April 29, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Somali President says relations between Kenya, Somalia is not souring
29 Apr – Source: RBC/Somalicurrent – 168 words
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said that the relations between the governments of Kenya and Somalia was not souring as high diplomatic tension between the two countries exists.
Speaking to the local media shortly after he returned from one-day trip to the neighboring Djibouti, President Mohamud confirmed that Somalia recalled its ambassador to Kenya to hold further consultations following the arrest of the Consular General of Somali Embassy in Kenya Siyad Mohamud Shire.
“The ties between Somalia and Kenya is not on bad terms, but we are sorry on how Kenyan continues to treat with Somali citizens in Kenya.” President Mohamud said. He said Somalia seeks Kenya an official explanation on the arrest of Somali diplomat in Nairobi last week.
Mr Shire was picked up from his home, and released a few hours later following the intervention of Somalia’s ambassador, Mohammed Ali Nur. Both Ambassador Nur and the consular Shire are now in Mogadishu to give details of the arrest to the cabinet and the parliament.
Key Headlines
- Somali President says relations between Kenya Somalia is not souring (RBC/Somalicurrent/Radio Kulmiye)
- Jubba administration security forces arrests over 30 people in a security crackdown (Radio Goobjoog)
- Minister for internal security urges the parliament to pass the anti terror bill (Radio Dalsan)
- UN official: al Shabaab weaker but more dangerous (Aljazeera)
- Wardhigley commissioner says security in the district is improving (Radio Shabelle)
- Defense Minister tours Sudanese military facilities asks military support (Radio Mogadishu/ Radio RBC)
- Shabaab survivor welcomed home (Daily Nation)
- Wadajir commissioner orders roadblocks in the district to be removed (Radio Shabelle)
- Somalia PM seeks answer over arrest (Daily Nation)
- Somali ministry of education presents plan to revive the sector (Radio Dalsan/Radio Mogadishu)
- Galmudug president unveils new cabinet (Source: Bar-kulan)
- Somali National Armed Forces attack Al-shabab fighters in Bakool region (Somalicurrent)
- Kenya: Six terror suspects arrested in Limuru (Daily Nation)
- Somali Pirates Flee Captured Dhow (Eunavfor)
- Rogo killer was ‘Arab or Israeli’ (Daily Nation)
- Mogadishu Revival (CCTV)
SOMALI MEDIA
Somali President says relations between Kenya, Somalia is not souring
29 Apr – Source: RBC/Somalicurrent/Radio Kulmiye – 168 words
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said that the relations between the governments of Kenya and Somalia was not souring as high diplomatic tension between the two countries exists.
Speaking to the local media shortly after he returned from one-day trip to the neighboring Djibouti, President Mohamud confirmed that Somalia recalled its ambassador to Kenya to hold further consultations following the arrest of the Consular General of Somali Embassy in Kenya Siyad Mohamud Shire.
“The ties between Somalia and Kenya is not on bad terms, but we are sorry on how Kenyan continues to treat with Somali citizens in Kenya.” President Mohamud said. He said Somalia seeks Kenya an official explanation on the arrest of Somali diplomat in Nairobi last week.
Mr Shire was picked up from his home, and released a few hours later following the intervention of Somalia’s ambassador, Mohammed Ali Nur. Both Ambassador Nur and the consular Shire are now in Mogadishu to give details of the arrest to the cabinet and the parliament.
Jubba administration security forces arrests over 30 people in a security crackdown
29 Apr- Source: Radio Goobjoog/Dhanaan Online- 100 words
The security forces of jubba administration in southern Somalia have launched massive operations in Kismayo, the headquarters of Lower Juba.
Over thirty people mostly youth were apprehended during the operations in Shaqalaha village, the massive operations came after Jubba administration soldier was killed gunmen who immediately disappeared.
The commander of Kismayo police who was contacted by our correspondent in lower Jubba declined to give comment about the operations claiming that investigations are underway.
Business activities in the district especially Shaqalaha vicinity during the operations came to standstill as businessmen stayed indoors fearing that they will be affected by the crackdown.
Minister for internal security urges the parliament to pass the anti terror bill
29 Apr- Source: Radio Dalsan- 114 words
Minister for internal security Abdikarim Hussein Guled has said it his ministry is committed to improve security in the country saying he will soon table anti terror law in the parliament.
Speaking in the parliament yesterday Mr. Guled has urged the house to pass the bill when table for discussions. “For security to improve in our country we need to take tough decisions,” he said. “I am calling upon you t help us in this difficult task,” he added.
Mr. Guled has confirmed that security agencies in Somalia have foiled plan terror attacks by al Shabaab militant groups for the past months saying if it could have been executed could have resulted maximum damage.
Wardhigley commissioner says security in the district is improving
28 Apr – Source: Radio Shabelle – 59 words
In an exclusive interview with Shabelle, the newly appointed district commissioner of Wardhigley reported on the security situation in the district. Yasin Nur Isse, said that the security situation in the district is well and you can depend on it. He also condemned the assassination of a youth in the district the night before, deeming the murder as ‘cowardly’.
Defense Minister tours Sudanese military facilities, asks military support
29 Apr- Source: Radio Mogadishu/ Radio RBC- 166 words
The Defense Minister of Somalia Federal Government General Mohamed Hassan Hamud is currently paying his first visit to Sudan where he is seeking military support from the Arab republic of Sudan.
Minister Hamud has met with his Sudanese Counterpart and toured the largest factory of warplanes in Khartoum where he as welcomed by military officers and technicians serving in the factory.
The minister’s visit to Sudan was described as enhancing the bilateral relations between Sudan and Somalia, two brotherly Arab nations in East Africa.
Sudan is one of the African states those provide military support to Somalia as Sudan previously trained thousands of Somalia’s Armed Forces.
There was not any agreements signed between the defense ministers of the two republics but, according to sources Somalia will officially ask Sudan to stand side by side on rebuilding and re-equipping Somalia’s National Army.
Several other governments including Djibouti, Ethiopia and Uganda had also pledged support for rebuilding Somalia National Army, once the strongest army in the region.
Wadajir commissioner orders roadblocks in the district to be removed
29 Apr- Source: Radio Shabelle- 88 words
The district commissioner of Wadajir Ahmed Abdulle Afrah, who is recently appointed by the Governor of Banadir & Mayor of Mogadishu told Shabelle radio that the district administration has already begun intensive search crackdowns in the neighborhoods of the district to remove all the illegally roadblocks.
Mr. Afrah mentioned that several checkpoints were removed and that it posed a security risk to the district. In Wadajir of Mogadishu, drivers have consistently complained of the roadblocks in the district.
Somali ministry of education presents plan to revive the sector
28 Apr- Source: Radio Dalsan/Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/Universaltv- 154 words
Minister for education Issa Mohamed Gurase has tabled education plan system to the parliament and urged the members to pass it for implementation.
The ministry of education has presented plans to revive the education system of the country today in an event that was graced by deputy prime minister and other stakeholders in Mogadishu today.
The plan which is meant to change the system of the education in the country is set to be tabled in parliament for debate after which if it is passed will be implemented immediately.
Minister for Development and reconstruction Engineer Nadifo Mohamed Osman who spoke at the event has said her ministry will renovate and develop all education institutions that were affected by the civil war to facilitate the revival of the Somali education system.
The education sector is one of worst affected government institutions in Somalia following the two decades of civil war that broke out in 1991.
Galmudug president unveils new cabinet
29 Apr – Source: Bar-kulan – 58 words
Galmudug president Abdi Hassan Awale Qaybdid has on Monday unveiled 12 members of his new cabinet following a recent dismissal of the previous government. Speaking at a ceremony to unveil the new cabinet, the president said that the remaining ministers including female representatives will be appointed soon. Some of the new ministers include members from the previous cabinet.
Somali National Armed Forces attack Al-shabab fighters in Bakool region
29 Apr- Source: Somalicurrent- 251 words
Somali national armed forces in an effort to capture al Shabaab’s top commander Abdilahi Dhere trying to seek hideouts in districts in Bakool region, but the operation have not been succeeded to catch or shoot the commander, as reports from the armed forces added that Somali army have overtaken Kulan town, a town which 45 km from Wajid district from the Al-Qaeda affiliated fighters.
This has been confirmed to the media by Col. Mohamed Osman Tima-ade, Somali army’s Commander to Bay region speaking to one of Mogadishu radio stations.
The fighting begun after Somali national armed forces have attacked Kulan-Jarer, a town which is 45 km from Wajid. Unknown numbers of al Shabaab fighters have been killed according to the government officials.
“We have informed the presence of Abdilahi Dhere, one of the leaders of al Shabaab militant group in the district, he run away from the attack by the National army and we didn’t succeed to catch him, but 30 members of his group have been killed in the fighting. We have also burned a military vehicle from the group.” Said Col. Tima-ade.
Government forces assisting by the African Peacekeeping mission troops (AMISOM) have overtaken the control of cities in this region including Head Quarters Hudur, Wajid and al Shabaab previously held settlements.
Somaliland: Locally Brewed Reconciliation and Peace Creation Mechanism Acknowledged Internationally
28 Apr – Source: Somaliland Sun/RBC – 137 words
In its entire essence the republic of Somaliland believes in peaceful co-existence among its diverse communities and with neighbouring countries. This was informed during a press briefing by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Interior Mohamed Bihi Younis and Mohamed Ali Waran’ade at the Egal airport in Hargeisa upon return from an official working visit to Ethiopia.
Foreign minister Bihi Younis who revealed that multi-faceted achievements attained by Somalilanders single handedly is facilitating a changed perception of the unrecognized country by the international community.
In Elaboration the FM said that their presentation at the two days Tana Forum held in Bardahar Ethiopia on the Somaliland home grown peace and reconciliation process that has succeed was acclaimed by the governments, diplomats and academicians in attendance as worthy of emulation for similar effect in a number of troubled countries.
Somaliland President Calls for Peaceful Resolution to Dispute over Sool region
28 Apr- Source: Somali Current- 326 words
Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo on today attended the opening ceremony of ruling party Kulmiye’s 3rd congress, in his address, the president called for peaceful resolution to the territorial dispute over sool region.
“We are ready to end the current territorial conflicts in the disputed areas through peaceful, cooperation and engagement.”
On the other hand; President stressed that Somaliland is also committed to live peacefully with the neighbouring states and that Somaliland will never secede from its decision to become independent country.
“Peace is more powerful than war, through war, you would only lose a boy, so I am always encouraging for peaceful resolution to any dispute that emerges. Somaliland has indisputable sovereignty over its territories including Sool region and can’t accept any intervention from outside.”
REGIONAL MEDIA
UN official: al Shabaab weaker but more dangerous
29 Apr- Source: Aljazeera- 3:50 min
Despite political turmoil and the threat of attacks by Somalia’s al-Shabab armed group, the United Nation’s Special Representative for Somalia tells Al Jazeera about concrete improvements that have created confidence in the country’s future.
Nicholas Kay warned that the rebel group has become weaker, but more dangerous. He also told Al Jazeera’s James Bays that there have been improvements in the country’s security.
Kenya: Al Shabaab survivor welcomed home
29 Apr – Source: Daily Nation – 124 words
Pomp and joy marked the return of a man who was rescued after two years in Al-Shabaab captivity.
Friends, relatives, neighbours and the family of Mr James Kiarie Gichuhi, who was rescued by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), celebrated his return during a thanksgiving ceremony at his Mathare-ini village in Murang’a.
Tears of joy flowed the they jostled to hug him, not believing he was alive. Mr Gichuhi, 53, Mr Daniel Njuguna Wanyoike, who is from the same place, were saved from the terror group about two weeks ago.
The militants seized Mr Gichuhi at Dadaab refugee camp on November 19, 2011, when he worked for Care International. He was locked up in various jails deep inside Somalia for two years and eight months.
The day al Shabaab called
29 Apr- Source: Standardmedia-259 words
As the evening sun kissed goodbye the hills over Othaya on September 7, 2012, Damaris Wamaitha, 30, received a strange text message in her phone at exactly 6.07pm.
The message was from the most of the unlikeliest of senders. It read: “I am the hit (sic) of Al-Shabaab area of dhobley we don’t want to give you the body of your brother forget about it we buried already and tell the neigbour of you (sic) to not come to Somalia,” the message read. The text message ruined her evening and changed her life forever. “I wondered why it was happening to us,” she recalls, “We were a religious family. We believed in God and thought it was unfair for the suffering we were going through.”
Kenya: Six terror suspects arrested in Limuru
29 Apr- Source: Daily Nation- 394 words
Police in Limuru arrested six terror suspects during the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) conducted in the area. Limuru Deputy County Commissioner Kangethe Thuku said the suspects were handed over to the anti terrorism police unit. He said the suspects were assisting police with investigations. He said they also profiled 93 ex-convicts and 97 ex-servicemen through chiefs and village elders in efforts to rein in criminal activities during the RRI exercise that took place in the last 90 days. He said the ex-convicts and ex-servicemen were being monitored.
Rogo killer was ‘Arab or Israeli’
29 Apr – Source: Daily Nation – 164 words
An inquest into the killing of controversial cleric, Sheikh Aboud Rogo, resumed Monday, with a witness testifying that the cleric was shot dead by an assailant of Arabian-Israeli appearance. The killing of the cleric described by Kenyan and Western security agencies as an Al-Shabaab recruiter took place on the Malindi-Mombasa road on August 27, 2012.
Ms Beatrice Wekesa told Mombasa chief magistrate Maxwell Gicheru that the attacker was travelling in a white Subaru. He shot one of the tyres of the matatu in which Sheikh Rogo was driving his wife Haniya Said Sagar, children and father-in-law Said Saggar Ahmed to Mombasa town from his Kanamai residence.
“He then sprayed the vehicle with bullets until it veered off the road. The attacker was a man in his 20s, with skin complexion like that of an Arab or Israeli. He then said ‘shit’ before turning to us, and placing a finger on his mouth as a gesture to warn us we keep quiet,” said the witness.
Somalia PM seeks answer over arrest
29 Apr – Source: Daily Nation – 160 words
Somalia Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed has demanded a formal explanation from Kenya for the arrest of his country’s consul in Nairobi last week. Mr Ahmed has also warned against harassment and detention of innocent Somalia nationals living in Kenya.
The PM’s intervention could escalate a diplomatic wedge between Mogadishu and Nairobi that resulted from a disagreement over the handling of the ongoing security operation in settlements dominated by people of Somali origins.
Hundreds of Somalian leaders, including top government officials and MPs have homes in Nairobi.
“The Somali Government also seeks an official response from the Kenyan Government on the arrest of the Somali Consul to Kenya, Siyad Mohamud Shire, which is a serious violation of diplomatic immunity,” the PM said in a statement.
“The Somali Government has been in constant communication with the Kenyan Government on these detentions and would like to see the government of Kenya make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent Somali citizens.”
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Mohamed Hersi wanted to move to Muslim country to escape Canada’s ‘Islamophobia,’ terror trial hears
29 Apr – Source: National Post – 105 words
A Toronto security guard on trial for allegedly attempting to join the Somali terrorist group Al-Shabaab testifiedMonday he wanted to move to a Muslim country because of the discrimination he suffered in Canada, but insisted he did not support terrorism.
“I felt that throughout my time in Canada I felt a lot of discrimination, whether because I’m black or I’m Muslim,” Mohamed Hassan Hersi said. “I felt that if I lived in a Muslim country, I probably would not experience Islamophobia.”
Mr. Hersi, 28, told jurors as he began his defence that his entire clan was “hostile” to the group and its “extreme methods.”
Somali Pirates Flee Captured Dhow
28 Apr – Source: Eunavfor – 133 words
On Saturday 26 April the master of a dhow spoke of his relief after 6 armed pirates, who had taken his vessel and crew hostage, fled the scene after sightings of an EU Naval Force Spanish maritime patrol and reconnaissance (MPRA) aircraft.
The master confirmed his ordeal to members of the Boarding Team from the EU Naval Force flagship, FGS Brandenburg, after the German warship had closed the sea area to investigate the dhow.
The master stated that the pirates had forced him and his crew to sail to the Gulf of Aden, where they had planned to use the dhow as a ‘mother ship’ to attack merchant ships at sea.
Before they left the dhow, the master said that the pirates had stolen electronic equipment and other personal items from the crew.
Mogadishu Revival
28 Apr- Source: CCTV- 2:34 min
Not so very long ago, Mogadishu was the classic example of a war ravaged capital, a city turned into a battlefield by years of fighting. Until just three years ago some main streets were literally impassable. Our reporter Mohamed Hirmoge compares how dangerous the city’s main street was back in 2011 and how it has become an investment hotspot now.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“My special appeal to H.E the president and H.E the deputy president to know that they are the protectors after God of all inhabitants of this great nation and they must at all times be seen to be furthering the wellbeing and common good of all citizens and visitors irrespective of their religion and race. And avoid any attempt by anyone to stereotype and profile any community to anything other than what the law prescribes and proved by a court of law. Kenyan Muslims are now apprehensive and they need assuarance not threats and intimidation.”
Kenyan Muslims’ Dilemma In The Face Of Terror
29 Apr- Source: Star- Kenya- 426 words
The Muslims of Kenya constitute between 10-25% depending on which school of thought one is inclined to.If we take a middle ground of 15%,then Kenyan Muslims are at the minimum 2.7 m of the population.
Historically, Kenyan Muslims were at the coast as early as 7th Century A.D.(Islam in Kenya: Proceedings of the national Seminar on Contemporary Islam;1995).
The other very important fact about Muslims in Kenya is that you will find them amongst all the 43 tribes and in all parts of the Rebublic.Yes they may be either a majority or a minority in different parts of the country but they are represented in all parts.
So 50 years after independence,why is the focus on the Muslims and how are the rest of Kenyans perceiving them?Is there an emerging tendency to stigmatize Muslims? if so who is spearheading and why?
History will attest to the fact that Kenyan Mulsims are one of the most loyal communities to the state despite being marginalized intentionally or otherwise over the years.
Their contribution to national development in various fields is an open secret. For example, Gen.Mohamud was not only instrumental in quashing the attempted coup in 1982,but ensured the stability of this nation by steering the military as its CGS for a record 10 years(1986-1996).
“The Federal Government of Somalia coupled with CWC and Soma Oil and Gas sponsored the Summit in which over 100 delegates gathered to hear the Somali plan and regulatory framework and activities paving the way for the Majors to come back and resolve issues with Puntland and Somaliland so that exploration efforts are not hampered.”
The status of oil and gas exploration in Somalia
28 Apr- Source: Wardheernews- 311 words
Geologists and professionals in the oil industry became fascinated with Somalia’s geology and its oil and gas potential since the 1920s. Most of the land and the continental shelf of Somalia (marine), nearly 90% is underlain by a sedimentary section of varying thickness ranging from 2000 m to more than 5000 m. Available are source rocks, generating oil and gas; reservoir rocks that are supposed to keep the oil or the gas and the existence of other necessary traps, seals and structures that are needed to keep oil/gas in place. Practically exploration started as early as 1948. The first exploratory well was Sagaleh – 1 well in what is now Puntland in 1956 and since then eight sedimentary basins were recognised in Somalia. In the past, many companies came in and were awarded exploration acreages. The companies carried out gravimetric, magnetic, seismic surveys and exploratory drilling. Some relinquished their exploration rights and some held to their concession areas until Somalia became unstable and the state collapsed in 1991.
Major companies such as Conoco-Phillips, BP, Shell (Pectin), Chevron, ENI (Agip), Total and others declared “force majeure” until Somalia becomes again more stable and business as usual. That moment seems to be approaching and many companies are keeping their eyes on Somalia.
Top tweets
@UNSomalia #Somalia Gov’t needs continued international support: Listen more from #UN Envoy Nick Kay (@Somalia111)@UN_Radio http://bit.ly/QOaZwk
@GermanyinKenya Congratulation,@EUNAVFOR! #Somaliapirates flee captured dhow as EU mission applies pressurehttp://bit.ly/1k3RiHT pic.twitter.com/edWJ0kA5nx
@tres_HOA Photo from this week’s protest in #Kismayo against targeted killings. My piece on it: http://somalianewsroom.com/
@amisomsomalia VIDEO: #Somalia Women’s Conference 2014 themed “The role of the women in the development of Somalia”. http://bit.ly/1hI3lJl
@AbdulPressTV #Somalia; Cartoonist #AminAmir says Somali leaders worried over #Kenyan Police abuse after arrest of its consular! pic.twitter.com/tUDzKagjuW
@omabha #Somalia Somalia President ‘not happy’ with the treatment of Somalis in Kenya – Horseed Mediahttp://dlvr.it/5Wkg5f #Mogadishu
Image of the day
President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar in Djibouti yesterday. Photo: Raxanreeb Online