August 21, 2018 | Daily Monitoring Report
President Farmaajo Addresses The Nation On Eid Celebrations
21 August – Source: Hiiraan Online – 146 Words
President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed ‘Farmaajo’ has extended his best wishes to all Muslims and in particular, to the people of Somalia as they celebrate Eid-ul Adha, which marks the end of Hajj pilgrimage. Addressing the nation, the president called on all Somalis to extend their generosity towards those in need in their society and wished all Muslims across the globe to mark the day in peace, joy and prosperity.
On security issues, the president urged the public, to maintain peace and help the security forces in their bid to ensure the security of the nation. He emphasized that the need to unite in achieving a lasting peace and prosperity in the country. Meanwhile, the president sent congratulations to all worshippers, who performed Hajj this year, especially the Somali pilgrims. He noted that his government is committed to facilitating that all Somali citizens to perform Hajj obligations.
Key Headlines
- President Farmaajo Addresses The Nation On Eid Celebrations (Hiiraan Online)
- NISA Arrests A Man For Allegedly Impersonating Senior Intelligence Official (Halbeeg News)
- With Prayers Sacrifices Muslims In Somalia Celebrate Eid-Al-Adha (Hiiraan Online)
- Somalia Shakes Up Its Education System After Years Of Being Wrecked By Conflict (Their World)
- Somali Women Call For Inclusion In Post Conflict Reconstruction Process (Xinhua)
- My Friend Mohamed The Dry Cleaner Of Mogadishu (BBC)
NATIONAL MEDIA
NISA Arrests A Man For Allegedly Impersonating Senior Intelligence Official
21 August – Source: Halbeeg News – 252 Words
Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), has arrested a suspect who allegedly impersonated the head of the agency in Jubbaland state. Mr. Ali Mire Duale recently claimed to have been appointed as head of regional spy agency. Reliable sources privy to the detention told reporters, that the agency is holding Mr. Duale, who is suspected to masqueraded as a senior intelligence officer.
“The man has been identifying himself as the head of NISA in Jubbaland state. He was taken into custody by NISA officials,” our source said. The agency also confirmed the arrest of the suspect saying that they will investigate him to find out more on the allegations. “The individual who claimed to be the NISA commissioner appointed by Jubbaland state, and was in possession of fake documents, was arrested by the forces,” the agency said in a twitter post. “
Last week, Mr. Duale who was accompanied by another person claiming to be his deputy travelled to Kismayu, where they were detained for two days before they were a deported to Mogadishu. Jubbaland officials who spoke to media after the deportation cited that the federal government did not consult with the state, over the appointment of the said individuals.
There have been disagreement between the federal government and Jubbaland state, over appointments of several military and security officials. Last Month, Jubbaland authorities denied entry into Kismayo town, a commander from 43rd battalion of SNA, Mr. Ali Bog Madow. Jubbaland leaders cited lack of consultation over the appointment of Mr. Madow.
With Prayers, Sacrifices, Muslims In Somalia Celebrate Eid-Al-Adha
21 August – Source: Hiiraan Online – 255 Words
Muslims in Somalia crowded mosques and prayer places across the country to offer prayers and sacrifice goats and cows for Eid-Al- Adha Holiday on Tuesday, marking the second major religious festival of Islam. Muslims celebrate Eid-Al-Adha to reflect on Prophet Abraham’s unwavering obedience when he was asked to sacrifice his son.
The country’s top leaders joined Mogadishu residents to celebrate Eid festival as the security of Somali capital was tight, with authorities on guard to secure people against any possible attack by Al-Shabaab militants who previously carried out bombing across the country. Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo offered warm wishes to all Somali people across the world. “I congratulate each one of you on behalf of the government and the public and wish all Eid Mubarak. May Allah accept our sacrifices,” the President said.
Meanwhile the African Union (AU) has extended wishes to all Muslims on occasion of Eid-Al-Adha. The AU’s envoy to Somalia, Francisco Madeira urged Muslim faithful to reflect on Allah’s bountiful blessings by deepening the spirit of peace, brotherhood, good neighbourliness and caring for the less fortunate in society. “As you celebrate this important day, which also marks the end of Hajj, may you grow in faith and emulate the actions of Prophet Mohamed. May peace and prosperity be upon you,” Madeira said.
He reiterated AMISOM’s commitment to safeguard the gains made in the country. During this holiday, Muslims celebrate with family and friends while also extending a helping hand to the needy in our midst to show gratitude for life’s blessings.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Somalia Shakes Up Its Education System After Years Of Being Wrecked By Conflict
21 August – Source: Their World – 436 Words
Around the world, children are going back to school and happy to be in a familiar setting. But for Somalia’s students, things have been looking very different as they return after the summer break. Wholesale changes have been made to the education system in a country ravaged by civil war, where three million children are out of school and 70% of the population are under 30.
Somalia’s education system has been lacking a unified approach for decades. Now there will be a single system of four years in lower-primary school, four years in upper-primary and four years in secondary. In comes a new curriculum, with a system of continuous assessment and information and communication technology added to the core subjects. The school year has been divided into two terms – running from January to May and August to December.
But possibly the biggest change faced by millions of Somali children is the language used to teach them. Until now, schools affected by the conflict and shortages of supplies have used whatever text books they can get – from as many as 10 other countries. This led to English and Arabic being the major teaching languages. “Now the language of instruction in primary school will be Somali, while Arabic and English will be used in secondary school,” said Abdulkadir, a former Director-General in the federal Ministry of Education. “We believe this will bring some order.”
Somali Women Call For Inclusion In Post Conflict Reconstruction Process
20 August – Source: Xinhua – 340 Words
Somali women on Monday called for inclusion in humanitarian response and post conflict reconstruction process in the Horn of Africa nation. Speaking during the World Humanitarian Day celebrations held in Baidoa the capital of South-Western state, Somali women called on the federal and regional governments to include them in the drafting of the new constitution as well as put in place measures to encourage more women into political leadership.
Deqa Yasin, Minister of Women and Human Rights Development, promised to work with all stakeholders including the civil society to ensure that the upcoming constitution making process is inclusive and takes care of the interest of women and girls in Somalia. According to a statement from the UN Women Africa, the women suffer the highest consequences during armed violence and conflict.
“There is an urgent need to address the specific needs of women and girls and involve them as equal partners in humanitarian response and post conflict construction. This will help address humanitarian and protection needs of displaced women and girls, including violence against women and girls,” said the UN agency.
Speaking at the celebration, UN Woman’s Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka appreciated the role played by humanitarian actors in protecting people in crisis majority of whom are women and children. Mlambo-Ngcuka called on humanitarian actors to ensure that that women and girls are not left vulnerable and insecure in conflict and post conflict situations.
OPINION, ANALYSIS & CULTURE
“Mohamed had spotted an excellent business opportunity. His murder has thrown up questions about the nature of violence in Somalia. About who is killing who. People often rush to blame the Islamist group al-Shabab which for more than a decade has spread terror in Somalia and beyond. But the jihadists are not the only killers.”
My Friend Mohamed, The Dry Cleaner Of Mogadishu
21 August – Source: BBC – 892 Words
Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, has been described as the most dangerous city in the world. But some people there are trying to bring life back to the place. During her regular visits, BBC Africa editor Mary Harper came to know one of them – an entrepreneur named Mohamed Mahamoud Sheikh. Then she received some bad news.
The last time I saw Mohamed, he gave me flowers. He chose one of the biggest and most colourful bunches from the display in his florist’s shop. Next door, machines whirred at a dry cleaners – which also belonged to him. Stopping off to see Mohamed was always one of my favourite things to do when I visited Mogadishu.
While the world’s media spoke of famine, pirates and suicide bombs, he quietly and determinedly got on with his life, bringing what many would see as entirely normal, mundane services back to his country. He also encouraged others. He set up a community of people involved in start-ups, and became something of an inspirational figure – but always remained modest.
Lots of brave new businesses have sprung up, from the young man with a motorbike who has started a food delivery business to the girl who has set herself up as a mechanic. Visiting Mohamed in Mogadishu was not entirely straightforward. As for all my other appointments in the city, I never fixed a precise time. Sometimes I would just show up outside the metal gates of the Somalia Premium Laundry on the busy Maka al-Mukarama road. I always travelled there with heavy security – at least six bodyguards in one vehicle, a couple more in the other.
It is best to be unpredictable – people say phone calls are listened in on and that there are informants everywhere. But taking care with information and security is no guarantee of safety. Earlier this month, Mohamed was driving in his car in full daylight in a heavily guarded area known as Kilometre Five. Two men appeared and shot him. This unassuming but influential young man died later in hospital.
So far, his murderers have not been caught. Now Mohamed won’t be able to realise the other dreams he told me about – of opening a gym, a playground for children, of growing all the flowers for his shop in the fertile fields of Afgoye, not far from Mogadishu. He dreamed of greening the city and had already brought in flowering trees to plant there. Somali social media was soon awash with comments from people whose lives he had touched. Many were accompanied by the hashtag #WeAreNotSafe.
TOP TWEETS
@AnankeGroup: #Kenya govt is investigating how #Somaliaintel agency NISA’s deputy director acquired multiple KE passports and a national ID card with conflicting dates of birth and “which he has been using whenever he travels abroad”https://www.nation.co.ke/news/
@amisomsomalia: #AU Special Representative extends best wishes to all #Muslims on the occasion of #EidAlAdha —http://bit.ly/2Bumcy9
@MofSomalia: We are opening our financial records to all! Our new website with all financial data for the Federal Government of Somalia is launching SOON!
@HarunMaruf: Kenya wants gradual reduction, delayed withdrawal of troops in Somalia:
@Kadarnouh: #Kenya govt is investigating how #Somalia intel agency NISA’s deputy director acquired multiple KE passports and a national ID card with conflicting dates of birth and “which he has been using whenever he travels abroad” https://www.nation.co.ke/news/
@HarunMaruf: BREAKING: Somali forces arrested a man who falsely claimed to be the newly-appointed director of intel for Jubbaland regional Admin, per NISA. Person was not ID’d but Ali Mire Duale was recently turned back from Kismayo Airport by the Admin after he claimed to be new intel chief.
@qzafrica: The favorite Eid gift for Somalia’s children: toy gunshttps://qz.com/africa/1364622/ via @qzafrica
IMAGE OF THE DAY
Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and other senior government officials joined muslim faithfuls in Mogadishu to celebrate Eid Ul Adha festivals.
Photo: SNTV