February 25, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Interior minister visits trouble-hit Kismayo

25 Feb – Source: Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu/Hiiraan Online/Shabelle/Jowhar Online – 136 words

Somalia’s Interior and National Security minister Abdikarim Hussein Gulleid Monday morning visited the port city of Kismayo where there have been skirmishes in last few days. The minister and his delegation including a group of MPs were received by local administrators and officials from African Union forces in the city.

It is not yet clear the mission of the government delegation but reports say they are on peace mission following the recent clashes in the city and consultation on the way forward in formation of Jubaland administration. They are expected to hold talks with local administrators and AMISOM forces in the city.

Their visit to Kismayo comes a time the federal government has invited Jubaland stakeholders to a meeting in Mogadishu to discuss the formation of a regional administration for Lower Juba, Middle Juba and Gedo region.

Key Headlines

Interior minister visits trouble-hit Kismayo (Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu/Hiiraan Online/Shabelle/Jowhar Online)
AMISOM troops secure two key towns in Bay region (AMISOM)
Somali gov’t says it will host convention to create Jubaland state (Garowe Online)
Somali premier calls for ceasefire in Kismayo (Radio Dalsan/Radio Mogadishu)
Al Shabaab imposes movement restriction in parts of Galgadud (Bar-kulan)
AMISOM Gender unit conducts training in Baidoa Beledweyne (AMISOM)
Intellectual accuses Kenya of organizing clashes in southern Somalia (Dhacdo Online)
Somali PM salutes Turkey for its growing support to Somalia (Al Shahid)
Police arrest suspect in Garissa bomb attacks (Daily Nation)
The Limits of Media Freedom in Somalia (Independent European Daily Express)

PRESS RELEASE

AMISOM troops secure two key towns in Bay region

23 Feb – Source: AMISOM – 228 words

Somali government forces with the support of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have captured the towns of Dardan and Jirada- Kullow in Bay region in simultaneous dawn operations. The securing of these key towns raises to six the number of strategic positions captured by the allied forces in less than ten days.

This renewed offensive follows last week recovery of the towns of Aw- dheegle, Jannale and Barrire in lower Shabelle and the Jowhar airfield in Middle Shabelle. The sustained offensive has already witnessed the weakening resolve of the al Shabaab insurgents. The allied forces are currently moving to secure other towns along the Afgooye-Baidoa corridor, as militants from the al Qaeda-linked terror group flee without putting up resistance.

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamet Saleh Annadif said the operations would help alleviate the suffering of the Somali population. “AMISOM will continue to confront the enemies of peace and to support the people of Somalia as they strive to rebuild their nation,” he added.

He said that AMISOM was also moving to consolidate peace and stability in areas previously liberated from the al Shabaab terror group. AMISOM’s civilian component has been engaging with local leaders and administrations in the recovered districts to discuss activities that can be undertaken immediately to enhance security and protect the hard won military gains.

AMISOM Gender unit conducts training in Baidoa, Beledweyne

23 Feb – Source: AMISOM – 188 words

The Gender Unit of the African Union Mission in Somalia this week conducted training of AMISOM uniformed personnel in Baidoa and Beledweyne. The training sessions were held for Burundian and Djiboutian officers and focused on cultural awareness and gender issues. AMISOM is engaged in strategic gender mainstreaming in all area of operations and similar training is planned for troops in Kismayo and Mogadishu.

The training is part of an ongoing effort by the AMISOM Gender Unit to reinforce the troops’ understanding of good Gender practice. AMISOM personnel receive pre-deployment and continuous in-theatre training on issues of gender equality and the rights of women and girls.

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia (SRCC), Ambassador Mohamet Annadif, praised the work of the Gender Unit and said that AMISOM was committed to the protection of the rights of all Somalis, especially those of the most vulnerable.

“A secure environment free of hunger, violence and intimidation is a necessary precondition for the full enjoyment of human rights. AMISOM is today helping the Somali government and security forces create such an environment within Somalia,” he added.

SOMALI MEDIA

Interior minister visits trouble-hit Kismayo

25 Feb – Source: Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu/Hiiraan Online/Shabelle/Jowhar Online – 136 words

Somali gov’t says it will host convention to create Jubaland state

24 Feb – Source: Garowe Online – 120 words

One day after the community led Jubaland state convention was postponed prior to clashes in Kismayo, the Somali Federal Government announced that it would be holding its own Jubaland state convention, Garowe Online reports.

Interior Minister Abdikarim Hassan Guled spoke to media on Sunday and stated that the government wasn’t involved in the Jubaland state convention that was intended to convene on Saturday. “We had heard about the Jubaland state convention that said it would form a state for the regions, but we weren’t involved or contacted at all,” said Minister Guled.

Moallim Mohamed Ibrahim, spokesman for the Jubaland convention organizing committee said that the convention was pushed back so Somali Federal Government officials could send representatives to the conference.

Al Shabaab imposes movement restriction in parts of Galgadud

25 Feb – Source: Bar-kulan – 107 words

Al Shabaab militants have imposed movement restriction in parts of El-bur and El-der districts, Galgadud region. Locals in El-gara, El-lahelay, Qohle, El-dere, Gal-hareeri and Ja’ar were ordered to not to visit each other.

Reports say the group took the move after receiving reports of planned public disobedience against their rule in some parts of the region. In a meeting with local elders and religious leaders in these areas, the group said locals in those areas are not allowed to travel outside their villages until further notice. Local elders who sought anonymity for security concerns confirmed existence of efforts by local residents to stand united against the militant group.

Somali premier calls for ceasefire in Kismayo

24 Feb – Source: Radio Dalsan/Radio Mogadishu – 130 words

Somalia’s Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon alias Saa’id has called for a ceasefire between Somali government forces and pro-government Raas Kamboni militia in southern port town of.

The Dalsan radio quotes the premier saying “I have received information about fighting in the town, the residents have been waiting for a long time to have a fair administration for the regions. I encourage a stop to the fighting to the death of innocent civilians”.

“The premier has reminded those involved in the fighting that no solution can be gained through gun-power and advised them to get solutions through talks” added the source. The federal government invited the delegates involved in the formation of an administration for southern regions of Jubba to Mogadishu for consultation.

Intellectual accuses Kenya of organizing clashes in southern Somalia

24 Feb – Source: Dhacdo Online – 200 words

Following fierce fighting between Somali government forces and Raas Kamboni Brigade, mixed reactions are coming from intellectuals in Jubba regions. Hasan Aydid, who is among the intellectuals in the Jubba regions and who says he is the spokesman of one of the warring clans in the region, told the media that they hold Kenya responsible for the clashes in Kismayo.

He went on to say that the Kenyan troops initially watched the fighting from the sidelines but when a lot of blood had been shed they intervened and stopped it, and assisted in evacuating the casualties of one side.
Hasan Aydid went further to accuse the Kenyan troops in Kismaayo of constantly harassing the civilians, saying this could no longer be tolerated.

He urged the leaders of the Somali government to intervene in the Kismayo fighting and to find an urgent solution to it. Political analysts are warning that clan fighting could erupt in Kismayo over the administration issue if the government does not form an interim administration for Kismayo.

Somali MP face deportation, fined by court in secessionist north

24 Feb – Source: Midnimo Online – 99 words

Hargeysa court has sentenced Jama Ahmad Muhammad, an MP of the Federal Somali Parliament who hails from Somaliland to deportation within 24 hours and fine of One million Somaliland shillings [approximately 650 US dollars]. The Somali MP was recently arrested by Somaliland forces in town of Gabiley.

Jama Ahmad who hails from Somaliland joined the Federal Somali Parliament which was formed towards end of last year and was arrested in his hometown of Gabiley while visiting a few weeks ago.

Somalia signs pact with Sudan government

24 Feb – Source: Radio Risala/Radio Mogadishu – 90 words

Somalia’s general services and reconstruction minister held a meeting with his Sudanese counterpart in Khartoum, Sudan and reportedly signed a pact The minister who held a news conference in Khartoum, stated that he signed an agreement with Sudanese construction experts.

“The minister mentioned that those experts will arrive in the country soon”, added the source. He added that the experts will conduct trainings for ministry staff in Mogadishu.

National Olympic Committee establishes new office in Central region

24 Feb – Source: Horseed Media – 175 words

As part of its policy of encouraging the spread of sporting activities throughout the country, the Somali national Olympic committee has on Saturday launched new office in the city of Beledweyn, the provincial capital of the central Hiiraan region, where the region’s ports governing body will use as its workplace.

A colourful ceremony which intended to mark on the launching of the new office was held in the presence of high sporting officials including Galgadud regional sports committee chairman and Somali NOC representative Abdirashid Aden Rooble who on the behalf of Somali NOC presented a complete office equipment to the Hiiraan regional sports committee secretary general Abdi Karim Hassan Abdulle Qalaad during the launching ceremony Saturday.

“The region is now free from the al Qaeda-affiliated terrorists who banned all sporting activities here for years and having advantage from this golden chance we are putting all efforts together in a bid to recover from the past setbacks” the regional sports committee secretary general Abdi Karim Hassan Abdulle Qalaad told the launching ceremony of the new office Saturday.

Foreign delegation visits former pirate hubs in Mudug

24 Feb – Source: Garowe Online – 120 words

A delegation of foreign dignitaries and Puntland officials led by Mudug governor Mohamed Yusuf Jama Tigey, traveled through 12 towns in eastern Mudug region on Thursday including former pirate hubs, Garowe Online reports.

The delegation included UN officials, entrepreneurs from China, traditional elders and Puntland district officials. They visited many towns in the region briefly meeting with community members and officials in the major towns to discuss security improvements in the area and development needs.

In their discussions with the delegation, the community members from Mudug region stated that support of transportation infrastructure was the most important issue. Currently there is a community led project improving road conditions on the often bumpy and uncomfortable road that links Galkayo with Gara’ad.

Al Jaberi livestock holding ground is here to stay -says Somaliland’s Livestock minister

23 Feb – Source: Somaliland Press – 190 Words

Somaliland’s Minister of Livestock Dr. Abdi Aw Dahir has refuted reports carried in local newspapers that the management of privately owned Al Jaaberi livestock holding pens is planning to relocate to neighboring Somalia.

Dr. Abdi Aw Dahir speaking during a press conference held in his office yesterday said “Business is as usual at the privately owned Al Jaberi livestock holding grounds which is situated in the port city of Berbera”.

“Both two livestock quarantines are operating normally and I can assure that neither of them plans to relocate simply because they have everything to gain and nothing to lose, a fact proven by the recent Hajj Pilgrim in which more than 1,200,000 herd of livestock was shipped to Saudi Arabia”< stated Dr. Abdi Aw Dahir. The Livestock minister also revealed plans to export meat slaughtered in the country to Asian regions in the near future.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Somali PM salutes Turkey for its growing support to Somalia

24 Feb – Source: Al Shahid – 146 words

Turkey is showing the world what it is possible to achieve in Somalia, Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon said on Saturday. Speaking during the visit to Mogadishu of the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey Bekir BozdaÄŸ, the Prime Minister welcomed Istanbul’s growing assistance to Somalia. Turkey had been involved in Somalia at an early stage, he said, and the bilateral relations were strengthening.

“We salute Turkey for the leading role it is playing supporting the recovery of Somalia,” the Prime Minister said. “Turkey has shown its international partners what it is possible to do operationally here – in terms of humanitarian assistance, business, infrastructure, development and many areas.”

The Prime Minister welcomed the large Turkish delegation, which came to Mogadishu to monitor and evaluate the progress of a number of development and infrastructure projects, including the concrete plant established by Tika, the Turkish overseas development agency.

Somaliland deports Somali lawmaker accused of treason

24 Feb – Source: Sabahi Online – 191 Words

The Somaliland regional government deported Somali parliamentarian Jama Mohamud on Saturday (February 23rd), after a regional court in Marodi-Jeh convicted him of illegal entry on Friday.

The court ordered Mohamud to pay 1 million Somaliland shillings ($151) and to leave Somaliland within 24 hours, according to Deputy Attorney General Said Yusuf Abdi. Mohamud, a Hargeisa native, was arrested in February on charges of treason for serving in the Somali government.

Mohamud’s arrest was based on a resolution passed by the Somaliland parliament in 2003 that forbids people from Somaliland from holding posts in the Somali government. That law was suspended a year ago, however, hence the charges of illegal entry into Somaliland, Abdi told Sabahi.

Police arrest suspect in Garissa bomb attacks

23 Feb – Source: Daily Nation – 163 Words

Police have arrested a man they suspect could be behind the sporadic attacks that have rocked Garissa area since last year. North Eastern PPO Charlton Mureithi said the suspect was arrested Saturday morning and was being interrogated by officers from the anti-terror unit.

Police have also revealed that the death toll in the bomb blast last week in Garissa is about five according to the analysis of the body parts recovered at the scene. Among the badly mutilated parts were three legs, all left, implying that they were for three different people according to the detectives.

Part, which did not match the other parts, was also found near the scene. The improvised explosive device exploded when unknown persons were assembling it on a dais at Garissa Primary School grounds where an official function was to be held the following day.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

The Limits of Media Freedom in Somalia

25 Feb – Source: Independent European Daily Express – 183 words

Media advocates in Somalia worry that a recent case against a journalists who exposed the story of a gang rape involving members of the national security forces will serve as a deterrent to journalists countrywide. Journalist Abdiaziz Abdinur Ibrahim was arrested on Jan. 10 for publishing the story of a 27-year-old woman who alleged that she was gang-raped by five Somali security forces in August 2012.

Ibrahim was detained for one month without charges, but was later charged along with the victim for “insulting state security forces”. Earlier this month a regional court in Mogadishu found both accused guilty and sentenced them to a year in prison. The case went into appeal, with a new verdict now being expected on Wednesday Feb. 27 by the Mogadishu Appeals Court.

“This will make journalists avoid venturing into areas that will lead them to risky stories such as this one,” Abdulahi Elmi, a media advocate in Mogadishu, told IPS. “And that has huge implications for the already-dismal press freedom situation in the country. It will definitely negatively affect and worsen the situation for local media workers.”

Police arrest key suspect behind insecurity in N. Kenya

24 Feb – Source: Xinhua/Shanghai Daily – 406 Words

Kenyan police said Sunday they arrested a key suspect whom they believe is behind a series of grenade and bomb attacks in the restive town of Garissa in northern region. Regional police commander Charlton Mureithi told Xinhua that the who is also behind Feb. 17 suicide bombing at the Garissa primary grounds blast will be arraigned in court on Monday.

“The suspect was arrested on Saturday and we believe he has key information regarding the incident on Feb. 17 where a suicide bomber was killed,” Mureithi said. The regional police commander said the suspect is being interrogated by police officers from the anti-terrorism unit.He said they suspect the man was behind the series of grenade and gun attacks that have occurred in the town in the recent past.

During the Feb. 17 incident, the improvised explosive device went off at the local Garissa Primary School grounds at the dais where official functions are held, killing the planter.

At least 11 dead in clashes in southern Somalia: witnesses

24 Feb – Source: AFP World News – 254 words

At least 11 people were killed in clashes between rival pro-government clan-based militias in the southern . “I saw at least 11 people, especially fighters, killed in these battles,” a Kismayo elder, Mohamed Ga’al, told AFP. “It’s the worst fighting since the Shebab left the city, and even if the situation is calm now, the two sides continue to regroup,” Ga’al added by telephone from capital Mogadishu.

Another witness, Ali Moalim Suleman, said three of the people killed were civilians caught in the exchange of fire, adding that six other civilians were wounded and taken to hospital. In a statement Saturday, Somali Prime Minister Abdi Said Shirdon called on the two clans to lay down their arms.

“We are shocked to learn that two fraternal clans are fighting and spilling innocent blood, while residents await the establishment of a regional government.” Several clans have fought for control of Kismayo since September, when a Kenyan army contingent drove al Shabaab out of its main stronghold.

Witnesses said the Kenyan soldiers still stationed in Kismayo did not intervene to end to the clashes. Prior fighting between the militias had resulted in several deaths in December in Kismayo, which as Somalia’s second largest port is vital to the country’s economy.

Fugitive likely in Somalia

24 Feb – Source: London Free Press – 194 Words

A Toronto man who skipped town after a downtown London shooting spree is likely in Somalia, police say. With all clues pointing to Africa, police have taken Ahmed Moalin-Mohamed from the Most Wanted section of their website — more than six years after the shocking shootout that sent four people to hospital and could have been much worse.

Investigators have reached out to international police forces, said London Police Const. Ken Steeves. “We have reason to believe he is in Somalia,” he said. “We have contacted the UK., the U.S., Kenya, the Netherlands and Somalia, through Interpol” Steeves said.

Moalin-Mohamed, born in Somalia, faces 13 charges, including attempted murder in relation to the shooting just before 3 a.m. on Oct. 7, 2006. At that time, someone pulled a gun out and started shooting in what was then a parking lot at Richmond and Carling streets.

Somali robber sues UK, £50k for ‘nightmares’

25 Feb – Source: The Sun – 169 Words

AN asylum seeker with a string of criminal convictions is suing the Government — claiming its bid to deport him gave him NIGHTMARES. Somali Abdirahman Ajab wants £50,000 compensation for his “mental problems” after being held at an immigration centre for eight months while his case was considered.

Amazingly, despite Ajab, 30, having convictions for robbery and false imprisonment, a High Court judge let him stay. He was jailed again for armed robbery but fought off another deportation bid last year and was given a flat in Tower Hamlets, East London.

When The Sun approached him at his home, he said: “The Government have been doing me bad for years. It’s giving me mental problems. It’s given me nightmares. They owe me, man.” Ajab, who has lived in the UK since 1996, said he would use any compo to buy land in Somalia. He insists he wants to go back there but claims the Government is stopping him.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Lifting the arms embargo is a measure that seeks to address the force capacity of Somali security forces, but it does not address the internal and strategic factors limiting its effectiveness. Additionally, the economic impact on the availability and price of arms cannot be ignored. Therefore, the effort to lift the arms embargo should not overshadow the importance of other issues in Somalia’s security sector.”

Lifting The Arms Embargo in Somalia: A Brief Outlook

25 Feb – Source: Somalia News Room – 1067 Words

Lifting the arms embargo is seen by some observers as a means to address the force capacity of Somali security forces and to reassert Somalia’s sovereignty. However, the internal and strategic factors limiting the effectiveness of Somali security forces and the economic impact of lifting the embargo in the war economy should not be ignored.

The United Nations (UN) imposed an arms embargo against Somalia in 1992 in an effort to reduce the flow of arms to warlords during the beginning of the civil war. Previous governments called for the ban to be lifted, and Somalia’s new administration has continued a similar campaign.

The Somali government wants the arms embargo lifted so that it can acquire the tools necessary to hold territory and consolidate gains made against al-Shabaab without dependence on AMISOM’s tanks and firepower. It also seeks the rights of a sovereign government that does not appear under the thumb of the international community.

“Only recently, we were the world’s worst failed state, with the most dangerous city in the world, home to a rampant al Qaeda led insurgency. Look at us today. We are on the right path. Somalia has turned a corner, and there is no going back.”

No going back

22 Feb – Source: Open Democracy/Horseed Media – 860 Words

In recent days a court case in Mogadishu has attracted attention all over the world. The details of the case are not for me to comment upon here – it is sub judice as an appeal is under way – but what surprised me was that the commentary did not include any reference to the most remarkable thing about it: that the case was happening at all. Only several years ago, justice in Mogadishu meant a Kalashnikov. Today it is delivered in courts.

Somalis are encouraged by the re-emergence of an independent judiciary, whatever its faults at present. They have responded positively to the government’s refusal to interfere. It is important to respect the new institutions of a fledgling democracy, not ride roughshod over them. Justice must be allowed to take its course. If we find due process has been abused in any way, then appropriate action must be taken.

I start with this example to illustrate the important point that justice in Somalia is, like most other things here, a work in progress. It is unrealistic to expect a fully functioning, transparent judiciary to emerge in the immediate aftermath of Africa’s longest civil war. I have been quite clear that reform of the judiciary and police is at the heart of my government’s programme. We have already started this task and our direction of travel is positive.

“Victims should feel confident to come forward, service providers should feel confident they can provide services without any repercussions to themselves or the people they serve, and others should feel confident that they can investigate and report on this issue free from reprisals. That must be the new Somalia.”

Somalia’s Shocking Response to a Rape Report

22 Feb – Source: Huffington Post – 772 Words

A 27-year-old woman in Mogadishu who reported that government security forces raped her was convicted on criminal charges this month. The court also convicted a journalist who interviewed her. He is in prison; her term will start when she finishes breastfeeding her baby. Their appeal hearing was postponed this week so the journalist will spend at least one more week in prison.

The government accused the woman of fabricating her story and said that both were trying to insult the government and profit from the story. But it’s hard not to conclude that the government was more concerned about protecting itself than about protecting women from rape.

I run a shelter for survivors of sexual and gender based violence in Mogadishu. We have been fighting long and hard to encourage women to come forward and feel confident in saying, “This has happened to me.”
But since this shocking case broke, survivors who come to us have been asking us: “Will I face jail if I report my case?”

“A battle-hardened regional leader and a president with no past, direct political involvement in Somalia’s turbulent politics are in disagreement with each other over the efforts to form Jubaland administration.”

SOMALIA: Kismayo impasse reflects ideological rivalry

25 Feb – Source: Raxanreeb – 450 Words

The question many Somalis are asking is: why is Kismayo is consuming the energy of Somalia’s new post-transition government? In theory the government is entitled to play a role in efforts to form regional administrations because the government draws legitimacy from a parliament made of MPs from all Somali clans.

This legitimacy entitles the Somali government to seek lifting of arms embargo ( but Somali troops are made up of clan militias, and arms are still coming to Somalia illegally from different sources) and borrow money from the IMF or the World Bank– some of the privileges the pre-1991 Somali government enjoyed.

In practice the privileges the Somali government seeks to enjoy is not solely from Somalis; it also from the commitment of the international community — AMISOM, The African Union, IGAD, the United Nations, the European Union, the Arab League and and the United States.

How can a government that did not have a direct role in ‘liberating’ Kismayo from Al Shabaab claim a privilege to guide the process of forming a regional administration ? The international community has facilitated the process of ending the transition but it is up to the post-transition Somali government to build on what has been achieved without giving the impression it does not share the goal of making Lower Juba and Gedo Al Shabaab-free regions.

Top tweets

@SomaliPM We salute you RT @amisomsomalia: Tens of thousands protest against #AlShabaab in Garowe, #Puntland http://bit.ly/Zu0WuY #AMISOM, #Somalia.

@amisomsomalia PHOTO OF THE DAY: #AMISOM #Soldiers #pray in the evening at their base on the outskirts of #Beletweyne #Somalia w pic.twitter.com/LrJjMxRFg9.

@AVafricanvoices Something #changing in #Somalia, #radio host on Somalia’s first all #women radio station! /#voice @SomaliPM via… http://fb.me/CB73nlO5.

@mary_harper Here’s a transcript of the interview I did with the president of #Somalia http://mary-harper.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/transcript-of-interview-with-somali.html …

@ASAD_film #Oscarnom “Asad” #Somali #refugees Harun & Ali #backstage #BestDressed @OscarCeremony w Bryan Buckley & Mino Jarjoura pic.twitter.com/pwQgssqErb.

Follow the conversation →

Image of the day

Image of the day Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon speaks with EU Special Envoy to Somalia Michele Cervone d’Urso, centre, UK’s special representative for Somalia, Matt Baugh, right, and representative from the French embassy in Kenya, on February 24, 2013 in Mogadishu.