19 Sept 2011 – Daily Monitoring Report
Key Headlines:
- Mogadishu mayor calls anti-al Shabaab revolution
- Turkish emergency ambulances start to operate in Mogadishu
- Somali court martial executes 15 soldiers
- Police discover explosive devices in Mogadishu districts
- Al Shabaab pulls out of Bohol Bashir Bay region
- PIC presents Kuwait Red Crescent with ambulances to serve Somalia
- Office of the mayor of Istambul conducts fundraising for Somalia
- Fundraising pitfalls: Somalia still needs us
SOMALI MEDIA
Somali court martial executes 15 soldiers
18 Sept – Source: Radio Mogadishu, SONNA – 147 words
The Somali Military Court martial has issued various sentences to more than 15 government soldiers who were found guilty of crimes. At least six TFG forces were sentenced to death after being found guilty of killing a fellow soldier in Wadajir district.
Somali Court martial Supreme Court prosecutor Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Mohamed Hussein, addressing the media, said that the executions carried out by the martial court were in accordance with the rules set by the Somali military adding that there were many other pending cases in the court awaiting judgment.
The court prosecutor also pointed out that the court will endeavor to bring the crime perpetrators to justice with regard to free and fair hearing. The Supreme Court Prosecutor also called on the forces in the frontlines and those patrolling business hubs not to engage in looting warning them that they risk facing the same punishment.
Rights groups’ report on Somalia downplayed, 14 soldiers sentenced to death
18 Sept – Source: Shabelle, AHN, Somaliweyn – 278 words
Somalia’s Military Court Chief downplayed a report by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch on Somalia government’s executions against its soldiers.
Speaking to the reporters in Mogadishu after 14 Somali soldiers were sentenced to capital punishment for murder cases, Hassan Mohamed Hussein, the chief of military court says the government of Somalia does not break any international human rights conventions, denying all allegations by the rights groups.
“The military court’s work is to defend the rights of civilians in conflict zones (Mogadishu) and they are subject to infringement or meaningless killing. Therefore, government is to punish anyone killing or harming the innocent civilians” Mr. Hussein explained. He warned government soldiers against deserting frontlines without superior’s permission.
He charged the report was prepared by individuals relaxing in hotels at the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, saying that they do not know about what is going on inside Somalia. On the occasion, the chief of military court sentenced to death 14 soldiers guilty of murder.
Six of them were found guilty of collectively murdering a Somalia soldier in Mogadishu, the official said.
He also mentioned that eight other soldiers were put on the trial, seven of whom were found guilty of jointly killing a military officer in the capital. Another Somali soldier, who was charged with the same case, has been released after he was acquitted of all charges against him.
“One different case is that a Somali soldier, Abdi Osman Ali raped a famine-displaced woman and also deserted his position at the frontline without permit” he said, pointing out that Ali was given death penalty.
The chief military court noted they never tried anyone charged with crime without lawyer.
http://www.shabelle.net/
Mogadishu mayor calls anti-al Shabaab revolution
19 Sept – Source: Radio RBC – 162 words
The Mayor of Mogadishu, Mohamud Ahmed Nur Tarsan has yesterday called for the residents living in al Shabaab-controlled regions to begin huge revolt similar to those in Arab countries in order to eliminate the al Shabaab group.
“Where are the residents of Jowhar, Bal’ad and Afgoi?. They have to organize anti-al Shabaab rebellion and manage to throw over the bad cruelty of this group” the mayor called in a press conference in his office in Mogadishu.
Mr. Mahamud Tarsan condemned the murdering of two teenagers in Mahaday district in Middle Shabelle region which the extremist group had attacked a day before.
“The people in Lower Shabelle and Middle Shabelle must act like the Arab people who succeeded to change the long time regimes in their states”. He added.
The mayor said that al Shabaab were the biggest cause of the severe famine that hit Somalia this year and that the extremists persist on killing and harassing citizens.
Al Shabaab pulls out of Bohol Bashir, Bay region
19 Sept – Source: Radio Bar-Kulan – 200 words
Al Shabaab militia group has on Sunday night pulled out of Bohol Bashir area in Bay region following reports that government troops were heading towards them, in efforts to topple them from the area.
Locals in the area told Bar-kulan that the rebel group vacated their bases in the area midnight on Sunday and re-established their bases in a nearby area which is said to be just 3 km way from Bohol Bashir settlement.
Al Shabaab’s dramatic pull out of the area comes days after Mohamed Ibrahim Habsade, one of the Somali legislators from the region threatened to drive away the rebel group from Bay and Bakol regions.
Tension has been high in the area for the last couple of weeks, as fighting between TFG troops and al Shabaab militia remained imminent.
In recent weeks, both government troops and al Shabaab militia fighters were building up troops in preparation of imminent fight between them over the control of Bohol Bashir, and other areas in Bay and Bakol regions, including Yurkut and Elbon.
The tension escalated following reports suggesting that government troops in Luq town are making military maneuvers against al Shabaab militia group in those areas, heightening trepidation among the locals.
Office of the mayor of Istambul conducts fundraising for Somalia
18 Sept – Source: Radio Bar-Kulan – 86 words
The office of the mayor of Istambul has started a campaign to raise funds for the Somali people who have been affected by drought and conflict in the horn of Africa region. Reports from the mayor’s office indicate that the money collected so far amounts to $10.7 million. The fundraising operations started after the Turkish Prime Minister Rajab Tayyib Erdogan called upon the people of Turkey to take part in the efforts aimed at helping the Somali people. Somalia has been hit by the worst drought in 60 years.
Somali MP passes away in Mogadishu
18 Sept – Source: Radio Mogadishu,Bar-Kulan, Shabelle, Kulmiye and Risala – 101 words
A Somali female parliamentarian on Saturday night died in Mogadishu. For a week, Ikran Odawa Rage, the deceased MP, was at Mogadishu’s Madina Hospital where she was battling for her health and suffering from an ailment. Rage joined the parliament three years ago when Somalia’s TFG and the opposition group Alliance for Re-liberation of Somalia signed a peace deal in the Djiboutian capital.
Suleiman Mohamed Ibrahim, a Somali lawmaker, spoke to the media and confirmed the death of Rage’s death. Rage is expected to be buried in Mogadishu after funeral services.
Al Shabaab say it will destroy the US, UN
18 Sept – Source: Radio, Shabelle, Kulmiye – 201 words
Al Shabaab on Sunday unveiled that it is committed to destroying the United States and the United Nations. Fu’ad Mohamed Khalaf, a high-ranking al Shabaab officer, said the group will continue its battle against the government of Somalia and then will tear down power of the United States and the UN.
He was speaking at a seminar held for some elders from Digil and Mirifle clans in Marka town, about 90 kilometres south of war-ridden Mogadishu. Khalaf said their fighters are committed to dedicating their lives because of that cause.
The comments of the al Shabaab officer comes a month after the group reportedly fled Mogadishu after four year insurgency to dethrone the internationally recognized Somalia government.
He called for the people in Somalia to join in al Shabaab’s struggle against the Somali government and African Union forces in Mogadishu.
More details about British captive held in central Somalia
19 Sept – Source: Shabelle – 131 words
A British woman who was recently abducted from Kenya-Somali border by armed gunmen after killing her husband, has been transferred to Amara area in Galgudud region of central Somalia. Local residents told Shabelle Media Network that heavily armed Somali pirates with battle wagons were spotted at Amara area, adding that the security had been tightened there.
Somali pirates holding Judith Tebbutt were not so far available to comment on the matter.
Tebbutt is believed to be in her mid-fifties and looked exhausted and weak, according to Shabelle. British Prime Minister David Cameron on Wednesday pledged to do everything possible to help find the abducted British woman.
http://www.shabelle.net/
Turkish emergency ambulances start to operate in Mogadishu
18 Sept – Source: Radio Bar-Kulan – 125 words
Meanwhile, five vehicles of emergency issues donated by the goverment of Turkey have started to operate in Mogadishu. The government of Turkey said the vehicles are well-equipped and have been sent to Mogadishu to save the lives of the Somali people. The vehicles have already started to operate in the city. Five vehicles of emergency issues donated by the government of Turkey have started to operate in Mogadishu, Somalia.
The government of Turkey said the vehicles are well-equipped and have been sent to Mogadishu to save the lives of the Somali people. The vehicles are five in number and have already started their operations in Mogadishu. The Ministry of Health of Turkey said the vehicles will take part in the emergency operations in the city Mogadishu.
Elders accuse Puntland of not fighting Pirates
19 Sept – Source: Somali report – 80 words
A number of elders from Puntland criticized President Abdurahman Mohammed Faroole and his government for not taking appropriate actions to stop piracy in the region.
“What is going on our land is that pirates number is increasing day after day and it affects us in different ways – economically and (in terms of) security. As elders we are condemning the Puntland president and his administration” said Ali Said Awl, spokesman for traditional elders.
Police discover explosive devices in Mogadishu districts
18 Sept – Source: Radio Mogadishu – 162 words
Locals and police in Yakshid and Wardhigley districts of Banadir region have for the second day running embarked on search operations that have seen the removal of dozens of land mines in the areas that were freed from al Shabaab.
Locals in these two districts turned out in large numbers to witness the explosive devices that were found by the Somali government forces that have embarked in search operations in the capital in a bid to free the people of Somalia from al Shabaab and their effects.
Banadir Central Police Commander, Garad Noor Abdulle told journalists that the Somali police managed to learn of the presence of explosive devices and rushed to the scene and immediately detonated them. The central police commander said that the police will continue to monitor all the areas vacated by al Shabaab and appealed to the locals to tip off the police whenever they see elements that might pose threat to the Somali people.
Somaliland Foreign Affairs Minister in visit to the USA
18 Sept – Source: Somaliland Press – 255 words
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Somaliland, Dr. Mohamed Abdullahi Omar along with distinguished representatives of United States Foreign Affairs ministry, USAID as well as other notable guests took part in an event hosted by International Republican Institute (IRI) a non-profit, impartial organization that involves freedom and democracy worldwide by providing fair and open elections, democratic governance, civic institutions and the rule of law.
The meeting moderated by Dr. J. Peter Pham and Director of the Michael S. Ansari Africa Centre at the Atlantic Council, Dr. Omar drew attention to the accomplishment of Somaliland en route for democracy, free and fair elections, fighting terrorism as well as piracy, working on a flourishing economy and so forth.
The Somaliland minster also briefly addressed the tribulations facing the Horn of Africa and how it could affect Somaliland. Although Somaliland survived the famine wave which wreaks havoc on its neighbouring countries, Dr. Omar forewarned that augmented foreign support is vital in order for Somaliland to survive this cataclysmic outbreak.
http://somalilandpress.com/
Al Shabaab charged with selling aid in the markets
19 Sept – Source: Shabelle – 132 words
The TFG’s administration of Banadir region has accused the al Shabaab movement of selling food aid destined to help Somalia’s famine victims.
Mohamoud Ahmed Nur Tarzan, Mogadishu mayor and the governor of Banadir region told the local media that aid was recently delivered to the areas controlled by al Shabaab.
Tarzan said the primary aim of the rebel group is doing so to prolong protracted battles against the government of Somalia. He went to said that al Shabaab use the food to feed their fighters and for other political games.
http://www.shabelle.net/
Puntland prepares new invasion against Galkacyo
18 Sept – Source: Raxanreeb – 239 words
Puntland forces are preparing a new invasion against Galkacyo town in the central region of Mudug where clan-based clashes occurred early this month, sources tell RBC Radio.
Senior ministers close to Puntland’s presidency confirmed to RBC Radio that president Abdurahman Mohamed Farole has decided to invade Galkacyo’s north village of Garsor following the regime’s failure of the last attack against the town.
The ministers said that the preparation of Farole’s invasion has been undergoing in Garowe, the state’s capital and even in Galkacyo as president Farole managed to recruit his clan fellow men to use for this new invasion.
On September 1st, forces loyal to president Farole launched an attack against the residents of Galkacyo’s Garsor village killing at least 68 civilians and 150 others injured. The Puntland presidency unfortunately claimed that it fought against al Shabaab to confuse the media and the international community.
The new invasion of Farole’s regime emerges as peace talks between Galkacyo clans are continuing in the town, with traditional elders and religious men involved in the meditation between the warring sides. Galkacyo traditional elders warned that the new invasion from Garowe will then become a serious backlash to ongoing talks and will undermine the peace efforts.
http://www.raxanreeb.com/?p=
REGIONAL MEDIA
Mogadishu after four years of al Shabaab
18 Sept – Source: Daily Monitor – 506 words
When Mogadishu was often described as the world’s most dangerous place, it was not an exaggeration. If it were not daily fighting on the streets, or suicide bombers, it would be car bombs and snipers killing civilians and peacekeepers.
But with the withdrawal of rebel outfit al Shabaab from the rubble-strewn city, life seems to be slowly returning to normal. Together with the shaky troops of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, the African Union force – made up of 6,000 Ugandan troops and 3,000 Burundian troops – recently secured 97 per cent of Mogadishu from Al Shabaab and its allies, Hizbul Islam.
Kiosks are now coming up and streets are getting lit for the first time in 20 years. Coffee shops are open until mid-night, something that had never happened for decades. Efforts to remove the rubble that had heaped for 20 years are ongoing with women dressed in yellow gowns and hijabs, employed by the city authorities, sweeping the main streets.
These women had become a target of al shabaab. The insurgents would stealthily plant improvised explosive devices in the garbage which killed many of these women, leading them to abandon the cleaning exercise.
Dilapidated buildings are getting facelifts, and new ones are under construction, a sign that the owners have hope of a bright future.
The mayor of Mogadishu, Mr Mohamed Ahmed Noor, who returned to Mogadishu after 25 years of exile in London, says they are using thermal power generated by the local companies to light Mogadishu.
He says government has agreed to give 15per cent of the revenue collected from the Seaport to rehabilitate the city.
http://www.monitor.co.ug/
Al Shabaab recruit train in Mombassa
17 Sept – Source: Nairobi Star – 879 words
A Yemeni terror suspect arrested by the Anti Terrorism Police Unit in May has revealed how a Kenyan is recruiting both locals and foreigners to fight for al Shabaab. Fifteen Yemenis, Somalis and a Pakistani were recruited into Al Shabaab and smuggled into Kenya for training and indoctrination earlier this year.
In May, Yemeni national Ally Abdulrasoul, 29 years, was arrested by ATPU with four other suspects at a roadblock at the Sabaki bridge on their way to Somalia via the Lamu Kiunga border.
Recruits are assembled by a Yemeni named as Sheikh Al Bashir of Sheher in Hadramout province before being transported by boat to Kenya to undergo intensive training at the coast before going to Somalia. Ally told police that he received training for guns, grenades and first aid from a Kenyan man in Mombasa mainland.
They were also taught self-defence and how to immobilize an enemy by hitting them on the back of the neck or head. Ally said the 15 recruits including six Yemenis and four Somalis embarked on the treacherous two day voyage from the Yemeni port of Quisayer on March 1. “We were six Yemenis namely Abdul, Hassan, Abubakar Turbo, Abdulatif, Takque, Zargah, Salim Abdulrazak and one I cannot remember. Faud Ajlan escorted us to the boat and our journey started. The boat was wooden and had Arabic writing Al Barak. The captain was Ismail and had a crew of five,” Abdulrasoul told ATPU detectives in his statement on May 11.
The boat first stopped in the deep ocean to deliver ten 200 litre diesel tanks to armed militia before sailing to Kenyan waters. “When we arrived in Kenya territory, the captain said that we stop in the deep sea to avoid the Kenyan Navy patrol as we wait for smaller boat to ferry us to Kiunga. Some small boat came with people who looked like fishermen and took us to the shores and there was someone waiting with flash lights. We went with him to a house thatched with grass and were told to relax. That was between 10pm and 11pm,” the suspect said in his statement.
Abdulrasoul said that later a lanky bearded man introduced himself as Abdul and told them he would be taking them on a two day journey to Mombasa. To evade police roadblock checks, the suspects disguised themselves as a wedding convoy. “Abdul gave us khat and chewing gum and instructed us to start chewing in order to avoid being noticed by police. We all boarded a Nissan with heavy music and some locals with drums pretending to be coming from a wedding. The road was rough and we passed two check points which we passed through without being detected although the driver gave out some cash to facilitate smooth movement,” the suspect told police.
http://www.the-star.co.ke/
Ugandan senior army officers promoted
18 Sept – Source: Daily Monitor – 336 words
President Museveni has promoted nine senior UPDF officers in the latest changes announced on Friday, military sources said. In the new changes, eight Colonels have been promoted to the rank of Brigadier and one Brigadier to the rank of Major General.
The army Joint Chief of Staff, Brig. Robert Rusoke, is now a Major General, while the commander of Ugandan Contingent in Somalia, Col. Paul Lokech is now a Brigadier. Col.
Lokech’s promotion could be seen as a reward for successful UPDF operations that flushed out the Somali insurgents out of Mogadishu. Al Shabaab made a surprise withdrawal from the wartorn capital in July, following intense fighting with the peacekeepers.
http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/
PIC presents Kuwait red crescent with ambulances to serve Somalia
19 Sept – Source: Kuwait News Agency – 220 words
Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC) presented Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) with two fully-equipped ambulances that would be used to serve the Somali people. The initiative, a representative said on Monday, comes in line with the company’s social responsibility gestures. PIC Communications and Services Director Abdelhadi Al-Hajri said such gestures by civil community bodies and corporate bodies in support of humanitarian aid and action are very common in Kuwait and elsewhere and gaining in momentum. The company sought to cooperate with KRCS in view of its great record of credibility and willingness and pioneering in humanitarian action across the world, Al-Hajri added.
KRCS Administrative Affairs Director Nabil Al-Hafiz meanwhile stressed such gestures are valuable and greatly support the society in meeting its objectives and fulfilling its mission wherever need arise. The society would continue to come up with programs and initiatives that meet the donors’ expectations and guides them in their efforts to help those in need.
The public campaign in support of Somalia organized recently was “a raving success,” he said, and garnered great donations from individuals and corporate bodies alike.
Kuwait Red Crescent Society was one of the first Arab aid groups to launch efforts in Somalia and organized aid programs and activities to address famine and drought, which is affecting the majority of the countries in the region.
http://www.kuna.net.kw/
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Global terrorism Africa networks a growing threat
19 Sept – Source: Water town daily times – 206 words
America’s military campaign against al-Qaeda and other Islamic extremists has concentrated on networks in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Several top al-Qaeda leaders, including Osama bin Laden, have been captured or killed, diminishing al-Qaeda capabilities. However, U.S. military leaders are sounding warnings about the emerging terrorist threat in Africa.
Gen. Carter F. Ham, the top officer at Africa Command, cited three terrorist organization based in Africa that “have very explicitly and publicly voiced an intent to target Westerners, and the U.S. specifically.” They are the Shabab in Somalia, al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb in northern Africa and Boko Haram in northern Nigeria.
Gen. Ham questioned their capability to attack outside their homelands, but he said, they have expressed intentions to “more closely collaborate and synchronize their efforts.”
“Each of these three independently presents a significant threat not only in nations in which they primarily operate, but regionally — and I think they present a threat to the United States,” he said. For now, U.S. military involvement is limited; special forces like the Green Berets are helping to train African armies. “What we seek to enable are African solutions to African security challenges,” Gen. Ham said. As America winds down two wars, it isn’t ready to embark on another.
http://www.
Girls aid Somalia
19 Sept – Source: Matlockmercury -116 words
Eleven-year-old Matlock girls Anna Thompson and Georgina East are hosting a sale in aid of Somalia famine victims.
The Oxfam event to raise money for people in East Africa affected by the drought, will be taking place outside 8 Hurds Hollow in Matlock between 10am and 12noon on Saturday.
Anna said: “We felt really sad when we heard about the children who didn’t have enough food to eat and we decided to sell some of our old things to help raise money for the appeal.”
Georgina added: “We’d really like as many people as possible to come along. They would be helping us to raise money and there are some really nice things for sale too.”
http://www.matlockmercury.co.
BLOGS, CULTURE AND EDITORIALS
Fundraising pitfalls: Somalia still needs us
19 Sept – Source: The globe and mail – 774 words
The Canadian International Development Agency ended its “matching” arrangement for donations to the East Africa Drought Relief Fund. Two days earlier, International Co-operation Minister Bev Oda took to the airwaves, a bit like a carnival barker, saying there were “only two days left,” and she posted a similar note on CIDA’s website.
Nobody explained the importance of Sept 16. Was it expected to rain in Somalia that day? Had the planes at last arrived? Had crops suddenly sprouted? Was it because the public response was so great that the government could not afford to extend the deadline? The answer is none of the above. The humanitarian emergency in East Africa continues to grow, and the global response remains woefully inadequate. An estimated $35-million has been raised from the Canadian public so far, but the amount is small in relation to the need, it’s a fraction of the $200-million raised for Haiti and, on a per capita basis, it’s half or less of what’s been raised for Somalia in Britain.
If you gave $50 to your favourite charity, will CIDA give that charity another $50? Maybe, maybe not. CIDA will add up all the money that Canadian charities raised, then put a similar amount into a special fund that it will parcel out to NGOs on the basis of their ability to deliver “timely, effective and appropriate humanitarian assistance.” This makes sense, sort of. What doesn’t make sense is that CIDA won’t distribute any of its contribution money until the final tally is in. Timely? Not so much.
Because NGOs raised only $35-million, does that mean CIDA will have only $35-million more to spend on the drought? Not at all. CIDA has already pledged $72-million in response to the crisis, there’ll undoubtedly be more. A significant proportion of this, perhaps as much as two-thirds, will be channelled one way or another through NGOs, because they’re the ones at the front. Some of the money will be given to them directly by CIDA; some will go to United Nations agencies and they, in turn, will engage NGOs in Africa to deliver the food and medicine, run camps, build infrastructure and provide water and sanitation.