January 30, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Somali president wants waiver on arms embargo extended

30 Jan- Source: Reuters -778 Words

Somalia’s president said he wanted the U.N. Security Council to extend a partial lifting of an arms embargo beyond March when the exemption is due to end because Somali troops need more and better equipment to battle al Qaeda-aligned insurgents.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also told Reuters in an interview on Wednesdayevening that he was working to improve the management of public finances, after the resignation of two central bank governors in quick succession last year rattled Western and other donors.

The election by parliament in 2012 of Mohamud, a 58-year-old former academic, marked a break from two decades of political chaos and conflict, first at the hands of feuding warlords and then al Shabaab militants who vow allegiance to al Qaeda.

Since he took office, the battered capital has enjoyed a building boom, some Somalis who fled have returned and, in a sign of greater international confidence, the U.N. Security Council partially lifted an embargo, letting Mogadishu import light arms for its army for a one-year period till March 2014.

Key Headlines

INTERVIEW-Somali president wants waiver on arms embargo extended (Reuters)
Somali Gov’ encourages agriculture sector ( Somali Channel TV)
Somali President: AMISOM Operations Against al Shabaab to Begin Soon (VOA)
Former Hizbul Islam leader taken from prison to house arrest (Hiiraan Online)
Former al Shabaab officer turns himself in to the police in Baidoa (Radio Bar-Kulan)
Somalia’s Chief Justice voices lack of protection hinders country’s judicial system (Radio Dalsan)
Presidents Abdiwali Gaas holds the first meeting with new Puntland cabinet (Radio Dalsan)
AMISOM Gender Unit congratulates Somalia’s new Minister of Women (Radio Bar-kulan)
Somalis protest removal of KDF from Kismayo (Star – Kenya)
US intelligence chief warns of new attacks on Kenya (Daily Nation)
Kenya al Shabaab terror recruits ‘in it for the money’ (BBC)
Kenya: Agencies enhance security in the wake of terror alerts (Standard Media)
Displaced twice: Syria’s Somali people seek shelter in Turkey (Anatolia News Agency)

SOMALI MEDIA

Former Hizbul Islam leader taken from prison to house arrest

30 Jan- Source: Somali Current/ Radio Shabelle/RBC/Hiiraan Online- 347 words

Somalia’s Former Hizbul Islam leader, Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, left the Prison but will be under house arrest, local media reported on Wednesday evening. Hassan, who was in the custody of The National Security Agency since June last year without trial, defected from al- Shabaab after receiving death threats from the militant group’s top leader Ahmed Godane aka Abu Zubeyr.

Abu Zubeyr ordered hunt for the officials that opposed his leadership and killed several prominent members among al Shabaab, including Ibrahim Haji Jama better known as Afghani and the American jihadist Omar Hamami (Abu mansoor Al Imriki), while others are still on the run.

Speaking to the local media, former Hizbul Islam operation’s spokesperson, Sheikh Osman Arus, confirmed that Hassan Dahir is safe and taken to house in unnamed place in the town, but did not give further details on the issue.

“He has not yet gained his full freedom but I can assure you that he has been relocated to a house,” Arus told Shabelle, local FM radio in the capital.

According to reports, Sheikh Hassan Dahir, who was adamant on his extremist ideologies, agreed to renounce violence and terrorism beliefs, leading his transfer from the jail to the house.

A group of Islamists who were members of the Islamic Courts Union and fought against the previous Transitional Federal Government of Somalia founded Hizbul Islam in 2009, but it merged with al Qaeda affiliated group al-Shabaab in 2010.

Last June, Mohamed Moallim, the spokesperson of Hizbul Islam, told reporters in Mogadishu that his faction split from al Shabaab and renounced violence, showing that they want to hold talks with the Somali government to support peace and reconciliation in Somalia.

Somali government did not comment on the issue, but earlier last week, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said the situation of Hassan Dahir will be decided after the National Security Agency concludes questioning him.

Hassan Dahir Aweys was part of Al Itihad Al Islamiya leadership, which took over the control of large swathes of land in Somalia following the overthrow of the military government early 1990s.

Former al Shabaab officer turns himself in to the police in Baidoa

30 Jan- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 141 words

Reports from Baidoa town in Somalia indicate that one of al Shabaab officers in Bay region has on Wednesday surrendered himself to the government forces in the region. Hassan Gadudow Ali who was the group’s head of finances in Dolondolle village near Baidoa turned himself in to the local police in Baidoa.

Ali stated that unbearable living conditions and internal threats within the group were the major facts that forced him to defect from the militant group. Col. Mahad Abdirahman Adam, the police commissioner of Bay region confirmed the defection of the former militant, saying that local police had received him 5 KM out of Baidoa.

The commissioner urged other youths in the ranks of al Shabaab militant group to follow suit and turn themselves into the government.

Somalia’s Chief Justice voices lack of protection hinders country’s judicial system

30 Jan- Source: Radio Dalsan/Somali Channel TV- 150 words

Somalia’s Chief Justice Aidid Abdullahi Ilkahanaf has voiced concerns over lack of protection for judges and justice officials that is hindering the work of the country’s judiciary. “We have no security, no transportation, there is no sufficient pay.” Somalia’s Supreme Court Chief Aidid Ilkahanaf told Radio Dalsan in an interview.

Mr Ilkahanaf has rejected allegations on the media that the judiciary officials were corrupt and sometimes bribed for their responsibilities. “It is the clan affiliation-based power sharing where the system fails or works,” he said defending the judges in the courts.

Mr Ilkhanaf who has served the position as the chief justice of Somalia since 2010 has called on the new government to accelerate its work and do something in protecting the judiciary officials.

Dozens of Somalia judges were killed in targeted assassinations in Mogadishu in the last year making Somalia judges one of the most targeted people within the community.

Presidents Abdiwali Gaas holds the first meeting with the new Puntland cabinet

30 Jan- Source: Radio RBC/Radio Garowe- 143 words

President Abdliwali Mohamed Ali Gaas accompanied by his deputy Abdihakim Amey hold their first meeting with the newly appointed cabinet members of the new administration. The main focus of this meeting was introductions between the new members of the cabinet and the President and his deputy.

New members of cabinet commenced the meeting by saying their names and respective ministries which ended up in introductions between the cabinet.

President Abdiwali is said to have spoken with the cabinet and told them the motive behind their selection which is “CHANGE” and the only way that change can be realised is to get all the appointed officials deliver their best.

Also reports coming to Raxanreeb online is saying that this new 47 members cabinet will be brought before the parliament of Puntland on the coming Saturday on the 1st of February to seek for approval.

AMISOM Gender Unit congratulates Somalia’s new Minister of Women

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

African Union Mission in Somalia Gender and Human Rights Unit has congratulated newly appointed Somalia’s Minister of Women and Human Rights for her new post. AMISOM Gender and Human Rights officer, Mane Ahmed has stated to have congratulated Somalia’s new Minister of Women and Human Rights Khadija Mohamed Dirie.

Ahmed added that her office will closely work with the new minister on gender and human rights related issues in the country. Meanwhile, the officer extended her congratulations to former Social Services Minister, Dr. Maryam Qassim for her work during her time in office. AMISOM Gender and Human Rights Unit conducts gender and human rights related trainings and workshops in Somalia.

7 killed in renewed Somali troops infighting in Lower Shabelle

30 Jan- Source: Radio Mustaqbal/Harar24/Radio Garowe- 78 words

At least 7 persons including 2 civilians were killed during renewed clashes on Wednesday in Lower Shabelle region south of Mogadishu.

The fighting erupted in Wanlaweyn district after some government troops “attempted to disarm” another group of government troops. At least 15 people were also killed during the armed confrontation.

Wanlaweyn residents said heavy gunfire could be heard across town and government sources said military officers were en route to Wanlaweyn to calm tensions among government troops.

“The sounds of gunshots could be heard all over the town and many injured people were lying around, both sides were receiving reinforcements to aid them in their fight” said Mohamed Osman, a local resident.

Somali Gov’t encourages agriculture sector

29 Jan- Source: Somali Current/Somali Channel- 232 words

Somalia’s government said it will help farmers to encourage the agriculture sector, following a meeting between Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed and members of the country’s formers that took place today. PM Abdiweli said that strong export led agriculture sector key to securing Somalia’s future and Somalia’s economic recovery.

“This type of meeting is very important, they give us the chance to hear direct from the Somali people the challenges and hopes they have. I come from a family of farmers and I was educated at an agriculture secondary school so I have a good understanding of agriculture and it is something I am deeply passionate about.” The Prime Minister said.

“Somalia has always had a strong and proud agriculture sector, exporting our produce and livestock all over the world. I want agriculture to help lead in the economic recovery of Somalia.” he added.

Mr. Abdiweli pointed out that farmers in parts of Somalia continue to face many challenges to their livelihood from extreme weather conditions such as flooding and droughts to the seizure of their lands and illegal taxation by al Shabaab.

“Al Shabaab not only threaten our people with indiscriminate violence and killing but are also hampering the economic recovery of Somalia. This is why we must continue to defeat them militarily, spreading the sphere of security and stability creating an environment rich for economic development and growth.” he said.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Kenya: Agencies enhance security in the wake of terror alerts

30 Jan- Source: Standardmedia- 225 words

Those seeking to access some of the country’s strategic places will now take longer because of enhanced security operations. The cabinet has directed security agencies to enhance security to all Kenyans and security investments across the country in the wake of terror threats.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku said it will take you a little longer to access some of the places. “As we endeavour to improve security and service delivery in Kenya I want to request every Kenyan regardless of your status to cooperate with us,” said Lenku.

The Cabinet under the chairmanship of President Kenyatta met on Tuesday to deliberate the state of security and issued a statement saying security of all Kenyans including strategic investments across the country will be enhanced.

Somalis protest removal of KDF from Kismayo

30 Jan- Source: Star-Kenya-503 Words

RESIDENTS of of Kismayo in Somalia yesterday demonstrated against the relocation of Kenya Defence Force troops from the city. Earlier this month AMISOM Chiefs of Defence met in Addis Ababa and resolved that troops from Sierra Leone, who joined their KDF counterparts mid last year, will take over command of Kismayu at the end of next month in what will now be referred to as AMISOM’s operation in Sector 5 (Kismayo).

The Sector 5 operation will have one Sierra Leonean battalion of troops in Kismayo accompanied by troops from Burundi and Kenya, and a police unit from Nigeria.

There has been attempts by the Federal Government of Somalia to remove KDF troops from Kismayu due to allegations that KDF was supporting the interim Jubaland administration government, which declined to recognise a warlord sent by the Somalia central government to administer the liberated area.

US intelligence chief warns of new attacks on Kenya

29 Jan- Source: Daily Nation- 426 words

Somalia’s al Shabaab militants may be planning new attacks on Kenya, the director of US national intelligence warned on Wednesday. Security has increased and counter-terrorism efforts have been strengthened in Kenya and other East African countries in the aftermath of the September massacre at the Westgate shopping mall, intelligence chief James Clapper said in his global threat assessment for 2014. “Nonetheless,” he told the members of the US Senate’s intelligence committee, “East African governments will have difficulty protecting the wide range of potential targets.”

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

INTERVIEW-Somali president wants waiver on arms embargo extended

30 Jan- Source: Reuters -778 Words

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday evening that he was working to improve the management of public finances, after the resignation of two central bank governors in quick succession last year rattled Western and other donors.

Displaced twice: Syria’s Somali people seek shelter in Turkey

30 Jan- Source: Anatolia News Agency- 930 words

The Syrian conflict has displaced millions – over half a million alone have fled to Turkey, but the war has taken its toll on other nationalities who made Syria their home. A community of around ten thousand Somalis who went to Syria 25 years ago, after escaping the civil war which turned the African country into a failed state for twenty years, have now become refugees a second time in a generation.

Fatima Muhammed Abd, in her 60s, is one of thousand or so registered Somali refugees from Syria living in Ankara, according to Turkish aid agency Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), who say that the real number is more likely to be around three times higher.

Somali President: AMISOM Operations Against al Shabaab to Begin Soon

29 Jan- Source: VOA- 415 words

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says the Somali military and African Union peacekeepers will soon launch operations against al Shabaab in areas still under the militant group’s control. Hassan also welcomed the addition of Ethiopian troops into the AMISOM force.

Speaking in Addis Ababa Wednesday, ahead of an AU summit, the president said the government is moving forward with plans for major operations against al Shabaab.

“[The] Somali national army and the AMISOM forces will jointly be conducting these operations to eliminate Shabaab and declare all the territory of Somalia out of the control of al Shabaab,” he said. “So the plans are progressing, there are timelines in it, but all I can say to you right now is they are progressing and progressing very fast.”

East Africa on security alert after Kenya blasts

29 Jan- Source: Financial Times-531 Words

East African countries have put their security forces on alert after a spate of blasts in Kenya raised fears of more al Qaeda-linked jihadi terrorist attacks in the region. Kenyan and Ethiopian officials this week said that Islamist terrorism is their main security threat, and diplomats and security experts worry that a series of attempted attacks, including on a tourist bus and on a coffee shop at Nairobi airport, could be a prelude to a serious incident.

The attacks came less than six months after an al Qaeda linked group killed more than 70 people during a terror attack on a shopping mall in the Kenyan capital. “What we are doing is enhancing security around our ministries, installations and the whole city,” said Amina Mohamed, Kenyan foreign affairs minister.

Concern centres on Somalia-based al Shabaab terrorists, who have in the past carried out fatal attacks in both Uganda and Kenya, both of which have, like Ethiopia, sent troops into Somalia. Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack on the Nairobi shopping mall, and diplomats say four Somalis crossed into Kenya months before to prepare for the operation. Berhane Gebre-Christos, Ethiopian state minister for foreign affairs, said al Shabaab was the “greatest threat” against Addis Ababa.

Kenya al Shabaab terror recruits ‘in it for the money’

29 Jan- Source: BBC-884 Words

Some walls remain bullet-scarred, a few windows lie shattered: More than four months on, Westgate shopping centre in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, still bears its battle wounds.

It is partly masked by scaffolding and a boarded-up entrance but this was once a place where the well-heeled of the city flocked, sipping their espressos before a touch of shopping or a film at the cinema. Now, though, Westgate will forever be synonymous with the worst attacks Nairobi had seen in 15 years.

Almost 70 people were killed when gunmen began their rampage on 21 September last year. They swept through the mall, holding some hostage and executing others. ‘Ideological’ motive

Tales of pure horror emerged from the four-day siege. The militant Islamist group al Shabaab said it was behind the attack, in retaliation it said for the involvement of the Kenyan army against it in Somalia.

Sources: US drone strike nearly hits al Shabaab leader

29 Jan- Source: VOA-222 Words

Sources in Somalia say a U.S. drone strike on Sunday nearly hit the leader of militant group al Shabaab. A militant source and sources close to the African Union mission in Somalia tells VOA Somali service that Ahmed Abdi Godane was in the vicinity of the drone attack, which took place north of Barawe, in the Lower Shabelle region.

The Pentagon on Wednesday said its analysts are still assessing the results of what a spokesman called “a coordinated operation” in southern Somalia. The Somali militant source says Godane is alive, although it is not clear whether the al-Shabaab leader was injured.

A senior aide of Godane’s, Ahmed Abdulkadir – known as “Iskudhuuq – was killed along with his driver Sundaywhen their car was hit by a missile. The sources in Somalia say Godane and Iskudhuuq may have had a meeting right before the attack, and that Godane was supposed to travel in the car that was targeted.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“The present government represents the best opportunity for unification. It seems doubtful a better opportunity will come about later given the trends noted thus far. All self-interested focus on relatively short term narrow gains will beget a disaster of Balkanization which bodes ill for Somalia and perhaps for all Africa. Visions of self-determination and prosperity within these potential fifes are a treacherous mirage.”

One, Two, How Many “Somalias” – Beware Balkanization

29 Jan- Source: Garowe Online-1092 Words

Several articles have appeared lately illustrating the crossroads confronting not only the Federal Government of Somalia, but the various sectors of leadership and public across Somalia and throughout the diaspora. These articles include, but are not limited to the article by Abukar Arman concerning Somalia’s fault lines, particularly those of a clan-centric nature, the Michael Weinstein article concerning silver linings and vicious cycles and his earlier article on the political poisoning by the donor nations, and Armin Rosen’s concerning banking and the Dahabshiil / hawala transfer system.

The Arman piece is illustrative of how various external actors are enticing, influencing the internal players, the Somali clans and others. The point I would make is the Somali people and particularly the clan structures should beware Balkanization. On one hand, there are overt demands the F.S.G. negotiate a reconstruction of the political situation, but as Weinstein points out, on the other hand there are the contradictions of the donor nation’s separate negotiations with those very entities. I know not what funding is being proffered before the government; it is perhaps a chalice that may never be forthcoming, and could very well be a poison one if it actually arrives. The “up-front” requirements are challenging as it is and certainly there will be “back-end” demands as well.

“Tomorrow’s reality in Somalia is taking shape today and Grammar Media is helping narrate the story.”

Tomorrow in Somalia

28 Jan- Source: Grammar Media-240 Words

The morning cacophony of blaring horns and whistles will fade out into neatly transitioning traffic signals and polite bus stop banter. Proud police officers in crisp uniform will brisk-walk through the plazas and Somalis will line up in neat lines to vote. Crying babies will be cuddled to sleep by smiling nurses in the myriad dispensaries and health inspectors will swing by the butcheries for a chat.

Teenagers will make newspaper drops before rushing off to college while shopkeepers laugh at the guy struggling to parallel park in front of their store. Parliament will passionately debate the borders and demarcation bill as athletes depart for their high-altitude training.

Top tweets

@UNSomalia #AU summit kicks off in #Addis. #Somaliadelegation led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.@TheVillaSomalia pic.twitter.com/dAtrxGZZvJ

@EdPomfret Check out the #Somalia:A Different Perspective exhibition on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/oxfam/sets/72157633424469165/ …

@KhaatumoState Nuradin Farah: If you want peace in#Somalia, half of all positions of power must be offered to women. http://youtu.be/HBwf87W2CnM

@SomaliPM Great to meet with #Somali farmers alongside Minister of Agriculture to hear their concers and hopes for#Somalia pic.twitter.com/8JgO8tYADv

@stability_fund What does #freedom mean to you? For#Somali anti-FGM campaigner Leyla Hussein “freedom means when you’re not judged” http://bbc.in/M4QDME

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Image of the day Ex-#Somalia #Defense Minister Abdihakin Haji Fiqi hands over his portfolio and responsibilities to successor Mohamed Sheikh Hassan. Photo: @SomaliaNewsroom