August 12, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.
MP’s fury as £500k of aid for Somalia is confiscated by al Qaeda terror group
12 Aug – Source: Express News – 529 Words
Whitehall data revealed that humanitarian equipment funded by British taxpayers had been “confiscated” by Islamic terrorists in Somalia in a series of incidents over the past three years. The supplies were in warehouses seized by al Shabaab, a group linked to the al Qaeda terrorist network, and were later believed to have been set on fire, the Department for International Development said.
The revelations, contained in the small print of the department’s accounts, intensified anger over the Government’s decision to increase aid spending to £11billion by 2015 in line with internationally agreed targets. Senior Conservative MP Sir Gerald Howarth said: “There is huge public concern at the relentless increase in overseas aid.
“Incidents like this, where British taxpayers’ money is diverted into people fighting against us, are not acceptable. DfID owes it to the public to exercise the utmost caution with its money.”
Key Headlines
- Former PM criticizes federal institutions of Somalia (Radio Dalsan/Universal TV/Hiiraan Online)
- MP’s fury as £500k of aid for Somalia is confiscated by al Qaeda terror group (Express News)
- Government appoints new governor for Galgadud region (Radio Dalsan/Raxanreeb)
- Abandoned explosives pose threat to Kenyans in northern border (Daily Nation/Xinhua)
- Somaliland to participate Africa Down Under Conference on Minerals and Oil in Australia (Somaliland Informer)
- Somali Community Leaders Respond to Terror Recruitment Video (CBS)
- Former policeman Haji Mohamed reaps big from exporting bottled water to Somalia (Standard Media)
SOMALI MEDIA
Former PM criticizes federal institutions of Somalia
12 Aug – Source: Radio Dalsan/Universal TV/Hiiraan Online – 169 words
Former Somali Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi has deeply criticized the federal institutions in Somalia and the national officials including the President, Prime Minister and the Speaker. Ali Mohamed Gedi who is known for hardtalk, was speaking at Nairobi hotel where the supporters of Ras kamboni leaders of Kismayo gathered on Sunday.
He said the government lacked credibility of the people claiming that al Shabaab still controls large parts of the capital during the night. “The capital city is controlled by al Shabaab during the night and the government insists to run only Makka al Mukarama road in the day.” he said.
The former TFG prime minister has showed his support to the new president of Jubaland Ahmed Madobe and the role of the Kenyan Army in Kismayo. “We applaud the Kenyan army for their support to the Somali people,” he said adding that it was time for president Hassan Sheikh to go.
Government appoints new governor for Galgadud region
12 Aug – Source: Radio Dalsan/Raxanreeb – 108 words
Somalia government has on Sunday appointed new governor for Galgadud region, Central Somalia. In a decree from the office of the federal president of Somalia, Mr Hussein Ali Wehliye better known as Cirfo was appointed as the new governor for Galgadud region. The nomination was suggested by the Interior and National Security Minister and the president has signed.
The Galgadud region in the central Somalia is divided into sections controlled by Ahlu Sunna group, which is a moderate pro-government militia and al Shabaab militants who were fighting against the government. The region is also regarded as part of the tiny administration of Himan and Heeb based in Adado town.
Humanitarian aid appeal for floods-hit communities in Lower Shabelle region
11 Aug – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 145 Words
Some of intellectuals in Lower Shabelle region in Southern of Somalia said that floods caused by Shebelle River have affected population in the region. The intellectuals called for urgent humanitarian aid for the floods-affected communities in Lower Shabelle region.
Mohamed Abshir Nor is one of traditional elders in Lower Shabelle region, he told Radio Mustaqbal that there are many people who are in dire conditions in the region, due to the floods. The elder called on federal government to assist and bring humanitarian aid to those people in the region, saying they have nowhere to seek assistance.
Somaliland to participate Africa Down Under Conference on Minerals and Oil in Australia
11 Aug – Source: Somaliland Informer – 164 words
Minister of Mining & Energy of Somaliland Hussein Abdi Dualeh will lead a delegation representing his country at the Africa Down Under Conference on Minerals and Oil on 28 August – 30 August 2013 in Perth Australia.
The positive, changing face of the African continent is continuing to attract the lion’s share of global exploration dollars as prospectors zoom in on its untold mineral riches. Countries which were previously considered no-go areas have attracted a new wave of international investors, explorers and miners wanting to have another look. Striking examples of these are Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique.
Over the nine years that Australia’s Paydirt has been hosting the Africa Down Under Conference, there has been a surge in the growth rates of nearly all African countries, largely driven by the unparalleled demand for commodities from China. This ancient land mass of Africa is without question the world’s greatest treasure trove – and has yet to be comprehensively explored using modern techniques.
Former Kenya Defense Minister Denies Involvement of Kenyan Troops in Kismayo Clan Clashes
11 Aug – Source: Radio Shabelle – 116 Words
Former Kenya defense minister Yusuf Haji denied the involvement of Kenyan troops in the recent clan clashes in Kismayo city. The minister told Shabelle radio station that the troops were sent to be part of the AMISOM peacekeeping forces and to protect the Somali population from possible attacks from al Shabaab.
“We sent the troops to aid the federal government in crushing al Shabaab and not to side with fighting clans; the Kenyan government is ready to help the federal government in every possible way,” said Haji.
This comes after human right groups and Somali leaders accused the Kenyan troops of aiding the Ras Kamboni Brigade led by Ahmed Madobe to battle out with clan militia.
UK based Charity Al Ihsaan foundation distributes food donations to 75 disabled families
11 Aug – Source: Somaliland Press – 128 words
Al Ihsaan foundation, a UK based NGO distributed an assortment of food stuff to more than 75 families of disabled persons at the national disabled center in Hargeisa.
Ahmed Abdi Ahmed who is the country representative speaking during the handing over of the food donation donate today included of rices, dates, cooking oil and consisting of other assortment of foodstuff to the the disabled persons and their families.
Al Ihsaan representative said, the charity will continue to help needy people in our society by providing the poor with donation in form of cash or food donations will go a long way in supporting the homebound families for some of the most elderly and disabled who rarely leave their homes, it’s the only support they receive.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Don’t loot, Somali soldiers told
11 Aug – Source: Observer – 297 Words
The Somali Ambassador to Uganda, Ahmed Sayid Sheikh Dahir, has advised newly trained Somali soldiers to be patriotic and persevere in the job even when their expectations are not met. Somalia has been torn apart by civil war since 1991 and has got logistical and military support and training from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the European Union.
At the final parade and graduation of 121 Somali trainees at Bihanga Training School in Ibanda district, Ambassador Sheikh Dahir advised the trainees, who completed a four months training in company commander, military police and Civilian-Military (CIMIC) cooperation carried out by the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM), to first offer something before they expect anything from their government.
The recruits also trained in international humanitarian law and protection of citizens, gender awareness and human rights. “After the war in 1986, Ugandan soldiers (NRA) went for five years without (any regular) payment from their government. But they continued working because they wanted to build the peace and stability of their country. It is an open secret that when trained Somalis don’t get what they expect from the government, they resort to looting. Persevere, if you miss something, concentrate on building your country first just like the developed countries did in the earlier years,” he said.
Abandoned explosives pose threat to Kenyans in northern border
11 Aug – Source: Daily Nation/Xinhua – 173 words
Numerous unexploded explosives left behind by fighters and bandits during the colonial era and a more recent secessionist conflict are posing threat to locals living in the northern Kenyan region bordering Somalia. A latest deadly incident occurred two weeks ago, when three herd boys were killed after they unknowingly started playing with an old grenade they found in the fields.
Their 16-year-old playmate was seriously injured in the ordeal. On Saturday, police in the northern Kenyan county of Garissa bordering Somalia said they had detonated a hand grenade that was discovered by a herdsman.
Garissa Police County Commander Charles Kinyua said the device was found by 26-year-old Aden Abdullahi who was walking his herds to a nearby watering point. Kinyua said the numerous unexploded grenades being found in the area had been left behind by fighters and bandits during the colonial and Shifta war era.
“The locals should be cautious of handling any mysterious objects they come across, and should instead report any such finds to the police,” Kinyua told Xinhua in Garissa.
Former policeman Haji Mohamed reaps big from exporting bottled water to Somalia
10 Aug – Source: Standard Media – 563 Words
He had set his focus on joining the global ranks with his brand of now popular bottled mineral water. Haji Ahmed Mohamed, a father of six, is now the proprietor of Guru Mineral Water Company based in Mombasa that produces Jasmine Premium Drinking Water.
The former top police officer married to Aziza, had to quit disciplined forces job to pursue the business of his choice. The company started in 2009 has surpassed owners expectations and is today one of first pioneer suppliers of bottled mineral water in Somalia.
“My enlistment in the disciplined forces prepared me well for life’s challenges ahead. I credit my tenure in the police service, where I served with dedication for more than two decades for the recent turn of events in my business venture,’’ he said.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
MP’s fury as £500k of aid for Somalia is confiscated by al Qaeda terror group
12 Aug – Source: Express News – 529 Words
Whitehall data revealed that humanitarian equipment funded by British taxpayers had been “confiscated” by Islamic terrorists in Somalia in a series of incidents over the past three years.
The supplies were in warehouses seized by al Shabaab, a group linked to the al Qaeda terrorist network, and were later believed to have been set on fire, the Department for International Development said.
The revelations, contained in the small print of the department’s accounts, intensified anger over the Government’s decision to increase aid spending to £11billion by 2015 in line with internationally agreed targets. Senior Conservative MP Sir Gerald Howarth said: “There is huge public concern at the relentless increase in overseas aid.
“Incidents like this, where British taxpayers’ money is diverted into people fighting against us, are not acceptable. DfID owes it to the public to exercise the utmost caution with its money.”
American Jihadi: Somalia is Like Disneyland
10 Aug – Source: Arutz Sheva – 257 Words
Radical Islamic organization al Shabaab, al Qaeda’s branch in Somalia, is producing a series of documentary videos about jihadist warriors who came from the U.S. to fight against “infidel forces.” One of the videos brings the story of two young Americans who came from Minnesota, joined jihadists in Somalia and were killed in the fighting there. One of them, who was named “Mohammed al Amrikani,” converted to Islam, studied at Medina, in Saudi Arabia, and went from there to Somalia.
Mohammed al-Amrikani, who was also called Abdulrahman, said that living in Somalia is the best option for “Muslim believers.” Abdulrahman said that Somalia is “like Disneyland,” and that the best food, the best dreams and the best friends can be found there. He recommended to all Muslims to join the mujahedeen, “disconnect from their urges and participate in defeating the unbelievers.”
Another American featured in the video in Mohammed Hassan, or Seif al-Din, who left Minnesota when he was a student. He joined al Shabaab, underwent military training and fought in the Mogadishu sector. He was killed there, alongside Abdulrahman.
Somali Community Leaders Respond to Terror Recruitment Video
09 Aug – Source: CBS – 123 Words
The Somali community in Minnesota is doing everything it can to stop terror groups from recruiting men from the Twin Cities. The FBI says more than two dozen young Somali-Americans from the Twin Cities have been lured to terror training camps overseas.
And a video just released documents the lives of some of those men. The FBI believes al Shabaab made the 40-minute video. Community leaders expressed concern and spoke out against it Friday.
“It tells one thing loud and clear: that al Shabaab is alive and dangerous,” said Omar Jamal, a community organizer. “It’s not [that] anybody cannot wish them away. They’re there, dangerous and a real threat.” The latest video released ends with the promise of a second episode on the “Minnesota Martyrs.”
Banks desert Somalia
08 Aug – Source: CNN – 3:00 mins
Jim Boulden reports on why banks are suspending the accounts of dozens of money transfer services.
Families beg Somali pirates to release hostages
08 Aug – Source: AFP/Global Post – 318 Words
Families of some of the more than 50 sailors and fishermen held hostage by Somali pirates begged for their release Thursday, with some imprisoned now for more than two years.
“We are in desperate condition living with little hope to see our beloved soon,” said the message from families of the crew of the MV Albedo, a Malaysian-flagged container ship with 15 sailors still held, from countries including Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.
The Albedo, captured in November 2010, sank last month in rough seas, raising fears about the crew’s fate as the ship’s owner is unlikely to pay the high ransom costs demanded by the pirates without the boat.
“Please accept our sincere request as we have left with no other option than to beg for the life our family’s sole breadwinners,” the families said in the letter released to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid, after the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“The withdrawal of remittances from Somalia could undermine stability, but its regulators, and not just banks that are responsible”.
Unbanking the Somali poor – is Barclays really to blame?
12 Aug – Source: The Guardian – 587
Barclays has been placed in the dock of public opinion over its decision to withdraw banking services from UK money transfer systems that fail to meet the regulatory criteria, with potentially devastating consequences for vulnerable communities in Somalia.
But central to the issue is the policy of the regulators and the overall response of the financial sector. We need Barclays and other banks, together with the regulators, to join aid agencies and allies to find a durable solution, not just a quick fix.
Remittances provide an essential lifeline for Somalia. Many families depend on money sent from relatives and friends living overseas to survive (UK transfers are currently estimated at between £100m to £500m per year).
The majority of money sent is used by families to cover basic household expenses including food, clothing, education, and medical care. Now this source of income could dry up. In a country already challenged with insecurity and years of limited government capacity, restrictions on the ability of families to receive money could be disastrous.
“Unfortunately, the government in Mogadishu, backed by the United States, is institutionally weak and has very limited capability to contain the threat of al Shabaab. Its own security apparatus is being penetrated — literally every day — and the government is grappling for its own survival. That leads to the conclusion that al Shabaab is a more dangerous enemy to Somalia’s nascent stability than ever before.”
Islamist al Shabaab threatens Somalia
11 Aug – Source: Al Monitor – 767 Words
The al Qaeda-linked Islamist al Shabaab group has been waging a war in Somalia for nearly a decade. Its depredations have spilled over into neighboring countries, propelling Kenya and Uganda to send ground troops to contain the threat and uproot al-Shabab from inside. The battalion is now known as the African Union Mission of Somalia, or AMISOM. After years of relentless pursuit, it has started crushing the Islamist group from region to region, pushing al-Shabab militants into the bush.
But al Shabaab’s latest outrages — a truck bomb at the Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu, the assault of a UN compound, the storming of government buildings and the escalating assassinations of government officials, district commissioners and other politicians — illustrate that, after years in retreat, al-Shabab is re-emerging and conducting a more lethal and asymmetrical guerrilla form of warfare.
This is where al Shabaab’s gravest threat lies. Over the last two years, the group has suffered severe setbacks and lost some of its major strongholds, including the embattled port of Kismayo and most of its southern swaths. Most of its top leaders were killed, and many of its foot soldiers defected to the government side.
“The defining feature in the upcoming election will be the concept of change and how it is perceived. Is change something to be anxious about at a time of political uncertainty or is it an opportunity to grasp with both hands, to renew the political system in the region and beyond and transform the economic landscape.”
Somalia: Puntland election – The battle lines
11 Aug – Source: Raxanreeb – 1217 Words
Election fever is gripping Puntland. Contenders, pundits and spin doctors from various quarters are jockeying for position, clamouring for a spot in the lime light. The current leaders in particular are hard at work. They seem to have recovered from the serious setback of abandoning their original master plan of pulling off a trick in the name of “democratisation”.
But the contenders are not that far behind. Candidates are coming thick and fast setting their stalls and firing early salvos. The battle lines have already been drawn however, so early in this campaign. As the various camps go on the campaign trail the battlegrounds will be carefully chosen from a menu of policy areas and the right weapons selected for maximum effect.
For the current leaders, the relationship between Puntland and the federal government is particularly relevant for their campaign effort. The administration and its election strategists think they are in winning ways if they play their cards correctly vis-à-vis the confrontation with Mogadishu. Cutting links albeit temporarily with them is not doing their campaign any harm at all on the contrary it could help them boost their prospects come January next year.
“Overzealous Western banks threaten to choke off Somalia’s struggling recovery by targeting the Hawala transfer system.”
Overzealous Western banks pose new threat to war-ravaged Somalia
07 Aug – Source: Al Jazeera English – 1052 Words
Every month I visit a small grocery store in a non-descript building in Columbus, Ohio, where I live, to use a service that keeps Somalia alive: “Hawala”, the traditional money transfer system used throughout the Middle-East, Africa and South Asia. Similar to Western Union, Hawalas present a way to easily transfer money from one country to another, using a wide network of agents and central clearinghouses that make such transfers quick, cheap and reliable.
Like many other members of the Somali diaspora, I use Hawalas to transfer badly-needed funds to friends and family at home. But the system is threatened by a new wariness among international banks used to clear the cash, which could sever an essential financial lifeline to Somalia just as it emerges from decades of civil war.
In Britain, Barclays bank has given hundreds of Hawalas until August 12 to shut down – a step which could halt the flow of as much as $12m a month sent to Somalia from Britain. The decision by Barclays, the seventh largest bank in the world and one of the most influential globally, signals to other Western financial institutions, already suspicious of the Hawala system, not to do business with these organizations altogether.
Top tweets
@FdLdev Working in fragile states involves #risk, but is the #aidcommunity doing enough to mitigate it? http://ind.pn/14CxZS2 #Somalia #globaldev.
@Progressio Join us & #women from #Somalia, #Zimbabwe & #Yemen to celebrate the unique contributions of women in #fragile states http://bit.ly/11OAiR1.
@xisbigashacabka #Somalia and Africa must invest heavily on rural development, such as farming, livestock, fishing for a healthier future.#somalifarmersco-op.
@fp2p Are Islamic/Arab banks getting into the money transfer biz now @Barclays is giving up on #Somalia? If not, why not?
@Tommy_Africa Recently trained members of #SomaliNational Army during a house-clearing exercise at #AMISOMfacility in #Mogadishu pic.twitter.com/NCLvTbPWIU.
Image of the day
A woman stands in front of a crowd of people watching a group of dancers perform in Mogadishu, Somalia, on August 8. Somalia today enjoyed a peaceful Eid-Ul-Fitr, one of the most important dates on the Muslim calendar. Photo: AMISOM Facebook.