March 12, 2015 | Morning Headlines.
One Killed In Mogadishu Car Bomb
11 March – Source: Garowe Online – 154 Words
One person has been killed and two others were wounded after a suspected suicide car bomber detonated his explosive-laden vehicle during a hot pursuit by soldiers in the Somali capital, officials said on Wednesday Garowe Online reports. Intelligence sources said the car bomber who was on the radar-list probably detonated his car packed with explosives around the popular Maka Al-mukarramah hotel in Mogadishu.
One soldier was killed by the blast and two nearby pedestrians were wounded in the bombing which officials described as ‘foiled’ one. No group has immediately claimed the responsibility for the blast which comes after recent deadly suicide attacks at two Mogadishu hotels. Al-shabab claimed the responsibility for both attacks that killed more than 40 people collectively. The group which lost key strongholds including the Somali capital Mogadishu has since resorted to guerilla attacks including suicide bombings and assassinations against government officials and the African union forces in Somalia.
Key Headlines
- One Killed In A Mogadishu Car Bomb (Garowe Online)
- Al-Shabaab Foreign Recruits Captured Near Somalia-Kenya Border (Garowe Online)
- EU And Germany Rehabilitate Garowe-Galkacyo Corridor In Puntland Somalia (Horseed Media)
- Federal Government Forces Raid Al-Shabaab Base In Middle Shabelle (Garowe Online/Hikma News)
- Blockade Continuous As Wajid Marks First Anniversary Since Recovered From Al-Shabaab (Radio Goobjoog)
- World Bank Forum Explores Somalia’s Trade Potential (Standard Digital)
- Over 60% Kenyans Agree To Deploy Troops In Somalia To Fight Terrorism: Survey (Xinhua)
- China-Trained Doctors Keep Hope Alive In Somalia Hospital (Shanghai Daily/Xinhua)
- Calgary Imam Responds To Outstanding U.S. Sexual Assault Charges (Calgary Herald)
- Trio Of Somali Operators Ink Satellite Deals With O3b Networks (Telegeography.com)
- Somali Boy Kidnapped And Beaten By Traffickers Who Raped Pregnant Woman On Italy Migration (The Independent)
- EA Is ‘Lucky’ To Have Al-Shabaab For Its Terrorists Not Boko Haram Or IS (Daily Nation)
SOMALI MEDIA
Al-Shabaab Foreign Recruits Captured Near Somalia-Kenya Border
11 March – Source: Garowe Online – 166 Words
Somali government forces in Lower Jubba region town of Dhobley apprehended four foreign recruits sneaking from Kenya into Al-Shabaab camps overnight on Tuesday, Garowe Online reports. Somali National army commander in the strategic border town, Haybe Ahmed Abdullahi told the media that they captured two Kenyan and two Tanzanian nationals along with two Somalis on their way to Al Shabaab-held areas in Jubaland. He added that foreign recruits were holding papers identifying their Al Shabaab-controlled destinations. No names have been released to the media, yet the capture of alleged foreign Jihadists marks the first in recent years. Kenyan authorities previously cracked down on Al Shabaab indoctrination camps, sending dozens of suspects into custodies. The restive border between impoverished Somalia and Kenya has been a scene of violent activities, mainly carried out by Al Shabaab.
EU And Germany Rehabilitate Garowe-Galkacyo Corridor In Puntland, Somalia
11 March – Source: Horseed Media – 239 Words
Today, EU Ambassador to Somalia, Michele Cervone d’Urso and German Ambassador to Somalia, Andreas Peschke, together with the President of Puntland, H.E. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali ‘Gas’, launched the “Sustainable Road Maintenance Project“, aiming at rehabilitating the “Garowe-Galkacyo” corridor. The European Union provides 17.75 million Euros and Germany another 3 million Euros to the Deutsche Gesells chaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to implement the project which is part of the Somali New Deal Compact and which is crucial to promote Puntland’s economy. Indeed, the Garowe-Galkacyo corridor is key to livestock rearing and exports from the ports of Berbera and Bosasso.
The programme will finance the rehabilitation of the road’s damaged sections and the construction of flood control structures and check dams as the roads were heavily affected by the floods in 2013. Similarly, the project will provide policy support to the Puntland Roads authorities and the Puntland Ministry of Public Works. It also involves a routine annual maintenance programme, allowing drainage and culvert clearance, clearing of bridges after floods, side brushing, and pothole filling. In addition, on the job training will be provided to upgrade the skills of the local contractors.
Both Ambassadors highlighted the strong commitment of the EU and Germany to support the Somali Compact. They emphasized that peace and political stability are pre-conditions for economic recovery. President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali ‘Gas’ welcomed the initiative and thanked Ambassadors Peschke and Cervone d’Urso on behalf of the Somali people.
Federal Government Forces Raid Al-Shabaab Base In Middle Shabelle
10 March – Source: Hikma News – 139 Words
Somalia government forces raided Al Shabaab base in Middle Shabelle region of southern Somalia, killing three militants overnight on Monday, Garowe Online reports. The deadly assault targeted a custom duty in Masajid Ali Gudud village which lies a few kilometres away from Adale coastal town. Somali National Army (SNA) commander said on condition of anonymity that the attack was pre-planned, but he didn’t disclose whether government troops are in control of the areas where the deadly assault occurred. Masjid Ali Gudud village is believed to had been economically vital for the beleaguered terror group. Sources familiar with the area say, Al-Shabaab has long generated revenues from a checkpoint that serves a key inter-connector for long range business transport across southern and central Somalia. Al-Shabaab has not commented on the armed confrontations, and casualty figures on their side
Blockade Continuous As Wajid Marks First Anniversary Since Recovered From Alshabab
11 March – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 303 Words
Wajid District of Bakol region today marks the first anniversary since Somali National Army and AMISOM troops recovered it from Al-shabaab fighters who were controlling the town for years, but things didn’t end there. Al-shabaab laid a siege on the town for a year now causing unprecedented amount of pain and suffering to the public. They blocked all roads in and out the town, denying all access, including public transport carrying foodstuff and necessity commodities for the residents, this is to punish the public. Hodan Sharif is one of the business people in Wajid, she told Goobjoog that the prices has skyrocketed since the recovery of the town “Anything that cost 1 dollar in Mogadishu, costs 5 dollars in Wajid, so you can imagine the difference and the amount of suffering the public are facing” said Hodan.
All attempts by the public to deliver life sustaining commodities were futile as Al-shabaab burnt trade stocks on donkey carts to the town. The only access to the town is by air which is beyond the means of the local residents. There are few occasions where the donkey carts manage to smuggle commodities in to the town, other essential groceries are delivered by air but this is too expensive. Journalists who recently visited the town reported that the residents are fearful of talking to the media “They would tell you that they don’t know anything to tell” said one Journalist. The district commissioner told Goobjoog News that the situation is so serious that people are on the verge of starvation if actions are not taken to break the siege. AMISOM and Somalia Federal Government has for several times said they would be launching operations to open roads to access the besieged towns, but action is yet to be seen as people continue to suffer a lot.
REGIONAL MEDIA
World Bank Forum Explores Somalia’s Trade Potential
12 March – Source: Standard Digital – 189 Words
Somali businessmen should lead in rebuilding their war-torn nation through investing in the country, an investment forum was told Wednesday. Speaking at the forum organised by the World Bank and the US Embassy in Nairobi, a group of Somali businessmen and investors said it was necessary to take advantage of the relative peace to invest more in the country. The businessmen, who were discussing better ways of rebuilding the nation said for foreigners to commit funds, locals must lead the way. Abdirashid Duale, the Chief Executive Officer of Dahabshil, a leading money transfer firm, said his firm has played a crucial role in helping alleviate poverty by offering loans to the citizens.
“Our remittance system has enabled the Somali Diaspora to send money to their relatives. We have also supported new businesses by providing seed monies and loans,” he said. According to Lee Sorensen, a director of Shuraako who together with US Embassy and the World Bank organised the Somali Investment Forum, said a number of prospective investors have pledged in excess of $500,000 of investment capital to help rebuild Somalia.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Over 60% Kenyans Agree To Deploy Troops In Somalia To Fight Terrorism: Survey
11 March – Source: Xinhua Net – 512 Words
Majority of Kenyans supports deployment of troops to Somalia to help root out Al-Shabaab militants responsible for spreading terror in the region, a survey launched on Wednesday reveals.The survey which was conducted by a Pan African research network, Afrobarometer and the University of Nairobi’s Institute of Development Studies (IDS) indicates that 66 percent of Kenyans support military incursion into Somalia.
“Kenyans have narrowed their differences when it comes to safeguarding the nation’s security and stability in the face of external threats. There is overwhelming support for military action inside Somalia to avert terror attacks,” Professor Winnie Mitullah, the Director, University of Nairobi’s IDS told journalists in Nairobi.The Kenyan troops deployed in 2011 in southern Somalia, have been motivated to view the warfare against the Al-Shabaab as a once in a lifetime opportunity to defeat extremists who have constituted a threat to the entire security, economy and a threat to regional and international peace.
The deployment of the Kenyan troops in the southern regions have so far helped to prevent the movement of explosives to the strategic towns of Husingo and Badhade, the conduit points for the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the counterfeit electronics and contraband sugar smuggling across the region.Military officials said these regions are crucial to the stabilization of Kenya’s coastal and northeastern provinces, which have been targeted by attackers preying on soft civilian targets.The latest Afro barometer survey focused on citizen’s attitude towards devolution and the involvement of Kenyan troops in Somalia.
China-Trained Doctors Keep Hope Alive In Somalia Hospital
11 March – Source: Shanghai Daily/Xinhua – 284 Words
The Pediatric Department at Banadir Hospital in Somalia has a strong affinity to millions of citizens in the Horn of Africa nation.The Chinese-funded pediatric unit at the hospital has revolutionized infant health in Somalia since its establishment four decades ago.Currently, the unit is manned by 40 volunteer nurses and doctors who attend to thousands of children with diverse ailments like pneumonia, cholera and measles.
Beijing sponsored training for medical workers in the hospital to enhance their capacity to respond to childhood illnesses.”The training of medical workers in China has enhanced service delivery in this hospital. We thank the Chinese government for the scholarship granted to our staff,” said Bashir Hussein, the deputy head of the pediatric unit.Mohamed Muqtar, a beneficiary of the scholarship based at the hospital’s emergency department, said his stay in China was a game changer.
Calgary Imam Responds To Outstanding U.S. Sexual Assault Charges
11 March – Source: Calgary Herald – 352 Words
A Calgary imam facing outstanding sexual assault charges in the United States says the allegations munity, outgoing police Chief Rick Hanson and elected officials earlier this year to discuss ways to curb the conflictagainst him are a “character assassination” and he plans to fight to clear his name.Imam Abdi Hersy, 46, is wanted in connection to sexual assault allegations that surfaced in 2006 when he worked as a respiratory therapist at Woodwinds Health Campus in Woodbury, Minn.
He vigorously denied the allegations Tuesday night in front of about 75 members of the Muslim community at the Abu Bakr Musallah in southeast Calgary.“There were sexual allegations against myself in the States,” Hersy said. “This is not something new. It’s a case that’s cold. It’s not cold because of me, it’s because I exhausted every single avenue to clear my name.” Hersy was accused of fondling the breasts of two female patients recovering at the hospital. He subsequently lost his licence and lost his job, and was charged with six counts of criminal sexual conduct.“There is nothing to hide,” he told reporters. “The truth is out there. I don’t have anything to hide. I want to clear my name.”
Trio Of Somali Operators Ink Satellite Deals With O3b Networks
11 March – Source: Telegeography.com – 275 Words
Global satellite service provider O3b Networks has announced the signing of satellite connectivity contracts with three Somali telecoms operators. Golis Telecom, which provides services in the Puntland region, has signed a multi-year agreement to use O3b’s satellite constellation to bring reliable, high speed connectivity to its customers, and will deploy O3b’s trunking solution and its mobile backhaul product.
Somaliland-based operator Telesom, meanwhile, has agreed a multi-year deal to use O3b’s ‘Fiber in the Sky’ satellite network in northern Somalia; Telesom will deploy O3b’s trunking solution, and will also be the first customer to contract with O3b for cellular backhaul in Somaliland. Finally, Hormuud Telecommunication has inked a multi-year contract to deploy O3b’s trunking solution in the capital Mogadishu, as well as its mobile backhaul product in other areas of central and southern Somalia. O3b notes that the deployment of O3b connectivity by Golis, Telesom and Hormuud is part of a broader rollout that will cover most of the big towns in their respective operating regions using the new O3b satellite services.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“I told my mother if she doesn’t pay the money they are going to kill me, so they must pay the money even if they don’t have it,” Ismail said.“She collected money from different people and sent the money. In Libya they will take everything from you, your shoes, clothes, money, everything that you have.”
Somali Boy Kidnapped And Beaten By Traffickers Who Raped Pregnant Woman On Italy Migration
10 March – Source: The Independent – 2418 Words
When Ismail fled Somalia for Europe, he knew the boat journey to Italy would be treacherous but he was unprepared for the brutality of the human traffickers who would ruthlessly exploit him on land.The teenager was kidnapped, beaten and ransomed and saw female migrants get repeatedly raped by men who preyed on their desperation and helplessness. Ismail, not his real name, is one of more than 8,000 migrants who have made the treacherous boat crossing to Italy since the start of this year alone.Save the Children cared for the 16-year-old when he arrived in the port of Lampedusa last month and he told the charity’s staff about his experiences.Despite the horrors of his long journey, Ismail said he was happy just to have made it alive.Almost 1,000 migrants had to be rescued by Italian authorities during a 24-hour-period last month, when at least 10 people died after their boat capsized.
Ismail left Somalia in December after his father died and money for his school fees ran out, saying goodbye to his mother, two sisters and five brothers.“In Somalia you cannot live happily, there is a lot of violence, people fire their guns in the street, and you run the risk that you will be approached by militants and be forced to join their militia,” he said, recounting the story of a friend who returned home from shopping in the local market to find his wife and children murdered. Ismail*, a 16-year-old Somali migrant, in Lampedusa, Italy Ismail*, a 16-year-old Somali migrant, in Lampedusa, Italy.
“If Shabaab has lost the jihadi pageant, therefore, one can only hope that it will do the smart thing and reinvent itself as a militant political organisation and seek to share in the spoils in Mogadishu.”
EA Is ‘Lucky’ To Have Al-Shabaab For Its Terrorists, Not Boko Haram Or IS
10 March – Source:Daily Nation – 731 Words
Recently we have been getting reports that Somalia’s Al-Shabaab is in trouble. That the organisation is no longer the beauty queen of jihadi terrorism, and now young Islamist militants in the world want to go instead to Syria and Iraq and join Islamic State (IS) instead.The rise of Boko Haram and IS “has left Al-Qaeda-aligned Al-Shabaab in the dust, damaging its capacity to attract foreign recruits”, said a report carried by Bloomberg News.
The world of extremism is, to say the least, complex. IS is attractive because its beheadings, burning people alive, throwing gays off rooftops to their deaths — and the fact that they terrify the world more and attract bigger global headlines — is a bigger come-on for aspiring militants! So here we are: For all its murderous ways, it seems Shabaab has not gone the way of Boko Haram or IS because it is a quintessential Somali organisation and, therefore, pragmatic and essentially “capitalist”.
If you see the areas where Shabaab was running things, it always had its eyes on the money. It would stone adulterers and chop of the limbs of thieves, but it would improve business operations and remove corruption.Shabaab understood that if you are to tax businesses, then you first have to help them make money.And those who study Shabaab commend it for being anti-clan. It is one of the few non-sectarian Somali organisations.All that because, well, it is nationalist. Its big political project is not religious, it is political — to recreate the great Somali nation, bringing back together lands it lost in the battles and swings of history (to Kenya, Ethiopia, and so on) into one united motherland again.