November 26, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Somali President urges district commissioners, army officers to uphold the law

26 Nov – Source: Shabelle/Radio Mogadishu/Bar-Kulan/Hiiraan Online – 176 words

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the president of Somalia’s Federal government on Sunday met with security officials and district commissioners in Mogadishu to discuss security, sources at the presidency said. During the meeting which was held at Villa Somalia, the President reminded the armed forces that their responsibility was to maintain rule and protect citizens in the country.

Among those who attended the meeting are, Somalia’s National Security Agency chief, Police Force chief, Gen Sharif Shekhuna Maye, General Abdikarim Yusuf Adam. Somali security chiefs promised to tackle the security and remove all illegal checkpoints in Mogadishu.

Meanwhile, President Mohamud has issued a strong warning to government soldiers involved in robbery and civilian torture. The president said any soldier who kills a person, rape or rob civilians will be killed immediately. He said they will not allow the soldiers to man illegal roadblocks aimed at extorting the general public, saying that only the finance ministry is legally allowed to collect taxes.

Key Headlines

Somali President urges district commissioners army officers to uphold the law (Shabelle/Radio Mogadishu/Bar-Kulan/Hiiraan Online)
Somali lawmaker says al Shabaab leadership hiding in Lower Shabelle region (Radio Dalsan)
AMISOM Force Commander tours Hiiraan region (AMISOM)
Kenya is Planning to deploy forces to Beled-Hawo (Radio Mustaqbal)
Bid for Edmonton family to avoid son’s deportation to Somalia in final throes (Globe and Mail)
Somali president meets with Ministers and Military Officials (Radio Mogadishu/SONNA/SNTV/Garowe Online/Shabelle/Somaliweyn)
Suspect in KDF troops killing arrested (Standard)
Gunmen kill chairperson of Bakara market (Radio Mogadishu/SONNA/Shabelle/Mareeg Online/Raxanreeb/Jowhar Online/Bar-kulan)
33 chiefs sacked in Garissa over claims of laxity amid insecurity (Standard Digital Media)
UPDF recalls 2000 reservists for Somalia duty (Daily Monitor)

PRESS RELEASE

AMISOM Force Commander tours Hiiraan region

26 Nov – Source: AMISOM – 307 words

The African Union Mission in Somalia AMISOM) Force Commander Lt. General Andrew Gutti today made his inaugural visit to Beledweyne town in Hiiraan region. Lt. General Andrew Gutti visited the Djiboutian contingent of AMISOM troops headquartered in Beledweyne 332 kms north of the Somali capital Mogadishu for the first time since their recent deployment.

Here he met with AMISOM Sector Commander Col Osman Doubad, the Governor of Hiiraan region, Abdifatah Hassan and Col Tawane Ahmed Mohammed, the Commander of SNA, in Hiiraan The Force Commander commanded his troops for the admirable job they have done so far in their efforts in assisting the Somali people especially during the recent floods that resulted in a humanitarian crisis.

“I salute you for doing a commendable job, especially during the floods, the invaluable humanitarian assistance you provided to ensure the safety of the population .” General Gutti said. AMISOM’s mandate extends beyond combat operations into efforts to support humanitarian relief and provide medical care t o the Somali people.

The Djiboutian troops have also been involved in reconciling the local leaders and regrouping and training various militias and integrating them into the Somali National Army. To this end, the Force Commander assured the representatives of the Somali Armed Forces that AMISOM in line with its mandate to build the capacity of the Somali National Security Forces will from January 2013 begin training the Somali National Army within Somalia.

They will recruit from all regions with the aim of creating a national force that is able to take responsibility for the security of the nation and are able to protect civilians and enforce the rule of law. AMISOM continues to secure areas outside the capital as its area of responsibility expands and in order to support the Somali Federal Government as it continues to build lasting peace and security throughout the country.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali lawmaker says al Shabaab leadership hiding in Lower Shabelle region

26 Nov – Source: Radio Dalsan – 198 words

A Somali member of parliament has told Dalsan radio that the top officials of militant group al Shabaab are hiding in Lower Shabelle region of southern Somalia.

Dahir Amin Jessow claimed that al Shabaab’s elusive leader Sheikh Mukhtar Abu Zubeyr ‘Godane Accompanied other high ranking officials including Muktar Robow, the former spokesman and Fu’ad Khalaf Shagole, the head of Da’wah are in the region to mediate clan violence that has erupted

He noted that the information that he received from the locals proves that al Shabaab militants led by their leader are in Gobale village, his birth place. “One of my relatives informed me that al Shabaab leader Abu Zubair is in Gobale area and the fighters are forcefully confiscated over 200 camels from the locals,” he told the radio via the phone.

Kenya is Planning to deploy forces to Beled-Hawo

26 Nov – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 130 words

The officer in charge of information at Kenya Defence Forces, Col Cyrus Oguna said that there are plans of Kenyan forces being deployed to Beled-hawo district of Somalia’s Gedo region to counter militants attacks

Oguna also said that this step is meant to secure the lives of the civilians in that area and to tighten to security of Kenyan border town of Mandera. “The only way to defeat al Shabaab is the district administration to unite and stand up against the militant’ said Col Oguna who was talking to the media.

It was last Friday afternoon when al Shabab militants attacked Beled-Hawo district of Somalia’s Gedo region, temporarily taking it over and the residents are talking of similar fate that, they fear, might occur to them.

20 arrested in Baidoa swoop

26 Nov – Source: Bar-kulan – 97 words

Security forces in southwest Somali city of Baidoa have arrested more than twenty people in a crackdown aimed at stamping out militants sympathizers and people with illegal firearms.

The Sunday night crackdown targeted several neighbourhoods in the city netted people suspected to have links to or are behind the recently witnessed insecurity in the city, according official who spoke to Bar-kulan.

The affected neighbourhoods include Sigale and Bardale where most of the suspects were arrested. The city has recently seen a wave of grenade attacks and targeted assassinations and the crackdown is meant to contain the situation.

Somali President urges district commissioners, army officers to uphold the law

26 Nov – Source: Shabelle/Radio Mogadishu/Bar-Kulan/Hiiraan Online – 176 words

Gunmen kill chairperson of Bakara market

26 Nov – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SONNA/Shabelle/Mareeg Online/Raxanreeb/Jowhar Online/Bar-kulan – 88 words

Chairperson of the Somalia’s biggest main market, Bakara, Ahmed Nure Awdinle and his security guard have been killed on Monday at his office in the market by gunmen armed with pistols who immediately escaped from the scene.

The killing of this official occurred at 7:30 local time, a time he was getting into his office in Bakara market, according to the traders and witnesses in the market. The perpetrators immediately escaped from the scene while government soldiers who reached the area started operation to find the culprits.

Somali MPs call on gov’t to boost military push against al Shabaab

25 Nov – Source: Shabelle – 87 words

Several MPs in Somalia Federal Parliament have on Sunday called for boosting of the ongoing military operations against al Shabaab fighters in south and central Somalia.

Dahir Amin Jesow, one of the Somalia’s new lawmakers, urged Somali government officials to step up war on al Shabaab until they are rooted out of the entire country.

The MP was attacked by al Shabaab in Lower Shabelle region during his recent visit. The call comes as Somali forces along with AMISOM soldiers are making gains against al Shabaab.

Somali president meets with Ministers and Military Officials

24 Nov – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SONNA/SNTV/Garowe Online/Shabelle/Somaliweyn – 212 words

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday held meeting with Somali Prime Minister, Abdi Farah Shirdon, Ministers of the Defense and National Security and Interior Affairs and Military Chief commanders. The meeting was focused on security issues and the best way to continue the ongoing military development in the country by the national forces of the Somali Federal Government backing the African Union Peacekeeping Forces.

President Mohamud sent congratulatory message to the national forces and sent condolences to the families and friends of the National Army officers and soldiers who died for the sake of their country, religion and people.

This is the first meeting in which president of the Somali federal government, Hassan Sh. Mohamud had with the Ministers of National Security and Home Affairs, Minister of Defense and National Chief Commanders.

Demolitions carried out in Hamar jajab district

25 Nov – Source: Radio Risaala – 124 words

This operation saw the demolition of Weekiye stadium in Hamar Jajab district, adding to series of demolitions carried out in the recent days by hamar jajab administrations. Officials from Banadir province were at the demolition spot to supervise the whole process.

The District Commissioner of Hamar Jajab Mohamed Ali Ahmed who spoke at the demolition site said they are acting in the best interest of the population so Hamar Jajab can get back the glow it once had.

The Spokesman of Banadir administration said the process was initiated at the provincial level and it is in the best interest of all the districts in Banadir. In the recent days there have been operations to return the glow of Banadir province.

Al Shabaab spokesman Abu Mus’ab claims victory in Beled-hawo battle

25 Nov – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 99 words

Sheikh Abdiaziz Abu Musab, the spokesman of al Shabaab for the military operations said that the fighters conducted a successful operation in Beled-hawo. Abu Mus’ab said that during the operation, al Shabaab fighters managed to seize different kinds of weapons which he said belonged to Somali government forces .

However, government officials in Gedo region denied that al Shabaab killed government forces and seized heavy weapons. Local residents in Beled-hawo told Mustaqbal Radio on Sunday that normalcy has returned to the town after the fighting. This is not the first time that al Shabaab briefly seized Beled-hawo.

Puntland leader opens prison in Qardo

25 Nov – Source: Garowe Online – 119 words

Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed cuts the ribbon to officially inaugurate a maximum security facility in Qardho district in Puntland, Somalia, Garowe Online reports. A delegation of cabinet ministers, senior government officials and district authorities flanked the President at a colorful ceremony held to mark the opening of the custodial facility.

Among them were the Security Minister Col. Khalif Isse, the Commander of the Puntland defense forces, the custodial corps commander and the Deputy Minister of the Interior, local government and rural development.

Representatives from the United Nations attended the ceremony, including the UNDP Director, Mr. Kean Tran. At the inauguration ceremony, President Farole conveyed his gratitude to the international partners who facilitated the fruitful process, lauding their commitment and perseverance.

Somaliland destabilizes regional security, Puntland warns

26 Nov – Source: Garowe Online – 183 Words

Puntland’s Minister of Information warned against Somaliland’s military encroachment into Puntland constituencies in Sanaag and Sool region, Garowe Online reports.

Puntland Minister of Information Mohamud Aideed Dirir gave a press statement in Garowe on Monday describing Somaliland’s deploying their military forces near Dhahar located in Haylaan region in Puntland as “naked military aggression”. On Sunday, residents of Dhahar protested against Somaliland’s encroachment from Erigabo towards to Dhahar.

According to the press release, the Somaliland incursion into Puntland jurisdiction began earlier this month when Somaliland forces arrived in Huddun district in Sool region. The press release also stated that the Somaliland government is trying to forcefully intimidate citizens to vote in the Somaliland elections.

Al Shabaab kills man outskirts of Jowhar

25 Nov – Source: Radio Risaala – 108 words

Al Shabaab shot dead a man on the outskirts of Jowhar town in central Shebelle region. An al Shabaab officer alias mas’ud said the fighters carried the operation 15 km from Jowhar town a place bandits used to rob people.

The al Shabaab official said the robbers were three on of them died because he resisted arrest while the other two are still been held in Jowhar district. Apart from the statement from al Shabaab that they killed a robber they is no independent source that could verify the incident.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Suspect in KDF troops killing arrested

26 Nov – Source: Standard – 157 words

A prime suspect in the killing of three Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers in Garissa Town has been arrested and positively identified. The suspect who is a Somali national was arrested on Saturday in Hulugho area near the Somalia-Kenya border as he tried to flee, police said.

He has since been brought to Garissa where he was identified by witnesses of the killing including two surviving soldiers. Police say the suspect has confessed he was behind the shooting and that he is a commander in the al Shabaab ranks inside Somalia.

North Eastern deputy CID boss Eregi Ngatia told the Standard detectives are still interrogating him before he appears in court. Preliminary findings show the suspect is an explosives expert within the Somalia militants.

UPDF recalls 2,000 reservists for Somalia duty

26 Nov – Source: Daily Monitor – 124 words

The UPDF is recalling 2,000 former soldiers to deploy them in Somalia, under the African Union Mission to Somalia – AMISOM. Capt. Deo Akiiki, the 3rd Division army spokesperson, said Monday that the soldiers to be recalled include those who retired as UPDF soldiers and auxiliary forces. The auxiliary forces include the Local Defence Units, Amuka and Arrow Boys.

He said the army is recalling only those who were trained by the UPDF and fought alongside the army to defeat rebels of the Lord’s Resistance Army in northern Uganda, Allied Democratic Forces in Rwenzori region and cattle rustlers in Karamoja region.

Capt. Akiiki said, a directive from the Office of General Commanding Officer, Reserve Force headquarters indicates that the exercise kicks off tomorrow.

33 chiefs sacked in Garissa over claims of laxity amid insecurity

26 Nov – Source: Standard Digital Media – 240 words

A senior State official has sacked 33 chiefs and their assistants in Garissa town and its environs for allegedly failing to help stop terror attacks in the area. In the move likely to draw criticism from residents and legislators, North Eastern Provincial Commissioner Ernest Munyi also suspended issuance of national identity cards (IDs) in the area.

Munyi said he sacked the chiefs for alleged laxity in the fight against al Shabaab militants, claiming they had taken for granted recent attacks on State security officers in the town. “The chiefs are not helping us with crucial information we need to help end the al Shabaab menace in the town. They have taken the killings of our security officers and civilians as sack all of them,” Munyi told journalists in his office.

But several chiefs and their assistants who spoke to The Standard on condition of anonymity said the PC had not communicated the sacking to them. “We have been holding a series of meetings with the residents to appeal for assistance. We have risked our lives to condemn the al Shabaab attacks and if it is true that we have been sacked then that is sad,” one of the chiefs lamented.

“Someone should take responsibility for the deteriorating insecurity in the town. We are being used as sacrificial lambs and scapegoats for someone’s failure,” another said. On suspension of ID cards issuance, Munyi explained non-Kenyans were illegally acquiring the crucial document.

Somali forces kill top al Shabaab commander

25 Nov – Source: New Vision – 199 words

The Somali National Army (SNA), backed by its intelligence and the Police force, have conducted a raid on Sokohola and killed the overall al Shabaab commander for Gupta, Sokohola, and Huluwa areas. The al Shabaab fighters put up a fight, but their commander, who residents identified as Guludupu, was killed on spot, while 16 militants were captured and an assortment of ammunition recovered in the Thursday night raid.

They included 16 submachine guns and four pistols. Sokohola, a Mogadishu suburb, has been a concentration area of al Shabaab cells, terrorising civilians around Mogadishu, the Somali capital city. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) — Ugandan contingent commander, Brig. Michael Ondoga commended the Somali security forces for “excellence in their operations.”

“The Somali National Security forces are doing a commendable job in the pacification process of Somalia. As AMISOM, we are committed in giving them support to restore calm in Somalia. We congratulate them in this successful operation which will bring more peace in Mogadishu,” Ondoga said.

Brig. Ondoga, according to a statement issued by the Ugandan contingent spokesperson, Maj. Henry Obbo, pointed out that SNA successful raid on al-Shabaab was a manifestation of the ever improving capability of the Somali forces.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Bid for Edmonton family to avoid son’s deportation to Somalia in final throes

26 Nov – Source: Globe and Mail – 260 Words

The mother of an Edmonton man facing deportation to Somalia – a country he says he’s never been to – expects his bid for last-minute clemency has already failed. Khadro Mohamed’s son, 23-year-old Saeed Jama, was picked up from an Edmonton jail Sunday by federal immigration officials. Court had been told Mr. Jama, a convicted drug dealer who is effectively stateless, would be deported Monday, while Ms. Mohamed suspected he’d be deported Sunday.

The office of Public Safety Minister Vic Toews has refused comment on the case. His staff wouldn’t say Sunday whether Mr. Jama had indeed been deported. They declined to comment “on a specific case,” though The Globe and Mail has provided the federal government with a release form, signed by Mr. Jama, authorizing officials to discuss his case.

Now, it appears Mr. Jama will be sent to Mogadishu, a city where he has no family in a volatile country that he wasn’t born in, has never lived in and says he’s never been to. Canada advises against all travel to Somalia, but still deports people there. Only Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Iraq and Zimbabwe are deemed volatile enough to delay deportation.

Burundi hit five in Cecafa Cup opener with Somalia

25 Nov – Source: BBC/Super Sport – 232 Words

Burundi got off to a flying start in the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup, with a 5-1 thumping of Somalia at the Namboole Stadium in Kampala, on day two of the regional tournament.

Somalia – under the guidance of former Uganda assistant coach Sam Ssimbwa – faltered badly, against a Burundi team which had enjoyed a 4-1 win in Dar es Salaam last year.

The Burundians led 2-0 by the interval, courtesy of goals from Chris Nduwagira and Yusuf Ndikumana. Somalia reduced the deficit soon after the break, as Jabril Hassan netted a penalty, much to the delight of a small band of fans watching from the stands.

Massive deforestation risks turning Somalia into desert

26 Nov – Source: Daily Times/AFP – 781 words

HASSAN Hussein cuts down 40 trees every month to fuel his charcoal business, fully aware of the impact his action has on the environment. But for the livestock keeper, the forests are the last remaining resource. And he is not alone.

Hundreds of thousands of Somalia’s traditional pastoralist herders do the same, putting their impoverished country on a path of heavy deforestation that risks turning large swathes of it into desert. “I used to keep animals, but I lost my herd to famine and disease and am the eldest in the family,” said Hussein, 27, adding that he had 10 mouths to feed back home – two children, seven brothers and his mother. Four years ago, Hussein had 25 camels and 300 goats. Now, only three camels and 15 goats from his once respectable sized herd are left.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“The Somaliland people have gone through extremely close elections, reluctant lame ducks, tribal divisions, armed militants, and piracy over the last 20 years without losing touch of their democracy. Let’s not doom them to failure before we give them a chance.”

You Think You Know Somalia? Meet Somaliland

25 Nov – Source: Policy Mic – 810 Words

When people think of Somalia, they think of Mark Bowden’s Black Hawk Down. They think of South Park’s “Somalian Pirates We” episode. They even think of (sigh) Pirates of the Caribbean. What they don’t usually know is that Somalia has three extremely different regions, and that one of those regions is a fully functional unrecognized state.

The first region, Somalia, is the southern half of the former Italian Somaliland colony. This is the area most people think of, with Mogadishu and Islamic warlords and perpetually failing transitional governments (we’ll see about the new government formed in August 2012 in a few years).

The tip of the country, to the north of the old Italian colony, is Puntland. Puntland is autonomous, governing itself with a central government, but it is not seeking independence. The third section is Somaliland, the former British colony part of Somalia. It is a fully functioning state in all but name. They have an innovative legislature, a successful democratic system, an army and navy, and a presidency that has gone through several peacefully transfers of power.

Sure, it is poor, but it conducts itself better than most states at its level of development. Its current development is actually being held up by the lack of recognition, as it cannot gain access to international loans or support for its currency.

“A number of troubling issues arise in the Garissa incident. Who ordered the security forces to undertake the Garissa operation? The Minister for Defence, Mr. Yusuf Haji, a native of Garissa, is rightly embarrassed by this incident. He stated that he did not authorise the operation and was unaware of what was happening. This raises a fundamental issue. First it rules out the possibility that the operation was a riotous action by the local commander and his soldiers. It is more probable that the President gave the order. The buck stops with the President whenever members of the Army achieve success or commit acts of infamy.”

So, who gave orders for the Garissa operation?

24 Nov – Source: Daily Nation – 597 Words

Two incidents that portray Kenya’s security forces in a very unflattering and revolting light occurred in the past two weeks. Although the incidents took place in Samburu and Garissa counties, the cause, the consequences and the official reaction by the government couldn’t have been more starkly different.

In Samburu, assailants believed to be from Turkana County killed more than 40 police officers in cold blood. Apart from trying to prosecute politicians from the Turkana community, there were no reprisals or even an attempt to pursue perpetrators of the heinous crime. The government meekly kept mum.

In the Garissa incident, unknown assailants believed to be members of the al Shabaab terrorist group killed three soldiers. The government’s reaction was swift and brutal. Soldiers from the local army garrison went on the rampage. Live bullets were fired indiscriminately on an unarmed civilian population. Members of security forces set on fire residential houses, a factory, shops, hotels, and a market.

Whereas there was killing, looting and burning of property in Garissa, in Turkana, the government showed commendable restraint. So why did the government act so swiftly and violently in Garissa and so timidly in Samburu? The answer lies in the history of the Northern Frontier District (NFD).

“What if there is no conspiracy? What if nobody’s in charge? What if this sobering state of affairs is simply the best our security services can offer us? Now that is truly frightening. With at least 50 attacks and 70 Kenyan deaths attributed to al Shabaab behind us, how much farther down the road of lawlessness and mayhem are we going to go?”

Linda Nchi blowback: Is anyone in charge here?

24 Nov – Source: East African – 838 Words

On Sunday November 18, a bomb exploded in a matatu in Eastleigh. Ten Kenyans died. Kenyan-Somalis resident in Eastleigh were then attacked by other Kenyans — including through rape.

These “other Kenyans” are alleged to have come into Eastleigh from elsewhere in Nairobi to participate in what became several days of ostensibly religious conflict accompanied by break-ins and theft.

These events followed the killing by gunfire of two police officers in Garissa last Friday. They were in turn followed by the killing by gunfire of three soldiers last Monday in Garissa.

Various security services present in Garissa — including the Kenya Defence Force — allegedly responded with undue force. The KDF has denied the claims — but the town witnessed, for a few days, conflict between its residents and the security services.

Top tweets

@amisomsomalia Photos of #AMISOM Force Commander’s tour to Beledweyne town in Hiiraan region. http://on.fb.me/V1h6rz.

@TheVillaSomalia The #Somali Gov takes strong stance against any mistreatment of our mothers, sisters & daughters #IDEVAW.

@Hamza_Africa I think #AMISOM is been over generous with #Somalia. They got us a #Ugandan football coach. We just lost 5-1 to #Burundi in #Kampala #Uganda.

@AbukarArman #Somalia @AMISOM This footage ought 2 outrage any1 with conscience. Soldiers MUST be criminally charged by #Kenyan Gov http://bit.ly/10VPrNV.

@UNPOSomalia #Somali #Journalists need protection says #NUSOJ SG. Full interview on #UNPOS website:http://bit.ly/UnPEnx @UN @UN_DPA pic.twitter.com/tbuJ7aTr.

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Image of the day

Image of the day AMISOM Force Commander Lt. Gen. Andrew Gutti (centre) arrives in the central Somali town of Beledweyne, Hiiraan Region, approx. 330km north-west of the capital Mogadishu to visit the Djiboutian Contingent of AMISOM for the first time since their recent deployment. Photo: AMISOM.