September 29, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

AMISOM forces thwart al Shabaab plot to cut off main road in Galgadud region

29 Sept- Source: AMISOM- 262 words

Acting Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DRCC) Hon. Lydia Wanyoto praised the swift covert operation conducted by AMISOM peacekeepers based in the Galgadud region of central Somalia who attacked al Shabaab terrorists plotting to cut off the main road linking Dusamareb and El Bur towns in a bid to prevent a humanitarian crisis in those liberated areas.

This is the first time for AMISOM peacekeepers to undertake such a covert operation which is in line with the current Operation Indian Ocean which is not only aimed at liberating towns held by al Shabaab but also securing key supply routes in a bid to keep a lifeline for humanitarian assistance and other essentials to reach drought-stricken Somalis.

“The latest covert operation by AMISOM forces in Galgudud comes at a critical moment in the fight against the enemy al Shabaab who had thought it is business as usual to cut off major towns from food suppliers and choke off the local residents. We are very pleased by the swift action of the AMISOM forces and wish to warn al Shabaab that their irresponsible actions intended to starve off poor Somalis will no longer be tolerated and that such covert operations will continue to be planned until all key supply routes are totally secure and Somali population are safe from the terrorists inhuman treatment,” Hon. Wanyoto said.

Under the ongoing Operation Indian Ocean, AMISOM is mandated to clear off main supply routes and deny the enemy an opportunity to re-group and mount any serious threat including cutting off main roads linking all major towns.

Key Headlines

Somali PM answers questions over Mogadishu Seaport contract (Radio Bar-kulan)
AMISOM forces thwart al Shabaab plot to cut off main road in Galgadud region (AMISOM)
Government to provide necessary rehabilitation to young defectors from al Shabaab (Radio Mogadishu)
Military court send warnings to the armed militia who erect roadblocks (Radio Goobjoog)
Droughts response commission visits different regions hit by droughts (Radio Dalsan)
Interim Juba administration conducts security operations in Kismayo (Dhanaan Online)
Minnesota Somali community condemn ISIS and Al Shabaab recruitment activities (Somali Current)
Dirty water kills three children (Radio Goobjoog)
Plans for literacy project in Somalia drawn up by UAE foundation (The National)
Hunger kills 260000 in Somalia in two years (Hurriyet Daily News)
President Hassan: Somalia was praised for the advances of the operation against al Shabaab (Radio Dalsan)
Livestock traders squeezed by taxes (Radio Ergo)
Al Shabaab militants stone woman to death over adultery (Radio Star/Star-Kenya)
Al Shabaab is still recruiting in Kenya – report (Star-Kenya)
Saudi King Receives Message from President of Somalia (Saudi Press Agency)
TRF-Somalia ranks worst in African rule of law index (Reuters)
Kenyatta holds talks with US Secretary Kerry on direct flights to Kenya and regional security (Star News)

PRESS STATEMENT

AMISOM forces thwart al Shabaab plot to cut off main road in Galgadud region

29 Sept- Source: AMISOM- 262 words

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali PM answers questions over Mogadishu Seaport contract

29 Sept- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Bar-kulan- 211 words

Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed answered questions to Somali parliament’s permanent committee in Mogadishu over the recent government decision to hand over Mogadishu Seaport to Al-Bayrak, a Turkish company which recently landed a long-term contract to manage the seaport.

The prime minister said his government did not ignore previous laws enacted by the federal parliament over the issue and was planning to present the decision to the permanent committee once the parliament session resumes.

He answered all questions put forward to him by the permanent committee of the parliament over the issue of the Mogadishu Seaport and the Turkish company.

Second Deputy Speaker of the Somali Parliament, Mahad Abdalla Awad echoed concerns by Somali parliament members and the Somali public over government’s decisions to sign investment contracts with foreign companies in which he said undermines the authority and the responsibilities of the Somali parliament to safeguard the well-being and the interests of the Somali people.

Meanwhile, Somali Parliament Speaker, Mohamed Osman Jawari stressed the importance of giving ultimate respect to the country’s laws when it comes to contracts and dealings with foreign companies.

He warned the Somali parliament will not tolerate losing public properties to foreign companies adding that senior leaders alone cannot make final decisions on these important issues.

Government to provide necessary rehabilitation to young defectors from al Shabaab

29 Sept – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio RBC – 157 words

Somali Government on Sunday said that it was providing the necessary rehabilitation process to the young defectors from al Shabaab who are increasingly putting their arms and joining into the country’s peace process.

The Minister of Information Mustaf Dhuhulow said that the young people who are leaving al Shabaab’s warfare in the country may take part in the peace process and assist in the rebuilding of the nation.

“Since the Federal Government announced the amnesty towards al Shabaab militia members who wished to renounce violence and join the peace process there has been an increase of the number of young people coming across from the ranks of al Shabaab.” the Minister said.

“It is no coincidence that this has occurred while Operation Indian Ocean is proceeding,” Minister Dhuhulow added. On 23 September 2014 the Governor of Lower Shabelle Region stated that, within a week, 41 young militiamen came over to the government in the Lower Shabelle region.

Military court send warnings to the armed militia who erect roadblocks

29 Sept- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Goobjoog/Radio Bar-kulan-173 words

Somali military court has sent warnings to the armed militia and government soldiers who set up illegal roadblocks. The newly appointed military court chairman Col. Hassan Ali Noor Shuute holding press conference in Mogadishu on Monday stated that the court will sentence to death anyone court setting illegal checkpoints on the roads connecting the capital city, Mogadishu to other regions.

The chairman also said the individuals who rob and dangers the lives of the passengers while dressed in military uniform will also face similar penalty.

The remarks of the military court chairman comes a time when the passengers, drivers and public transport owners have complaining of an increased number illegal checkpoints set by armed militias dressed in military uniform.

The drivers declared that they go on strike if the federal government fails to take immediate action to remove the roadblocks.

The federal government has promised to carry out operations to remove roadblocks in the outskirts of the capital city but nothing was done.

Droughts response commission visits different regions hit by droughts

29 Sept- Source: Radio Dalsan- 135 words

The chairperson of the Droughts Commission who is none other but the Minister for Agriculture Hon. Abdi Mohamed Baafo told Dalsan Radio in an exclusive interview that they have updated information on the drought situation in the different regions of the country.

The minister said just recently they visited different regions where there is severe drought and where people are suffering. He added that their commission delivered food aid to those regions.

He also called for donor agencies to deliver more assistance to the people in the drought hit areas. He said soon his commission will carry out surveys in other parts of the country where droughts are looming.

UN and other aid agencies warned that droughts similar to the severe ones of 2011 may affect parts of the Horn of Africa Region including Somalia.

Interim Juba administration conducts security operations in Kismayo

29 Sept- Source: Radio Goobjoog/Dhanaan Online- 51 words

The security officials of Interim Juba administration in Southern Somalia confirmed that they are investigating individuals suspected of al Shabaab members.

Col. Abdifatah Moalim Noor, one of senior security officials stated that IJA security forces backed by AMISOM troops launched security crackdown in Kismayo and surrounding areas.

Col. Abdifatah reiterated that the joint forces targeted specials areas in Kismayo and arrested many people adding that their investigations is underway.

The officer said the security crackdown in Kismayo is aimed to maintain the security of the delegates attending the ongoing Juba reconciliation conference.

Minnesota Somali community condemn ISIS and Al Shabaab recruitment activities

29 Sept- Source: Somali Current/Radio Dalsan- 276 words

Members of Somali diaspora community in Minnesota have condemned the recruitment of youth by terrorist groups such as al Shabaab and Islamic state of Iraq and Levant ISIS.

The community denounced groups such as the Islamic State and al Shabaab, which together have recruited more than two dozen fighters mostly Somalis from Minnesota since 2007.

They discussed the need for more educational opportunities, programs that are tailored to young men as they transition from their teen years to adulthood, mentoring, and the creation of a community center specifically for Somalis, where they can connect with one another.

U.S. Attorney Andy Luger told the community he is working hard to bring more resources to the community to address the root causes of the problem.

“I have two children and if somebody was recruiting my children to go overseas and die, I would want the people who were doing that to be caught and put in jail,” Luger said. “My children are no more valuable than your children.” He said.

“I want the people in Washington who will be sitting around the table with me to hear your voices,” he told Somali community members. Authorities in Minnesota are investigating how a handful of people were recruited to travel to Syria and take up arms with militants. At least one Minnesota man has died, and some families fear their daughters have gone overseas to join the cause.

Luger said earlier this month that it would be hard to quantify whether more people are being recruited in Minnesota than elsewhere, but that the state’s large Somali population is a natural target.

Dirty water kills three children

29 Sept- Source: Radio Goobjoog- 170 words

At least three children died in Fafaadun locality in Lower Juba region after diarrhea outbreak. The administrator of Fafaaduun locality Adan Shuqul Nunow confirmed to Goobjoog FM that the death of the three children is due to contracting waterborne diseases after drinking contaminated water.

He stated that there are more other people who were hospitalized after contracting the waterborne disease in the area adding that number increases day after day.

Mr. Shuquul said acute water shortage in the region particularly Fafaaduun locality has encouraged many families to move to other areas in search of clean water and forced the remaining people to take dirty water hence the spread of waterborne diseases.

The administrator underlined the price of the available water in the area has doubled, a drum of water reaching 350,000Ssh unaffordable to most of the people as water tankers fetch water from far areas.

He called the federal government , Interim Juba administration and humanitarian aid agencies to deliver emergency support to the residents.

President Hassan: Somalia was praised for the advances of the operation against al Shabaab

29 Sept- Source: Radio Dalsan- 130 words

President Hassan Sheikh returned to the country from the 69th Conference of the UN General Assembly held in New York, USA.

Addressing journalists at Aden Adde International Airport, the president explained about the discussions in the conference. He mentioned that the world leaders praised Somalia for the successes against al Shabaab. He said Somalia is an example showing how best to fight and outdo terror groups. “They praised the advances we have made in the fight against al Shabaab”. The president said.

On the other hand, the president said the issues of the growing number of terror groups in the world and how they should be dealt with was one of the agendas of the conference. The president was welcomed at Aden Adde International Airport by ministers, MPs and state house officials.

Livestock traders squeezed by taxes

29 Sept- Source: Radio Ergo- 288 words

Livestock traders say their business is being damaged by the numerous taxes levied on them by various authorities. Ahmed Mukhtar, livestock trader in Hiran region, told Radio Ergo they were forced to pay various taxes to eight different administrations before their livestock reached Bosasso, from where the animals are exported to Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries.

“For instance, a truck ferrying livestock to the seaport of Bosasso has to pay taxes to the administrations in Beledweyne, Mataban, Dhusamarreb, Guriel, Himan and Heeb, Galmudug and Puntland before it reaches Bosasso!” he Mukhtar said.

He said the tax burden was compounded by the effects being felt by the drought and poor roads and many were being forced out of business.

The head of Bosasso slaughterhouse, Mohamed Farah Mohamud, said they had not been receiving enough livestock for export to Saudi Arabia to meet the Haj seasonal demand. He said the decrease could be attributed to the drought in many regions and multiple taxation imposed on livestock traders.

A Mogadishu slaughter house officials Abdikadir Ali Gaab, said there had been no exports this year from Mogadishu, unlike last year. He cited levying of high taxes on the traders as the main reason for the decline.

“Every vehicle ferrying livestock to Mogadishu seaport is stopped at more than 20 checkpoints and each is paid two million Somali shillings as tax, an amount that is equivalent to 100 USD,” he said.

He said the decline in livestock exports had meant loss of employment for 130 people including vets, porters and staff at the slaughterhouse.

A Mogadishu port customs officer said traders paid 5 USD for one camel to be exported; however, he also mentioned additional unspecified charges levied on top.

Al Shabaab militants stone woman to death over adultery

28 Sept- Source: Radio Star/Star-Kenya- 299 words

Somali al Shabaab militants stoned a woman to death in the southern town of Barawe on Friday after a court they had set up declared her guilty of adultery, the militants and witnesses said.

The group, which pledges loyalty to al Qaeda, has waged an armed campaign to impose its strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law. Forced out of many areas of the east African country by African Union forces and the Somali army, al Shabaab is keen to show it has authority over areas it still controls.

Hundreds gathered to watch the killing of Safia Ahmed Jimale in an open field. The 33-year old mother was buried up to her shoulders and pelted with stones by masked al Shabaab fighters and local men.

Some in the audience vomited, said resident Ahmed Abdullahi, who was in the crowd. The killing was witnessed by the al Shabaab governor for the region. Her body was then dug out of the ground and carried away for funeral prayers, Abdullahi said.

A man who presented himself as an al Shabaab judge said Jimale had confessed to having three husbands. He said the three men were not aware they were married to the same woman and had testified against her.

Jimale had admitted her guilt before the court and declared she was ready to be stoned to secure God’s forgiveness, said the unidentified judge.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Al Shabaab is still recruiting in Kenya – report

29 Sept- Source: Star-Kenya- 847 words

Al Shabaab and other local terror networks are taking advantage of historical injustices of marginalisation to advance their agenda, a new report has said.

The report, released on Friday by think tank International Crisis Group, said extremists are actively seeking to appeal to the most alienated members of Kenyan society to spread their influence, especially among the youth.

Titled “Kenya: Al Shabaab Closer to Home”, the ICG report explains how local terror networks with a global jihadist agenda have used “grievances of marginalisation among Muslim communities in Nairobi, the Coast and North Eastern and institutional discrimination at a national level”.

It goes on: “Not only are there plenty of immediate grievances to exploit, but nearly two decades of radicalisation and recruitment in Kenya means that the threat is both imminent and deep. The absence of a common Kenyan Muslim agenda and leadership has meant little resistance to the extremist message”.

Plans for literacy project in Somalia drawn up by UAE foundation

29 Sept – Source: The National – 117 words

The details for a literacy project in Somalia were drawn up by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and the United Nations Organisation for Education, Science and Culture during a recent meeting in Nairobi.

The programme is being funded by MBRF and implemented by Unesco, according to state news agency WAM. It is important due to the turbulent situation in Somalia, which has had a negative impact on education in the country, said Mohammed Obaid bin Ghannam, MBRF secretary general.

Mohamed Djelid, director, of Unesco’s regional office for Eastern Africa, said the meeting focused on the need for participation from Somalia’s central government, local government, tribal leaders and opinion leaders in the effort to fight illiteracy.

Kenyatta holds talks with US Secretary Kerry on direct flights to Kenya and regional security

28 Sept – Source: Star News – 152 words

President Uhuru Kenyatta has asked the United States government to hasten the process leading to clearance of direct flights between Kenya and the United States.

Kenyatta said direct flights between the two countries was necessary for strengthening bilateral relations. “Direct flights are an integral cog in strengthening our relations and it will make it easier for business to flow both ways as quick movement is important to investors,” Kenyatta said.

Kenyatta said this when he held bilateral talks with the United States government, which was represented by Secretary of State John Kerry and senior officials of the State Department, on Thursday evening. During the meeting, Kerry requested Kenya to continue supporting West African countries affected by the Ebola epidemic.

“We want to request Kenya to participate in every way it can, Ebola could affect as many as a million people by January if it is not contained or managed well,” Kerry said.

Saudi King Receives Message from President of Somalia

29 Sept- Source: Saudi Press Agency- 57 words

King of Saudi Arabia Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received on Sunday a message from President Hassan Mahmoud of Somalia. The message was handed over by the Somalia’s Minister of Justice and Religious Affairs during his meeting with Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. The meeting was attended by a number of officials.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Hunger kills 260,000 in Somalia in two years

29 Sept – Source: Hurriyet Daily News – 150 words

Almost 260,000 people, half of them young children, died of hunger during the last famine in Somalia, according to a United Nations report yesterday which admitted the global body should have done more to prevent the tragedy.

The toll is much higher than was feared at the time of the 2010-2012 food crisis in the troubled Horn of Africa country, and also exceeds the 220,000 who starved to death in the 1992 famine.

“The report confirms we should have done more before the famine was declared,” said Philippe Lazzarini, U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia. “Warnings that began as far back as the drought in 2010 did not trigger sufficient early action,” he said.

Half of those who died were children under five, according to the joint report by the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the U.S.-funded Famine Early Warning Systems Network.

TRF-Somalia ranks worst in African rule of law index

29 Sept- Source: Reuters- 251 words

Somalia was the worst-ranked country in an annual African governance index released on Monday, which showed even the best performers had slipped in at least one category over the past five years.

The east African country ranked lowest in all four categories of the 2014 Ibrahim Index: safety and rule of law, participation and human rights, sustainable economic opportunity and human development.

Mauritius kept the top spot, followed by Cape Verde, Botswana, South Africa and the Seychelles, all of which were in the top five last year. The index is based on more than 100 indicators from over 30 independent African and international sources.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“There is no doubt that Kenya has made huge strides against al Shabaab. The recent killing of their commander Ali Godane weakened the outfit. But much more needs to be done to tackle the threat the group poses, especially from within Kenya.”

Do more to address youth radicalisation

29 Sept- Source: Star-Kenya-229 Words

A new report by the International Crisis Group paints a grim picture about the continued radicalisation of Muslim youth, but also recommends solutions that should be considered.

Many youth are still joining the ranks of the Somali militia group, looking for purpose and destiny. Recruiters prey on historical injustices of marginalisation to advance their agenda.

The Jubilee government should facilitate Muslim-driven madrasas and mosque reforms. This will also entail review and approval of the curriculum taught and vetting of mosque committees.

Implementation of the recommendations of the 2008 Presidential Special Action popularly known as the ‘Abdullahi Sharawe Commission report’ is also overdue, to address grievances by the Muslim community Kenya.

“Piracy off Somalia has cost shipping billions of dollars, and is still costing the world’s trading nations billions in largely ineffective naval patrols. It has cost many seafarers their lives or their liberty. So finally seeing an investment in the sensible economic development which is the only way to stop piracy is really something to be grateful for.”

Some People are Doing the Right Thing

27 Sept- Source: Maritime Executive-942 Words

One free, thirty-seven to go. Hostages held by Somali pirates, that is. Seven from commercial ships, thirty unfortunate fishermen, and one lucky German-American journalist, Michael Scott Moore, free this week after German sources paid a reported $2m ransom.

Nice for Moore, and nicer for the Somali gangs in Galkayo, central Somalia, who captured him over two years ago while he was researching a book on piracy. You would think the hostage takers would be both grateful and happy now the hostage is off their hands and the cash is in them. Instead six of them are dead. Colonel Mohamed Aden, a senior Somali police officer, told Reuters that six members of the same family were dead after a fight over the cash.

There is quite a big investment in a hostage taking and ransom. You need cash, influence, guns and young men, all of which are in plentiful supply in Somalia. Two and a half years keeping their valuable hostage safe from other clans who would like to steal him. Two and a half years paying and feeding guards to protect the hostage. Two and a half years of nervously moving the hostage around. Two and a half years paying the negotiators. Two and a half years paying off the local officials and police to turn a blind eye.

Top tweets

@SomaliaNewsroom AMISOM and #Somalia forces are in the “final stages” of preparing to take #Shabaab‘s coastal stronghold of #Barawe http://bit.ly/1nxzwoA

@Dahirkulane .#Humanitarian Food Aid donated by #Turkishgovt to #Somalia offloading #Mogadishu port @RedCrescentTR @TC_Mogadishu pic.twitter.com/chtYjQFLcS

‏@Somalia2016 SYL Secondary School in Galkayo #Galmudughas been expanded and more facilities added, thanks to@USAID! #Somalia pic.twitter.com/yTOEU1V1sM

@djibsalam “Children walk past a convoy of Ethiopian Amisom troops escorting a convoy of trucks https://www.facebook.com/danielberehulakphotojournalist/photos/a.1446002882285842.1073741827.1445921008960696/1516175535268576/?type=1&theater … Somalia pic.twitter.com/4rrcsJ2ROi

@UNLazzarini Abt 7k cases of #measles reported in #Somaliasince Jan.We’re working on vaccinations for >500,000 #childrenfrom Oct http://bit.ly/1ucPoPp

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Image of the day

Image of the day Opening of #AU #UN Mandatory Pre-Deployment Training for #KDF Officers deploying to #Somalia under #AMISOM Soon. Photo: ‏@JamesGadin