August 28, 2015 | Daily Monitoring Report
High-Level Partnership Forum Steering Committee Meets In Mogadishu
28 August – Source: Goobjoog News – 383 Words
The executive Steering Committee for the Somalia Development and Reconstruction Facility (SDRF) met in Mogadishu to take stock of progress made in the advancement in the New Deal Somali Compact. The meeting was a follow-up to the High-Level Partnership Forum (HLPF) held in Mogadishu on 29 July and offered the committee an opportunity to review achievements made on important issues such as the Aid-Mapping exercise. It was opened by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia Mohamed Omar Arte and attended by the Deputy UN Envoy DSRSG HC/RC Peter de Clercq, representatives of key partners including Department for International Development (DFID), European Union (EU) and the World Bank, as well as ministers from the federal and regional governments and members of civil society.
Discussions focused on strengthening the engagement of states and regions in the New Deal structure, resource-provision and infrastructure-support, particularly in the security sector, as well as progress made in state formation. “Some of the issues that we have looked at are the deliverables and visibility of government and also how to improve on looking at the Compact itself, improving and monitoring of projects,” the Deputy Prime Minister Mohamed Omar Arte said. The World Bank has pledged to strengthen Somalia’s economic institutions such as the Central Bank and urged the government to enhance a conducive environment for private investments that will in turn lead to job-creation.
DSRSG Peter de Clercq emphasized the need to fast-track stabilization efforts in recovered areas like Diinsoor and Bardhere where he had recently met with the local community. “Collectively, we should move forward and our approach should go beyond just sheer humanitarian assistance being delivered in those areas. We are fully alongside the government in terms of delivering these services, delivering that relief to the people,” he said. Speaking on behalf of the Somali Civil Society, the Executive Director of the Centre for Research and Dialogue, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle spoke of how the government and international partners could work with local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to effectively deliver services. “The government has come up with an idea of a trial agreement with which the international community, the government and other donors can actually discuss the best way to deliver funds to ensure effective service delivery and visibility of services,” he said.
Key Headlines
- High-Level Partnership Forum Steering Committee Meets In Mogadishu (Goobjoog News)
- Somali Shopkeepers Nabbed With Guns (Somaliweyn Media Center)
- Somalia Humanitarian Situation Overview (Somali Update)
- SURAD Parents For Underage Soccer Players Rejoice Glorious Year (Hiiraan Online)
- Former Gedo Governor Appoints New District Commissioner For Bardhere Town (Goobjoog News)
- Police Offer US$ 20000 Reward For Al-Shabaab Suspect Rukia Mbarak Faraj (Daily Nation)
- Husband Accused Of Murdering Pregnant Wife In Barton Hill Makes Second Appearance At Crown Court (Bristol Post)
- Celebrating Books In Mogadishu (BBC)
- Why We Reject Federal And Imposition Of Western Democracy In Somalia (Somali Current)
- Mary Harper trending in Mogadishu International Book Fair (Mareeg Media)
NATIONAL MEDIA
Somali Shopkeepers Nabbed With Guns
28 August – Source: Somaliweyn Media Center – 231 Words
Four Somali nationals have been arrested for being in possession of unlicenced firearms and ammunition, Western Cape police in South Africa said in a statement. The police were responding to a business robbery that happened in Harare, Khayelitsha. On Monday, at about 10am, four suspects, pretending to be customers, robbed the shop of an undisclosed amount of cash, cigarettes and airtime said police spokesperson Constable Noloyiso Rwexana.One of them used a firearm to force the Somalis to open the burglar bars. They drove off in a white Isuzu bakkie.
The following day, on Tuesday, police revisited the scene of the crime. According to Rxewana, the police searched the Somali who had reported the robbery as he was “acting suspiciously”. They discovered a firearm with 12 rounds of live ammunition. The 41-year-old was arrested and was expected to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s court on Thursday on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Police are still searching for the four suspects who robbed the business premises. In another incident on Wednesday, Mfuleni police responded to information and searched business premises in Burundi Squatter Camp, Mfuleni. A 38 special firearm with eight rounds of ammunition was found. Three Somalis, aged between 24 and 27 years old, were arrested and will be charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. They will appear at Blue Downs Magistrate Court in Cape Town on Friday, said Rwexana.
Somalia Humanitarian Situation Overview
28 August – Source: Somali Update – 308 Words
With US$414 million received so far in 2015, about 217 humanitarian organisations are working to save lives and build livelihoods of people across the country. According to the humanitarian coordination office of the UN, as of 31 July, humanitarian partners have treated about 120,000 children under five for acute malnutrition. Food Security partners reached 337,000 people with food assistance, 258,000 people with activities aimed at building livelihoods and 470,800 people received livelihood seasonal inputs such as seeds, tools, fishing equipment, irrigation vouchers and livestock distribution and vaccination.
Education partners reached 44,000 children with teaching activities and school feeding programmes while 604,000 people have been provided with temporary and sustainable access to safe water. One million Somalis have received basic health services throughout the country and the Protection Cluster has reached 112,800 people with protection activities. In addition, humanitarian partners continue to work with authorities to register and provide assistance to over 28,000 people who have arrived in Somalia fleeing the conflict in Yemen. Food has been provided to more than 8,000 people. Electronic transfer cards are also being provided once people leave the centres, enabling them to purchase food and other items through the World Food Programme (WFP) retailers’ network across the country.
Essential household goods are being delivered. Health screening is available at all centres, and medical care has been provided to more than 700 people, along with vaccination against polio or/and measles for more than 28,000 people. More than 1,100 children have been screened for malnutrition, out of whom 31 received treatment. Some 134 unaccompanied or separated children were identified, of whom 42 were reunited with their families, and the rest were taken into care. Psychosocial support, as well as awareness sessions on child protection and gender-based violence, are offered at all transit points.
SURAD Parents For Underage Soccer Players Rejoice Glorious Year
28 August – Source: Hiiraan Online – 186 Words
Dozens of jubilant parents for young soccer stars have flooded into Moon’s Bay picnic park on Sunday to celebrate their boys’ exciting year in which their teams have effectively completed months-long tournament in Ottawa. The Surad Youth Soccer Club (SYSC), a locally organized football club is one of the few success stories and aims producing talent soccer players. At the picnic park, buoyant Somali parents have appreciated children’s coaches for the hard work, describing the tournament as ‘progressive’.
The tournament which brought together 4 different age teams has drawn the attention of the Somali community in Canada, a development which many believe could slot in many already disorientated children who are vulnerable to joining criminal activities. In the meantime, the three coaches who were crucial in keeping the young footballers on the pitch have urged them to keep the momentum. Mr. Abdirizak Shiino , Mr. Keyse and Mr. Said Arwo have expressed hope in drawing more children into the association. Founded in 2012, The Surad Youth Soccer Club (SYSC) has brought over 100 underage footballers under its umbrella, in an indication that the club is rapidly growing.
Former Gedo Governor Appoints New District Commissioner For Bardhere Town
28 August 25 – Source: Goobjoog News – 244 Words
The former Governor for Gedo has appointed Ismail Sheikh Abdi Qodax as the new District Commissioner of Bardhere, which was captured last month from Al-Shabaab fighters. Governor Mohamed Abdi Kalil has also named Abdi Noor Hassan as his deputy. The changes were contained in a letter dated 27th August, from the former governor, who is currently in El-wak town. The latest development comes at a time when Jubbaland Administration has appointed a separate District Commissioner and Deputy District Commissioner for Bardhere. On 8th August, Jubbaland President, Ahmed Mohamed Islam fired Mohamed Abdi Kalil as the Governor of Gedo region, one day after the politician reconciled with the Jubbaland administration.
But Kalil has denounced the move and termed it baseless and premature because he was appointed by the Federal Government. On 15th August, Jubbaland forcefully ejected Governor Kalil from office as well as politicians and elders allied to him. The former governor, his deputy, the chairman of the dervish fighters in Gedo and other well known elders and politicians were all accused of opposing President Ahmed Mohamed Islam administration. Bardhere town used to be the largest stronghold for Al-Shabaab’s top officials and its foreign jihadist fighters before they fled after heavy military assault by the Somali government forces and the African Union mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Police Offer US$ 20,000 Reward For Al-Shabaab Suspect Rukia Mbarak Faraj
28 August – Source: Daily Nation – 216 Words
Kenyan Police have released the picture of the wife of an Al-Shabaab fugitive wanted for grenade attacks and assassinations in Mombasa. The police have also offered a Ksh2 million (US$ 20,000 equivalent) reward for information that could lead to the arrest of Ms Rukia Mbarak Faraj, wife of Ramadhan Kufungwa. According to a police dispatch, Ms Faraj “is responsible for grenade attacks and assassinations in Mombasa”, adding that she is suspected to be living in a refugee camp in northeastern Kenya.
“Rukia is wanted for facilitating movement of youth to Somalia to join her husband who is planning an attack in Kenya,” read the report. Police also say she is involved in the smuggling of weapons and explosives in the region from Somalia as part of preparations for a terrorist attack. Police put the bounty on Ms Faraj a day after a cache of firearms and explosive was recovered in Garissa County.
Husband Accused Of Murdering Pregnant Wife In Barton Hill Makes Second Appearance At Crown Court
27 August – Bristol Post – 566 Words
Members of Bristol’s Somali community packed a court for a case involving an illegal immigrant charged with murdering his pregnant wife. Abdirashid Khadar entered the UK from Italy in March, Bristol Crown Court has heard. It is claimed that having come to Barton Hill he met up with 21-year-old Amal Abdi, who he had married in Ethiopia, and stabbed her to death in July. At the time she was 15 to 16 weeks pregnant. Khadar, of no fixed address, faces an allegation of murder. The 21-year-old, of Somali origin, appeared for a second preliminary hearing from HMP Exeter via video link and was assisted in court by a Somali interpreter.
A total of 36 members of the Somali community packed the 16 seats of the public gallery of Court Nine, as well as the 12 seats of the jury and eight seats provided elsewhere for the 16-minute hearing. James Haskell, prosecuting, confirmed that, at a first preliminary hearing on August 3, Khadar was unrepresented but a timetable was set for a trial lasting up to ten days from January 11 next year. The prosecution has until October 12 to serve its case and a plea and case management hearing is set for November 9. Matthew Comer, defending, said the defence needed to instruct a psychiatrist to investigate Khadar’s fitness to plead and whether he is suffering from mental disability.
Celebrating Books In Mogadishu
27 August – Source: BBC – Video: 1:47 Seconds
Somalia used to be known as the poet’s nation. Now it may be reclaiming its old title, as a land of words and wonder. It is holding its first international literary festival in the capital Mogadishu, with three days of readings, films, art and exhibitions.
OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE
“Clearly, the federal experiment in Somalia is perceived by majority Somalis as a foreign tool that is designed to disintegrate what is left of Somalia today. The Mbagathi Process that produced the Federal Government has neither consulted with the Somalia people nor solicited from Somali intellectuals of the type of governance that best suites the country. It was led by Kenya and Ethiopia, with a bunch of the warlords of the time, whose motive was only to secure a pie of the political power in Somalia.”
Why We Reject Federal And Imposition Of Western Democracy In Somalia
27 August – Source: Somali Current – 834 Words
The International Community should learn when and when not to interfere the domestic affairs of Somalia. Over the years, most of the international interventions were driven by some policy assumptions that exacerbated the problems of Somalia and have led to destructive implications to the objectives. Perhaps we recall the fate of America’s operation in Somalia in 1993, famously known as the Blackhawk Down; the disastrous military intervention of Ethiopia in 2006 and; Kenya’s recent foray into Somalia that backfired terribly as a result of some faulty miscalculations and assumptions.
All of these policies have failed to empower the Somali people’s capacity to restore their traditional systems that could handle not only the political challenges, but also the security that drive the conflict in contemporary Somalia. This system is called pastoral democracy and it has been effective for over centuries in Somalia. Clearly, the federal experiment in Somalia is perceived by majority Somalis as a foreign tool that is designed to disintegrate what is left of Somalia today. The Mbagathi Process that produced the Federal Government has neither consulted with the Somalia people nor solicited from Somali intellectuals of the type of governance that best suites the country. It was led by Kenya and Ethiopia, with a bunch of the warlords of the time, whose motive was only to secure a pie of the political power in Somalia.
Moreover, a predominantly nomadic society such as Somalis would have difficulty accommodating for the provisions of the Federal Constitution that require to commission boundaries between clans as part of the federal state formations. This could trigger and set off a malicious war between clans, as already witnessed in Galmudug, when it declared its boundaries with Puntland, which triggered renewed political contentions and apprehensions from a new cycle of clan wars. In addition, the 4.5 formula, a power sharing agreement between clans, should be addressed because it assumes that certain clans are majority and others minority in the absence of clear scientific population census in Somalia.
“Somalis on twitter believe BBC Africa editor new story was biased and did not highlight the real environment in the recuperating country.”
Mary Harper trending in Mogadishu International Book Fair
27 August – Source: Mareeg Media – 233 Words
Mary Harper, the BBC Africa editor is on fire on social media mainly on twitter and Face book for the better day of Thursday. Angry Somalis took on twitter #SomeTellMaryHarper after her article on Mogadishu International Book Fair dubbed “Somali authors defy militants,” was published. Somalis on twitter believe BBC Africa editor new story was biased and did not highlight the real environment in the recuperating country. The cover photo of Ms Harper news story who has also extensively written about Somalia was horrifying scenes at Mogadishu hotel attack earlier this year instead of the books at the fair.
Some of the popular tweets trending include the following:
@BBCafrica: Why Twitter is discussing Mogadishu photos on #BBCAfricaLive posthttp://bbc.in/1NWT7H2 #SomeoneTellMaryHarper
@MogadishuNews: #SomeoneTellMaryHarper When U get your daily income by writing about war in #Somalia,it is difficult to accept is fact
@farhiyaa4 She couldn’t even use one Pic from #MIBF2015 ? Goodness.. #SomeoneTellMaryHarper
@Mkahiye#SomeoneTellMaryHarper Mogadishu is the city of books and not bullets, use pen and keyboard for responsible Journalism @mary_harper @MogBF
@SalmaHoyo does she know we are ready to be the champion of our country and soon she will refer us as the “Mad Mullas” #SomeoneTellMaryHarper
The #BBC attempts to brush aside#SomeoneTellMaryHarper with light note. “We feel this is a little unfair on Mary..”
Mary Harper is still to respond to the tweets trending on her name and page.
TOP TWEETS
@Som_Reporter: NEWS: Ahlu Sunna Waljamaca, Galmudug regional state sign new power sharing deal. #Somaliahttp://hiiraan.com/news4/2015/
@Nabad_Somalia: Diaspora returnees brought the country with much needed energy and ideas. #MogBF is one of them.#Somalia #MIBF2015 #Hope #MogafishuRising
@AshokaUK: “You shouldn’t banish my generation for the things generations before us did,” says this teen from #Somalia:http://bit.ly/1UaDduD #SocEnt
@LaetitiaBader: Land route into EU often as deadly as the sea, writes @sunderland_jude http://bit.ly/1MSdk27 #Somalia
@alijira:@USAIDSomalia @MogBF Indeed great opportunity,unity,peace & understanding #Somalia‘sNext Generation delighted!
@sonnakadie: BBC did once again BBC: “Somalia used to be known as the poet’s nation #Somalia IS known as the poet’s nation. http://ln.is/www.bbc.co.uk/
IMAGE OF THE DAY
Participants consisting of senior officials from the Somali federal and regional governments and members of the international community during a meeting of the Somali Development & Reconstruction Facility Steering Committee in Mogadishu, Somalia on August 20 2015.
Photo: UNSOM