August 12, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Somalia seeking to fully lift weapons embargo
12 Aug- Source: BBC Somali Service/Radio Garowe- 117 words
Federal Government of Somalia has renewed plea to the United Nations Security Council in an effort to fully lift two-decade-old arms embargo on the country on Monday.
Minister of Defence Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Hamud underlined the need for united and strong Somali Army that can deal with looming al Shabaab threats during an interview with BBC Somali Service.
“Strong armed force is confronted by weapons embargo on Somalia, therefore we are unable to reinstitute strong army since the much-needed elements are not now available,” said Hamud, highlighting that his ministry is in full force campaign to equip Somali National Army with modern military gears.
“The policy of ministry of Defence is the establishment of inclusive army troops who are capable of securing borderlines and the development of the country relies on armed forces,” he added.
Hamud is accompanying President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on US trip. He met with US Defence Ministry officials, discussing the military support for Somalia as well as terrorism.
Key Headlines
- Somali legislators urge Balanballe residents to maintain peace (Radio Bar-kulan)
- Puntland President confirms efforts to mediate between his region and the Federal Government of Somalia (Radio RBC/PLTV)
- Somali PM: Federal government has prospered to establish regional states in Somalia (Radio Mogadishu/Radio Goobjoog)
- Somalia’s president on challenges to building democracy (PBS News Hour)
- Somalia seeking to fully lift weapons embargo ( BBC Somali Service/Radio Garowe)
- Somali military court chief wages legal war against al-Shabaab defends executions (Sabahi Online)
- Jessow: government’s efforts to control illegal weapons should not violate people’s rights (Radio Goobjoog)
- Measles outbreak kills 6 children in Middle Shabelle region (Radio Bar-kulan)
- Gang leader seized as KDF steps up search for raiders (Daily Nation)
- Unidentified assailants open fire to DNO staffers in Hudun (Somaliland Informer)
- The acting Special Representative for Somalia briefs the media on AMISOM’s situation and efforts(AMISOM)
- Mogadishu Fire and Emergency services Chief concludes UK trip with positive outcomes (Hiiraan Online)
- Bank of Somaliland Presents Draft Anti-Money Laundering Act (Somaliland Informer)
- Kenya: Majengo man linked to terror remanded (Standard Media)
- Kadaga tips MPs on terror (Daily Monitor)
- ICRC report on Somalia food security crisis – 2014 (ICRC)
- Portraits of Mogadishu (Vice)
PRESS STATEMENT
Minister of Information: “Youth is the backbone of the society and future leaders of Somalia.”
12 Aug- Source: Ministry of Information- 375 words
H.E. Mustafa Duhulow, the Minister of Information speaking today on the occasion of the International Youth Day stressed the important role of Somali Youth and said “Youth is the backbone of the society and future leaders of Somalia.”
Minister of Information stated that Somali youth need to unite in order for them to take leadership role of the future of the country. “Today as the world is celebrating International Youth Day, it is important for us to remember our youths who have lost generations as the country was in chaos and civil war for the last quarter of century. Most of our youth did not have education, peace and jobs; however, I am confident that our youth if they get the opportunity they will take part the peace-building of the nation. We have seen before, the important of the role of youth, as 13 young people from Somali Youth League (SYL) started and succeeded the struggle of our unity and our independence.”
The Federal Government is committed to encourage young people so that they can actively take part the rebuilding of the country. Ministry of Youth & Sports under the leadership of Minister Khalid Ali Omar has been actively engaging young people for the preparation of the National Youth Policy of the government.
H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of Somalia on 4th August 2014 announced new initiatives that the government will soon implement, such as empowering young people, job creation programs, youth participation in civil society, in politics and in the government. The President will soon appoint two Youth Advisors to his office. The Government will also look at lowering the age limit of elected political representation to 18 and many other initiatives that will follow.
Minister of Information concluded by giving assurances to young people and said “Somali people should support young people and to encourage them to do well. In particular I would like to make an appeal to business community in order for them to provide job opportunities for youths, as this will develop their businesses, which in turn could boost the economy of the country. The Federal Government is committed to provide young people education and to implement all the new initiatives that the President announced on 4th August 2014.”
SOMALI MEDIA
Puntland President confirms efforts to mediate between his region and the Federal Government of Somalia
12 Aug- Source: Radio RBC/PLTV- 171 words
The President of Somalia’s Puntland State Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas has confirmed that there is ongoing efforts to mediate between Puntland and the Federal Government after his region suspended ties with the Federal Government.
Speaking at press conference in Bosasso on Monday, President Abdiweli Gaas said he was optimistic that the ongoing discussions will bring fruitful outcome based on wishes of his administration.
“There are some ongoing efforts concerning the ties between the Federal Government and Puntland Government. I hope discussions will continue, we are debating over our interests.” President Gaas during the press conference.
“We hope fruitful outcome will come out as we hope that we will bring our wishes on the table.” he added.
President Gaas gave no details on who was steering the mediation efforts between his region and the Mogadishu-based Federal Government.
Two weeks ago, Puntland leader said his administration has cut ties with Mogadishu after the government declared its intent to form new Federal Member State for Mudug and Galgadud, two regions in the central Somalia.
Somali PM: Federal government has prospered to establish regional states in Somalia
12 Aug- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Goobjoog- 132 words
The prime minister of federal government of Somalia Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed stated that the government has succeeded to establish regional states in the country.
PM Abdiweli reiterated that federalism is taking root in Somalia as the federal government established the regional of South-west Somalia comprising of three regions Bay, Bakol and Lower shabelle adding that the locals in these regions have full confidence with the regional state.
“ Our efforts to form regional states is a clear sign that the government is heading towards development, popularity and taking stable stands” PM Abdiweli said.
The federal government has recently presided over a conference where regional states in Central Somalia signed agreement to form unified regional state for Galgadud and Mudug regions.
Somali legislators urge Balanballe residents to maintain peace
12 Aug- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 136 words
A number of Somali parliamentarians along with traditional elders from Abudwak district on Monday night arrived in Balanballe and held talks with local authority and community elders in the area over security concerns.
Nur Farah Jama, one of Somali legislators tasked to reconcile warring sides in Abudwak, Balanballe and their environs told Bar-kulan that they discussed with the traditional elders on ways to strengthen and maintain peace and stability in Galgadud region and Balanballe in particular.
He also added that they raised the issue of launching awareness programs for rural communities to prevent the recurrence of armed confrontations similar to the previous ones in the region.
Prior to their arrival in Balanballe, the delegation of parliamentarians and traditional elders successfully negotiated peace between warring sides in Abudwak district.
Somalia seeking to fully lift weapons embargo
12 Aug- Source: BBC Somali Service/Radio Garowe- 117 words
Federal Government of Somalia has renewed plea to the United Nations Security Council in an effort to fully lift two-decade-old arms embargo on the country on Monday.
Minister of Defence Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Hamud underlined the need for united and strong Somali Army that can deal with looming al Shabaab threats during an interview with BBC Somali Service.
“Strong armed force is confronted by weapons embargo on Somalia, therefore we are unable to reinstitute strong army since the much-needed elements are not now available,” said Hamud, highlighting that his ministry is in full force campaign to equip Somali National Army with modern military gears.
“The policy of ministry of Defence is the establishment of inclusive army troops who are capable of securing borderlines and the development of the country relies on armed forces,” he added.
Hamud is accompanying President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on US trip. He met with US Defence Ministry officials, discussing the military support for Somalia as well as terrorism.
Jessow: government’s efforts to control illegal weapons should not violate people’s rights
12 Aug- Source: Radio Goobjoog/Saadaal News/Widhwidh Online- 143 words
The parliamentary committee of interior and security urged the federal government of Somalia to systematically carry out its operations to control the illegal weapons according to law without violating the rights of the people.
The vice chairman of the committee Dahir Amin Jessow told Goobjoog FM that the federal government of Somalia must come up with a legal clear system that differentiates the individuals who possess illegal weapons and those who have legal weapons.
He asked the national security intelligence to make prior investigations before carrying out operations that will end up in total failure.
His remarks comes a time when government forces were accused of raiding the residential area of Somali MP Abdiweli Mohamed Qanyare in Mogadishu while chasing a war lord who was suspected of possessing illegal weapons, but resulted to gunfire exchange between government forces and guards of the MP.
Measles outbreak kills 6 children in Middle Shabelle region
12 Aug- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 152 words
At least six children have reportedly died in measles outbreak in several villages near Bal’ad and Jowhar districts of Middle Shabelle region. Reports from the area indicate that more than 30 others are suffering from the outbreak and need urgent medical help.
Hassan Mohamud Hassan, an official in Isgoys village, 4KM north of Bal’ad district and one of the villages where the children died told Bar-kulan that lack of medical facilities and clean water in the area are suspected to be the main cause of the outbreak in the region.
He called on the federal government, relief agencies, Middle Shabelle regional administration and diaspora community to provide medical assistance to the affected families in the region.
Madino Ibrahim Sheikh who is one of the locals in Middle Shabelle region said she had lost three of her children while two others are now suffering from the deadly disease.
Unidentified assailants open fire to DNO staffers in Hudun
12 Aug- Source: Somaliland Informer- 140 words
An unidentified armed militia has opened fire to a group of DNO staffers that were reported to be Norwegians who were in Hudun, Sool region to conduct oil exploration. There were no casualties reported but the DNO staffers fled from Hudun.
DNO officials informed staffers on the ground to immediate suspend operations and leave Hudun and arrived at Ainabo.
DNO has encountered obstacles from residents for the past four days that it intended to carry out oil search.
They met with local resident and the regional authority in which they appealed that they should support the exploration. Residents claim that they were not informed in the first place.
The acting Special Representative for Somalia briefs the media on AMISOM’s situation and efforts
11 Aug- Source: AMISOM/Radio Goobjoog- 64 words
The Deputy Head of AMISOM, Hon. Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, held a Press Conference today to brief journalists on AMISOM’s situation and efforts in Somalia. Here is what she had to say.
Good morning and thank you all for joining us today. As part of our routine briefing, I’ll be speaking today on behalf of the mission to update you on recent progress and upcoming events.
New SRCC
We will soon welcome the new Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Maman Sidikou. This appointment comes at a time when continued progress has been witnessed in the consolidation of peace and the promotion of reconciliation in Somalia, despite the challenges that continue to confront the country, as demonstrated by the recent upsurge of terrorist attacks, particularly in Mogadishu.
US-Africa Summit
Leaders from across the continent have been in Washington DC for the first US-Africa Summit. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma was also in attendance.
The Somali agenda was high on the summit. As you are aware, leaders of IGAD and the East African Community both pushed for more support for AMISOM and Somali National Security Forces.
The Somali president and the American administration have also expressed their confidence in the recent military successes against Al Shabaab. Al Shabaab is on the run and the era of terror is coming to an end.
The eyes of the world are on Somalia during this important period. Somalis are making great strides in stability, reconciliation and economic regeneration and we are here to support that.
Security
The joint efforts of AMISOM and Somali forces continue in earnest in Mogadishu and in key areas across Somalia. We continue to intercept and stop Al Shabaab in their tracks as they attempt to commit heinous crimes against innocent civilians.
Just last week, gallant Somali forces cracked down on illegal arms dealers in Mogadishu and we have also recovered two Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices before they went off.
We are seeing the dividends of the sacrifices made by the security forces. We will not sit back and savour the moment. We will move forward determinedly. We are relentless in our efforts and we stand true to our promise that Somalia will be free from Al Shabaab and its patrons Al Qaeda.
Very soon, our joint forces will move in an offensive to liberate the last remaining strongholds of Al Shabaab. We must support the efforts of these forces and I call on Somali civilians to be steadfast in their co-operation.
Humanitarian Crisis
We continue to closely monitor the humanitarian situation in the country. The Federal Government of Somalia, the United Nations and other international agencies have sounded the alarm on the worsening situation. We join partners in appealing for concerted efforts to remedy the situation.
AMISOM stands ready to play its role of providing safe corridors for urgent humanitarian assistance to reach the most vulnerable people. Already, we have facilitated humanitarian assessment missions and we are coordinating aid efforts in the areas under the control of Somali and AMISOM forces.
Federalism
AMISOM supports the recent agreement signed to establish an interim administration for the Central regions. It represents progress in the push for good governance, democracy and grassroots administration. The people of Somalia deserve accountability, service delivery and a say in the running of their government. Their determination to achieve this is unparalleled and we support these efforts.
Conclusion
As I conclude my briefing, I wish to send my congratulations to the young people of Somalia as we observe the International Youth Day, Young people are this country’s strongest asset and the key to its future. I call upon all of you to do your small part in enshrining a bright future where all your hopes and aspirations will come true.
Mogadishu Fire and Emergency services Chief concludes UK trip with positive outcomes
11 Aug – Source: Hiiraan Online – 154 words
The Director of the Fire and Emergency Services department of Mogadishu, Mr. Abdullahi Mohamed Saneey, has ended a two-month long work trip to the UK which was part of his efforts to enlarge his department and skill it up.
In an interview with HOL on Monday Mr Saneey said he was very hopeful that the department will have enough fire engines and ambulances in the near future adding that two more UK cities and charities based in
the country pledged some fire engines and ambulances for his department to deliver their crucial services to the inhabitants of Mogadishu.
“Now we have only three fire fighters and 3 ambulances donated to us by the city of Leicester and a charity based in that city, but now we have established contacts with other cities and we hope to get three other fire fighters and three ambulances before the end of the year” Mr Saneey said hopefully.
Bank of Somaliland Presents Draft Anti-Money Laundering Act
12 Aug – Source: Somaliland Informer – 148 words
The Bank of Somaliland presents Draft Anti-Money Laundering Act Remittance. Compliance and Financial Crime Conference 6th August 2014 in Hargeisa Somaliland Money laundering hampers development.
Conscious of this and of other negative social and economic impacts caused by this type of financial crime, The Bank of Somaliland organized a conference on the theme ‘Remittances, Compliance and Financial Crime’. The landmark of the conference was the presentation of the draft Anti-Money laundering Act, presented by the Governor of the Bank of Somaliland Abdi Dirir Abdi.
“ The purpose of the Anti-Money Laundering Act is to prevent and prohibit the use of the financial system for money laundering or the financing of terrorism.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Kenya: Majengo man linked to terror remanded
12 Aug – Source: Standard Media – 159 words
A Nairobi court has declined to release on bail the owner of a clothes store in Gikomba market alleged to be the employer of the four suspects arrested with explosives and narcotics in Nairobi’s Majengo slums three weeks ago.
Hamad Murithi Munyi has been accused of hiring his co-accused and Mohammed Yusuf Guloba, a Ugandan as loaders at his clothes store in Gikomba market, knowing that it was a cover up to carry out terrorist activities.
Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Ndwiga remanded Hamad pending the hearing and determination of his case after he pleaded not guilty. He was further accused of employing Guloba yet he knew he was in the country illegally and did not have valid documents.
Guloba and his co-accused Jibril Kaima Masudi, Mwanaidi Wanjiku Mwema and Julius Kariuki Maina were charged in court after they were found with 62 pieces of commercial magnum explosive gel tubes on July 19 at a house in Mathare slums.
Gang leader seized as KDF steps up search for raiders
12 Aug- Source: Daily Nation- 623 words
A man suspected to be the leader of the gunmen who have been terrorising residents of Lamu County has been captured. Sources said on Monday that he was among 16 other suspects wounded in the joint police and Kenya Defence Forces operation in Tana River’s Ozi forest that neighbours Lamu.
The man, described as tall, light-skinned and bearded, is said to be from Kiunga village on the Kenya-Somalia border.
Somali military court chief wages legal war against al-Shabaab, defends executions
11 Aug- Source: Sabahi Online- 1277 words
In the two months since Colonel Abdirahman Mohamed Turyare took over as chief of Somalia’s military court, the court has handed down the death penalty to convicted al-Shabaab members, carrying out nine executions so far.
Turyare points to the court’s executions as proof that justice is being served and that the court is making strides in the fight against terrorism.
However, it has recently faced sharp criticism over the way it has handed down decisions, with some critics saying the court has executed people without a transparent judicial systemand others accusing it of taking on civilian cases that have nothing to do with military matters.
In an exclusive interview with Sabahi, Turyare spoke about the rulings the court has carried out, the accusations it has faced and its achievements in general.
Sabahi: What can you tell us about the court’s rulings?
Colonel Abdirahman Mohamed Turyare: We have carried out nine executions so far and there have been about ten other prison sentences [handed down], ranging between 10 and 30 years. There are also some other people who are awaiting sentencing and some are serving life terms.
The people we have executed so far are people who have admitted to their crimes and are part of al-Shabaab, which is an illegal organisation.This enemy is a new enemy that is being fought in a new way. They have waged an unethical war against us, and we will wage a bold legal war against them in order to defend citizens. Our objective is not to kill, but to remove the youth from al-Shabaab.
Kadaga tips MPs on terror
11 Aug – Source: Daily Monitor – 149 words
The Ugandan Speaker of Parliament, Ms Rebbeca Kadaga, has urged East African parliaments to team up in the fight against regional terrorism that is causing loss of lives in the region.
Addressing the East African Community Speakers Bureau meeting in Nairobi, Kenya last Friday, Ms Kadaga said there has to be concerted efforts between citizens, parliaments and governments if terrorism is to be curbed.
“I would like to express solidarity with the government, the Parliament and the people of Kenya in relation to terrorist attacks which have bedevilled the country and affected all of us. We need to support each other to ensure that terrorism does not take root in our region,” Ms Kadaga said.
Kenya has recently bore the brunt of terrorist attacks with suspected al-Shabaab militants launching cross-border assaults from Somalia with the most tragic being the attack on the Westgate Mall that claimed more than 60 lives.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
ICRC report on Somalia food security crisis – 2014
12 Aug- Source: ICRC- 72 words
This brief aims at describing the ICRC viewpoint on the food security situation in Somalia. The report is based on information gathered through secondary data analysis, ICRC monthly market assessments, direct observations by ICRC field staff and interviews with key informants, among them livestock traders, FSNAU (Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit) field staff, elders and local authorities.
Somalia’s president on challenges to building democracy
11 Aug- Source: PBS News Hour- 6:34 min
Somalia has been plagued by war, corruption and terrorism, but its leader says he wants to change its course. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud joins Judy Woodruff to discuss last week’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, infiltration of al-Shabab militants into government, the media and beyond, as well as serious concerns that the president hasn’t achieved the stability his country has sought.
Portraits of Mogadishu
11 Aug- Source: Vice- 16: 35 min
In 2011, an international peacekeeping force pushed al Shabaab Islamists from Somalia’s capital city. The fight continues in the countryside and in Mogadishu. The weakened extremists launch periodic suicide bombs and IED attacks. For a generation, the lives of young Somalis have been obscured by the violence. Today, the fragile peace in Mogadishu allows youth to imagine a future beyond war.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“This tragic all important public view is one that needs to be addressed and exposed as an operational myth through joint government working and partnerships on all major policy issues. It is not enough for all the Ministers to meet with the Premier once a week. They must also work with each other to contribute their individual efforts to the nation building process which is multifaceted and layered.”
Joined up government: See the problem from every angle
12 Aug- Source: Hiiraan Online- 947 words
Somalia is a nation that is sometimes, when observed from afar, could be argued to not be going far at all. With tribalism as the core of its constitution, people’s thinking process and government appointments, it is difficult to think of a rosy outcome in the end for Somalia’s political future if the foundations that it is built on are now so weak.
In many meetings with Somali government officials in conferences, regardless of how they are appointed and their own abilities, they all wanted to achieve their Ministerial goals. Most were very proud of their role and when speaking displayed great character and determination to improve their people’s lives. Some even emotionally move you when they explain the challenges they face in their roles and the enormous obstacles they have to overcome to get anything done in Somalia. However, despite these personal commitments and ambitions, no Minister or civil society leader for this matter, once mentioned how they will work across government to achieve their policy goals.
It is always “I” or “my Ministry” or “My staff” but rarely WE as a government will deal with this issue or that as a collective. While the personal ambition and individual government Ministry or department goal itself is credible and welcome after a near quarter century of civil war, it will be more beneficial if the machinery of government worked together in a joined up fashion so as to genuinely work towards rebuilding the Somali state, industries and people holistically.
Top tweets
Global Guy @BeenThereSawIt 50,000 children in #Somalia are malnourished & could die without aid! Worse than #Iraq#SomaliAlert .@USAID pic.twitter.com/AIGFRgDV72
Eric Marclay @EMarclayICRC Serious food insecurity in#Somalia, read @ICRC latest – http://www.icrc.org/eng/
KhaatumoStateSomalia @KhaatumoNow Khatumo State Parliament Prepares to install a Permanent Government.: Press release 11 Augu… http://bit.ly/1yq7hHO #Khaatumo #Somalia
@cctvnewsafrica #Somalia Applauds Reopening of #ChineseEmbassy http://ow.ly/Ae5wl
@omabha Africa UAE Warns Citizens To Avoid Travel To Afghanistan, South Sudan And … – Gulf Business Newshttp://dlvr.it/6b9m5t #Somalia