November 17, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Federal government delegates jet off to Copenhagen

17 Nov- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Goobjoog/VOA Somali Service – 167 words

Delegates from the federal government of Somalia lead by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud headed to Denmark to attend the high level Somali conference on New Deal in Copenhagen.

The interior minister and federalism Abdullahi Godah Barre leading the delegates representing the federal government on High Level Partnership Forum on Somalia said the delegates will will attend conference on Somalia which will open on 19th of this month in Copenhagen to review progress under the New Deal. Also representatives from the regional states are to attend the conference.

The conference is scheduled to continue for two days and the participants are expected to issue communiqué.

Key Headlines

Federal government delegates jet off to Copenhagen (Radio Mogadishu/VOA Somali Service)
Egypt donates military equipment to Somali army (Radio Bar-kulan)
One year on: the Somali New Deal Compact – a remarkable transformation (Office of the President)
14 ministers urge PM Abdiweli to resign (VOA Somali Service/Radio Goobjoog/Radio Dalsan/Shabelle)
Supporters of PM Abdiweli defend the independence of the cabinet and call stop of intervention (Radio RBC)
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Baidoa ahead of planned election (Radio Goobjoog)
Ministry of finance launched new financial management system (Radio Goobjoog)
AMISOM troop contributing countries to intervene Somalia’s political turmoil (Radio Dalsan)
Supporters of PM Abdiweli defend the independence of the cabinet and call stop of intervention (Radio RBC)
Baidoa Conference continues the process to elect a leader despite FG called halt on (Radio Dalsan)
Somali govt dismisses planned regional election`s outcome (Radio Danan)
Herders Al-Shabaab clash in parts of Mudug region (Bar-kulan)
Somaliland in political chaos following a controversial impeachment motion (Horn Times/BBC Somali Service)
Food price increases in Dadaab refugee camps (Bar-kulan)
Madobe Nunow plans to open talks with Interim Juba and South West Somalia administrations (Radio Goobjoog)
Puntland concerned about illegal fishing boats (Radio Bar-kulan)
State urges parity in Turkish aid (Somaliland Sun)
One shot dead scores arrested as police raid radical mosques in Mombasa (Standard Media/Star/Daily Nation)
Expect more attacks by al Shabaab – NIS (Star)
HM the King’s humanitarian work highlighted (Bahrain News Agency)
Majority of Somali Cabinet Urges Prime Minister to Resign (VOA)
Somalia’s al Shabaab says fires at presidential compound (Reuters)
UN Envoy to Somalia concerned over violence urges restraint in Somaliland (UN News Centre)
Officials say US threatens aid cuts to Somalia (AP/ABC)
UN agency cuts rations by half to Somali Sudanese refugees (Dawn)
SRSG Kay meets with Somali officials and foreign diplomats calling for political stability ahead of Copenhagen Conference (UNSOM)

PRESS STATEMENT

SRSG Kay meets with Somali officials and foreign diplomats, calling for political stability ahead of Copenhagen Conference

17 Nov – Source: UNSOM – 253 words

United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Nicholas Kay met with Somali political leaders on 16 November 2014. He was joined by Danish Ambassador Geert Aagaard Andersen, European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Horn of Africa Alex Rondos, EU Special Envoy to Somalia Michele Cervone d’Urso, Italian Ambassador Fabrizio Marcelli, Swedish Ambassador Mikael Lindvall and UK Ambassador Neil Wigan for meetings with His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, His Excellency Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed and His Excellency Speaker of the Federal Parliament Mohamed Osman Jawari. They discussed the ongoing political crisis and urged the leaders to find a solution that would allow the Federal Government to implement the Vision 2016 plan for Somalia’s political transformation in a timely manner. Their meetings came as the Federal Government and Somalia’s international partners prepare for the first Ministerial-level High Level Partnership Forum (HLPF) in Copenhagen on 19 and 20 November.

“The HLPF will be a critical opportunity to review progress and chart the way ahead for the implementation of the New Deal Somali Compact. The Compact brings together national priorities agreed amongst the Somali people, the Federal Government and the international community. Much has been achieved, particularly through the concerted and joint efforts of the Federal Government. But significant challenges remain. The ongoing political crisis in Somalia is a serious risk to further progress. I call on all parties to find a way to resolve their differences quickly so that the business of statebuilding and peacebuilding can resume and accelerate.” said SRSG Kay.

One year on: the Somali New Deal Compact – a remarkable transformation

17 Nov – Source: Office of the President – 599 words

HE President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, today led a ‘one Somalia’ delegation to attend the Ministerial High Level Partnership Forum in Copenhagen (HLPF Copenhagen), Denmark.
The HLFP Copenhagen is being hosted by the Government of Denmark, co-chaired by the Federal Government of Somalia and the United Nations and attended by more than 140 high-level delegates from more than 59 countries.

The aim of the HLPF Copenhagen is to review progress against the New Deal Compact for Somalia (the Somali Compact), which was endorsed in Brussels in September 2013. The Compact established a partnership based on mutual accountability and shared risk and responsibilities, between Somalia, and the international partners. The Somali Compact highlights the importance of Somali-owned and -led planning based on joint priorities, reached through dialogue, and sustained through reconciliation.
‘Somalia has undergone a remarkable transformation: we have laid the basic building blocks of state reform, developed legal frameworks, governance structures, formalised Somalia’s presence in the international community, strengthened our relationship with neighbouring countries, re-structured key institutions, established forums for dialogue, developed the path for political reform and put in place the architecture for linking international support to our priorities through the New Deal Somali Compact,” commented the President on the eve of his departure to Copenhagen.

The foundation for the future has been laid through the clear success of the Somali National Army and the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) against of Al-Shabaab. Most of south and central Somalia has now been restored to the Federal Government.
The Federal Government, in partnership with the international community, has delivered more than 50km of roads with solar street lights, provided health services in different regions, rehabilitated airport and ports, established vocational schools and youth recreational centres, provided greater access to justice, and strengthened industries for agriculture and fisheries. The public education sector was revived – for the first time in over two decades – with the enrolment of an additional 78,000 new children. Considerable progress in public financial management has also been made, putting in place greater accountability measures, controls and governance structures.
‘But we cannot afford to rest,’ continued the President. ‘As we look toward the next two years, we must urgently deliver on priority legislation, the establishment of commissions, and ensure the public consultations that will enable us to achieve the three intertwined strands of Vision 2016.

‘We must enlarge our focus on delivering improvements that impact the lives of Somalis. This means we must ensure the defeat of al-Shabaab, roll-out of stabilisation initiatives that connect the government to citizens, root out corruption, build mechanisms to capture revenue that is then used to provide schools for our children, create jobs for our young people, and ensure healthcare for our families. We must extract and use Somalia’s natural resources for the good of all, and ensure the right environment for the private sector to flourish,’ concluded the President.

Somalia is at a critical juncture in its efforts to achieve security and stability, and the HLPF Copenhagen represents a critical point at which to review this progress, address the challenges, identify possible gaps, and agree on what must be accomplished in the coming two years to ensure a sovereign, secure, democratic, united and federal Somalia at peace with itself and the world, and for the benefit of its people.

Weekly Press Conference on the progress of the government

15 Nov – Source: Ministry of Information – 7646 words

The Minister of Information, Mustafa Duhulow, today addressed the media, providing an update on the progress of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) over the last week. The Minister discussed various issues: the Human Rights Bill; the implementation of development projects in Somalia; food aid distribution in Adale and Baidoa; the progress of the New Deal; the sentencing of number of criminals in court; progress in the telecommunications industry and in education; Somali media sector development; and the Stabilization Process in Mogadishu.

The Minister of Information begun by speaking on the Human Rights Bill: “On 8th November 2014, the Ministry of Women & Human Rights Development published the draft Human Rights Bill that aims to end all human rights violations in Somalia, abuses such as violence towards women and other vulnerable groups in our society. The participants discussed the best ways to implement the legislation after the cabinet and the parliament approve the bill. Human Rights Experts, lawyers and intellectuals were among those who discussed the bill with a view to finalizing the draft before it was presented to the cabinet. Hon Abdi Hosh stressed the importance of the bill and said this is the first step towards curing all human rights abuses in the country. The next step will be the implementation of the legislation. Hon Khadija Mohamed Dirie, the Minister of Women & Human Rights Affairs, stated that FGS prioritizes human rights and the urgent need to stop all violations and that is why the ministry prepared the bill, to protect the rights of individuals and take tough action against those violate human rights of citizens, in particular sexual violence towards women.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the importance of implementing development projects in Somalia: “The FGS is pleased to hear of the government of Germany’s commitment to provide Somalia the sum of 38 million Euros as part of the aid allocation that Germany donated to Somali Government in 1979. On 08 November 2014 the government of Germany stated its commitment to honour its previous pledge to the FGS in for the implementation of development projects in Somalia. The Ministry of Planning & International Cooperation organized an event in Mogadishu to discuss how best to implement projects. The Somali Ambassador to Germany, members of the cabinet and parliament as well as experts and representatives from Banadir region administration were among those present at the event. Deputy Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ali (Qalocow) thanked Germany for honouring the commitment made to the previous government and stated that the money will be used to develop the agricultural sector, to build bridges and canals to prevent rivers flooding as well as numerous other valuable projects. The Federal Government has appointed a technical committee to study and report back to the government on the best ways to implement development projects throughout Somalia.”

The Minister of Information spoke on humanitarian assistance provided to residents in Adale and Baidoa: “The FGS with the support of Centre for Community Awareness (CCA) and Zamzam Foundation provided medical aid to Adale district on 07 November 2014 and food aid to Baidoa on 11 November 2014. CCA specifically provided medical aid to 250 families in Adale district in Middle Shabelle region. Mohamed Ibrahim Cajiib, the Director of CCA, stated that the aim of the medical assistance was to support families affected by the flooding and conflicts in the area (an area that was recently recovered from Al-Shabab terrorists). Muhiadin Sudi Moallim, the District Commissioner of Adale, thanked CCA and appealed to other organisations to follow suit. On the other hand, Zamzam Foundation provided food aid and plastic sheeting for use during the raining season in Baidoa. A total of 240 families received rice, sugar, flour and plastic sheets.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the progress of the New Deal: “H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of Somalia, on 10 November 2014 opened the High Level Partnership Forum (HLPF) in Mogadishu where the progress of the New Deal and the upcoming Copenhagen conference were discussed The President stated that the FGS is committed to implementing the Vision 2016, including reviewing the provisional constitution, implementing federal states and holding elections by 2016. The President stressed the importance of a Somali-led and Somali-owned process for implementing the New Deal and the need to reach out to all regions of Somalia. The aim of the meeting was to finalize the progress report on the New Deal. H.E. Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, the Prime Minister of Somalia also spoke at the meeting and stated that the government has achieved a lot during the last year since the New Deal was agreed, notably improvements in security, formation of interim federal units, and many other improvements. The Prime Minister said that the momentum of progress needed to be maintained. The UN SRSG, Nicholas Kay, stated that there have been huge progress in Somalia despite the challenges of the last two years and asked all concerned parties to redouble their efforts to implement Vision 2016.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the sentencing of criminals: “The Military High Court on 11 November sentenced a number of criminals to death. A 24 year old man, Adan Abdi Ibrahim, killed a soldier and, after the court considered all the evidence, convicted him and sentenced him to death. A 21 year old man, Ahmed-Nur Guure (Dhungoye), raped a girl and after the court hearing all evidences convicted him and sentenced him to death. The Somali President on 28 January 2014 issued Decree Number 5, which clearly states that the Government has zero tolerance of the rape or the murder of citizens. The FGS is committed to stopping all sexual violence towards girls and women and the court’s decision is an example of how the government would like to send a strong message to those who violate the human rights and the dignity of vulnerable groups in the society. The aim of the death penalty is to show zero tolerance and to deter criminals with a view to ultimately halting killings and rapes and bringing peace and stability to Somalia.”

The Minister of Information spoke on developments in the telecommunications sector in Somalia: “On 10th November the Ministry of Posts & Telecommunications met with representatives of Telecommunications Industry in order to evaluate progress in the sector and to discuss previous agreements. H.E. Mohamed Ibrahim, the Minister of Posts & Telecom, provided an update on his recent visit to South Korea and stressed the importance of the consultation meeting. He also urged better coordination and partnership between telecommunications industry and the ministry. The Minister thanked and congratulated the representatives of the sector who were in attendance on the successful implementation of Phase 1 of interconnection between telephone providers and asked them to quickly implement Phase 2, which is to reach out to all the regions in the country without interconnection, so that every citizen will be able to receive value for money services from the industry. The Ministry updated the telecommunications industry on the new agreement between 8 African countries so that all these countries will be able to call each other with very competitive price similar to local calls (Local Rate Roaming). This agreement will be effective from next month. The countries that signed this agreement are Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda and Burundi. The Ministry and the representatives of the telecommunications Industry concluded by agreeing that telephone operators should bill customers by seconds instead of minutes. The FGS is constantly introducing new initiatives to help citizens to get access to telephone communications while also ensuring value for money.”

The Minister of Information spoke on development in the education sector in Somalia: “On 13 November, H.E. Duale Adan Mohamed, the Minister of Higher Education encouraged 50 students who were about to travel to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as part of scholarship scheme of the Ministry, to be good ambassadors and to be role models for their country. These students passed scholarship exams that the FGS administered on behalf of Ethiopia. These students they will study in universities in Addis Ababa. The Minister emphasized the importance of education and appealed to the 50 students to study very hard and then to come back to Somalia with knowledge, experience and expertise s that they could make a valuable contribution in Somalia. The students thanked the FGS and Ethiopia and showed their appreciation for this opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge. The FGS is totally committed to providing opportunities for students to gain a world class experience from abroad, so that they can assist in the development of education in Somalia.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the Media Sector Development in Somalia: “On 13th November 2014 I was pleased to speak at the closing ceremony of a 5 day seminar that the Ministry of Information organized for communications practitioners from ministries of the Federal Government and Banadir Regional Administration. I would like to thank Albany Associates of UK for running the course and the UK Embassy to Somalia for sponsoring the training. Subjects taught over the 5 days included how to better devise, implement and assess the effectiveness of a communications strategy, as well as the basic skills of writing press releases, interview techniques and social media messaging. I emphasize the importance of these kinds of training courses to develop and enhance the media sector in Somalia. We aim to develop the talents of Somali communications experts so that in the future they will be able to conduct similar training for Somali media practitioners including private media sector.”

The Minister of Information spoke finally on the Stabilization Process in Mogadishu: “Security institutions, with the support of public, have been conducting house to house searches in Mogadishu. On 13 November 2014, the security forces conducted targeted raids to capture those responsible for killings of government officials in Mogadishu on 11 & 12 November 2014. As a direct result of the operation, security forces captured 5 members of Al-Shabaab who were the prime suspects in the killings. They also seized weapons, vehicles and explosives. The operation was aimed at specific locations identified through intelligence and deliberately avoided unnecessary disruption to the lives of ordinary citizens. Mohamed Yusuf Osman, the spokesperson of the Ministry of National Security, spoke to the media and stated that they has captured 5 suspects in relation to killings in Mogadishu on 11 & 12 November 2014. He also stated that this kind of targeted operations will continue until the threat posed by terrorists is totally eliminated.”

UN Envoy to Somalia expresses concern over violence in Somaliland, urges parties to exercise restraint

15 Nov – Source: UNSOM – 87 words

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, has expressed concern over the violence on 15 November during preparations for the parliamentary elections in Somaliland. There have been reports that some members of parliament may have been detained and that the violence has led to a number of casualties.

“Somaliland has been making positive strides towards democratic elections. Violence risks setting these gains back,” said Nicholas Kay. “I call on all parties to exercise restraint. The democratic process should be fully respected.”

SOMALI MEDIA

Federal government delegates jet off to Copenhagen

17 Nov- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Goobjoog/VOA Somali Service – 167 words

Delegates from the federal government of Somalia headed to Denmark to attend the high level Somali conference on New Deal in Copenhagen. The interior minister and federalism Abdullahi Godah Barre leading the delegates representing the federal government on High Level Partnership Forum on Somalia said the delegates will will attend conference on Somalia which will open on 19th of this month in Copenhagen to review progress under the New Deal.

Also representatives from the regional states are to attend the conference. The conference is scheduled to continue for two days and the participants are expected to issue communiqué. It is not clear whether Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will attend the conference or not, but the forum is due to open a time the political in-fighting between the top leaders has reached its highest level. Last week the United states declared it will send delegation to the forum in Copenhagen due to Somalia’s leadership that is distracted with political division

Egypt donates military equipment to Somali army

17 Nov- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 116 words

The Arab Republic of Egypt has donated military equipment to Somali national army in an effort to strengthen the capacity of Somali security forces. Egyptian ambassador to Somalia Mowlid Ismail delivered the equipment which mainly included uniform and combat shoes to the Somali defense minister Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Hamud and army chief at Mogadishu port.

Ambassador Mowlid assured continuous support of his government to the federal government of Somalia saying Egypt is committed to build Somali armed forces. On his part Somali defense minister Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Hamud has thanked the Egyptian government for the donation. Egypt and Somalia shared economic and military relations even before the collapse of the central government of Somalia in 1990s.

14 ministers urge PM Abdiweli to resign

17 Nov – Source: VOA Somali Service/Radio Goobjoog/Radio Dalsan/Shabelle – 146 words

About 14 ministers of the current cabinet of Somali Federal Government signed a petition that calls the country’s Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed to resign from his position. The petition was handed to the sitting Prime Minister on Sunday evening as the group of the 14 ministers also advised the PM to follow their advice.

“As the country risks slipping back and falling into another failure following the jeopardized cabinet work, we have seen important to call you and advise you to quit from your position as the Prime Minister,” the petition said. The ministers believed to be the supporters of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described their call as “safeguarding the nation and the interest of the Somali people”.

Reliable Sources confirmed that the 14 ministers also warned that they will resign themselves if the Premier does not resign within the next 24 hours. The petition came following a meeting by the supporters of the Prime Minister including other ministers and members of the Parliament in which they defended the Mr Sheikh Ahmed and suggested the President to stop intervening cabinet affairs.

Supporters of PM Abdiweli defend the independence of the cabinet and call for stop of intervention

17 Nov – Source: Radio RBC – 190 words

Ministers and Members of the Federal Parliament of Somalia met on Sunday in Mogadishu to defend the position of the country’s Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed following growing motion against the PM supported by the President.

The meeting attended by the Deputy Prime Minister Ridwan Hersi Mohamed, several cabinet ministers and Parliamentarians who were mainly the supporters of Premier Sheikh Ahmed. During the closure of the meeting, a four point statement was released to call the president and rival parliamentarians to allow the separation of the powers of the government branches and the independence of the executive branch.

The statement also noted that they are concerned about the current situation of Somalia, particularly the political turmoil within the government leadership which they warn could risk the country’s dreams and hopes of a better governance and development. The meeting was convened in Hayat Hotel in Mogadishu late on Sunday as a rival MPs and ministers have signed a petition to call Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed to resign following the stand-off within the government top leadership.

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Baidoa ahead of planned election

17 Nov – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 97 words

Reports from Baidoa, the headquarters of Bay region states that hundreds of protesters against the election of three regional state leader took to the streets of Baidoa earlier on Monday. Goobjoog correspondent in Baidoa say many people making loud noises and carrying placards with slogans against the formation of three regional state gathered in front hall where the election is to be held. There is high tension in the town and the public are pessimistic that the elections of the state leader can be held easily today. The conference is expected to open the coming few hours.

Ministry of finance launched new financial management system

16 Nov – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 465 words

Somalia’s ministry of finance has launched today new financial management information system. The overall objective is to provide a system with adequate trials to improve administrative accountability in processing transactions. Also the improved timeliness, accuracy and comprehensiveness of financial reports will aid effectiveness in decision making.

In a ceremony attended by key federal ministers, governor of Central bank, civil service commission, airport and seaport authorities, accountant general office, auditor general and various delegates, Minister Hussein Abdi Halane announced Somalia financial Somalia management information system that is more credible with greater transparency on contracts/concessions review and asset recovery.“ The goal is deploy a robust IT infrastructure to all of the MOF offices and all key government institutions and stakeholders” he underlined.

This new system will focus on budgeting, expenditures, revenue collection that will result in improved reporting capabilities and establishing an accurate until trial. In addition to that, expense and revenue related data will be entered in the system. Electronic financial reports through the SFMIS system will also be published and posted to the ministry’s Website.

“ The previous manual system lacked transparency and accountability and was difficult to pay the salaries of government employees on time and perhaps use to make more days to fix it. After implementing this new system we hope our public finances will be managed properly and will improve the overall public finance management” Farhan Mohamud added.

According to the new PFM, the ministry will have the mandate to manage procurement process across ministries, departments and other government institutions. MOF is committed to control contracts and procurement processes. After bids accepted by the MOF, vendors will send invoices to ministries, departments or agencies, which then request payment of the invoice to the accountant general office.

Each specific payment authorized to the vendor by the accountant general’s office made directly from the Central bank(CBS) reports daily to the accountant general’s office on a consolidated Treasury single account system. The Central bank process payments instructions to pay a specific vendor. Transfer is made from a single treasury single account to a settlement account held at central bank by a commercial bank.

The new system requires vendors to obtain business registration number ( BNS) from ministry of commerce. SFMIS will going to live in January 2015, which will support the above said reforms. User testing and training is currently underway. The SFMIS implementation is being financed by the world bank and the federal government of Somalia welcomes this report.

“ We are grateful to all our development partners and other stakeholders that have supported the PFM reform process in various ways and beseech even more support and commitment in ensuring that we continuously full meet the expectations of all our various stakeholders.

AMISOM troop contributing countries to intervene Somalia’s political turmoil

17 Nov – Source: Radio Dalsan – 152 words

High level officials from the African Union Mission in Somalia troops contributing countries are heading to Mogadishu today to start mediation efforts to settle the heating up political turmoil in Somalia.

According to sources obtained by Radio Dalsan, officials from Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya will meet Somali officials in Mogadishu on Monday to discuss the latest issues toward the country’s political crisis and the unresolved rift between the President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the Prime Minister Abdiwali Sheikh Ahmed.

The officials will visit both the offices of the President and the Prime Minister to listen to the views from both sides. In similar intervention in 2011, Uganda forced former Somali PM Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo to resign when he fell out with his then president Sharif Ahmed, but it is unclear if the status quo will be used for the same case between President Mohamud and his Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed.

Somali govt dismisses planned regional election`s outcome

17 Nov- Source:Radio Danan – 188 words

With officials in the southwestern town of Baidoa set to elect a new regional president Monday, Somalia’s parliament warned it would not recognize the outcome of the election which it deemed ‘illegal’. In a statement from the office of the parliament’s speaker on Monday, the speaker says that under the constitution the government is entitled to form a regional administration for the region which hosts two challenging regional admins trying to govern the region and beyond.

“Considering the pronouncement of the prime minister of halting any election plans until the government reasserts an inclusive election, we warn holding any election for the time being,” Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari said.

The speaker’s warning comes as elders and delegates are due to convene in Baidoa Monday to elect a new leader that’ll govern the ‘Three States State’ administration, that’d rule Bay Bakool and Lower Shabelle region. The former Somali parliament speaker Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden is the main candidate for the controversial leadership of the region. Mr. Jawari cautions against preceding the regional election, which he said would undermine the government’s efforts to form a regional administration for the region.

Baidoa Conference continues the process to elect a leader despite FG called halt on

16 Nov – Source: Radio Dalsan – 191 words

Delegates attending the Three-region Administration Conference in Baidoa town of Baay region continue their process to elect their leader as the president of yet-to-be announced three-region administration formation ignoring previous calls from the country’s Prime Minister to halt on the process for further consultations, RBC Radio reports.

The delegates at the conference on Sunday held a gathering where five candidates running for the election of the new president addressed their political program. Among the five candidates were Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan, a former parliament of the former Transitional Government of Somalia, Abba Awow Sufi Cafan- a well known elder from Marka town, Mohamed Hassan Fiqi, Mohamed Omar Dahir and Ahmed Mohamed Addow.

According to the spokesperson of the conference, the candidates have submitted their applications to the council of the elders of the conference who will elect the new president. This comes after the Federal Government asked the participants of the Baidoa Conference to put hold on the process of the conference for further consultation following complaints of lack pf inclusiveness raised by some of the local clans and elders in the three regions of Baay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle.

Herders, Al-Shabaab clash in parts of Mudug region

16 Nov – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 109 words

One Al-Shabaab militant was killed in fighting between the rebel group and local herders in Aad settlement near the coastal town of Harardere in Mudug region. Reports say the clash occurred after Al-Shabaab fighters forcefully took animals from the herders, prompting confrontation between them and the herders who wanted to reclaim back their animals.

Eyewitnesses told Bar-kulan that the armed local herders managed to take control of the area where the fight took place after forcing the militants to retreat back. Al-Shabaab has not yet commented on the incident. Al-Shabaab has earlier compelled local herders to contribute to their war against the Somali and AMISOM troops in the country.

Somaliland Is In Political Chaos Following a Controversial Impeachment Motion

16 Nov – Source: Horn Times/BBC Somali Service – 281 words

A move by the ruling party KULMIYE to open an impeachment proceeding in the house of representatives failed, after the upper house of parliaments (Guurti) intervened to cool down the situation, asking the majority of the house to postpone their motion against the speaker Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Irro who is also the chairman of the opposition National party Waddani. The speaker of the House Mr. Irro claimed that the government had sponsored the controversial impeachment motion against him.

Hargeisa inhabitants were shocked when they woke up on Saturday to find police had cordoned off the main road leading to parliament. This caused a lot of inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians trying to reach their work stations. The opposition members of parliament boycotted the session after the speaker proclaimed the house had been hijacked by the government and will not be open unless it is stopped the interferences in parliamentary affairs. Police arrested five opposition MPs whom they accused of holding unlawful protest. Speaker Irro condemned the arrest of the opposition MPs calling it unconstitutional.

The ruling party MPs tried to open the parliamentary proceedings but the house of elders chairman and the well known elder Haji Abdiwarabe convinced them to put off until Tuesday. This has caused political temperatures to rise in the country, meanwhile in Burao town, a strong hold of opposition National party Waddani, and residents held a huge demonstration in support of the opposition speaker. The Waddani supporters fought running battles with antiriot police who tried to quell the protest which left one woman dead and several protesters injured. The president of the republic H.E Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo was forced to address the nation and called for calm.

Food price increases in Dadaab refugee camps

16 Nov – Source: Bar-kulan – 130 words

The prices of basic food in Dadaab refugee camps in the northeastern region of Kenya have doubled due to heavy rains in the area. Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, a resident of Hagarder refugee camp told Bar-kulan that prices commodities such as rice and sugar have skyrocketed.

He said one sack of rice was currently being sold at $42 while a sack of sugar is sold at $56. The inflation also comes after United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and World Food Program announced last week to cut food rations it previously provided for the refugees in the Dadaab camps.

Torrential rains pondering parts of the North eastern region of Kenya have wreaked havoc and caused infrastructure damages, with reports of motorist stranded in some areas after roads were rendered impassable.

Madobe Nunow plans to open talks with Interim Juba and South West Somalia administrations

16 Nov- Source: Goobjoog – 201 words

The leader of South west Somalia-six regions Madoobe Nunuow Mohamed stated that his administration will open talks with Interim Juba administration and the technical committee facilitating the formation of South West Somalia-three regions.

Mr. Nunow noted that he took special meetings with members of federal parliament in Baidoa and agreed to open talks with the other parties. On the other hand, responding to a question about the election of the three regional administration in Baidoa on Monday and the recent suspension Baidoa conference by the top leaders, Mr. Nunow said both activities will not have any effect on his administration adding that he is ready to open dialogue with every group.

Also the leader underlined the public welcomed his administration’s move to open discussion with federal government, Interim Juba administration and other administration in Baidoa so as to resolve the political tensions that has delayed the Social services and the development in the region. Finally he called the top leaders of Somalia to solve their differences systematically so to complete the tasks ahead including implementing the federalism process. The technical committee are preparing to hold elections tomorrow in Baidoa, this comes after the top leaders of Somalia jointly suspended the conference.

Puntland concerned about illegal fishing boats

15 Nov – Source: Bar-kulan – 121 words

The authorities of the semi autonomous regional state of Puntland in Somalia have said they are concerned about increasing illegal fishing boats in the area. Minister for fisheries Abdinur Elmi Binde has said the administration will take a stiff action against illegal vessels fishing in its water territory.

He warned those aiding foreign vessels fishing in Somali waters saying the authorities already has some suspected names and they will be prosecuted in a court of law for their actions. Puntland navy commander Abdinassir Bihi Sofe has also said more coast guards will be deployed to curb the increasing foreign vessels illegal fishing.

Fisheries minister Bindi was speaking during a tour to in Puntland eastern provinces and was accompanied by senior security officers.

Somaliland: state urges parity in Turkish aid

16 Nov – Source: Somaliland Sun – 516 Words

At the end of a meeting with Turkish delegation led by Ambassador Olagan Bekar, Minister Bihi discussed existing inequity of Turkish Aid to Somaliland and other issues that has been promised but not implemented by Turkey.

Minister Bihi said, “In our meeting we discussed inequity and disproportion of Turkish aid to Somaliland and Somalia, which is in contrast to earlier understanding, that Turkey, as mediator, will consider the 2 countries as equal and separate entities. We support aid being given to Somalia; such as the modernization of ADEN Adde Airport in Mogadishu and road infrastructure. We are waiting to be comparable to that of Somalia as promised by President Erdogan hen he was the prime minister.”

Mr. Bihi added that they also discussed the historical relation between Somaliland and Turkey during the Ottoman Empire in the 16th Century and the need of implementation of projects promised but are still pending. “We requested the government of Turkey to organize and host a Trade and Investment Conference, which is similar to that held in London in October, to enhance international investment in Somaliland. To further enhance and strengthen Somaliland/Turkey relation by endorsing Somaliland passport as a travel document, enhance bilateral relation in trade, health and travel, to ease grievances of the people of Somaliland about the disparity of aid to Somaliland and Somalia.” He added

Turkish Ambassador to Somaliland and Somalia Mr. Olgan Bekar speaking at the joint press conference said, “Our discussions were fruitful and beneficial. The promised liaison office for Somaliland in Turkey will be opened soon and Turkey projects in Somaliland will be doubled.”

On bilateral relations Ambassador Bekar said, “Somaliland is in the inner nucleus of our relation with Africa. It is the core of stability and peace in the Horn region. We had sound and historical relations in politics, economy and culture in the 16th Century; and as such Turkey will augment its relation in all the 3 areas. We will also increase our development projects.”

On Somaliland Somalia Dialogue. Mr. Bihi described the dialogue to be moving at a snail’s pace and that Somaliland is fully aware of the existing condition in Somalia. He pointed out that the aim of the dialogue is to realize the existence of Somalia and Somaliland as 2 separate states and good neighbors.

“The people of Somaliland have been waiting for the dialogue for the last 23 years and they hope that the dialogue will move with a greater pace. The increase of the pace in the dialogue depends on Turkey who is the mediator; to make greater effort to make the dialogue fruitful.”He said.

Ambassador Bekar described as unfortunate that Somalia/Somaliland Dialogue isn’t fruitful so far; but promised that Turkey will increase its efforts to bring the dialogue to a comfortable and fruitful conclusion. He said,” We are ready to increase our efforts to increase the pace of the dialogue and the establishment of the Joint Secretariat Committee. We have high expectations that the dialogue will begin in the next few weeks. We hope that it will bear fruit.”

REGIONAL MEDIA

One shot dead, scores arrested as police raid radical mosques in Mombasa

17 Nov – Source: Standard Media/Star/Daily Nation – 325 words

Police on Sunday night raided Masjid Musa and Sakina mosques in Mombasa in a bid to flush out radical youths. One person was shot dead in the incident as tens of youths were arrested and are currently in Mombasa police stations.

The operation that started at 3am Monday morning saw the officers conduct a raid on Masjid Musa and Sakina mosques in Mombasa county. Police recovered a pistol, a grenade and a knife. The operation is still ongoing.

The raid comes at time when Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo had instructed Imams in the mosques to eject radical youths who had forced out some Imams perceived to be sympathisers of the government.

Expect more attacks by al Shabaab – NIS

17 Nov – Source: Star – 307 words
The National Intelligence Service has warned of more attacks by homegrown terror groups. The groups have been blamed for the killing of moderate Muslims and perceived state informers in Mombasa county.

The NIS has given the CID seven names and photos of members of a terror gang linked to the killings. The latest reports seen by the Star warn of more violent extremist attacks by well-trained and dangerous al Shabaab returnees who live in Kisauni and Majengo.

“Most of the Kenyan youth have sneaked back into the country after the liberation of key al Shabaab strongholds in Somalia by Amisom. They are a desperate gang for hire behind the wave of killings in Mombasa,” said a senior NIS officer.

He said there are about seven gunmen, all in their early 20s, who hail from Majengo, Likoni and Bondeni. According to NIS and police reports, the recent gun attacks are being coordinated by Ismail Mohammed Shosi, an al Shabaab returnee. Shosi escaped when police raided his home on September 14. The gang is believed to be behind the Friday killing of community policing members in Mlaleo, Kisauni.

HM the King’s humanitarian work highlighted

15 Nov – Source: Bahrain News Agency – 829 words

The Royal Charity Organisation (RCO)’s efforts in providing relief aid to the disaster-hit Somali people reflect His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa’s innumerable humanitarian initiatives and constant keenness to support the needy and disaster-stricken people across the world.Following directives from HM the King, RCO’s Honorary President, and under the patronage of RCO Board of Trustees Chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, RCO inaugurated a string of development projects in Somalia in order to rebuild Somalia and serve the Somali people. RCO built the 17,500-square-metre Bahrain Specialist Hospital, with many medical specialties and facilities, which makes it an integrated hospital that will provide comprehensive medical care for about three million Somali citizens.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Majority of Somali cabinet urges Prime Minister to resign

17 Nov – Source: voanews.com – 145 words

A majority of Somalia’s 22-member federal cabinet has written to Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed giving him an ultimatum to resign or President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will appoint a replacement.

Mohamud has instructed his cabinet to ignore a cabinet reshuffle made by Ahmed after the president said he was never consulted. A parliamentary debate for a vote of no confidence in the prime minister was disrupted last week by Ahmed’s supporters, who refused to take orders and insisted on singing the national anthem.

Abdullahi Godah Barre, Somalia’s Minister of the Interior and Federal Affairs said the majority of the cabinet does not want the stalemate to further drag down the Somali government already beset by difficulties in governing. “We, as his cabinet members, are trying to be realistic with our Prime Minister. If he lost the confidence of the president and also the parliament, then we don’t see a hope in this government to stand and function. The best interest of the public is for our Prime Minister to resign and that a new government, which has the confidence of the parliament and the president, be established,” he said.

Barre said the parliament tried to go the democratic route by trying to get a vote of no confidence, but a small number of the Prime Minister’s supporters disrupted the process. “A small minority of about 20 is making noise and threatening people. That’s what the problem is. But, the government members, the ministers would like to see voting happen so that the parliament will give us confidence or no confidence, and then other people will have a chance,” Barre said.

Somalia’s al Shabaab says fires at presidential compound

16 Nov – Source: Reuters – 497 words

Somalia’s al Shabaab militants said they fired mortar bombs at the presidential palace in Mogadishu on Sunday, but government and police spokesmen said none had landed inside the compound. “We have fired several mortar rounds on the presidential palace, and we will give details later,” Abu Musab, the spokesman for al Shabaab’s military operations, told Reuters. It was not clear if the president was at the palace at the time of Sunday’s attack.

UN Envoy to Somalia concerned over violence, urges restraint in Somaliland

16 Nov – Source: UN News Centre – 173 Words

The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, has expressed concern over yesterday’s outbreak of violence during preparations for the parliamentary elections in Somaliland.

There have been reports that some members of parliament may have been detained and that the violence has led to a number of casualties, Mr. Kay said in a statement issued to the press. Mr. Kay, who is also head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), called on all parties to exercise restraint and fully respect the democratic process.

Officials say US threatens aid cuts to Somalia

15 Nov- Source: AP/ABC- 305 words

The United States has threatened to make significant cuts in the financial assistance it gives to Somalia because of political bickering by its leaders, officials said. The top U.S. representative to Somalia, James P. McAnulty, recently threatened an aid cut unless the country’s bickering president and prime minister begin working together, a Somali official said Thursday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of providing details about private discussions.

The international community is losing confidence in the Somali government, and the United States has threatened to pull military and financial support from Somalia, said a United Nations official who insisted on anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly.

The U.S. Embassy declined to comment on the reported threat of an aid cut. In a statement this week, Washington said it was concerned about “recent political turmoil” in Somalia and that plans for a no-confidence vote “do not serve the interests of the Somali people.” Washington also this week announced it would not attend an international conference on Somalia next week in Denmark, saying political divisions are distracting Somalia’s leadership.

UN agency cuts rations by half to Somali, Sudanese refugees

15 Nov- Source: Dawn – 145 words

Facing shortage of funds, the United Nations Food Agency (WFP) has cut rations to about half a million refugees, mainly from Somalia and South Sudan, the world body announced on Friday. The 50 per cent ration cut comes as WFP struggles to raise $38 million to cover its refugee operations for the next six months. This includes $15.5 million that is urgently required to address food needs through January.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“We must go beyond personal interest and we must look at the needs of the Somalis languishing in camps and the youth dying in the seas.”

Interview with Somali political analyst Ahmed Ali Omar Sheegow

17 Nov – Source: VOA Somali – 6:46 Minutes

The political crisis in Somalia has intensified, this after the President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed failed to reach an agreement and a planned “no confidence vote” in the Somali parliament ended in chaos. The governments of the US and UK have expressed grave concern about the political situation in Somalia. To discuss the current power struggle, we spoke to Ahmed Cali Cumar Sheegow. He is a Somali political analyst based in the Washington DC area.

Falastiin: My first question is, as you can see, the political temperature is very high at the moment, where do you see thing?

Ahmed: We are all very sorry about this recurring conflict among Somali leaders. My advice to them would be to use dialogue and discussion to end this conflict. And to the parliament, I would call on them to end the chaos. They all have the right to have their turn at the microphone and express their opinion freely. Everyone has a voice, however, there are rules and regulations and I would say use them for anyone not following the protocols of the parliament …The biggest worry that we have is that now we are making progress and we are going to Copenhagen Conference in a less than a week, this current political conflict has to potential to derail all that effort and hurt the most vulnerable men and women in Somalia. We must go beyond personal interest and we must look at the needs of the Somali people languishing in camps and the youth dying in the seas, that is what we must be concerned ourselves with. We need to seek the help of the international community. We need to heed the words of our allies and we need to express our unified voice at Copenhagen and when we make a decision regarding Somalia, we must always keep in mind those needy Somalis who are struggling everywhere.

“The President and the Prime Minister were able to cooperate with each other in spirit of brotherhood by settling their differences without external intervention but as of today, what we see is that international partners are not ready to see, Somalia sliding back into chaotic atmosphere.”

Somalis paying dearly for bickering

16 Nov – Source: Somalinews.com – 198 words

With every day passing, political infighting between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed gains momentum. Two parliamentary sessions aimed at removing the Prime Minister from the office were doomed to failure by nearly 115 lawmakers in support of the head of the government who is facing bold challenge in controversial cabinet reshuffle.

Massive efforts by UN, EU, US,British, Swedish, Danish and Italian envoys yielded no breakthrough after both insisted on their decisions. I have heard that fresh diplomatic moves were today restarted in a bid to bring about at least precarious consensus ahead of the high level partnership forum on Somalia that will be held in Copenhagen on 19, 20 November. Meanwhile, insiders unveil that pro-president Mohamud cabinet ministers write to the defiant Prime Minister to resign.

“Kenya’s enemy in Somalia is also Somalia’s own worst enemy – the enemy within. The al Shabaab militia is a versatile, insanely brutal enemy with linkages to global terror masterminds al Qaeda. What al Shabaab has done to both neighbouring Somalia and Kenya and as far afield as Uganda is horrendous.”

‘Operation Linda Nchi’ – the official KDF version

16 Nov- Source: Star – 895 words

This study is the official KDF account of Kenya’s incursion into Somalia. It reads very well, indeed at several levels – as reportage, scholarly research and analysis and inside-the-military frontline perspectives. You will learn things from this book that have not been brought together under one roof, not even by the multimedia journalism sector.

The book has 13 authors divided into two teams – Primary authors and editorial team. The primary authors are all military personnel. The editorial team is headed by two civilians, the husband-and-wife team of Prof Peter Kagwanja and Dr Monica Juma, and comprises five serving military officers, two of whom are also on the primary authors’ team.

Dr Juma was the Principal Secretary for Defence during the compilation and writing of this book and is now the PS Interior. Between them, the Kagwanjas possess some of Kenya’s most glittering academic and professional experience credentials in the fields of national, regional, international and global security. Both have published extensively including, in Prof Kagwanja’s case, in the media – including in Siasa. The Operation Linda Nchi story needed to be told. In this book, it is told by the frontline professionals, the serving military officers, and by security sector thought leadership and management experts.

Top tweets

@Goobjoognews #Somalia President Hassan Sheekh Mohamud departs for Copenhagen Conference

@SomaliaEU International partners discussing with Federal leadership political tensions in #Somalia prior to Copenhagen

@MohamedMascud Number of foreign footballers joining#Somalia clubs increased http://fb.me/1t67svDVH

@HarunMaruf #Somalia: Police display alleged Al-Shabab operative, weapons and explosives seized during raid in#Mogadishu suburbs

@ActForSomalia You know #Somalia is on the road to recovery when the game is in the #parliament venues not through the barrel of gun

@Goobjoognews #Somalia PM says he is optimistic that the difference between him and the president will soon be solved

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Image of the day

A group of young Somali boys stand in front of a painted shop-front advertising food products in Towfiq market in the Yaaqshiid District of northern Mogadishu.Photo:AMISOM