April 1, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.
National Security Ministry vows to tighten security in Mogadishu
01 Apr- Source: Radio Shabelle/goobjoog/VOA Somali Service- 122 words
The Deputy Minister of National Security for the Somali Cabinet reported to the media that that the government will enforce strong measures on the security of the capital city Mogadishu.
Mr Ibrahim Isack Yarow explained that the National Intelligence & Security Agency is conducting difficult tasks to enforce stricter security conditions to prevent any further terrorist groups in Mogadishu.
“Every day we capture dozens of terrorist insurgents and confiscate explosive devices after search crackdowns by government troops.” Said Yarow
Somali National Army allied with African Union troops are currently in the midst of their military offensives against al Shabaab in the regions while the police forces are conducting continuous search operations in the capital city.
Key Headlines
- National Security Ministry vows to tighten security in Mogadishu (Radio Shabelle/VOA Somali Service)
- Somalia’s Ministry of Interior apprehends senior al Shabaab members in Mogadishu operation (Radio Goobjoog/SNTV)
- Somali Gov’t congratulates Turkish Prime Minister on his AKP party’s victory in local elections (Radio RBC/Radio Goobjoog)
- National Union of Somali Journalist call for the release of their colleague in Mogadishu (Radio Bar-kulan)
- Kenya: Dadaab MP opposes refugee return to camps (Daily Nation)
- Japan contributes $1 million to fight against explosive threats in Somalia (Radio RBC)
- Puntland Govt voices support for three-region state election (Garowe Online)
- President Gaas opens Puntland parliamentary session (Halgan Online)
- Somaliland:Chinese Industrialists Set to Establish a Range of Manufacturing Plants Across the Country(Somaliland Press)
- Bootlegger arrested with bottles of liquor for sale (Arab News)
- Christian and Muslim clerics say terror has nothing to do with religion (Standard Media)
- Kenya bomb blast: Police suspect terrorist attack (Mail & Guardian)
- Somalia state budget to double spending in 2014 (Reuters)
SOMALI MEDIA
National Security Ministry vows to tighten security in Mogadishu
01 Apr- Source: Radio Shabelle/goobjoog/VOA Somali Service- 122 words
The Deputy Minister of National Security for the Somali Cabinet reported to the media that that the government will enforce strong measures on the security of the capital city Mogadishu.
Mr Ibrahim Isack Yarow explained that the National Intelligence & Security Agency is conducting difficult tasks to enforce stricter security conditions to prevent any further terrorist groups in Mogadishu.
“Every day we capture dozens of terrorist insurgents and confiscate explosive devices after search crackdowns by government troops.” Said Yarow
Somali National Army allied with African Union troops are currently in the midst of their military offensives against al Shabaab in the regions while the police forces are conducting continuous search operations in the capital city.
Somalia’s Ministry of Interior apprehends senior al Shabaab members in Mogadishu operation
01 Apr – Source: Radio Goobjoog/SNTV – 120 words
The Ministry of National Security confirmed it has apprehended many people in a well planned operations in Mogadishu. The Assistant Minister for National security Ibrahim Issack Yarrow while holding press conference in Mogadishu stated that the joint forces arrested dozens of suspects including senior members of al Shabaab fighters from Mogadishu and areas in Lower Shabelle.
He added that the massive operations in Qoryooley town, in Lower Shabelle the forces captured high ranking member who masterminded 2009 deadly attack in Halane military base near the airport.
Finally Mr. Yarrow urged the public to cooperate with the security forces so as to combat attacks and explosions that claim the lives of innocent people in Mogadishu and other parts of the country.
National Union of Somali Journalist call for the release of their colleague in Mogadishu
01 Apr- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 187 words
The National Union of Somali Journalists NUSOJ has condemns the imprisonment of the Somali journalist Nuradin Shardi, a news presenter of a privately owned Radio Sky FM in Mogadishu, held at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for the second day.
According to the union the CID Chief Inspector, Mohamed Khalif Farah has summoned the journalist to the CID for questioning on Sunday where he was then arrested upon arrival.
It is not yet clear the main reason behind the journalist arrest and as there is no official comment from the CID in regard to the arrest.
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has condemned the arrest in a statement released to the newsrooms while calling for an immediate unconditional release of the journalist.
“The Unjustified arbitrary arrests against the media workers is a direct threat to the freedom of the expression, guaranteed under the federal constitution of Somalia.” Mohamed Ibrahim, Secretary General of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) said. “We call upon the unconditional release of the journalist.” He added.
However, new report says that the journalist has been freed without charges.
Japan contributes $1 million to fight against explosive threats in Somalia
01 Apr – Source: Radio RBC – 162 words
The Government of Japan has contributed US $ 1,000,000 to the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action to allow UNMAS to deliver continued support to Somalia in its fight against explosive threats.
With the generous support of the People of Japan since 2010, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has been able to provide essential services in support of stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Somalia.
These activities have included: emergency training and awareness for affected communities to warn against the dangers of explosive remnants of war (ERW), clearance and disposal of dangerous stockpiles of ERW, ammunition dumps and abandoned weapons; as well as training and mentorship of the Somali Police Force (SPF).
As the Somali Federal Government completed its transition process in August 2012, UNMAS began to develop a national capacity, in collaboration with the Police Commissioner, to address the explosive threat in Mogadishu and, more recently, in the regions of Somalia including Baidoa and Beledweyne.
Somali Gov’t congratulates Turkish Prime Minister on his AKP party’s victory in local elections
01 Apr – Source: Radio RBC/Radio Goobjoog – 186 words
Somali Federal Government has congratulated the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on his AKP party’s victory in the local elections in Turkey which gave the majority to lead his nation, according to a statement released by Somalia’s Foreign Minister on Monday.
The Statement said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia presents its compliments to the esteemed embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Mogadishu and has the honor to convey the letter of the congratulations from His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud , the President , His Excellency Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, the Prime minister and the People and government of the Federal Republic of Somalia on the occasion of the Victory of His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Prime minister of the Republic of Turkey and his ruling AKP Party during the local elections held in the Republic of Turkey on 30 March 2014 .
The People, Government and Leadership of The Federal Republic of Somalia feel eternally indebted to the magnanimity of the Republic of Turkey and the leadership, foresight and courage of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Puntland Govt voices support for three-region state election
31 Mar – Source: Garowe Online – 165 words
Puntland Government in northern Somalia on Monday voiced support for the three-region state presidential election that has been held in Bay regional capital of Baidoa of southwestern Somalia, urging Federal Government of Somalia to speed up federalization process, Garowe Online reports.
Puntland congratulated Mohamed Haji Abdinur on his election as the president of southwest state of Somalia according to a press statement from Puntland State House. “Puntland Government conveys warm congratulations to southwest state of Somalia’s people on their role in crowning an autonomous state,” the statement read.
” [Somalia’s Puntland Government] fully supports the formation and the development of southwest state of Somalia,” added the press statement, noting that Puntland is ready to provide technical and experience support to the new federal state.
Expressing hope about the outcome of federal system, the northwestern state which forms the tip of the horn of Africa region called on Somalia Federal Government, International Community members and donors to play a vital role in leaping the fledgling administration forward.
President Gaas opens Puntland parliamentary session
31 Mar – Source: Radio Goobjoog/Halgan Online – 115 words
The President of Puntland Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gass officially opened the parliamentary session after the members of parliament came back from holiday. The session was attended by ministers from Puntland administration.
The debate will be focus on 2014-2015 budget of Puntland which was submitted by finance ministry. The opening session was attended by 48 members out of 66 members of the house.
The President in a long speech gave reports on his recent trips to some parts of puntland regional state and meeting he took with a number of ambassadors from the European Union.
Puntland Minister for Finance Shire Haji Farah who was present during the session presented the budget to the members of Parliament.
Somaliland:Chinese Industrialists Set to Establish a Range of Manufacturing Plants Across the Country
31 Mar – Source: Somaliland Press – 156 words
Somaliland Ministry of Industry officials, businessmen and members of the public converged at the Egal international airport to welcome group of Chinese industrialists arrived in the country today just months after the signing of joint agreement last year to construct and establish of 20 factories in Somaliland to be funded by the Afro China Commerce Industry Group.
The head of Afro China Commerce Industry Group said, “We plan to setup and establish range of manufacturing plants here in Somaliland which produce and assembly motor vehicles, electronics, household goods, bicycles and food stuffs in parts of the country namely in Hargeisa, Tog Wajaale and Aw-barkhadle .
The Chinese industrialists had previously spent a couple of weeks last year in the country on a familiarization tour and exploring the country unexplored business opportunities and by visiting the various regions of the country said they were satisfied by both the people and the business environment which is vital for investment.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Kenya: Dadaab MP opposes refugee return to camps
01 Apr- Source: Daily Nation- 371 words
Dadaab Member of Parliament Mohamed Daliye Monday asked Government to reconsider its decision ordering refugees to return to designated camps.
Mr Dahiye, whose constituency hosts refugee camps, said there are laws that guide refugees in the country and enable them acquire alien cards, noting that repealing these laws was not a viable solution.
Mr Dahiye was speaking to journalists after giving out Sh15 million as bursary from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) at Dadaab.
He said no refugee was implicated in the report on the Westgate terror attack by a parliamentary committee, adding that MPs have not also recommended the closure of the camps.
The lawmaker said the report did not indicate that the Westgate attack was planned at Dadaab refugee camps. “Relocating refugees in the urban centres to the camps is not a good option, I’m appealing to the government to reconsider this,” said Dahiye.
Interior Cabinet secretary Joseph Ole Lenku has ordered refugees who are in urban centres to return to the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps citing insecurity.
Somalia tables $218m budget to parliament
01 Apr- Source: Africa Review-528 Words
Somalia’s Finance minister Hussein Abdi Halane has presented the government’s increased budget to parliament for approval as the country continues to rebuild its economy after years of civil war. “The budget total sees a 91 per cent increase from the 2013 budget of $114.3 million to a total of $218 million for 2014-2015,” said Mr Halane.
The plan provides for increased spending on education and health, he said. “The budget begins the job of rebuilding our economy – laying the foundations for sustainable long-term economic growth and job creation throughout Somalia,” said the minister.
“Only 11 months ago the government used to raise a mere $2.2 million in tax income per month, the total raised through local taxes is projected to increase to $130m in this year’s budget.”
Bootlegger arrested with bottles of liquor for sale
01 Apr – Source: Arab News – 136 words
Riyadh police arrested a Somali youth near Manfouha for brewing and selling liquor. The bootlegger was apprehended with a bag containing 19 bottles of liquor for sale. The suspect, in his twenties, confessed to the crime and admitted that the liquor was locally brewed and sold to his regular clients.
In a separate incident, the Riyadh police arrested another man who was driving a stolen car to carry out burglaries in the city. The police are currently investigating the case to find out if there are others involved in the case.
According to an expatriate, who has been living in the Kingdom for well over 30 years there is an increase of robberies in the city. He said that last week, a radiologist from a specialized medical hospital was mugged when he was getting into his car after work.
Christian and Muslim clerics say terror has nothing to do with religion
31 Mar- Source: Standard Media- 291 words
Christian and Muslim leaders at the Coast have warned that extremists on both sides are sowing a “poisonous religious and political ideology” to separate the two faiths and plunge Kenya into sectarian chaos. The group said the Coast is now beset by violent religious extremism and intolerance between the two faiths following recent attacks and killings in mosques and churches. But the group also acknowledged that individual Muslim extremists have demonised other religions and justified murder “in the name of Islam” and suggested that they should be treated as individual criminals.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Kenya bomb blast: Police suspect terrorist attack
01 Apr- Source: Mail & Guardian- 304 words
Three almost simultaneous blasts in the main Somali district of the Kenyan capital Nairobi on Monday left at least six people dead and scores injured, said police, raising suspicions of terrorism. “We are here at a crime scene. Of course we suspect it is a terrorist attack,” Nairobi police commander Benson Kibue told reporters. “The injuries number 25 – they are in various hospitals – and we have retrieved six bodies,” he said.
The three blasts targeted two small restaurants and a local clinic in a particularly densely populated area of Eastleigh, an area often known as Little Mogadishu because of its predominantly Somali population.
Somalia state budget to double spending in 2014
31 Mar – Source: Reuters – 108 words
Somalia’s budget forecasts a doubling of spending and tax revenues in 2014, the government said on Mondayas it set out plans to widen the tax base in the battered nation, which still relies heavily on aid for basic humanitarian support.
Presenting the budget for the year to parliament, Finance Minister Hussein Abdi Halane said spending would increase to $218 million in 2014 from $114.3 million last year.
The prime minister’s office said in a statement that income from domestic taxes would rise to about $130 million to help fund education, health and job creation. Previous government estimates put the 2013 tax collection at about $54 million.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
If they are employed, as many are, refugees contribute to the countries where they reside. Nor is it clear that it is refugees that are the security threat. The low intensity conflict at the Coast mostly involves Kenyan citizens. Moreover escalating violent crime, which has nothing to do with refugees, is a far more serious problem for wananchi than terrorism. Let Kenya avoid discrimination and respect the rights of refugees.
Kenya should not demonise refugees
01 Apr- Source: The Star-Kenya-202 Words
REFUGEES in urban centres will soon be forcibly arrested and returned to Dadaab and the Kakuma camps. Department of Refugees Affairs commissioner Harun Komen said yesterday that refugees have no choice but to comply with last week’s government directive. He said an exception might be made for refugees who own businesses in urban centres.
This order is a breach of international law, to which Kenya is a signatory, just like the government insistence that Dadaab and Kakuma be relocated inside Somalia. Refugees are allowed freedom of movement. Kenya has agreed to that.
There is a false assumption that all refugees are a nuisance. But most Kenyans would agree that the Ugandan refugees who stayed in Kenya from 1971 to 1986 were a net benefit to the country, especially those who were teachers.
The innovative entrepreneurs of Somaliland
01 Apr- Source: The Prepaid Economy-592 Words
Earlier this month we covered Somaliland’s emerging economic opportunities in a reasonably stable operating environment. Today, we have a chance to share some individual stories of entrepreneurs introducing innovative services overcoming challenges to exploit that potential opportunity.
Abdikarim Salah Mohamud (pictured above) left Somaliland in 1988 for Melbourne and returned 23 years later to start Hargeisa Taxi. CNN starts his story so:
Hargeisa is the capital city of Somaliland, a breakaway state that clamors for independence from its terror-torn neighbor — Somalia. Shattered by decades of civil war, dictatorship and terror, the city is racing toward a better future: bright new office blocks poke out from the desert and markets, once empty, throng daily. But there’s still only one well-paved street in Hargeisa. Every other one is a chalky, rock-strewn dirt track, bullying cars into early retirement.
Top tweets
@harunmaruf A day after bomb attacks in #Nairobi, #Kenya‘s army chief warns terrorism is threatening national cohesionhttp://mobile.nation.co.ke/
@NUSOJ_Somalia @NUSOJ_Somalia welcomes the release of Nuradin Shardi after spending 3days in custody.@africamedia_CPJ @moibrahimi pic.twitter.com/tp3xt4p8b6
@AbdulkaderIsma1 If #Baidoa federalism factions reach a comprise to reconcile, it would be a great step forward for peace and stability of #Somalia.
@SolheimDAC Bringing the pieces together after 20 years of war, takes time. Optimistic @SomaliPM after military progress#Somalia http://ow.ly/3iM3Lj
@SomaliPM Rebuilding our nation is no easy feat but it can be accomplished. The Somali people do not want violence, they seek peace. #enoughisEnough
Image of the day
Mogadishu, Somalia 1984 at a photography studio. Some of the photos on the wall are of Somali celebrities of that era. Photo: @E_Somaila