March 6, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

AMISOM troops backed by Somali forces seize strong al Shabaab military base in Bakol region

06 Mar – Source: RBC – 160 words

Ethiopian troops contingent of AMISOM backed by the Somali government forced have on Wednesday seized the custody of Rabdhure city in Bakool region. Rabdhure city have been under the administration of al Shabaab militants recently where they have based strong military station in the city.

Report to Raxanreeb Online says that 12 al Shabaab fighters were killed in this fight while the fatalities from AMISOM and Somali forces are not confirmed yet.

Ethiopian troops coming under the command of African Union Mission in Somalia are also preparing to advance to Xudur district in Bakool region in the coming few days declaring a war against the militias.

Al Shabaab fighters ran off Rabdhure and faced towards Wajid area after a heave fighting was launched by AMISOM troops together Somali government forces on the militants on the course of Wednesday on 05 March. This military advancement is corresponding to AMISOM’s vow to eliminate al Shabaab from South and Central of Somalia in this year of 2014.

Key Headlines

Somali government confirms rebirth of al Shabaab in Mogadishu (Hiiraan Online)
AMISOM troops backed by Somali forces seize strong al Shabaab military base in Bakol region (RBC)
Amnesty International urges restoring full arms embargo on Somalia (Sabahi Online)
U.S donates military vehicles to newly trained Somali Commandos (Radio Mogadishu/SNTV)
Plans underway to improve Somalia social services (Radio Bar-Kulan)
Somalis decry al Shabaab’s use of child suicide bombers (Sabahi Online)
Juba security forces launch operations in Kismayo (Radio Goobjoog)
Conference discussed Women education development held in Garowe (Puntland TV)
Federal Govt soldiers’ infighting kills five in Baidoa (Garowe online)
Several arrested in Mogadishu security operation (Radio Bar-Kulan)
Somali Puntland worried Islamists may move its way: leader (Reuters)
North Dakota Bank Dumps Money Service Businesses Loses Somalia Accounts (CBS News)

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali government confirms rebirth of al Shabaab in Mogadishu

06 Mar – Source: Hiiraan Online – 138 words

A key Somali government minister has announced that al Shabaab militants are once again fully operating in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu; more than two and a half years after the Islamist group was ousted out of the city.

The Minister for Interior and Federalism Affairs, Abdullahi Godah Barre, told the media in Mogadishu on Tuesday that the militants managed to return to the capital despite being defeated in several battles across south-central Somalia.

“I am requesting the Somali people living in the capital Mogadishu to help the government to fight against the violence and anarchy that the terrorists are planning to carry out in the capital—they want to plunge this city into more bloodshed once again,” the minister noted.

Abdullahi Godah Barre called for the people in Mogadishu to maintain tight vigilance ahead of an all-out offensive against al Shabaab.

AMISOM troops backed by Somali forces seize strong al Shabaab military base in Bakol region

06 Mar – Source: RBC – 160 words

Report to Raxanreeb Online says that 12 al Shabaab fighters were killed in this fight while the fatalities from AMISOM and Somali forces are not confirmed yet.

U.S donates military vehicles to newly trained Somali Commandos

06 Mar – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV – 184 words

Somalia’s newly trained commandos received 15 vehicles donated by the U.S State Department amid restructuring the horn of African country’s security forces.

Gen Dahir Aden Elmi, the commander of Somalia Armed Forces officially took over the 15 vehicles and other military equipment dedicated to equip with the newly recruited and trained soldiers at the Jaseera Training Camp in Mogadishu.

“This is the first part of series of support from the U.S government and other international partners.” Gen Elmi said. The newly trained soldiers will be the country’s first commando and will be transferred to former Air Forces Base in Ballidogle of Lower Shabelle.

“We are committed in bringing up effective forces in order we can regain our security. Thanks to our friends.” Gen Elmi added. The U.S State of Department representative Mr Mike has noted that the U.S is committed and on the forefront in supporting Somalia’s security forces.

“Together we can make Somalia a secure place,” he said. “this donation is meant to the Somalia Security Forces to demonstrate the service of the Somalia people by its security forces.”

Plans underway to improve Somalia social services

06 Mar – Source: Bar-kulan – 101 words

Federal government of Somalia Assistant Minister for Planning and International Cooperation Abdullahi Sheikh Ali has said there are ongoing plans to develop social services particularly health, education and creation of employment opportunities.

Mr. Abdullahi has said South America –Africa cooperation block (ASA) has pledged more than 20 million USD to support the improvement of Somali social services.

A delegation from the federal government of Somalia led by Mr. Abdullahi Sheikh has recently returned from South America –Africa (ASA) meeting which was held in Qatar. Elsewhere Mr. Abdullahi said he is confident the current government will govern the country until 2016 general elections.

Juba security forces launch operations in Kismayo

06 Mar – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 105 words

Reports from the port city of Kismayo, the headquarters of Lower Juba say that the security forces of Juba administration in Southern Somalia launched security crackdown where dozens of people were arrested. The Security officials confirmed that the operation is meant to maintain security and prevent possible attacks in the region.

The operation was carried out jointly by Juba security forces and AMISOM in Some villages of Kismayo town. Most of the arrested people were moved to police stations where they are now questioned.

This comes a time when the security situation of lower Juba particularly Kismayo was worsening following suicide explosions and co-ordinated assassinations.

Conference discussed Women education development held in Garowe

06 Mar – Source: Puntland TV – 145 words

A conference held in Puntland’s capital Garowe was discussed a project intended to develop education of women in the region. This conference lasted for two days and was attended by officials from education, Information Planning and Women Ministries of Puntland.

Representatives from UNICEF, WFP, AET, Care International, Relief International and other international organizations were also in attendance at this conference believed to have been discussed a project concerning the development of the current conditions of Women Education in Puntland.

Head of Relief International in Puntland, Mohamed Abdulkadir stated that there is a project proposed to improve the women education in the regions .

Faduma Shukri Abdi Hirsi, the Director of Women Education Development Department of the Ministry of Education said that 9300 women from Bari, Nugal and Mudug regions will benefit from this project which will take 3 years period and funded by the Britain government.

Federal Govt soldiers’ infighting kills five in Baidoa

05 Mar – Source: Garowe Online – 131 words

Heavy fighting broke out between the Somali federal government military forces and police officers at a security checkpoint in Bay regional capital of Baidoa of southern Somalia on Wednesday evening, killing five persons including deputy police commander, Garowe Online reports.

Sources within Federal Government of Somalia confirmed that the Deputy commander of Bay police division Col. Nishow Kurtun died in the shootout after police officers denied the entry of a truck loaded with commodities into Baidoa. Military soldiers on board fired live ammunitions at the police officers, killing five and wounding five others, sources added.

The police forces in Baidoa completely withdrew from their compounds and formed temporary bases in Baidoa outskirts. Military forces in speedy armored vehicles began to roam in the city, with AMISOM forces closely monitoring the situation.

Several arrested in Mogadishu security operation

05 Mar – Source: Bar-kulan – 133 words

More than 150 people have been arrested by Somali security agencies during a week long security operation in various suburbs of the capital Mogadishu. The arrested who were majority youths are suspected to be behind the various attacks that took place in the capital Mogadishu during previous weeks.

According to preliminary investigation three suspects have been confirmed to be members of al Shabaab militants group while others are under investigation at criminal investigation department headquarters in Mogadishu.

Several other suspects were arrested today by presidential guards in an operation around the Mogadishu presidential Palace. There is heavy security presence in and around Mogadishu following several deadly al Shabaab attacks in the city late last month.

Somaliland Presidential affairs minister unveil motors set to escort president’s entouarge

05 Mar – Source: Somaliland Informer – 132 words

Somaliland Presidential Affairs Minister Hon. Hirsi Haji Ali Hassan has on Wednesday has displayed to the media motor Unit intended that once the president leading a delegation to countries expected to visit or once returning to the country will be escorted the president’s entourage.

The Minister said that praise is due to Allah that made it possible for the government led by incumbent president Ahmed Silanyo to achieve the ongoing progress in the country be it roads, government buildings, ports, airports and Ministries.

He added that the motors were bought to escort the president and his delegation and soldiers will be trained.

Galmudug administration to open free schools

05 Mar – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 128 words

The administration of Galmudug in central Somalia has announced to establish free schools so as to promote the education level in the region. The governor of Mudug region of Galmudug Aweys Ali Said while giving exclusive interview to Goobjoog FM said their administration is putting more efforts to open schools in all the areas under their controls giving priority to the areas with needs.

He asked the community in the region to work closely with Galmudug administration to maintain security and embark on developmental activities that are key to success.

Since 1991 the education sector in Somalia has been moving slow as most of the education centers has suffered destruction. Education services are in the hands of private sectors with different curriculum which produces students with diverse standards.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Amnesty International urges restoring full arms embargo on Somalia

06 Mar – Source: Sabahi Online – 141 words

Human rights watchdog Amnesty International called on the United Nations Security Council to restore the full arms embargo on Somalia and to put in place stronger monitoring regulations to contain violence and civilian deaths.

The UN Security Council voted in March 2013 to ease the arms embargo on Somalia for one year to permit the import of light weapons in order to rebuild Somalia’s security apparatus.

But a report from the UN Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea alleged that arms shipments to the government have been diverted to clan militias and in one case to an al-Shabaab commander, allegations that the Somali government denied.

The Security Council is expected to review the terms of the arms embargo March 6th. “The Somali government has been unable to live up to its commitments,” said Michelle Kagari, Africa deputy director at Amnesty International.

Somalis decry al Shabaab’s use of child suicide bombers

05 Mar – Source: Sabahi Online – 201 words

Somali parents are expressing outrage over al Shabaab’s use of children under the age of 18 in suicide bombings as the group ramped up its terrorist attacks in Mogadishu in February. After al Shabaab commandos carried out a suicide attack February 21st against the heavily fortified presidential palace Villa Somalia, al-Shabaab leaders rallied citizens in areas it controls to build support for the terrorist group.

That afternoon, senior al Shabaab official Fuad Mohamed Qalaf, known as Fuad Shangole, spoke to hundreds of citizens gathered in a public square in Bardhere district in Gedo region. Residents were reportedly ordered to attend Shangole’s 30-minute speech, which was intended convince the public to fight the Ethiopian troops preparing an offensive against al-Shabaab as part of its mandate under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

“What is required from you is for all the Muslims in Gedo region to take out their weapons,” he said. “The [Ethiopians] are killing your children, destroying your houses, raping your girls and taking your wealth. They are no relation to you as an [Ethiopian] kills the closest person to him. Donkeys and [Ethiopians] have no mercy.” Shangole ordered the people of Gedo to train with the militants for their so-called jihad.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somali Puntland worried Islamists may move its way: leader

06 Mar – Source: Reuters – 175 words

An expected drive to purge Islamist rebels from southern Somalia risks pushing them north into an area at the tip of the Horn of Africa better known for its coastal pirates than al Shabaab insurgents.

Semi-autonomous Puntland state, where one-third of Somalia’s population lives, needs help from the African peacekeeping force AMISOM to secure its border with southern provinces, its regional president Abdiweli Mohamed Ali said on Wednesday.

A new push to rout al Shabaab militants from urban redoubts in southern Somalia has been expected since Ethiopian troops joined AMISOM earlier this year, but it has not yet come.

“It is obvious that some (al Shabaab) will seek refuge in the very difficult terrain in Puntland, particularly the Galgala mountains,” Ali told Reuters by telephone. He was referring to a small range of mountains where some fighters are operating.

Reeling from militant attacks on its doorstep, the central government in Mogadishu wants the al Qaeda-linked insurgents expelled from their southern strongholds this year as it struggles to shake off the tag of a failed state.

North Dakota Bank Dumps Money Service Businesses, Loses Somalia Accounts

06 Mar – Source: CBS News – 188 words

A North Dakota bank is the latest financial institution in the United States and elsewhere that has decided to close the accounts of companies that transfer or convert money, a trend that has upset Somalis who want to send money home.

Officials with Fargo-based Bell State Bank say the federal government has called for stricter regulations for dealing with so-called cash-intensive money service businesses and they cannot risk massive fines. They say they don’t like to lose any business, but added that the bank has dropped all such transfer companies and the Somalia accounts were a small part of that sector.

“Fines can reach up to $50 million, depending on your organization,” said Matt Stenehjem, a Bell State Bank fraud and security officer who was hired by the company to deal with new federal and state regulations.

Messages left with a media relations spokeswoman with the U.S. Treasury Department were not returned. Many banks dumped money service businesses after 9/11 over fears the money was going to terrorist groups. One of Britain’s largest banks, Barclays, decided recently to drop customers who were sending money to Somalia.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“The economic impact of violence containment in Somalia is equal to 18.4% of GDP, which is equivalent to US$115 per person.”

Cost of violence in Somalia

06 Mar – Vision of Humanity – 308 Words

The Economic Cost of Violence Containment, the latest research report from the Institute for Economics and Peace, s the cost of violence in over 150 countries around the world. The report breaks down violence containment spending in three countries that spend the largest portion of GDP on preventing and containing violence: Iraq, Somalia and Afghanistan.

Somalia is the clearest example available of the worst-case scenario of long-term conflict and insecurity and its impact on economic growth and human development potential. While GDP per capita levels trended downward prior to the removal of Siad Barre in 1991, the resulting conflict led to a precipitous fall from a GDP per capita of US$643 in 1992 to US$452 in 2001.

Since the conflict in Somalia began, there has been little growth in per capita income, consumption and investment. The lack of governance since the mid-90s has resulted in a complete stagnation of economic growth. The lack of authority and ongoing instability has undermined any prospect for even short term economic development.

Top tweets

@GlobalActionPW In UNSC, Minister from #Somalia notes that the situation in his country is better this week than last and ‘better every day.’

@SomaliPM FGS set out measures to address weapons & ammo management, including establishment of multilateral committee..(1/2) http://t.co/Y5SRQkTScz.

@UNMediaLiaison #UN progress report @AMISOM (Somalia)http://t.co/1dl0VftQEr.

@MarkC_Anderson #Puntland’s President asks @amisomsomalia for help securing southern border against #AlShabaab | http://t.co/3DVAUw0TAR by @loughrichard.

@amisomsomalia #Somali children hold their shirts aloft to dry in the wind at Lido Beach in the Abdul-Aziz district #Mogadishuhttp://t.co/nG7sgSU7H6.

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Image of the day

Image of the day A trader waits to sell fish inside Mogadishu’s fish market in the Xamar Weyne district of the #Somali capital. Photo: @amisomsomalia.