July 24, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Slain MP Saado Ali Warsame laid to rest in Mogadishu
24 Jul- Source: Radio RBC- 250 words
The body of Somalia’s famous singer and Member of the Parliament Saado Ali Warsame who was slain on Wednesday in Mogadishu was laid to rest today in Mogadishu.
The body of Late Saado Ali Warsame was taken to prayer field inside the graveyard of Medina Hospital where she was laid to rest around 12.00 pm local time.
Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, cabinet ministers, security officials, Members of the Parliament and well known singers and artists have gathered at the graveyard to mourn for the loss of the great nationalist symbol for the whole nation.
Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed vowed that the hunt for the perpetrators will never stop until all those behind the assassination of MP Saado Ali Warsame.
He said the government will continue its commitment to bring all criminals to book and that the security of every citizen remains very important to the government security.
Well known Somali artists and singers who were pushing back their tears were standing on the graveyard when the body of slain Saado Ali Warsame wrapped with the national flag of Somalia was laid to rest.
Mohamud Abdullahi Sangub, said he was very upset to remain alive after the loss of Saado Ali Warsame saying that she was the only person stood for country’s national unity.
Late MP Saado Ali Warsame, who was also a renowned singer was killed yesterday near her hotel in Mogadishu by armed men. Al Shabaab militant group claimed the killing of MP Saado Ali Warsame.
Key Headlines
- Somali military court executes four al Shabaab members in Mogadishu (Radio Mogadishu)
- Three killed in overnight clashes on the outskirts of Galkayo (Radio Bar-kulan)
- Banadir administration says assassinations in Mogadishu will not affect the security of the city (Radio Goobjoog)
- Canada giving UNICEF $5M to support humanitarian efforts in Somalia (Timescolonist)
- Slain MP Saado Ali Warsame laid to rest in Mogadishu (Radio RBC/Radio Shabelle)
- Four terror suspects charged in Nairobi court denied bail (Daily Nation)
- United Nations delegation met Jubba officials in Kismayo (Somali Channel)
- Fire outbreak guts down Qoryoley market (Goobjoog/Radio Shabelle)
- KDF in security mission in Coast to fight terror (Star-Kenya)
- Police seize hand grenades linked to Arusha bombings (Citizen TZ)
- MP wants KDF out of Somalia (Star-Kenya)
- Somalia MP killed in drive-by shooting (Al Jazeera)
- Slain Somali Lawmaker Had Strong MN Ties (CBS Local)
- U.S. Women Accused of Sending Money to al Shabaab in Somalia (NBC News)
- UN allocates $75 million to boost aid operations in the Sahel Horn of Africa (UN News Centre)
SOMALI MEDIA
Somali military court executes four al Shabaab members in Mogadishu
24 Jul- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Kulmiye/Radio RBC/Al Shahid/Radio Bar-kulan- 311 words
Somalia’s military court has on Thursday carried out the death penalty against four convicted al Shabab members founded guilty. The four al Shabaab members were sentenced to death and the sentence against them has been fulfilled, the chairman of Somalia’s military court, announced after the killing.
The execution, which took place at a police center at Mogadishu’s Hamar Jajab district, was carried out by a firing squad.
Afterwards, the chairman of Somalia’s military Liban Ali Yarow held a press conference at the center and promised killing all al Shabaab members found guilty.
It is the first time, Somali military court to carry out death penalty against four al Shabaab member at once.
One of the executed al Shabaab members was said to be the one who carried out an explosion at Maka Al Mukarama.
“Awiye Ahmed Jama’ told to court he is member of al Shabaab. He also acknowledged that he was behind an explosion in hotel Maka Al-mukarama. He is criminal so the court sentenced him to death penalty,” Somali military court chairman announced.
In November 2013, a car bomb attack outside Maka Al Mukarama hotel in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, killed at least six people and left the area covered with blood and burning vehicles, after another explosion used for laptop occured inside the hotel. Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the blast.
Three killed in overnight clashes on the outskirts of Galkayo
24 Jul- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 93 words
At least three people have been killed and scores injured overnight on the outskirts of Galkayo, the provincial capital of Mudug region in clashes between two pastoralist communities in the area.
Locals in the area who spoke to Bar-kulan said the clashes are believed to be triggered by previous killings between the two communities.
They added the injured have been admitted to hospitals in southern Galkayo town. In other news, a mentally challenged man has reportedly shot and killed his brother in Galkayo.
Banadir administration says assassinations in Mogadishu will not affect the security of the city
24 Jul- Source: Radio Goobjoog/allgalgaduud/
The administration of Banadir region stated that the assassination in the city will not affect the efforts of security forces to maintain the overall security of the region especially Mogadishu.
Banadir administration spokesman Ali Seeko said the security forces are in hot pursuit of the perpetrators who killed Saado Ali warsame, famous musician and a lawmaker.
This recent assassination comes a time when Prime minister Abdiweli sacked former police commissioner, security intelligence after they blamed of failing to take action against the deteriorating security of the city.
Al Shabaab claimed the responsibility of lawmaker’s assassination on Wednesday. No one was arrested for the murder.
Slain MP Saado Ali Warsame laid to rest in Mogadishu
24 Jul- Source: Radio RBC/ Radio Shabelle- 250 words
The body of Somalia’s famous singer and Member of the Parliament Saado Ali Warsame who was slain on Monday in Mogadishu was laid to rest today in Mogadishu.
The body of Late Saado Ali Warsame was taken to prayer field inside the graveyard of Medina Hospital where she was laid to rest around 12.00 pm local time.
Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, cabinet ministers, security officials, Members of the Parliament and well known singers and artists have gathered at the graveyard to mourn for the loss of the great nationalist symbol for the whole nation.
Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed vowed that the hunt for the perpetrators will never stop until all those behind the assassination of MP Saado Ali Warsame.
He said the government will continue its commitment to bring all criminals to book and that the security of every citizen remains very important to the government security.
Well known Somali artists and singers who were pushing back their tears were standing on the graveyard when the body of slain Saado Ali Warsame wrapped with the national flag of Somalia was laid to rest.
Mohamud Abdullahi Sangub, said he was very upset to remain alive after the loss of Saado Ali Warsame saying that she was the only person stood for country’s national unity.
Late MP Saado Ali Warsame, who was also a renowned singer was killed yesterday near her hotel in Mogadishu by armed men. Al Shabaab militant group claimed the killing of MP Saado Ali Warsame.
United Nations delegation met Jubba officials in Kismayo
24 Jul- Source: Somali Channel/Radio Bar-kulan/SNTV- 176 words
A United Nations delegation led by United Nations Deputy Special Envoy to Somalia Fatiha Serour on Wednesday arrived in Kismayo, the provincial capital of Lower Jubba region.
The delegation held talks with Interim Jubba Administration officials including its deputy leader Abdullahi Ismail Fartag to discuss wide range of issues including humanitarian assistance to internally displaced people in Jubba regions, Security and reconciliations process in the regional state.
The two sides discussed improving relations between the United Nations and the interim administration.
Deputy Special Envoy to Somalia Fatiha Serour said in press conference “Today we had a very intense discussion with the vice President of Jubba administration , and we agreed on the date of the reconciliation conference of 21st September, it will bring a number of the clan elders, and other stake holders to build peace and economic developments in Jubba region”
The arrival of the UN delegation follows recent concerns raised by Interim Jubba Administration over the living conditions of the internally displaced families in Jubba regions.
Fire outbreak guts down Qoryoley market
24 Jul- Source: Radio Goobjoog/Radio Shabelle- 120 words
Fire has burned down Qoryoley market in Lower Shabelle region destroying property of immense value. The outbreak of the fire that has started late hours of the night first sparked from one corner of the market and finally spread to all parts of the market.
The cause of the fire is not clearly known but Qoryoley district commissioner Mohamed Haji Osman blamed al Shabaab of being behind the inferno.
The commissioner said that some of the residents around the town saw armed men entering the market and immediately the inferno started adding that fire destroyed all the valuable properties in the market. This fire occurs in the last few days people when people are shopping in preparation for Idul-fitri.
REGIONAL MEDIA
KDF in security mission in Coast to fight terror
24 Jul- Source: Star-Kenya- 531 words
Kenya Defence Forces has launched a security operation in Likoni, Mombasa, to flash out militia gangs. Officers from the Mtongwe military base were deployed to Mtongwe area following claims that gunmen were sighted in the area.
KDF, working with other security agencies, recovered a Russian-made hand grenade abandoned in some residential flats just a few metres from Soweto. The area was immediately cordoned off by GSU and regular police officers.
Bomb experts from KDF were called in and successfully detonated the grenade that was placed strategically within a three-storey flat. Terror police were also involved in the operation.
The military, using an armoured vehicle and sniffer dogs, took over the operation and evacuated curious onlookers before the device was detonated.
Likoni police boss Richard Mureithi said they received information that militia were spotted in Likoni and immediately mobilized combined team of GSU officers before KDF officers were deployed.
Police seize hand grenades linked to Arusha bombings
23 Jul – Source: Citizen TZ – 108 words
At least eight people were arrested here yesterday following the seizure of an arms cache believed to have been used in a string of bomb attacks that have rocked the tourist city in recent months.
At least seven hand grenades and six rounds of ammunition were found in a residence of a suspect in Sombetini, near the scene of the July 3 bomb attack on the home of a Muslim religious leader.
Police believe the seizure of weapons will provide clues in their efforts to the unravel bomb attacks Arusha has been subjected to in recent months, although they admit that the network behind the terror was wide.
Four terror suspects charged in Nairobi court, denied bail
24 Jul- Source: Daily Nation- 473 words
Four terror suspects arrested on Saturday for allegedly possessing bomb-making material in the Majengo section of Nairobi have been charged and denied bail.
A Ugandan national, Mohamed Yusuf Kuloba, who is alleged to be a member of al Shabaab, was among the suspects found with 62 sachets of explosive material and 10 kilogrammes of bhang.
Mr Kuloba, Jibril Kaima Masudi, Mwanaidi Wanjiku Mwema and Julius Kariuki Maina denied the charge that on July 19 they were found in possession of the offensive material.
MP wants KDF out of Somalia
24 Jul- Source: Star-Kenya- 98 words
Ugenya MP Dave Ochieng has asked the government to withdraw KDF from Somalia. He said KDF’s mandate in Somalia is overdue and they should come back and defend the country. Ochieng was speaking in a talk show on a local TV station yesterday.
His sentiments come barely a day after MPs Nicholas Gumbo (Rarieda) and John Mbadi (Suba) demanded an explanation on why the government dispatched its army to the Coast to face off criminal gangs without informing Parliament.
Gumbo and Mbadi said the constitution clearly spells circumstances on when the President is allowed to use executive orders.
Somalia MP killed in drive-by shooting
23 Jul – Source: Al Jazeera – 141 words
A Somali MP renowned for her popular folk singing has been killed along with her driver in a shooting in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, a police official said, in a second such incident this month.
Saado Ali Warsame was shot dead in the Hodan district on Wednesday by gunmen who pulled up near her car in another vehicle, said Mohamed Hussein, a police captain.
“I saw the gunmen driving in a car following the MP, then they opened fire … she died instantly and the gunmen then escaped,” Abdukadir Ali, a witness, told the AFP news agency.
The armed group al Shabaab said it carried out the attack on Warsame, according to the AP news agency. She was the fourth politician killed this year and the second MP killed in a drive-by attack since the start of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Slain Somali Lawmaker Had Strong MN Ties
24 Jul- Source: CBS Local-326 words
Minneapolis’ Somali-American community is asking the state department for a full investigation into the assassination of a well-known lawmaker from Minnesota.
Saado Ali Warsame was gunned down on a main street in Mogadishu Wednesday. Her driver was also killed. Warsame is the fourth member of the government to be killed this year. Her art and politics made her a household name in Somali and to many in Minnesota.
She was a prominent figure in traditional Somali music. Her songs centered on political and social justice, and her politics fell right in line with her music, according to Somali community activist Abdirzak Bihi.
“She was trying to unite the people and also use her name to advocate against corruption, against weak government, trying to really help move Somalia forward from the civil war,” Bihi said.
He says she was one of a few women outside of Somalia elected to parliament. She came to Minneapolis during Somalia’s Civil War in the early 1990s, and returned to her homeland to serve as a lawmaker in 2012.
Canada giving UNICEF $5M to support humanitarian efforts in Somalia
24 Jul- Source: Timescolonist -104 words
The Harper government is setting aside $5 million for UNICEF to address humanitarian needs in Somalia. International Development Minister Christian Paradis says the funding will help improve the health and well-being of children, women and their families.
UNICEF is currently working to help some 135,000 malnourished children under the age of five and provide essential vaccinations for 2.2 million children.
The United Nations agency is also attempting to improve access to water for 500,000 people and help 180,000 children receive quality education.
U.S. Women Accused of Sending Money to al Shabaab in Somalia
24 Jul- Source: NBC News -144 words
Two women in the U.S. were charged Wednesday with funneling money to the al Qaeda-linked extremist group al Shabaab in Somalia, prosecutors said. Muna Osman Jama, 34, of Reston, Virginia, and Hinda Osman Dhirane, 44, of Kent, Washington — have been charged with 20 counts each of providing material support to a foreign terrorist group, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Jama faced an initial appearance Wednesday afternoon at the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, and Dhirane appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle. Three others overseas have also been charged. An indictment alleges that, beginning in February 2011, the women sent monthly payments to al Shabaab fighters. According to the government, the defendants would refer to money they sent overseas as “living expenses,” and used code words like “orphans” to refer to al Shabaab fighters and “camels” to refer to trucks.
UN allocates $75 million to boost aid operations in the Sahel, Horn of Africa
23 Jul- Source: UN News Centre- 323 words
The United Nations humanitarian chief today allocated $75 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to bolster desperately needed relief operations in two of the world’s most neglected regions: the West African Sahel and the Horn of Africa.
“With so many crises competing for attention, many people in need are forgotten,” said Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Valerie Amos, in a press statement today.
The money will go to 11 countries which were selected based on a global review of critical aid operations that are facing funding deficits. It will help relief agencies provide urgent aid to millions of people in these regions affected by violent conflict, mass displacement and deepening food insecurity.
“This allocation will help critical emergency operations in the Sahel and in the Horn of Africa, regions with high levels of malnutrition and food insecurity. People are hungry. Their plight was front-page news just two years ago. These countries could fall back into crisis if we don’t help now,” Ms. Amos said.
Countries in the Horn will receive $44.5 million. The largest single allocation, $20 million, will go to Somalia, where 2.9 million people are struggling to feed themselves.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“To defeat bad elements that are bent on spreading violence depends on resolving the root causes of the problems. An 80 percent driver of Somali chaos is unemployed youth who were born during the conflict. Without addressing obstacles the marginalized communities are facing, the youth can and will be easily manipulated, brainwashed and radicalized.”
Who are Elements Behind Assassinations?
23 Jul- Soource: Somali Current-858 Words
As the security situation in the capital city, Mogadishu is worsening, premeditated assassinations of lawmakers are on the rise. Saado Ali Warsame, a Somali-American, was traveling to her hotel, Ambassador, in her car before being intercepted at Makka Al-Mukarrama road by another vehicle carrying gunmen which stopped in front of hers, then opening fire on her car killing her and her driver. She is the second member of the parliament gunned down in July.
Saado Ali had been a member of Somali parliament since 2012. During her work as an MP, she strongly crusaded for the unity of Somalia. As most Somalis know Saado as a legendary singer, songwriter, poet and parliamentarian, she as well epitomized being nationalistic and patriotic who treasured her country and people. She stood up for injustice during the former regime of Siad Barre. She was famous for her songs in the 1980s, when she sang about political and social injustice. Because of her bluntness, Somali government detained her.
In one of her interviews, Saado stated, “I had a dream that I would bring all Somalis together, foster justice and unity. I am ready to work for searching for unity of all Somalis in the five regions. With that cause, I will die for it.”
“Given the simmering discontent available to exploit, a home-grown al-Shabab franchise might prove difficult to dislodge, with a leaky border to Somalia, and Lamu’s thick Boni forest to hide in. “From an insurgency point of view, it’s the smartest thing [al-Shabab] could have done,” said Goldsmith.”
Analysis: Conflict dynamics on Kenya’s coast
23 Jul- Source: IRIN-1676 Words
A string of attacks by gunmen on communities in Kenya’s southeastern Coast Province over the past six weeks has left more than 100 people dead, and the real fear of yet more violence to come.
The death toll in the raids in Lamu and Tana River counties is undisputed. There is also a general agreement that the cause of the violence is “politics and land”. But on who is behind the attacks, and why, the consensus is shakier.
The biggest attack to date was in Mpeketoni, 300km along a potholed road from Kenya’s second city of Mombasa, 50km south of Lamu, the ancient port and cradle of Islamic Swahili culture. Mpeketoni is an overwhelmingly Kikuyu town, Kenya’s large and politically powerful ethnic group from the centre of the country. They were settled in the area by the government in the late 1960s and crucially provided with title deeds, legal tenure which the traditional owners of the land do not possess.
Top tweets
@UNLazzarini #Somalia largest recipient of emergency@UNCERF funding ($20m). Highlights severity of crisis & critical funding gaps http://bit.ly/1qBrZWT
@Daudoo PHOTO: 2 of the 4 alleged #AlShabaab fighters before the execution this morning. #Mogadishu #Somaliapic.twitter.com/WJXpRGX2jN
@HodanTO Saado Cali Warsame left us after 6 decades of a beautiful life – she will forever live in our hearts http://ow.ly/i/6jYkv #RIP
@TC_Mogadishu Ambassador Torun was sent off by H.E.@BeilehMofa and H.E. Said Korshel. They had a press conference at the Airport. pic.twitter.com/clcfjLpJsn
@amisomsomalia “MPs represent the voice of the #Somalipeople & any attack on them is an attack on the people & it’s unacceptable” http://bit.ly/1kWOj5j
Image of the day
Muslim peacekeepers from Kenya seen reading the Holy Qura’an during the Holy month of Ramadan in a mosque in Kismayo.