November 13, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Religious scholars organize fundraising meeting for cyclone victims
13 Nov- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Halgan Online/Somali Channel- 133 words
Religious leaders have on Tuesday organized a fundraising gathering in the port city of Bosaso for the victims affected by tropical cyclone in the northeastern parts of the country.
Sheikh Ahmed Dahir, the chairperson of the organizing committee reminded the congregation that it is an obligation for Muslims to help each other during the times of calamity. He urged the congregation to donate everything they can as he called on Somali communities both in and out of the country to take part the relief efforts.
Some companies as well as well as well-wishers in Bosaso have so far pledged to donate to the relief efforts.
Key Headlines
- Security Council Extends Mandate of African Union Mission in SomaliaRequests Increase in Troop Strength (UNSOM)
- Religious scholars organize fundraising meeting for cyclone victims (Radio Bar-kulan/Halgan News)
- ICRC engages in relief efforts in Puntland (BBC Somali Service)
- UN Council boosts Somalia force by 4400 (AFP)
- Puntland security chief shows interest in upcoming presidential polls (Radio Risaala)
- Regional maritime training kicks off in Djibouti (Xinhua)
- Somali PM admits constitutional rift with the president (Radio Bar-Kulan)
- Suspected terrorists who attacked MP shot dead in Eastleigh (Daily Nation)
- KFAED provides USD 10.6m grant for Somalia small-micro projects (Kuwait News Agency)
- Somalia bans slaughter of animals except at abattoir( BBC)
- Fiber Optics links Somalia to neighbors World (ITNews Africa/AFK Insider)
PRESS STATEMENT
AU Special Representative welcomes UN Security Council Resolution calling for greater support to the Somali National Security Forces and an increase in the authorized troop level for AMISOM
13 Nov- Source: AMISOM- 365 words
The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif has welcomed the decision by the United Nations Security Council to increase the AMISOM authorized troop strength from 17,731 to 22,126 uniformed personnel and provide greater support to the Somali National Security Forces while extending the Mission’s mandate to 31 October 2014.
Ambassador Annadif notes that the decision by the UN Security Council comes at the right time as AMISOM and the Somali National Security Forces have made significant gains in driving out Al-Shabaab terrorists from strategic towns of the country hence requiring more troops to secure the liberated areas while advancing to those still under Al-Shabaab control.
This resolution comes in response to the request made by the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) in its communiqué dated 10th October 2013. In the communiqué, the AUPSC requested for additional troops to enable Somali National Army supported by AMISOM to continue with its operations in the stabilization operations.
He said; “The decision to increase AMISOM strength and greater support to the Somali National Security Forces would not have come at a better time than now. The increase in the territory under AMISOM and SNA control requires an immediate boost in the level of troops already on the ground. I therefore applaud the decision of the UN Security Council.”
He added that the resolution is also a strong indication of the importance that the world attaches to the AU’s efforts in Somalia and recognition that the AMISOM’s work is vital to global and regional security, including the fight against terrorism and piracy. He thanked all the contributing countries and urged them to work together to generate the additional troops.
The SRCC also praised the European Union (EU) for its continued support to AMISOM since the establishment of the mission and hopes that such efforts and collaboration will continue.
The Somali National Security Forces (SNA) with the support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have of late registered tremendous successes in liberating key areas of the country from Al-Shabaab terrorists thereby enabling the country to enjoy the longest period of relative peace since 1991.
Security Council Extends Mandate of African Union Mission in Somalia, Requests Increase in Troop Strength
13 Nov- Source: UNSOM- 3157 words
The Security Council today extended the mandate of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to 31 October 2014, requesting the African Union to increase the troop strength of that regional peacekeeping body from 17,731 to a maximum of 22,126 uniformed personnel as part of overall efforts to combat the increasingly asymmetrical tactics of Al-Shabaab rebels in the country.
Unanimously adopting resolution 2124 (2013) under the Charter’s Chapter VII, the 15-member body also expanded the logistical support package for AMISOM for a maximum of 22,126 uniformed personnel until 31 October 2014. It agreed with the Secretary-General that conditions in Somalia were not yet appropriate for the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation, taking note of benchmarks for such efforts outlined in his 14 October letter (document S/2013/606).
By other terms, the Council underlined that increases in force strength were to provide enhancement of AMISOM’s military capacity for 18 to 24 months, and further, were part of the Mission’s overall exit strategy, after which a decrease in force strength would be considered. It agreed with the Secretary-General on the critical need for sourcing contingent-owned equipment, including force enablers and multipliers, either from existing AMISOM troop contributors or other States, citing the particular need for up to 12 military helicopters. It encouraged Member States to respond in that regard.
Further, the Council requested the Secretary-General to work with the African Union to improve by 1 January 2014 the strategic management of AMISOM by strengthening command and control structures, the coordination of contingents, joint operations with the Somali National Army (SNA) and information management.
As for Somali institutions, the Council requested the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM to provide – as exceptional support — food, water, fuel, transport, tents and “in-theatre” medical evacuation to front-line units of the Somali National Army, the funding for which would be provided from an appropriate United Nations trust fund.
Regarding United Nations personnel, the Council took note of the Secretary-General’s intention to deploy a guard force to strengthen security at the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). It requested details on its deployment “as soon as possible” and emphasized, in that context, the importance of AMISOM’s protection of Mogadishu International Airport Compound within the troop ceiling. On the political front, it urged increased collaboration among the African Union, United Nations and Somali Government towards a comprehensive approach to peace, security and development.
Speaking after adoption, the representative of the Russian Federation said he had voted in favour of the resolution to support African Union efforts in fostering settlement in Somalia, based on the key role that its mission had played in that regard. However, some of his Government’s concerns had not been borne in mind. He was seriously concerned by the wording in paragraph 21, which outlined the Somali Government’s requirement to provide full access to humanitarian organizations, which ran counter to the principles of humanitarian assistance.
He went on to say that the Federal Government was not in a position to control a significant part of the country and that humanitarian organizations were leaving Somalia not because they had been hindered by the Government, but rather, because of the security situation. In establishing humanitarian principles, the Council was getting into an area not covered by its remit — standard setting, which was covered by the General Assembly. Therefore, he did not consider the wording in paragraph 21 as setting a precedent.
The representative of Somalia said that, over the last year, the important parts of his country’s six-pillar policy had been implemented. While the Council had “sustained” Somalia for a long time, there was now a light at the end of the tunnel. Its partnership in support of critical priorities was at a turning point. Indeed, the Council had noted the achievements of AMISOM to liberate Somalia from the scourge of Al-Shabaab, as well as the assistance and training that had enabled his Government to liberate the residual components of that group.
He went on to express hope that the Somali Army contingent fighting with AMISOM to defeat Al-Shabaab would be supported in a more consistent and timely manner by the United Nations, raising questions over when resources from the United Nations trust fund would arrive. AMISOM had been given 18 to 24 months to complete its mandate and he wondered if the trust fund would allow Somali armed forces to liberate the country in enough time for preparations for elections in 2015-2016 to proceed. All means should be applied to ensure those funds arrived as soon as possible. “Otherwise it will be a disaster for Somalia once again,” he cautioned.
The meeting began at 10:10 a.m. and ended at 10:25 a.m.
Resolution
The full text of resolution 2124 (2013) reads as follows:
“The Security Council,
“Recalling its previous resolutions on the situation in Somalia, in particular resolutions 2036 (2012), 2093 (2013) and 2111 (2013), and statements of its President on the situation in Somalia.
“Reaffirming its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia, and reiterating its commitment to a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the situation in Somalia.
“Taking note of the Joint African Union (AU)-United Nations Mission on the benchmarks for a United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in Somalia and their assessment of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali National Security Forces, and underlining the importance it attaches to greater peace, prosperity and stability in Somalia.
“Taking note of the AU Peace and Security Council’s 10 October Communiqué on the Joint AU-United Nations Review of AMISOM and the benchmarking exercise, and welcoming in particular its call to all AU Member States to contribute financially to AMISOM.
“Welcoming the constructive manner in which both the Secretariat and the AU conducted the joint review.
“Underlining its gratitude for the work of AMISOM, in particular the extraordinary sacrifices made by AMISOM forces and personnel in pursuit of peace in Somalia.
“Welcoming the support of the international community to peace and stability in Somalia, in particular the European Union for its substantial contribution in supporting AMISOM, and emphasizing the importance of new contributors sharing the financial burden of supporting AMISOM.
“Noting with appreciation recent high-level events on Somalia which have generated substantial pledges of support, and underlining the importance of delivering on any support pledged at these events.
“Condemning recent Al-Shabaab attacks in Somalia and beyond, which serve to undermine the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia, and expressing its solidarity with the people and Governments of Somalia and the region.
“Expressing serious concern at the Secretary-General’s assessment in his 14 October letter to the Security Council that recent security gains against Al‑Shabaab are at serious risk of being reversed, and notingthat the Somali National Army (SNA) and AMISOM have now assumed a more defensive posture,
“Noting the Secretary-General’s assessment that there is an urgent need to resume and strengthen the military campaign against Al Shabaab, which requires an enhancement of international support to the Somali National Security Forces and to AMISOM.
“Noting the Secretary-General’s assessment that a comprehensive strategy that includes political, economic and military components is needed to reduce the asymmetrical threat posed by Al-Shabaab.
“Acting under Chapter VII of the charter of the United Nations.
AMISOM
“1. Decides to authorize the Member States of the AU to maintain the deployment of AMISOM, as set out in paragraph 1 of resolution 2093 (2013), until 31 October 2014, which shall be authorized to take all necessary measures, in full compliance with its obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law, and in full respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia, to carry out its mandate;
“2. Agrees with the Secretary-General that conditions in Somalia are not yet appropriate for the deployment of a United Nations Peacekeeping Operation, takes note of the benchmarks for a United Nations Peacekeeping Operation as set out in the Secretary-General’s 14 October letter, and endorsed in the 11 October letter of the AU Commission Chairperson, and requests that the Secretary-General keeps progress against the benchmarks under continuous review, in consultation with the AU, and with a view to creating conducive conditions for the potential deployment of a United Nations Peacekeeping Operation and the hand-over of security responsibilities to national authorities;
“3. Requests the AU to increase AMISOM’s force strength from 17,731 to a maximum of 22,126 uniformed personnel as set out in the Secretary-General’s 14 October letter;
“4. Decides to expand the logistical support package for AMISOM, referred to in paragraph 4 of resolution 2093 (2013), for a maximum of 22,126 uniformed personnel until 31 October 2014, ensuring the accountability and transparency of expenditure of the United Nations funds as set out in paragraph 6 of resolution 1910 (2010), and consistent with the requirements of the Secretary-General’s Human Rights Due Diligence Policy;
“5. Underlines that, in line with the Joint United Nations-AU Review of AMISOM, the increases in the force strength decided in this resolution are to provide a short-term enhancement of AMISOM’s military capacity, for a period of 18 to 24 months and as part of an overall exit strategy for AMISOM, after which a decrease in AMISOM’s force strength will be considered;
“6. Agrees with the Secretary-General on the critical need for sourcing contingent owned equipment including force enablers and multipliers as provided for in paragraph 6 of resolution 2036 (2012) either from existing AMISOM Troop-Contributing Countries or other Member States, emphasizes in particular the need for an appropriate aviation component of up to twelve military helicopters, andencourages Member States to respond to AU efforts to mobilize such equipment;
“7. Reiterates paragraphs 5 of resolution 2093 (2013) regarding logistical support to AMISOM;
“8. Further reiterates paragraph 13 of resolution 2093 (2013) on the strengthening of women and children’s protection in AMISOM operations and activities;
“9. Requests the Secretary-General to work closely with the AU in order to support the implementation of this resolution, in particular by improving efficiency in the planning and strategic management of AMISOM, including strengthening command and control structures, the operational coordination of contingents, joint operations with the SNA, and information management, through a new Concept of Operations by 1 January 2014, with a view to enabling AMISOM to respond to the increasingly asymmetrical tactics used by Al-Shabaab, through an effective resumption of the military campaign against Al-Shabaab, which would rapidly reduce its capacity to control key strategic locations, and further requests the Secretary-General to continue to provide technical and expert advice to the AU in the planning, deployment and management of AMISOM through the United Nations office to the AU, and reiterates its request to the Secretary-General, in view of the substantial increases in AMISOM capabilities and support to the SNA, to enhance the provision of technical advice to the AU through existing United Nations mechanisms;
“10. Requests the AU to advance efforts to implement a system to address allegations of misconduct, which includes clear mechanisms for receiving and tracking allegations, as well as for following up with troop-contributing countries on the results of the investigations and disciplinary actions taken as applicable, and requests the United Nations to redouble its efforts to advise and provide guidance to the AU in this endeavour;
“11. Reiterates its request, and that of the AU Peace and Security Council, for AMISOM to develop further an effective approach to the protection of civilians, and stresses in particular the urgent need for AMISOM to establish and use a Civilian Casualty Tracking, Analysis and Response Cell, as requested in resolution 2093 (2013);
“12. Underlines the importance of AMISOM abiding by all requirements applicable to it under international human rights and humanitarian law, further underlines in particular the need for AMISOM to ensure that any detainees in their custody, including disengaged combatants, are treated in strict compliance with applicable obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law, including ensuring their humane treatment and further requests AMISOM to allow appropriate access to detainees by a neutral body, and to establish Standard Operating Procedures for the handover of any detainees, including children, who come into their custody during a military operation;
“13. Reiterates its call for new donors to support AMISOM through the provision of additional funding for troop stipends, equipment, technical assistance and uncaveated funding for AMISOM to the United Nations Trust Fund for AMISOM, and underlines the AU’s call for their Member States to provide financial support to AMISOM;
Somali federal security institutions
“14. Takes note of the Secretary-General’s recommendation of the need to provide targeted support to front line units of the Somali National Army (SNA), requests UNSOA to support the SNA through the provision of food and water, fuel, transport, tents and in theatre medical evacuation, decides that this exceptional support shall be provided only for joint SNA operations with AMISOM and which are part of AMISOM’s overall Strategic Concept, further decides that funding for this support will be provided from an appropriate United Nations trust fund, and encourages Member States to make uncaveated contributions to the trust fund;
“15. Underlines that the support outlined in paragraph 14 of this resolution must be in full compliance with the United Nations Human Rights and Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP), further underlines its expectation that the Secretary-General will report on all UNSOA support to the SNA including on the implementation of the HRDDP, and also requests AMISOM to use its Civilian Casualties Tracking Analysis and Response cell as part of its reporting on joint AMISOM operations with the SNA;
“16. Underlines that all forces supported by UNSOA shall act in compliance with the Secretary-General’s Human Rights and Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP), and in that context further underlines its expectation that the Federal Government of Somalia will give its assurance to the Security Council, including in writing, that any Government forces being supported by UNSOA on joint operations with AMISOM will act in compliance with the HRDDP, and recalls the importance of training in this regard;
“17. Requests that to assist UNSOM to fulfil its mission, the Head of UNSOA shall keep the Special Representative of the Secretary-General informed on the implementation of the AMISOM support package, and further requests the Secretary-General to include this information in his regular reporting to the Security Council;
“18. Calls upon the Federal Government of Somalia to continue its efforts, with the support of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), AMISOM (in accordance with their respective mandates), and other international partners to strengthen the Somali National Security Forces including by mapping the structure of these forces, establishing clear command and control systems, implementing appropriate procedures, codes of conduct and training including to ensure the safe storage, registration, maintenance and distribution of military equipment and finalizing and implementing a national program for the treatment and handling of disengaged combatants and promoting respect for human rights, including through implementing the relevant Somali Government action plans on children and armed conflict;
“19. Further requests UNSOM, in accordance with its mandate, to continue to assist in the rebuilding of Somali security institutions, andreiterates in particular UNSOM’s role in providing strategic policy advice on security sector reform (SSR) and assisting the Federal Government of Somalia in coordinating international donor support on SSR;
“20. Requests UNSOM, working closely with the AU, to assist the Federal Government of Somalia in developing broad principles on the nature of policing in Somalia with a view to proposing further options to support the development of an effective police force in Somalia;
“21. Requests the Federal Government of Somalia to ensure the protection and well-being of all internally displaced persons, including from sexual violence and exploitation, paying particular attention to ensuring that the human rights of internally displaced persons in Somalia are respected in relation to relocations, and to ensure a fully consultative process, providing prior notice and ensuring safe, sanitary new sites that have basic services, as well as full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian organizations;
Security of United Nations personnel
“22. Takes note of the Secretary-General’s intention to deploy an appropriate United Nations Static Guard unit to strengthen security at UNSOM compounds, looks forward to receiving further details of its deployment as outlined in the Secretary-General’s 14 October letter as soon as possible, and strongly emphasizes the importance of AMISOM’s protection of Mogadishu International Airport Compound within the troop ceiling authorized in this resolution;
Political process
“23. Urges increased collaboration between the AU, United Nations and Federal Government of Somalia, including on a comprehensive approach to peace, security and development which integrates political, security, peacebuilding and development activities, recognizing that none can succeed in isolation;
“24. Recalls its 13 September 2013 statement welcoming the agreement between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Interim Jubba Administration, emphasizes the importance of all parties ensuring that the timelines as stipulated in the agreement are met, andfurther emphasizes the importance of the Federal Government of Somalia ensuring the right political conditions are in place to ensure greater peace and stability in Somalia;
“25. Welcomes in this context the efforts undertaken by the Federal Government of Somalia to consolidate security and establish the rule of law in areas secured by AMISOM and the Security Forces of the Federal Government of Somalia, and encourages it to continue to lead an inclusive national dialogue, with the support of UNSOM, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the AU to clarify and settle relations between the Federal government of Somalia and existing and emerging local administrations and initiate processes of national reconciliation in order to accelerate efforts to establish sustainable, legitimate and representative local governance structures across the country, especially in areas recovered from Al-Shabaab;
“26. Encourages the Federal Government of Somalia to finalize and adopt a federal Constitution by December 2015, to prepare for and hold credible elections in 2016; and to ensure the equitable participation of women, youth, minority groups and other marginalized groups in national political processes;
“27. Further encourages the Federal Government of Somalia to implement its “Vision 2016” agenda which sets out the importance of a Somali-owned, inclusive, and transparent political process and economic recovery, consistent with the Provisional Constitution and including an effective federal political system and a comprehensive reconciliation process that brings about national cohesion and integration;
Sanctions
“28. Expresses concern at continuing violations of the Security Council charcoal ban requests the Secretary-General and his Special Representative to raise awareness amongst relevant Member States on their requirements to abide by the charcoal ban, as set out in resolution 2036 (2012);
“29. Underlines the importance of the Federal Government of Somalia and Member States complying with all aspects of the arms embargo, including the reporting and notification requirements set out in resolution 2111 (2013);
Reporting
“30. Requests the Secretary-General to report on the implementation of all aspects of this resolution as part of his regular reporting to the Security Council on the situation in Somalia;
31. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.”
SOMALI MEDIA
Religious scholars organize fundraising meeting for cyclone victims
13 Nov- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Halgan Online/Somali Channel- 133 words
Religious leaders have on Tuesday organized a fundraising gathering in the port city of Bosaso for the victims affected by tropical cyclone in the northeastern parts of the country.
Sheikh Ahmed Dahir, the chairperson of the organizing committee reminded the congregation that it is an obligation for Muslims to help each other during the times of calamity.
He urged the congregation to donate everything they can as he called on Somali communities both in and out of the country to take part the relief efforts.
Some companies as well as well as well-wishers in Bosaso have so far pledged to donate to the relief efforts.
Puntland security chief shows interest in upcoming presidential polls
13 Nov- Source: Radio Risaala- 115 words
General Abdullahi Ali Mire the head of Puntland armed forces has declared his interest to vie for the next year’s presidential elections in the semi autonomous region.
The number of aspirants who showed their interested to succeed the incumbent President Abdurrahman Farole has increased since the election commission announced the date for the election.
According to our sources in Garowe the headquarters of the puntland administration several people have welcomed General Abdullahi Ali decision to contest for the presidency.
Puntland region was established in 1998 by former president of Somalia Abdullahi Yussuf Ahmed and among others on the grounds of saving the central Somalia region from the skirmishes of the civil war.
Somali PM admits constitutional rift with the president
13 Nov- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 113 words
Somalia’s Prime Minister, Abdi Farah Shirdon has admitted for the first time that a rift developed between him and the president. A statement released from the office of the Prime Minister in Mogadishu stated that the division between the two leaders is not a political but rather a constitutional one. The statement said that the division between the two leaders can only be resolved constitutionally.
The Prime Minister urged government institutions to continue carrying out their duties while calling on Somali people to put their trust on their leaders.
ICRC engages in relief efforts in Puntland
13 Nov- Source: BBC Somali Service/Bar-kulan- 127 words
The statement reiterated that the government has made tangible gains in security, reconciliation and management sectors during the year it has been in power.
International Committee of the Red Cross is engaging in the relief efforts to the Somali victims affected by heavy rains and tropical cyclone in Puntland, according to its officials.
ICRC Somalia communication officer, Fatima Abdullahi told BBC Somali Service that a team has already been dispatched to deliver emergency aid to the victims in remote areas.
She laments that it is a huge task to reach out most affected areas due to road inaccessibility and severe flash floods that hit the region since the start of the week. The tropical cyclone coupled with heavy rains killed over 100 people and the death toll is expected to climb.
The government of Somalia estimates that more than 50 thousand people are affected by the storms and need urgent assistance.
Somaliland Foreign Minister attends Mo Ibrahim Foundation gathering in Addis Ababa
12 Nov- Source: Somaliland Informer- 272 words
Somaliland Minister of foreign affairs Mohamed Biihi Yoonis has held press conference in Hargeisa on Tuesday and briefed the media on plan in place after having attended a conference that Mo Ibrahim Foundation held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital. The theme of the conference was the threat posed by terrorism in Somalia and in Africa. Somaliland minister of foreign affairs said that the peace, tranquility and Stability in Somaliland have been talked about much in the conference.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Kenya: Suspected terrorists who attacked MP shot dead in Eastleigh
13 Nov- Source: Daily Nation/Capital FM- 105 words
Police have shot dead two suspected terrorists and recovered a grenade and a pistol loaded with three rounds of ammunition. The suspects were shot dead Wednesday morning along Eastleigh’s 12th Street, next to the Kenya Bus Service (KBS) garage.
Nairobi County commander Benson Kibue has said that the suspects are believed to be the gang that hurled a grenade that killed two people and seriously injured Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan in December last year.
The MP was said to have been holding a discussion with his constituents after evening prayers at Hidaya Mosque when the attackers hurled a grenade at them, injuring nine other people.
Somalia’s cyclone-hit Puntland declared a disaster area
13 Nov- Source: Walta Information Centre/ BBC-346 words
Somalia’s government has declared the north-eastern region of Puntland hit by a tropical cyclone at the weekend a disaster area. The number of people killed by the cyclone has risen from about 100 to 300, unconfirmed reports say.
Thousands of livestock had also died and hundreds of homes had been destroyed by the cyclone, known as 03A. More floods were expected during the next 48 hours, Somalia’s Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon said.
US Senate backs Kenya terror war, Somalia incursion
12 Nov- Source: Capital News- 363 words
The United States Senate has unanimously adopted a resolution in support of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s decision not to pull out of Somalia despite the September 21 Westgate terror attack.
The Senators led by Chris Coons who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Sub-committee on African Affairs lauded the African Union’s military efforts in Somalia and pledged to support them.
“The US Senate commends the Government of Kenya’s continued participation in the African Union Mission in Somalia and recognises Kenya as an important regional ally and partner of the United States,” the resolution states.
While the United States government has always considered Kenya a strategically located partner in the fight against terror, relations between the two nations have been strained since the super-power said there would be, “consequences,” for electing ICC indictees as President and Deputy President.
KFAED provides USD 10.6m grant for Somalia small-micro projects
12 Nov- Source: Kuwait News Agency- 210 words
The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development signed a grant agreement worth KD 3 million (around USD 10.6 million) to Somalia for the funding of small and micro projects in the agribusiness sector.
The grant was taken out of the Generous Lifestyle Fund, announced by HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at the 2009 World Islamic Economic Forum.The deal was signed in Kuwait on the sidelines of the Africa/Arab Economic Forum on Tuesday.
Signing on behalf of Somalia was Minister of Finance and Planning Mohamud Hassan Suleiman Awil and the Central Bank of Somalia governor, with Director-General Abdulwahab Al-Bader signing it on behalf of the KFAED.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Regional maritime training kicks off in Djibouti
13 Nov- Source: Xinhua- 182 words
A regional maritime training dubbed “Cutlass Express 2013” kicked off on Tuesday in Africa’s Red Sea state Djibouti, with the participation of Ugandan, Somali and Sudanese naval forces, as well as foreign forces based there.
The regional maritime training is meant to boost the capacity of regional forces to fight against maritime piracy. It is being conducted in three regional countries including Tanzania, the Seychelles and Djibouti.
The training exercise is in response to the desire by these countries to make their maritime zone more secure. After a week-long theoretical training, the second part of the exercise will be staged in the sea under the supervision of American marines.
UN Council boosts Somalia force by 4,400
12 Nov – Source: AFP – 453 words
The UN Security Council on Tuesday approved a 4,400-troop boost to the African force in Somalia, taking it to more than 22,100 troops deployed to tackle resurgent militants. The 15-member council voted unanimously to allow the increase while renewing the mandate of the African Union force.
The maximum size of the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) will increase from just over 17,700 to 22,126. The extra troops are expected to start arriving in early 2014, diplomats said. AMISOM backs Somali government forces who have forced al Shabaab fighters out of key cities over the past 18 months.
But the al Qaeda linked militants have proved they can still stage major attacks on soft targets such as the Nairobi mall strike in September, which left at least 67 dead. The Ethiopian government warned on Tuesdaythat al Shabaab is planning more high profile attacks.
On top of the troop increase, the Security Council resolution also allowed the deployment of a special guard force to protect the UN mission in Somalia, which has been the target of several suicide bomb attacks.
“As recent attacks show, al Shabaab continue to pose a threat not just to Somalia, but tot the wider region,” said Mark Lyall Grant, UN ambassador for Britain, which has taken a leading role in international efforts to rebuild a functioning state in the lawless East African country.
Lyall Grant told reporters after the vote that the extra troops “should allow AMISOM to go onto the front foot and gain momentum in tackling al Shabaab.”
AMISOM is made up of troops from Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, Sierra Leone and Kenya. Ethiopia has said it is considering putting its own separate force in Somalia under AMISOM command.
Somalia bans slaughter of animals except at abattoir
12 Nov- Source: BBC-269 Words
A ban on slaughtering animals anywhere except at a central abattoir has come into force in the Somali capital. Until the start of the civil war in 1991, all meat had to be butchered at the Mogadishu Slaughterhouse. The local authorities have now paid for the premises on the eastern outskirts of Mogadishu to be revamped and the abattoir has reopened for business.
The BBC’s Ibrahim Mohamed says it is part of moves to improve hygiene in the city recovering from years of conflict. Our reporter says traders in Mogadishu have welcomed the move, saying it will be good for business to be able to market “clean meat”.
The Mogadishu Slaughterhouse is a partnership between the local city government and a private firm, Limco Ltd, he says. The head of the abattoir, Abdullahi Museh, says 452 people work at the slaughterhouse, which has running water and electricity and is divided into three sections for camels, goats and cows.
Somali pirate to spend life in prison for death of 4 Americans
13 Nov- Source: Xinhua- 205 Words
A Somali pirate will spend the rest of his life in a federal prison for his role in the 2011 hijacking of a sailboat off the coast of Africa that left four Americans dead, local report said Tuesday.
The pirate, Ahmed Muse Salad, was sentenced to 19 consecutive life sentences, plus 30 years in a U.S. District Court in Norfolk, Virginia, the Virginian-Pilot reported.
Two other Somali men convicted in the hijacking — Abukar Osman Beyle, 20, and Shani Nurani Shiekh Abrar, 29 — are set to be sentenced later this week. Both are expected to receive similarly lengthy sentences. They were convicted on July 8.
Fiber Optics links Somalia to neighbors, World
12 Nov- Source: ITNews Africa/AFK Insider-228 Words
For the first time, Somalia is connected to its neighbors and the rest of the world by fiber optics and undersea cables, ITNewsAfrica reports.
The new fiber link, built by Liquid Telcom Group, connects across the Kenya-Somalia border into the fiber network of Hormuud Telecom Somalia Inc., Liquid Telcom announced today.
Hormuud Telecom’s fiber network will connect Liquid Telecom’s customers – fixed and mobile operators, wholesale carriers and enterprises – in Southern and Central Somalia.
Hormuud Telecom’s customers will now have access to Liquid Telecom’s pan-African fiber network which spans more than 17,000 kilometers across Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It also provides connectivity onto the five main subsea cable systems landing in Africa: WACS, EASSY, SEACOM, SAT3 and TEAMs.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Following a deadly attack on a restaurant in Beledweyn town, in the Hiiraan region of Somalia, which killed about 12 people, Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon, taunted: “terrorists only defeat themselves when they commit atrocities. They have long ago lost all popular support as Somalis have discovered for themselves how poisonous the ideology of extremism is.”
Strengthen the fight against terrorism
13 Nov- Source: Daily Monitor-334 Words
Terrorists are radicals who apply force to pursue their goals. They are actors without sovereign authority who use articles of deadly force to pursue an agenda which may vary from sensible to the absurd.
Global governments would certainly bring any armed group in the world to its knees. However, they seem to be held back by unexplainable, invisible forces, only pouncing when particularly bizarre incidents occur.
Militarily outwitted, ideologically challenged, the crafters of terrorism have resorted to blanketing the world in fear and mistrust to a point where entire sections of society are labelled as collaborators, thereby precipitating discord and suspicion.
There was a time when Uganda never had security checks except at sensitive locations such as Entebbe Airport and State House. Even Parliament was open to free entry and exit. Now, all public buildings and occasions are inaccessible except through multiple checks. The cost of establishing security overheads and the time lost in the process of controlling access to public and private premises cost government(s) and private proprietors a fortune.
Top tweets
@amisomsomalia Over 4,000 IDPs seek shelter at an AMISOM military base near #Jowhar due to floods & clan disputeshttp://on.fb.me/QqTSeN #Somalia
@Hamza_M_O_Egal The main concerns from a humaniterian aspect in #puntland would be access to rural areas and the outbreak of water based diseases #somalia
@Semhar Talk of refugee repatriation from #Kenya is baffling given latest @OCHASom #Somalia access maphttp://bit.ly/1bYhtgg pic.twitter.com/qYgCWyRQlw
@AFKInsider For the first time, Somalia is connected to its neighbors and the world by fiber optics, undersea cables.http://ow.ly/qKNcG #somalia
@disastrpassport #Flooding in towns between #Garowe and#Gardo #Puntland #Somalia pic.twitter.com/TX4cv1CpMv
Image of the day
An aerial view of flooding in and around Jowhar town, Somalia, on November 12, 2013. Photo: AMISOM