November 16, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Somali President denies Reuters report on Kismayo charcoal

15 Nov – Source: Radio Risaala/ Horseed Media/Raxanreeb/Hiiraan Online – 236 words

The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has had a press conference discussing several issues including the current charcoal stockpile in Kismayo and its surroundings. The President’s position is in line to that of the government Somalia and UN Security Council resolution banning the export of charcoal from Somalia.

The Presidency strongly denies the Reuters report that President Hassan reversed his position and now allowed the export of the Charcoal. The President believes it is irresponsible on the part of Reuters to misquote the President’s press conference.

What the President said was that his government is working hard to find a solution to this burning charcoal issue that will protect the environmental degradation, and find ways and means to dispose the current stock which is acceptable to the interest of citizens, to find that solution. The president has created a taskforce to recommend the best option possible.

The President here again re-iterates his support to UN Security Council resolution where all member states were asked to take the necessary measures to prevent the export of charcoal from Somalia which the Government of Somalia originally requested for the ban on the grounds that the charcoal business is not only hazardous to the environment but also detrimental to the security efforts. The president hereby strongly request Reuters News Agency to retract this fabricated and false report.

Key Headlines

Somali President denies Reuters report on Kismayo charcoal (Radio Risaala/ Horseed Media/Raxanreeb/Hiiraan Online)
AMISOM Congratulates Somalia on Swearing in of New Cabinet (AMISOM)
OIC Foreign Ministers Hold 39th Meeting In Djibouti On Thursday (Saudi Press Agency/SABA)
Statement by Spokesperson for theUN Secretary-General on Swearing-in of Somali Council of Ministers (UNPOS)
Somali parliament endorses downsized Cabinet in victory for new prime minister (Jowhar Online)
Ethiopia seeks to “further strengthen” fraternal relations with Somalia (Bar-kulan)
Kenyan police arrests five more terror suspects in Mombasa (China News Online/ Xinhua)
Puntland President Farole assures ‘democratization process will move forward’ (Garowe Online)

PRESS STATEMENT

AMISOM Congratulates Somalia on Swearing in of New Cabinet

16 Nov – Source: AMISOM – 310 words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Somalia, Amb, Boubacar Diarra, has congratulated the Federal Government of Somalia on the swearing in of a new council of Ministers.

The 10-member cabinet, one of the smallest in Somali history, secured the overwhelming approval of the Somali Federal Parliament and Ministers were sworn in by the country’s Chief Justice. Amb, Diarra noted that this approval by the majority is a sign of confidence and will pave the way for a successful implementation of the key tasks underlined in the Prime Minister’s speech which is in line with the president’s vision.

He further reiterated that the strengthening of the ties between the president, the Parliament and the Cabinet will be critical in responding to the need of the Somali people. “This represents a significant milestone for Somalia as it continues along its journey to peace and stability” said Amb, Diarra. “The AU mission in Somalia is proud of the role it has played in support of the people of Somalia and their efforts to re-establish effective. legitimate and representative government,” he added.

Amb. Diarra noted that the new cabinet emphasized the role of women and civil society in the country’s continuing recovery. “The size and composition of the new cabinet reflects Somalia’s determination to inaugurate a new era of inclusivity and accountability in it public affairs and we at AMISOM applaud this achievement,” he said.

Two women had been appointed to high profile roles in the Cabinet, which is largely drawn from Somalia’s civil society. One was appointed as the new Foreign Minister as well as Deputy Prime Minister, and the other as the Minister for Development and Social Affairs. Amb. Diarra pledged that AMISOM would continue to support the Somali government as it implements its 6-point strategy to strengthen security and rebuild the country’s institutions and economy.

Statement by Spokesperson for theUN Secretary-General on Swearing-in of Somali Council of Ministers

15 Nov – Source: UNPOS – 90 words

The Secretary-General welcomes the swearing-in today of the Council of Ministers proposed by Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon and endorsed by the Somali Federal Parliament. This marks another important step in the determined efforts by Somalia’s new leadership to bring about a positive change in Somalia.

The Secretary-General and his Special Representative in Somalia, Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga, look forward to working with President Hassan Sheikh and his government to implement the six-pillar policy that will guide the country to democratic elections in the course of the next four years.

SOMALI MEDIA

Puntland President Farole assures ‘democratization process will move forward’

16 Nov – Source: Garowe Online – 137 words

Puntland President Abdirahman Mohmed Farole was a special speaker at a conference held in Garowe capital of Puntland, discussing democratization and current affairs in Puntland, Garowe Online reports. â€¨Many Puntland government officials accompanied President of Puntland state, Dr. Farole to Puntland Development and Research Center (PDRC) in Garowe including Vice President Abdisamad Ali Shire and Ministers of Cabinet.

Members of Puntland’s Transitional Puntland Electoral Committee (TPEC), Civil Society, Traditional Elders, Religious leaders, Women and Youth groups attended the 1-day conference at PDRC’s main headquarters in Garowe. The democratization process in Puntland and the new political association announced on Wednesday by President Farole was discussed at the conference.

Peace advocate and religious leader Sheikh Abdiqadir Nur Farah praised the democratization process in Puntland. “I support everyone who is working for the common needs of Puntland,” said Sheikh Farah.

Ethiopia seeks to “further strengthen” fraternal relations with Somalia

15 Nov – Source: Bar-kulan – 139 words

The Ethiopian government is seeking to further strengthen existing fraternal relations with Somalia as “two sisterly” countries, Bar-kulan can reveal.

In a letter written by Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailmariam Dessalegn to his Somali counterpart, Abdi Farah Shirdon, dated 12 November 2012; Dessalegn congratulated Mr Shirdon and his cabinet, saying that “the able leadership of you and your appointed ministers, the people of the federal republic of Somalia will enjoy the continuity and benefits of democracy, peace and development”. The letter seen by Bar-kulan also reveals Ethiopia’s hope to strengthen relations with Somalia.

“It is my hope that this event will allow the existing fraternal relations between our two sisterly countries to be further strengthened,” reads the letter in part. The Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailmariam Dessalegn wished his Somali counterpart Abdi Farah Shirdon a very success in discharging his responsibilities.

Somali President denies Reuters report on Kismayo charcoal

15 Nov – Source: Radio Risaala/ Horseed Media/Raxanreeb/Hiiraan Online – 236 words

Somali parliament endorses downsized Cabinet in victory for new prime minister

16 Nov – Source: Jowhar Online – 356 words

In a sign Somalia’s government may be willing to move away from its corrupt past, the parliament on Tuesday approved a smaller, 10-member Cabinet in a vote that serves as an important victory for the country’s new prime minister.

Parliamentary speaker Mohamed Sheik Osman Jawari said 219 parliamentarians endorsed the Cabinet in a vote Tuesday. Three voted against and three abstained. The Cabinet, formed by Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon, is expected to be sworn in next week.

The naming of the smaller Cabinet is the latest change undergone by the government this year. A new interim constitution has been passed, a new parliament was seated and a new president was voted in. The U.N. representative for Somalia, Augustine Mahiga, hailed the naming of two women ministers: the minister of foreign affairs, who also serves as deputy prime minister, and the minister of development and social services.

Amud University awarded Honorary Doctorate to Somaliland President

16 Nov – Source: Bar-kulan – 96 words

Somaliland president Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo was on Thursday awarded a honorary doctorate by Amud University in Borame. Amud University vice chancellor Prof. Ahmed Abdullahi Boqore praised Silanyo as in intellectual who deserves such honorary doctorate.

In his acceptance speech, Silanyo acknowledged that his leadership foundations were laid during his time in Amud as a high school before it was elevated to a university.

Silanyo, holder of Masters Degree in Economics from Manchester University in London, was elected into office in 2010 after defeating his main challenger Dahir Riyale Kahin who was by then the incumbent president.

Somali president promises to fight against corruption

15 Nov – Source: Shabelle – 120 words

President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud gave a speech at a press conference in Mogadishu, first since being elected in September 10 as the Somali head of state by MPs.

Meeting with the ministers, Somali president spoke about battling corruption which has beleaguered the previous transitional governments since the ouster of former military leader Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.

“I say again and again my government will never ever allow the public funds or assets to be embuzzled or misused. I will fight against the embezzlement,” said Somali president.

Somali FA equips clubs, gives financial support

15 Nov – Source: Ciyaaro Online – 670 words

As kind of its efforts of boosting up soccer culture in Somalia, the Somali Football Federation (SFF) has given donations of financial assistance and complete football equipment to 2nd and 3rd division clubs who had commitment to the promotion of football in the war-weary country for the past two decades.

The football equipment was distributed to a total of 17 football clubs including division B and C clubs. “We had always assisted our clubs, but this is the first time that we are giving them specially-made equipment on which the SFF logo is printed” Somali Football Federation president Ali Said Guled Rooble told press at the equipment distribution ceremony.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Ethiopian Prime Minister meets with Special Advisor to UN Secretary-General

16 Nov – Source: Walta Info/ENA – 150 words

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Ambassador Jan Eliason said Ethiopia is on the right track to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). After conferring with Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn here on Wednesday, the Ambassador told journalists that the effort of the government of Ethiopia towards meeting the MDGs is commendable.

Deputy Secretary-General also noted that the country has been registering fast economic growth. Ambassador Eliason lauded Ethiopia’s role in the ongoing efforts to maintain lasting peace in Africa in particular in Somalia and Sudan. He affirmed that the UN will continue existing cooperation with Ethiopia and the African Union.

According to ENA, on the occasion the Premier lauded the support that the UN agencies have been providing to Ethiopia. Hailemariam urged the UN to raise its support to Somalia in a bid to strengthening the new federal government in that country, according to a high level official, who attend the meeting.

Rogo’s son is trained al Shabaab fighter, Kenyan police say

16 Nov – Source: Daily Nation – 275 words

The son of the late Muslim cleric Sheikh Aboud Rogo recently returned from Somalia where he trained as an al Shabaab fighter, police say.

Khubedi Rogo, 17, is said to have recently returned to Kenya from Somalia where he was with his father. “What we know is that this man was from Somalia together with his father. They trained together but his father left him there and returned to recruit more young men,” said Boniface Mwaniki, Head of Anti-Terrorism Police Unit.

According to police, Khubedi and his friend joined al Shabaab in 2006. His friend also happens to be the son of a terror suspect being held in connection with two attacks in Kampala, Uganda in 2010, which killed 74 people while watching a World Cup football match. Khubedi and his friend were withdrawn from their respective schools in Mombasa and Nairobi and taken to Somalia to join al Shabaab.

OIC Foreign Ministers Hold 39th Meeting In Djibouti On Thursday

16 Nov – Source: Saudi Press Agency/SABA – 73 words

The Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will hold their 39th meeting in Djibouti on Thursday. The three-day meeting will discuss the current situations in Syria, Palestine, Myanmar, Mali and the African Sahel region, in addition to discussing ways to provide more support for the reconstruction of Somalia.

The ministers will hold a special session on the recent developments in Myanmar where many Rohingya Muslim villages came under attack by Buddhist mobs forcing thousands to flee,‌ the OIC said in a press statement.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Kenyan police arrests five more terror suspects in Mombasa

16 Nov – Source: China News Online/ Xinhua – 675 words

Kenya’s anti terrorism police unit officers on Thursday arrested five more terror suspects in the coastal city of Mombasa in major operations. Country Head of Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) Njeru Mwaniki said so far seven suspects have been rounded up in the counter- terrorism swoop including the son of the late slain cleric Aboud Rogo, who was arrested on Wednesday.

“Our officers are operating on highly placed intelligence reports of impending terror attacks in Mombasa and Nairobi and we have arrested several suspects who are assisting us with investigation,” Mwaniki told Xinhua on Thursday in Mombasa.

Somalia’s new government

16 Nov – Source: Economist – 720 words

A sooty new shadow has been cast over Somalia’s port city of Kismayo since the militias of the violent Islamist movement, al Shabaab, were chased out two months ago. Piled up all over the quay and at the entrances to the city, which is the economic hub of southern Somalia, are dark towers of sacks that locals are calling “skyscrapers of charcoal”.

For the past seven months the UN has banned the export of the black stuff. Its trade was an economic mainstay of al Shabaab when it controlled Kismayo, earning as much as $50m a year in the taxes levied by the militia, according to the UN.

The charcoal business has in any case devastated Somalia’s mangrove forests. During the embargo, the kilns kept burning and a vast stockpile was amassed. Since the end of September, when Kenyan forces under the banner of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) took control of the city, local pressure to lift the ban has grown.

Russian Navy anti-piracy flotilla on the way to Africa

15 Nov – Source: Defence Web – 505 words

The Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet has dispatched a fresh squadron of three vessels to combat piracy off the East African coast. The squadron comprises destroyer Marshall Shaposhnikov, the oil tanker Irkut and the rescue tug Alatau.

The flotilla sailed out of the Pacific Fleet naval base in Vladivostok on November 2, heading for the Arabian Sea, reports The Voice of Russia. While en-route to the Gulf of Aden the vessels will hold an exercise with the Indian Navy and call at its port of Mumbai.

The vessels will also visit Djibouti as they join an international naval anti-piracy force which comprises vessels from the European Union, the United States, China, India, Iran and South Korea.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“When patronage has been entrenched in a political system, as in Somalia, it renders the principles of equality before the law and politically neutral service delivery inconceivable. The transformation of the police in Somalia thus needs to be paralleled and even preceded by general political transformation; otherwise it cannot be realistic. The police reform should follow a carefully designed process with a clear understanding of what it entails and how it should be undertaken.”

Somalia: Reshaping the Somali police to suit the new constitution

16 Nov – Source: On Global Trends – 1111 Words

Recent developments in Somalia, especially the continuing victories over al Shabaab, adoption of the new constitution, inauguration of the federal parliament and election of the head of state, have sparked hopes of peace and transformation in the country, despite the multiplicity of challenges still ahead. These developments provide momentum to institute a legitimate and effective national security infrastructure.

It is thus an ideal time to reshape the Somali police force to adhere to the new constitutional dispensation. This process involves the realignment of ongoing police reform efforts and the formulation of new reform strategies based on the constitution.

The new constitution declares that ‘Somalia is a federal, sovereign, and democratic republic founded on inclusive representation of the people and a multiparty system and social justice’ (Article 1, No. 1). The constitution is believed to reflect modern democratic norms in that it enshrines fundamental human rights by guaranteeing all citizens equal rights regardless of clan or religious affiliation.

Some, however, speculate that potential conflicts could limit the effective realisation of individual rights, owing to fact that the constitution is founded on the principles of Shari’ah and Islam is the state religion. There are also those who believe that the constitution is too ambitious and detached from the realities on the ground.

The United States must support the local track in earnest while at same time identifying historical unifying trends in Somali politics and society to build a single state. While the extremist al Shabaab movement is generally unpopular, Islamic forms of administration in Somalia’s recent history have attracted legitimacy through the provision of rudimentary, albeit harsh, forms of local justice, delivering basic services and often allowing non-governmental organizations to operate.

America’s Dual Track for Somalia and the Case of Kismayo

15 Nov – Source: American Security Project – 1742 Words

This week, Somali Parliamentarians endorsed the formation of a new, smaller cabinet government, including the first female Foreign Minister for the country. Last month, they ratified Abdi Farah Shirdon as the new Prime Minister of Somalia. With the end of a tortuous transitional period earlier in the year, a more technocratic President, a draft Constitution, and waning Islamic militancy, Somalia looks to be on course for a bright, secure and stable future.

Little could be further from the truth. Recent events remind us that the new national government’s authority is heavily contested, hardly extends beyond the urban surroundings of Mogadishu and is often widely rejected due to its association with only one of at least a dozen major clans of Somalia, the Abgaal. As the first shoots of security appear to break out around Somalia now is exactly the time to remember Somalia’s history and redouble efforts.

Although the United States’ dual track policy for Somalia looks indecisively superficial or even absurdly contradictory, it may provide the bones of a pragmatic way forward. For the people of Kismayo, Somalia’s second city, which was recently wrested back from al Shabaab hands, it offers them an opportunity to build long-term stability through locally-driven governance.

“To sum it all up, while Some Somalis hailed the new president as a reformer and a change agent, Mukhtar Omar said “he is not a hero yet” in his series of political analysis of the president’s leadership style and direction. The post Sharifs’ elections optimism, political change euphoria, and the rebuilding enthusiasm have been hijacked by anti-constitutionalist movement in villa Somalia. The new constitution and the federal government structure seem to be at risk and prone for reversibility.”

Somalia’s Constitutional Decomposition

15 Nov – Source: Indepth Africa – 3233 Words

The prelude for a final battle to reverse the course, and alter the current Somali Federal Government structure sets its collision route against the federal constitution. If it prudently succeeds, it will overturn the inherited progress of the Somali roadmap, and may bring back the chicken home to roast–the return of political stifle, anarchy, warlordism, and extremism into Mogadishu.

Recent developments of political change in Somalia initially had some optimism , but the warm welcome and the honeymoon had rapidly dwindled. Reflecting the roadmap’s roadblocks and the current Somali political realm (the end of the transition); it is fair to say some of the antagonistic tides against the transition process gave an advantageous edge to the infamous Somali Unitarian-Centralists and to their hidden agenda—one city based governance ideology.

They surely benefited from the indirect repercussion of the approved constitution, similar to the initial backlash of the health-care overhaul bill Obama passed in the US, which gave the late Edward Kennedy’s senate seat to a less experienced junior Republican Senator “Scot Brown”. The difference in this parallel is that the motives behind the resentments against the Somali Constitution approval process were driven by clannish-fatwa.

Top tweets

@Niko_RoryPeck UN envoy to #Somalia on impunity in the country: http://bit.ly/T4UQiZ – comes just 1 week be4 Vienna UN meet on impunity. @UNPOSomalia.

@amisomsomalia SRCC congratulates the Federal Government of #Somalia on the swearing in of a new Council of Ministers. http://bit.ly/SvyQut.

@OCHASom Former Humanitarian Coordinator for #Somalia: What I remember about Somalis is their resilience, capacity to deal with incredible adversity.

@ActForSomalia #Mogadisho that u dont see on Tv a group of foreign Aid Workers enjoying day out at the Beach in Mogadishu. #Somalia pic.twitter.com/yPBSSB5C.

@UNwebcast VIDEO: Did you know that in #Somalia, some 236,000 children under the age of five are #malnourished?: http://bit.ly/UJcXIC @UNICEFAfrica.

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Image of the day

Image of the day Members of Somali cabinet taking the oath of office on Thursday at parliament building in Mogadishu, November 15, 2012. Photo: Radio Mogadishu.