15 Sept 2011 – Daily Monitoring Report
Key Headlines:
- Prime Minister of Somalia’s statement at the UN Security Council Meeting on Somalia Wednesday 14 September 2011
- Press Communique of 293rd Meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council
- Somali leader calls for int’l support
- Somali gov’t welcomes aid to be delivered to al Shabaab-controlled areas
- Somaliland president welcomes British delegation
PRESS STATEMENTS
Prime Minister of Somalia’s statement at the UN Security Council Meeting on Somalia Wednesday 14 September 2011
14 Sept – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 2996 words
Mr. President, Distinguished Ambassadors,
It is an honor for me to be here before you today and to update you on the developments that have occurred in Somalia. This is the first time I have had the opportunity to address the UN Security Council since my appointment as Prime Minister in June. In the intervening period, the humanitarian, security and political landscape has altered and it is my intention to demonstrate the steps that the Transitional Federal Government is taking to address the new challenges and opportunities that face us right now.
Let me begin by welcoming the report of the Secretary-General on Somalia which is now before the Council and which has noted the positive political and security developments that have occurred in the last three months. A month and half after my appointment as Prime Minister, Al Qaeda affiliated extremist insurgents were forced to withdraw from the capital under pressure from the Somali National Army, with the support of the African Union Mission in Somalia. On August 10, 2011, the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Dr. Augustine Mahiga, updated the Council on the situation in the capital following this withdrawal by al Shabaab, noting that this presented both opportunities and challenges for the Transitional Federal Government as we strive to consolidate security in the city, provide public services to the population, and tackle the enormous humanitarian emergency enveloping our country. We in Somalia recognize, as the Secretary-General’s report states, that failure to do this would fatally undermine the legitimacy and popular support that the government currently enjoys.
My government is doing the best it can within our limited resources to exploit these opportunities. Immediately following the extremists’ withdrawal, a ministerial committee was set up, which visited vacated areas and came up with plans for dealing with the situation. The immediate concern was to re-establish security and fill the vacuum with legitimate state authorities. A state of emergency has been declared in these districts, as well as in IDP camps across the city, in order to prevent crime as well as to deter the return of warlords and militias.
The Cabinet has established two task forces, one with the responsibility to provide armed escort to humanitarian convoys, and the other, a mobile patrol unit, to tackle crime. District Security Committees have been established in all 16 districts of the city and are engaging local communities to determine their priorities and needs. The security forces continue to search for weapons and booby traps in the neighborhoods formerly occupied by the extremists and, once these have been cleared, citizens will be encouraged to return to their homes.
We must remain realistic as we enter this next phase, however. Stabilizing security inside the capital has been a determined focus of my government over the past month and the plan for Mogadishu is starting to work. We cannot, however, afford to be complacent. We are aware that pockets of insurgents remain in the city and are intent on launching a campaign of terror against the population using suicide attacks and improvised explosive devices. Already, our security and intelligence agencies have foiled a number of such attacks. The two largest IDP camps, Badbado and Rajo, which provide shelter and food for tens of thousands of the most needy, have each been targeted. Last week an IED was discovered planted within the Rajo camp and two weeks prior, a man wearing a suicide vest and disguised as a woman was arrested before he could detonate his explosives at the Babaado camp. A car bomb was also recently found and defused at the populous Kilometer 4 junction. And at the same time, it will be imperative to ensure that the Somali state is able to keep clan rivalries and warlords at bay.
The Secretary General’s report notes that TFG and Somali security forces are currently overextended. It is essential that we work together to enlarge and improve the SNA and Police of the Somali government, as a matter of grave urgency. In order to consolidate and build on the security gains it is essential to enlarge the AMISOM force, that has sacrificed so much and worked so hard, in the near future with the required air and maritime force components that it badly needs. To support this united effort I look forward to announcing the National Security and Stabilization Plan – a key part of the Roadmap – in the near future.
The fact that the extremists would target innocent, hungry Somalis is an indication that they care nothing for the fate of the citizens of the country. Somalia is at the first line in the global defenses against the plague of terrorism. The terrorists are looking further a field. They have sought to export their noxious extremism across the region, recruiting and sponsoring acts of terror in countries such as Uganda, where last year they murdered 76 innocent people. It is a well known fact that they are focusing their recruitment and radicalization efforts on Somali Diasporas in Australia, Europe and in the United States of America.
As the world marks the ten-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks here in New York and in Washington DC, it is critical that we learn the lessons of the past. The struggle to stabilize Somalia and deny terrorists a foothold on the Horn of Africa is one in which we all have a stake and therefore one in which we all have responsibilities. At this juncture I would like to thank the Council for the generous support it has given to both the Transitional Federal Institutions and to the AMISOM peace support mission, without whose assistance much of the progress that I have outlined above would not have been possible.
I also join the Secretary-General in paying tribute to the governments and people of Burundi and Uganda for their continued sacrifice and commitment to the cause of peace in Somalia and in extending condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in this worthy cause, including Somali forces.
The support of the international community is critical if we are to continue to protect civilians, ensure the safe and timely delivery of aid, and prevent the extremists using our territory as a base from which to plot terror attacks. The immediate deployment of the extra 3000 AMISOM troops already authorized by the Council is urgently needed to prevent a security vacuum in the areas of Mogadishu vacated by the al Shabaab. As the Secretary-General notes, without international support for equipping and outfitting additional troops, troop contributing countries will continue to face difficulties in deploying these forces in a timely manner. Going forward, more will be required if we are to expand the zone of safety that has been created in the capital to encompass the rest of the country. In this regard, I ask the Council to urgently reconsider the recommendation of the AU Peace and Security Council to increase the mandated strength of the AMISOM force to 20,000 troops from the current ceiling of 12,000, and to provide it with key enablers and force multipliers, including air and marine components.
On the humanitarian front, as you are aware, The UN has declared famine in a sixth region of Somalia which means that up to half the population, or 4 million souls, are now facing the prospect of starvation. Many of these continue to come to the capital seeking refuge. The UN estimates that over half a million have already arrived. To deal with this situation and to oversee the delivery of humanitarian assistance, a high level cabinet committee has been created and, as per its recommendations, the government has established several camps to house and feed them. A Disaster Management Agency, comprising members of civil society has also been established and we are working with UN agencies such as the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the World Food Programme to synchronize our efforts to deal with the famine.
On behalf of the entire Somali nation, I wish to express my gratitude for the pledges of assistance that have been received from governments and humanitarian agencies around the world. It is with a matter of urgency that we seek to coordinate better and upscale the humanitarian relief. There can be no competition – only concerted effort – in a humanitarian crisis of this scale between what are known as traditional and non-traditional donors. All estimates predict that we will see the crises deepen in the country and the suffering of my kinsfolk worsens. I have welcomed the proliferation of donors and support who are seeking to help and it will be essential to ensure that we play our part, within limited capacity, in securing and helping the delivery of the aid needed to a wider number of Somalis who are in such dire need.
We are indebted to the United Nations and its agencies, which have so far delivered tons of food to Mogadishu and other areas. Coupled with our measures to ensure security, these deliveries have had a considerable impact in Mogadishu and the surrounding areas. According to a recent report by the Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit, cereal prices for August in the Banadir region, though still unacceptably high, have come down by up to 20 percent compared to previous months.
The greatest need, however, continues to be felt within areas still under the effective control of the extremists, where access by international humanitarian agencies is severely restricted. The insurgents are also hampering the freedom of movement of millions who are trying to reach help either in Mogadishu or in neighboring countries. Without urgent interventions to change this situation, it is estimated that up to three-quarters of a million people may perish in the next few months. Though normal to above-normal rainfall is expected to return in the next three months, this is unlikely to result in a significant easing of the crisis in the short term since the harvest would not be expected till February. In any case, the production from the short rain season only accounts for a third of total annual cereal production. The displacement of farmers by the current famine will only further reduce the expected yield. In fact, the UN has indicated that it expects the famine to spread to the rest of the south by the end of the year.
It is therefore critical that we accelerate efforts to reach those in al Shabaab controlled areas before the crisis spirals out of control, threatening the security and political gains made. The international community must urgently reinforce our efforts to extend the zone of safety for aid workers beyond Mogadishu and into these areas. In the meantime my government will continue to work closely with humanitarian agencies to collect and share information on needs and we stand ready to cooperate with all actors to ensure aid gets to the most critically affected populations wherever they may be.
I now turn to our political progress. In May, we informed the Council of our intention, together with the UN Political Office for Somalia, to hold a consultative meeting in Mogadishu with the aim of generating a consensus on how to bring the transition process to a successful conclusion.
At the time, there existed critical disagreements between the transitional institutions on how this was to be achieved. However, with the generous help of both the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Dr. Mahiga, and the President of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Museveni, we were able to bridge the gaps and come to a common agreement on the way forward in the form of the Kampala Accord. As a result, it is today my privilege to report that the Consultative Meeting on Ending the Transition was successfully held in the capital just over a week ago and concluded with the adoption of a Roadmap, complete with specific timelines and benchmarks, to ensure the return of permanent government in August next year.
This conference is the culmination of Somali-led reconciliation initiatives, dating back to the Arta Declaration of May 2000 which established the Transitional National Government – the first Somali government since 1991 to secure a measure of international recognition, enabling Somalia to reoccupy its seat at the UN and in regional bodies. Over the course of over a decade, the transition process has expanded to include many who had initially opposed it, bringing on board the Somalia Reconciliation and Restoration Council in 2003 to form the Transitional Federal Government as well as the moderate wing of the Islamic Courts Union in 2008 and the Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamaa two years later. It is therefore clear that while the peace process has not always been smooth, it has nonetheless proven to be inclusive and locally driven.
Critically, my government is committed to implementing the Roadmap and delivering the priority tasks of security, the constitution, reconciliation and good governance by 20 August 2012. In the run up to the Conference, President Sheikh Sharif and I visited Puntland and Galmudug and these visits have created a strong foundation for good working relations between the Federal Government and Regional Administrations. We have signed an agreement with the President of Puntland, which will help us further develop the relationship. Further steps to enhance reconciliation efforts, at the national, regional and local levels, will be taken in the coming months.
We in Somalia are grateful for the engagement and support of the international community in the peace process which has been critical to ensuring its progress. We welcome the many statements issued by the Council over the years expressing support for the Somali people as we strive to achieve our dream of lasting peace. In this next phase, as my government will be working hard to come together to progress the roadmap so we can hope to see a united and committed international support to the Transitional Federal Institutions. A Resource Mobilization Plan, agreed with our international partners, will generate the momentum to drive forward the implementation of the Roadmap.
The principles underpinning the Roadmap agreement in Mogadishu earlier this month were to foster inclusively and build Somali ownership. It will be essential to follow-up the Mogadishu agreement with a meeting, also in Somalia, that reaches out to a wider group of stakeholders, incorporates the views of more Somalis from around the country and maintains momentum towards implementing the Roadmap.
I also welcomed the formation of a Technical Committee, which will work from Mogadishu, to support the implementation of the Roadmap. I look forward to ensuring future engagement with international partners takes place in Somalia, as far as possible, to help us meet the array of Roadmap targets.
As required by the Roadmap, we are now in the process of identifying and appointing a Committee of Experts to oversee the drafting of a new constitution, and they will soon embark on consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including civil society and human rights organizations, to resolve any contentious issues. We are also liaising with the Parliamentary leadership to ensure that the Transitional Federal Charter is amended to give a legal framework for the constitutional process.
Transparency is a key element to providing effective and legitimate governance. That is why we have embarked on the process of identifying nominees to the Interim Independent Anti- Corruption Commission as well as formulating a National Fiscal Budget for the year 2011/2012.
In the meantime, with the assistance of our partners in the UN and in the international community, we continue to provide services to the population as our current capability allows. These include, as mentioned, provision and protection of humanitarian aid, policing and crime prevention, and modest infrastructure developments such as road repairs, street lighting and the refurbishment of schools, markets and hospitals. We are also working with our neighbors in the region to address the root causes of desertification and famine as articulated in the Nairobi Action Plan adopted at the recent Summit on the Horn of Africa Crisis.
Today, Somalia faces two alternative futures. One is where the humanitarian relief effort is stepped up, the international peace support force of AMISOM grows and can support the Somali Police and Army in building on the security gains made so far. At the same time, this enables the political journey to be taken to revitalize and strengthen the Somali state. The alternative, however, spells dire consequences for the state. Worsening famine, together with epidemics of cholera and measles, destroys the country’s social fabric and ruins economic livelihoods for a generation. All the while, seriously overstretched TFG and AMISOM forces are unable to stop Al Shabaab re-grouping. Allied with the enemies of peace in Somalia, they attack the fragile security in the capital and fatally undermine all efforts to re-build government.
A week ago I signed the Roadmap, on behalf of the TFG and in cooperation with the Transitional Federal Parliament, the Puntland State of Somalia, Galmudug, Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a, because I am confident we can lead Somalia towards growing social, economic and political stability. However, Somalia’s future hangs in the balance and so we cannot take this journey alone. As I stand here today and pledge my commitment to delivering the priority tasks laid out in the Roadmap so I ask for the international support necessary to deliver the humanitarian relief and security that are vital components of stabilizing Somalia.
Let me conclude by saying that while efforts to ameliorate the effects of famine will continue to demand our attention in the short term, we will not lose sight of the fact that the progress made on the security and political fronts is laying the ground for a secure Somali state, representative of and capable of delivering to its own people. With the increased and concerted commitment of the international community, I am confident that Somalia will overcome present difficulties and take the path towards peace and stability.
Press Communiqué of 293rd Meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council
14 Sept – Source: AMISOM – 1627 words
The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 293rd meeting held on 13 September 2011, adopted the following decision on the situation in Somalia:
Council:
- Takes note of the Report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the situation in Somalia [PSC/PR/2(CCXCIII)], as well as the statements made by the representatives of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia, the United Nations, and Ethiopia, in its capacity as Chair of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD);
- Recalls all its previous decisions and press statements on the situation in Somalia;
- Welcomes the gains made on the ground by the forces of the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), in particular the extension of their control to the areas previously occupied by Al Shabaab, as well as the results achieved by pro- TFG militia in other parts of the country, notably in Hiiraan, Galgudud, Bay and Bakol, Gedo and Lower Juba;
- Expresses its deep appreciation to the AMISOM and TFG forces for their courage and dedication which made these achievements possible, and encourages them to persevere in their efforts. Council reiterates, once again, its appreciation to the Governments of Burundi and Uganda for their unwavering commitment to the advancement of the cause of peace and reconciliation in Somalia, and commiserates with the families of the AMISOM and TFG soldiers who have paid the ultimate price in pursuit of peace and security in Somalia;
- Welcomes the signing of the Kampala Accord of 9 June 2011, which extended the transitional period by one year, up to 20 August 2012, the Roadmap adopted by the consultative meeting held in Mogadishu from 4 to 6 September 2011, which outlined the key deliverables to be accomplished before August 2012, the timelines for the completion of each task and the institutions responsible, the resources required and the mechanisms to ensure compliance by the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs);
- Commends the President of the TFG and the Speaker of the Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP) for the Accord reached in Kampala, which shows a renewed commitment to successfully conclude the transition and bring about lasting peace and reconciliation in their country, and urges all the Somali stakeholders to continue to demonstrate the unity of purpose and determination required to keep the momentum arising from the gains made in Mogadishu, as well as the Kampala Accord and subsequent Roadmap, by fully implementing the commitments made and sticking to the timelines agreed upon. Council calls on all Somalis, including those in the Diaspora, to continue to support the peace process in their country;
- Expresses its gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, for his contribution in facilitating the conclusion of the Kampala Accord, to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia and to the other IGAD leaders, for their continued involvement and leading role in bringing about peace, security and stability in Somalia. Council also commends the leaders of the East African Community for their efforts;
- Reiterates AU’s deep concern at the humanitarian situation prevailing in Somalia as a result of the current drought and famine, takes note of the outcome of the pledging conference organized by the Commission in Addis Ababa on 25 August 2011, and commends the AU Member States and partners, in particular the African Development Bank (AfDB), who made pledges. Council expresses appreciation to the actors present on the ground, in particular the Somali non-governmental organizations (NGOs), for their efforts, in spite of the challenging security conditions in which they are working, as well as to African civil society organizations, for the initiatives they have taken in support of the affected populations in Somalia;
- Urgently calls on the Member States that have not yet done so to contribute financially and in kind to the relief efforts, and to those in a position to do so to provide further assistance. Council stresses the imperative for the continent to rise to the challenge and to extend to the Somali people the support they so desperately need, in a true spirit of African solidarity. Council also appeals to the international partners to provide a support that is commensurate with the requirements on the ground;
- Notes with satisfaction the steps taken on the ground by AMISOM to ensure security for relief efforts, facilitate access and provide humanitarian assistance to populations in need, and encourages the Mission to pursue its efforts. Council also commends the Nairobibased Inter-African Bureau on Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), for its outstanding work in mitigating the impact of the drought and famine, through support to livestock sector, which is the mainstay of the Somali economy, and requests the Commission to keep it regularly informed of the programs and activities carried out by IBAR;
- Stresses that the recent political and security developments create a unique opportunity to further peace and reconciliation in Somalia and bring to a definite end the untold suffering inflicted on the Somali people. Accordingly, Council, once again, calls on the international community, in particular the United Nations, to take the steps expected of it and to fully assume its responsibilities towards the Somali people, in line with the relevant provisions of the UN Charter;
- Reiterates AU’s determination to continue doing all that is necessary to assist the Somali people and facilitate the successful conclusion of the peace and reconciliation process and, to that end, to work with the TFIs in a spirit of partnership. In this respect, Council endorses the revised Concept of Operations (CONOPS), as outlined in paragraphs 52 to 55 of the Report of the Chairperson and which was elaborated on the basis of the conclusions of the technical consultative workshop convened by the Commission in Addis Ababa, from 17 to 18 August 2011;
- Notes with satisfaction the commitment by Burundi and Uganda to provide 1,000 and 2,000 troops, respectively, in addition to their current contributions to AMISOM, as well as the pledges by Djibouti, Guinea and Sierra Leone to provide each a battalion;
- Requests the UN Security Council, in line with its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, to reaffirm its commitment to authorize the deployment of a United Nations operation to take over AMISOM and support the long term reconstruction and stabilization of Somalia. In the meantime, Council requests the Security Council to authorize the enhancement of the support package provided by the United Nations, under resolutions 1863(2009) and 1964(2010), to take into account the shortcomings identified over the past few months and the fact that AMISOM is a multidimensional mission with military, police and civilian components, with particular focus on:
(i) self-sustenance of the troops, (ii) Reimbursement for contingent owned equipment, (iii) Provision of the requisite enablers, including helicopters, (iv) Deployment of Formed Police Units (FPUs), as provided for in the revised CONOPS, (v) Logistical support for the civilian component of the Mission, (vi) creation, as part of AMISOM and under its command, of a guard force of a battalion size (850), to provide security for civilian staff and protection for the AU, the UN and the TFIs in Mogadishu, it being clearly understood that this force should be in addition to the 12,000 strength already authorized by the UN Security Council under resolution 1964(2010), and (vii) Welfare and travel for the personnel of the Mission;
- Reiterates the other requests made by the AU as contained in communiqué PSC/MIN/1(CXXXXV) adopted at its 245th meeting held on 15 October 2010, in particular the steps required to prevent the entry into Somalia, by air and sea, of foreign elements and weapons destined to armed groups attacking the Somali population, the TFG and AMISOM;
- Requests the UN Security Council to consider further inputs and updates on the situation before the adoption of its resolution on Somalia, including by thoroughly engaging with the AU and giving due consideration to the requests and other elements contained in the present communiqué, in a spirit of consultation and partnership, as well as by taking into account the conclusions of the planned mini-summit on Somalia, scheduled to take place in New York, on 23 September 2011, at the initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General;
- Expresses its gratitude to the AU bilateral and multilateral partners providing support to AMISOM and calls on them to enhance their assistance;
- Expresses appreciation to the AU High Representative for Somalia, former President Jerry John Rawlings, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission, Boubacar Gaoussou Diarra, the Force Commander, Major General Fred Mugisha, and all AMISOM personnel for their dedication and commitment. Council further acknowledges the efforts of the former Force Commander, Major General Nathan Mugisha, under whose command, AMISOM forces made notable gains on the ground;
- commends the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Somalia, Augustine Mahiga, and the IGAD Facilitator for Somalia Peace and Reconciliation, Kipruto arap Kirwa, for their efforts and commitment, as well as for their cooperation with the AU;
- Requests the Chairperson of the Commission to transmit this communiqué and his report to the UN Security Council members and to the Secretary-General, as well as to the other AU partners, to seek their support and cooperation, and to report to Council on the outcomes of its requests, particularly with regard to the resolution on Somalia to be adopted by the Security Council;
- Decides to undertake, as early as possible, a visit to Mogadishu to further express its support to the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia, as well as to the efforts of AMISOM, and to assess the situation on the ground. Council requests the Commission to make the necessary preparations;
- Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
SOMALI MEDIA
Somali gov’t welcomes aid to be delivered to al Shabaab-controlled areas
15 Sept – Source: Radio Mogadishu – 157 words
The TFG on Wednesday welcomed any aid agency to reach and deliver humanitarian assistance to famine-affected people who live in al Shabaab-controlled areas in southern and central Somalia. The government said that it is necessary for Somalia’s Interior Minister to be informed if any humanitarian activities are to be conducted in the areas under the control of al Shabaab. “The government acknowledges the security forces of Ex-Control Afgoi who managed to safely allow Turkish aid workers to pass hazardous place at a night time and those aid personnel came from humanitarian mission in Lower Shabelle region and then they were imparted to government office to listen to some security related guidelines about aid and security” said the statement. On Tuesday, the TFG arrested at least 14 people including Turkish and Somali aid workers after delivering aid to famine stricken people in al Shabaab-controlled area in southern Somalia.
IDPs in Qansah-dere receive humanitarian relief
14 Sept – Source: Radio Bar-Kulan – 113 words
A local aid Agency in Gedo region has distributed humanitarian relief to over seventy internally displaced families in Qansah-dere district of Bay region. The Bardera-based agency, SAADO, distributed relief food and medical supplies to the needy people in the district. Speaking to the media in Qansah-dere, Ahmed Mohamed Salad, an official with SAADO said they are now winding up their humanitarian operations in Gedo, Lower Juba and Bay region. He added that during their operation in those regions, they delivered desperately needed humanitarian relief to over 3,700 families who were facing starvation in their respective regions. This is the first aid of its kind from SAADO reaching thousands of drought and famine stricken people in Bay region.
Somaliland president welcomes British delegation
14 Sept – Source: Somaliland Press – 186 words
Somaliland President Ahmed M. Silanyo yesterday welcomed high level British diplomats from the British Embassy in Addis, Ethiopia according to president spokesman. Also present at the meeting were Presidential Minister Mr. Hirsi Ali, Dr. Sa’ad Shire Minister of Planning and Dr. Mohamed Rashid State Minister of Foreign Affairs. The British delegation was led by Chris Allan and consisted of the Deputy Secretary of British Embassy in Addis Mr. Matt woods and Ms. Paulina a senior director of Department for International Development. The British delegation’s visit to Somaliland is a follow-up to Ambassador Norman Ling’s last visit to Somaliland last year when the new government took office. President Ahmed Silanyo and the delegates discussed ways to build stronger relationships between Somaliland and the British government.
http://somalilandpress.com/
MSF officials visit Buhodle, Ayn region
14 Sept – Source: Radio Bar-Kulan – 124 words
Officials from Medicines Sans Frontiers (MSF) on Tuesday visited the Buhodle town of Ayn region, where they meet local leaders in the region. Puntland’s Ayn regional governor Ahmed Adan Arab told Bar-kulan they discussed with the visiting MSF officials several health-related issues in the region. He said Medicines Sans Frontiers is the only agency operating in the region since 1991.The governor appealed to other international aid agencies to come and work in the region as they will guarantee their security. Puntland’s Health Ministry Coordinator in the region Mohamud Ahmed Dad said they are hopping that the visiting officials will tackle health problems facing locals in the region. Buhodle people depend on medical assistance from Puntland’s headquarter, Garowe, as there are no aid agencies working in the district.
MP: Al Shabaab encountered severe losses in southern Somalia town battle
15 Sept – Source: Shabelle – 114 words
Al Shabaab fighters have encountered more irretrievable losses after attacking Luq town in Gedo region of southern Somalia, a Somali parliamentarian said today. In an interview with Shabelle Media Network, Mohamoud Sayid Adam, one of the members of the Somali parliament, said al Shabaab lost key officials and fighters in that combat of Luq town But he admitted that a well-known government official and a number of soldiers were also killed in the fight. However, government soldiers are now controlling the town of Elwak entirely, the lawmaker said in the interview. The MP then accused the TFG of not paying monthly payments to government soldiers in the region for three months.
http://www.shabelle.net/
Somali gov’t threatens it will eradicate al Shabaab from Jubba regions
15 Sept – Source: Radio Shabelle, Kulmiye and Risala – 112 words
An official from Somali military on Thursday threatened they will do all what they can to eradicate al Shabaab from Jubba regions in southern Somalia. Mohamed Farah Dahir. A spokesperson for Somali forces in Jubba region made the comments during an interview with the media. Mr. Dahir said the TFG has engaged new plans in which they want the rebels to be completely eradicated from the region. He went on to say that al Shabaab invaded Somalia and its people and said they are committed to preventing them. Asked if there was any misunderstanding in the government forces there, he denied all those reports suggesting there were disagreements in the Somali Army in Jubba regions.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Somalia joins search for seized Briton
14 Sept – Source: Daily Nation – 313 words
Somalia government forces have joined the search for a British woman abducted from a tourist resort in Lamu. Mogadishu’s ambassador to Kenya Mohammed Ali Nur told the Nation the operation was being conducted in collaboration with British and Kenyan security agencies. (Read: Briton killed, wife kidnapped in Kenyan coast).
The Africa Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) forces is also involved in the operation. “We wish to send our sincere condolences to the British Government and the bereaved family. We condemn strongly the killing of David Tebbut and the abduction of his wife,” Mr. Nur said on phone. He said his country’s troops were in touch with the Kenyan and British detectives who have pitched tent at Kiunga on the Kenya-Somalia border.
The ambassador also termed as “speculation” widespread media reports that the gunmen who killed Mr. Tebbut and kidnapped his wife, Judith, were from Somalia. “We are still investigating the reports, but as of now we do not want to react to speculation,” Mr. Nur said. Meanwhile, Kenyan and British security forces continued patrolling border areas, both on land and deep in the sea.
A senior Kenyan military officer said that the marine operation was being led by a specialized team from the British navy. Fishermen interviewed by the Nation said the search and rescue operation had created panic.“There are several white men all over the sea, they keep on stopping and asking us several questions, like whether we have seen suspicious people with weapons,” said a fisherman on condition of anonymity.
Another fisherman said they had been issued with special identity cards, which they were required to produce while out at sea. Somalia’s al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgents have denied killing the British tourist and kidnapping his wife. The couple was attacked minutes after midnight on Saturday at the exclusive Kiwayu Safari Village, a private tourist resort in Kiunga. Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere said they were the only guests at the resort.
http://www.nation.co.ke/News/
Kenya and Britain intensify search for abducted tourist
14 Sept – Source: Al Shahid – 299 words
Kenya and British authorities have intensified search for a kidnapped British woman whose husband was killed at a luxury resort near the Somali border. A team from Scotland Yard joined the hunt for kidnapped holidaymaker Judith Tebbutt in Kenya yesterday. They are also taking part in the investigation into her husband’s murder.
An anti-terrorism officer told Reuters that the attackers were part of a larger gang and took advantage of light security at the Kenya-Somalia maritime border. “Preliminary investigations and communications we had been between us and experts from Interpol and other relevant agencies indicate that the gunmen seem to be acting on orders from a larger group of militia men,” said the anti-terrorism source, which declined to be named.
Sources in Kenya say social worker Judith, 56, was taken to Kismayo, in Somalia, on Monday after being bundled into a boat by masked gunmen. The British couples were the only guests at the Kiwayu Safari Village when as many as six raiders struck in the early hours of Sunday morning. Meanwhile, a Kenyan arrested over the kidnap has told police he was the “inside man” used by the Somali gunmen.
Maintenance worker Ali Babitu, said to be in his 30s, is a former employee of the luxury Kiwayu Safari Village resort and has extensive knowledge of its grounds. Yesterday we revealed how the six-man gang who snatched Judith from the resort and shot dead her husband David on Saturday had been tipped off by staff. But Babitu claims he only gave the hostage-takers the information after being held at gunpoint for 16 hours.
A police source said yesterday: “Babitu said he was taken captive by the bandits and spent several hours as a hostage. They knew he had worked at the hotel and waited until dark before forcing him to lead them to the beach huts.”
http://english.alshahid.net/
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Somali leader calls for int’l support
15 Sept – Source: China Daily – 1213 words
Somalia’s Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali on Wednesday called for increased international support for Somalia as the Horn of Africa country faces the interconnected challenges of developing political institutions, expanding peace and security, and mitigating the impacts of a devastating famine.
“Today, Somalia faces two alternative futures,” Ali said at an open meeting of the UN Security Council. “One is where the humanitarian relief effort is stepped up, the international support force of AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia) grows and can support the Somali Police and Army in building on the security gains made so far.”
“At the same time, this enables the political journey to be taken to revitalize and strengthen the Somali state. The alternative, however, spells dire consequences for the state,” he said. Also at the Council meeting, Augustine Mahiga, the special representative of the UN secretarygeneral for Somalia, echoed Ali’s idea that the troubled country is currently at a significant crossroads in its history.
“The situation remains fragile and tenuous but we have a golden opportunity to end the transition to stabilize Somalia,” said Mahiga. “I appeal to the Council to send an unequivocal message of encouragement to the Somali leadership while simultaneously putting them on notice that there can be no return to political bickering.”
The moment of opportunity has been prompted in part by the withdrawal of Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab from Mogadishu in August. Shabaab and other militant groups had been fighting the forces of the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and AMISOM in Mogadishu, which has helped prevent the formation of a truly unified and permanent national government.
The ongoing attempts to create a viable government took what Mahiga called “a great step forward” when officials convened at the Consultative Meeting on Ending the Transition in Somalia, held in Mogadishu from September 4-6. “It is different from previous efforts because this time there is a broad-based consensus and political commitment to end the transition,” he said of the meeting. “In addition, there are agreed upon benchmarks and time lines to be fulfilled.”
Ali also expressed enthusiasm about the success of the meeting and said that it will provide clear goals to “ensure the return of permanent government in August next year.” Somalia is on its way to achieving objectives laid out in a roadmap it has endorsed for building stable and permanent government institutions, he said. “Critically, my government is committed to implementing the roadmap and delivering the priority tasks of security, the constitution, reconciliation and good governance by 20 August 2012, ” Ali said.
He added that Somalia is already in the process of appointing a committee to help draft a national constitution, and is creating an annual budget and anti-corruption commission. “The international community must immediately provide resources to the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) and other implementing partners in order to ensure that we capitalize on the substantial political investment that has earned us all this moment of optimism and hope,” Mahiga said. International partners must also capitalize on important changes on the security front in Somalia, according to Mahiga.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/
Somalia’s al Shabaab says it did not kidnap Briton
14 Sept – Source: Reuters – 236 words
Somali Islamist rebel group al Shabaab said on Wednesday it was not behind the kidnapping of a British woman from a luxury Kenyan beach resort, and Britain said it as working hard to secure her release.
Unidentified gunmen raided the remote Kiwayu Safari Village in the early hours of Sunday, shooting dead publishing executive David Tebbutt, 58, and taking hostage his wife Judith, 56, before escaping by boat.
“Al Shabaab has not abducted any Briton from Kenya. We believe bandits carried out the attack,” a senior official of the al Qaeda-linked group told Reuters by telephone from an undisclosed location. “We shall release a statement later that al Shabaab is not involved,” the rebel official said.
An al Shabaab recruitment officer in Kismayu, 200 km (120 miles) north of the Kenyan border, said Judith Tebbutt had been brought to the port city on Tuesday but her whereabouts were now unknown.
She said the attack had been carried out by militia fighters normally sympathetic to al Shabaab but on this occasion funded by local pirate financiers.
“Pirate investors provided a boat and weapons for the raid. The pirate gang wants now to demand a ransom but al Shabaab are against the idea,” said the rebel recruiter, who is married to a senior al Shabaab commander. She said she received the information by telephone from al Shabaab’s top administration official in Kismayu, the nerve centre for the rebels’ operations in southern Somalia.
http://af.reuters.com/article/
Measles epidemic hits Mogadishu
14 Sept – Source: ABC News – 333 words
On our first trip back to Somalia since the end of July, we head toward the newest center of gravity in this crisis, Mogadishu’s hospital. The problem is no longer just the famine; it’s what comes with it when hunger weakens children’s tiny frames. There is a crowd of people outside Banadir Hospital and measles is one of the main reasons parents are bringing their children. Inside the hospital, there is a crush of families waiting for help.
Dr. Shafie Gimal, one of only four doctors seeing children, a total of 300 every day, says the hospital has seen six times the number of measles cases this year than last. Gimal takes us upstairs toward the quarantined rooms, where they are desperately trying to keep the measles from spreading, and shows us the one decades-old X-ray machine the hospital has.
Then we get to one of those quarantined rooms and see a boy with glassy eyes. His forehead is burning and he has a horrendous cough. His older sister sits with him in bed. The doctor assures us that the boy will be fine. “I am very happy … because he’s here in the hospital,” the boy’s sister tells us.
In the U.S., children have been getting the MMR vaccine to prevent measles since the late 1960s. But here, there are no proper vaccinations because there is no real government. There hasn’t been one in 20 years — leaving an often violent power vacuum. The power struggle has made it impossible to break the cycle of famine. But inside the tiny clinics all over Somalia we discover a race playing out. Humanitarian workers are risking their lives to offer free vaccinations.
We visit a clinic where Somali mothers have lined up because they know this is one of the few places where they can actually get vaccines for their children. It is a line of defense built one baby at a time. “No one should be dying of measles in this day and age,” says Dawn Blalock, A U.N. humanitarian worker from California.
http://abcnews.go.com/