April 30, 2015 | Daily Monitoring Report.
A Somali Journalist And His Wife Killed In Baidoa Town
30 April – Radio Muqdisho – 150 Words
Armed gunmen are confirmed to have killed a journalist and his wife at Berdale village in Baidoa town, the capital of Bay region last night according to the reports.. The murdered journalist was Da’ud Ali Omar and he was working for a local F.M station, Radio Baidoa. He was in his house together with his wife when gunmen reportedly attacked them. The gunmen also killed a young man in the area then escaped the scene according to the journalists there. The young man was a technician living in the area. Officials of Southwest State did not comment on this latest incident that occurred overnight. Baidoa town is 250 KM away in the Southwest of the Somali Capital Mogadishu. Journalists based in the region face numerous security threats.
Key Headlines
- Phase Two Talks Between Federal Government And Regional States Starts In Garowe Puntland(Goobjoog News)
- Technical Committee Dissolved Over Alleged Meddling By Federal Government (Garowe Online)
- A Somali Journalist And His Wife Killed In Baidoa Town (Radio Muqdisho)
- One Killed Five Injured In Bosaso (Goobjoog News)
- Human Rights Defender Begins Hunger Strike Protesting Imprisonment (Somali Update)
- KDF Arrests Two Suicide Bombers Going To Nairobi (The Star Kenya)
- Kenya Tanzania Blame Youth Radicalization On Rise Of Terrorist Activities (Shanghai Times)
- Eastern Africa: Regional Humanitarian Snapshot As of 28 April 2015 (Reliefweb)
- Kenya Backpedals On Closure Of Somali Refugee Camp (IRIN)
- Breaking Up The Logjam: Realistic Options On Overcoming The Jubbaland Political Conundrum(Wardheer News)
NATIONAL MEDIA
Phase Two Talks Between Federal Government And Regional States Start In Garowe, Puntland
30 April – Source: Goobjoog News – 142 Words
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to commence today the second phase of talks between the federal government and regional states in Garowe, the capital of semi-autonomous regional state of Puntland. Jubaland’s Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) and Southwest State administration leader Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adam are also at the conference on wednesday.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud landed in Garowe on Tuesday ahead of the conference to hold talks with Puntland leadership and traditional leaders on central state formation, amongst others. In February 2015, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud invited the leaders of the regional states of Puntland, Jubba and South Western Somalia, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, Ahmed Mohamed Islaan and Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden for a three-day consultation forum in Mogadishu.
Technical Committee Dissolved Over Alleged Meddling By Federal Government
30 April – Source: Garowe Online – 220 Words
Clan elders, and two central state formation signatories have dissolved technical committee for allegedly refusing to vet delegates to the ongoing convention in Galgadud region town of Adado on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports. Elder Abdinasir Jama Seed stold VOA Somali Service that the decision to disband the committee members came after they blacklisted delegates representing Mudug region. Adado clan elders accused Mogadishu-based federal government of meddling in the state formation process and tampering with it. In reaction at the unilateral dissolving of the committee, the interior ministry said in statement that central state technical committee has a full right to exercise duties without manipulation.
“The ministry warns some of the presidential candidates against exerting influence over technical committee, and at the same time asks them to respect the smooth progress of the convention,” read the statement from the Internal Affairs Ministry. On April 16, the convention kicked off in the central town with President Mohamud, UN envoy Ambassador Nicholas Kay, IGAD’s Mohamed Abdi Afey, and Turkish and Ugandan envoys present.
One Killed, Five Injured In Bosaso
30 April – Source: Goobjoog News – 56 Words
Hand grenade explosion occurred on Wednesday night in Bosaso town in Eastern Somalia. Reports say that the place was crowded troops and civilians, One perspn was killed in the explosion and 5 people were injured. No group has so far claimed the responsibility for the incident. Local administration and the police in the area conducted operation with no further details.
Human Rights Defender Begins Hunger Strike Protesting Imprisonment
29 April – Source: Somali Update – 416 Words
The chairman of Somaliland’s Human Rights Centre, Guleid Ahmed Jama, who is currently detained in Hargeisa’s Central Prison is said to have started hunger strike yesterday. East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP) in a statement released today , said that Guleid should be immediately and unconditionally released. This is EHAHRDP’s second public statement on Guleid’s case, and reflects the urgency of his present situation.
Guiled began a hunger strike yesterday, after a delay in issuing court proceedings by the Somaliland government. He is protesting against his imprisonment what he called the baseless charges being levelled against him, and his lack of access to a court or any mechanism for judicial review. The East Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project is extremely concerned at Guleid’s ongoing detention, and his health.
After his initial detention at the Criminal Investigation Division, Guleid was moved to Hargeisa’s Central Police Station on 19 April. His bail hearing took place on the same day and was reportedly granted, but police officers at the station refused to release Guleid. Reportedly, this decision was made on the basis that an appeal had been filed by the Attorney General’s Office against the court’s decision to grant bail. On April 20th, Guleid was transferred to Hargeisa Central Prison and was informed that his next hearing would be scheduled in 7 days. Until now, Guleid has not yet appeared before a court.
“Eight days ago, EHAHRDP issued an urgent public call for Guleid’s immediate release”, said Hassan Shire, EHAHRDP’s Executive Director. “Since that time, our call has been ignored by Somaliland authorities. He is being held solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression, and should not be in prison. We once again call on the Somaliland authorities to show respect for due process and the rule of law, and release him immediately and unconditionally”. Guleid has been accused of subversive or anti-national propaganda, intimidation of the public and publication or circulation of false, exaggerated and tendencious news capable of disturbing public order, charges which have no factual or legal basis.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
KDF Arrests Two Suicide Bombers Going To Nairobi
30 April – Source: The Star, Kenya – 447 Words
TWO suspected al Shabaab operatives have been arrested on the Kenya-Somalia border on suspicion of planning to carry out suicide bombings deep inside Kenya. The incident comes barely 12 hours after security agents in Wajir thwarted an attempted attack on the Wajir county government offices on Tuesday. Sources within the security forces say that the two were part of a group of five who were trying to enter Kenya through the border. However, both police and KDF could neither confirm nor deny the incident. Police spokesperson Mboroki Gatiria said that she had no information on the arrest of the two would-be suicide bombers but could not rule it out.
Three of the suspected al Shabaab operatives are said to have retreated into Somalia after the arrest of the other two by the Kenya Defence Forces. The two, who were arrested by a KDF Special Forces unit deployed on special operations (SF-SO-Unit), on Monday, are said to be top members of a suicide squad of the Somali terror group Harakat al Shabaab al Mujahideen, otherwise known as al Shabaab. The Special Forces unit is said to have been acting on intelligence from a joint team composed of the National Intelligence Service and the Directorate of Military Intelligence. Sources gave the names of the two who were intercepted and arrested as Mursal Mohamed Hassan and Abdulahi Abikar. KDF are said to have found a complete suicide bomb vest on one of the suspected terrorists while the other had another vest concealed inside a water jerry can. There are suspicions that the two were also part of the group that was involved in the logistical planning of the Garissa University College attack that left 148 people dead. Security sources have also indicated that the vest may have been part of a batch being smuggled into Nairobi’s Majengo area to a terror cell that was to conduct an attack in Wakulima Market near Muthurwa.
Kenya, Tanzania Blame Youth Radicalization On Rise Of Terrorist Activities
30 April – Source: Shanghai Times – 380 Words
Kenyan and Tanzanian government on Wednesday blamed radicalization of youth for increased cases of terrorism activities in the East Africa region. Outgoing Tanzania High Commissioner to Kenya, Batilda Burian said her country would work closely with Kenya in combating terrorism among other criminal activities. “There is need for our two countries to work together in combating terrorism activities which are increasingly becoming a threat to development of East Africa Community,” Burian said during a meeting with Deputy President William Ruto in Nairobi.
She said Tanzania was saddened by the recent Garissa attack where 148 people were killed. “We wish to assure you of our support as you intensify the fight against this heinous act of lawlessness. We are standing with you,” she said. Speaking during the meeting, Ruto said Kenya has intensified efforts in the fight against terrorism, noting that the global challenge needed concerted efforts to containing it. “We have to work together as countries in our region to eliminate terrorism activities for the sake of peace and development,” Ruto said.
The police have stepped up security surveillance across the country following intelligence reports that Somali militant group Al-Shabaab are planning to carry out retaliatory terror attacks in the East African nation. Security forces have increased surveillance measures in key installations, private and public places, and urged the public to exercise caution while dealing with people with ulterior motives. Meanwhile, the deputy president also said the integration of EAC has strengthened relations among its member countries, noting that it has created prosperity for the region. Ruto said Kenya and Tanzania have enjoyed good working relations, especially in the field of trade.
Eastern Africa: Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (as of 28 April 2015)
29 April – Source: Reliefweb – 221 Words
Food security is expected to deepen for many vulnerable households as the lean period start by end April – May. Malnutrition levels are expected to worsen after May and are already above critical thresholds in parts of northern Kenya, eastern and southern Ethiopia, rural Djibouti, and south-central Somalia. As of March 2015, the number of food insecure people in in the region has increased from 11.43 million people to 13.73 million people.
This figure will be revised and updated by the Food Security and Nutrition Working Group (FSNWG) in May 2015. Conflict and unfavourable climatic conditions remain the main drivers of food insecurity and displacement in the Eastern Africa region. As of March 2015, the estimated number of displaced people in the region stood at 8.99 million people; of whom 2.37 million are refugees while 6.62 million are internally displaced persons (IDPs) and people severely affected by conflict.
Despite growing humanitarian needs, funding levels have not significantly increased since April 2014 and humanitarian country teams in the region are facing immediate funding gaps in critical sectors. As of April 2015, humanitarian appeals (Sudan, Somalia, South Sudan) stood at 19 per cent funded, less than the 22 per cent funded of the same appeals in April 2014.
Kenya Backpedals On Closure Of Somali Refugee Camp
29 April – Source: IRIN – 461 Words
Kenya appears to have softened its stance on the imminent closure of a camp hosting more than a third of a million Somali refugees, weeks after the deputy president announced it would happen within three months, as he reacted to the massacre at Garissa University. “While we are committed to the return of the refugees, you will not see us holding them by the head and tail and throwing them across the border,” Ali Bunow Korane, who chairs Kenya’s Refugee Affairs Commission, said Wednesday. Korane was addressing a forum where officials from the UN, aid agencies and civil society discussed the implications of closing Dadaab refugee complex, where more than 330,000 Somalis live. He acknowledged that, while it was Kenya’s policy to encourage refugees to go back to Somalia, the country, “does not provide a conducive environment for mass return.”
This is also the position of the UNHCR, the UN’s agency for refugees, and most aid agencies working in Somalia. Korane said Kenya was working to mobilise international support to improve security and build up social infrastructure, such as houses, schools and hospitals, in order to make potential areas of return more viable. On 11 April, Deputy President William Ruto announced that the Kenyan government had asked UNHCR, “to relocate the refugees [in Dadaab] within three months, failure to which we shall relocate them ourselves.” Ruto spoke shortly after 148 people, mostly students, were murdered in a university in the northern town of Garissa, in an attack claimed by al-Shabab. Although al-Shabab is primarily a Somali jihadist insurgency, it has recruited many Kenyans, including, by many accounts, some of those who carried out the university killings.
OPINION/ANALYSIS/CULTURE
“The first priority for the current Jubbaland administration should be to ready and align the state for vision 2016, and start partnering with other states as well as with the central government. Doing so requires implementing the letter and spirit of the Addis Ababa Agreement, particularly the principle of reconciliation. Not doing so will reverse the gains so far achieved.”
Breaking Up The Logjam: Realistic Options On Overcoming The Jubbaland Political Conundrum
30 April – Source: Wardheer News – 1, 291 Words
Although a major achievement, the composition of the Interim Jubbaland Parliament (IJP), established on April 15, 2015, does require a significant tweaking to bring it in line with the Addis Ababa Agreement (AAA) of August 2013. Among other principles and goals, the AAA calls for a comprehensive reconciliation and political inclusivity among stakeholders in the region. Bearing the brunt of civil war, Jubbaland has been bereft of the rare commodity of governance and rule of law thus being eclipsed by long periods of absence of state institutions. The serendipity of group conflicts seems to have produced perineal suspicions and mistrusts among clans in the region. Any recovery effort shall, therefore, be sensitive to inclusivity and optimization of representation.
Unfortunately, the newly seated Parliament has not optimized stakeholder’s representation. Many groups across the board, including the two most important traditional leaders in the entire Jubbaland region-Ugas Boqow, a highly celebrated judicious sultan, and the Ugas Hashi, the traditional supreme authority in Gedo-see the current parliamentary architecture as unsatisfactory and less inclusive. To express their outrage, both traditional leaders in line with many other citizens held provocative press conferences in Kismayo and Mogadishu, respectively, bringing their grievance to the open.
Even with UNISOM and IGAD’s conditional endorsement and the tepid endorsement by President Hasan Sheikh Mahamoud, President Ahmed Madobe’s total victory has been tainted. However, his accomplishments so far can only be turned into a legacy if he achieves internal cohesion by placating disgruntled clans within the Jubba region, and if he obtains a buy-in from the International Community (IC) which will not fully endorse a clumsy and unfair process. To get there, the interim President has to deliver on UNISOM’s recommendations one of which calls upon Jubbaland leadership to open up dialogue with aggrieved groups so as to respect the AAA. As we speak, that agreement has not been implemented as needed, and internal cohesion is steadfastly eroding.
TOP TWEETS
@LefkowHRW #Kenya official acknowledges that #Somalia“does not provide a conducive environment for mass return.”@irinnews http://www.irinnews.org/
@DialogSK
[Aug 2016] Do or die 4 reconstituting sustainable Somali state. Any BizAsUsual approach is dead on arrival.https://www.youtube.com/watch?
@FAOnews #Somalia: record livestock exports in 2014. Long-term sector investment boosts country’s tradehttp://buff.ly/1Im7ZhC
@Abdikarim_Abdi3 Eating lunch and admiring the view of the pristine Indian Ocean with @panadriam. #Mogadishu #Somalia
@Daudoo Local radio Journalist Daud Omar & his wife shot dead in Baidoa after unknown gunmen broke into their house last night. #Somalia #Journalism
@McGully2 Kenya seems to be back-pedalling on deputy president’s threat to close Somali refugee camp #GarissaAttack#Garissa
IMAGE OF THE DAY
Former Somali Ambassador to Kenya Mohamed Ali Nur (Americo) fishing in Mogadishu. He recently returned to Somalia to run for President in 2016.