July 29, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Somali president calls on citizens, security forces to protect Turkish nationals
29 Jul – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/ al Shahid/Bar-kulan – 118 words
While visiting Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu, after the terror attack on Saturday that killing a Turkish security and wounding four others, Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has urged ordinary Somalis and security forces to protect and defend the lives and properties of Turks who came to help Somalia.
The President also held meeting with the Turkish ambassador in Somalia, Mr Cemalettin Kani Torun. For his part, the Turkish ambassador in Somalia, told reporters that the Turkish government will continue its assistance to the Somali people, pointing out that the attack would not destabilize the Turkish position to help Somalia. Fighters from terror group, al Shabaab stormed the building with suicide bomb that maimed both civilians and Turks.
Key Headlines
- Somali president calls on citizens security forces to protect Turkish nationals (Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/ al Shahid/Bar-kulan)
- UN report links Kenyan Parliament official to terrorist funding and recruitment (Standard Media)
- Wounded officers in Somalia bombing arrive in Turkey (Turkish Weekly / Hürriyet Daily News)
- Al Shabaab leader detains senior foreign fighters of al Shabaab (Radio Dalsan/Halgan Online)
- Qatar denounces attack on Turkish diplomatic mission in Mogadishu (Kuwait News Agency/QNA)
- Al Shabaab spokesman: Our fighters killed Turkish diplomat in Mogadishu (Radio Mustaqbal)
- Kenya: Families of al Shabaab abductees seek help from govt (Daily Nation)
- Police conduct search operation in Wadajir neighborhood after grenade explosions (Radio Dalsan/Risaala/ Mustaqbal/Jowhar Online)
- Somali government troops conduct security operation in Jowhar Town (Radio Muataqbal/Jowhar Online)
- Interior minister fires Lower Shabelle administration (Radio Dalsan)
- Puntland Parliament approves new budget bill and district (Garowe Online)
SOMALI MEDIA
Al Shabaab leader detains senior foreign fighters of al Shabaab
29 Jul – Source: Radio Dalsan/Halgan Online – 150 words
Sources confirm that the overall commander of al Shabaab fighters Ahmed Godane (known as Abu Zubeyr) has detained all other foreign fighters following great internal rift within the group. The sources reveal that the apprehended commanders include some Kenyans, Sudanese and Yemeni who have been fighting alongside the group.
The sources did not confirm if the American wanted man inside the group, Omar Hammadi [Mansur Al Amriki] was among those who were detained or if he was still in his hideout.
The Somali fighters including Sheikh Mukhtar Robow and Fu’ad Shongole are also in hiding after the overall commander ordered them to be arrested or killed. Tension has emerged, splitting the militia group since when some of its commanders went up against the commander Ahmed Godane and then brought the group to split in two over leadership wrangles.
Somali president calls on citizens, security forces to protect Turkish nationals
29 Jul – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/ al Shahid/Bar-kulan – 118 words
While visiting Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu, after the terror attack on Saturday that killing a Turkish security and wounding four others, Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has urged ordinary Somalis and security forces to protect and defend the lives and properties of Turks who came to help Somalia.
The President also held meeting with the Turkish ambassador in Somalia, Mr Cemalettin Kani Torun. For his part, the Turkish ambassador in Somalia, told reporters that the Turkish government will continue its assistance to the Somali people, pointing out that the attack would not destabilize the Turkish position to help Somalia. Fighters from terror group, al Shabaab stormed the building with suicide bomb that maimed both civilians and Turks.
Al Shabaab spokesman: Our fighters killed Turkish diplomat in Mogadishu
29 Jul – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 146 words
The spokesman of al Shabaab Ali Mohamud Rage (Ali Dhere) has said his fighters killed Turkish Diplomats in Mogadishu after blast happened on Saturday afternoon in Somalia’s capital. The spokesman told al Shabaab media that “Mujahedin forces” conducted suicide bomb attack on compound in Hodan district where Turkey government had base.
“Mujahideen forces in Mogadishu have carried out an operation targeting a group of Turkish diplomats in Hodan district,” al Shabaab spokesman said. “All the Mujahideen who carried out the operation have returned safely back to their bases inside Mogadishu, preparing for the next operation.” said Ali Mohamud Rage.
Police conduct search operation in Wadajir neighborhood after grenade explosions
29 Jul – Source: Radio Dalsan/Risaala/ Mustaqbal/Jowhar Online – 120 words
Somali government’s police forces launched search operation in Wadajir neighborhood of Mogadishu on Monday, Dalsan radio reports. The search operation started early in the morning following two hand grenade explosions that hit a police base in the district. No casualties were reported.
The police begun door-to-door search in the district to find the perpetrators behind the attack, an eyewitness told radio Dalsan. The security officials did not comment on the operation which until now continues as the police detained number of people. The security situation the Wadajir neighborhood had not been stable since last week when a bomb detonated inside a home killed at least three people.
Somali government troops conduct security operation in Jowhar Town
29 Jul – Source: Radio Mustaqbal/Jowhar Online – 101 words
Reports from Jowhar town of Middle Shabelle region in Southern of Somalia say that government troops have conducted security operation in that town. Government troops were making house to house search in the villages of Jowhar town.
The correspondent of Mustaqbal radio in Jowhar Bashir Ali reported that government forces have taken drastic measures regarding the security of Jowhar town. Several people were reportedly arrested during the operationon Monday morning in jowhar. No comment yet from the officials of government troops in Jowhar about the operation.
Interior minister fires Lower Shabelle administration
29 Jul – Source: Radio Dalsan – 110 words
In a decree, the interior and national security minister of Somalia federal government has fired the regional administration of the Lower Shabelle region. The decree mentioned that the current regional administration is dissolved following huge dispute between its top officials.
The decree did not mention when the new administration will be formed and how. This came as continuing dispute and internal rift has engulfed the regional administration of the region based in Marka town.
Last week at least three different officials including senior security officer were shot and killed in the region as local militia and government forces clashed.
Puntland Parliament approves new budget bill and district
28 Jul – Source: Garowe Online – 138 words
Law makers in Somalia’s Puntland parliament have approved new budget bill, district and a minister appointed by Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole for information after days of discussions on Sunday, Garowe Online reports.
Puntland Parliament speaker Abdirashid Mohamed Hirsi who spoke to the media inside Parliament hall shortly after passing the budget bill told that the newly proposed budget bill is set to convert the entire budget of the government to U.S dollar by adjusting tax and revenue collection systems, expenditures and the government employee salary to U.S dollar equivalents.
He added that the MPs endorsed a new district in Sool region and the recently appointed Minister of Information Pro. Ahmed Sheikh Jama “The MPs also approved Dharkeyn-Genyo district of Sool region and Minister Ahmed Sheikh Jama who was appointed by President Farole” said speaker Hirsi.
Somaliland’s Security Forces placed on high alert
28 Jul – Source: Somaliland Informer – 242 words
Somaliland’s Security Forces have been placed on a higher level of alert amid intelligence of an al Qaeda affiliated terrorist group of al Shabaab attack. The alert came following Somaliland’s Intelligence Service received reports indicating al Shabaab attack is about to be conducted inside the country.
Rapid Response Unit have been deployed to key areas where foreign nationals working for international organizations are based including the government run Hargeisa University. Anti terrorism units moved into the compound of the university after having received hints that the university is being attacked by terrorist groups.
Students as well as the entire management of the university were ordered to leave the compound immediately and launched thorough investigation. Somaliland government has deployed large numbers of security forces in junctions stopping disrupting the movement of traffic and vetted vehicles.
Puntland government warns public to respond to polio campaign
28 Jul – Source: Radio Ergo – 154 words
Puntland’s health minister, Dr Ali Abdullahi Warsame, has called on the general public to take their children to the nearest health facility for polio vaccination. He said polio cases had been reported in some parts of Puntland and the vaccination campaign had not reached all parts of the state.
At a press conference, the minister said: “I advise you to make your children available for the vaccination – the wild poliovirus is highly infectious and cause irreversible paralysis.”
On Thursday, a new polio awareness campaign began in Puntland with public address systems being used to disseminate information. The health minister said the vaccination campaign had been well received in the urban areas, but not in the rural and coastal areas.
Somaliland’s Guurti lauds World Bank Initiatives
28 Jul – Source: Somaliland Press – 116 words
The Upper House of the National Assemblies Parliament, the Guurti, yesterday honoured the efforts done by the World Bank, DFID and Danida in addressing social-economic and developmental needs in the country, and specifically the SBF.
The state acknowledged the job creation opportunities established through the competitive grant systems of the first round of Somaliland Business Foundation. Members of the grant advisory panel and the Lyndell Mills management team of the fund were present during luncheon to their honour.
While expressing the appreciation of Somalilanders in the establishment of sustainable initiatives of viable projects, the Guurti Deputy Speaker Hon. Said Jama Ali awarded certificates on those effects to the institutions of the World Bank, DFID and DANIDA.
Warring clans make peace in Jowhar
27 Jul – Source: Radio Egro/Radio Mustaqbal – 309 words
Two clans that have been engaged in a conflict centred on land for the past two years have reached a peace agreement brokered by elders in Middle Shabelle. The clashes between the two clans over land outside Jowhar town led to the deaths of 15 people.
Peace envoy Ahmed Hassan Ali Subiye, who was part of the council of elders reconciling the two sides, explained the peace pact. “The problems were centred on three issues: reprisals, destruction of property, and a land dispute.
Delegations from the two sides resolved the first two points easily, whereby the two clans agreed to forgive each other. This left the most contentious issue at the root of the conflict, the land dispute. A committee of elders was sent to establish the ownership of the land in question. The committee returned with the findings, and decided to give the land to one of the clans. This was accepted by both clans. In that way the dispute was resolved,” he told Radio Ergo’s Jowhar reporter.
Mohamed Said Ahmed, a member of one the clans in the dispute, praised the tireless efforts of the peacemakers to end the bloody clashes. He said: “I’m 77 years old, and we – my clansmen and I – sincerely hold onto the resolutions made by the reconciliation council. We prayed for lasting peace.”
REGIONAL MEDIA
UN report links Kenyan Parliament official to terrorist funding and recruitment
29 Jul – Source: Standard Media – 347 words
A UN report has sensationally linked an official of the Kenyan Parliament to the al Shabaab terrorist group, which has claimed responsibility for scores of deaths from grenade attacks in several parts of the country.
The employee of Kenya’s Parliament in Nairobi supports terrorism and recruitment of jihadist fighters into Somalia, says the UN report monitoring al Shabaab’s activities in Somalia and Eritrea.
The official is described as “employed by the Kenyan parliament” but also sits on the committee of a city mosque that allegedly finances terrorism and recruitment of fighters in Kenya through a separate entity called Al Hijra.
The report says he provides advice to alleged terror organisations to circumvent the Kenya Prevention of Terrorism Act 2012, and to conceal connections between the terror groups.
Qatar denounces attack on Turkish diplomatic mission in Mogadishu
29 Jul – Source: Kuwait News Agency/ QNA – 169 words
The Qatari Foreign Ministry on Sunday condemned in strong terms the suicide car bombing which targeted staffers of the Turkish embassy on the southern outskirts of Mogadishu, capital of Somalia, yesterday.
The government and people of the State of Qatar renew support to and solidarity with the peoples of Turkey and Somali in the face of such despicable acts of terrorism, QNA news agency quoted an official of the ministry as saying.
These criminal attacks on innocent lives aim to destabilize Somalia, the official said, expressing condolences to the families of the victims and the governments of Turkey and Somalia.
Earlier today the Somali al Shabab militia claimed responsibility for the attack which left four deaths, including a Turkish security officer and the two assailants, besides wounding several passersby.
Kenya: Families of al Shabaab abductees seek help from govt
28 Jul – Source: Daily Nation – 455 words
Three families whose loved ones are being held in Somalia by al Shabaab militants have petitioned the government to help them in initiating talks that will help secure their release.
Sergeant Jonathan Kangogo, Corporal Evans Mutoro, Edward Yesse Mule, a district officer attached to Burderi, Wajir South and Fredrick Irungu Wainaina were captured in separate incidents along the North Eastern border.
Sergeant Kangogo and corporal Mutoro who were working with the KDF were abducted in July 2011 while supplying foodstuffs donated during the Kenyans for Kenya campaign to the famine stricken families in North Eastern.
UK pumps $45m into Kenya anti- piracy war
27 Jul – Source: East African – 396 words
Britain exported about $45 million worth of small arms to Kenya last year for use in the battle against Somali pirates, new data shows. Despite the fact that piracy off the Somali coast is decreasing, export licences show that $8.5 million worth of specifically military items, together with $36.8 million worth of dual-use items (civilian and military) were granted last year for export to Kenya.
The reason, according to the Guardiannewspaper, is that Kenya and Sri Lanka have become the centre of the maritime security industry, which has mushroomed in the wake of Somali piracy.
More than 300 security companies currently operate in the Indian Ocean region and about 75 per cent of this market uses ex-British military personnel, mainly Royal Marines.
Former DC killed as explosion rips through vehicle
27 Jul – Source: Daily Nation – 286 words
A huge blast rocked Sana’a Crossroad in North Mogadishu Saturday morning, killing a former district commissioner. Reports indicated that the explosives had been loaded into a car that caught fire and was reduced to a skeleton after the attack.
Smoke billowing from the scene of the blast could be seen in many parts of the city. Residents confirmed that Ali Alah, the former district commissioner of Mahaday about 110 kilometres north of Mogadishu, died in the blast.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Wounded officers in Somalia bombing arrive in Turkey
29 Jul – Source: Turkish Weekly / Hürriyet Daily News – 589 words
Three Turkish security officers who were wounded in a bombing attack on Turkish mission in Somalia arrived today in Ankara by a medically equipped airplane. The plane also carried the body of an officer who was killed in the attack.
A car loaded with explosives rammed into the gates of an office housing Turkish embassy staff in the Somali capital on July 27, killing a Turkish special forces agent. Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Levent Gümrükçü told Anadolu Agency that two of the three bombers were killed in the attack, while another three Turkish security personnel were injured.
The Foreign Ministry said in a later statement that one of the injured agents was in critical condition. The Foreign Ministry statement condemned the attack in the “strongest terms possible” as al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militants claimed responsibility for the bombing.
Mo Farah calls for Barclays to change mind on payment firms
29 Jul – Source: Cityam – 127 words
BARCLAYS yesterday rejected calls from Olympic champion Mo Farah to keep working with up to 250 payments firms, including four who send payments to Somalia.
A crackdown on banks who do not take proper precautions against money launderers means lenders are reviewing who they work with. “Cutting this lifeline would be a disaster for millions,” said Farah, who sends funds to Somalia. But Barclays said it has little choice in the matter.
“We must comply with the rules in all the jurisdictions in which we operate,” it said in a statement. “Some money service businesses don’t have the proper checks in place to spot criminal activity and could unwittingly be facilitating money laundering and terrorist financing.”
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Despite its successes, especially in peacekeeping missions, the AU still faces challenges. A case in point has been the initial lack of willingness of AU member states to provide troops to AMISOM.”
The African Union and Security
26 Jul – Source: Council on Foreign Relations – 1161 Words
This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), but it is more fitting to reflect upon the progress of its successor, the African Union (AU). The AU, created by the Constitutive Act of 2000, is equipped with more meaningful institutions, carries a stronger mandate, and has a more appropriate framework to intervene in armed conflicts than its predecessor. Indeed, the formation of the AU has resulted in major shifts in African policy, away from norms of nonintervention to an activist view of collective responsibility.
The AU’s normative development and institutional framework emerged out of the OAU’s policy failures, including its inability to deal with armed conflict in Africa after the end of the Cold War. Moreover, the development of African peace operations was informed by the weaknesses of UN responses in Africa, which, in cases such as Rwanda in 1994, hopelessly failed to maintain peace and prevent genocide.
These institutional and system-wide failures spurred African-led initiatives to deliver security. They have led to deeper institutional cooperation among the AU, Regional Economic Communities, and the UN.
“One course of action is however very wrong for any opposition group or party to make. It is to blame Ahmed Silanyo’s actions on his own clan. The present government is elected by all the people from all the regions of Somaliland. There are also people from all regions and clans in the government. It is usually the habit of our people to accuse a whole clan when addressing the present government problems. Nothing is more misleading and counterproductive than that.”
Managing the simmering conflict in Somaliland
28 Jul – Source: Wardheer News – 1675 Words
The government of Somaliland showed unusual nervousness after the Consultative and Rectification Council was recently created. Part of the nervousness is because up until now it had no serious opposition from the parliament or from the political parties. It looks that the long honeymoon the government had since winning elections three years ago is coming to an end. The creation of the council therefore touched the wrong nerve of the government.
The President spoke about it and so are Ministers as well leadership of both Chambers of Parliament. The government has not even stopped there but orchestrated a wider campaign in the media it controls and through the traditional leaders to misinform about the intentions of the Council. Concentrating on the Somali word for council, ‘Gole’ the government and its supporters argue the council is illegal and there can be no council other than the council of Ministers, parliament that is allowed by law.
The council does not agree that and say they are for advice and rectification, without claiming any authority to further their professed lofty aims. What is wrong with that? Nothing- if you read and understand our constitution that guarantees freedoms of assembly and thought. In fact, some of the 16 points the group is raising is daily talked in ‘mefrishes’ all over Hargeisa.
“The pace of doing work is currently sluggish and the Somali people as well as those from the international community are sick of it. FG has to act swiftly to re-invent itself and face the challenges and leave putting its neck in the sand like an exhausted ostrich! There is no other way except to allow failure. Failing, again is not an option this time.”
Is It Time For the Federal Government (FG) To Reinvent Itself?
28 Jul – Source: Wardheer News – 519 Words
There are few positive activities that the current Somali government carried out, and most of these are related to the international community wanting to bring back Somalia to a normal condition and helping it to move away from the failed-state status. Turkey, EU, USA and the African Union worked very hard to normalize the situation in Somalia. It is not the diplomatic work of Somalia succeeding in foreign relations but it is the work of countries like Turkey and Britain mentoring Somalia and supporting it to stand on its own feet.
Domestically, bridges of understanding were not built between the peripheries and the centre. Actually the opposite has happened. Puntland is on confrontational trajectory. Kismayo affair was not handled properly and subsequently wars occurred in which lives and livelihood were lost.
Other emerging federal member states are not supported to hatch out of the shell during a time when Somalia is expected to complete its federalization as early as possible and move through all the activity milestones that will enable it to get ready for a proper election in 2016. The FG is lagging behind after 10 months of near-dormant condition.
“However, between the accusations and counter-accusations lie some uncomfortable truths. What no one can deny is that public financial management in Somalia remains chaotic and unregulated.”
UN report on Somalia may not be accurate, but it is most disturbing
28 Jul – Source: Daily Nation – 639 Words
Every year the UN Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea publishes a report highlighting arms embargo violations in the Horn of Africa, and the danger these pose to internal and external security.
Given that Somalia has not had a fully-functioning government for more than 20 years, and the fact that some parts of the country are still controlled by al Shabaab, the task of monitoring these violations is fraught with difficulties. However, the report usually reveals a complex web of connections between individuals and organisations that may be undermining the country’s efforts to gain political stability.
Like every year, this year’s report, which was released this month, makes allegations of gun smuggling, illegal trade, theft of public funds and human rights violations. These claims have now been vehemently dismissed by those who see mischief in the report’s findings.
Top tweets
@StateDept The U.S. condemns the terrorist attack on the Turkish diplomatic residences in Mogadishu, #Somalia.http://go.usa.gov/jN8d.
@Daudoo The vital road that connects KM4 junction to#Mogadishu airport is closed for the second day for fear of an attack by AlShabaab. #Somalia.
@ferigom69 Innovative Response – Alternative ways of working in Somalia | ReliefWeb: http://reliefweb.int/report/
@Hamza_Africa Mo Farah challenges Usain Bolt to a race over distance chosen by fans http://gu.com/p/3hj8m/tw #MoFarah#UsainBolt #Somalia #Somaliland.
@t_mcconnell Midwives check the patient register at health a clinic in Hudur, #Somalia http://instagram.com/p/
Image of the day
Turkish embassy staff carry their wounded colleague on a stretcher after a suicide car bomb attack at the gates of an office housing Turkish embassy staff in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu July 27, 2013. Photo: Reuters.