January 22, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Ethiopian troops join African force in Somalia

22 Jan- Source: AFP-321 Words

Ethiopian troops in Somalia on Wednesday formally joined the UN-backed African Union force amid efforts to boost operations against al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab rebels, officials said. Hardline al Shabaab insurgents control large parts of rural southern Somalia, having been driven from a string of towns by the African Union mission in Somalia (AMISOM), although guerrilla units stage regular deadly attacks in the capital Mogadishu.

“Ethiopian troops will constitute AMISOM’s sixth contingent,” the force said Wednesday, with soldiers re-hatting to join troops from Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Uganda.

Ethiopia is to contribute a three battalion-strong contingent — suggesting some 2,000 men — although the mission has not given exact troop numbers. Their troops are based mainly in southern border zones, including in the towns of Baidoa and Beledweyne.

Key Headlines

Somali President wants to new government to intensify fight against al Shabaab (Radio Bar-kulan/Universal TV)
Al Shabaab enforces ban on mobile internet services (Radio RBC)
New Somalia PM to focus on security and stability (Radio Garowe/Radio Shabelle)
Galmudug Health Ministry issues strong warning to local NGOs (Radio Bar-kulan)
Go to School campaign teachers’ strike enters sixth day (Radio Ergo)
Somalia to swear in new Cabinet after parliamentary nod (Africa Review/Daily Nation)
Kenya : Rights group report says state is targeting Somalis (The Star-Kenya)
Ethiopian troops join African force in Somalia (AFP)
Eliminate al Shabaab Somali president tells new cabinet (World Bulletin)

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali President wants to new government to intensify fight against al Shabaab

22 Jan- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Universal TV- 130 words

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has once again reiterated the need to eliminate al Shabaab militant group from the rest of the country. The president said that the new government must extend security across the country in an attempt to wipe out the threat of the militant group. He added that that the federal government must deliver basic services to the areas that fall into the hands of the government forces and its allies troops.

Meanwhile, the president noted that the government will need to start tax collections in which he said is a critical milestone for Somalia’s financial reforms and economic developments. The president made these statements in a press release from his office in Mogadishu following the approval of Somalia’s new cabinet by the federal parliament on Tuesday.
Al Shabaab enforces ban on mobile internet services
22 Jan- Source: Radio RBC- 115 words

Al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militants have enforced orders that barred the use of mobile internet service in all the regions that comes under their control. Armed al Shabaab forces have reportedly stormed the operational stations of the telecommunication companies operating in their areas, ordering the technicians to shut down the mobile internet system.

Early this month, al Shabaab issued orders to bar all telecommunication companies to stop providing the mobile internet services. Some of the districts affected by switch off include Bardhere, Dinsor, Bulo Marer, Barawe, Bulo Barde, Elbur and all the villages that remain under the watch of al Shabaab.. Residents in these areas reported that switch off happened at 9:30 Tuesday evening.

New Somalia PM to focus on security and stability

22 Jan- Source: Radio Garowe/Radio Shabelle- 248 words

The newly appointed Federal Government of Somalia’s Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed MohamedTuesday told the parliament in Mogadishu that his government will focus on security and stability.

Addressing Federal Members of Parliament about the plans ahead for his new government before the parliamentary confidence vote on his 55 choices, Mohamed demanded the parliament to give the vote of confidence to his council of ministers.

“If my government secure the vote of confidence from you, we will focus on the establishment of strong and united national forces who are capable to dislodge al Shabaab from this country,” noted Mohamed, adding that he made a lengthy consultation with Somali leaders and federal lawmakers to announce the cabinet.

Among the plans ahead for the new government are government institutions to be strengthened and the establishment of 28,000-strong forces, said Prime Minister Mohamed.

“Somali national army will be increased in number and of the expected 28,000 soldiers will be: 25,000 infantry forces, 1000 air forces and 2000 marine police forces,” Mohamed told the MPs.

Speaking about the fight against Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab militants, he stressed that his government is ready to brush Al Shabaab off the ground and liberate the militant group from the current strongholds in southern Somalia.

Somaliland Relocation Minister begins working visit to Djibouti

22 Jan- Source: Somaliland Informer- 128 words

Somaliland Relocation Minister Hon. Ahmed Abdi Kahin has travelled to the neighbouring country of Djiboution Tuesday where the minister is due to attend dialogue on refugees at Ali Ade Camp in Djibouti. Hon Mohamud Jibril Yonis, the Director General of the Relocation ministry has seen off the minister at the airport and told media reporters that the minister has flown to Djibouti to assess the real situation in the refugee camp of Ali Ade in Djibouti.

The DG added that the minister is accompanied by member of Parliament and civilian person in his trip to Djibouti. The DG took the opportunity to send message to the refugees in Ali Ade camp that there is peace, stability and tranquillity back in Somaliland and that they can return to their homeland.

Puntland President sends Congratulatory message to Somali Media

22 Jan- Source: Radio RBC- 167 words

Puntland President Abdweli Mohammed Ali Gaas sent his best wishes to Somali Media fraternity as the country celebrate Somali Media Day on 21st January.. The President paid tribute to the Somali journalist who always face deaths, torture and threats when they are sincerely discharging their duties with the aim of delivering news on the ground to their fellow Somali citizens and the world as well.

President Abdiweli also noted that Somali Media played crucial role during the transition from interim government to federal government. He urged the Somali Media to keep up their tremendous work for the country, take part in developing of the country and also work with security forces to create and maintain secured environment to operate from.

Galmudug Health Ministry issues strong warning to local NGOs

22 Jan- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 119 words

Galmudug Ministry of Health has issued a strong warning to local NGOs that deal with the health sector in Galmudug-administered areas. Director of Galmudug Ministry of Health, Omar Abdi Mohamed accused the local NGOs of carrying out their activities without the consent of his ministry.

He added that the work of the local NGOs may expose health hazards to the locals if the Ministry of Health does not regularly monitor their activities. He vowed that his ministry will take strong action against anyone who do not comply with its order. Meanwhile, the director said that the Ministry of Health has made huge improvements in the health sector in Galmudug.

Prime Minister asks citizens to help build new Somalia

22 Jan- Source: Somalicurrent- 195 words

Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed asked citizens to help in the building of the foundation of new Somalia, following the parliament’s approval of the cabinet. Prime Minister Abdiweli said that the government will begin hard work, promising delivering the ambitious program of his cabinet.

“Our country still faces many challenges and for my government the hard work now begins. We must be a strong, stable and decisive government that our country needs, earning the support and goodwill of the Somali people by delivering on our ambitious program of government. Together we will build the foundations of a new Somalia.” PM Abdiweli said. He thanked the parliament for voting to approve his cabinet, which he stated to represent all parts of Somali people.

“I am thankful to the MPs and Parliament for taking their role responsibly and putting the national interest first by approving the Cabinet and ministers. This Cabinet is representative of all of Somalia, made up of people with the right talents, enthusiasm and dedication to serve the Somali people and take our country forward.” he said. The new cabinet consists of 25 Ministers, including two female members, 25 Assistant Minister and 5 Ministers of State.

Somali PM introduces his new cabinet in an event in Mogadishu

22 Jan- Source: Radio RBC- 154 words

Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed has for the first time introduced members of his new council of ministers in an event held at Villa Somalia Presidential Palace in Mogadishu on Tuesday night. The meeting was the first in its kind since last week when the new Prime Minister unveiled the 55 members cabinet- which 33 of them were parliamentarians. Sources close to the Presidential Palace told RBC that the meeting was very significant due to accelerating the work of the new cabinet. Parliament overwhelmingly approved the list of the cabinet members on Tuesday, paving the way for the implementation of the policy of the new premier.

Go to School campaign teachers’ strike enters sixth day

22 Jan- Source: Radio Ergo- 264 words

Thousands of children enrolled in free public schools under the ‘Go to School’ campaign are idling at home as a teachers’ strike continues into the sixth day.

The strike, which started last Thursday, has disrupted learning for more than 50,000 primary school children just five months after the campaign began.

The teachers at the 12 schools established by the ‘Go to School’ campaign went on strike after working for four months without receiving full payment. Each teacher was promised a monthly salary of $200, according to Mohamed Amin Abdullahi Aden, the spokesperson of the teachers on strike.

“We only got the salary for one month and a half ($300) paid through EVC, a mobile money transfer system,” Aden told Radio Ergo’s local reporter in Mogadishu.

The 318 teachers in public schools are each missing $700 for the five month period, Aden said. Before announcing the strike, the teachers said they tried to communicate with the leadership of the education sector, but nobody would address their complaint.

“When you are hired as a teacher, there are responsibilities you should execute. We have been doing our duties for more than five months without getting paid, but we are now stating that we have halted those duties until we get our salaries,” said Aden.

Radio Ergo’s reporter in Mogadishu said no single ‘Go to School’ institution was currently operating in Mogadishu due to the strike. Somali government officials were not immediately available to comment on the teachers’ strike. The ‘Go to School’ campaign aims to enrol one million school age children over the next three years.

Somaliland:Visiting American Doctors to Provide Training on Medical Illness

21 Jan- Source: Somaliland Press- 413 words

The founder of Hargeisa Neurology Center Essa Kayd accompanied by a group of three American doctors who are currently visiting the country on a four day visit and led by Dr. David C. Henderson who is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and an Associate Psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).

Essa and his team of visiting American Doctors will during the duration of their stay in the country conduct studies, evaluation and assessments plans and to provide training to Doctors and medical workers on researching and collecting data, giving medications, and or treatments, intervening in emergencies, providing group therapy and will also be visiting the various medical institution which deal mental disease including the ministry of health.

Jowhar: Farming women set up dried fish business

21 Jan- Source: Radio Ergo- 282 words

Women whose families lost crops and farmlands in Middle Shabelle due to the recent floods have begun selling dried fish as an alternative source of income.

Fadumo Hassan Hirsi is a mother of five children living in Mahadey village, in northeastern Balad district. Her family was dependant on agriculture, but they lost their livelihoods after the farms in the region were swept away by river floods last year.

“Since then, our farmland has been under water and my husband couldn’t make any harvest from it. As a result, there was no source of income for our family,” Hirsi told Radio Ergo’s local reporter. Hirsi and nine other local women in similar circumstances have come together in the dried fish venture.

They buy fish from within Middle Shabelle region, dry it, and then sell it to buyers in neighbouring Afgoye district in Lower Shabelle region. “Fish is very expensive and in high demand there, more so than here in our place,” said Hirsi.

The amount of fish they purchase raw for 2,000 Somali shillings the women are able to sell in Afgoye for around 6,000.

“We divided ourselves into two teams, five in each. Five go to persuade the local fishermen to give us the fish on a loan basis, then when we get enough fish, the other five will take it once it’s been dried to Afgoye and sell it,” said Ruqiyo Moalim, a mother of six children.

On their way back, the women pay the fishermen and divide the profit among themselves. “Through such business, our families have benefited immensely, and we don’t worry any more if the father will bring something to eat at night or not,” Moalim said.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Somalia to swear in new Cabinet after parliamentary nod

22 Jan- Source: Africa Review/Daily Nation-285 Words

Somalia will Wednesday swear in a new government after the country’s Federal Parliament on Tuesday voted to approve a new Cabinet announced by Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed last week. The backing came after Mr Ahmed laid out his plans to restore peace and stability in the the Horn of Africa nation.

“Out of 233 MPs present in the parliament, 186 voted in favour, 46 opposed while 1 abstained, ” House Speaker Mohamed Osman Jawari said. Speaker Jawari finally announced that the government members will be sworn in on Wednesday. The vote came after heated debate over government plans and the increased size of the Cabinet.

“My government is going to prepare an army made of 28,000 personnel,” said the premier. “25,000 of them will be an infantry force, 2,000 serving the air force while 1,000 will be coast guards,” he added. “Stabilisation of the country is my government’s priority,” said the prime minister.

Kenya : Rights group report says state is targeting Somalis

22 Jan- Source: The Star- Kenya-358 Words

HUMAN Rights Watch has accused the government of targeting Somalia refugees before and in the wake of the Westgate terror on September 21 last year. In the World Report 2014 for the year 2013, the agency says the Jubilee government abetted other forms of human rights violations in the country almost a year after taking office.

The report says the government “increased its hostile rhetoric” against Somalia refugees last year calling for refugee camps to be closed and for Somalis to return to their homeland despite the insecurity in their country.

It says the Somalia refugee community has frequently been subjected to discrimination and reprisals in the wake of attacks in Kenya, including a brutal police operation from November 2012 to January 2013 in Nairobi’s Eastleigh estate.

“The community did not immediately report reprisals following the attack on Westgate mall, but there were reports of arbitrary arrests and extortion by the police in the Eastleigh area of Nairobi in October and November,” the report says.

Uganda: Brig Ondoga presents three top soldiers as sureties

22 Jan- Source: Daily Monitor- 248 words

The former commander of the Ugandan contingent of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Brig Michael Ondoga, who is on remand for allegedly failing to perform his duties and theft of food and fuel, has fronted three brigadiers as sureties in his bail application.

Brig Ondoga through his lawyer, Mr Frank Kanduho, yesterday presented brigadiers: Hussein Adda, Yowasi Kiiza and David Wakaalo, as sureties. He appeared before the General Court Martial presided over by Brig Moses Ddiba Ssentongo, for hearing of the application for temporary release pending trial.

However, prosecution led by Capt Frederick Kangwamu objected to the bail application arguing that none of the sureties presented their identities and that the accused person does not have a permanent residence within the jurisdiction of the court.

Juba considered buffer zone between Somalia and Kenya

21 Jan- Source: KTN Kenya-04:26mins

One of the most significant events in Kenya’s war to defeat the al shabaab since the crossing of Kenya’s defense forces into Somalia took place yesterday, and it didn’t happen on the battle field. The inauguration of the interim administration of the state of Juba’s executive council finally happened, putting in place, at least for the next two years, a federal government in an area that even before the KDF had crossed into Somalia, had been identified as a possible buffer zone between Somalia and Kenya. Does this mean that the end is finally in sight for Kenyan troops in Somalia?

Intel from Somali forces led to devastating KDF airstrike on al Shabaab leaders

21 Jan- Source: Sabahi Online-1047 Words

Before the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) carried out its airstrike on an al Shabaab training camp near Garbaharey in Somalia’s Gedo region on January 9th, Ahlu Sunna wal Jamaa (ASWJ) officials alerted the Kenyans that al Shabaab leaders were meeting in Birta Dher village, about 18 kilometres south of the city.

“We told them that al Shabaab’s most senior man, Ahmed Godane, was present at the location,” said Mohamed Hussein al-Qadi, the spokesman for government-allied ASWJ, which controls parts of Gedo including Garbaharey. “The strike came as a result of the co-operation between us, but unfortunately the most senior man whom we wanted to kill there escaped. However, senior al-Shabaab officers who were valuable to him were all killed and we are working on getting a complete list of their names.”

Al-Qadi identified three of the men killed as Zakur Bin Khalid, Abdi Malik and Ubeyda — all of Arab origin. A fourth man killed, Abdirahman Halane, is believed to be of Somali origin and was the al Shabaab leader of Birta Dheer, he said. The airstrike killed at least 30 al Shabaab militants, and security forces are still verifying their names and identities, he said.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Ethiopian troops join African force in Somalia

22 Jan- Source: AFP-321 Words

The inclusion of Ethiopia into the force will free up other units to stage a long awaited offensive on al Shabaab bases in the far southern regions of Lower and Middle Shabelle, with Kenyan units advancing from the south, and Uganda and Burundi pressing from the north. “Ethiopian troops will constitute AMISOM’s sixth contingent,” the force said Wednesday, with soldiers re-hatting to join troops from Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Uganda.

Eliminate al Shabaab, Somali president tells new cabinet

22 Jan- Source: World Bulletin-469 Words

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday welcomed the parliament’s endorsement of the new cabinet of Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed and urged the government to ‘eliminate’ the al Shabaab group.

“The approval of a new Cabinet, which will represent Somalis from all parts of the country, was taken in the national interest and shows our people, as well as our international partners, that our state institutions are growing in maturity and responsibility,” the president said in a statement mailed to Anadolu Agency.

The Somali National Assembly endorsed the new cabinet lineup earlier on Tuesday. A majority of 186 lawmakers voted in favor of the new government, while 46 MPs voted against. One legislator abstained. The new cabinet consists of 25 ministers, 25 deputy ministers and five ministers of state. It includes two female ministers and two former ministers, although most cabinet appointees are new faces.

Prosecutor: Woman lied about men in al Shabaab

22 Jan- Source: AP/nujournal-439 Words

A young woman who lied to a grand jury about raising money for men who left Minnesota to join a terrorist group in Somalia was actually involved in the conspiracy herself — and warned the men to be careful in case the FBI was listening, prosecutors said during her sentencing hearing Tuesday. But Saynab Hussein’s attorney said her client was merely a naive teenager who had no intent of promoting terrorism, but got caught up in something she didn’t understand. “Saynab Hussein is not a radical extremist,” defense attorney Dulce Foster said.

Hussein, of Nashville, Tenn., appeared in federal court in Minneapolis on Tuesday for sentencing on one count of perjury in connection with the government’s long-running investigation into recruiting and financing for al Shabaab, a terrorist group with links to al Qaeda. However, her sentencing was postponed by U.S. District Judge Michael Davis after several questions were raised, including about deportation.

Prosecutors are requesting at least two years in prison, but defense attorneys said any sentence longer than a year would allow deportation proceedings. Hussein, a mother and part-time nursing student, is a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. and left Somalia when she was a year old.

Somalia’s orphans and disabled citizens face academic challenges

21 Jan- Source: eNCANews-05:12mins

Across the world, the rights of children continue to be neglected. Robyn Kriel travelled the city of Mogadishu in Somalia, to look at the lives of the desperate and disabled.

Shipping Industry Aims to Boost Jobs in Somalia

21 Jan- Source: maritime-executive-112 words

Per Gullestrup, whose Danishâ€ operated ship was hijacked by Somali pirates for several weeks, is to be joined this Thursday, January 23rd at a meeting in London, by other shippers and government representatives, to discuss expanding coordination across job-creating projects in coastal regions of Somalia, including a fishing project he leads on the north Somali coast.

Per Gullestrup is a Partner of the Clipper Group, whose cargo ship CEC Future with 13 crew was hijacked for 72 days by Somali pirates in 2008. He personally negotiated with the pirates over several weeks to gain release of the vessel and crew. The tense drama became the basis of a Danish film called “The Hijacking”.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Since the roots of pasts political dilemmas still exist today, it is likely this new cabinet will have to confront old demons as they attempt to accomplish something new and build off the efforts throughout Somalia to move the country forward.”

Somalia’s New Cabinet – Between Constitution, Clan, Comrades, and Quality

21 Jan- Source: Somalia Newsroom-2101 Words

On 21 January 2014 , Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed’s new cabinet was approved by a large margin of Somalia’s parliament with 186 MPs voting in favor, 46 against, and 1 abstaining. The enlarged cabinet consisted of 25 ministers, 25 deputy ministers, and 5 state ministers. The process to select them continued to reflect the contentious constitutional division of power between the President and PM.

Expectations were high especially after PM Abdiweli asked the parliament for an extension to complete the process—ostensibly to complete talks with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s team and other influential groups. It has been common practice for the president to be involved in the cabinet-making process. The inability of the PM to unilaterally execute this authority was part of the rift that led President Hassan to controversially “ask” for PM Shirdon to submit his resignation.

“Ordinary Somalis are hungry for news about their country. William Travis, whose book, The Voice of the Turtle recounts his efforts to build turtle canning factories in Somalia, writes that in his travels around the country, Somalis he met usually commenced conversations with the question: “‘What news from the South?’—or wherever you had come from. Sometimes it was just one word ‘news!’”

Somalia Needs a National Newspaper

21 Jan- Source: Council on Foreign Relations Blog-315 Words

As the Somalia diaspora returns to the country, along with foreign embassies and international organizations, the country’s long slide into darkness appears to be slowing. Despite many obstacles rendering such an idea unrealistic, establishing a national newspaper could contribute to greater unity and stability.

Al Shabaab, the violent extremist group responsible for most of Somalia’s insecurity, has shown itself to be especially sensitive to media outlets. Most recently, it banned internet use nationwide, allowing just fifteen days for providers to comply before facing attacks. Forced out of some areas, the group seems to feel its grip slipping and by targeting internet and electronic media, it reveals its vulnerability to communications.

In the current digital age, the idea of establishing a hardcopy newspaper with national reach in such a hostile environment seems counterintuitive. Yet according to a study by Cornell University professor emeritus Benedict Anderson, “the very existence and regularity of newspapers cause[s] readers, and thus citizens-in-the-making, to imagine themselves residing in a common time and place, united by a print language with a league of anonymous equals.”

Barkhad Abdi Talks Captain Phillips, Oscar Nominations & Giving Back to Somalia

21 Jan- Source: Parade-958 Words

You’ve probably already heard the name Barkhad Abdi more than a few times this year, and there’s a good reason for that: The Somalia-born actor has become Hollywood’s latest Cinderella story as countless people have already written about his ascension from Minneapolis limousine driver to the Golden Globe and Oscar-nominated actor who holds his own (and some might even say outshines) the legendary Tom Hanks in Paul Greengrass’ Captain Phillips (available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD today).

Abdi’s performance in the film, as a Somali pirate, is nuanced, understated, and downright fantastic. Parade caught up with the Oscar-nominated actor to discuss Captain Phillips, his award nominations, and how he’s already doing all he can to give back to the people of Somalia.

Top tweets

@amisomsomalia AMISOM medic shows young girl how to stick out her tongue while examining her during an outpatient day for civilians pic.twitter.com/LHAkCoGcmj

@amisomsomalia The Ethiopian deployment will permit Burundian and Ugandan forces to move into parts of Lower & Middle Shabelle #EthiopiaInSomalia

@UNSomalia @tvuniversal interview with #Somalia‘s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (20 Jan 2014): http://bit.ly/1cU2K53

‏@Somalia111 National Press Day in #Somalia – congrats to Somali journalists. You have one of the toughest jobs in one of the toughest places! Respect.

@NJtweeting How Somali community in Minnesota tries to combat Al Shabaab recruitment. Saving Little Mogadishu by Dorothée: http://narrative.ly/muslim-in-america/saving-little-mogadishu/ …

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Image of the day

Image of the day African Union Special envoy for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif, left, shake hands with Hon. Fowziya Mohamed, chair of Somalia’s Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Interior and Governance during the handover of ICT equipment donated by AMISOM to Somali parliament at AMISOM’s headquarters in Mogadishu. Photo: AMISOM