07 Oct 2011 – Daily Monitoring Report
Key Headlines:
- Somali religious leader described al Shabaab as inhumane and compared them to wild animals
- Security forces conduct major operation in Mogadishu
- Al Shabaab block relief aid in southern Somalia
- Arab Americans fundraise for Somalia famine
- New political party declared in Somaliland
- Kenya deploys troops at border
SOMALI MEDIA
Security forces conduct major operation in Mogadishu
07 Oct – Source: Radio Mogadishu, Risaala, Sonna – 204 words
The Somali security forces have embarked on a massive security operation in the roads of Mogadishu and in particular Ex-Kontrol Afgoi as well as other strategic junctions of Mogadishu. The security organs assured residents of full security in the strategic road that links Mogadishu to the rest of the country, following a successful search operation conducted on vehicles that access that route.
The Somali government forces also embarked on search operations along the roads that link the central area of the main capital Mogadishu and Makka Al-Mukarama, in accordance with the Ministry of Interior and National security decree that the security in the capital must be upheld following a suicide blast in Mogadishu that claimed the lives of many and wounded hundreds of others.
Elsewhere, Mogadishu resident have strongly welcomed the move by the government forces in conducting the search operations, saying that it will change the security situation in the capital.
The TFG forces also embarked on search operations in the main central market of Bakara where all vehicles coming out of the market were subjected to security check. The extremists have been condemned by all quarters for their deadly killings of innocent children and parents in Mogadishu.
Somali religious leader described al Shabaab as inhumane and compared them to wild animals
07 Oct – Source: Radio Mogadishu, Somali report – 57 words
The Chairman of the Religious leaders, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Salad, described the extremist group of al Shabaab as “wild animals” who now nothing about humanity. Sheikh Bashiir called for the Somali people to fight against al Shabaab and to help their brothers who were injured in the deadly suicide attack which took place in the capital earlier this week.
Somali MP says rebel group has taken a contract in killing people
07 Oct – Source: Mareeg Online – 113 words
MP Mohamed Ibrahim Habsade today said that the rebel group of al Shabaab has taken a contract in killing people, especially students and civilians, reports said.
Speaking to the media in the capital of Mogadishu, Mohamed Ibrahim Habsade urged the Somali people to be united against al Shabaab.
http://www.mareeg.com/fidsan.
Al Shabaab claims responsibility for killing of former Beled-hawo DC
07 Oct- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 141 words
Al Shabaab has on Thursday claimed responsibility for the recent killing of the former district commissioner of Beled-hawo district, Gedo region.
Speaking at a public gathering in Bardera, Abass Abdullahi, one of the militant leaders in Gedo region said his militia group was behind the assassination of the former DC, Ahmed Mohamed Yussuf alias Barkus.
He threatened that al Shabaab will continue assassinating leaders who they perceive as government supporters in the region.
His remarks come two days after hooded gunmen shot the former DC several times on the head at a cafeteria in Beled-hawo. A civilian was also killed during the incident.
TFG and ASWJ officials immediately rounded up over twenty people in connection with the killing of the former district commissioner.
Officials said the suspects will be arraigned in court but so far there were reports of anybody charged in court.
Former PM of Somalia Mohamed Farmajo condemns suicide attack in Mogadishu
06 Oct – Source: Markacadeey – 202 words
Former Prime Minister of Somalia Mr. Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has condemned the suicide bomb attack in Mogadishu that targeted Somali students while they were waiting for the results of an exam they had taken recently to qualify for scholarships to Turkey.
This heinous and vicious act of terrorism has killed more than 70 civilians (most of them students) and injured many others outside the Somali Transitional Federal Government ministerial compound at KM4.
The former Prime Minister is hereby sending his condolences to the families of the victims of this barbaric and cowardly act of terrorism. He asks Allah to shower His mercy on the deceased and speedy recovery for the wounded.
The Former Prime Minister appeals to the International Community (IC) to help the effort of reconstituting and strengthening of the Somali National Forces by introducing a program to repatriate former Somali Army Officers to train Somali forces inside the country. He asks the IC to provide resources and equipment necessary for an army to function and perform its obligation to protect the nation.
The former Prime Minister is also asking the Somali people everywhere to forgive each other and unite against the evil forces of al Shabaab and al Qaeda.
http://www.markacadeey.com/
FBI interrogates Somali women for terror allegations
07 Oct- Source: Radio Kulmiye- 128 words
An FBI agent testifying in the trial of two Minnesota women accused of funneling money to a terrorist group in Somalia says authorities began investigating them in the summer of 2008. FBI Special Agent Michael Wilson testified Thursday in the case against 35-year-old Amina Farah Ali and 64-year-old Hawo Mohamed Hassan. They say they were helping the needy.
Wilson says agents in Minnesota got a tip from FBI headquarters that Ali had been in contact with a “prohibited group.” Agents set up a wiretap on Ali’s phones in September 2008.
Recordings of some of intercepted calls were played in court on Thursday. Prosecutors used the calls and records from money transfer businesses to try to prove that Ali gave money to al Shabaab, which the U.S. considers to be a terrorist group.
Somaliland’s Sool regional appellate judge dies of gun wound
07 Oct- Source: Radio Bar-kulan, Radio Mogadishu, Shabelle- 164 words
An appellate judge serving the highly-disputed Sool region has died of the gun wounds he sustained on Thursday night after he was shot and wounded by unknown gunmen in Las Anod.
Ibrahim Ahmed Muse died in his hospital bed in Burao, where he was undergoing treatment following the gun wounds he sustained during the attack.
Unknown assailants attacked the deceased judge and a colleague who is now recuperating in Burao’s main hospital.
Deputy regional governor Daad Abdi Dimbil confirmed to Bar-kulan the death of the appellate judge.
Somaliland Police who immediately arrived at the scene of the incident conducted a major manhunt to get hold of those behind the attack. So far there are no reports of any arrest made in connection with the incident. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
New political party declared in Somaliland
07 Oct- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 133 words
A new political party has been declared in Hargeisa, the capital of Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland.
Formed by a splinter group of UCID party, the party was named as WADANI, which means Nationalist Party.
The party becomes the second new political party formed in the breakaway region of Somaliland since the regional president Mohamed Ahmed Silanyo assumed office.
Allowing the formation of political parties in the region was one of Silanyo’s manifestos during the run-up to the July 2010 election.
Several MPs who were earlier elected on UCID ticket attended the declaration ceremony held in Hargeisa.
The party was formed after differences emerged within the leadership of UCID party over a constitutional court ruling that gave the party’s leadership mantle to Feisal Ali Warabe, who currently chairs UCID party.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Six terror suspects arrested after crossing Kenya waters
06 Oct – Source: Nairobi Star – 413 words
A combined security team yesterday embarked on an inspection exercise of all boats and vessels cruising in the Indian Ocean, as it emerged that some six terror suspects had earlier been arrested by the Kenya Navy as they attempted to enter Kenyan waters.
Although all the senior officials in the security circles refused to comment on the issue, sources said the suspects, who are of Somali origin, were found on Tuesday evening, just hours after Commissioner of Police Mathew Iteere, gave an order that his security team should deal decisively with pirates, Al-Shabaab and other militia groups.
Sources from the Navy, who could not be mentioned due to the sensitivity of the issue, confirmed that the six, who were armed with weapons, looked suspicious and on interrogation, could not even communicate fluently in English or Swahili. They were arrested near Kiunga, where the Navy and other security have intensified patrols, following the kidnappings of a British and French woman in Kiwayu and Lamu island.
http://www.the-star.co.ke/
Kenya police arrests seven over Frenchwoman kidnap
07 Oct – Source: Capital FM – 330 words
Kenyan police said on Thursday they had arrested seven people over the kidnapping of a handicapped Frenchwoman seized from her beachfront home at a prized resort island and taken to neighbouring Somalia.
“It is not possible that someone can come from a neighbouring country and go straight to a particular house and take away someone,” police chief Mathew Iteere told reporters.
“It is not possible at all and that is why we strongly believe that they (abductors) have got sympathisers or cells or what we refer to as sleepers within the region.
“And those are the people we are targeting and we have already several arrests … but we believe the larger group is from across (the border),” Iteere added.
An armed gang seized Marie Dedieu, 66, early on Saturday from Manda Island in the Lamu archipelago, and fled by sea. It was the second kidnapping of a foreigner from the area in less than a month.
http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/
IGAD launches Security Sector Program
06 Oct- Source: Ethiopian News Agency- 266 words
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) launched Security Sector Program (ISSP) here on Thursday at UN Conference Center.
The program aims at building national capacity to resist terrorism and other related crimes and promoting regional security cooperation.
The four main pillars of the program include counterterrorism, transitional organized crime, maritime security and security institutions capacity building.
IGAD Peace and Security Director Netsanet Asfaw on the occasion said the program would enhance the capacity of member states to fight against terrorism.
The program was launched t o implement the decision of IGAD members’ state in restructuring the IGAD capacity building program against Terrorism with broader mandate, it was learnt.
She said the program would promote a comprehensive institutional framework at regional, state and community levels for combating terrorism.
The director said the program would help contain the intensity and impact of transitional organized crime in the IGAD region.
Netsanet said the program will also strive to enhance the capacity of security institutions of the IGAD region to provision security effectively and efficiently.
IGAD Executive Secretary Eng.Mahboub Maalim on his part said the program would enhance and address the issues of peace and security in the IGAD region.
IGAD Capacity Building Program against Terrorism (ICPAT) was launched in 2006 aimed at building national capacity to resist terrorism and promoting regional security cooperation with five main components.
http://www.ena.gov.et/
Kenya deploys troops at border
07 Oct – Source: Standard – 452 words
Kenya has sent troops at its border with Somalia in anticipation of a clash between Transitional Federation Government (TFG) soldiers and al-Shabaab militiamen. Security officials patrolling the border reported sighting hundreds of al-Shabaab militiamen driving towards Dhobley town on Monday afternoon, indicating an attack was imminent.
“They have been driving from the border towards Dhobley in lorries. There are fears of a war, which may spill over to the Kenyan side,” said a senior officer, aware of the situation at the border.
Dhobley is just five kilometres from the Kenyan border, where a UN refugee agency said about 1,200 Somalis are crossing into Kenya on a daily basis to go to the Dadaab refugee camp, which currently hosts 440,000 refugees.
Witnesses said hundreds of Kenyan security forces backed by armoured vehicles and helicopters were deployed along the porous frontier, but blamed poor co-ordination for the situation on the ground that has seen the gangs attack Kenyans.
And even as Commissioner of Police Mathew Iteere announced the closure of the main border with Somalia, those on the ground said it is impossible given the nature of the area.
“The border is officially closed meaning no Kenyan official is to allow trade in the area. We have put in place enough security there to ensure no criminals run into the country,” he said. Iteere added that more security personnel had been dispatched to the border with “clear instructions” on how to handle the situation henceforth.
He made the remarks after a trip to Lamu where two tourists were abducted by gunmen who escaped towards Somalia’s Kismayo area.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called on the international community to take advantage of relative calm and stability in Somalia to help restore order in the troubled county.
He also appealed to the international community to borrow some lessons from the breakaway Somaliland and help restore stability in greater Somalia.
Zanzibar police issues security alert
07 Oct – Source: Capital FM – 162 words
Police on Tanzania’s archipelago of Zanzibar urged vigilance Thursday following the abduction of foreigners in neighbouring Kenya by Somali gunmen.
Zanzibar police commissioner Mussa Ali Mussa’s call came after police this week also arrested seven Somali bandits who attempted to attack an offshore oil drilling ship near one of the archipelago’s isles.
“Zanzibar’s economy depends on the tourism industry. If tourists are kidnapped, they will avoid coming to Zanzibar and therefore the country will have no revenue. Let us work together to keep Zanzibar safe,” Mussa told residents.
“We must join hands to identify people who want to ruin our economy by kidnapping tourists and hijacking ships,” he added during a tour to Pemba isle, of the three Zanzibar islands.
Two foreigners, one British, one French, were kidnapped from a Kenyan island in less than one month and taken to lawless Somalia by their abductors.
The semi-autonomous Tanzanian archipelago is a famous holiday destination and its economy is hugely dependent on tourism.
http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Al Shabaab blocks relief aid in southern Somalia
06 Oct- Source: UN Radio- 145 words
Al Shabaab insurgents, controlling parts of southern Somalia, are preventing relief workers from assisting millions of people affected by conflict, drought and famine.
That’s according to a United Nations spokesman who says that humanitarian needs remain throughout the country despite concerted efforts by aid agencies.
Spokesman Martin Nesirky says three-quarters of the four million people who remain in crisis are in southern Somalia where the situation is becoming difficult for relief agencies.
“Tensions have reportedly increased between humanitarian agencies and the local al Shabaab administration in Baidoa, in the Bay region. Some aid agencies have reportedly been suspended and al Shabaab says that there is no need for them in that region as there are no internally people in need. (Duration: 18”) Martin Nesirky said that Tuesday’s bomb attack in Mogadishu, which reportedly killed over 100 people, is a stark reminder of the insecurity in Somalia.
http://www.unmultimedia.org/
Kenya – Somalia: A day in the life of a refugee
07 Oct – Source: IRIN News – 1,102 words
Every morning I realize there is a long journey ahead to the reality of my dream. A dream that shows me the person I want to be in this world. But what I come across daily in this refugee camp makes me powerless.
Life is relatively busy here. There is always something to be done. Like my employed fellow youths, I report to work throughout the week except on Sundays.
I live in a small room made of twigs and roofed with sheeting popularly known as “UNHCR plastic” – a symbol that I am under the protection of the UN Refugee Agency.
Breakfast is commonly known as “anjera”, a traditional Somali snack made from wheat flour. There is no Somali family in the camp that does not cook it for breakfast.
I report to work at 8am. It only takes me about 15 minutes to walk there. I love my job because it involves young people. My responsibilities include coordinating the activities of all the organized youth groups and linking them with the aid agencies for “capacity building training”, facilitating some of the workshops, helping to produce the newsletter and organizing sports tournaments for calendar events like World Refugee Day.
This helps the young get connected and shape their lives in a more productive way, despite the many challenges they face here. But it is difficult to gain the attention of some youngsters, who use illicit drugs to escape the bitter realities and lack of opportunity of camp life.
Honestly speaking I have adapted to life in the camps because there is no other option. I see it as a city. [With about half a million residents, Dadaab is sometimes described as Kenya’s fifthlargest city.] After leaving the office I go to the market where business is booming. There are a lot of good places to visit and to meet my friends, take tea and discuss the news of the day. There are many tea shops in the market but the most popular one among the youth is the Halima Tea Shop, in the heart of Ifo camp’s market.
We often pass time there as we sip milky tea and discuss resettlement issues, government work permits and Somali politics. On weekends, it is very busy and you will find much debate, mainly about the transitional government of Somalia. I don’t much like the politics but enjoy the healthy discussions because everyone involved has lived here for 20 years and we exchange ideas regardless of tribe or social background. Unlike some other tea shops, people don’t chew khat [a stimulant] at Halima’s.
Quite a number of my friends are married with children. They tease me for not getting married but I insist the time is not yet right. Abdi Nasir, one of my friends, recently got married through the support of a Turkish government aid agency. Abdi, who teaches at a madrassa [school], always wanted to marry the lady he loved a lot but could not afford to pay the dowry and wedding expenses. So the Turkish agency heard about his case and he and nine others were fully supported.
http://www.irinnews.org/
Arab Americans Fundraise for Somalia Famine
06 Oct – Source: New America Media – 120 words
Arab Americans raised approximately $70,000 for the Somalia famine at a community dinner held here last week, reports the Arab American News.
Among the various community leaders who attended and helped organize the event was Houssam Diab, Consul General of Lebanon in Detroit. “This is a humanitarian tragedy of unspeakable dimensions,” he said. He estimated that 2.8 million people in southern Somalia are currently facing starvation and famine is spreading to Kenya and Ethiopia.
According to the news report, the Lebanese American Heritage Club Youth Leadership Committee in Dearborn has separately raised $121,00 since the famine escalated this summer. The money raised at the fundraiser will be used to dig fresh water wells in Mogadishu, Somalia for about 50,000 people.
http://newamericamedia.org/