January 28, 2015 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Somali President: door always open to those who reject Al-Shabaab’s doctrine

28 Jan – Source: Dalsan Radio – 765 Words

The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud spoke on the Federal Government of Somalia’s counter terrorism strategy and how this affects the continuing wave of defections from al-Shabaab. This follows the recent de-listing from the UN sanctions list of former senior al-Shabaab commander, Sheikh Mohamed Said Mohamed (Atom), the defection of Zakariya Ismail Hersi (Zaki), and the most recent defection, commander Hussein Dhubi in Luuq which took place on 15 January,and the steady flow of foot soldiers abandoning Al-Shabaab.

The President unequivocally laid out his commitment to ensuring the safety of any defector who rejects al-Shabaab’s doctrine of destruction and violence and embraces the peace process: “I say to the many disaffected members of al-Shabaab: the door is always open to those who reject al-Shabaab’s destructive agenda and embrace peace.” The President spoke about the recent defections of senior leaders from al-Shabaab: “Senior leaders of al-Shabaab have already defected, and the FGS has assisted them in removing the sanctions against them. I want to reassure the people of Somalia that this was not done lightly. Those leaders genuinely regret their previous actions. They sought and continue to seek reconciliation, particularly with those who were affected by their actions. They willingly speak out against al-Shabaab and its un-Somali, un-Islamic doctrine, and they paint a terrifying portrait of life within that unholy organization: cruelty, infighting, deception, corruption and worse. For these reasons the Federal Government is willing to engage with them, those who were once our enemies, and to assist in their assimilation back into the Somali community. The FGS will continue to speak to discontented al-Shabaab leaders to encourage them to choose peace.”

The President spoke also about the recent defections of numerous al-Shabaab foot soldiers: “We are not only speaking to the leaders of al-Shabaab: many, many of the foot soldiers of al-Shabaab have also defected, and more are looking for a way out of the dark place in which they are trapped. We say to them: the door is always open to you, but you must reject al-Shabaab’s perverse creed. You will not be abused or killed. The Federal Government guarantees your safety. Somalia has a place for every one of you. We will help you to get an education or learn a trade or find a job. “Reach out to us by any means, and you will find a willing ear and a helping hand. We know you joined for reasons that made sense at the time: you needed money for your family, someone you trusted told you to join, or maybe you felt it was the right thing to do to prove yourself a good Somali or a good Moslem. Maybe you did not even know what they were joining– many of those who have defected tell us of their shock when they realised what they had become involved and complicit in. But what you did does not have to dictate the rest of your life.”

The President addressed the people of Somalia: “I also have a message for the people of Somalia. Some of you are uneasy regarding reconciliation with former members of al-Shabaab. I want to reassure you. The Federal Government has a process in place, to recognize genuine defection. Defection comes with conditions: recognition of previous crimes; rejection of violence and rejecting al-Shabaab; embracing a peaceful resolution to conflict; a commitment to play an active part in re-joining a community and contributing to its welfare. “Those who defect are supported to acknowledge and deal with their actions through a process of supervised rehabilitation. And once they re-join the Somali community, they are constantly monitored by the Somali security forces to confirm their continuing commitment to rejecting al-Shabaab. “Rest assured, those members of al-Shabaab who are unwilling to make those commitments and continue to revel in brutality, deception, extortion and depravity will be subject to the due process of the law. For this very purpose, new Counter Terrorism legislation specifically designed for the task will soon be passed into law. “There are also some crimes which will not be subject to amnesty, and which will be subject to prosecution, crimes such as murder and rape. But even those who have committed such crimes could join the peace process after they have served their sentences. But for those who choose the path of peace, I ask the Somalia people to accept the need for concession and to exercise forgiveness so that we can together close this dark chapter in Somalia’s history.”

Key Headlines

Somali President: the door is always open to those who reject Al-Shabaab’s doctrine of destruction and embrace peace” (Dalsan Radio)
Fresh clashes erupts in Lego Lower Shabelle (Radio Goobjoog)
ASWJ welcomes Somali premier’s new cabinet lineup (Radio Bar-kulan)
EHAHRDP supports historic first country visit by the African Commission’s Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders (Mareeg Media)
Five women die in childbirth in Lower Juba (Radio Ergo/Radio Bar-kulan)
Militias kill a young man in Bakara market (Radio Danan)
Alarm raised over Somalia pupils influx (Daily Nation)
Training on governance (Star Kenya)
Kenyan forces militants clash in Somalia; 5 killed (Worldbulletin)
Somali suicide bomber lived in Switzerland (Associated Press)
Minneapolis police’s Somali outreach gets national attention (Star Tribune)
Hundreds of Somali refugees call East Texas home (KTRE)

PRESS STATEMENT

Prime Minister Sharmarke appoints 20-member cabinet

28 Jan – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 247 Words

January 28th 2015, Mogadishu-Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke has appointed a new council of ministers following extensive consultation with the President, Speaker of the Parliament, Members of Parliament and key stakeholders within the Somali society. “Today I announce the appointment of the ministers following deliberations with multiple stakeholders. I’m confident in the composition of the council and in their individual and collective capabilities to deliver on the aspirations of the Somali people,” said Prime Minister Sharmarke during the announcement.

He also called on the Members of Parliament to express and extend confidence in the cabinet as they take on the arduous task of implementing key legislative and policy priorities in line with Vision 2016. “While I do not have the slightest reservation in the capabilities of the new cabinet, I’d like to remind other stakeholders in this process that the task ahead of us is no easy one and the clock is ticking,” stated Prime Minister Sharmarke adding that the goodwill of the Somali people could not be taken for granted.

The list of deputy and state ministers will also be announced shortly with Prime Minister Sharmarke reiterating his administration’s vision to remain in touch with the sentiments of the public, build consensus and make resolute decisions. “The appointments made tonight are a clear manifestation in our relentless effort to defend public interest, offer a better alternative for the Somali people and firmly etch Somalia on the path of stability and progress,” concluded Prime Minister Sharmarke.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali President: door is always open to those who reject Al-Shabaab’s doctrine

28 Jan – Source: Dalsan Radio – 765 Words

Fresh clashes erupts in Lego, Lower Shabelle

28 Jan – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 82 Words

Reports from Lower Shabelle region indicate that intense clashes have erupted in the outskirts of Leego between Somali National Army (SNA) and Al-shabaab. Both sides are using heavy artillery fires. Reports point that Al-Shabab fighters ambushed Leego District Commissioner Abuukar Cabdulaahi Isaaq and his guards resulting the heavy fighting. At the time Abuukar Cabdulaahi Isaaq and his guards were heading to Ballidoogle Airbase, a very strategic military installation, where AMISOM and government army are stationed.

ASWJ welcomes Somali premier’s new cabinet lineup

28 Jan – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 125 Words

Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a officials in central Somali region of Galgadud have welcomed the new cabinet announced on Tuesday night by Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali. ASWJ Executive Committee Chairman Mohamed Ahmed Farah said his administration fully backs the appointment of the new cabinet and is committed to working with the new government. He said his organization expects the new government to bring new changes and finalize previous agreements between his administration and former Somali governments. “We expect the new cabinet to complete unfinished tasks of ousted government, establish remaining federal states and implement the 2016 vision,” he said. Omar Abdirashid has appointed a 20-member cabinet and requested the parliament to extend confidence in the new team as the country prepares for elections in 2016

EHAHRDP supports historic first country visit by the African Commission’s Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders

28 Jan – Source: Mareeg Media – 698 Words

The East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP) today concluded a high level mission to Mogadishu, Somalia, that marked the first visit to Somalia of a Special Mechanism of the African Commission on Human & Peoples’ Rights in the country’s history. On 27th January, Hon. Commissioner Reine Alapini-Gansou, Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders in Africa for the African Commission on Human & Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) joined EHAHRDP’s Executive Director Hassan Shire in chairing a packed interactive dialogue with human rights defenders (HRDs) from across Somalia. Senior Somali government representatives shared a panel with Commissioner Gansou, including Women & Human Rights Minister Hon. Khadijaa Dirie, Attorney General Hon. Dr. Ahmed Dahir, Minister of Information Hon. Mustaf Dhuhulow, and government legal adviser Omar Abdulle. The Ministers were able to brief Commissioner Gansou and the HRDs in attendance on the Somali Federal Government’s perspective on its human rights obligations and practices. The European Union Special Envoy to Somalia, Michele Cervone D’Urso outlined the EU’s ongoing commitment to human rights, and human rights defenders, in Somalia.

More than 80 Somali HRDs working on the promotion and protection of human rights in South Central, Puntland and Somaliland attended the interactive dialogue to discuss human rights protection, share personal experiences and testimonies on the situation of HRDs, and engage in dialogue with Hon. Commissioner Gansou and ministers from the Somali Federal Government. Commissioner Gansou noted the ACHPR’s longstanding interest and commitment to human rights in Somalia. “The African Commission has passed resolutions on the food crisis, on the rights of women and children, on the rights of journalists, and on the situation of human rights defenders in Somalia”, the Honourable Commissioner said today. “Today is the beginning of a long process. The African Commission will continue to work with human rights defenders and the government of Somalia, and I hope to see many of you at our next session”.

The African Commission on Human & People’s Rights (ACHPR) is the African body with responsibility for interpreting, and passing judgment upon, the human rights performance of African States across the continent. “Somalia has been a country of concern for the ACHPR for several years, passing several Resolutions that voice concern at the hostile environment for human rights defenders and journalists”, said EHAHRDP’s Executive Director Hassan Shire. “Commissioner Gansou’s visit is a historic milestone. It marks the first time that a Special Mechanism of the ACHPR has actually visited Somalia, and engaged directly with HRDs, the government, and international community. I am indebted to Commissioner Gansou for her commitment to Somalia, and to her mandate”. Also in attendance at the conference were representatives from the United Nation Assistance Mission in Somali (UNSOM)’s Human Rights Unit, The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and the European Union’s Human Rights Working Group. Prior to the conference, on 26th January, Commissioner Gansou and the EHAHRDP delegation met with Ambassador Nicholas Kay, UN Special Representative of the Secretary General for Somalia, who was able to brief Commissioner Gansou on the UN’s perspective on the situation facing human rights defenders in Somalia.

Finally, on 27th January, Commissioner Gansou and the EHAHRDP delegation were honoured to be received by His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mahamoud, President of Somalia. His Excellency was briefed by Commissioner Gansou on her observations from her visit to Somalia, and her discussions with Somali HRDs, government ministers, and intergovernmental organisations. In parallel, His Excellency was able to brief the delegation about the Somali Government’s ongoing commitment to improving the human rights in the country.

Five women die in childbirth in Lower Juba

27 Jan – Source: Radio Ergo/Radio Bar-kulan – 226 Words

Five women died in childbirth in Hosingow village in Lower Juba region over the past week, according to area residents. The women died due to hemorrhaging and other complications. The area has no health facility. An elder, Hussein Warsame Mumin, said the nearest medical facility was in Dadaab refugee camps, 130 km away. He cited difficulties in accessing travel documents to enable patients to cross the Kenyan border. “The AMISOM forces in the village issue travel documents for sick persons who want to travel to Dadaab for medical assistance, but the process is long and can take up to 10 days, and some of the patients die as they wait for it,” he said.

One of the victims, Nimo Sheikh Mohamed, was reportedly in labour for four days. She died as her travel document was being processed. Hussein said most of the residents were victims of recent drought, which had killed most of their livestock. Women were most vulnerable and had been badly affected by the lack of health services. “Women here are very malnourished and 80 per cent of them die in childbirth due to hemorrhaging,” he said. Fardowza Sahal, a mother of seven in the village, said pregnant women expected to die anytime in childbirth and the lucky ones who survived experience a lot of pain.

Militias kill a young man in Bakara market

27 Jan – Source: Radio Danan – 86 Words

Young men armed with pistols shot dead another young man last night. The young man was killed by the trio in Bakara Market. Witnesses said, they shot him on the head and on the chest several times. After killing the man, the militants managed to escape from the crime scene. Afterwards, security forces were deployed at the scene. Elsewhere, angry Mogadishu residents said, the police did not apprehend any suspects for the murder. Some of them showed concern about the deteriorating security situation in the area.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Alarm raised over Somalia pupils influx

27 Jan – Source: Daily Nation – 232 Words

Pupils from Somalia have been crossing into Kenya to enjoy free primary education, Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang’ said Tuesday. Dr Kipsang’ told the Parliamentary Committee on Education that the learners end up being registered as Kenyans. “They enrol in our schools and end up in high schools across the country. Once they are 18 years, they acquire our identity cards. It is a problem we need to address,” Dr Kipsang’ said at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi. He said that up to 40 per cent of school children in Mandera are from Somalia.

The MPs had sought to know what the government was doing to restore security in the North Eastern region to enable teachers to attend to learners without fear of attacks. The senate committee also observed that the government might not achieve much in its war against terrorism if entry of illegal immigrants at border points was not checked. The senators visited Mandera border control post and saw a number of pupils from Somalia, wearing school uniform, freely crossing the border to go to schools in Kenya. “Proximity to the Somali border is a serious security threat that requires urgent intervention.

Training on governance

27 Jan – Source: Star – 58 Words

Directors of public and private sectors from eight African states are training on global public administration and governance. The training is taking place at the Kenya School Government, Nairobi. The leaders are from Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Somalia, DR Congo, Nigeria, Lesotho and Uganda.They will be equipped with public and private sector management skills and effective leadership skills.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Kenyan forces, militants clash in Somalia; 5 killed

28 Jan – Source: Worldbulletin – 167 Words

At least five people were killed on Tuesday in clashes between Kenyan forces and Al-Shabaab militants near the southern port city of Kismayo. “I have gathered from Jubaland authorities that five people were killed in the fighting. Four are Al-Shabaab [militants] and one civilian,” Interior Ministry official Mohamed Osman told The Anadolu Agency. The fighting took place in the village of Yontoy, several kilometers north of Kismayo.

A vehicle said to belong to the militant group was destroyed in the fighting. Kenyan forces, which are part of African peacekeeping force AMISOM, have been based in Kismayo since capturing it in 2012. Somalia has remained in the grip of on-again, off-again violence since the outbreak of civil war in 1991. Earlier this year, fractious Somalia appeared to inch closer to stability after government troops and African Union forces – deployed in the country since 2007 – drove Al-Shabaab from most of its strongholds. The militant group, however, has continued to mount attacks against government forces and African peacekeepers.

Somali suicide bomber lived in Switzerland

28 Jan – Source: Associated Press – 138 Words

A suicide bomber who last week killed himself and three others at a hotel in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu had previously lived in Switzerland. A spokeswoman for the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service, NDB, said Tuesday that the agency was working on the assumption that the man of Somali origin came to Switzerland in 2008. Carolina Bohren told The Associated Press that the bomber received temporary residency in Switzerland along with Swiss travel documents, but not Swiss citizenship. The attacker blew himself up Thursday at the gate of the SYL hotel, used by Turkish officials. The attack bore the hallmarks of al-Shabaab, an Islamic extremist group fighting the Somali government. Bohren said the man, who she didn’t identify, notified Swiss authorities in January 2013 that he was moving away, without specifying where.

Minneapolis police’s Somali outreach gets national attention

28 Jan – Source: Star Tribune – 852 Words

The Minneapolis Police Department’s work forging deep ties among local Somali immigrants is gaining national recognition as officers help replicate their efforts in other cities. For the past few years, officer Abdiwahab Ali and Sgt. Mohamed Abdullahi have helped Toronto authorities work with Somalis and assist troubled youths. Only a few years ago, Ali says, the Canadian city had a serious problem after a series of unsolved killings of Somali youths and little cooperation from residents. Perhaps more alarmingly, several dozen Somali-Canadians had left to join extremist groups in the Middle East such as Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, which has seized large parts of Iraq and Syria.

In 2012, Toronto police officials visited Minneapolis, which had been lauded as a model for other law enforcement agencies struggling to hire more East African officers and improve relations with immigrants. Several members of Toronto’s newly formed Somali Liaison Unit returned to the Twin Cities the following year, as part of an officer exchange program between the two police departments. It is the latest sign that the police department’s work to turn its outreach effort into a national model is working. Ali and Abdullahi said even basic police work must be delicate and nuanced to build credibility. “One example is if you don’t know the culture of a police officer knocking on the door,” Ali said in a recent interview.

Hundreds of Somali refugees call East Texas home

28 Jan – Source: KTRE – 318 Words

Nacogdoches, Center, and Lufkin are home to about 150 Somalis refugees.Some have lived here for over five years, learned English, and even obtained their US citizenships.Others are struggling to learn American ways.Somalis are seen in and around Nacogdoches. The women are recognized by their brightly colored native dresses. A distinct accent is heard from the men.They’re here to learn American ways.Abdirahman Guled wants East Texans to learn his people’s ways.“America is our second country since our country was being enraged by war,” Guled said.The former principal of an agriculture school in Somalia was forced by civil war to Kenya in 1991. The refugee came to the US two years later. Now a US citizen, Abdee, as he asks Americans to call him, has a job working the night shift line at Pilgrim’s Pride.

Guled said he misses teaching. However, he fills the void by reaching out to his community. He helps a co-worker, a former Somali University student, with her dream of becoming a clinical nurse.“I hope to go to school in Nacogdoches or Lufkin,” said Fehima Osman, a Somali living in Nacogdoches.”Some of them are trying to adjust to this life and go to school,” Guled said.The dreams take time. Rahmo Mohomo has lived in Nacogdoches for five years.“I love Nacogdoches,” Mohomo said.Mohomo also works nights at Pilgrim’s.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Since their arrival, Somali parents and community activists have been trying to address the challenge that a lack of quality education presents to them by creating homework clubs in their neighbourhoods, which would eventually grow into stable programing for all children in their areas.”

Awakening the Spirit of Somali Youth 2015

26 Jan – Source: Muslimlink.com – 1, 317 Words

This year’s Awakening: Reviving the Spirit of Somali Youth focused on Education. Each year a group of young Somali professionals comes together to organize a conference exploring a social issue facing Ottawa’s Somali community. Awakening: Reviving the Spirit of Somali Youth provides a unique opportunity for intergenerational dialogue and learning within the Somali community as elders, young professionals, and youth come together to discuss the challenges facing their community.

Last year Muslim Link interviewed Ayan Yusuf, who spoke about living with schizophrenia at the 2014 Awakening Conference which focused on mental health. This year, Awakening focused on the challenges Somali children and youth are facing in getting access to a quality education in Ottawa. Although it may come as a surprise to many readers, not everyone has access to the same quality of education in this city. A lot depends on where you live. Like many refugees, the Somali community is still coping with the legacy of upheaval from fleeing Somalia’s civil war in the 90s and coming to Canada. Although most of the Somali refugees who settle in Canada came from middle to upper class backgrounds in Somalia, they found themselves struggling with poverty in Canada and often living in neighbourhoods where the local schools continuing score low on standardized testing in Ontario.

“It doesn’t matter where you are, you can still help your community and your country,” Dr Omar said. “I feel a responsibility to them.”

Mandurah doctor honoured in Somalia

28 Jan – Source: Mandurah Mail – 258 Words

Doctor Aweys Omar has been named the Person of the Year in Somalia. The local doctor, who moved to Australia from Somalia 20 years ago, has been remotely running two projects in the region for some time. “I’ve always been community minded and looked for what I can contribute,” Dr Omar said.

“So when it came to the award, I was surprised. “I haven’t paid back what I’ve been given yet – Africa giving me the opportunity to become a doctor.” The first project came about after Dr Omar networked with friends and colleagues around the world to band together and fundraise for Somali orphans. This then grew and today the program supports 1000 children – 500 boys and 500 girls – to go to school. The program pays for the students’ school fees, uniforms, stationery and breakfast and lunch, as well as the teachers’ wages. “If you want to see a good future you need to put in the effort now,” Dr Omar said. “I’m trying to empower the younger generation to become independent and become good citizens in the community.”

Top tweets

@UNDPSomalia Somalia launches innovative Climate Resilience Project, with support from UNDP. Read more:http://bit.ly/1yMt5Bt !

@SomaliPM Formed a technocrat gov for the sole purpose of the realization of 2016-vision.Somalia needs political stability and committed leaders.

@amisomsomalia · #AMISOM has been and remains a human right defender in #Somalia

@SomaliPM · My government will leave no stone unturned for the realization of vision 2016. Political stability is prerequisite for our targets in 2016.

@JamalMOsman Thousands of foreigners seek refuge in Mayfair, Johannesburg. #Somalia http://mg.co.za/article/2015-01-2

@Moadow The appointment of @Aynte, Fahad, Hadliye, Mohamed Arte and Zahra Samatar as Ministers should be source of hope for many in #Somalia

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Image of the day

Attendees of the First African Human Rights Mechanisms Visit to Somalia Conference listen attentively to the keynote speaker.

Photo: AMISOM