December 27, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Somalia government delegation to visit Kismayo
27 Dec- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Jowhar Online/Dhanaan Online- 89 words
A high level government delegation is set to visit Kismayo on Thursday, Bar-kulan reports. The ministerial delegation will fly from Mogadishu and meet with interim administration in Kismayo.The two sides will discuss about security and military cooperation, Radio Bar-kulan reporter in Mogadishu said.
Among the delegation are Justice minister Abdullahi Ebyan, defense minister Abdihakim Haji Mohamud Fiqi, interior minister Abdikarim Hussein Guled, and information minister Abdullahi Ilmog Hirsi.
On 7th November, a government delegation was turned away from Kismayo airport by the interim administration and Kenyan commanders.
Other reports also suggest Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahamud might as well make official visit to Kismayo.
Key Headlines
- Somali AU troops detain 10 suspected al Shabaab fighters in Jowhar (Radio Gaalkacyo)
- Galmudug constructing a port in Hobyo (Radio Mustaqbal)
- Somalia government delegation to visit Kismayo (Radio Bar-kulan/Jowhar Online/Dhanaan Online)
- Somalia government extends amnesty to al Shabaab fighters (Radio Risaala)
- Somali forces intensify operations against al Shabaab in Hiiran (Sabahi online)
- Somali forces African Union troops secure more areas (Presstv)
SOMALI MEDIA
Somali, AU troops detain 10 suspected al Shabaab fighters in Jowhar
26 Dec – Source: Radio Gaalkacyo – 105 words
Somali forces backed by AMISOM (African Union’s Mission in Somalia) troops have arrested 10 al Shabaab suspects in Jowhar town, the provincial capital of Middle Shabelle Region, southern Somalia following a massive security operation, A local resident who sought anonymity said that the suspects were taken to an army base in the area.
Somali and AMISOM troops on Tuesday seized cache of arms hidden at a house in the town. Jowhar is among key towns which al Shabaab recently lost to the government and AU forces.
Galmudug constructing a port in Hobyo
27 Dec- Source: Radio Mustaqbal- 189 words
Gen: Abdi Hassan Awale Qeybdid the governor of Galmudug State and members of ministers will be on official visit to the coastal town of Hobyo.
On his visit, General Qeybdid is expected to meet with the residents and spearhead the construction of a port which will raise the economy of Hobyo, according to Abdirizack Dahir Mire, spokesman of the Galmudug state.However, the state is yet to reveal where the fund will come or who would boost the construction. Hobyo was once famously known as safe haven for pirates.
Somalia government delegation to visit Kismayo
27 Dec- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Jowhar Online/Dhanaan Online- 89 words
A high level government delegation is set to visit Kismayo on Thursday, Bar-kulan reports. The ministerial delegation will fly from Mogadishu and meet with interim administration in Kismayo. The two sides will discuss about security and military cooperation, Radio Bar-kulan reporter in Mogadishu said.
Among the delegation are Justice minister Abdullahi Ebyan, defense minister Abdihakim Haji Mohamud Fiqi, interior minister Abdikarim Hussein Guled, and information minister Abdullahi Ilmog Hirsi.
On 7th November, a government delegation was turned away from Kismayo airport by the interim administration and Kenyan commanders.
Other reports also suggest Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahamud might as well make official visit to Kismayo.
Somali Islamist official admits militants losing ground to coalition forces
26 Dec – Source: Dhacdo Online-195 words
Al Shabaab has admitted that it is losing ground in fighting in central and southern Somalia. Speaking on al Shabaab’s radio station, Sheikh Abdirahman Hudeyfa, sl Shabaab’s governor for Jubba regions, said they [al Shabaab] are facing attacks on several fronts. He said all enemies have ganged up on al Shabaab, adding that the enemies are busy trying to capture mujahidin territory.
Sheikh Hudeyfa admitted that al Shabaab has lost important areas in Lower Jubba Region over the past two weeks. He said they are losing large swaths of territory to AMISOM [African Union Mission in Somalia], the Somali government, and Ras Kamboni forces daily, admitting that al Shabaab is under heavy assaults from the sides opposed to them.
Sheikh Hudeyfa urged members of the public to once again support al Shabaab, which, he said, is currently under military pressure from the enemies, in reference to the Somali armed forces and their allies.
Somalia government extends amnesty to al Shabaab fighters
26 Dec- Source: Radio Risaala- 115 words
Somalia military commanders have called on al Shabaab fighters to take advantage of the amnesty extended to them by the government and lay down their arms.
General Abdikadir Sheikh Ali Diini called on the Somali youth fighting for al Shabaab to stop doing so and switch to the government side. He said the government has extended amnesty to the fighters and that they are willing to assimilate them to their ranks if they heed to this call.
He urged the youth to stop the fighting and participate in development programs that are ongoing in the country. He said that it was important for the youth to acquire knowledge so as to avoid being left behind and regrets.
Somalia: Al Shabaab official warns spies in southern stronghold
26 Dec – Source: Dhacdo Online- 137 words
Ma’allim Da’ud Abdullahi has claimed that al Shabaab-controlled Baardheere town, Gedo Region, is full of spies. Driving around Baardheere neighbourhoods in a vehicle fitted with loudspeakers, Baardheere-based al Shabaab official Ma’allim Da’ud Abdullahi said the town was saturated with spies and that they [al Shabaab] were well aware of their presence.
“We are aware that Baardheere is full of spies and we know each and every one of them. They have been sent by the enemy,” Ma’allim Da’ud Abdullahi said.
He said they had the names of all men who entered the town recently. “Do not assume that we do not have your names. We make it clear to those who entered Baardheere that we know you,” he added.
On Wednesday, al Shabaab killed a well-known local farmer in Baardheere. It is unclear why he was killed.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Somali forces intensify operations against al Shabaab in Hiiran
26 Dec- Source: Sabahi Online- 668 words
Al-Shabaab’s leaders and foot soldiers are on the run after losing significant ground to the Somali National Army and allied forces in a series of recent battles, security officials say.
“We know that there is no place left in Somalia for the so-called radical al Shabaab movement, whose leaders, members and followers must be expelled or even killed so security and stability prevails once again throughout the country,” Hiiran Governor Abdifatah Hassan Afrah told Sabahi. “We have to extinguish the flame of violence that they spread in East African countries.”
Mombasa port looks up to increased business
26 Dec- Source: Standard-295 Words
After a dull year for cruise ship activities at the port of Mombasa, things are looking better in the new year with confirmation arrivals of three cruise vessels set to call at the harbour early next year.
This development comes after the fall of Kismayo, the last standing bastion of al Shabaab militia who are said to have links with Somali pirates. The Kenya Defence Forces, part of the African Union Force in Somalia liberated the port town of Kismayo, located on the shores of the Indian Ocean mid this year.
Speaking to Move It, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) General Manager in charge of operations, Captain Twalib Khamis said increased security in the Indian ocean region, which had suffered the brunt of piracy incidences, has led to more cruise ships to return. On Monday, MS Nautica, a vessel carrying over 500 passengers sailed into Mombasa waters from Mahe, Seychelles, making it the first such vessel to call at the port this year. KPA has renewed calls to have a modern cruise terminal put up at the port. Khamis said KPA will review the earlier plans put on hold due to piracy concerns.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Somali forces, African Union troops secure more areas
27 Dec- Source: Presstv- 271 words
Government forces backed by African Union troops have secured an area of 30 kms North West of the capital Mogadishu. Security forces say that the capture of Saqiro sub-district and its surroundings has dealt a big blow to the al Shabaab fighters who have used such locations to stage sporadic attacks on the capital.
They also say this is a major step in securing the strategic Mogadishu-Afgooye road that serves as a lifeline to thousands of people in south Somalia.
In early December, a delegation of Somalia’s government ministers including the defense and national security ministers as well as security officials were ambushed by al Shabaab fighters as they were returning to Mogadishu from a visit to the city of Marka, south of the capital Mogadishu.
Somalia Op Shop a cash cow for the poor
27 Dec- Source: Magnet-376 Words
The Somalia Op Shop has taken almost $10,000 in its first week of trade for the season and will have helped thousands of the world’s poorest by the time it closes in five weeks’ time.
The shop was created by a group of people who shared a love of travel, a need to help and the Pambula postcode and it’s being supported by Bendigo Bank, who is picking up the electricity tab, and the landlord who is letting the historical building for free.
The bulk of the money raised from selling donated odds and ends is deposited in the account of a bishop in Kenya, and used to buy food and blankets for Somalia’s refugees.
Somalia in a nutshell
27 Dec- Source: Irish Independent-243 Words
The early years and independence 1936-88 The British, who already control Somaliland, oust the Italians and occupy Italian Somalia. British and Italian parts of Somalia become independent, merge and form the United Republic of Somalia in 1960.
Somalia becomes a socialist state and nationalises most of the economy. In 1974 a severe drought causes widespread starvation. Fighting breaks out between Somalia and Ethiopia. Fighting continues until 1988.
Break up of Somalia 1991-2007
Somaliland declares unilateral independence and a power struggle begins between clan warlords.
In 1992 US Marines land near Mogadishu ahead of UN peacekeeping forces sent to restore order and safeguard relief supplies.
US Army Rangers are killed when Somali militias shoot down two US helicopters in Mogadishu in the battle depicted in the film Black Hawk Down. By 1995 both the US and UN have left.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“After excitedly waiting, finally the big day had arrived, May 30th, there was no going back. Ticket all booked, via Dubai, and the time had arrived to wave goodbye to my family. Reality was here and my destiny was Somalia. On the flight out, there were some Somalis, who just like me, were making the trip back home. We called it “operation Dib Ceelis” (Operation back home) for laugh, to jitter away our excitement to another level. It felt good, I must say, to be surrounded by fellow Somalis, all eager to go back home.”
Somalia – My journey 2012
26 Dec- Source: MOGA Tribute Blog-1199 Words
Well there you have it, an additional year has whistled by us without any notice upon. A year of so many up and down’s but with so many historic moments for me personally. I want to recap with you all what a landmark year 2012 has been for me. 2012 got off to a start for me in London, UK. It seemed like just another new year, with not a clue what it will bring for me. As usual, all New Year resolutions were set with full knowledge it won’t last probably more than a month. But still, it gave me reasons and gratitude to set it up. The cold long nights where getting shorter and summer was coming around the corner. All the while, Somalia was always my main interest. I had a slight urge to come home but thought maybe it was too soon. So I waited for the next 6 months, pondering whether I should get out of my comfort zone and contribute to my country in any way possible, even if it meant to just visit.
“Unless Kenyans understand that national security failures expose all citizens to criminal machinations, politicians will watch from the sidelines as grenades explode on crowded streets, in matatus and in bars, churches and mosques.”
Insecurity an omnipresent peril to society
26 Dec- Source: Daily Nation-468 Words
Kenya is experiencing an unprecedented national security crisis. Last week, an attack on the Orma community by members of the Pokomo community left more than 40 people dead.
This incident comes on the heels of a single-day massacre in which ethnic bandits killed more than 40 security officers in Baragoi. Back in September, a dozen police officers were executed in a similar fashion by a militia in Tana River.
Last month, a dozen people died in Eastleigh when a terrorist tossed a grenade at a bus. Another grenade explosion at the Hildaya Mosque killed six people and critically injured Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan two weeks ago.
Last Sunday night, one person was injured in yet another blast outside the same mosque. And just this week, one person was killed and several others injured in a grenade attack in Eastleigh.
These are the latest episodes of the now all-too-familiar security risks Kenyans face every day in Nairobi and Garissa, and highlight worsening security conditions in a once-relatively-peaceful country.
Top tweets
@cobbo3 BOXIND DAY PROVERB: Your Past Lies Will Contradict Your Future Truths – SOMALIA.
@Hamza_Africa At least 39 MPs were missing when parliament voted on the 2013 budget yesterday.Diaspora MPs feelin Christmas hangovers! #Somalia #Mogadishu
@SomaliThinker 27Dec2006: The ill-fated ICU ‘in effect dissolved itself’; meteoric rise then dramatic fall. In its wake Somalia became AlQaeda country.
@GeoMmm #Somalia: Climate Prediction Center’s Africa Hazards Outlook For USAID / FEWS-NET December 27, 2012 – January 2, 2013 http://bit.ly/W6cvoy
@AbukarArman #Somalia How consoling is ‘wait some more’2 a nation on a borrowed time per its reclaim of sovereignty&preservation of territorial integrity
Image of the day
Followers of Somali Sufi sect, Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama performing a ritual to commemorate their great leader, Sharif Alawi in Mogadishu on December 26, 2012. Photo: Somaliweyn