August 13, 2015 | Morning Headlines
Oversight Committee To Investigate Civilian Deaths In Southern Somalia
12 August – Source: Garowe Online – 202 Words
Joint oversight committee which would have representatives from Somalia Federal Government and African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) is set to launch investigations into allegations of civilian deaths in the hands of AMISOM troops in Lower Shabelle region. The parliamentary sub-committee on Defence discussed the formation of the oversight committee with the head of AMISOM Maman Sidikou, his deputy and AMISOM Force Commander Jonathan Ronu. The Federal Government commissioners questioned AMISOM leadership on the ongoing offensives against Al-Shabaab militants and civilians killed in Marka.
Hussein Arab Isse, former Defence Minister and the chairman of parliamentary subcommittee briefed the media on the outcome of bilateral discussions, saying the two sides agreed to form a joint committee that will probe the incident. He expressed gratitude for their attendance and acceptance of the fact finding mission. On his side, Sidikou pledged that they will carry on their investigation, a few days after AU mission noted allegations against its troops with serious concern. Two incidents reportedly involving civilian casualties have occurred in Lower Shabelle regional capital of Marka. On Sunday, peacekeepers allegedly opened fire on a bus on Beledweyne-Halgan road, killing five occupants.
Key Headlines
- Oversight Committee To Investigate Civilian Deaths In Southern Somalia (Garowe Online)
- Puntland Government Sues FM Station For Slur (Garowe Online)
- Former Prime Minister Warns Federal Government Leaders Not To Extend Term (Horseed Media)
- Situation In Puntland And Somaliland Still Dire UN Says (Goobjoog News)
- Government Forces Battle In Buurdhuubo In A Case Of Mistaken Identity (Wacaal Media)
- Somalia Inaugurates Its First Bomb Disposal Squad In Decades (Hiiraan Online)
- Somalia Commemorates The World International Youth Day (Horseed Media)
- China Donates Equipment To Uganda For Peacekeeping Mission In Somalia(Xinhua)
- Mogadishu Used To Be Hell. Now It’s Coming Back To life’ (Global Post)
- The Somalia Oil Conundrum: Questionable Deals And Double Salaries (Goobjoog News)
NATIONAL MEDIA
Puntland Government Sues FM Station For Slur
12 August – Source: Garowe Online – 185 Words
Puntland Government in northern Somalia sued FM radio station for faulting official parades on the state’s founding day on August 1, on shortage of funds and lavish spending at the State House, Garowe Online has learned. A letter dated July 29, 2014 and seen by Garowe Online asks Puntland Attorney General to take action against Radio Sahan which broadcasts daily on FM station in the state capital of Garowe. Information Minister, Mohamud Hassan So’adde accused Radio Sahan of spreading invective news alleging that the government failed to hold colorful celebrations due to financial shortfalls.
“The ministry files lawsuit against Radio Sahan after they published something that could amount to slander on their website,” read a letter sent to Attorney General. Radio Sahan allegedly wrote that state funds are squandered on the day-to-day activities at Puntland State House and the hiring of Somali artists for celebrations marking August 1, the date on which Puntland was established. Moreover, Information Ministry blasted Radio Sahan for writing about possible Al-Shabaab attacks. Puntland Media Fraternity hired lawyers to appear before the court alongside the management of the private broadcaster.
Former Prime Minister Warns Federal Government Leaders Not To Extend Term
12 August – Source: Horseed Media – 149 Words
Former Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has warned the country’s Federal Government leaders not to try to extend their terms beyond 2016. Mr Farmajo, who is expected to run for the Presidency in the coming year has said any extension might lead to “civil unrests”. “If the current president thinks of extending his term in office, it will be a major setback and will cause mass protests,’’ he said in an interview with a local radio station. Last month, Somalia’s government leaders ruled out the possibilities of holding national elections due to security and facilities challenges. The move was heavily criticized by the Somali communities and Politicians. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said that he will not seek for term extension. However, there are still fears in many minds and concerns raised by civil rights organizations over recent utterances by political figures calling for an extension to the president’s tenure.
Situation In Puntland And Somaliland Still Dire, UN Says
12 August – Source: Goobjoog News – 317 Words
The newly appointed Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Peter de Clercq, has just completed his first official visit to Puntland and Somaliland. This was his first field visit since arriving in Mogadishu last month. “I am concerned about the increased influx of returnees and Yemeni refugees, which adds to the distress of already fragile social structures in the arrival areas”, de Clercq said. He stressed that addressing their needs will require a concerted and rapid response by international actors and national and local authorities, in order to avert a humanitarian crisis.
“I am however encouraged by the positive spirit of cooperation on the ground between humanitarian organizations and the relevant authorities, and, so far, the mechanisms put in place appear to work well”, he concluded. More than 28,000 people have arrived in Somalia since April, fleeing the conflict in Yemen, including returning Somalis as well as Yemeni refugees. Mr de Clercq visited reception centres in the coastal cities of Berbera and Bosasso, where he saw the newly arrived being registered, provided with food as well as mattresses and blankets, and medical care. At the moment, an estimated 220,000 people are internally displaced in Puntland and Somaliland, with serious needs, including food, water and shelter.
While their conditions are under control due to a relatively good humanitarian response, limited resources, environmental factors and insecurity continue to pose significant challenges. More than 60 humanitarian organizations currently work in Puntland and Somaliland where hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people remain at the mercy of natural phenomena ranging from floods to droughts. The Humanitarian Coordinator discussed the necessary humanitarian response and preparedness measures with local authorities, as well as with national and international humanitarian workers. He emphasized the need for long-term durable solutions to strengthen cooperation and coordination with local authorities and organizations to improve the lives of the most vulnerable.
Government Forces Battle In Buurdhuubo In A Case Of Mistaken Identity
12 August – Source: Wacaal Media – 146 Words
Up to three soldiers sustained injuries after two contingents of armed government forces were involved in a gun battle in a case of mistaken identity in Gedo region. Confirming the incident to Wacaal Media, a senior federal military officer in the region Osman Tuureyle said that the incident happened at a security checkpoint at the entry of Buurdhuubo town. Officers manning the checkpoint thought their approaching colleagues were an approaching enemy and opened fire. “In the ensuing gun battle, three soldiers were injured but luckily the situations was brought under control” said Tuureyle. The town was captured by government forces assisted by AMISOM in March 2014 but has since then remained secluded from the rest of Gedo region as Al-Shabaab has been regrouping in the rural areas from where they carry out attacks and ambushes hence jeopardizing movement of people and goods to and from the town.
Somalia Inaugurates Its First Bomb Disposal Squad In Decades
12 August – Source: Hiiraan Online – 288 Words
Somalia’s government has introduced its first anti-mining squad on Wednesday after more than two decades of conflict. The Remnants of war continue to wreaked havoc on the lives of many by blowing off limbs or gravely wounding people whose injuries and devastated lives indicated the urgency of finding such a team. Somalia’s security minister Abdirizak Omar Mohamed has opened the ceremony in which well-trained de-mining workers performed their skills by disarming a synthetic bomb buried at the scene. Somalia’s police chief Gen. Mohamed Sh. Hassan praised the new squad dedicated to countering the most deadly weapon in the war-torn horn of Africa nation, the improvised explosive device (IED). “You are a big hope for Somalia.” He told the squad wearing visors and protective vest on their chests. There are no available figures for the scale of explosive contamination in Somalia, as some areas in the country are inaccessible for the UN or the new Somali anti mine workers to scan of conflict leftovers.
Clearing mines is significant for this country which is one of the world’s most contaminated places, because of the prolonged conflict. Somalia is recovering from decades of war. The country has a government recognized by the world community. European ambassadors have been named for a country that long missed a functioning government. “It’s a very encouraging development – this squad can save countless lives in future.” said Mr. Abdirizak Omar Mohamed, Somalia’s security minister. Violence has dramatically dropped in Somalia over the last two years after militants who were launching daily attacks against the African Union troops and Somali forces were ousted. However, the Al-Qaeda-linked group Al-Shabaab still continues to carry out bombings in the city which is reeling from decades of conflict.
Somalia Commemorates World International Youth Day
12 August – Source: Horseed Media – 266 Words
Somalia joined the rest of the world on Wednesday to commemorate this year’s international youth day. Youth take a leading and important role in every country, determining its future. They are absorbed in youth organizations and are considered as the driving force of society. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud urged the Somali youths to take part in the country’s recovery process and refrain from violence during a speech in a ceremony held in Mogadishu to mark International Youth Day. “If the youth were part of the country’s instability, now they have a massive chance to play a role in the country’s development and bring back our country’s dignity on international stages,’’ said the President.
According to research made, more than half of Somalia’s population is under 18, with the majority born after the overthrow of Mohammed Siad Barre in 1991, the pivotal event that sent the country spiralling into a deeper anarchy. The challenges facing Somali youth, although arguably more extreme, represent a microcosm of the wider African generational narrative and this leads international development agencies to a crossroads in terms of where best to channel future assistance. Analysts say that economic empowerment of young people in Somalia is vital. 70% of the population is under 30 but a lack of economic opportunities and one of the world’s highest unemployment rates is threatening the country’s road to stability. Unemployment and poverty in Somalia have forced many young people to emigrate in search of a better life through perilous journeys across deserts and seas.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
China Donates Equipment To Uganda For Peacekeeping Mission In Somalia
12 August – Source: Xinhua – 305 Word
China has donated equipment worth about 5.5 million U.S. dollars to Uganda for its peacekeeping operations in war-torn Somalia, an army spokesperson said Wednesday.The donation by the Chinese Defense Ministry, the biggest to the Ugandan military over the past years, includes three 50-ton cranes, 12 troop carriers, four 10,000-liter water wagons and 16 water trailers, Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda, spokesperson for Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), said in a statement. “The equipment will be a big boost in helping our efforts in Somalia. The rate of wear and tear of equipment in Somalia is very high, so regular replenishment like this is very necessary,” Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala said at a ceremony held here.
Chinese ambassador to Uganda Zhao Yali welcomed Uganda’s idea to deploy the equipment in volatile Somalia and applauded the country’s contribution to regional peace and stability.”We are all currently faced with terrorist attacks. In the fight against terrorism, we need international cooperation,” Zhao said.The ambassador said that China and Uganda share a common mission of safeguarding regional and global peace.”UPDF plays a big role in safeguarding security for the benefit of Uganda and the entire region,” Zhao said.
‘Mogadishu Used To Be Hell. Now It’s Coming Back To life’
12 August – Source: Global Post – 905 Words
Streetlights now line this city’s main street, Mecca Avenue. Kids run around, weaving between food stalls, free-range chickens and mangy dogs. Record stores play loud music out of speakers, advertising their selections. Residents stand in lines at local banks. Pharmacies, butchers, restaurants, grocery stores and mobile phone shops abound. Traders who have trekked into the city from the countryside carry baggage filled with goods to sell at street markets. At the end of the day, they fill their bags with goods to sell back home. Everywhere, new buildings are under construction. “It’s hard to believe that Mogadishu is safe,” said Halima Haji, the owner of a little grocery shop. “Businesses are doing well here, and we make a lot of profit. People walk freely along the streets without fear of attack.”
After Somalia’s central government collapsed in the early 1990s, civil war gripped the country. In 2006, the Al Qaeda-affiliated militant group Al Shabaab arrived on the scene, seizing cities throughout the country and occupying neighborhoods in the capital. In 2010, a famine struck that lasted for two years, adding more chaos to the mix. But in 2011, Somali and African Union troops pushed Al Shabaab out of Mogadishu. Today, those security forces remain, keeping the peace. “Al Shabaab is a weakened organization that attacks where it sees opportunities,” said Neil Wigan, an ex-British ambassador to Somalia. “Somalia is fully under the control of government forces and African Union troops. It’s a safe place right now.” The East African nation now has a stable government under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who claims to be setting up government institutions and reforming one of the most corrupt countries in the world.
While Mohamud has little sway in Somaliland, a northwest region of Somalia that has declared independence, and the autonomous region of Puntland in the northeast, the central government is consolidating its power in the capital with the peacekeeping forces’ help. African Union forces have largely kept Al Shabaab out of the capital, erected fortifications to repel the Islamists’ assaults and killed or apprehended many of the group’s leaders, experts say. Troops are commonly stationed at hotels, banks and government offices. “Al Shabaab has been driven out of the city and have lost a number of key operatives due to expanded military presence in Mogadishu,” said Nazlin Umar Fazaldin Rajput, national chairperson of the National Muslim Council of Kenya and a close observer of Islamic extremism in the Horn of Africa.
To be sure, an American or European strolling alone on the streets of the city would likely encounter unfriendly, potentially armed men. But locals and accompanied outsiders enjoy a sense of security. “It’s now safe in Mogadishu for us who were born and partly raised here,” said Basra Mohammad, 29, a business consultant who moved back to the city from Nairobi in 2013. “It used to be a hell. I ran to seek refuge in Kenya. But now security has improved and Mogadishu is coming back to life.” Basic city services have come back online. Schools are open. Children’s soccer academies are open. Trash collection, fire departments, electrical power and other municipal services are up and running.
OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE
“When it first made its debut in the oil business and immediately landed this coveted deal, I described Soma Oil & Gas as a classic case of predatory capitalism exploiting a failed state without institutions of checks and balances. In other words, if the current arrangement continues, not only would it facilitate the process of taking Somalia to the cleaners, it would sow the seed of perpetual war over the national resources. Likely outcome is a resource curse of epical proportions.”
The Somalia Oil Conundrum: Questionable Deals And Double Salaries
12 August – Goobjoog News – 1, 753 Words
IN AUGUST 6, 2013, the government of Somalia signed an offshore Seismic Option Agreement, SOA with the UK based oil firm, Soma Oil and Gas, a company chaired by the then Tory leader Michael Howard. Subsequent to this, the two parties inked a Capacity Building Agreement (CBA) which would see Soma Oil facilitate capacity building for the Ministry of Petroleum staff as a tradition in such situation especially for emerging oil countries which may not the requisite capacity. In the first agreement, SOA, Soma Oil was granted the right to “conduct seismic surveying in Somalia’s territorial waters in agreed areas with the government and in certain limited onshore areas.” In a note on its website dated August 6, 2013, Soma Oil notes, “The survey that Soma Oil & Gas conducts will give it the right to nominate and obtain exploration and drilling rights under Production Sharing Agreements for prospective areas.” Under the CBA, the two parties agreed that Soma Oil would finance the rehabilitation of the ministry offices in Mogadishu, furnish and equip the Ministry’s office including the establishment of a data room and hiring and contracting of qualified technical staff, consultants and advisors. In addition, Soma Oil would facilitate training programmes for ministry staff besides helping the ministry develop a petroleum regime which includes petroleum policy, regulations and harmonisation of the various natural resource legislations with the Provisional Constitution of 2012. In general therefore Soma Oil was to pay the Ministry a total sum of $400,000 referred to in the agreement as Total Capacity Support.
However, a leaked UN report has cast aspersions on the two agreements with particular concern over the goings on regarding the CBA, a matter which prompted the UK Serious Fraud Office to launch criminal investigations on Soma Oil and Gas for what it terms as ‘allegations of corruption in Somalia’. In a scathing indictment on senior people who were hired as consultants by the Ministry under the CBA, the U N Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea (UNMGES) says the CBA was likely a part of a quid pro quo arrangement by the Ministry to protect Soma’s contract from potential negative consequences. Soma Oil agreed in principal to pay salaries, consulting fees, accommodation and business related travel to the Ministry in line with the agreement. However, UNMGES questions the criteria used to hire the capacity building staff. At least six officials on the CBA payroll drew salaries from the government besides the Soma pay. The motives of Soma are brought into question for failure to conduct any due diligence before transferring the funds. Out of all the CBA staff, only one, Dr. Abdi Mohamed Siad, a senior lecturer at the university of the Western Cape in South Africa, the group said was the only one whose contract did not present a conflict of interest.