November 11, 2015 | Daily Monitoring Report
UN Authorises Trial Of Somali Pirates By Regional States
11 November – Source: Daily Nation – 268 Words
The UN Security Council has passed a resolution authorising regional states to establish jurisdiction in trying pirates caught off the Somali coast. The authorisation means Kenya, Seychelles and other Somalia’s neighbours should find ways of prosecuting Somali pirates on their soils or through collaboration, even if suspects are arrested in Somali waters. The unanimous 15-0 vote, passed on Tuesday, means the UN is trying to address a challenge of dealing with pirates once caught.
In 2010 for example, then High Court Judge Mohammed Ibrahim ruled that Kenya didn’t have jurisdiction to try suspects caught in foreign waters and the nine suspects, then facing trial, were freed. This ruling was, however, reversed two years later after appellate judges David Maraga, Otieno Onyango, Alnasir Vishram, Hannah Okwengu and Martha Koome ruled that pirates directly affected economies of Somalia’s neighbours by cutting off shipping lines and hence Kenya had authority to try those it caught.
The Tuesday decision calls for special courts or joint regional tribunals to handle Somali piracy cases, besides calling for international support for Somali justice and security systems. The resolution also means that anti-piracy vessels, already patrolling Horn of Africa waters, led by the EU and NATO but supported by the UN and AU, will continue being there till the end of next year.
Key Headlines
- UN Authorises Trial Of Somali Pirates By Regional States (Daily Nation)
- Two Die As Gunmen Open Fire On NGO Vehicle In Bulla-Hawa (Goobjoog News)
- Puntland Administration Appeals For Both Local And International Support As Heavy Rains Storms And Typhoon Hit Its Territories (Wacaal Media)
- Somali President Attends The Fourth Arab-South American Summit (Shabelle Media)
- Shippers Mark Third Year Without Piracy Attacks Off Somalia Coast (The East African)
- UN Renews Mandate To Fight Somali Pirates (China.org)
- Nigeria US Others Task Somalia On Peaceful Polls (Leadership)
- The UK Remains Committed To Supporting Progress In Somalia (Gov.uk)
NATIONAL MEDIA
Two Die As Gunmen Open Fire On NGO Vehicle In Bulla-Hawa
11 November – Source: Goobjoog News – 115 Words
At least two people including an NGO driver were killed and two other civilians sustained injuries after gunmen dressed in Somali National Army uniform attacked a vehicle of local NGO operating in Bulla-Hawa, residents say. As the car was approaching towards Kaboolay Market, the gunmen blocked its way and opened fired on it devastatingly. A Passing by woman and the driver have reportedly died on the spot and two other pedestrians injured after stray bullets struck them.The security forces reached the scene and launched operations to seek out the assailants though no group has yet claimed the responsibility of the attack. Conflicting reports say that the security forces have one soldier is in connection to shooting death of the 2 people.
Puntland Administration Appeals For Both Local And International Support As Heavy Rains, Storms And Typhoon Hit Its Territories
11 November – Source: Wacaal Media – 202 Words
The government of the State of Puntland has called on local residents to be extra vigilant as the country experiences heavy downpours and storms. Addressing the press in his offices at the Presidential in Garowe, Head of State Dr. Abdiweli Ali Gas said strong winds and rains caused havoc in several settlements in Bari and Gardafuu region. Tropical cyclone has also hit the coastal region of the State cutting off major roads. “The strong winds and storm destroyed social amenities such as schools and hospitals as well as the administration centres in Alula and Bareda” said Dr. Abdiweli.
He added the main road of Qandala as well as the road that links Bargaal and Aluula, Bareeda and Murcanyo have all been cut off. Dr. Abdiweli called on the local people to take part in rescue efforts rallying them behind his call of “Puntland should look unto itself”. The head of state also called on the international community to come to the rescue of affected residents. “Affected residents urgently need assistance in terms of both food and non-food items. We therefore appeal to the international community for assistance” he said. Dr. Gas pledged his administration unwavering support to the affected people.
Somali President Attends The Fourth Arab-South American Summit
10 November -Source: Shabelle Media – 111 Words
The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, HE Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has arrived in Riyadh to attend the fourth Arab-South American Summit.The Summit will discuss ways to enhance cooperation across sectors, including politics, security, and development. Prior to his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the President visited Djibouti and Uganda, where he met President Ismail Omar Gelle and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on matters relating to security, anti-terrorism and cooperation.The four-day visit of the President to Djibouti, Uganda and Saudi Arabia, underscores Somalia’s revival: continuing its successful elimination of Al-Shabaab, restoring peace to become a developed, prosperous nation contributing to the region and the world.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Shippers Mark Third Year Without Piracy Attacks Off Somalia Coast
11 November – Source: The East African – 480 Words
A lull in piracy attacks off the coast of Somalia has stretched into a third year, bringing relief to consumers and shippers previously hit by high cost due to the menace.Military incursions on and off-shore Somalia have helped end piracy attacks on key shipping routes around the Gulf of Aden, new data showed even as maritime experts called for caution. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said no piracy attack has been reported on the key routes this year.
“No incidents have been noted off Somalia or in the Gulf of Aden this year, previously a piracy hotspot. The positive development reflects the combined efforts of navies in the region, along with greater compliance with the Best Management Practices guidelines against Somali piracy, the employment of private security contractors and a stabilising government,” it said adding that suspected Somali pirates continue to hold 29 crew members for ransom.
IMB director Pottengal Mukundan however urged vessels to maintain vigilance, noting the “increasingly fragile” situation ashore Somalia, with the threat of piracy not “eliminated”.The current lull solidifies a trend since May 2012 when the last successful hijacking took place, raising hope for more reliable shipping services and lower cost of goods leaving and entering the East African market.Piracy off the coast of Somalia has in the past few years cost the global shipping industry billions of shillings in ransom payouts to secure captured vessels, cargo and crew.
UN Renews Mandate To Fight Somali Pirates
11 November – Source: China.org – 430 Words
The United Nations Security Council Tuesday renewed for another year its authorization for international naval forces to join in fighting piracy off the coast of Somalia, stressing that while the threat from Somali pirates has declined, it still remains a matter of “grave concern.”
Adopting a unanimous resolution, the 15-member body highlighted the important role played by ships from regional organizations such as the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Operation (NATO) Ocean Shield, but noted that the primary responsibility lies with the Somalia, a country torn apart by 25 years of strife”While noting improvements in Somalia, [the Council] recognizes that piracy exacerbates instability in Somalia by introducing large amounts of illicit cash that fuels additional crime and corruption,” the resolution declared, stressing “the need for a comprehensive response to prevent and suppress piracy and tackle its underlying causes by the international community.”
It called on States and regional organizations to deploy naval vessels, arms, and military aircraft, and provide logistical support for counter-piracy forces.At its height piracy off Somalia’s coasts netted scores of vessels, from large container ships to small leisure yachts, resulting in hundreds of people being held hostage and millions of dollars being paid in ransom.Since the UN first authorized international naval intervention in 2008, the rate of seizures has gradually declined. In February this year a mission under the auspices of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) freed four Thai nationals after nearly five years in captivity, the longest held hostage ordeal in the battle against the pirates.
Nigeria, US, Others Task Somalia On Peaceful Polls
11 November – Source: Leadership – 136 Words
Noting that the conduct of the 2016 elections in Somalia would consolidate the federalist approach, the governments of Nigeria, United States, France, United Kingdom, Russia and others yesterday urged the country to commit to an inclusive legitimate and peaceful process. Making this plea during a briefing of the United Nations Security Council where they unanimously approved changes to the United Nations mission in Somalia, speakers from the countries said the composition of the Independent Elections Commission and appointment of its chair were great achievements.
In her briefing, Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Professor Joy Uche Ogwu, said the formation of federal states and consolidation of regional interim administrators were examples of Somalia’s “significant” progress. She commended AMISOM and the Somali National Army in fighting Al-Shabaab and supported the Juba Corridor operation in that context.
OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE
“Over the coming year, our commitment must be shared by all across the political spectrum in Somalia. Personal differences and vested interests must be set aside, for the good of the whole nation. As this Council has set out in Resolution 2232, all key actors and institutions in Somalia, including Parliament, should engage constructively to ensure progress. Only then can we truly say Somalia has turned a corner,” – Philip Hammond, UK Foreign Secretary
The UK Remains Committed To Supporting Progress In Somalia
10 November – Source: Gov.uk – 869 Words
It is an honour to follow the Prime Minister of Somalia who is working so hard to rebuild his country. Let me also thank the Secretary-General, and you Ambassador Antonio for all the African Union has done to ensure that the United Nations and African Union are working together to bring peace and prosperity to the people of Somalia.
Our purpose today is to discuss what more we can do to defeat Al Shabaab and deliver a better future for Somalia. But before we do, I think it is helpful to remind ourselves of the past.Just four short years ago, inside Somalia, Al Shabaab controlled major cities, including Kismayo and the capital, Mogadishu. The security environment made trying to run a business a high risk venture, where owners risked their goods, their property and, sometimes, their lives.
And this affected all of us directly too. In 2010 alone, there were 174 pirate attacks and Somali pirates held 404 hostages.Fortunately, there has been much progress.Al Shabaab is on the back foot, with AMISOM and the Somali National Army now controlling 80% of Somali territory. And Somalia’s economy is reviving, with GDP growth on the increase and shops and businesses opening at ever increasing rates.
And off the of shores Somalia, there have been no successful pirate attacks for over 2 years, as the Prime Minister said.I am pleased to be able to describe this progress, as the UK has long recognised the need to build enduring peace and security in Somalia.Our commitment is clear and we have invested heavily. We are Somalia’s second biggest bilateral donor. We have opened an Embassy in Mogadishu: the only EU member state to do so. And we have strong personal links, with a thriving Somali diaspora in the UK.
TOP TWEETS
@DrumChronicles: #Somalia #Mogadishu local admin official shot dead by gunmen in Yaqshid district last night.
@omabha: Somalia: A Well-known Activist Dr. Idil Salah, will be Fondly Remembered – Geeska Afrika http://dlvr.it/CjRsyg #Somalia
@MosheikHz: US Homeland Security has abruptly reversed plans to deport a Somali Journalist. http://www.
@Vatescorp: #Somalia: Angry Residents in Erigavo, Sanaag Take to the Streets http://ow.ly/UveWw
@gettingbye : @UKinSomalia remembrance day #mogadishu#somalia beautifully observed by #british embassy –#VeteransDay @UKinUSA
@WorldAltMedia: WATCH: Somalian Children Taken By Government Because of Parents’ Broken Englishhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?
@SharmakeF : Political satirist rightly observed how low#Somalia hs gone down. Mixing federalism wth regressive tribal politics
IMAGE OF THE DAY
A football match between Galgadud regional team and Hiran football club at Laqanyo stadium in Beletweyne, Somalia. Sport as a universal language is a powerful tool to promote peace and bring people together.
Photo: AMISOM