August 18, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Kenya seeks cash for refugees return

18 Aug- Source: Star-Kenya- 310 words

Kenya is seeking $100 million (Sh8.8bn) from the international community for the repatriation of more than half a million Somali refugees. In a regional meeting to be held in Addis Ababa Ethiopia on Wednesday, Kenya will also seek international political goodwill for the resettlement of refugees in their home country. The money will go towards the safe repatriation of the refugees and provide them with adequate resources after returning home.

The meeting brings together countries that host Somali refugees including Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Uganda and Yemen.

Among Kenya’s agenda is to seek international support in the implementation of the tripartite agreement that has been dogged by logistical challenges and “lack of political goodwill” by one of the parties, Somalia.

Key Headlines

PM Abdiweli says Mogadishu operations meant to prevent deadly attacks against government bases(Radio Mogadishu/ Radio Goobjoog)
IJA vows to expand security operations to al Shabaab strongholds (Radio Bar-kulan)
Kenya seeks cash for refugees return (Star-Kenya)
Disarmament to Start in Baidoa (Radio Dalsan)
Welcoming ceremony for Erdogan held in Mogadishu (Radio Goobjoog/Radio Mogadishu)
UN EU and IGAD envoys for Somalia send concern letter to Puntland president after the region suspended ties with Mogadishu (Radio RBC)
Five-day workshop concluded for Somali women MPs in Kampala (Radio Bar-kulan)
Workshop on Parents’ Role in Advising against Bad Ideologies concludes in Mogadishu (Radio Dalsan)
Somalia: Marking one year in Puntland UN pledges state-building support (UN News Centre)
Somalia receives 4500 indestructible footballs (Radio RBC)
‘370 killed in terror attacks in Kenya since 2011’ (Standard Media)
Somaliland President Attends Amoud Graduating Ceremony (Somaliland Informer)
KDF withdrawal from Somalia ‘will not stop attacks’ (Daily Nation)
Somali journos urge fair trial for colleagues (News24/AFP)
Killings Disappearances by Anti-Terror Police (reliefweb)

SOMALI MEDIA

PM Abdiweli says Mogadishu operations meant to prevent deadly attacks against government bases

18 Aug- Source: Radio Mogadishu/ Radio Goobjoog/Radio Risaala- 167 words

The prime minister of Somalia Abdiweli Mohamed Ahmed stated that the ongoing operations in Mogadishu are intended to prevent planned deadly attacks similar to ones targeted at the federal parliament and Somali presidential palace.

Prime minister Abdiweli reiterated that the heavy weapons used during the attacks on federal parliament and Villa Somalia did not come from outside but hidden within the city hence its upon the federal government to disarm the individuals who pose threats to the community.

He added that the security forces have full orders to take every step meant to keep the overall security of the country particularly the capital city, Mogadishu.

His remarks comes a time when government forces backed by African Union peacekeeping troops have been carrying out disarmament operations in the capital, where heavy weapons were captured.

On Friday the joint forces raided the house of former Wadajir district commissioner Ahmed Hassan Adow aka Ahmed Da’i and seized 500 guns after heavy confrontations with militias loyal to the former DC.

IJA vows to expand security operations to al Shabaab strongholds

18 Aug- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 153 words

Interim Jubba Administration’s head of operations, Iftin Hassan Basto has commented on security operations that are currently being carried out by IJA security forces in several fronts in Gedo and Juba regions and commended the results of the security operations so far.

He said in an interview with Bar-kulan that the security operations in many parts of Juba and Gedo regions are expected to be concluded next month.

He stated that the security forces have so far concluded operations in Kismayo, the provincial capital of Lower Jubba region and expanded their operations to other parts in Gedo and Juba regions.

Basto vowed that Interim Jubba Administration security agencies are determined to liberate areas in Juba and Gedo regions which under the control of al Shabaab militant group.

He called for unity among local populations in Jubba regions and urged them to work with the local administration in its efforts to stabilize the region.

Disarmament to Start in Baidoa

18 Aug- Source: Radio Dalsan- 69 words

A disarmament operation may soon start in Baidoa town, Deputy Minister for Internal Security, Ibrahim Isaq Yarow who is visiting the south western town said. He called on the security forces in Baidoa to start disarming people. However he didn’t announce the time the disarmament is supposed to begin in Baidoa Most of the people in Baidoa liked the idea but there is still mixed reaction regarding the disarmament. The government has also already started disarmament operation in the capital, Mogadishu.

Welcoming ceremony for Erdogan held in Mogadishu

18 Aug- Source: Radio Goobjoog/Radio Mogadishu- 151 words

Colourful ceremony to welcome the victory and the success of the new president of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the presidential elections was held in Mogadishu.

The ceremony organized by the ministry of women affairs and human rights was attended by minister for women affairs Khadija Mohamed Diriye, foreign affairs minister Abdulrahman Duale Beilah, members of federal parliament and civil society.

The participants equally supported and praised Mr. Erdogan, Sahro Omar Moalim speaking on behalf of civil society underlined that Somalis will not forget the support Turkish government has provided to Somali people during 2011 famine.

Khadija Mohamed Diriye, women affairs minister congratulated the landslide victory of Erdogan adding that his victory will strengthen the ties the two nations.

Foreign affairs minister Mr. Beilah appreciated the support of Turkish government to Somali people and urged the public to support the government so as to overcome the challenges the federal government face.

Workshop on Parents’ Role in Advising against Bad Ideologies concludes in Mogadishu

18 Aug- Source: Radio Dalsan- 381 words

A symposium on parents’ role in advising the youth against bad ideologies was held in Mogadishu on Saturday. The symposium was sponsored by Centre for Community Awareness (CCA) and was discussing how parents can be able to monitor their children so as to avert bad ideologies. The symposium was attended by two hundred people from different districts of Mogadishu especially Abdulaziz, Boondheere and Shangani. Representatives of the military court were also present. Also present were representatives from Banadir Regional Administration, other representatives from the districts’ administrations and representatives from CCA.

Abdirahman Mohamed Tuuryare, the head of the military court who was one of the representatives of the military court at meeting said the country is in a new era at the moment, an era in which any people who are against peace are going to be defeated. He congratulated CCA for sponsoring the priceless symposium. He added that any person who kills an innocent person will be executed and he called for every Somali national to work with the security forces.He also said al Shabaab is an enemy against peace and he called for parents to stop their children from joining al Shabaab.

The chairlady of Banadir Women and the commissioners of Abdulaziz and Shangani Districts, Mrs. Jawaahir Baarqab, Cusmaan Muhidin Ali (Ariif) and Said Abdulkadir Said pledged that they will welcome such symposiums in future. They also requested the parents to protect their children from awful ideologies. They also advised people to cooperate for the improvement of peace and stability in the country.

They called for the people of Abdulaziz, Shangani and Boondheere Districts to work with their administrations and the security forces.

The Director of CCA, Mohamed Abdi Hassan Sandheere gave a speech on the noble activities of CCA. He also laid emphasis on how CCA is dedicated to support the Somali parents in the process of monitoring their children so that children can give back to their society, so that children can guard the dignity of their religion and so that in future the children can be the good leaders of the country.

Finally when the symposium ended the participants issued points which if followed to the letter, peace can be enhanced, integration can be boosted and parents can be able to monitor the comportments of their children properly.

Somalia receives 4,500 indestructible footballs

18 Aug – Source: Radio RBC – 138 words

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) today handed over 4,500 indestructible footballs to the Federal Government of Somalia for on-ward transmission to children and youth groups throughout the country to teach them life skills and promote peace.

The footballs were recently donated to AMISOM by One World Futbol Project through the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA). Speaking at the handover of the footballs to the Federal Government of Somalia, the Acting Head of AMISOM, Honourable Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, said African Union recognised sport as one of the key pillars of social transformation and development.

Hon. Wanyoto said the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Football Association would distribute the footballs to schools, youth groups and disadvantaged groups across the country to promote peace, education, human rights, equality and social inclusion, and to improve health.

UN, EU and IGAD envoys for Somalia send concern letter to Puntland president after the region suspended ties with Mogadishu
17 Aug – Source: Radio RBC – 101 words

In a letter dated August 9th, the envoys of the United Nations, European Union and the IGAD for Somalia sent a letter to Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas which they have expressed their concern shortly after Puntland declared to have suspended its ties with the Federal Government of Somalia following the intent to form a new central state.

In the letter the three foreign envoys made clear that the agreement to form the new central state of Somalia would not have an adverse effect upon the territory currently administered by Puntland in the North Mudug region which Puntland already complained.

Five-day workshop concluded for Somali women MPs in Kampala

18 Aug- Source: Radio Bar-kulan-134 words

A five-day capacity building workshop held for Somali women legislators has been concluded in the Ugandan capital city of Kampala.

During the workshop, Somali women MPs were taught various capacity building lessons including functions of committees, the role of parliament in the budget process and how parliament functions in a democratic society.

Bibi Khalif, one of Somali women MPs stated the importance of such capacity building workshops for the Somali women legislators to enable them deliver services to the people they represent.

Meanwhile, Abdullahi Hassan Roble who is a member of Somali federal parliament said he expects more similar capacity building workshops to be held for Somali women parliamentarians.

The five-day workshop was jointly conducted by European Parliamentarians for Africa and Uganda Women Parliamentary Association.

Somaliland President Attends Amoud Graduating Ceremony

17 Aug – Source: Somaliland Informer – 135 words

Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Silanyo leading a large delegation embarked on working visit to Borama, the regional capital of Awdal on Sunday so as to attend the 13th batch of brand new graduates from Amoud University that successfully completed tertiary education.

The president’s entourage received a warm and cordial welcome from Gebiley and Kala Baydh residents that turned out in large numbers to have a look at their Head of State. He was warmly welcomed at Borama upon arrival. Mr. Silanyo has urged all graduates that they must invest knowledge for the benefit of their beloved nation.

in addition, Mr. Silanyo has presented the certificates to the 621 students and thanked the professors that taught them. It of great remark that the Head of State has seen four deaf students among the brand new graduates.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Kenya seeks cash for refugees return

18 Aug- Source: Star-Kenya- 310 words

The meeting brings together countries that host Somali refugees including Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Uganda and Yemen.

‘370 killed in terror attacks in Kenya since 2011’

18 Aug – Source: Standard Media – 164 words

At least 370 people have been killed and over 1,075 others injured in terrorist attacks since October 2011 when Kenya took the war against terror to the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab terror group in Somalia, according to an analysis of reports by The Standard.

This translates to the terrorists killing one person every three days on average or that one terrorist attack has been occurring somewhere in Kenya after every 11 days since October 2011 since the start of Operation Linda Nchi.

This gives a glimpse into the human cost of the war against terror. The Standard sought official police statistics to dispute or corroborate our independent findings, but a letter sent to the Inspector General of Police requesting for the numbers remained unanswered by the time of going to Press.

The latest attack on August 4, which was largely under-reported where about eight armed men hurled grenades at the Mandera County Government offices, marked the 100th successful attack in the country since October 2011.

KDF withdrawal from Somalia ‘will not stop attacks’

17 Aug – Source: Daily Nation – 128 words

Withdrawal of the Kenya Defence Forces contingents from Somalia is unlikely to stop terrorist attacks as the al Shabaab group is already deeply entrenched in Kenya, a new report on national security status says.

Instead, the report released last week, proposes that Kenya’s ongoing commitment should be focused on enhancing global and local initiatives to stabilise Somalia.

“By exiting Somalia at this time, this may deprive Kenya’s national security managers of vital information required to protect Kenya’s domestic and regional interests.

“But concerns about whether Kenya should withdraw or not from military operations alongside other Amisom members as a result of al Shabaab threats and Kenya Defence Force fatalities are legitimate,” observes the report released last week by Think Security Africa (TSA), an independent group specialising in security in Africa.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somali journos urge fair trial for colleagues

18 Aug- Source: News24/AFP- 197 words

Somalia’s journalist union on Monday urged the government to ensure a fair trial of three colleagues arrested last week when security forces stormed a major radio station for “negative” broadcasts.

Radio Shabelle and its sister station Sky FM were shut down on Friday after they were reportedly critical of a military operation to disarm a militia leader in the capital Mogadishu that escalated into heavy gun battles.

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) said journalists had been accused of “incitement”.

Sixteen workers, including journalists, technicians and guards, were released on Sunday, but the station remains off the air.

But radio station owner Abdimalik Yusuf Mohamud, Sky FM director Mohamud Mohamed Dahir, and Shabelle deputy news editor Ahmed Abdi Hassan remain in police custody, NUSOJ said.

Kenya: Killings, Disappearances by Anti-Terror Police

18 Aug- Source: reliefweb- 4986 words

There is strong evidence that Kenya’s Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) has carried out a series of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. Human Rights Watch also found evidence of arbitrary arrests and mistreatment of terrorism suspects in detention.

Kenyan authorities should urgently investigate alleged killings, disappearances, and other abuses by the unit and hold those responsible to account. International donors should suspend support to the unit and other security forces responsible for human rights violations.

“Kenyan counterterrorism forces appear to be killing and disappearing people right under the noses of top government officials, major embassies, and the United Nations,” said Leslie Lefkow, deputy Africa director. “This horrendous conduct does not protect Kenyans from terrorism – it simply undermines the rule of law.”

In research conducted in Kenya between November 2013 and June 2014, Human Rights Watch documented at least 10 cases of killings, 10 cases of enforced disappearances, and 11 cases of mistreatment or harassment of terrorism suspects in which there is strong evidence of the counterterrorism unit’s involvement, mainly in Nairobi since 2011.

Somalia: Marking one year in Puntland, UN pledges state-building support

17 Aug- Source: UN News Centre- 496 words

At a ceremony marking its first year in Puntland, the United Nations mission in Somalia today pledged its continued support as the country looks ahead to beginning the process of federalism aimed at building a stronger, more united Somalia.

In Garowe, the State Capital of Puntland, the head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), Nicholas Kay said Puntland had made “important political, economic and security progress in the last year for which the Government and people deserve full credit.”

Mr. Kay, who is also the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, said however, that more remained to be done, including establishing a federal system of governance, working together with the Federal Government and other emerging states on reviewing the provisional Constitution, and preparing for elections in 2016.

According to media reports, Puntland, which declared autonomy in 1998, has cut ties with Somalia’s central government after it learned of a plan to form a new federal state that would allegedly include parts of the Puntland region.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“Leadership means setting a goal and having a vision. ‘Vision 2016’ is a start in the right direction; however, when there is a barrier or challenge to that vision, a good leader does not forge ahead, but recognizes the problem and finds a solution to make it workable. A free and fair national election in 2016 appears as a steep hill to climb, but optimism is always a healthy choice. Somalia needs proactive, open-minded, well-educated leaders with excellent communication skills who understand the country’s history and know what it takes to heal the society.”

2016 Election: Optimism, Misgivings, and Leadership Analysis

17 Aug- Source: Hiiraan Online-1825 Words

Federal national democratic election is not a new concept to Somalia politics. The country conducted last one person-one-vote democratic election in 1967. The cycle of free elections and democratic system of governance has ended with the assassination of President Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, and the subsequent military coup d’état on October 21, 1969. The civil war in 1991 was the consequence of the military regime’s policies led by Mohamed Siad Barre.

During the civil war, the country has gone through few transitional federal governments, leading up to the 2012 election of the current government and the end of the transitional government led by Sharif Sheik Ahmed. The current government was well received and recognized by the Somali people and the international community. Apparently, its term ends with a general election set to take place in 2016.

Therefore, the government put forward a ‘vision 2016’ in order to develop a legitimate democratic process in the country. It is worth mentioning that majority of Somalis and in particular, those who were young or born during the civil war have not experienced a democratic system of government and have very little knowledge about government institutions.

“It is important to note that the use of the headline “recovery of Somali Assets” is misleading. According to United Nations Convention against corruption and the World Bank Guidelines, Asset Recovery which consists of tracing, freezing, confiscation, and repatriation of Assets refers to the process of recovering the proceeds of corruption hidden in foreign countries. On the contrary, Somalia’s Assets have been frozen by the Western institutions immediately after the collapse of the Somali State for good reasons that exist until today.”

Recovery of Somalia’s Overseas Assets: Ill-considered priority

17 Aug- Source: Hiiraan Online-1255 Words

The accusations for corruption and abetting terrorism against the federal government gained momentum and credence for the discovery of substantive evidence. In 36 page reportdated July 2014, the United Nations’ Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group (UN-SEMG) presents “secret” contracts, official communications, and instructions incriminating principally President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and former Foreign Minister Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adam for conniving the withdrawal and mismanagement of Somali Assets kept safely under the custody of foreign institutions since the collapse of the Somali State in 1991.

The basis of the accusations is the improper relationship between the President and the US Law Firm through a predatory and attorney-client contract, the role played by two private intermediaries of Somali origin- Abdiaziz Hassan Giyaajo Amalo and Muse Haji Mohamed Ganjab, breach of separation of power, abuse of presidential power to discredit the integrity of former Governor Yussur Abrar, and use of public funds to defend former governor, Abdusalam H. Omer. The findings of 2013 and 2014 UN-SEMG reports impair the leadership credibility of the federal government in peacebuilding and statebuilding in Somalia.

President Hassan bought into one of two old irresistible but dirty and tricky financial transactions that have tantalized his predecessors. The two deals are the Printing of New Somali Currency and the Recovery of Overseas Assets. It was an ill-considered priority and mission taken either for ill-advice, greed, or brazenness.

“You now have four blind men, each have been told a lie and been instructed to stand their grounds. They have been told you are an enemy that has come to take away a priceless item from them; if they disbelieve you they will be gain massive financial rewards. How do you convince them that what they have been told is a lie that in fact they just been allowed to touch four different parts of the one and same elephant? The first major challenge you have is to convince them that you are actually not a blind person. Solve this parable and perhaps you then you are fit enough to become President of the Federal Republic of Somalia…”

The Parable of the Four Blind Men and the Elephant

16 Aug- Source: Hiiraan Online-504 Words

They say through parables one can tell much wisdom; I strongly believe this is true. A parable makes you think of a problem in a different way, it allows for the removal of emotions so you’re thinking only in logical terms. It’s a method that has been widely deployed by religious scriptures and secular thinkers alike and parables have formed big part of ancient stories and novels.

As we gear up towards 2016 elections in Somalia, I want to present a parable to be solved by anybody who has any wish or plans to run for the highest office in the country. I call this The Parable of the Four blind Men and an Elephant.

Imagine you have four blind men sitting in a room, they do not know each other but they know they are all blind. In a separate room you have a big elephant that has been sedated and is unconscious. Another man, who’s not blind, escorts Blind Man 1 to the room where the elephant is resided. He grabs the trunk of the elephant, gives it to the blind man and tells him.

Top tweets

@TheVillaSomalia Bardere, Berhano & Tarejante in #Hiranfreed from #AlShabaab control by Somali National Army and#AMISOM forces #Somalia

@amisomsomalia · #AMISOM Gender Unit met women group representatives to discuss needs & priorities of women & child protection #Baidoa pic.twitter.com/bE7OfZ8Pqj

@AliMohamoud New Berbera airport terminal almost finished. It could do with more gardening though. #Somaliland #Somalia pic.twitter.com/k3oAS5Ykjw

@BeilehMofa Welcoming the new @WFPSomalia Director Laurent Bukera to Somalia at the Foreign Ministry offices this morning. pic.twitter.com/J7GhPYzDru

@UNLazzarini Needs in #Somalia are immense, eg in health. See how we are combating disease: http://bit.ly/1sU87vG .#AskLazzarini pic.twitter.com/PrerFoc0LW

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Image of the day #AMISOM troops in #Kismayo distributed books to students of Kafaalo school as part of its CIMIC activities