security operation in Afgoye district
17 Oct – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 163 words
The security forces of Somalia’s Federal Government have conduced security operations in the past 24 hours in Afgoye district of Lower Shabelle region in the Southern of Somalia. The commander of Security Forces in Afgoye Khalif Mohamed Kahiye speaking to Mustaqbal radio in Mogadishu on Wednesday said that the operation was meant to tighten the security of the district.
Khalif said the forces arrested people suspected of having links with al Shabaab. “Some were al Shabaab fighters and some others were robbers,” said the commander, adding that at least 12 people were taken to the central prison in Mogadishu.
Somali govt commander in Jubaland rejects reports of ‘looting by soldiers’
16 Oct – Source: Garowe Online/BBC Somali Service – 134 words
The Commander of Somali government forces in Jubaland regions of southern Somalia has rejected media reports of soldiers engaged in looting, Garowe Online reports. General Ismail Sahardid, Commander of Somali National Forces in Jubaland regions, told the BBC Somali Service during a Tuesday interview that acts of terror and insecurity would not be tolerated in Kismayo, the commercial capital of Jubaland regions.
Speaking about a recent killing in Kismayo, Gen. Sahardid said that the authorities are investigating the killing. Unconfirmed reports say that a soldier of the allied Somali and AMISOM allegedly killed a woman in Kismayo. Gen. Sahardid stated that the forces would be conducting operations in the port city on Tuesday. “We will never tolerate the security of Kismayo to be jeopardized by terrorist groups or other criminal elements,” said Gen. Sahardid.
Al Shabaab claims attack on allied forces
17 Oct – Source: Radio Dalsan/Radio Kulmiye/RBC – 80 words
Al Shabaab fighters claim they have killed several soldiers from AMISOM and Somali government military after attacks on bases in Lower Shabelle region. Sheikh Abdulasis Abu Musab, al Shabaab’s operation spokesman said that fighters had attacked bases of the allied forces in Balidogle town of lower Shabelle, where he claimed many soldiers were slain.
The spokesman vowed that they will continue with fighting until the western-backed government and AMISOM are weakened and defeated. Al Shabaab lost several towns in southern of Somalia after military operations from the allied troops of Somalia’s government and AMISOM.
IOM delivers emergency aid to Garowe fire victims
16 Oct – Source: Bar-kulan – 111 words
IOM on Tuesday distributed humanitarian aid to internally displaced families living in refugee camps in Garowe, reports say. The IOM, with assistance from a local NGO implementing partner TIDES – Timely Integrated Development Services for Somalia-distributed food and non-food items to 262 internally displaced families left destitute after a devastating fire in a Garowe displacement settlement in Somalia’s Puntland state last week.
The two organizations are now providing temporary water trucking for the next two weeks. It has also provided shelter and sanitary kits for all the affected families. Abdullahi Mohamed Isse, an official with IOM, said the aid is part of their efforts to help needy families in these camps.
12 killed in insurgent violence in Beledweyne
16 Oct – Source: Garowe Online – 294 words
At least 12 people were killed on Tuesday after al Shabaab agents ambushed Somali government forces in the outskirts of the Beledweyne town, the capital of Hiran region, Garowe Online reports. According to officials, the battle was very intense lasting for many hours with both sides losing military vehicles in the clashes.
The government officials said that the surprise attack occurred in Walaweyn district in the neighboring region of Lower Shabelle and crossed over to Hiraan region, adding that casualties are still unconfirmed. Col. Abukar Yarow who spoke to media on Tuesday said that Somali government forces in Hiraan region repelled the attack by al Shabaab.
Unknown armed men kill civilian in Mogadishu
17 Oct – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 156 words
Unknown men armed with pistols have reportedly killed a teenager on Wednesday night in Warta Nabada district of Mogadishu. The unidentified armed men shot dead the civilian at his business centre in Hamar Jadid village, residents confirmed. The assailants fired shots on the victim and ran away, leaving him wounded.
The residents took the victim to a hospital, where he died of the wounds. There has been an increase in the killings targeted on civilians in the capital even as Somali government assures of security.
12 killed in insurgent violence in Beledweyne
16 Oct – Source: Garowe Online – 294 words
At least 12 people were killed on Tuesday after al Shabaab agents ambushed Somali government forces in the outskirts of the Beledweyne town, the capital of Hiran region, Garowe Online reports. According to officials, the battle was very intense lasting for many hours with both sides losing military vehicles in the clashes.
The government officials said that the surprise attack occurred in Walaweyn district in the neighboring region of Lower Shabelle and crossed over to Hiraan region, adding that casualties are still unconfirmed. Col. Abukar Yarow who spoke to media on Tuesday said that Somali government forces in Hiraan region repelled the attack by al Shabaab.
Somaliland President Silanyo sends condolence to family of late Abdillahi Said Dheere
16 Oct – Source: Somaliland Press – 123 words
Somaliland’s President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud (Silanyo) has sent a message of condolence to the family, friends and members of WADDANI party on the death of the Abdullah Said Dheere who earlier on Tuesday lost his life in a tragic road accident.
President Silanyo express his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Abdillahi Said Dheere . “May Allah (SWT) bless his soul, our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. His death is a great loss to his family and to the Somaliland nation at large.”
President Silanyo also in his condolence message consoled the chairman of WADDANI NATIONAL PARTY and also the speaker of the national assembly Abdurrahman Mohamed Abdillahi(Ciiro) for the loss of a comrade.
REGIONAL MEDIA
UN urged to approve funding for Kenya’s Navy in Somalia
17 Oct – Source: Daily Nation – 324 words
The African Union and a United Nations special envoy urged the UN Security Council on Tuesday to approve funding for a naval component of the AU forces fighting to stabilise Somalia.
Kenya is the only African nation known to be contributing naval support for the AU’s military mission in Somalia (AMISOM). But Kenyan naval units have not been formally integrated into AMISOM, which is funded largely by the United States and European Union under UN auspices.
Approval of the request to endow AMISOM with a naval component would result in a sizable financial benefit for Kenya, which has deployed forces in Somalia for the past 12 months.
Two assailants dead, 10 Kenyan officers wounded in Likoni raid
17 Oct – Source: Capital News/KBC – 196 words
Ten police officers were seriously wounded early on Wednesday in Kenya’s coastal region when attackers hurled a grenade at them during a house raid in a clash that left two assailants dead, police said.
“I can confirm 10 officers were seriously injured,” regional police chief Aggrey Adoli told AFP, saying the attackers may be linked to Somalia’s al Shabaab Islamist insurgents. He said police had shot dead one of the assailants while the other was killed by one of his own grenades.
The raid was carried out in Likoni on the coast south of Mombasa following a tip-off, and police recovered two firearms, two live grenades and ammunition, he said. Kenyan police have in recent days launched a crackdown on members of the Mombasa Republican Council, a separatist group. On Monday two people were killed as police arrested MRC leader Omar Mwamnuadzi.
Truant Somalia soldier runs to Kenya
16 Oct – Source: NTV – 1:26 min
Police in Kenya are looking for an armed Somalia soldier who deserted the frontline and escaped into the country. The soldier who was armed was arrested and placed in custody in Liboi but escaped mysteriously.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Kenyan police kill three suspects in al Shabaab raid
17 Oct – Source: Reuters – 171 words
Kenyan police shot dead three suspected supporters of the Somali militant group al Shabaab on Wednesday during a raid in Kenya’s turbulent coastal region in which a police officer also died. Police arrested a number of suspects and confiscated grenades, AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition at a house in the Likoni area, Coast province police chief Aggrey Adoli said.
Kenya has suffered a series of grenade and gun attacks since it sent troops into Somalia a year ago in pursuit of the insurgents it blames for kidnapping security personnel and Western tourists from its territory.
China calls for effective governance in Somalia
17 Oct – Source: Global Times – 173 words
China on Tuesday called on the new government of Somalia to actively implement the interim constitution and extend effective governance over the whole territory of the country. Li Baodong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, made the remarks as he addressed an open Security Council meeting on the situation in Somalia.
Li said that China hopes all parties in Somalia to continue to take forward the political process and national reconciliation. ” We hope the relevant parties to seize this historical opportunity for the greater good of national stability and development, strengthen unity and cooperation, and bridge their differences through dialogue and consultations.”
“We support the Somali new government in its efforts to implement the interim constitution, exercise the government functions, extend effective authority over all its national territories,” he said. “We urge different factions in Somalia to renounce violence and join the peace process as soon as possible.” China also supports Somalia’s efforts in expediting the building of security sectors in order to assume full responsibility of safeguarding national sovereignty and stability.
Pakistan pledges help to Somalia in meeting post-transition challenges
17 Oct – Source: APP – 327 words
With the nine-year-old transitional period in Somalia having ended peacefully, Pakistan Tuesday pledged all possible support to the African nation which now was on the “cusp of a new chapter in its history.
“The Presidential and Parliamentary elections and the Prime Minister’s nomination herald a new political dispensation, which reflects the aspirations of the Somali people,” Ambassador Masood Khan, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, told the Security Council’s meeting on Somalia.
Given the courage and resilience of Somalia’s people, the progress made by them was no surprise, the Pakistani envoy said, adding, “We assure the new government of Somalia of our fullest support.” The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali security forces had enabled pro-Government forces to gain control over all major Somali cities, Ambassador Masood Khan said.
Somalia needs urgent assistance to tackle post-transition challenges, UN envoy tells Security Council
16 Oct – Source: UN News Centre – 748 words
With the nine-year-old transitional period in Somalia having ended peacefully, the authorities need urgent assistance to meet the challenges associated with peace building as well as stabilizing areas liberated from insurgents, the top United Nations envoy to the country said today.
“The change met the expectations of most Somalis and has raised higher expectations for more change,” the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), Augustine P. Mahiga, told a Security Council meeting on Somalia.
The war-torn Horn of Africa nation now has a new Constitution, a new Parliament and new elected Speaker and President. Earlier this month, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud appointed Abdi Farah Shirdon as the new Prime Minister. Once confirmed, Mr. Shirdon will form the country’s first post-transition Government.
Briefing the 15-member body via video-conference, Mr. Mahiga added that the Somali authorities now urgently need assistance to meet new challenges. Among the priority tasks facing the new administration is to move quickly to lead in the stabilization of the liberated areas.
Western money, African blood: How US and Europe paid for Africans to rout Somali militants
15 Oct – Source: Washington Post – 434 words
The first Ugandan soldiers to fly into Somalia 5 1/2 years ago came under attack as soon as they arrived: Militants fired mortars at the new mission’s welcome ceremony.
Today, backed by a sweeping multinational effort that includes $338 million in U.S. equipment, wages and training, the force of Ugandans, Burundians, Kenyans and Somalis that was deployed to take on the country’s Islamic radicals can claim a degree of success that had initially seemed highly unlikely.
When the Ugandan spearhead arrived on March 6, 2007, Somalia had been in chaos for years, ruled by warlords and insurgents bent on creating an Islamic state. AMISOM, the African Union Mission in Somalia, was the most ambitious response since the failed 1990s U.S. intervention of Black-Hawk-Down infamy.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“’Business as usual’ for Somalis, if this means one in six children acutely malnourished, is far from what any of us in Australia would regard as acceptable. Failure to act now, by ensuring an appropriate humanitarian response as well as by ensuring that our system is fit for purpose to mitigate the effects of future crises, could mean thousands or even tens of thousands of lives lost.”
Somalia needs help now
17 Oct – Source: Online Opinion – 802 Words
It is sixteen months since the world woke up to the horror of a food crisis that threatened hundreds of thousands of lives in the Horn of Africa. Throughout the latter half of 2011, the crisis featured prominently in media headlines and generated a multi-billion dollar humanitarian response.
Since then new crises – West Africa, Syria and Yemen to name a few – have dominated the headlines, and for aid agencies and donors with limited resources, the Horn of Africa has lost its status as a high priority emergency. Today many see the crisis as passed; and the situation as back to business as usual.
This is partially true. Overall, the situation is improved compared to 2011, when the crisis was at its peak. Rainfall in most areas has been better than last year, the condition of pastures has in many areas improved as has the availability of water and the condition of livestock, and child malnutrition has dropped. In Somalia, the population in need of humanitarian assistance has fallen by 17 per cent.
“The African Union’s story in Somalia is unique. Its mission was born out of a high degree of skepticism. Many doubted sufficient troops would be provided, that funding from international partners would appear and fewer expected any results. That the peace-building mission has come so far over five years seems to have been because of the tough journey it has taken, a lesson that should shape policies and expectations for any similar mission to Mali.”
What lessons from Somalia for an African-led intervention in Mali?
16 Oct – Source: American Security Project – 1193 Words
As the new chair of the African Union’s political and security commission, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, took up her post today, she vowed to tackle the growing ills of Mali and Islamic extremism in the Sahel . In large part, she was responding to last week’s United Nations Security Council resolution which empowered Africa’s regional institutions to come up with a solution, amid growing concern from the United States and others, about the convergence of crises in the west of the continent.
Earlier this month, Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Affairs, laid out why the United States wants to see action in Mali, including dealing with the threat to security from weakening governance and the reported growing threat from al Qaeda in the Maghreb.
It will be no surprise to those watching developments on the continent that United States policy makers are looking at the African Union efforts in Somalia as a starting point for tackling instability, diminishing government power and the humanitarian plight of Malians. There are some important lessons from the African Union’s involvement in Somalia should such a model of peace enforcement be transferred hundreds of miles west.
“The United States continues to stand with the Somali people as they stabilize and rebuild their country, and looks forward to hearing from their new leaders on how we can best work together in partnership for the benefit of Somalia and the region.”
Somalia Continues Its Progress With New Leadership
16 Oct – Source: VOA – 258 Words
The nomination of a new Prime Minister by Somalia’s President and the new Somali Parliamentary speaker’s stated commitment to work with him demonstrates that the country has fresh leadership to tackle the many challenges it faces. Abdi Farah Shirdon, a businessman and political newcomer, was nominated as prime minister on October 6.
Both he and the new Speaker of Parliament, Mohamed Osman Jawari, have pledged to work closely with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud to move the long-troubled nation on the Horn of Africa forward. Lacking a stable central government for more than 20 years, the nation has been torn by clan and political infighting, besieged by insurgents and terrorist activity, and disrupted by internal displacement caused by the fighting and a persistent drought. The new leadership appointments, however, suggest a new sense of unity.
Cabinet appointments are expected once Parliament confirms Shirdon’s nomination, and he has said he will form a competent, trustworthy government ready to work toward developing the country as it emerges from a four-year U.N.-backed transition plan.
Top tweets
@AmbassadorRice Much more to do to root out al-Shabaab, provide humanitarian relief, improve security & governance, and fight corruption. #Somalia.
@UNPOSomalia See #UN Envoy #Mahiga meeting #Somalia‘s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at his office in Mogadishu @UN @UN_DPA pic.twitter.com/pse3NcBN.
@Abdi_AlSheikh Western money, African blood: How US and Europe paid for Africans to rout … – Washington Post http://dlvr.it/2KqH2l #Somalia.
@CONX Watch short documentary of #hiphop group Waayaha Cusub with message of peace for #Somalia: http://goo.gl/9kI3d @LiveFrMogadishu #Shiine .
@Sunni_Salah Somali FA asks #AMISOM troops to vacate #Mogadishu stadium – #Somalia #SomaliSports http://bit.ly/SZzqUP.
Image of the day
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud meets with members of the IGAD in Mogadishu October 16, 2012. Photo: Reuters/AU-UN IST.