June 3, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Sierra Leonean Chief of Defence visits Somalia

02 Jun – Source: AMISOM – 43 words

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Brigadier General Samuel Omar Williams yesterday arrived in Mogadishu for a first-time visit to Somalia. He was received by the Force Commander and other senior officials from AMISOM, thereafter, the CDS had a working session with the Head of Mission Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif.

The CDS was accompanied by representatives from the Sierra Leonean Ministry of Defence and the country’s Department of Peacekeeping Operations. The purpose of the visit is for the CDS to acquaint himself with the command chain of AMISOM, where his country contributes a contingent. On the visit, the CDS will visit his troops on the ground, see the environment they operate in, and discuss areas of concern as well as how they can be resolved with the AMISOM leadership, to further enhance the relationship between his country and AMISOM.

The CDS today met with the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC), Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif, the AMISOM Force Commander, Lieutenant General Silas Ntigurirwa, Deputy Force Commander in charge of Operations, Major General Godffrey Muheesi, and the Sector Commander of Sector Kismayo Brigadier General T.R Allieu where the RSLAF contingent is based.

The CDS expressed his admiration for the magnitude of progress the mission has registered in the peace and security atmosphere of Somalia, especially in reference to the recent Operation Eagle where ten towns were liberated from Al Shabaab, and restated his country’s commitment to supporting Somalia.

“Our country keeps up-to-date with all the activities of the mission through our Department of Peacekeeping Operations, but to see for oneself is most enlightening. I am impressed with the level of progress we have made as Africans supporting fellow Africans in Somalia, and I am proud that my country is a…

Key Headlines

National Security AMISOM conduct operation in Mogadishu (Radio Mogadishu/RBC)
Puntland leader speaks out on Illegal fishing calls it ‘National Disaster’ (Garowe Online)
Foreign Minister travels to attend Arab-China Summit (Radio Mogadishu/SNTV)
Somali government: 46 al Shabaab fighters killed in Bakol region (Bar-kulan)
Kenya riots in Mandera after ‘al Shabaab’ clerics killed (BBC)
Tensions between gov’t troops in Lower Shabelle remain high (Radio Shabelle)
Mogadishu mayor heads to Turkey for the first time (Radio Goobjoog)
Mombasa police seeks new strategy to fight crime (Capital News)
Somaliland: Gas explosion in Las-Anod injures 40 (Somali Current)
Al Shabaab Says Somali Government is Weaker (Mareeg Online)
Man’s hand chopped for theft while rapist gets 100 lashes (Africa Review)
Somali Ambassadors urged to stand for unity and patriotism (Somali Current)
Djibouti mentions the hometown of suicide bombers (Radio Shabelle)
Turkish court issues arrest warrant for al Shabaab leaders (Hurriyet Daily News)
Explosion heard in Somaliland’s presidential compound (Bar-kulan)
US warns of possible terror attack in Ethiopia (Sudan Tribune)
Puntland court hands out death sentence to al Shabaab member (Garowe Online)
Mandera police nab two al Shabaab suspects with grenades (Star News)

PRESS STATEMENT

Sierra Leonean Chief of Defence visits Somalia

02 Jun – Source: AMISOM – 43 words

In his address, the SRCC reiterated this saying that indeed the CDS’s presence in Somalia today is an immense morale boost to the troops of the Republic of Sierra Leone under AMISOM, and asked him to extend his thanks on behalf of AMISOM to the government and the people of Sierra Leone. “Sierra Leone has greatly supported this mission to come this far, and we want the people of Sierra Leone to know that we as AMISOM are grateful for their sacrifice to the success of this mission.

The troops are highly skilled and disciplined, and their country has lived and managed through a similar struggle, which gives us confidence that success will be achieved in Somalia too,” the Ambassador said. Sierra Leone troops joined AMISOM in 2010, and are currently based in Sector Kismayo, along with Burundian and Kenyan troops.

AMISOM Gender Unit conducts workshop on Good practices in Preventing Sexual exploitation and Abuse

01 Jun – Source: AMISOM – 235 words

AMISOM Gender Unit today held a sensitization workshop for senior officers drawn from AMISOM military and police component on good practices in preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. The CEDAW Convention addresses this specific form of violence against women under General Recommendation 19 to the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Violence against Women.

AMISOM has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards this kind of sexual abuse and exploitation. Launched in September 2013, the policy states that: “exchange of money, employment, good or services for sex, including sexual favours or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behavior is prohibited. This includes any exchange of assistance that is due to beneficiaries of assistance.”

AMISOM has been training its military, police and civilian officers to prevent cases of violence and conducting awareness raising with the general public. The workshop sought to discuss AMISOM good practices, challenges and draw lessons learnt to document and replicate in other AU peacekeeping missions.

On behalf of the African Union Special Representative for Somalia Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif, the AMISOM Chief Administrative Officer, Timothy Kiguti, in his opening remarks, highlighted that this initiative is in line with African Union commitment in providing environments free of sexual exploitation and abuse.

The Africa Union Mission in Somalia is engaged in strategic gender mainstreaming in all area of operations as it continues to support the Federal Government of Somalia achieve sustainable peace and stability.

Weekly National Updates by H.E. Mustaf Duhulow, Minister of Information

01 Jun – Source: Ministry of Information – 968 words

H.E. Mustaf Duhulow today spoke to media in Mogadishu to provide an update on government progress over the last week. The Minister spoke on issues such as Saturday’s attack on the Parliament, agriculture, the telecommunications law, Human Rights progress, the appointment of an Independent Constitutional Review Commission and stabilization progress in Somalia.

The Minister, speaking on the May 24th attack on parliament said: “Our security forces, with the support of AMISOM, defended very well and their swift response saved many lives. I discussed with our leaders the urgent need for Somali Government to honour those brave soldiers and, in particular, Captain Dahir Gurhan, we will need to remember his bravery.

The government is in the process of investigating the attack and we will soon publish their findings. However, I strongly appeal to citizens to help this investigation and provide any information that can lead us to find the truth of what transpired on Saturday 24 May.”

The Minister spoke on the development of the agricultural sector, saying: “The Minister of Agriculture has been visiting Middle Shabelle and Lower Shabelle regions to assess the situation and to provide assistance to agricultural communities. These agricultural communities now receive logistical support from the government and the aim is to develop our natural resources so that our economy grows, which in turn provides job opportunities for young people.

Somalia is a rich country in terms of natural resources: agriculture, livestock, fisheries, marine resources as well as many other, untapped resources and it is our priority to support communities to develop all those resources to our mutual and long term advantage.

The Minister spoke on the progress of the Stabilization process: “ As part of the Stabilization Plan we have sent food aid to newly liberated areas such as Bulo Burde and other regions. We want people to see the benefit of peace and we will continue providing humanitarian assistance as well as to building institutions in these areas.”

The Minister spoke on the progress of the Telecommunications Law: “ Recently the cabinet has approved the draft Telecoms Law, which we will soon table to the parliament for review and approval. The Ministry of Telecommunications & Post this week ran a consultation process with business communities and other stakeholders.

The aim of these consultations was to provide an opportunity for communities to take part in the decision making process. The Telecom Law will hugely help the business sector as well as ordinary people, as citizens will receive value for money services from the telecoms industry.”

The Minister spoke on the progress on Human Rights: “The Ministry of Women & the Development of Human Rights ran a series of consultations and programs to promote human rights and, in particular, the rights of women. These discussions centered upon sexual violence towards women in Somalia.

We are grateful for the UK’s lead and commitment on this and we are working with UK to develop strategies and an action plan on dealing with all human rights violations and, in particular, sexual violence towards women. Somalia will attend the upcoming UK conference on 10 June in order to highlight the plight of Somali women and the progress that has been made regarding sexual violence towards women.

Over 80 countries will attend this conference and particular priority has been given to Somalia at this important conference. It is our policy to stop all human rights violations in Somalia and in particular, violence against women.”

The Minister spoke on the re-launch of singing competition: “I am delighted that on 28 May we successfully re-launched the well known Singing Competition in Mogadishu. The last time Somalia ran such a program was 1979. Re-launching the Singing Competition will showcase the young people of the city’s talents and will bring forward new singers.

And I am sure some of them will become famous Somali singers. The objective of this competition is to provide young people with an opportunity to show off their talents to their full potential and it will enhance the development of the society. This opportunity will also provide young people with an alternative to lying idle or, worse still, being part of a criminal militia group. We believe that this competition will create job opportunities for young people.”

The Minister spoke on the reported outbreak of diseases in parts of the country: “The Somali National Disaster Agency and the UNICEF have warned of the looming crisis in parts of the country, particularly in Internally Displaced People’s (IDPs) camps, where children are at risk of serious diseases and face dire consequences if not provided with basic support such as good sanitation and plastic sheeting to protect them from the rain.

The Government will work with national and international agencies with a view to finding a way to avoid this situation. Therefore, I appeal to business community and the Diaspora to help these disadvantaged people. I also appeal to the International Community to urgently provide resources to ease the dire situation faced by our children.” The Minister spoke on the appointment of Independent Constitutional Review Commission: “The cabinet has approved the Independent Commission on the review of the Provisional Constitution.

The Commission consists of 5 well respected and known figures in Somalia that is diverse and represents the community. They are Ms Asha Gelle Dirie, Prof Omar Hassan Mohad-Allah, Osman Jama Ali (Kalluun), Mohammed Abdallah Salah and Hassan Hussein Haji.

The Minister of Justice and Review of the Constitution carried out consultations with key stakeholders in Somalia in order to select the best and most competent people who can carry out their duties as this issue is one of key milestone plans for the government. Review of the Constitution is one of the priorities for the government and is a pre-requisite to realising Vision 2016 in order to hold fair and free elections by 2016.”

AU Special Representative hails troops for rescuing kidnapped hostages in Kismayo

31 May – Source: AMISOM – 273 words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif hailed the well-coordinated AMISOM and Interim Juba Administration forces successful efforts to rescue 30 people kidnapped by al Shabaab terrorists in Kismayo.

The 30 women and men khat vendors were kidnapped this morning from Bar Aleen village located in between the main airport and Kismayo town by al Shabaab terrorist who immediately tried in vain to sneak them out of Kismayu towards Jilib.

AMISOM Forces in Kismayu working closely with the Interim Juba Administration forces immediately dispatched out a specialized team to track the kidnaper’s movement in the sky sharing critical information with the ground forces sent to track and rescue the hostages.

“Today evening there was joy and happiness in Kismayo after 30 men and women who were earlier kidnapped by al Shabaab terrorists were rescued following good coordination and work between AMISOM forces stationed there and the Interim Juba Administration forces. We wish to congratulate the forces for the good work and to reaffirm our commitment at helping the Somalia people,” Ambassador Annadif said.

“We condemn such heinous acts of kidnapping aimed at creating fear and denying the Somalis the freedom and opportunity to work and walk freely in their own country. We wish to remind the terrorists that their wicked plots will be defeated just like today,” the envoy added.

After losing out most of their major economic hubs like Kismayo, Marka and other cities in Somalia liberated by joint AMISOM and Somalia forces, al Shabaab terrorists have resorted to such cowardly acts of kidnappings and extortion to make dirty money to fund their callous activities.

SOMALI MEDIA

National Security, AMISOM conduct operation in Mogadishu

02 Jun – Source: Radio Mogadishu/RBC – 91 words

The National Security Forces and the African Union Forces started Monday morning heavy search operation in parts of Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia. The operation commenced on early morning as people were still in their sleep targeting the villages on the main Industrial Road and near the former Milk Factory in Hodan neighborhood. No details were given yet about the aim of the day-time operation. According to locals, the security forces arrested dozens of suspected al Shabaab members from these villages and are being interrogated in the Criminal Investigations Department.

Foreign Minister travels to attend Arab-China Summit

02 Jun – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV – 89 words

Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Abdurahman Duale Beyleh has led a delegation to China to attend the international Arab-China Summit which is due to open in Beijing. Before his plan took off from Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle International Airport, Minister Beyleh has hailed the attendance of Somalia to the Arab-China Summit where he said will a better platform to publicize Somalia’s need for investment. “We are traveling to attend the International Arab-China Conference, as we expect that we will have a good time to see different leaders,” the minister said.

Puntland leader speaks out on Illegal fishing, calls it ‘National Disaster’

02 Jun – Source: Garowe Online – 129 words

The President of Somalia’s North Eastern State of Puntland Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas has called the illegal fishing by high seas foreign trawlers a ‘national disaster’, urging residents to cooperate with government on the fight against illegal depletion of marine resources, Garowe Online reports. On Monday, President Gaas said in a press statement from his office that following suggestion from Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, he decided to label pillage by foreign vessels in territorial waters national calamity which so far resulted in annual loss of $300 Million on Somalia alone. Speaking at a press briefing at Ministry of Fisheries headquarters in Bossaso port city, Puntland leader warned foreign trawlers against diminution of stocks and stressed that anyone who violates territorial waters will be dealt with firmly.

Tensions between gov’t troops in Lower Shabelle remain high

02 Jun – Source: Radio Shabelle – 84 words

According to news reports from the Lower Shabelle region, clan tensions in Warmahan and Tahsile are high between troops that are both within the Somali Federal Government. Officials from the Somali National Army, specifically the troops of the Lower Shabelle region have told Radio Shabelle that there is infighting between the military between soldiers of certain clans. There was a fierce confrontation yesterday in Tahsile between government troops that have broken into militias in which a senior military official, Yusuf Ali Indhole, was killed.

Somaliland: Gas explosion in Las-Anod injures 40

02 Jun – Source: Somali Current – 74 words

At least 40 people were wounded, 3 of them critically, after an explosion of a petrol station located in the central city of Las-Anod today. The blast caused extensive damage of about 40 persons including staff and other ordinary citizens walking around the scene where the explosion occurred which located in the busiest market of the Las-Anod. Dr. Ahmed Adani said, “Around 40 people have been wounded by the explosion, three of them critically.”

Somali government: 46 al Shabaab fighters killed in Bakol region

02 Jun – Source: Bar-kulan – 127 words

Somalia’s federal government has claimed to have killed at least 46 al Shabaab fighters and captured over 12 prisoners in clashes between government forces and al Shabaab fighters in the outskirts of Ato locality in Bakol region. In an interview with Bar-kulan, Dubbad Hassan Ali, an official from Ato locality said that the government forces on Sunday morning attacked al Shabaab bases in La-helow village which lies 8 KM out of Ato. Dubbad claimed that the government troops are now in control of the base adding that they will continue the offensive against the remnants of the militant group in the region. He reported no casualties in the government side; however, there have not been independent reports to verify the exact number of casualties on both sides.

Mogadishu mayor heads to Turkey for the first time

02 Jun – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 108 words

The governor of Banadir region and mayor of Mogadishu Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab headed to Turkey for the first time. The spokesman of Banadir region Ahmed Osman Showqi described the mayor’s visit to Turkey an issue related to the reconstruction of the capital Mogadishu and the developmental projects of the Turkish government in the capital. In his visit to Turkey, the mayor is accompanied by Somali engineers as the spokesman confirmed to the media in a press conference. He is expected to meet senior officials of the Turkish government including his counterpart to discuss wide range issues taking into account the developmental and security situation of the country.

Al Shabaab Says Somali Government is Weaker

02 Jun – Source: Mareeg Online – 75 words

The Chairman al Shabaab named for Banadir Region Ali Mohamed Hussein said this time round the government became weaker such that the government troops cannot resist al Shabaab’s attacks, and we got new military machines. He mentioned that they have attacked important targets in broad daylight giving the example of the al Shabaab attack at the parliament. He said that is an indicator of its weakness. He added that al Shabaab is currently planning to attack important positions inside Mogadishu.

Djibouti mentions the hometown of suicide bombers

02 Jun – Source: Radio Shabelle – 79 words

Maki Abdikadir, who Is the National Treasurer for Djibouti reported to the media that they have investigated the two suicide bombers who were behind n explosion almost 2 weeks ago. Mr Abdikadir said that the bombers came from North Somalia and Diri Dawe of Ethiopia. The female was said to be from Somaliland and the male from Diri Dawe. Al Shabaab recently claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing at a popular restaurant in Djibouti.

A Prominent cleric shot dead in Garissa

02 Jun – Source: Hiiraan Online – 94 words

Unidentified gunmen have killed a well-known cleric in the north-eastern Kenyan town of Garissa on Sundayevening, before they escaped, regional officials revealed here on Monday. The cleric identified as Sheik Abdulrashid Hassan was killed as he left from a mosque after Maghrib prayers while he was heading to his business place in the city centre. Garissa county governor Khalif Jama who talked to the media has condemned the assassination adding that investigations were under way and urged locals to help police with any information that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrator.

Somali Ambassadors urged to stand for unity and patriotism

02 Jun – Source: Somali Current – 124 words

Foreign Minister of Somali Federal Government Dr. Abdirahman Dualeh Baileh urged all Somalia ambassadors to the world to stand for the revival of the history of this nation and its unity. He also called up on them to effectively leave no stone unturned in order to realize and activate Somalia’s foreign policy, investment, trade, reconstruction as well as the safeguarding of unity and sovereignty of Somalia. The minister has said this after he has held a dinner in honor for the Somalia ambassadors to the world including ambassadors to Tanzania, Yemen, Germany, Italy, Uganda, Malaysia, Pakistan, India and Turkey last night in Mogadishu. This event has also been attended by the directors of chief protocols and the center for diplomatic research of the ministry.

Himan & Heb to deploy new forces to Hobyo town

02 Jun – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 111 words

The administration of Himan & Heb in central Somalia announced that it will deploy combined military and police in Hobyo town. The security minister of Himan & Heb Mohamed Dahir Mohamed stated that the new forces will strengthen the security of the port town and the nearby areas. The minister reiterated that the administration’s priority is to uphold the areas under its control especially the economic resources so as to promote social services in the region. Hobyo has been a big base of Somali pirates before the elders and business people expressed concern over the increasing number of pirates which at last facilitated heavy fight between Galmudug forces and the pirates several times.

Explosion heard in Somaliland’s presidential compound

02 Jun – Source: Bar-kulan – 102 words

Reports from Hargeisa, the administrative capital of the breakaway region of Somaliland say that an explosion was heard near the administration’s presidential compound on Sunday. There have not been reports of casualties caused by the blast which is believed to be a result of a hand grenade thrown at the presidential compound in Hargeisa. Somaliland security officials are yet to comment on the incident, however, reports say there has been heightened security forces presence in response to the blast in the city. This is the third such explosion to be heard in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland administration in as many days.

Somaliland: President Opens Energy Renewables’ Egal Airport Wind Farm

02 Jun – Source: Somaliland Informer – 107 words

Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo joined government officials and other invited guests on 2nd June 2014 to officially open the Egal International airport Pilot Wind Farm Project which has been implemented nearby the airport. Egal airport has become the first to exploit the projects and it is clear that Somaliland is a must to benefit from the wind. Well organized ceremony which was held nearby the airport was in attendance by International organizations and ministers in line with the project. The head of state commissioned the project which was funded by USAID. The wind is located in the airport and is operated by EDF energy renewable.

Jowhar security forces arrest over 20 in security operations

01 Jun – Source: Bar-kulan – 118 words

Somali security forces in Jowhar town, the provincial capital of Middle Shabelle region have on Saturday night arrested several people in a security operation in the town. The security chief of Jowhar town, Abdiweli Ibrahim confirmed that at least 20 people were arrested in the operation which was meant to beef up the overall security of the town. Meanwhile, the security officials in the town ordered residents to install lights on their front gates in order to curb insecurity activities in the area during the dark hours of the night. In the last three nights, the security forces in Jowhar town have carried out similar security operations aimed at maintaining the relative peace and security in the area.

Puntland court hands out death sentence to al Shabaab member

01 Jun – Source: Garowe Online – 108 words

A military court in Somalia’s North Eastern State of Puntland has handed out death sentence to al Shabaab suspect for murder of 23 persons including government officials and civilians in the latest of mass accounts against the suspected detainees, Garowe Online reports. The Prosecutor of Nugal Military court Abdullahi Hirsi (Abdullahi Dheere) announced the verdict in the courthouse, saying the alleged al Shabaab fighter Abdulkadir Mohamed Ali took part in the assassination of 23 people between 2009 and 2011. Ali was arrested in Galkayo security sweep in January this year and transferred to the court for trial. He failed to comply with 30 days appeal, Abdullahi dheere disclosed.

Al Shabaab planning Ramadan attacks, Security officials say

31 May – Source: Horseed Media – 111 words

With only month left for the Holy Islamic month of Ramadan, Somalia intelligence and security officers have warned of fresh terror threats from al Shabaab extremists during the month. Somalia’s Intelligence and Security agency Chief General Bashir Gobe has said that they have received intelligence reports that the al Qaeda-linked militant group plan to hit their targets in Mogadishu, the capital during the holy month of Ramadan. “We found out through our intelligence sources about these plots, and so we will the necessary actions to make them fail,” he said. He added that the security forces are on high alert to repel attacks and called for the Mogadishu residents to report any threats.

REGIONAL MEDIA

US warns of possible terror attack in Ethiopia

02 Jun – Source: Sudan Tribune – 138 words

The US Embassy in Addis Ababa urged American citizens residing or traveling to Ethiopia to exercise caution over a possible attack by a Somali terrorist group. The safety advisory the embassy said was issued due to threat from al Shabaab against Ethiopia and western interests in Ethiopia. Citing to multiple and ongoing credible threats, the US embassy urged its citizens to take the highest precautions to maintain their personal safety and security. “The Embassy continues to receive credible threat reports of al Shabaab’s intent and capability to attack Ethiopia and western interests in Ethiopia” it said in a statement Sudan Tribune receivedon Sunday. The embassy said that there have been a number of incursions along the Ethiopian-Somali border in recent weeks urging its citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to enhance personal security.

Mombasa police seeks new strategy to fight crime

02 Jun – Source: Capital News – 131 words

Police in Mombasa are reviewing strategies to combat crime in the coastal region, following increased terror threats and general crime. Security agencies in the region have been on high alert for a couple of weeks, following terror attacks and threats posed by al Shabaab, but have now resolved to adopt new strategies of fighting crime. Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa who announced the new plan on Sunday did not however, reveal details of the measures they plan to adopt. Besides the terror threats experienced in the coastal region, ordinary crime trend is wanting, after killings of several people shot dead or attacked by armed thugs. On Sunday night, a businessman was shot dead by armed gangsters during a robbery incident at Bondeni area along Digo Road in Mombasa, according to police.

Man’s hand chopped for theft while rapist gets 100 lashes

02 Jun – Source: Africa Review – 163 words

An Islamic court in Barawe town, 200km south of the Somalia capital Mogadishu, sentenced a man to 100 lashes for raping a young woman. But at the same time, another man accused of stealing 50 dollars had his hand chopped off. The public flogging was executed on Saturday by militants loyal to al Shabaab, the radical Islamist group in Somalia, near a beach facing the Indian Ocean in the presence of a large crowd. “This man raped a girl in this district and was found guilty, warranting flogging,” an al Shabaab official announced prior to the man getting the whipping. Next, another man was introduced to the crowd. Through a loud speaker, the al Shabaab official declared that the man was found guilty of stealing money from a house in Barawe town. He has allegedly stolen one million Somali shillings which is about 50 US dollars. “The court sentenced this man to have his right hand hacked off, from just above the wrist,” declared the officer.

Mandera police nab two al Shabaab suspects with grenades

02 Jun – Source: Star News – 57 words

Two al Shabaab suspects were last night arrested in Mandera town and several grenades were recovered following a tip-off by members of the public. Mandera County Police Commander Nelson Muivanda who confirmed the incident said that the two suspects are still in police custody and will be interrogated further before being arraigned in court to face charges.

Lamu police under fire over vehicle used in attack on KDF soldiers

01 Jun – Source: Standard Media – 140 words

Police in Lamu are in a spot after it emerged they had in April offered armed escort for a mysterious white woman travelling in a vehicle that was used to attack and kill two Kenyan soldiers last week. Investigations show the same Toyota Land Cruiser registration number KAV 599E was between April 15 and 22 used by a white woman who had hired it seeking to cross the Kenya-Somalia border to visit Kenya Defence Forces ( KDF) troops in Ras Kamboni. The woman spent her nights at the local WFP Hotel for almost a week while guarded by two armed policemen she got from Mukowe police post. She is also said to have visited Mukokoni police post and other security installations as she attempted to cross to Somalia where she was to deliver a message to the soldiers at the camp.

One dead, four injured in Garissa explosion

01 Jun – Source: Daily Nation – 80 words

One person died while four were injured Saturday night after unknown assailants hurled an explosive at a garage near NHIF offices in Garissa town. Garissa County Commissioner Rashid Khator confirmed Sundaythat one person died while being taken to Garissa District Hospital. No arrests have been made so far following the incident. Speaking to Nation.co.ke on phone, head of CID, northern region Musa Yego said unknown people threw what was suspected to be a grenade at the garage.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Kenya riots in Mandera after ‘al Shabaab’ clerics killed

02 Jun – Source: BBC – 141 words

Kenyan police have fired tear gas to disperse rioters angry at the killing of two clerics accused of belonging to Islamist group al Shabaab. Police said the Muslim clerics were armed with guns and hand grenades. The protesters in the north-eastern town of Mandera say the clerics were well-known religious figures, and had nothing to do with al Shabaab. Mandera town is close to the border with Somalia, and has been affected by violence blamed on Islamist militants. Most of its inhabitants are ethnic Somalis. The demonstrators lit fires along busy roads in the town while engaging the police in running battles. Several Muslim clerics accused of links to al Shabaab have been shot dead in the coastal town of Mombasa in recent years. The residents said the two clerics were shot dead as they emerged from a mosque where they had been praying.

Turkish court issues arrest warrant for al Shabaab leaders

02 Jun – Source: Hurriyet Daily News – 134 words

An Ankara court has ruled to issue an arrest warrant for five Somali al Shabaab leaders as part of an investigation into a suicide attack on the Turkish Embassy that killed an embassy personnel in Mogadishu in July last year. The Ankara public prosecutor will also apply to INTERPOL to issue a red alert on the suspects after determining that the attack was carried out upon their leaders’ instructions. On July 28, 2013, al Qaeda linked al Shabaab militants staged a suicide attack on a Turkish Embassy annex, killing one Turkish guard and wounding three others. Ankara’s Sixth Penal Court ordered the arrest in absentia of leader of the terrorist organization Ahmed Abdi aw-Mohamed, deputy leader Sheikh Mukhtar Robow, senior commander Fuad Mohamed Khalaf, spiritual leader Hassan Dahir Aweys and Hassan Abdullah Hersi al-Turki, another senior leader.

Jail my son to stop him dying a jihadist in Africa: Mother’s plea as Muslim convert joins terror group

01 Jun – Source: Daily Mail – 168 words

A mother has been supplying police with information about her Muslim convert son, who travelled to Somalia in hope of becoming a suicide bomber. Sally Evans took action because she fears that 24-year-old Thomas will kill innocent people after joining the Islamist al Shabaab group behind atrocities in neighbouring Kenya. The 56-year-old said she would rather see her son in a British prison than dying for his ‘warped ideology’ in a foreign country. ‘I would rather have Thomas alive behind bars than dead in the middle of nowhere because he wouldn’t just die innocently but die doing something that he shouldn’t be doing. ‘And if he took other lives, how do you live with this? If he was a suicide bomber, how would I live with that?’ In a phone conversation with her son that police were made aware of, Mrs Evans asked if he was thinking of becoming a suicide bomber. She told the Sunday Times he replied: ‘If asked, I would, Inshallah [God willing].’

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“A holistic perspective will inform what possibilities are open to terrorists, while identifying linkages to non-obvious threats like corruption and their central role in escalating the rise of terror. The day we set the agenda will be the beginning of a changing tide in the war on terror.”

How our well-intentioned acts aid and give comfort to murderous terror groups

01 Jun- Source: Daily Nation – 696 words

In 2011, President Mwai Kibaki ordered the Kenya Defence Forces into Somalia to drive out al Shabaab and create a buffer zone on the Somalia border to weaken their ability to launch attacks in Kenya. Since then, al Shabaab has evolved from a well-organised group into a fluid and unpredictable guerrilla rag-tag terror gang. They have stepped up attacks on Kenya by exploiting security vulnerabilities that we have for too long taken for granted. There are a number of well-intentioned ways in which we unknowingly aid the cause of terror. These include: 1) our knee-jerk reactions to acts of terror; 2) our governance; 3) our dilly-dallying with unemployment and inequality, and 4) our thinking on strategic national issues. After each terror attack, the government rounds up hordes of suspects, some innocent, for questioning with some languishing in detention for extended periods of time. Some of these people, while initially having no links with terror are given reason to sympathise with the terrorist cause. Innocent people affected by the purge form a disgruntled pool that can easily be recruited to take part in future attacks. The indiscriminate purges, therefore, serve terrorists.

“For the U.S. to ensure that radical elements do not gain more traction in East Africa they must partner with the countries that share the same agenda in the region of wiping out radical elements, primarily Tanzania and Kenya.”

East African alliances necessary for U.S. to combat radicalism

30 May – Source: Foreign Policy Blog – 1036 words

Ever since the events unfolded on Sep. 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., the U.S. has focused an exorbitant amount of resources to ensure that similar attacks, targeting Americans, are prevented. This means identifying areas that could become breeding grounds for future radicals that are capable of perpetrating attacks against Americans and U.S. allies. East Africa is morphing into such a breeding ground and its increased division and volatility should ring warning bells to U.S. security agencies. Al Shabaab, a extremist Islamic group with close ties to al Qaeda and designated as a terrorist group by the U.S., is deeply entrenched in southern Somalia, first taking the capital, Mogadishu, in 2006. However, recently the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), a collaborative effort of troops from Kenya, Uganda and Burundi, have struck some devastating blows to the group. While this has forced al Shabaab to abandon some of its strongholds, including the southern port city of Kismayo, the center of al Shabaab’s operations, it has also provided them an opportunity to expand their reach and recruit new soldiers within neighboring countries. This is particularly true of Kenya, where troops entered the fray in Somalia as a direct response to al Shabaab’s practice of kidnapping foreigners on Kenyan soil.