March 13, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Djibouti army chief receives AMISOM Head

12 Mar – Source: ADI News Agency – 220 words

The Djibouti Army Chief of staff, Gen Fathi Ahmed Houssein, assisted by General Zakaria Cheikh Ibrahim and the entire high command of the Djibouti Armed Forces, today [12 March] received the commander-in-chief of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the Ugandan General Andrew Gutti, at the head of an important delegation of senior officers of AMISOM.

General Andrew Gutti was also accompanied by the commander in chief of the “Hiil” contingent of Djibouti deployed in Beledweyne in the Hiiraan region, in Somalia, Colonel Osman Doubad Sougouleh. Recent developments of the security situation in Somalia, as well as the strengthening of AMISOM, in line with the peace process in this country, ravaged by decades of war, were at the centre of discussions between the two parties.

The Ugandan General Andrew Gutti, on this occasion lauded the invaluable contribution made by the Djiboutian contingent “Hiil” (about 1,000 men) stationed at Beledweyne, in central Somalia. The commander-in-chief of the African Union Mission in Somalia also hailed the efforts made by our country to help Somalia to definitively turn the dark pages of civil war to restore peace.

Key Headlines

We must stand united says Prime Minister returning from Listening Tour to Puntland and Galmudug (Prime Minister’s Media Office)
Djibouti army chief receives AMISOM Head (ADI News Agency)
Mogadishu mayor warns militants planning to bomb street solar panels (Dhacdo Online)
Young girl injured in Kismayo explosion (Bar-kulan)
Mogadishu port gets SIMATIC services linked to UAE’s Jabal Ali port (Raxanreeb)
MPs query deployment of police to Somalia (New Vision)
Charity plans new projects in drought-hit Horn of Africa (Khaleej Times)
Al Shabaab terms deal between Somali government Puntland ineffective (Dhacdo Online)
Somali Shilling weakens against USD in Mogadishu (Bar-kulan)

PRESS STATEMENT

We must stand united, says Prime Minister, returning from Listening Tour to Puntland and Galmudug

13 Mar – Source: Prime Minister’s Media Office – 340 words

Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon called for greater national unity today after entering new agreements with Puntland and Galmudug at the conclusion of the latest leg of his Listening Tour to the regions. “This unity will help us get out of many years of destruction and poverty. We have to be united to face the threats of those who don’t want to see peace in Somalia,” he said.

The Prime Minister said he had learnt a lot from the visits to talk to local communities, gaining an understanding of the realities in the regions and explaining the government’s political agenda to the people. “I have listened to them carefully and heard their concerns and shared my government’s programme with them. I have seen people ready to restore their dignity and unity and nationhood.

We have entered agreements with Puntland and Galmudug. The leadership belongs to the people. We only provide guidance.” The Prime Minister noted the considerable achievements the government had already made in its first three months, particularly with regard to security, regional agreements and foreign relations. “We have done more in three months than some governments have managed in a year,” he said. “That doesn’t mean we’re going to slow down. We are redoubling our efforts.”

Expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome he received in Puntland and Galmudug and his excitement to see high levels of participation in rebuilding Somalia, the Prime Minister said the government was “committed to listening to the local people and helping to find the solutions to their problems”. Everything would be done according to the constitution.

With a rallying cry to national unity, the Prime Minister said Somalis would realize their common dreams of a safe and developed Somalia if they joined forces and worked together.“We have achieved a lot and there is a long way to go. Let’s face these challenges together and not allow our country to fall back again. We are determined to succeed. I will continue to tour the regions. This is just the beginning.”

SOMALI MEDIA

Mogadishu mayor warns militants planning to bomb street solar panels

13 Mar – Source: Dhacdo Online – 181 words

The Mayor of Mogadishu has warned that remnants of the militant al Shabaab group are planning to blow up solar panels installed recently on two major roads of the Somali capital, Mahmud Ahmad Nur, popularly known as Tarsan, said al Shabaab “does not care about the beauty of Mogadishu and is planning to bomb the installations”. He asked residents to “look after their panels”.

Tarsan, who doubles as the governor of the southern Banaadir Region, said “the beauty of Mogadishu is now in the interest of its residents” after more than 20 years of a bloody civil war.

Authorities recently installed solar panels on the vital Wadnaha (heart for Somali) and Makkah al-Mukaramah roads as part of a project to restore city street lights on all major roads in the capital. Al Shabaab abandoned its established positions in Mogadishu in August 2011 but has since admitted carrying out bombings and planned executions in the war-ravaged capital.

Young girl injured in Kismayo explosion

13 Mar – Source: Bar-kulan – 133 words

At least one person is known to have been injured in an explosion in the trouble-hit port city of Kismayo, reports say. Eyewitnesses account say the Wednesday morning explosion targeted a vehicle carrying a government military official.

They say the explosion was a remotely detonated landmine planted in the area, adding that the injured person was young girl standing near the scene of the incident. Government and AMISOM troops who arrived at the scene of the incident reportedly arrested six people in connection with the incident.

The suspects allegedly took cover inside a mosque near the scene of the explosion and were later taken to custody as prime suspects. The incident happened just few hours after the allied forces neutralized two explosive devices planted on the roadside in a junction in the city.

Mogadishu port gets SIMATIC services, linked to UAE’s Jabal Ali port

13 Mar – Source: Raxanreeb – 343 words

Dubai Ports World (DP World) recently welcomed the announcement of new SIMATIC operated shipping lines recently opened linking the Jabal Ali and Mogadishu ports, describing it as an important step in helping to re-integrate Somalia into the international market.

The company stated that this new line would introduce container shipping to the port of Mogadishu, allowing clients to obtain their products more quickly and more securely.

Container shipping into Somalia ended several years ago due to the threat of piracy and the country’s deteriorating security situation. Without container shipping, Somali businessmen operating in Mogadishu have had to resort to using smaller ships to import their goods.

Somali Shilling weakens against USD in Mogadishu

13 Mar – Source: Bar-kulan – 124 words

Reports from Mogadishu say the Somali shilling weakened slightly against a globally stronger dollar on Wednesday and traders said they expected it to weaken further.

Bar-kulan correspondent in Mogadishu says local money-changers and Forex Bureaus quoted the shilling at 17 per dollar, slightly weaker than Tuesday’s close of 16.5 per dollar, the lowest level since mid last month. He says despite the depreciation, ordinary Somalis still bear the brunt of the inflation in the city, with the price of basic food still higher.

The dollar is the major trading currency in Mogadishu market after Somali shilling lost value due to the more than two decades old conflict in the country, with most locals receiving money from the relatives abroad in form of dollars.

Al Shabaab terms deal between Somali government, Puntland ineffective

13 Mar – Source: Dhacdo Online – 123 words

Al Shabaab has for the first time issued a statement regarding the recent agreement between the Somali government and the regional Puntland administration in Garowe [central Somalia].

Shaykh Abdiqadir Mu’min, a top al Shabaab official in Puntland, said the agreement between the sides will not affect the group in any way. He noted that the deal will not hold as it was not different from previous ones signed by Puntland and the Somali government.

Al Shabaab recently vowed to continue fighting Puntland forces until what it called the enemy is defeated. The administration in Puntland and the Somali government signed a cooperation agreement, which has attracted various interpretation from many.

Government forces withdraw from frontlines of Bay region

12 Mar – Source: Radio Kulmiye – 170 words

Somali government soldiers have vacated their positions in Bardaale, Qansax dheere and the Goof gadduud, due to complains they raised over salaries. Baidoa Commissioner Hassan Moalim Biikolo told Kulmiye radio that they have high expectation that the matter will be resolved so that the troops can go back to their positions.

The soldier’s action comes as authorities in Bay region call on the central government to expedite the payment of the salaries for the troops who are battling insurgents in the region.

Somaliland President Meets With Turkish Deputy Prime Minister

12 Mar – Source: Qaran News – 119 words

Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud “Silaanyo” currently on a visit to Turkey was received by the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag.

According to the Somaliland Foreign minister, Mohamed Abdillahi Omar who briefed the press after the meeting, President Silaanyo and Deputy Prime Minister Bozdag discussed areas of mutual interest including the co-operation between Somaliland and Turkey, to increase the current aid from Turkey and the possibility of adding Hargeisa and Berbera to the Turkish Airlines routes.

The President and his delegation also met with the Turkish Energy minister at an official breakfast. According to Somaliland Natural Resources minister, Hussein Abdi Duale, the meeting was to designed to further progress the work being done in Somaliland by Genel Energy.

Shortage water reported in southern region of Lower Jubba

12 Mar – Source: Radio Mustaqbal/Bar-kulan – 210 words

Acute water shortage has been reported in several areas of Lower Juba Region after water dam dried up due to failure of the recent seasonal rains. Among the shortage of water stricken villages are Kudha, Madhowo and Raskamboni, all located south of the region.

This shortage is attributed to the failure of Deyr rains which forced water pans and water wells which served as the main source of water for locals and their livestock to dry up. Pastoralist families were forced moved with their livestock to other regions in search of pasture and water, according to Raskamboni village chief Mohamud Ahmed Farah.

He said acute water problem has compounded the drought situation saying that situation is getting worse by the day and it is becoming a great concern for the locals since they risk losing their livelihoods. He however urged aid agencies and the Somali government to intervene this situation and embark on water tracking to save the lives of disadvantaged locals in the area.

Somaliland Vice-President Attends Ceremony For Somaliland Business Fund Recipients

12 Mar – Source: Qaran News – 205 words

The Somaliland Vice-President Abdirahman Abdillahi Ismail “Saylici” has attended a ceremony to honour the 56 successful recipients of the first grants from the Somaliland Business Fund.

Speaking at the start of the ceremony, Somaliland’s Planning minister, Dr. Sa’ad Ali Shire congratulated the recipeints and stressed that their grants be put into action in order to benefit the people of Somaliland.

The minister indicated that the Somaliland Business Funds intends to increase the number of grant recipients with each passing year and the success of the first batch of grant recipients will go a long way into making that a reality.

REGIONAL MEDIA

MPs query deployment of police to Somalia

13 Mar – Source: New Vision – 419 words

MPs on the Defense and Internal Affairs committee of parliament have voiced their disquiet about the manner in which 140 Ugandan police officers were deployed to Somalia in August last year without Parliament’s approval.

The legislators, although accede that the constitution and the Police Act are ‘silent’ about deployment of police personnel outside Ugandan borders, contend that parliament should have given its seal of approval to the deployment given its oversight role over the police force.

“Parliament is the one that regulates the police force, but we are not officially aware of your deployment to Somalia,” committee chairperson, Milton Muwuma said during an interface with the top brass of Uganda police, including Inspector General of Police, Lt. Gen. Kale Kayihura on Tuesday.

Djibouti army chief receives AMISOM Head

12 Mar – Source: ADI News Agency – 220 words

AG permitted deployment of AU officers

13 Mar – Source: Daily Monitor – 156 words

Police Chief Kale Kayihura yesterday told the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee that it was the Attorney General who granted the Force permission to deploy in Somalia. The committee was tasked by Speaker Rebecca Kadaga to establish under what circumstances the Uganda Police Force was deployed in Somalia.

Although Lt. Gen. Kahiyura acknowledged that the Constitution is silent on police deployments outside the country, he said he went by the AG’s opinion that did not seek permission from Parliament.

The deployments, according to police, are based on the UN charter, which stipulates that to assist in maintaining peace and security in the world, all member states of the UN make available to the Security Council armed forces.

Charity plans new projects in drought-hit Horn of Africa

13 Mar – Source: Khaleej Times – 399 words

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian Charity Establishment (MHCE) will undertake developmental projects in Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya. The six projects planned will help the people in the Horn of Africa resist drought and famine.

These initiatives include digging and maintaining 73 water wells, apart from a mega project for developing irrigation ditches, and providing poor families with production facilities.

The projects represent the fourth stage of the ‘Help Them’ campaign which the charity launched in 2011 for helping the drought- and famine-hit countries.

“These projects are valued at Dh6.9 million,” said Ibrahim Bu Melha, Adviser to the Ruler of Dubai for Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs and Chairman of the MHCE Board of Trustees.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Chinese naval escort taskforce wraps up task of taking part in ‘Peace-13’ joint military exercises

13 Mar – Source: People’s Daily/ China Military Online – 445 words

The 14th escort taskforce of the Navy of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA)wrapped up the task of participating in the “Peace-13” multinational maritime joint military exercise and sailed to the Gulf of Aden and the waters off the Somali coast to carry out the 14th escort mission at 17:00 on March 8, 2013.

During the exercise, the “Harbin” guided missile destroyer, the “Mianyang” guided missile frigate and the “Weishan Lake” comprehensive supply ship of the PLA Navy and the naval ships of 14 countries including Pakistan and UK jointly carried out harbor and offshore drills on 17 subjects including anti-terrorism, and maritime drills on 21 subjects, such as anti-ship firing by main guns and joint search and rescue.

Serving as a command ship and a combat ship in the exercise, the “Harbin” warship successfully accomplished various actual-troop and live-ammunition drills.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“The United States and its allies can assist Somalia and other developing nations to build basic capabilities by providing training and equipment to improve maritime security.”

Have U.S. relations with Somalia improved since stronger maritime security measures have decreased piracy?

12 Mar – Source: Council on Foreign Relations Blog – 264 Words

The United States restored official relations with Somalia in January 2013 after years of civil unrest there, reflecting an increasingly stable Somali political environment. Better relations with Somalia, however, have little to do with the decrease in piracy, and the drop in offshore piracy cannot be attributed to Somali government efforts.

Piracy is a serious threat to international shipping and a rising concern for many nations because it increases the costs of shipping, drives up insurance rates, and—most importantly—often costs the lives of ships’ crews. Though the International Maritime Bureau calls the waters off the coast of Somalia particularly dangerous, the number of piracy incidents in the area reached a five year low last year because of deterrents fostered by two major changes:

1) The introduction of international naval patrols to enhance maritime security, and 2) the shipping industry’s adoption of best practices in security, such as the use of armed security personnel on commercial vessels (since incorporating this practice, no vessel has been successfully hijacked).

“When (new) Qatar is in the mix in this Somalia /Somaliland dialogue which is already politically tilted to words Somalia, there is a lot more to worry about specially when there is an administration which pursues ‘belly politics’. When Qatar means money, and the sound of money is audible, and the government is corrupt, there is a lot more to worry about!”

The Qatar Factor In Somalia And Somaliland Dialogue

12 Mar – Source: Somaliland Press – 1193 Words

Qatar is a great country and the people are nice I was a high school teacher in Doha (Rayaan Alateeq) in the 70 s and early 80s. That was the old Qatar! The Qatari people are generally generous and reasonable, however it all depends on how honesty and resilient the government of Somaliland is for their CAUSE. It also depends whether they have the emotional bond with the Mother-Somaliland which they don’t as widely believed!

Before we discuss the effect the introduction of Qatar to the talks of Somalia and Somaliland which is already politically unbalanced and biased in favor of the former perpetrators of the ethnic cleansing of 80s which happened in the then Northern regions now Somaliland may have, let us look back the prevailing status of Somaliland under Siilanyo’s administration.

“The U.S. is embracing the new government in Somalia while the United Nations is looking to expand its peacekeeping mission in the country. One journalist has been killed in Somalia this year so far, following nineteen in 2012, with more than half coming after the formation of the post-transitional government in August.”

Crackdown on Free Press in Somalia Continues

12 Mar – Source: Reason Blog – 359 Words

Somalia’s only had a full-fledged government for the last seven months or so, but that nascent government’s already begun to flex its muscle in the realm of restricting rights. It made international headlines earlier this year when a court handed down a one-year prison sentence to a woman who accused security forces of rape and the journalist who interviewed her.

(A higher court cleared her earlier this month, while upholding the journalist’s sentence) Now several Somali journalists covering the judiciary say they were brutalized by police after being invited to cover court proceedings by a judge. Via the Guardian:

At least five reporters were assaulted, some seriously, on Saturday,according to the National Union of Somali Journalists. The union leader said he believes the attack is related to recent media coverage of a woman who alleged that she was raped by uniformed men and then pressured by police to drop her case. The reporters had been invited to the court by its chairman, Hashi Elmi Nor, to cover hearings there but were “kicked out of the court” on the orders of a local police chief, the union said.