January 15, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

World sea piracy falls for third straight year

15 Jan- Source: AP- 134 words

A maritime watchdog says world sea piracy fell for a third straight year in 2013 as Somali pirates were curbed by international naval patrols and improved ship vigilance.

The International Maritime Bureau says Wednesday that attacks fell to their lowest in six years to 264. That was down from 297 in 2012 and 439 in 2011. Pirate attacks have declined since hitting a peak in 2010 with 445 attacks. The bureau says 12 vessels were hijacked, with more than 300 crew members taken hostage and one killed during 2013.

It attributes the drop in global attacks to a sharp decrease in Somali piracy. Only 15 attacks were reported off Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden, down from 75 cases in 2012 and 237 in 2011.

Key Headlines

Somali Defense minister comments on small U.S forces’ presence in Mogadishu (Radio Kulmiye/Radio RBC/VOA Somali Service)
Fighting in Mahaday town kills at least 10 (Radio Dalsan/Radio Shabelle/al Shahid/Radio Bar-kulan)
Third round of Somalia Somaliland talks to commence in Turkey (Radio Kulmiye/RBC/Wararkasomalia Online)
200 more Somali citizens from South Sudan arrive in Mogadishu (Radio Mogadishu/Dalsan)
Somaliland Interior Ministry takes steps to reconcile warring clans (Radio Bar-kulan/horncabletv)
Suspects in Kenya mall attack to stand trial (Al Jazeera English)
World sea piracy falls for third straight year (AP)

PRESS RELEASE

President welcomes new French Ambassador to Somalia, thanks France for cooperation on security and investment

15 Jan- Source: Office of the President-198 Words

His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today welcomed the new French Ambassador to Somalia.

His Excellency Rémi Maréchaux presented his credentials to the President in Villa Somalia, Mogadishu. Accompanied by Her Excellency Fawzia Yusuf Adam, Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, the Ambassador pledged his country’s commitment to supporting ongoing efforts to stabilize Somalia.

The President said: “Your visit today is yet another sign of the accelerating recovery of Somalia, the return of normal life and further evidence that we have rejoined the world stage. We are enormously appreciative of France’s support to Somalia in terms of security and intelligence and we look forward to working together to pursue our mutual interests.”

“France is also a valued business partner and we welcome your interest in the investment opportunities available in Somalia, from the energy and banking sectors to transportation and shipping. We are also grateful for ongoing moves to assist the capacity of our Central Bank.”

The Ambassador conveyed a personal message from President François Hollande sending his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. He also discussed plans for the President to visit France and concluded his visit with a joint press conference with the Deputy Prime Minister.

Prime Minister holds first meeting with British Ambassador Neil Wigan

15 Jan- Source: Office of the Prime Minister-282 Words

His Excellency Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, today welcomed British Ambassador, Neil Wigan, to Villa Somalia for their first meeting since becoming Prime Minister. The Prime Minister thanked Ambassador Wigan for the United Kingdom’s continued support and lead role in rebuilding Somalia and looked forward to a positive and constructive relationship going forward.

Ambassador Wigan congratulated His Excellency Prime Minister Ahmed on his appointment and conveyed the British Prime Minister, David Cameron’s, continued commitment to support the Somali Federal Government and its people. The Prime Minister and Ambassador discussed UK support to Somalia on security and development projects, the formation of a new Cabinet and its priorities and the road map to elections in 2016.

“The relationship between the Somalia and the UK is historic and there is a strong bond between our two nations with a large Somali diaspora population living in the UK. “We thank the UK for the active role they have played on the international stage helping to build support for Somalia. Here in Somalia the UK is working with us on reforms and capacity building in our security sector as well as delivering a number of development projects throughout the country,” the Prime Minister said. The pair also discussed public finance management as well as the importance of economic development and investment as security and stability improves.

“Foreign investment can be the engine of growth for the Somali economy and help lead our nation to stability. British businesses are beginning to see Somalia as a good investment opportunity as security and stability improves producing an environment fit for foreign investment. “I look forward to continuing our positive and constructive relationship with the UK,” the Prime Minister said.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali Defense minister comments on small U.S forces’ presence in Mogadishu

15 Jan- Source: Radio Kulmiye/Radio RBC/VOA Somali Service- 234 words

The Defense Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia Abdihakim Haji Mohamud Fiqi has admitted for the first time that small number of U.S army are operating in Mogadishu, the country’s capital to back his government.

“Infact there are U.S forces operating in Mogadishu and they have come here in October last year.” The Defense Minister Mr Fiqi told the VOA Somali Service in an interview.

“They are here in Mogadishu to back our military in the fight against terrorists.” The Minister added.
He said the presence of U.S Special Forces Unit in Somalia is a symbol for the great role of United States’ commitment to support rebuild Somalia’s National Army.

“They include special trainers and military advisers team. This really shows how Washington is committed to have its role in rebuilding our National army and restore peace and stability into Somalia nation.” Minister of Defense of Somalia emphasized.

For the first time in more than two decades, the United States has granted official recognition to the Somali government in Mogadishu in January 2013 five months after ending the country’s longtime transitional period and the election of current president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. U.S had not any military presence in Somalia since 1993 when the U.S led “Restore Hope Operation” failed and ended with the death of 18 U.S soldiers in Mogadishu.

Fighting in Mahaday town kills at least 10

15 Jan- Source: Radio Dalsan/Radio Shabelle/al Shahid/Radio Bar-kulan- 144 words

Heavy fighting broke out in Mahaday town of Middle Shabelle region on Tuesday night after al Shabaab militant group attacked bases of the Somali government forces and the African Union peacekeepers. Reports say that at least 10 people were killed nearly 15 others were injured in the battle.
Somali government officials Wednesday morning said that they have repulsed the fighters of the al Qaeda affiliated group and regained control of the town.

Mahaday is a strategic farmland town in the Middle Shabelle region. The Federal Government Forces backed by the African Union Peacekeepers took the town early last year from the militant groups who controlled it for five years.

200 more Somali citizens from South Sudan arrive in Mogadishu

15 Jan- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Dalsan-118 Words

Somali government chartered flight has landed at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde Airport on Tuesday carrying 200 Somali citizens from the troubled South Sudan. The flight is the third one from South Sudan to Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia since civil wars broke out in the Africa’s newest nation.

Somali Embassy in Jubba said on Tuesday that the number of Somali citizens fleeing from South Sudan back to their country increased since December. Foreign Affairs Ministry in Mogadishu has pledged to pay for the flights, hotel accommodations and local transportation costs for the citizens returning from South Sudan in order to help them resettle back in their home regions. Mogadishu has received more than 500 Somali citizens from South Sudan since December.

Third round of Somalia, Somaliland talks to commence in Turkey

15 Jan- Source: Radio Kulmiye/RBC/Wararkasomalia Online- 243 words

Representative from the Federal Government of Somalia and the breakaway administration of Somaliland are heading to Ankara, Turkey to attend the third round of talks on the country’s future. A delegation of Members of the Federal Parliament and cabinet members representing the Mogadishu-based Federal Government departed to Ankara on Wednesday morning while other delegation from Hargeisa departed from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia late on Tuesday.

According to preliminary schedule, the third round talks will officially start in Ankara on Thursday morning whilst both sides representatives continue negotiating on the next three days. The talks were postponed in November last year due to political infighting within the Federal Government top officials which later led to the oust of the country’s former Prime Minister and brought the appointment of a new Prime Minister.

The new Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia is now working on to form a new cabinet which politicians from Somaliland region will be included. The Ankara talks are mediated by the Turkish Government while western allies including the U.S and the UK are backing. Both Somalia and Somaliland said they will be committed to continue negotiations and will focus on future ties of the two regions.

Somaliland Interior Ministry takes steps to reconcile warring clans

15 Jan- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Horncabletv- 113 words

Somaliland’s Ministry of Interior has taken measures in an effort to reconcile warring clan militias in Sool region. Somaliland Interior Minister, Ali Mohamed Waran-adde said that his ministry and traditional elders from Sool region are taking steps to bring the warring clans together in order to end their disputes. He said that his ministry and the traditional elders were hopeful over reaching an agreement with the warring clans to bring the matter to an end soon.He added that the authorities have dispatched security forces to the region in an attempt to prevent further clashes between the militias. Clan-based wars in Sool region have reportedly claimed the lives of at least five people.

New Puntland President appoints Presidential Palace chief

15 Jan- SOurce: Radio RBC- 168 words

Puntland President Abdiwali Mohamed Ali Gaas has appointed Dr Deeq Sulaiman Yusuf as head of the presidential palace. The newly elected Director of the Presidential Palace of Puntland is a professional with three degrees of which two of them are Masters Level from London.

He has graduated with BA (HONS) of Social Welfare- Brunel London University, Masters Degree in Refugee Studies from University of East London, and also Masters Degree of Social Work-Brunel University London UK.

Deeq worked for United Kingdom as a senior social worker, senior substance Misuse Practitioner, and senior community development Officer. He worked with the institute of peace and security studies of Addis Ababa University and also for African Union, department of Peace and security as a program Expert Consultant for Research on Somalia restoration.

Al Arabiya Airlines to Use Airport Facilities In Somaliland after Signing of Deal

15 Jan- Source: Somalialandpress- 343 words

Somaliland’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Air Transport Hon Mahmoud Hashi Abdi and the Minister of Commerce and International Investment Dr. Mohamed Abdullah Omer have during a working trip to the UAE concluded a major deal with the UAE owned Al Arabiya Airline in Dubai.

The two Somaliland Ministers signed the deal on behalf of the government of Somaliland with high ranking officials from Al Arabiya at the Airlines headquarters in Dubai in a deal which will also pave the way for the airline to use the facilities of airports in Somaliland.

The Minister of Commerce and international Investment Dr. Mohamed Abdullah Omer speaking moments after the signing ceremony said , “Somaliland is open for business and any individual or business entity interested in investing in country is welcomed to do so.

East and Central Africa Inter City basketball Committee member visits Mogadishu

15 Jan- Source: Radio Dalsan- 468 words

Members from the East and Central Africa Inter City basketball Committee held a lengthy meeting with Somali basketball Federation vice president for development and technical affairs Mrs Hawa Sheikh Ahmed Taako and during the meeting both sides discussed issues relating promotion of basketball in the war-ravaged country plus Somalia’s stronger representation in this year’s inter cities competition to be held in Dar Es Salaam.

The meeting which took place in London over the weekend was arranged by former Somali basketball Federation Secretary General and current Inter-city committee media and marketing commissioner Engineer Bana Abdalla Ali who is respected in the country as the man who helped the ‘restoration’ of Somalia’s representation in African basketball committees after 20 years of absence.

Somali basketball Federation vice president for development and technical affairs, the iron lady of Somali basketball Mrs. Hawa Sheik Ahmed Taako who first addressed at the meeting said she was very happy to see such high profile individuals from both FIBA Africa zone 5 and Inter-city and committee and she outlined the current situation of Somali basketball federation and its strategy of the promotion of basketball in the war-devastated country.

“Somalia was once well known for its basketball power in Africa and after decades of civil wars we are now back as you might have witnessed the exhibition of our national team in the last FIBA Africa Zone 5 competition, but we still need the international assistance since we are recovering from the ruins caused by the decades-long civil wars in the country” The Somali basketball iron lady told the meeting over the weekend.

The Somali basketball Federation vice president said that cities in her country were fully prepared for the participation in the next inter-City games to be held in the Tanzanian capital Dar Es Salaam in May this year. She praised the inter city committee for the step which she said was encouraging the promotion of basketball in cities across the east and central Africa region.

For his part, Inter City committee member and FIBA Africa commissioner Mr. Agina Wesonga (Kenya) said that his committee was fully aware of the basketball growth in Somalia adding that Somalia was a key member nation in African basketball family and they were happy with the return of peace and the promotion of basketball power in Somalia after decades of civil wars.

“I praise Mr. Bana Abdalla Ali for helping me to know more about basketball in Somalia and on the behalf of the inter-city committee I announce that we are fully prepared to help Somalia as much as we can—the Vice presidents Mrs. Hawa invited me to Somalia and I promise to be in Mogadishu as soon as possible to see myself the continuation of the development on the ground” Mr. Agina Wesonga told the meeting over the weekend.

New Puntland President promises to form leaner cabinet

15 Jan- Source: Radio RBC/SNTV/Somali Channel- 233 words

While assuming the power from the former president on Tuesday, the new leader of Puntland State of Somalia Dr Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas has pledged to form the leanest cabinet for Puntland since its establishment in 1998, RBC Radio reports.

“.. We are in the mid of our efforts to form a new council of ministers which will become the leanest in the region.” Prof Gaas, the former Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia who won the elections in Puntland said. Dr Gaas pledged that the women will have their effective role in the new cabinet as women activists complained over the weak role of the women in the region’s new parliament. “I will consult with the people and soon we will unveil our cabinet.” President Gaas said.

The new president strongly rejected that there will be inner circle group and close fellows in his presidency during the five year term he will be holding the office saying that “there will no any specific individuals from my pocket to appoint for the new ministerial posts”. In his first press conference President Gaas vowed to bring back security and stability to the region as he asked for people’s collaboration. “Let us get opportunity to lead the people to their interests and I ask your advice in every single minute,” he added.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Uganda: Ondoga denied bail for the third time

15 Jan- Source: Daily Monitor- 155 words

Former contingent commander of the Ugandan troops under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Michael Ondoga was yesterday further remanded pending hearing of the application for bail.
His case is in connection with alleged failure to perform his duties and theft of food meant for soldiers in Somalia. Flanked by his lawyer Frank Kanduho, the soldier on remand since October 21 last year, appeared before Makindye-based General Court Martial chaired by Brig Moses Ddiba Ssentongo for hearing of bail application.

Soma Oil and Gas receives $50 million investment

15 Jan- Source: Sabahi Online- 128 words

Private investment firm Winter Sky has made a $50 million equity investment in the UK-based Soma Oil and Gas Holdings Limited, which signed an agreement with the Somali government in August to conduct onshore and offshore surveys, the company announced Monday (January 13th).

“Securing this funding agreement is a significant step forward for Soma Oil and Gas as it will enable us to finalise a contract for the seismic survey programme,” said the company’s chief executive officer Robert Sheppard. “We are in advanced negotiations with a contractor and expect to be able to make a further announcement in this regard shortly.”

Soma Oil and Gas Holdings Limited said the equity investment will also enable the company to meet its commitment to the Somali government under its exploration agreement.

Suspects in Kenya mall attack to stand trial

14 Jan- Source: Al Jazeera English-02:25mins

In Kenya, four men accused of being involved in the Westgate shopping mall siege are due to stand trial on Wednesday. More than 70 people died in the incident in Nairobi last September. Four ethnic Somali men deny supporting a terrorist group. Al Jazeera’s Rawya Rageh has more from the Kenyan capital.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

World sea piracy falls for third straight year

15 Jan- Source: AP- 134 words

A maritime watchdog says world sea piracy fell for a third straight year in 2013 as Somali pirates were curbed by international naval patrols and improved ship vigilance.

It attributes the drop in global attacks to a sharp decrease in Somali piracy. Only 15 attacks were reported off Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden, down from 75 cases in 2012 and 237 in 2011.

Six soldiers killed in Somalia clashes

15 Jan- Source: World Bulletin-177 Words

Six government soldiers were killed in the early hours of Wednesday in violent clashes with fighters from the al-Qaeda-allied al-Shabaab group in the southern Middle Shebelle region, an eyewitness told Anadolu Agency.

Mohamed Hussein, a resident of the Middle Shebelle district of Mahaday said that a group of al-Shabaab fighters staged a surprise attack late Tuesday night on a government army unit stationed on the outskirts of the district. The ensuing fire exchange left six soldiers dead and four others injured.

Two government vehicles were burnt and two others seized by al-Shabaab militants, according to Hussein. Wednesday’s clashes were the fiercest in the district as of late. Neither al-Shabaab nor the government confirmed the gunfight as of 7am GMT.

Trial of Westgate suspects starts

14 Jan- Source: DW- 324 words

Four suspects are to go on trial after a deadly attack on a Kenyan shopping mall in September. But the chief culprits are either dead – or have escaped. It was a particularly gruesome attack. On September 21, 2013 gunmen raided the Westgate Mall in Nairobi firing indiscriminately into the crowd. They then withdrew into the building and there began a four day siege in which more 60 people died. The Somalia militant group al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the raid, which it said was in retaliation for the deployment of Kenyan troops in Somalia.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“A good model for robust counterterrorism information sharing is the Economic Community of West African States Warning and Response Network, which has aided the community’s member nations in countering groups like al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Informing the public is vital as well. Messaging that counters a terrorist group’s rhetoric can be crucial in undermining its popular support.”

What is the best way forward in fighting terrorism on the Horn of Africa?

14 Jan- Source: Council on Foreign Relations-302 Words

Terrorism in the Horn of Africa is a complex problem that requires a “full spectrum” solution. The first step in any counterterrorism campaign is developing an understanding of the terrorists’ motivations and goals. In the Horn of Africa, the chief terrorist threat emanates from al Shabaab fighters attempting to violently overthrow the Somali government and impose fundamentalist Islamic law. The group and its affiliates are also attempting to sow unrest in neighboring countries like Kenya.

Since such groups require a safe haven to function, it is important to aggressively police under-governed areas and disrupt an organization’s support network and finances. In Somalia, the absence of a national government for over two decades created an anarchic environment where al-Shabab could thrive. The increasing effectiveness of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has only recently begun to reverse al Shabaab’s gains.

Military strikes can be an effective counterterrorism tool, but a great deal depends on the nature of the target, police capabilities, and the attacker’s ability to limit collateral damage. Military operations that inflict civilian casualties can undermine the local government and bolster the terrorist’s position, as Ethiopia discovered during its brutal two-year occupation of Somalia.

Somali Piracy and Regional Maritime Security: Views From French Navy Indian Ocean Command

15 Jan- Source: Eurasia Review-1429 Words

As part of the efforts exerted by INEGMA’s “Counter-Piracy and Somalia Capacity-Building Program” (CPSCB) to spread awareness for the purpose of building expertise and providing recommendations with regards to maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia, the INEGMA team held discussions with Rear Admiral Antoine Beaussant, Commander of the French Joint Force in the Indian Ocean , who deliberated on the latest developments, efforts, recommendations, as well as the upcoming agenda of ALINDIEN* and EUNAVFOR with regards to maritime piracy.

The discussions held with Rear Admiral Antoine Beaussant were as follows:
1. INEGMA Team: How does Alindien participate today in the fight against piracy?
Rear Admiral Antoine Beaussant: France is committed to the fight against piracy at sea through the European Operation Atalanta. Alindien is the operational command of the French assets deployed in Atlanta, and that is my main contribution to the fight against piracy. Atalanta is a great success since last year, we have witnessed only 6 pirate attacks, and none of them were successful.

Top tweets

@justinmarozzi #Football is bouncing back in #Somalia, from#Mogadishu to #Kismayo. http://bit.ly/1j6Y3wU… #FIFA @TheVillaSomalia pic.twitter.com/WNyeiBtxUm

‏@SomaliPM Met with UK Ambassador @FCONeilWigan today for 1st time since taking office. Thanked #UK for its support to#Somalia pic.twitter.com/W9ydMCuP6e

@somalianalyst Hormuud is at 2G today here. Not sure if this has something to do with #Shabab banning fiber optic use and mobile internet. #Somalia

@amisomsomalia VIDEO: Internet usage thrives in #Somalia http://bit.ly/1eCJwmX

@UNSomalia #Somalia at Work: Watch a day in the life of Dr. Mohamud Abdi Noor ‘Kitaabi’, Somalia’s Assistant Attorney General: http://bit.ly/1cZ4DjZ

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Image of the day

Image of the day Somali prime minister meets with UK Ambassador to Somalia Neil Wigan at his office in Mogadishu. Photo: @SomaliPM