April 15, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Somali police launch major security operation
15 Apr – Source: Middle East Online – 348 words
Somalia’s police force launched a major security operation Monday searching for explosives and weapons, a day after a spectacular suicide attack by Islamist insurgents in the city.
“There is a major security operation under way in Mogadishu,” said senior police official Mohamed Hassan. “So far more than 400 people have been detained, the operations are aimed at tackling insecurity.”
On Sunday, a nine-man suicide commando blasted its way into Mogadishu’s main court complex, some blowing up their explosive vests while others sprayed gunfire in a rampage that left 29 civilians dead, while a separate bomb attack killed five more.
Key Headlines
- Death toll from Somalia bombings rises to at least 30: medic (Reuters/AP)
- President Hassan declares new phase of fighting against al Shabaab (Bar-Kulan)
- Somaliland: Hargeisa Councillors elect new Mayor (Somaliland Informer)
- Britain condemns Mogadishu attacks that killed more than 30 people (Raxanreeb)
- IGAD Denies involvement in formation of Jubbaland Administration (Shabelle)
- Prime Minister welcomes G8 recognition of progress in Somalia (Radio Risaala)
- Somaliland gets wind in its sails for revamping power sector (Guardian)
PRESS RELEASE
AU Special Representative condemns the multiple attacks on innocent civilians in Mogadishu
15 Apr – Source: AMISOM – 217 words
The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif is saddened by today’s attacks in Mogadishu by disgruntled individuals who are desperately trying to reverse the current gains registered on the country’s political and
security fronts.
While extending his condolences to the bereaved families and wishing those who have sustained injuries quick recovery, ambassador Annadif said AMISOM will not be deterred in its resolve to supporting the people of Somalia in their efforts to achieve peace and stability in their country.
He said; “Today’s barbaric attacks on innocent civilians cannot be tolerated and I wish to condemn such actions in the strongest terms possible. These attacks remind us of the continuing threat of remnants of anti peace elements who are bound to do all they can to prove their existence.”
Ambassador Annadif congratulates the Somali National Security forces and AMISOM officers and men both military and police for their courageous efforts that prevented today’s attacks from causing more deaths and injuries.
The AU Special Representative reaffirmed AMISOM’s continued commitment to working with the Somali National Security Agencies in providing a secure environment to residents of the city but called on all Somalis to be vigilant and provide security officials with information that can help in preventing similar incidents.
Ankara Communiqué
14 Apr – Source: Office of the President of Turkey – 258 words
Following the meeting at Chevening House (UK) of June 20-21, 2012 and the Dubai (UAE) of June 28, 2012, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Somali Federal Republic and President Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo of Somaliland Government met on 13 April 2013 in Ankara.
The meeting is hosted by the Government of Turkey at the request of the two parties. The purpose of this meeting is to reopen the dialogue after the change in the leadership of the Somali Federal Republic, and to establish a way forward for the dialogue.
The two parties:
1. Expressed their commitment to the continuation of the Dialogue.
2. Endorsed the content of the Chevening house Declaration agreed on 21 June 2012, and the Dubai Statement signed on 28 June 2012.
3. Stated that the Dialogue is between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Government of Somaliland. The international community that is supporting this process will only provide facilitation when is needed.
4. Agreed to encourage and facilitate International aid and development provided to Somaliland.
5. Agreed the need to consolidate a cooperation on security sector through sharing intelligence, training as well as sharing scholarships for security sector professionals in order to become more effective in the fight against terrorism, extremism, piracy, illegal fishing toxic dumping, maritime crime and serious crime.
6. Proposed to meet within 90 days in Istanbul at a date later to be agreed by the parties.
7. Agreed to refrain from using any inflammatory language and any other act which may put the continuation of the Dialogue at risk.
President Hassan stated “Chemical weapons remain deadly and destructive”
13 Apr – Source: Office of Somali President – 143 words
The Federal Republic of Somalia expresses it’s solemn commitment to accede to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction.
The main objective of this Convention is to outlaw the production, use and stockpiling of chemical weapons. By acceding to this convention, the Federal Government of Somalia joins those States, which signed and ratified this convention.
This commitment to sign the Convention on Chemical Weapons by the Federal Government of Somalia is indicative of Somalia’s active return to the community of nations, as well its respect for international law.
“Chemical weapons remain deadly and destructive. The prohibition of such weapons is good for mankind and is a major step towards general and complete disarmament.” The Federal Government of Somalia calls on all states to join and respect the provisions of this convention.
Prime Minister welcomes G8 recognition of progress in Somalia
13 Apr – Source: Prime Minister’s Media Office – 248 words
His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon today welcomed the G8 statement in London praising recent progress in Somalia and emphasizing the international community’s continued support for the country.
“The Somali government has worked hard to entrench the recent progress on the political, security, economic and humanitarian fronts that we have made with the support of our international partners and I am immensely heartened to see the G8’s vote of confidence. We know we have a long way to go and we cannot make it alone but there is no turning back.”
In a statement issued in London today, “G8 Foreign Ministers welcomed the significant progress made in Somalia over the past 18 months on security, political transition and humanitarian conditions… G8 Ministers underlined the need for continued early international support to the new Somali Government.”
The G8 also pledged its political support as Somalia is set to re-engage with international financial institutions of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the African Development Bank.
“I am encouraged by the lead taken by the UK to support efforts to re-engage with the IFIs and the longer term process that may lead to arrears clearance. Without this we will not be able to receive sustained support from these organisations. And we understand the reciprocal obligations on us of strengthening the accountability and transparency of our public financial management systems. We look forward to making progress on this and many other critical issues at the London Conference on 7 May.”
PM hails IMF recognition of Somali government as milestone towards economic recovery
13 Apr – Source: Prime Minister’s Media Office – 258 words
His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon said the International Monetary Fund’s decision to recognise the Somali government after a break of 22 years is “a major milestone in the country’s long road to economic recovery”.
On Friday the IMF recognised the federal government of Somalia, paving the way for the resumption of technical assistance, policy advice and ultimately – subject to arrears clearance – borrowing rights. The Prime Minister welcomed the news as the latest in a series of developments supporting the government’s policy of strengthening relations with its international partners.
“The President is in Turkey today for talks with Somaliland, while I am returning from a visit to Djibouti, Uganda and Burundi. In less than a month we will be attending the Somalia Conference in London. The truth is that we are rejoining the community of nations and we must continue to demonstrate, both to Somalis and the world, that we justify this newfound confidence. There is much hard work ahead.”
The IMF said its decision was “consistent with broad international support and recognition of the Federal Government,” since His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took office last September. “The new administration has since enjoyed considerable support, including from the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and many IMF member countries,” the Fund added.
Before Somalia can borrow from the Fund it must first clear outstanding arrears of approximately $352m. This issue will be at the heart of discussions at the forthcoming Somalia Conference in London on 7 May.
SOMALI MEDIA
President Hassan declares new phase of fighting against al Shabaab
15 Apr- Source: Raxanreeb/Hiiraan Online/Radio Kulmiye/Bar-kulan – 327 words
Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has declared a new phase to eliminate the extremists of al Shabaab after a deadly attack on a Mogadishu court building that killed more than 30 people on Sunday.
“I want to declare that the government of Somalia is now on a new stage of fight against anti-peace elements in our country. The Somali people should take their role in this new operation to eliminate al Shabaab” the Somali president announced on Sunday midnight after an urgent meeting with the national security committee at the state house.
“Soon in the following hours you will realize the result of the new war against the extremists within Mogadishu.” the president added..
President Mohamud called for the Somali people to assists the security forces in nabbing the members of al Shabaab who are trying to hide into the civilian areas.
“To Somali people, you must bear in mind that these groups are not Muslims, they are the enemy of the Muslims, they are the enemy of Allah because they are killing his creatures without any reason” the president noted.
Somaliland: Hargeisa Councillors elect new Mayor
15 Apr – Source: Somaliland Informer/ Universal TV/ Horn Cable TV – 149 words
Local Councillors in Hargeisa, Somaliland, gathered for an unscheduled meeting on Sunday and elected a new mayor after the former mayor Eng. Yusuf Warsame Siad died in UAE. The local councillors elected Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Aidid ( Soltelco) as the new mayor of Hargeisa.
He was the sole candidate for the position and 23 councilors who attended the meeting voted unanimously in favor of him. No one abstained although one councilor did not attend. Somaliland Interior Minister Mr. Mohamed Nour Arrale ‘Duur’ attended the election and congratulated the new mayor.
The Deputy Mayor who chaired the session made a brief speech at the gathering. The newly elected mayor expressed thanks to the councillors for giving him their confidence. The elected mayor is member of the ruling party of Kulmiye.
Britain condemns Mogadishu attacks that killed more than 30 people
15 Apr – Source: Raxanreeb/Bar-kulan – 164 words
The UK government has strongly deplored two deadly attacks that hit Somali capital Mogadishu on Sunday after al Shabaab extremist members raided a Mogadishu courts building in the city centre killing more than 30 people including two famous lawyers and a journalist, RBC Radio reports.
“I strongly condemn today’s terrorist attacks in Mogadishu,” British foreign secretary William Hague said in a statement. “The actions of terrorists only prolong the suffering of the Somali people. The UK and the international community… remain committed to helping the people of Somalia achieve peace, security and development,” he added.
“Those responsible for terrorist acts should face justice” British foreign secretary William Hague added in his speech. On Sunday evening, Somalia president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced a new stage of fighting against al Shabaab.
IGAD Denies involvement in formation of Jubbaland Administration
15 Apr – Source: Shabelle – 103 words
Jamal Ahmed Ibrahim, Somalia’s Representative to IGAD denied news that the regional body of IGAD was involved in the formation of an Administration for the Jubba and Gedo regions. Mr. Jamal confirmed this while he was speaking to Shabelle radio in Mogadishu.
Mr. Jamal added that they are waiting for the outcome of the meeting between foreign ministers and regional members of IGAD as the meeting was postponed several times in the past.
Jamal denied reports that representatives from IGAD participated in the meeting that was organizing the formation of a regional administration for the Jubba and Gedo regions held in Kismayu.
Somaliland attends crucial Yemeni security meeting
14 Apr – Source: Somaliland Press – 133 words
Somaliland Government officials were among 25 delegates representing three other countries taking part in a conference aimed at combating terrorism and countering illegal immigration in Sanaa, Yemen.
The conference, which was organized by UNHCR in conjunction with the American government, aims to address illegal immigrants from Somalia using the Red Sea route to Yemen and tackling terrorist groups in the two countries.
The current trend of illegal immigration is a phenomenon which places increasing strain on Yemen’s limited resources and poses more challenges to the Government’s efforts to balance its obligations under international law with the need to protect the country from illegal entry and the breeding of terrorism on its soil.
Prime Minister welcomes G8 recognition of progress in Somalia
14 Apr – Source: Radio Risaala – 90 words
Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon welcomed the G8 statement in London praising recent progress in Somalia and emphasizing the international community’s continued support for the country.
“The Somali government has worked hard to entrench the recent progress on the political, security, economic and humanitarian fronts that we have made with the support of our international partners and I am immensely heartened to see the G8’s vote of confidence. We know we have a long way to go and we cannot make it alone but there is no turning back.”
REGIONAL MEDIA
Al Shabaab takes responsibility for deadly Mogadishu attacks
15 Apr – Source: Africa Review – 416 words
Al Shabaab’s top spokesman Sheikh Ali Mohamoud Raghe alias Sheikh Ali Dhere said Monday that his radical Somali Islamist group was responsible for the deadly bombing attacks in Mogadishu on Sunday.
The hardliner cleric stated that five specially trained fighters were behind th assault on the Dhismaha Maxkamadaha (Courts building) in Mogadishu’s old-town district of Hamarweyne.
“The mujahedeen (holy warriors) killed 27 and wounded 60,” declared Sheikh Ali Dhere. “The fighters carried out Qaswatu Hasmi Dawaqeed (Crusade to eliminate those against Allah’s laws).” The announcement came after about half a dozen Al-Shabaab militants attacked the vast two-storey courts building that lies next Mogadishu’s municipal offices.
Somali police launch major security operation
15 Apr – Source: Middle East Online – 348 words
Somalia’s police force launched a major security operation Monday searching for explosives and weapons, a day after a spectacular suicide attack by Islamist insurgents in the city.
“There is a major security operation under way in Mogadishu,” said senior police official Mohamed Hassan. “So far more than 400 people have been detained, the operations are aimed at tackling insecurity.”
On Sunday, a nine-man suicide commando blasted its way into Mogadishu’s main court complex, some blowing up their explosive vests while others sprayed gunfire in a rampage that left 29 civilians dead, while a separate bomb attack killed five more.
Open letter to al-Zawahiri rocks foundations of al-Shabaab
12 Apr – Source: Sabahi Online – 1263 words
The year-long internal crisis within al-Shabaab intensified this month after the group’s second-in-command sent a stinging criticism of its leadership to al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. “If we are afraid of foreign players stealing the outcomes of jihad, today we are witnessing a reality that indicates that an internal deviation could lead to losing the profits of our effort in vain,” Ibrahim al-Afghani said in an open letter released April 6th on a number of jihadist websites. He said he felt compelled to write the missive, titled “An Open Letter to Our Amir Sheikh Ayman al-Zawahiri”, “on behalf of the silent majority” of al-Shabaab fighters.
Al-Afghani, whose real name is Ibrahim Haji Jama Meeaad and is also known as Abu Bakr al-Zaylai, is considered one of the founders of al-Shabaab and one of its only leaders trained in Afghan al-Qaeda camps in the 1990s. Until now, he avoided making public statements and preferred keeping a low-profile and working behind the scenes.
In the letter, al-Afghani paints a bleak picture of al-Shabaab and rebukes its leader Ahmed Abdi Godane, also known as Mukhtar Abu Zubayr. He said al-Shabaab’s current situation is “getting worse and nothing is visible on the horizon”, calling on al-Zawahiri to intervene in order to find solutions to the rifts affecting the militants.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Death toll from Somalia bombings rises to at least 30: medic
15 Apr – Source: Reuters/AP News – 76 words
The death toll from a wave of coordinated suicide bombings and shootings in the Somali capital on Sunday rose to at least 30, a medical source said.
“At least 30 people died and 20 others were injured. That is from our services and hospital sources,” a coordinator for Mogadishu’s ambulance service, who asked not to be named for security reasons, told Reuters on Monday. The Islamist militant group al Shabaab said it carried out the attacks.
Ex-York U student may have been involved in Somalia attack
15 Apr – Source: Toronto Star – 100 words
Somali and Canadian security forces are probing whether a former York University student was part of a team of suicide bombers who attacked Mogadishu on Sunday, shattering the capital’s calm and killing and injuring dozens.
Intelligence, police and government sources in Mogadishu and Ottawa told the Star that they were investigating reports that Mahad Ali Dhore was one of the nine Al Shabab militants who stormed the capital’s courthouse Sunday as part of the well-co-ordinated attack, which included a separate car bomb targeting Turkish aid workers.
Dhore’s family could not be reached for comment Sunday and there was no official confirmation of his participation. Somali officials are seeking forensic evidence to determine if the Canadian was involved.
Somaliland gets wind in its sails for revamping power sector
15 Apr – Source: Guardian – 796 words
In 2009, Hassan Ahmed Hussein brought an industrial bread-making machine from abroad to install in his hotel in downtown Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. Hassan’s idea was part business, part self-interest. Wholewheat bread is not available in Somaliland, and he envisioned selling it to small-scale vendors.
He baked bread for four months before coming to the unfortunate conclusion that the machine wasn’t cost effective. Electricity in Somaliland is too expensive. While the rest of the world pays an average $0.15-0.30 per kilowatt hour, Hargeisa’s residents pay $1 per kWh.
He abandoned the bakery and, in 2009, bought a diesel generator, poles, wires and transformers to start his own power company, Iftin, which rapidly gained nearly 2,000 customers in a catchment area of 10,000 residents. He has since merged his power stations with the city’s largest provider, KAAH, and now serves more than 4,500 people on the same grid.
Gunmen launch deadly attack on Somalia courthouse
14 Apr – Source: BBC – 137 words
Sixteen people, including nine attackers, are believed to have died after gunmen stormed the city’s main court buildings. Later a car bomb was detonated on the road to the airport, killing three, including two Turkish aid workers and the attacker.
The Islamist militant group al-Shabab says it carried out the attacks. Al-Shabab, which has links with al-Qaeda, has been blamed for a series of attacks in Mogadishu in the last two years.
But correspondents say Sunday’s violence is the worst seen in the city since al-Shabab was pushed out of the city by AU and Somali forces in August 2011. The Islamist group still controls most villages and rural areas of Somalia. BBC reporter Mohamed Ibrahim at the scene says armed intruders entered the court in the capital and began firing, after which there was an explosion.
Somaliland commends Turkish role in facilitating talks with Somalia
14 Apr- Source: Today’s Zaman – 398 words
Ahmed Silanyo, the president of the autonomous Somaliland region, has expressed deep appreciation to Turkish officials on their determination to revive a process of dialogue between the governments of Somaliland and Somalia to end their two-decade-long dispute.
“Turkey has played a very important role in trying to bring different sides together during the Somali conflict. They have consistently put an effort into establishing stability and promoting development in the region,” Silanyo said during an exclusive interview with Today’s Zaman in Ankara on Sunday.
“We live in a volatile region where there are many security problems. It is our wish to continue to engage in dialogue [with other actors] in the region,” Silanyo noted.
He visited Turkey in mid-March to participate in talks with Turkish officials, including Foreign Minister Ahmet DavutoÄŸlu, who pledged to increase Turkish aid to Somaliland.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“A failed state is a horrendous thing: no government, no army, no police, no courts, no law, just bands of armed men taking what they want. Somalia has been like that for more than 20 years, but now there is hope”.
Somalia may be on road to normality
15 Apr – Source: Otago Daily Times – 844 words
There have been no elections in Somalia since 1967 and there won’t be any this year either. But the country has a new Parliament (appointed on the advice of clan elders), who have elected a new president, and the new Government actually now controls a significant part of the country. The world’s only fully ”failed state” may finally be starting to return to normality.
A failed state is a horrendous thing: no government, no army, no police, no courts, no law, just bands of armed men taking what they want. Somalia has been like that for more than 20 years, but now there is hope.
So much hope that last month the United Nations Security Council partially lifted its embargo on arms sales to Somalia in order to let the new Somali Government buy arms, and earlier this month the United States Government followed suit.
The new Government replaces the ”Transitional Federal Government”, another unelected body that had enjoyed the support of the UN and the African Union for eight pointless years. Then, last year, a World Bank report demonstrated the sheer scale of its corruption: seven out of every 10 dollars of foreign aid vanished into the pockets of TFG officials before reaching the state’s coffers.
Fully a quarter of the ”national budget” was being absorbed by the offices of the president, the vice-president and the speaker of Parliament. The fact that after all that the TFG still controlled only about one square kilometre of Mogadishu, the capital, while the rest of the shattered city was run by the Islamist al-Shabaab militia, an affiliate of al Qaeda, also contributed to the international disillusionment.
Top tweets
@MiddleEast_BRK #AlShabaab
@Peace_inSomalia Let be gone what happened yesterday, think about the future and how this satans be eradicated from our land.#Somalia #Mogadishu @
@omabha SOMALIA: President Hassan declares new phase of fighting against Al Shabab – Raxanreeb Online http://dlvr.it/3Dkgv6
@Hamza_Africa City attempting to crawl back to normalcy but main roads still off limit to traffic & public. Some schools also closed. #Mogadishu #Somalia.
@Moallem10 #Somalia people sees enemy of turkish people is the enemy of Somali people #turkey @SomaliPM @
@DDNewsLive #Worldseapiracy
@OCHASom Rainy season brings relief & challenges to #Somalia. Humanitarians prepare to respond quickly to future floods http://bit.ly/116aY64.
Image of the day
A Somali girl and her brother run to safety near the scene of a blast in Mogadishu Photo: Hiiraan Online/ Reuters.