Somali PM arrives in Beledweyne town

06 Jan – Source: Radio Bar-kulan, Shabelle, Radio Mogadishu – 139 words

Somalia’s Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali on Friday morning visited Beledweyne days after joint forces wrested the town from al Shabaab.

A plane carrying the premier and other top government officials landed at Ugas Khalif Airport in Beledweyne early this morning.

The visiting TFG delegation is composed of ministers and legislators from the Somali capital, Mogadishu.

Reports say the PM and his entourage are expected to hold talks with government officials leading the government troops that recently ousted the rebel group and the local population.

The PM’s visit to Beledweyne comes days after TFG forces backed by Ethiopian troops and other pro-government militias wrested the strategic town from al Shabaab rebel fighters after a deadly fight that lasted for several hours. This is his first visit to the city since he was appointed as the country’s Premier last year.

Key Headlines

• Somali PM arrives in Beledweyne town (Source: Bar-Kulan, Radio Mogadishu, Shabelle)
• Somalia names new envoy to Iran (Source:Radio Mogadishu)
• Al Shabaab taunts West with social media (Source: Somalia Report)
• Air strikes hit militant-held southern Somali villages (Source: Radio Shabelle)
• AU approves Kenyan troops merger with AMISOM (Source: Africa Review)
• African Union asks UN to raise Somalia force to 17,700 (Source: AFP)
• Somalia and Ethiopia: Might things get better for once? (Source: The Economist)
• Communique of the 306th PSC meeting on the situation in Somalia (Source: AMISOM)

PRESS STATEMENT

Communique of the 306th PSC meeting on the situation in Somalia

06 Jan – Source: AMISOM – 892 words

The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 306th meeting held on 5 January 2012, adopted the following decision on the situation in Somalia:

1. Notes the recommendations made by the meeting of the Ministers of Defence of the Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and other interested countries, held in Addis Ababa on 4 January 2012, regarding the Strategic Concept for future AMISOM operations [CDS†Min Def/TCCs/AMISOM.REC(I)], as well as the statements made by the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, representatives of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia, Uganda, as AMISOM TCC, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary†General for Somalia, Denmark, as co†Chair of the AU Partner Group, Italy, as co†Chair of the IGAD Partner Forum, and the European Union (EU);

2. Recalls its earlier communiqués on the situation in Somalia, in particular communiqué PSC/PR/COMM.3(CCLVIII), adopted at its 258th meeting held on 20 January 2011, in which it decided to renew the mandate of AMISOM for an additional period of 12 months. Council also recalls its communiqué PSC/PR/COMM(CCCII) and press statement PSC/PR/BR.(CCCV) issued at its 302nd and 305th meetings held on 2 and 22 December 2011, respectively, on the draft Strategic Concept for future operations;

3. Endorses the Strategic Concept for future AMISOM operations as a planning tool for enhancing the strength of AMISOM and furthering the gains made on the ground, as reviewed and recommended by the Ministers of Defence of the TCCs to AMISOM and other interested countries, including

i.  the increase of the level of UN†supported AMISOM uniformed personnel from 12,000 to 17,731, including 5,700 from the Djiboutian contingent and the rehatted Kenyan troops, as well as AMISOM police component.

ii.  the deployment by Burundi and Uganda of additional troops to reach the currently UN†authorized strength of 12,000, with the understanding that the utilization of these additional troops will be determined on the basis of the needs in the main liberated areas.

iii.  the insertion of AMISOM troops in areas liberated with the support of Ethiopia, in view of the urgency of the stated intent of Ethiopia to withdraw from those areas,.iv. the extension of AMISOM’s area of responsibility by fast tracking the insertion of AMISOM troops in all the liberated areas.

v. the provision of the required force enablers and multipliers, as well as logistical support to other components of AMISOM, and

vi. the enhancement of the TFG security and allied forces, to enable and empower them to play an increased role in the implementation of the Strategic Concept;

4.  Urges the UN Security Council to expeditiously consider and authorize the support required for the immediate implementation of the Strategic Concept, in order to take advantage of the unique opportunity created by the operations being conducted against Al Shabaab in different parts of Somalia, thereby consolidating the security gains and moving the peace process forward;

5. Requests the Commission to accelerate the preparation and consultations on the follow†on planning requirements, including the elaboration and early finalization of a new AMISOM Concept of Operations (CONOPS) to adequately address all relevant issues, such as command and control, liaison and coordination and troops†to†task per sector;

6. Appreciates the continuing support of the European Union (EU) in the implementation of the mandate of AMISOM andrequests the EU to make available, through the Africa Peace Facility and any other appropriate instruments, the necessary funds to cater for the payment of allowances for 17,731 troops. Council also appeals to other AU partners to provide the necessary financial support for the implementation of the Strategic Concept;

7.  Welcomes the initiative of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to convene a special Summit on Somalia in London, on 23 February 2012, and looks forward to its positive impact in terms of the enhancement of the international community’s support to the political, security, humanitarian and developmental effort in Somalia;

8. Welcomes the progress made in the constitution†making process, in the context of the Garowe Conference in Puntland. At the same time, Council calls on the leadership of the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs), as well as all other Somali stakeholders, to demonstrate the required maturity and determination in the implementation of the Kampala Accord of June 2011 and the Political Roadmap of September 2011, to urgently resolve the current crisis within the Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP), with the support of the AU, IGAD and the UN;

9.  Reiterates AU’s determination to take all necessary measures against all spoilers, both internal and external, who are engaged in actions aimed at undermining the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia, as well as the efforts of AMISOM;

10. Requests the Chairperson of the Commission to transmit this communiqué and the Strategic Concept for future AMISOM operations to the Secretary†General of the United Nations, as well as to the other AU partners, to seek their support and cooperation, and to report to Council on the outcomes of its requests, particularly with regard to the resolution on Somalia to be adopted by the Security Council;

11. Decides to renew the mandate of AMISOM for a further period of 12 months with effect from 16 January 2012;

12.  Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

The 48th anniversary of Somali News Agency (SONNA)

06 Jan – Source: TFG – 336 words

The 48th anniversary of the formation of the Somali News Agency (SONNA) was celebrated on the 5th of January, 2012 at the HQ of the Ministry of Information. The Minister of Information, Posts and Telecommunications, H.E. Abdulkadir Hussein Mohamed (Jaahweyn) gave certificates honouring those who toiled very hard for a long time in re-establishing the Agency.

The Director General of SONNA, Mr. Abdulkadir Mohamed Osman, in a speech he gave at the Anniversary celebration said, “SONNA is back. In the last 4 months it produced 3033 news items in three languages:

Somali, Arabic and English. The agency has fast become the main source for news for both the public and private broadcasters in the country as well as for the regional and international media organizations.

The agency also produces a daily bulletin for the leadership of the country in the three languages. The agency is also responsible for the production of the English and Arabic broadcasts of Radio Mogadishu which is listened to by the Somali elite, the embassies of Arabic speaking countries and thousands of AMISOM peacekeeping soldiers.”

“SONNA played a major role in informing the world about the drought and the famine that hit Somalia recently. And in particular was instrumental in the awareness of the Arabic and Islamic media of the extent of the famine and the needs of those affected by It.” the Director of SONNA continued.

The Director speaking about SONNAs’ relations with international news agencies said, “SONNA re-established normal working relationship with the International Islamic News Agency (IINA) and the Federation of Arab News Agencies (FAN). And is busy to re-establish relationship with the News Agencies, and other International News Organizations.”

Finally the Director thanked all the employees of the agency for their dedication and contribution to the success of agency. Equally he thanked the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) for it’s material and training assistance which contributed greatly to SONNAs’ success. At the same time the Director appealed to all countries and international agencies to help SONNA with experience, training and material support.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali PM arrives in Beledweyne town

06 Jan – Source: Radio Bar-kulan, Shabelle, Radio Mogadishu – 139 words

Somalia’s Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali on Friday morning visited Beledweyne days after joint forces wrested the town from al Shabaab.

A plane carrying the premier and other top government officials landed at Ugas Khalif Airport in Beledweyne early this morning.

The visiting TFG delegation is composed of ministers and legislators from the Somali capital, Mogadishu.

Reports say the PM and his entourage are expected to hold talks with government officials leading the government troops that recently ousted the rebel group and the local population.

The PM’s visit to Beledweyne comes days after TFG forces backed by Ethiopian troops and other pro-government militias wrested the strategic town from al Shabaab rebel fighters after a deadly fight that lasted for several hours. This is his first visit to the city since he was appointed as the country’s Premier last year.

Somalia names new envoy to Iran

06 Jan – Source: Radio Mogadishu, SONNA – 228 words

In a meeting held by the Somali cabinet which was chaired by Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, the ministers discussed a number of issues among which was the security issues, the humanitarian activities and also the appointment of ambassadors and embassies in foreign countries.
The ministers affirmed that there is improved security and serenity in Mogadishu but said there is need for coordination and cooperation between the public and the government in order to maintain security. Every district of the capital should be responsible for maintaining security, the ministers agreed.

The Committee of Ministers tasked for drought issues presented a report. The report examined how the humanitarian activities are going on. The committee said the resettlement of the IDPs is so far making progress and some 1500 families were resettled. The government’s policy is to help the IDPs to resettle and create development programs that will aid them.

The minister for Foreign Affairs who is also the deputy prime minister brought the name of Khalif Kadiye Muse before the ministers for them to debate on his suitability to be the ambassador of Somalia to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The minister explained the experience and expertise of Khalif Kadiye to the cabinet, adding that he has vast experience in diplomacy. After a lengthy discussion, the cabinet unanimously approved Khalif Kadiye Muse to be the emissary of Somalia to Iran.

Somali president calls on soldiers not to harm civilians 

06 Jan – Source: Mareeg Online, Shabelle – 91 words

Sheikh Sharif Sh. Ahmed, president of Somali Transitional Federal Government has called on the government soldiers and foreign forces operating in the south and central Somalia not to harm people and their properties.

Speaking at an occasion held in Mogadishu yesterday on the activities of Banadir regional administration of past year, President Sharif called on both government soldiers and forces from foreign backers in the south and central Somali to keep people and their properties safe.

“Our National Army aims to liberate the whole country and we’ll build and appoint regional administrations,” Sharif Said.

Somali deputy Parliament speaker asks international community to respect MPs decisions 

06 Jan – Source: Mareeg Online – 114 words

Ahmed Dhimbil Roble, Deputy Parliament Speaker of Somali Transitional Federal parliament has on Thursday called on the international community, IGAD and the African Union to respect the independence of Somali lawmakers.

The deputy parliament speaker asked all regional institutions and the AU to support lawmakers’ verdict and cooperate with the new, legally elected parliament speaker, Madobe Nunow Mohamed.

Mr. Asowe disproved a statement from national committee that termed the parliamentarians’ ongoing tasks as illegal and unacceptable. This comes as conflict between parliamentarians continues, remaining unsolved.

Journalists freed from Bosaso police custody

06 Jan – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 169 words

Two journalists who were arrested five days ago were reportedly released on Thursday night after spending four days in Bosaso police custody.

The two journalists, Yussuf Ali Mohamed and Mohamed Mohamud who work for Radio Daljir, a local FM station in Bosaso town, were arrested on Monday night during a security crackdown in the city.

They were rounded up by Puntland police who were allegedly perusing criminal gangs hiding in some parts of Bosaso’s Lanta Hawada neighbourhood.

The two spent four days in Bosaso’s central police station together with over 40 other people who were rounded up during the crackdown in the city.

Reports say the two were directly taken to their work station after they were set free last night.

Local journalists and their station management were reportedly awaiting them at the station, where they were received warmly.

Just hours before their release, fellow journalists who visited them in custody said that one of them, Yussuf Ali Mohamed, had serious illness as his health was deteriorating due to typhoid.

Al Shabaab taunts West with social media

05 Jan – Source: Somalia Report – 469 words

Somali militant organisation, al Shabaab, which already counts a number of foreigners among its members, has launched a social media campaign targeted at the English-speaking world. The group also allegedly has its own Twitter account from what appears to be a Nairobi-based British dilettante who likes caramel macchiatos and juvenile taunts.

A recent video posted on al-Shabaab websites also features British as well as American-born recruits, urging people to take part in the ‘jihad’ against the United Nations (UN) backed Transitional Federal Government (TFG), and African Union (AU) peacekeepers in the country.

While the majority of al Shabaab fighters are from Somalia, the organisation boasts recruits from the U.S., the UK, the Middle East, and other African nations. Al Shabaab has featured their foreign-born contingent, using these individuals in their widely circulated online videos as well as for suicide attacks.

Pro-Shabaab website www.amiirnuur.com, recently posted a video featuring the image of a partially masked man standing next to two other al Shabaab officials. Despite the mask, the man is clearly caucasian. In a distinctly American accent, he talks about the duties that come with the Islamic faith, and calls on people to take part in al Shabaab’s ‘jihad’. Standing in a military uniform and holding an AK-47, he urges people to sacrifice themselves in support of their mission against the Somali government, and against AMISOM.

Many commentators view this new media campaign as al Shabaab’s latest effort to spread their message, and boost their influence in the English-speaking world.

Mohamed Feytaan, an analyst in Somalia’s foreign relations in Addis Ababa, says that foreign jihadists are flooding into Somalia, estimating the number at approximately two to three hundred.

“Al Shabaab launched their plans to recruit foreign jihadists in 2006. Foreign recruits have already served to boost interest abroad, and it is probable that the trend will continue.”

Both the US and the UK have issued warnings that substantial numbers of their nationals have joined al Shabaab’s fight. Indeed, British security and intelligence agencies, MI5 and MI6 have stated that at least 100 British residents have been trained in Somalia, and that approximately 40 of these are currently active there.

A number of al Shabaab attacks that occurred last year are believed to have been launched by non-Somali nationals. For example, the suicide bomber who blew himself up in Deynile last October was a Somali-American.

The finger print of al Qaeda is on the recent decision to use Twitter. The flowery educated Brit who poses as al Shabaab’s mouthpiece (al Shabaab leadership has little problem answering questions posed directly by the media) has 211 tweets, mostly insulting the Kenyan military or passing on information by those actually in Somalia. He however has 7,763 followers.

By comparison, the Taliban in Afghanistan also started Twitter feeds in December with names like @ABalkhi (600 tweets, 4,100 followers), and @alemarahweb, (3132 tweets, 6,724 followers)

Air strikes hit militant-held southern Somali villages 

06 Jan – Source: Shabelle, Bariga Afrika – 185 words

Kenyan fighter jets bombed southern Somali villages held by al Shabaab fighters near the border with Kenya on Friday, killing at least one civilian and injuring many others, a Somali government official said.

The warplanes were reported to have carried out a number of separate air raids in the villages of Kuda in lower Jubba region and similar attack elsewhere in Gedo region near the Somali border with Kenya, which is under the control of al Shabaab militants.

Residents said that the jets bombed several times civilian areas in Kuda village, crushing out many buildings. Mohamed Abdikalil, the governor of Gedo region for the Somali government confirmed to Shabelle Media by phone while he was in the region that there have been series of air strikes on militant-held southern Somali villages.

The governor confirmed that there were civilian casualties as a result of the attacks but added that the air raids left more fatalities on al Shabaab fighters. Kenya, which sent troops into Somalia in October to crush the al Qaeda-inspired al Shabaab militants, has intensified its air strikes in recent weeks, which claimed a number of civilian casualties.

Somaliland: Feisal Ali Warabe re-elected to be the leader of UCID party

06 Jan – Source: Hadhwanaag Times – 96 words

The meeting of Somaliland’s UCID party on Thursday was concluded in the capital city of Hargeisa as Feisal Ali Warabe has been re-elected to be the leader of the party.

Feisal Ali Warabe will be the chairman of UCID party for the next five years as a result of his re-election. Members of the central committee of the party, supporters from abroad have attended the meeting which lasted for two days. It is the third time Fiesal is chosen to be the leader of UCID political party and is among the top opposition figures of the country.

REGIONAL MEDIA

AU approves Kenyan troops merger with AMISOM

06 Jan – Source: Africa Review – 197 words

The African Union’s Peace and Security Council has finally approved the merger of Kenyan troops in Somalia with the AU Somali peace keeping mission, AMISOM.

According to a decision reached at a meeting Thursday, 5,700 Kenyan and Djiboutian troops will re-hat with AMISOM’s green berets as part of the UN-mandated peacekeeping operation in Somalia.

In addition to the Kenyan troops, the AU meeting in Addis Ababa also resolved to have more troops from Uganda and Burundi to beef up the Amisom force to 17,700 troops.

The current strength of AMISOM is about 10,000, which is 2,000 short of what the UN approved in 2007.

The UN is expected to review and approve AU’s request for more troops and logistical support.

Defence officials from six East Africa countries endorsed the new military strategy for Somalia at a closed door meeting.

Fifteen member states who sit on the Peace and Security Council also resolved to withdraw the “strategic” Ethiopian troops already in Somalia.

The new military strategy mandated AMISOM to control wider areas in Somalia and enhance the capacity of Somalia’s transitional government security forces with Amisom troops taking over areas cleared of al Shabaab militias by the Ethiopian troops.

Kenya Police issue alert over al Qaeda attack 

06 Jan – Source: the Standard – 285 words

Police say al Qaeda terror group has joined al Shabaab militants, who the Kenya Defence Forces are fighting in Somalia.

Anti-terror police indicate they have intelligence showing the international terror group is actively trying to attack installations in the country.

“We have information that the most notorious terror group al Qaeda has joined in this war and has issued threats to carry out terror activities,” said Nairobi Area PPO Anthony Kibuchi.

Mr Kibuchi indicated al Qaeda is facing pressure from their former bases and are now retreating to the region. He added they have heightened security especially in Nairobi, where the groups are targeting.

Kibuchi at the same time called for extra vigilance by the public in efforts to contain the threats.

“Let the public take the security measures being undertaken positively irrespective of the individual’s status,” he said.

He did not specify the nature of threats issued by the group, but insisted they are new.

Somalia’s al Shabaab insurgents have been issuing threats on Kenya since troops crossed to the war-torn country in October.

Sympathisers of the militants have been carrying out attacks using Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and grenades in the country since then, which have claimed more than a dozen lives and left several others injured.

EU may expand anti-piracy mission to beaches 

06 Jan – Source: Al Jazeera – 366 words

Germany’s Foreign Ministry has said that the European Union is considering giving its anti-piracy forces the go-ahead to attack Somali pirate bases on the ground. Anti-piracy operations currently take place in the Indian Ocean, but in future the forces could be allowed to attack pirates’ arms dumps, boats and bases.

Andreas Peschke, German foreign ministry spokesman, said on Friday that the “limited destruction of piracy logistics on the beach” is under discussion but “no deployment on land”.  He stressed that discussions are ongoing and no decision has been made.

Stefan Paris, German defence ministry spokesman, said an EU committee on December 20 called for the force’s commander to draw up plans for revised rules of engagement. Meanwhile, British politicians said on Thursday that the UK government must give official guidance on when it is legal to shoot and kill maritime pirates.

Parliament’s foreign affairs committee hailed the government’s decision in October to allow British merchant ships in dangerous waters to carry armed guards to protect them from pirates. The report said piracy was a “major problem for the UK and the international community” and that more than $300m had been paid in ransoms to Somali pirates over the past four years.

But the committee said the government’s guidance on the use of lethal force remained “very limited” and that ships’ captains needed to know what they could do if they were threatened by pirates.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

African Union asks UN to raise Somalia force to 17,700 

05 Jan – Source: AFP – 416 words

The African Union on Thursday asked the United Nations to authorise an increase of its peacekeeping force in war-torn Somalia by 5,700 to 17,700 amid mounting attacks by Islamist rebels.

Monica Juma, Kenya’s ambassador to the UN, made the announcement. The African force, called AMISOM, has been functioning under UN mandate since 2007 in the lawless Horn of Africa nation.

“The highlights were: the need to increase the AMISOM troops from 12,000 to 17,700, the need to fast track the creation of an administrative unit in the liberated areas,” Juma said, after presiding over a meeting of the AU’s Peace and Security Council in the Ethiopian capital.

She also highlighted the need for “logistical support in order to optimise the capability of the AMISOM troops”, and to beef up the “capability of the TFG (transitional government forces) and allied forces in order… to begin to create a Somalian security force.” Regional states strive to battle the extremist al Shabaab insurgents who control much of southern Somalia.

The AMISOM currently comprises Djiboutian, Ugandan and Burundian soldiers, who have been deployed since 2007 to protect the Western-backed government from al Shabaab in the war-shattered capital.

The hardline insurgents control large parts of southern Somalia but are facing increasing pressure from regional armies and government forces, with the rebels leaving fixed positions in Mogadishu in favour of guerrilla tactics.

The AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Ramtane Lamamra said the African forces were now in a position to quell both the Shebab and the pirates.

“Whatever investment the international community is ready to make for Somalia, it would be really serving both causes. And in the same time assist nation building and a post-conflict peace consolidation,” he said.

Somalia and Ethiopia: Might things get better for once?

06 Jan – Source: The Economist –  622 words

How many countries does it take to chase away a ragtag band of al Qaeda fighters? In Somalia, the answer is a hatful. The country has a “transitional” government that has for years failed to put up a serious challenge to the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militia. Backing the government are soldiers from Burundi, Djibouti and Uganda who are fighting the Shabaab under an African Union mandate.

In October Kenya invaded Somalia from the south with the aim of pushing al Shabaab into the sea. France and the United States have intelligence agents and special forces on the ground; the Americans have drones in the sky. And neighbouring Ethiopia has re-entered Somalia to clear al Shabaab out of the town of Beledweyne.

Many independent Somalia-watchers think this could once again end in tears. Somalis and Ethiopians have been fighting each other on and off for centuries, with Somali zealots, inspired by Islam, periodically launching raids on predominantly Christian Ethiopia—or so the Ethiopians have long complained. Many Somalis resent Ethiopia’s sovereignty over the ethnic-Somali region of Ogaden.

An attack on it in 1977 by Somalia ended disastrously; an Ethiopian counter-offensive backed by Cuban troops wrecked Somalia’s army and led to the collapse in 1991 of the last Somali regime to control the whole country. It was 15 years later that Ethiopia invaded Somalia with American support to unseat an Islamist government in Mogadishu, the seaside capital that has long been a wreck.

Meles Zenawi, Ethiopia’s prime minister, withdrew his troops in 2009, saying the jihadist threat had receded. But al Shabaab consolidated its hold on southern and much of central Somalia, forming a Taliban-style administration. It thrived until last year’s famine exposed its incompetence and cruelty. Suicide-bombings that have killed young Somali students have cost the movement much support, as was shown by the unusually warm welcome the Ethiopians got in Beledweyne, similar to the one the Kenyans got in some towns in the south.