November 26, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

SNA and AMISOM arrest 10 suspected Al-shabab members

26 Nov – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 128 words

Federal government forces together with AMISOM troops launched intensive security operations in Mahas district under Hiran region. At least 10 people suspected of being Al-shabab members were apprehended during the dawn operations our correspondent in the region confirms. The suspects were loaded on pickups and taken to Mahas police station for thorough investigation.

The commander of government forces in Mahas district Mohamed Mumin Saney contacted by Goobjoog FM said the aim of the crackdown is to smoke out Al-shabab from their hideouts and maintain the overall security of the region, Mahas district in particular. Mr. Saney underlined that the joint forces will remain vigilant to prevent the planned attacks of Al-shabab against civilians and government officials in the region.

Key Headlines

SNA and AMISOM arrest 10 suspected Al-shabab members (Radio Goobjoog)
Diarrhoea and malaria outbreaks in Bay (Radio Ergo)
Media stakeholders CSOs discuss role of the media in countering youth radicalization (Radio RBC)
AU envoy affirms African Union’s solidarity with the women and children of Somalia (Radio Mogadishu/Radio RBC/Radio Risaala)
Kenyan troops blamed for killing livestock in air strike (Radio Bar-kulan/BBC Somali Service/Radio Goobjoog)
Dozens of youth arrested over operations in Hodan (Radio Mustaqbal )
Officials from Madoobe Nuunow’s administration join three regions state (Radio Mustaqbal )
US calls for help in feeding 500000 refugees in Kenya (Daily Nation)
Somali leaders’ ongoing dispute chaos at parliament frustrate citizens (Sabahi Online)
Mujahedeen are safe and didn’t face any Kenyan attack Al-Shabab (Medafricatimes.com)
Fury over President Uhuru Kenyatta absence (Star)
EU anti-piracy mission opens base in Mogadishu (Sabahi Online)
Mandera residents camp at KDF base fearing more attacks (Star Kenya)
Two Minnesota men charged with aiding Islamic State (USA Today)
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office/Hiiraan Online)
Business trips to dangerous places: meetings in Mogadishu (The Economist)

SOMALI MEDIA

SNA and AMISOM arrest 10 suspected Al-shabab members

26 Nov – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 128 words

Diarrhoea and malaria outbreaks in Bay

26 Nov – Source: Radio Ergo – 210 words

Health officials in Bay region have reported an outbreak of diarrhoeal disease and malaria resulting from poor sanitation in the area. In Baidoa, 80 patients were admitted to hospital for treatment for one or both diseases during October. Dr Asha Mohamed, a medical officer in the mothers and infants’ ward of Baidoa’s general hospital, said one child had died of diarrhoeal infection while still under treatment at the hospital.

Eight others, mostly children, had been admitted in the past five days with suspected watery diarrhoea and malaria. Dr Asha said the patients had come in from various parts of the town and surrounding areas. She attributed the spread of disease to poor sanitation, especially during the ongoing rainy season. Yaran Abdi Ahmed, whose daughter has been in hospital for the past week, said her son Muslimo Issack was getting better after treatment.

“I brought him from an IDP camp with poor sanitation, on the outskirts of Baidoa. After receiving some medication he is now feeling better,” she told Radio Ergo’s local reporter visiting Baidoa hospital. Halima Barre Ahmed, from Gasarta settlement, 15 km east of Baidoa, which has experienced heavy rainfall, was also at the bedside of her son who is suffering from diarrhoea.

Media stakeholders, CSOs discuss on role of the media in countering youth radicalization

26 Nov – Source: Radio RBC – 507 words

A highly participatory and interactive roundtable discussion focused on the role of the media in countering youth radicalization, which attracted more than 40 people drawn from the media professionals, civil society leaders, government representatives. It was held in Mogadishu’s Jazeera Hotel on November 23, 2014. The forum, which was co-organized by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and the Somali Independent Media Houses Association (SIMHA) and supported by the Center for Community Awareness (CCA), aimed to gather ideas and enhance the knowledge and awareness of how media and the civil society leaders can counter the violent ideologies in grassroots efforts by helping the communities better understand and protect themselves. It also gives an important platform for exchanging knowledge and experience on how media leaders and civil society activists can contribute not only to countering radicalization but also lay the foundation for reconciliation and durable peace in the country.

The panelists of the forum included Abdihakim Ainte – social media activist, Abukar Albadri – Journalist/activist, Abdirahman Yusuf Alcadaala – from the Ministry of Information, Liban Abdi Ali from Alhurra TV, Col. Yasin Ali Haile – from the ministry of Justice, Col./Madam Zakia Hussein – from the Somali Police. The Minister of Information, Hon. Mustafa Dhuhulow, officially opened the forum and highlighted the importance of such forums and urged the organizers to hold such forums in the other regions. The minister further noted that unemployment of the youth could be attributed to the various forms radicalization including the extremist ideologies. “”We welcome such forums to maintained as a platform for discussion and exchanging views so that we can make our society well informed.” Mr. Mustaf Dhuhulow, the Minister of Information said in his opening speech. The Secretary General of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim, who spoke on behalf of the organizers, said the forum comes a high time for the Somali Media to identify ways to counter the youth radicalization occurring in various forms in addition to the previously known from the extremists.

“The youth are radicalized by not only the radicals groups, but also other various forms of violent ideologies including clan ideologies developed within the society.” Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim, NUSOJ Secretary General said in his opening remarks, “We have to find strategy to combat issues related to violent ideologies with the interest of the public and find mechanism that promotes peace and co-existence. The idea is what can we do for our country to support peace through our profession.” Mr. Ibrahim said. The Chairman of the Centre for Community Awareness, Mr. Mohamed Ajiib whose organization supported the forum said “the media should become the initial channel to counter radicalization within objectivity and integrity by downplaying any issue that creates confusion, conflict among the society or taking away our youth. “The youth are the future of this country and we have responsibility to safe them.” Mr. Mohamed Ajiib, Chairman of CCA noted. The forum ended in pleasant atmosphere and came up with a good ideas for better approach to address the issue.

AU envoy affirms African Union’s solidarity with the women and children of Somalia

26 Nov – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio RBC/Radio Risaala – 251 words

The African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security Ms. Bineta Diop arrived in Mogadishu today for a four-day official visit. A statement released by the African Union Mission in Somalia said that, the visit of Ms. Bineta Diop affirms Africa Union’s solidarity with the Women and Children of Somalia, but also the organization’s keenness on peace and security in the horn of Africa nation.

During her visit, Ms. Diop will interact with the women of Somalia as she seeks to understand their experiences, aspirations and challenges they face. Her busy schedule also includes meeting with policy-makers and civil society organizations, with discussions focused on strengthening women’s participation in decision-making structures at all levels, and at the same time increasing their voices in the reconstruction and peacebuilding efforts.

She is expected to engage with senior government officials on various issues regarding women, peace and security and will be emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to solving sexual exploitation and abuse, in the wake of recent accusations against AMISOM troops. The African Union Mission in Somalia is already providing support to women and children through its Gender, Child Protection and Human Rights unit and this visit highlights efforts being made to ensure safety of women and children, and support to needy cases. Her visit comes at an important time for Somalia. The country is recovering from one of the longest conflicts on the continent, with relative peace facilitated by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), working together with the Somali National Army.

Kenyan troops blamed for killing livestock in air strike

26 Nov – Source: Radio Bar-kulan/BBC Somali Service/Radio Goobjoog – 151 words

The residents of Beled Hawo town near Kenyan Somalia border have blamed Kenyan air force jets for killing their livestock in an airstrike. The district commissioner of the border town, Yussuf Mohamed who condemned Al Shabaab attack on Nairobi bound bus that killed 28 people on Sunday has also condemned Kenyan fighter jets raids in the area that killed scores of live stocks.

Yussuf said one person lost his life while another two were wounded following Kenyan military airstrikes in Gadon Dawe settlement near Beled Hawo. Scores of livestock were also killed in the attack that was targeted against Al Shabaab militants who claimed the responsibility of the recent Mandera attack. Belew Hawo district commissioner urged Kenyan forces to go after the Al Shabaab attackers and not target innocent civilians. Deputy president William Ruto said on Sunday that more than 100 Al Shabaab militants were killed in retaliation for Mandera attack.

Dozens of youth arrested over operations in Hodan

26 Nov – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 79 words

Federal government forces backed by African union peace-keeping troops have launched an early morning security crackdown in Hodan district in the capital Mogadishu. Unspecified number of people mostly youth were arrested by the security forces during these planned operations and were then gathered in one place. The operations targeted Digfer Hospital, Sona Key and the surrounding areas. The motive behind this security crackdown is not clearly known as the district officials are yet to comment on today’s early operations.

Officials from Madoobe Nuunow’s administration Join three regions state

25 Nov – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 94 words

Officials from the six region administration of south-west state have joined the three region state of South-west Somalia that elected new leadership earlier this month. Abdifatah Geesey, an official in the three regions state administration said that they are happy and welcome members from the rival administration who are joining them.

The president of the south-west state also welcomed the officials among them ministers from Madoobe Nuunow’s administration, noting that they will continue the reconciliation process. Among the officials who joined Shariff’s administration is the speaker of the six regions state parliament Omar Deere.

REGIONAL MEDIA

US calls for help in feeding 500,000 refugees in Kenya

26 Nov- Source: Daily Nation- 341 words

The United States has called on other donor countries on Tuesday to help feed over half a million refugees in Kenya whose rations were recently cut in half. The US is “profoundly concerned about funding shortfalls being experienced by humanitarian organisations” in Kenya and many places around the world, a State Department spokesman said. “We welcome the important contributions the United Kingdom and Denmark announced recently for Kenya and urge other countries and entities to make further donations as well to address the growing food insecurity for refugees, both in Kenya and worldwide,” the spokesman added. Washington’s request for assistance came in response to the World Food Programme’s decision earlier this month to reduce rations for refugees in Kakuma and Dadaab from about 2100 to 1050 kilocalories per person per day.

Somali leaders’ ongoing dispute, chaos at parliament frustrate citizens

26 Nov – Source: Sabahi Online – 1, 107 Words

Somali citizens said they are feeling anxious and frustrated about the country’s political progress after the parliament devolved into chaos Monday (November 24th) for the third time in two weeks. A political feud between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed has triggered unrest, spilling over into parliament on three separate occasions as lawmakers attempted to debate a no-confidence motion against the prime minister.

In the latest attempt Monday, lawmakers supporting Ahmed once again disrupted the session by shouting, chanting and holding placards expressing their opposition to the motion, forcing Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Osman Jawari to walk out. Jawari later said the no-confidence motion would not be brought back to the floor for debate until lawmakers find a way to resolve their differences without causing widespread disorder in the chamber.

Mujahedeen are safe and didn’t face any Kenyan attack, Al-Shabab

26 Nov – Source: Medafricatimes.com – 288 Words

Somalia’s rebel group, al-Shabab, has refuted claims by Kenya that more than 100 of its militants were killed after a raid on its hideouts. Al-Shabab stated that the Kenyan government was trying to mask its failure to protect its citizens after an attack on a bus in the town of Mandera left 28 passengers dead. Kenya has often accused al-Shahab for the series of attacks on its territory including the September 2013 Westgate shopping mall attack in Nairobi which killed 77 people.

Deputy President William Ruto stated that Kenyan forces responded with “two successful operations in the hideouts of the perpetrators of Mandera executions” across the border with Somalia and left “more than a hundred fatalities.” The Somalia based rebel group was quick to deny such an achievement by the Kenyan military. Its military operations spokesman, Abdi Aziz Abu Mus’ab, said Kenya’s claim was “absurd” because “our mujahedeen are safe and didn’t face any attack whatsoever after the successful operation they carried out by the grace of Allah.” He has vowed that the group will carry out more attacks as Christmas draws closer.

Fury over President Uhuru Kenyatta absence

26 Nov – Source: Star Kenya – 778 words

Kenyans reacted with anger yesterday to disclosures that President Uhuru Kenyatta went to watch a Formula One race in the United Arab Emirates on the day 28 Kenyans were massacred in Mandera. On Sunday, the Emirates News Agency WAM reported that General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, met with Uhuru on Yas Island on the sidelines of the Formula 1 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The report sparked debate among the Kenyans on social media, with many castigating Uhuru for attending the luxury sports event when the Kenyans, most of them teachers, had been massacred in cold blood in one of the most horrifying attacks by al Shabaab. Yesterday, there was collective anger in the National Assembly, the Senate and on social media over rising insecurity and the government leadership’s handling of the menace.

Kenyans accused the President of double standards and failing to stem insecurity. “When Kapedo happened none other than the President flew there. When people were slaughtered in Mpeketoni, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru quickly mobilised food and cash for those who were affected. Is Mandera part of Kenya or not? Why are Luhya leaders being left to struggle to bury their dead? It is very sad that Kenyans are being killed when the President is watching Formula One in Abu Dhabi,” said Senate Minority Leader Moses Wetang’ula.

EU anti-piracy mission opens base in Mogadishu

25 Nov – Source: Sabahi Online – 152 words

The European Union’s anti-piracy mission, EUCAP Nestor, opened a permanent operational base at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu Monday (November 24th). The mission’s deployment in Mogadishu is expected to enhance its ability to support maritime security systems in Somalia and in the Horn of Africa.

Piracy has dropped considerably in Horn of Africa waters since 2011, but there is still a need for vigilance in Somalia, and for strengthening existing laws and legal frameworks for maritime security, said head of EUCAP Nestor mission Etienne de Poncins. “Pirates are still out there. They remain ashore ready to act at any opportunity,” he said. “Our objective is to strengthen the action on the ground in order to help Somali authorities to identify them and dismantle their structures.” EUCAP Nestor also has a fully-operational office in Hargeisa.

Mandera residents camp at KDF base fearing more attacks

25 Nov- Source: Star- 386 words

At least 100 residents of Mandera county have camped outside the KDF base in the town for the third day running fearing an “imminent” attack by al Shabaab militants. They are from Mandera town, Rhamu, Arabia and other insecurity hot spots and include teachers, health workers and business people.

“We have been here for the last three days and we are determined to extend our stay. We have our belongings and are ready to spend here as we are sure our adversaries cannot attempt to attack a KDF camp,” David Ronoh who owns a private hospital said. The residents have accused the government of neglecting their plight and called for the expedition of their transport to Nairobi, saying their security is not guaranteed. The militia group is allegedly planning a night attack targeting non-locals.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Two Minnesota men charged with aiding Islamic State

26 Nov – Source: USA Today – 397 words

Two Somali-American men face terrorism charges after allegedly planning to travel from their homes in Minnesota to join Islamic State in the Syria, Justice Department officials said Tuesday. Prosecutors charged Abdi Nur, 20, and Abdullahi Yusuf, 18, with conspiring to support to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, known as ISIL. Yusuf appeared in federal court in Minneapolis on Tuesday. Nur remains at large and is thought to be in Syria.

Intelligence officials estimate at least 16,000 people from 90 countries have traveled to Syria to become foreign fighters for terrorist groups. U.S. officials have charged at least 15 people with foreign fighter-related terrorism crimes, assistant attorney general John Carlin said. The two men planned “to engage to engage in a campaign of terror in support of a violent ideology,” U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger said.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

25 Nov – Source: UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office/Hiiraan Online – 546 Words

Today we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and start 16 days of activism to end gender violence. Living and working in Somalia, I see firsthand how desperately important this issue is. Many women in Somalia lead hard lives. Girls and women suffer disproportionately from conflict and poverty. One in 16 women will die as a result of childbirth. Approximately 98% of Somali women have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM). Rape is a huge problem.

But in 2014 the picture got a bit brighter. The Federal Government made clear their commitment to prevent these crimes against women, support victims and prosecute those responsible. They presented their National Action Plan at the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, held in London, to make this happen. Ministries are starting to put this into practice, with progress on accountability mechanisms, health services and required legislation. In July at the Girl Summit in London, Somalia committed to a charter to end female genital mutilation and early and forced marriage and are working towards developing legislation and a national plan of action towards the abandonment of both practices.

Business trips to dangerous places: meetings in Mogadishu

25 Nov – Source: The Economist – 935 Words

Around the world certain cities have sadly become synonymous with war, brutality and lawlessness. For the business traveller, particularly the Western business traveller, Baghdad surely ranks among the most feared of assignments. Tripoli looks to be going that way soon. Beirut, long considered a byword for chaos, has in recent times rehabilitated its image. But of all the godforsaken places on the planet, Mogadishu, the damned capital of Somalia, evokes uniquely and impenetrably negative connotations. So it was with some trepidation that Gulliver set foot on the tarmac of Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport.

First stop: the Turkish embassy. Ankara has been Somalia’s main benefactor and overseas partner since August 2011, when Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s then prime minister (and now president), became the first non-African leader to visit the country in nearly two decades. Mr Erdogan arrived just a fortnight after the Shabaab, the jihadist group spawned from Somalia’s Islamic Courts Union, abandoned its bases in the capital. Though pushed out of most urban areas, the al-Qaeda-linked group remains a force to be reckoned with.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Mr. Speaker, we know that you were deceived couple of times before. And that is perfectly fine. In politics, deception is the highest card line one can possess. And those who use it recall no moral divinity others. Conversely, you cannot succeed in politics until you put yourself up for use. It is a reciprocal game.History will put you where you on the page you choose today. The country and the whole world are watching you and your moves. Any favor that you do the country today will be a deposit for you.”

Somalia: a letter to Speaker Jawari

26 Nov – Source: Raxanreeb – 1252 words

This is a letter to Speaker, Mohamed Jawari. Your Excellency, Mr. Speaker. I hope all is well with you. It is also our hope that the recent tensions among parliamentarians and the in-house dancing on the floor over the past three weeks did not affect your blood pressure. At this point, we have to hurriedly admit that the position of speakership in 21st century Somalia is both tiresome and unrewarding.

Mr. Speaker, I am writing you this letter based on two things: One, I love Somali more than you can imagine. And with all due respect and honor, it is my civic duty to forewarn you of any loophole that you may slide back in the future.

Second, you chair the country’s most constitutionally powerful chamber. You are the voice bearer of 275 parliamentarians, and hence the voice of the Somali people. Stated differently, having the political will of the Somali people and the supportive hand of our western allies, you are expected to shape our future through legislative means; not a fight.

Top tweets

@FCONeilWigan UK will help Somalia implement its National Action Plan to end sexual violence, and support victims with medical and legal services #16Days

@SuzannevnH TEDxMogadishu is today! And what’s even better is that we can join it live herehttp://tedxmogadishu.com/live #MogadishuRising #Somalia

@OCHASom #Somalia: Critical humanitarian needs at real risk of going unmet if resources are not secured http://bit.ly/1plNGdc

@kwelldon Great event in Somalia, Dadaab Refugee Camp is following the event live from Dadaab YEP centre

@cctvnewsafrica Plot to kick out #Somalia PM derailed by hecklers http://buff.ly/11XVxTa

@AU_PSD #BinetaDiop was met by Head of #AMISOM #MamanSidikou #SolidaritySomaliWomen

Follow the conversation →

Image of the day

Special Envoy for Women, Peace & Security of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Ms. Bineta Diop held talks with the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud.

Photo: AMISOM