January 7, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

PRESS STATEMENT

AU Special Representative reaffirms AMISOM’s continued support to Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency

07 Jan – Source: AMISOM – 182 words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Annadif has congratulated President Hassan Sheikh Mahamud, his government and the people of Somalia on the occasion of the 41st anniversary of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) and the reâ€ opening of its headquarters.

Ambassador Annadif said the reâ€ opening of NISA headquarters symbolises the reâ€ building of state institutions which had been destroyed by two decades of fighting. He pays tribute to the National Intelligence and Security Agency for being a key security instrument in the search for sustainable peace and security particularly in the fight against extremism in the country.

He said; “The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has played a significant role in fighting terrorists and its efforts are clearly bearing fruits. I therefore wish to reaffirm AMISOM’s continued commitment to working with NISA as Somalia moves to stabilise the country and rebuild its institutions.”

Key Headlines

The Opening Ceremony of National Intelligence & Security Agency Headquarters (Office of the Somali president)
AU Special Representative reaffirms AMISOM’s continued support to Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (AMISOM)
Mogadishu residents are now safe says AMISOM spokesman (Radio Bar-kulan/Shabelle)
British Private Navy to Wage War on Somali Pirates (International Business Times)
Somali Parliament to enjoy holiday after 45 meeting in first session assembly (Radio Dalsan)
Kenyan ministers demand transfer of police officers (Daily Nation)
Rape flourishes in Mogadishu’s IDP camps (Al Jazeera)
Al Shabaab threatens to ‘destroy Puntland says ‘no security progress in Mogadishu’(Garowe Online/Somali Memo)

PRESS STATEMENT

AU Special Representative reaffirms AMISOM’s continued support to Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency

07 Jan – Source: AMISOM – 182 words

The AU Special Representative applauded the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) for being a reliable partner to AMISOM since the deployment of the first AU contingent.

The Opening Ceremony of National Intelligence & Security Agency Headquarters

07 Jan – Source: Office of the Somali president – 280 words

The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sh. Mohamud took part in the 41st anniversary and the re-opening ceremony of the National Intelligence & Security Agency’s (NISA) headquarters.

Members of the Parliament, Cabinet Ministers Foreign diplomats and AMISOM officials were also at the ceremony. The event was well organized, cultural presentations; artist performing plays about the Agency’s role in the society were displayed.

President Hassan applauded the agency for its performance. “ We the government are very happy with this institution, and you have earned the respect of our citizens by your discipline and that makes the National Intelligence & Security Agency the role model of all Somali security forces.”

While sending a message to al Shabaab’s foreign fighters, President Hassan declared” I want you to know Somalia belongs only to Somalis and you need to go back to your countries. Yes we are Muslims but Somalia belongs only to Muslims who are Somalis.” President Hassan also warned Somalis not to be brain washed by foreign criminals who are sought after in their respective countries.

In his speech, he thanked countries who supported Somalia and reminded them that Somalia will never forget those who supported during difficult times. At the end, President appealed to Somalis to take part in rebuilding Somalia.” Security is our priority, and the government is committed to lead in restoring Somalia to peace. The government wants a Somalia that is in peace with itself, with the region and with the entire world”. Security is the President’s main pillar of the Six Pillar Policy Plan.

SOMALI MEDIA

Mogadishu residents are now safe, says AMISOM spokesman

07 Jan – Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Shabelle – 191 words

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has said the ongoing joint operation by its police component and that of the Somali government has yield fruits as anticipated, saying that locals can now feel secure. In an exclusive interview with Bar-kulan, AMISOM spokesman Col. Ali Adan Humad said the operation has been welcomed by all residents of the capital as it meant to secure their lives and property.

He said till the beginning of the operation, they have netted several suspects believed to have been behind insecurity in parts of the region and seized weapons, adding that such operations will continue until they completely secure the city. Humad praised the police for sacrificing their lives in boosting security in the city, a move he said that has encouraged diaspora communities to return home.

He appealed to the diaspora communities to return home to take part in rebuilding the country as it emerges from the ashes of the two decades old conflict. Col. Humad however revealed that plans were underway to extend the services of the joint police force to areas outside the capital to restore law and order in those areas.

Somali Parliament to enjoy holiday after 45 meeting in first session assembly

07 Jan – Source: Radio Dalsan – 185 words

The Somali MPs are readying to enjoy their first holiday since their formation after the close of the first session parliament assembly that started in august of 2012, an MP revealed on Monday to the press in Mogadishu.

Adil Shegow said the parliament will go on recess on after the Monday sitting. Shegow indicated that 45 parliament meetings have been held in the parliament’s first assembly, adding that the house made achievements during the first term. The parliament speaker is expected to adjourned the house. The newly appointed parliamentary committees are expected to stay in Mogadishu to work constantly with the government, the lawmaker said.

Businessman injured in Las Anod town

06 Jan – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 174 words

A prominent businessman was Sunday shot and injured in northern Somali town of Las Anod by unknown gunmen under unclear circumstances, reports say. Two men armed with pistols approached the victim Ahmed Abdi Timir as he was walking in town and shot him on the head several times.

Medics are now trying to save the life of the injured businessman, according to Dr. Abdikarin Adan Warsame who works in the area general hospital. Police reportedly managed to arrest the assailants. It is not yet clear the motive behind the attack targeting the businessman.

A police officer who sought anonymity told Bar-kulan the attack was a pre-planned attack, adding that the attack comes few hours after unknown gunmen attacked a house owned by Warsame’s brother, injuring his sister-in-law. Hundreds of locals were reportedly seen flocking to a police station located north of the town shortly after the incident.

Al Shabaab threatens to ‘destroy Puntland, says ‘no security progress in Mogadishu’

06 Jan – Source: Garowe Online/Somali Memo – 141 words

The Spokesman for al Shabaab extremist militants allied to al Qaeda has said that there is “no security progress in Mogadishu, ” while threatening to “destroy Puntland and overthrow [President] Farole “, Garowe Online reports.

In an audio recording from an undisclosed location posted on the Internet, al Shabaab spokesman Ali “Dhere “Mohamud Rage said: “Look at the artillery hitting Villa Somalia presidential compound [in Mogadishu]. There is no improving security and al Shabaab is present in every district of Mogadishu.”

He continued, “the enemies have claimed that they control provincial towns, but al Shabaab attacks and kills enemies, most recently yesterday (Saturday) when we blew up a military truck with Burundi soldiers in Merka. ” Ali Dheere ‘s voice could not be independently verified, but the audio recording was posted on Sunday on al Shabaab websites and circulated to Somali media.

8 die of diarrhoea in middle Juba

06 Jan – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 112 words

At least eight people including children have died from watery diarrhoea in parts of Middle Juba, reports say. According to Dr Hassan Ali, a medic in Buale, over 20 patients have been reported to have fallen victim of the disease in Washan, Warkoy and Shangani villages near Buale town.

Ali said some of these victims were taken to private health facilities in Buale and Jilib towns, adding that the disease is spreading to other parts of the region due to poor hygiene among the local population.

He urged aid agencies to immediately respond to this looming crisis in the region by providing the necessary drugs required by health facilities tackling the outbreak.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Kenyan ministers demand transfer of police officers

07 Jan – Source: Daily Nation – 282 words

Two Kenyan cabinet ministers have demanded the immediate transfer of all police officers involved in an operation to arrest suspected terrorists in Nairobi’s Eastleigh, accusing them of harassment and extortion.

Defence Minister Yusuf Haji and his Northern Kenya Development counterpart Mohammed Elmi also threatened to quit the government to protest the “harassment” of the Somali community in the area by security officers.

“It is only that Parliament is dissolving soon otherwise we would have resigned to show the government that we are not amused,” said an angry Mr. Haji when he led a team of MPs from North Eastern Province to hear the grievances of Eastleigh residents and the business community. “We are telling the Inspector General of Police that we will not tolerate the harassment of our people by his officers,” he added.

Al Shabaab keen on shifting base to Puntland

06 Jan – Source: Africa Review – 423 words

A top al Shabaab leader has revealed that the group plans to shift base to Puntland, the semi autonomous state in North-eastern Somalia. In a video conference late Saturday, Sheikh Ali Mohamoud Raghe alias Sheikh Ali Dhere, the top spokesman of al Shabaab, reiterated that his group was waging attacks in some regions of Somalia. Praising success achieved through the hit-and-run attacks, the hardliner clergyman said, “The militants have been causing heavy damages on the gaalo (non-believers – a reference to the members of the Somali government and the African forces supporting it).

“The enemy of Allah is in desperate state,” added the cleric, encouraging his loyalists to continue fighting. Sheikh Ali Dhere praised the fanatical Islamists for waging attacks against Puntland forces in Bossaso, the region’s main port town, 1500 km northeast of Mogadishu.

“We are going to defeat the evil forces and going to raise the banner with shahÄ dah (the Muslim profession of the oneness of Allah),” said the spokesman referring to Puntland forces and what he called its supporters, mentioning the presence of Ethiopian and American troops and agents. “I urge the Muslim people anywhere to support the heroes who are committed to liberate the Muslim land and Muslim people (from the Puntland rule),” said the outspoken sheikh.

Somalia still needs world’s help

05 Jan – Source: East African – 243 words

Top UN envoy for Somalia has called for sustained international support for the country if it is to consolidate gains it has realised in the past year. In a year-end letter, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia Augustine Mahiga, however, cautioned that the road to stabilisation will not be easy.

“Somalia remains a state in need of support from the international community, which will need to re-invest comprehensively and generously if the country is to capitalise on its resources,” Mr Mahiga said.

He said at the beginning of 2011, the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) and half of its staff relocated to Somalia from neighbouring Kenya and continued to work alongside key Somali partners in a variety of sectors.

Somalia keen on reintroducing higher currency denominations

05 Jan – Source: East African – 354 words

Somalia’s economy will soon enjoy the benefits of trading in several denominations of the Somali shilling. The country — which is in the process of reconstruction after two decades of civil war — has been trading in US dollars after its currency lost value due to the instability.

The 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 shilling notes became worthless after heavy depreciation when the central government of the late Gen Mohamed Siad Barre collapsed.

Though the 500 and 1,000 denominations survived, only the 1,000 shilling note is currently used. Hope of reviving the Somali shilling was renewed when President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with his Sudanese counterpart Omar al-Bashir on Wednesday.

Rape flourishes in Mogadishu’s IDP camps

06 Jan – Source: Aljazeera – 1170 words

After a protracted conflict that has lasted more than two decades, there’s now a sense of relative calm and security in Somalia. The unidentifiable gunmen that patrolled the streets have been replaced by men in smart uniforms.

Road blocks that once divided the city between government and al Shabaab controlled areas have been removed; traffic flows freely. Somalis are flocking to the beach, old houses are being renovated and are glistening with fresh coats of paint.

But not everybody enjoys the newly found sense of security. Camps filled with Internally Displaced Persons – people forced to flee the violence and insecurity of their home regions – are still a common sight. But for the women who live in them, violence and insecurity are still pertinent issues.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

‘We’re happy to help MI5 – but coercing us to spy is unacceptable’: British Somalis say intelligence agents asking for too much

06 Jan – Source: Independent – 739 Words

Whenever Aar Maanta travels abroad he keeps an eye out for the men in suits. For most travellers, the worst inconvenience might be a cancelled flight or an over-zealous security check. But Maanta is a prominent British Somali singer and when he leaves or returns to Britain, he claims he is often taken aside by these mysterious officials asking unusual questions.

In an interview last week the London Olympics hero Mo Farah angrily explained how he was stopped at an airport in Oregon on suspicion of being a terrorist. “I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “Because of my Somali origin I get detained every time I come through US Customs.”

But in Maanta’s case, it isn’t usually customs or security people who want a word. “You can tell it’s not the immigration people,” recalls the softly spoken singer, who fled civil war in his homeland in the late 1980s. “It’s like there’s a note on the computer and they make you sit in a side room. Then the guys in suits come along. Their general approach is, ‘we can help you if you help us’.”

For many of Britain’s estimated 400,000 Somalis, such experiences are depressingly familiar and there is growing anger about how they are treated at Britain’s ports. Top of their list of complaints is the allegation that pressure is being put on young Somali men in particular to spy on their own community.

Mohammed Elmi, the head of Somali Diaspora UK, told The Independent that the problem of coercive spying had become so bad that Somali elders in London felt compelled to hold a gathering shortly before Christmas to discuss the issue. Out of the 33 boroughs represented, 17 said they had community members who felt pressured to spy.

British Private Navy to Wage War on Somali Pirates

06 Jan – Source: International Business Times – 452 words

A UK fleet created by a group of businessmen is seeking out pirates who are the scourge of the seas in the Indian Ocean. Its armed vessels include a 10,000-tonne mother ship and high-speed armoured patrol boats. It will be led by an ex-Royal Navy commodore who is in charge of recruiting 240 former marines and sailors for the unit.

Starting in the next few months, the seafaring craft will escort oil tankers, bulk carriers and yachts around the east coast of Africa. The company behind the scheme is Typhon, set up because the Royal Navy, Nato and the European Union Naval Force lack the vessels to patrol the area, which is as large as North America.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“One of the most interesting points of Hammami’s latest tweets has been his disdain for e-jihadi’s around the world. He has apparently been reaching out to the global digital ummah and not getting much love. Hammami seems to think the Internet jihad crowd is a fraud.”

What do the Hammami tweets reveal about al Shabaab fractures in Somalia?

07 Jan – Source: Selected Wisdom – 1015 Words

Several months back @tweetsintheME and I wrote an article on Omar Hammami’s YouTube plea as he was turned on by al Shabaab in Somalia. A central part of the article was the debate over what Hammami’s plight meant for potential fractures in al Shabaab.

Well, Omar Hammami’s latest tweets (caveat – or someone acting on behalf of Hammami or pretending to have deep insights into al Shabaab, the account may not be him) suggest that the threat of Hammami getting to close to Mukhtar Robow is what brought the wrath of al Shabaab upon him.

So if this is true, let’s return to the Shabaab fracture scenarios from last winter – “Deciphering Hammami Scenarios & al Shabaab Splits”. For those that enjoy my bad Powerpoint pics, here’s a return of an old graphic with a new picture for al Shabaab leader Godane (Turns out old photo of Godane used by most media outlets was not Godane.)

In the graphic above, three scenarios were outlined. These scenarios attempted to explain why Hammami was on the outs with al Shabaab. Here’s the list of four scenarios with brief summaries and check out this post for a more expansive description of each.

“Throughout history, various religious and secular extremist groups have emerged and established one brutal system propelled by draconian laws or another only to watch them self-destruct by falling on their own swords. Their myopic vision takes for granted the innate human tendency to rise against and resist despotism, tyranny, and all other form of oppression.”

Connecting Dots in the Triangle of Threat

06 Jan – Source: Foreign Policy Blog – 1558 Words

Just as the temperature of the ‘security threat’ slowly declines in Somalia, it rises in other parts of East Africa. Elements of mainly political, religious, and clan/ethnic nature continue to shift and create new volatile conditions. Though not entirely interdependent these conditions could create a ripple effect across different borders.

Depending on one’s purview, it is high anxiety period in the region—especially the area that I would refer to as the triangle of threat- Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya. These three countries are bound by complex web of history, geopolitics, and kinship which became the foundation of transnational fault lines snaking through them. Though the same could be argued in relation to Djibouti, the absence of certain clan dynamics and any flammable residual mistrust (active or dormant) makes it an anomaly.

For the past sixteen months, there has been a momentum of positive developments in Somalia following two decades of senseless violence, political turmoil and famine. Several months ago the seemingly unfathomable task of reducing the parliament to 275 from 550 during the transitional period and the Council of Ministers to 10 from 18 during that same period came to pass.

This, of course, would never have happened without improved security emanating from the ousting of al-Shabaab from Mogadishu and other major cities. Al-Shabaab has been suffering successive defeats, though some may say the last chapter of that saga is not yet written.

“Too many classrooms are overcrowded, textbooks are in short supply, and infrastructure is in bad repair. If education gave us nothing more than the ability to enjoy our own cultural legacy, then surely it would not be worth it. But it gives us so much more than that.”

Somalia’s literary lessons on education: More teachers, classrooms and jobs

05 Jan – Source: East African – 781 Words

In an ancient Somali poem, Coldiid is a wise warrior who rejects all forms of violence. Mocked at first by his peers, he eventually shows them that violence is not a way to earn respect or love. This story may be lost on many of today’s Somali warriors, because so few of them will have any education — yet another brutal consequence of instability in Somalia that has been dragging on for more than 20 years.

Africa’s conflicts remain a key obstacle to education and a better start in life for millions of African children. But away from the Somali and other conflicts, Africa has made major progress. The recently held Kwani LitFest 2012 was a great example of the Horn’s impressive cultural legacies and it proved that we can take some comfort that all across Africa, millions more children are going to primary school and dropout rates have tumbled.

The ability to read and write means the ability to buy and sell, to trade and make a living. An additional year of school in a poor country, for instance, has the potential to increase a person’s income by ten per cent. Education is the best possible opportunity of securing decent work.

Top tweets

‏@Refugees Rape flourishes in Mogadishu’s IDP camps “90% of women who were raped are reluctant to go to authorities”http://rfg.ee/gAgRC #Somalia.

@FAOemergencies 3.8 million people in #Somalia need#humanitarian assistance due to the lasting effects of the 2011#famine http://goo.gl/jjI08 #hunger.

@DauddinnHajji Reports indicates that #somalia has the capacity to produce 100 billion barrels of oil n gas..on full exploitation..#somalia2013.

@FreelanceJRNLST #Somali president says no dialogue with “foreigners” in Al-Shabaab and call Somali Islamists to join the his government. #Somalia.

@emanufanti Ban wants the UN with “heavy footprint” in#Somalia: all relevant UN agencies moving to Mog by Jan 2013http://bit.ly/WnF153 | cc @nstremlau.

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Image of the day

Image of the day Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahamud cuts the tape during the official opening of the National Intelligence & Security Agency’s (NISA) headquarters in Mogadishu, January 06, 2013. Photo: PPS.