June 18, 2015 | Daily Monitoring Report
Somalia Thwarts Al-Shabaab Attack On Conference, But 7 killed
18 June – Source – News 24 – 218 Words
Mogadishu – Somali security forces on Thursday foiled a suicide attack by the Islamist group al-Shabaab, killing four of its members who were targeting a regional conference, a spokesperson for the national intelligence agency said. Three Somali soldiers were also killed, said a senior security source who asked not to be named. A suicide car bomber tried to get into a heavily guarded compound in the central town of Adado, where a conference was being held to adopt a constitution for the Galguduud and Mudug regions, said Mohamed Osman Yusuf, a spokesperson for the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency.
“Security forces who were outside of the compound shot at the suicide car bomber, preventing him from reaching … the conference hall,” he said. Three other al-Shabaab fighters wearing Somali military uniforms were also fatally shot as they tried to storm the conference, Yusuf said. Three soldiers were killed in the shootout. Yusuf said. Galguduud and Mudug are in the process of creating a new state, which would form part of an emerging federal system in Somalia. It already includes the states of Puntland, Jubaland, South-West State and the breakaway Somaliland.
Key Headlines
- Somalia Thwarts Al-Shabaab Attack On Conference But 7 killed (News 24)
- Al-Shabaab Claims Responsibility For Adaado Attack (Wacaal Media)
- Ramadan In Mogadishu: A Fearful Month Ahead (Hiiraan Online)
- Security Measures To Be Introduced In Garowe ( RBC Radio)
- Nugaal University Computer Science Students Create Intranet And E-Learning Platform (RBC Radio)
- The New Police Unit That Has Got Mogadishu Talking (Somali Current)
- Ethiopia Prime Minister Says Consolidates Efforts To Bring Peace To Somalia (Mareeg Media)
- The Cost Of A Cigarette In Somalia (Malta Today)
- Maine’s Newest Entrepreneurs Thriving Despite Obstacles (MPBN New)
PRESS STATEMENT
AU Special Representative Extends Best Ramadan Wishes To The Somali People
18 June – Source: AMISOM – 182 Words
The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Maman Sidikou extends his wishes to the Somali people, as the holy month of Ramadan begins.
“On behalf of the African Union, I wish our Somali brothers and sisters a peaceful and blessed holy month of Ramadan. This is a time of prayer and reflection, a season of extending kindness to the less fortunate and working towards the common good in our communities,” said Ambassador Maman Sidikou.
The AU Special Representative reiterated AMISOM’s continued commitment to supporting the peace process in the country. He noted that as the country observes this year’s fasting period, remarkable progress has been made both on the political as well as on the security fronts citing the defeat of Al-Shabaab terror group from most of south-central Somalia and the establishment of regional administrations as examples. Ambassador Sidikou assured that AMISOM will continue working closely with Somali security forces during this period to ensure the safety and security of the Somali people.
UN Special Representative For Somalia Wishes Somalis ‘Ramadan Kareem’
18 June – Source: UNSOM – 136 Words
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, today extended his best wishes to all Somali people as the holy month of Ramadan begins.
“As Somalis join Muslims around the world to observe the holy month, I want to offer you greetings from the United Nations family in Somalia,” said SRSG Kay. “Ramadan is a time for families and communities to share the happiness of gathering together for iftar and prayers and to remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves.”
“During this special season, we are reminded that peace, equality and compassion unite us, and are far stronger than anything that divides us,” said SRSG Kay. Along with my United Nations colleagues in Somalia, I wish all Somali people and their families a peaceful and blessed month. Ramadan Kareem. Ramadan wanaagsan.”
NATIONAL MEDIA
Al-Shabaab Claims Responsibility For Adaado Attack
18 June – Source: Wacaal Media – 121 Words
Somali militants Al-shabaab have claimed responsibility for Thursday morning’s attack on the venue of the Adaado conference. Speaking to pro Al-Shabaab media, spokesman Sheikh Abdiaziz Abu Musab said that they were behind the attack and the mission was successful as several members of the Ethiopian forces guarding the venue were killed. These claims were however refuted by the Federal government’s security ministry which said it was only the attackers that perished in the incident. Head of the conference Mrs. Halima Yare confirmed that all the delegates and security forces guarding the area were safe. The attack confirms intelligence reports that the militants were planning increased attacks in the Holy month of Ramadan which began today.
Security Measures To Be Introduced In Garowe
18 June – Source: RBC Radio – 100 Words
Since the suicide bombing that killed UN workers in Garowe this year, Garowe district administration has been looking into ways to beef up security. One of the security measures Garowe Mayor Ahmed Said Gelle disclosed today is district-wide searches of houses and business premises in Garowe, the seat of Puntland State government. The security committee of Garowe chaired by the Mayor discussed security measures as the Holy Month of Ramadan begins on Thursday to prevent terrorist attacks against the public or government. The former Puntland administration enacted a district law obligating landlords not to rent out rooms to unknown people.
Ramadan In Mogadishu: A Fearful Month Ahead
18 June – Source: Hiiraan Online – 606 Words
The Holy month of Ramadan has started and for all Muslims it is a time of contemplation, sacrifice and character building. Ramadan is indeed a joyous month for all Muslims and its rewards are infinite in Islam. The month of Ramadan is also a month of peace and quiet contemplation for all Muslims observing the compulsory fasting. However in Somalia, the quiet contemplation is overshadowed by the continuous and genuine security concerns by many citizens. Last Ramadan the terrorists group Al-Shabaab carried out assassinations of many civil servants in broad daylight and even stormed the Presidential compound, Villa Somalia. This year, most of the public expect the same level of terrorist activities, if not more. “Al-Shabaab has been silent for nearly two months now and I feel they are preparing for a big offensive in Ramadan,” said a Mogadishu business owner who did not want to be named. Another businessman who owns a store on the busy Maka-Al-Mukarama road, and again did not want to be named, went on to outline the measures he and some of his colleagues on the same street were taking to secure their businesses against attacks. “This Ramadan we are not allowing cars to park outside our shops and we have installed a CCTV camera to record all activities in the shops,” he said. “Al-Shabaab today does not differentiate between civilians and government and this worries us all.” Many who spoke to Hiiraan Online admitted they were more frightened in this Holy month of Ramadan than any other time of the year. Most stated that because of the ideological indoctrination of Al-Shabaab fighters they would intensify their violence against both the Government and general public.
“How can you stop someone who believes the heavens are open and he is going to go there directly if he dies in the month of Ramadan in Jihad against the government?” asked Mohamed Isse, a school teacher in Mogadishu. “We are very scared definitely and we must be more cautious in this month for our security.” Yesterday in a show of force, Police officers marched the length of the Maka-Al-Mukarama road accompanied by other national security agencies to instil confidence in the public of the government’s security measures for the Holy month of Ramadan. While the display was impressive, many citizens were still not convinced. “I think the government will try its best but even they cannot defend themselves against Al-Shabaab properly so I will worry,” said a street vendor who watched the procession yesterday with amusement. “The fact is that government soldiers and police officers have not had salaries for nearly 4 months and they need incentives to continue sacrificing for us,” said Ahmed Muhumad Warsame, a self employed electrician. “What can we expect from these people we don’t pay properly?” “The Somali Government and its security forces are doing and will do all they can to protect their citizens during this month of joy,” said a senior police source who did not want to be named. However, he added that the lack of salaries, increased public fear and low morale within the security and police is a concern. Despite the heightened fear and perceived increased security challenges, the people of Somalia welcome Ramadan and intend to benefit fully from its goodness. “We are fasting to please Allah and we are doing what our beloved Prophet Mohammed instructed us to do to be closer to our creator. We will trust Allah to protect us in this wonderful month,” said Jama Elmi Mumin, a medical student at Mogadishu University.
Nugaal University Computer Science Students Create Intranet And E-Learning Platform
18 June – Source: RBC Radio -126 Words
Nugaal University computer science students have designed and successfully tested an intranet for students and lecturers. Students have introduced the intranet as a project to defend their theses. The Intranet will enable students to check examination results or download lecture notes without coming to the the university campus. Lecturers can access the intranet or communicate with students through it. “Accessing the intranet regularly is important to us. It will show that our work has born fruits” said one of the students who designed the university intranet. Nugaal University was established in 2004 “with the purpose of providing higher education to the residents of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn.” In addition, Nugaal University computer science students have introduced an e-learning platform as a part of their graduation project.
The New Police Unit That Has Got Mogadishu Talking
17 June – Source: Somali Current – 181 Words
Well-trained and looking sophisticated, a new police unit specially trained to combat Al-Shabaab yesterday showcased a well-orchestrated march, telling the militant group Al-Shabab that they are there to defend the country. In a show of might, the unit displayed their skills and weaponry as they marched from 0Km to 4KM in Mogadishu. The public couldn’t help but cheer them on as the new police unit walked side-by-side with a police band playing the national anthem and an “enticing” tune to boost their morale. The national police commander, General Mohamed Sheikh Hassan said the unit was prepared to shield any attack by Al Shabab over the holy of month of Ramadan. “The aim of this march today is to re-assure the resident of Mogadishu that they are secure and the security forces are prepared to repulse any group that tries to shake the peace of the city,” he assured. The new police unit and Amisom are charged with maintaining security and order in the city
Ethiopia Prime Minister Says Consolidates Efforts To Bring Peace To Somalia
17 June – Source: Mareeg Media – 108 Words
Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said Ethiopia will consolidate its efforts to build peace and stability in Somalia in collaboration with neighboring countries. While conferring with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Johannesburg, Hailemariam said unity among the Somali people is important to bring durable peace to the country. Hailemariam said the fight against Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda affiliated group in Somalia will continue so as to bring peace and stability to Somalia and the region in general. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said with cooperation of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the national army, Al-Shabaab has been driven out of areas which were under its control.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
The Cost Of A Cigarette In Somalia
18 June – Source: Malta Today – 686 Words
Meet Muusu: some 1 billion people worldwide smoke at least one cigarette a day. But in some parts of Somalia, where Al Shabaab rules, smoking can be a particularly dangerous affair. One night a few years back, two hooded men kidnapped Muusu, then a 19-year old man, and brought him to a nearby hut where they intended to chop off his hand. He was guilty of selling cigarettes. Up till then, Muusu’s life was a fairly normal one. Muusu was born in a family of five in a tiny village (“smaller than Hal Safi” – the place where he now lives) close to the Ethiopian border. His father died of natural causes when Muusu was still very young. Being the eldest sibling, he took the responsibility of his family on his shoulders and he opened a small shop, selling cigarettes. He was himself a heavy smoker at the time. “Cigarettes and coffee are part of the Somali culture,” Muusu said while sitting on a bench in Floriana, far away from his old hometown. In fact he used to sell quite a few cigarettes – it was the family’s main source of income. Life in his hometown had changed very quickly once Al Shabaab took over. A number of social activities were banned. “If you sell cigarettes and alcohol, you are not Muslim they said,” Muusu recounts, “They have their own rules. They do not believe in our religion and way of life.” “I didn’t obey,” Muusu said, even though he closed his shop for fear of retaliation but instead kept selling them on the streets. “It was my only way to help my mother and brother.”
But one day he was caught. “We know you are still selling them…I don’t sell cigarettes.” “We know you are selling cigarettes. You are young. If you want to help your family, join us. We’ll give you a gun. We’ll give you everything.” “I refused,” Muusu said. At night they came for him. He was walking on his way home, when he felt hands pushing him down to the ground. They were two hooded men from Al Shabaab. He could only see their eyes staring at him as they dragged him to a hut. He was waiting to get his punishment – his hand was to be chopped. “I was very afraid. I did not know them. I was going to get punished,” Muusu said. Somehow he found the strength to escape his confinement. However, as he attempted to run he was noticed by the guards. They shot him in the arm. He was left unconscious on the ground until he was found by his uncle who drove him to a hospital in Ethiopia. His arm was in a very bad condition and the doctor had no choice but to amputate. The next 40 days at the hospital he was staring at what was left of his limb. “I stopped smoking. It reminds me of my missing arm when I smoke,” he said. He returned to his village only to be warned by his mother. “Why did you come back? Al Shabaab is looking for you. You cannot come back,” his mother told him.
Maine’s Newest Entrepreneurs Thriving, Despite Obstacles
18 June – Source: MPBN News – 642 Words
All this week, immigrants and refugees around the world have been observing celebrations in honor of World Refugee Day this Saturday. It’s a day to honor the courage, struggles and contributions of more than 15 million refugees displaced by war and persecution. Thousands of them have come to Maine to rebuild their lives. Andon Tuesday night in Lewiston several of them opened the doors of their businesses in the place they now call home. The first thing Hussein Ahmed wants you to know about immigrants and refugees is that, contrary to what you might hear, they are not a burden. Rather, he says, they are an asset. All you have to do is look around the city of Lewiston.
“We have our footprints in our schools,” he says. “We have in the workforce, in the home ownership. We have in the downtown businesses that are thriving, and we are part of that. We are, really, the face of our community.” It’s a community that now includes about 6,000 refugees from Somalia and other parts of Africa who arrived more than a decade ago in the Lewiston-Auburn area. In Lewiston, an entire city block on both sides of a formerly empty street is now home to Somali-owned businesses, such as Ahmed’s store, the Global Halal Market. Ahmed employs several workers and sells a variety of products including milk, soda, tortillas and dates – something for everyone, he says. “We want the larger community to feel very safe in our stores and at least carry a product that is reflective of the community we have in Lewiston-Auburn,” he says.
Like so many refugees, Ahmed says he arrived in the United States with no money and speaking very little English. But he says he worked hard to learn the language, got a job at a call center, despite his heavy accent, and eventually went to college. He saved his money and now owns property and runs a business. Down the street, it’s the same story for Shukri Abasheikh who came to Lewiston in 2002. “Why I open a store is, first of all, I like (to) become a success and self-employed (sic). And I don’t want to take welfare. Always my dream is to open a store.” Abasheikh arrived here with eight children, speaking no English. Her first job was as a janitor at Lewiston High School, and she says she liked it – a lot. “I clean floor, bathroom. I am happy because I need always my own money. I don’t want to sleep and take money.”
OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTUR
“This is the holiest month and we have been waiting for it…We hope to have a peaceful Ramadaan celebration…and we pray to God to make it easy for us.”
Somalis Prepare To Observe Holy Month Of Ramadan
18 June – Source: AMISOM – Video – 4:28 Minutes
The Muslim Holy month of Ramadan is here again and Mogadishu today saw a buzz of activity, as Somalis did shopping to stock up food and supplies for the month long fasting.
TOP TWEETS
@Tuuryare_Africa #Somalia leader, Hassan Sheikh extends his best wishes to all Somali people as the holy month of#Ramadan
@The_EastAfrican UN, African Union upbeat on #Somaliamilitarily, not politically http://bit.ly/1L1UGnS
@SalahOsman0 #Somalia security forces don’t only make security operations but provide free medical check n donate money 2 the poor
@HarunMaruf #Somalia: On the 1st day of Ramadan an Al-#Shabab suicide bomber’s car exploded near the venue of Central Regions conference hall.
@Fatumaabdulahi #Ramadan
@UNDP #ClimateAction is vital in #Somalia where 70% of pple rely on agricultural & livestock work:http://on.undp.org/Ojw8U
IMAGE OF THE DAY
Somalis join Muslims around the world to start the holy month of Ramadan.
Photo: UNSOM