August 8, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Somali military chief announces new offensive against Al Shabaab

08 Aug – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Bar-kulan/SNTV – 107 words

Somali National Army Military Chief General Dahir Adan Elmi has said new offensive against al Shabaab militant group will commence soon. Speaking during a press conference in Somali capital Mogadishu Gen Indho Qarshe said the original offensive to push the group out of new areas which was launched early this year was paused to set new tactics of war against the Al Qaida linked militant group.

He said Somali national army and AMISOM troops will push al Shabaab out of the remaining areas within the next two months. He added that the besieged roads will be secured to allow the flow of humanitarian aid to the residents.

Key Headlines

  • Somali military chief announces new offensive against Al Shabaab (Radio Mogadishu)
  • Kenya will not withdraw form Somalia any time soon says President Uhuru (KTN)
  • Djibouti President tells Minnesota Somalis to rally behind government (Somali Current)
  • Heavy rains damage properties in Gabow village Awdal region (Radio Bar-kulan)
  • The new Somali chief justice takes office (Radio Mogadishu/Radio RBC)
  • Somalia: Providing water to the most vulnerable in Gedo (trust.org)
  • NUSOJ condemns the arrest of a female journalist in Garowe (Radio Mustaqbal)
  • Somalia: Around 4000 suspected cases of measles were reported between January and June (Radio RBC)
  • U.S. welcomes Himan and Heeb decision to join central state formation deal (Radio Goobjoog)
  • Mombasa police to extend hunt for terror suspects in Tanzania (Coastweek/ Xinhua)
  • Somaliland Presidential affairs Minister received by Crown prince Abdirahman (Somaliland Informer)
  • Muslim scholar denies possession of terror devices in Nairobi court (Coastweek/Xinhua)
  • Two charged with terror recruitment of youths (Star-Kenya)
  • Kenya downplays security risks as it courts U.S. investment (Reuters)
  • Briefing: Somaliland oil and security (IRIN News)
  • Department of State and the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia Sign Agreement to Support Police Reform Efforts (state.gov)

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali military chief announces new offensive against Al Shabaab

08 Aug – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Bar-kulan/SNTV – 107 words

Somali National Army Military Chief General Dahir Adan Elmi has said new offensive against al Shabaab militant group will commence soon.

Speaking during a press conference in Somali capital Mogadishu Gen Indho Qarshe said the original offensive to push the group out of new areas which was launched early this year was paused to set new tactics of war against the Al Qaida linked militant group.

He said Somali national army and AMISOM troops will push al Shabaab out of the remaining areas within the next two months. He added that the besieged roads will be secured to allow the flow of humanitarian aid to the residents.


Djibouti President tells Minnesota Somalis to rally behind government

08 Aug – Source: Somali Current – 151 words

Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh who was among more than 50 African head of states who attended US-Africa summit has urged Somali Diaspora in US state of Minnesota to rally behind government back home.

Speaking during a meeting with Somali Diaspora in Minesota Mr. Gueleh said his government is committed to support the federal government of Somalia in the efforts of returning peace and stability in the war torn country.

He said the role of Somali Diaspora community is very important urging that they need to take a front role in the reconstruction efforts.

Djibouti has been a very important player in Somali politics as far as peace and reconciliation efforts is concerned since the collapse of the Mohamed Siad Barre regime in early nineties.

The boat shaped country troops are part of AMISOM peacekeeping forces in Somalia helping the western backed government battle Al Qaida linked al Shabaab militant group.


Heavy rains damage properties in Gabow village, Awdal region

08 Aug- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 110 words

Heavy downpours in the past 24 hours in various parts of Awdal region have damaged a number of properties including a secondary school in Gabow village near Lughaye town.

Some of the traditional elders and the school management in the area said the stormy rains had blown off the roof of the building and destroyed several classes within the school.

They asked the Education Ministry of Somaliland, international agencies, business community members and diaspora communities to urgently assist the reconstruction of the school. Gab Secondary in Gabow village was established in 2010 and is the only secondary school in the village.


The new Somali chief justice takes office

08 Aug – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/Radio RBC – 132 words

The newly appointed Somali Chief Justice Ahmed Ali Dahir has officially taken office today in a colorful ceremony held in the capital Mogadishu. He promised to prioritize the fight against corruption and restructure of the institution during his early days in the office.

“My office will fight corruption which has become a major challenge in this country,” He said. “As you know no one is above the law and its implementation is must both in the religion and the state,” He added.

He urged various government institutions to respect the constitution and the rule of law saying that is the only way forward to establish law and order in the country. The new chief justice has also vowed to protect the rights of Somali citizens within the parameters of the Somali constitution.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Chief of Somalia Federal Government Avv. Aidid Abdullahi Ilkahanaf has strongly rejected the nomination of new Attorney General following the firing of the former Attorney General.

Ilkahanaf says the Supreme Court filed charges against the legitimacy of the process of this nomination which seems to be more controversial within the government.


NUSOJ condemns the arrest of a female journalist in Garowe

08 Aug- Source: Radio Mustaqbal- 208 words

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns the arrest of a female journalist on Thursdaynight by the Puntland police in Garowe, the latest in a string of violence against journalists in Somalia.

Police in Puntland arrested a female journalist Fatima Ahmed Mohamed of Radio Daljir on Thursday night on August 6, 2014. She is currently detained at the Garowe jail.

Puntland officials did not comment the arrest of the journalist, but local journalists believe that her arrest is believed to have been connected to a news report about siege of Puntland StateTelevision by local clan militias angered by multiple sacking as reported by local media.

The National Union of Somali Journalists condemns the arrest and calls for her unconditional release.

“It’s disappointing to see that journalists are being jailed for their reporting.” Mohamed Ibrahim, NUSOJ Secretary General said, “We call for the Puntland authorities the unconditional release of the female journalist and respect to the media freedoms in the region.”

Puntland Parliament recently approved draconian media law aimed at oppressing the freedom of expression in addition to taking away the rights of the journalists and the media houses, which Somali journalists called for the President of the regional state of Puntland not to sign the bill.


Somalia: Around 4,000 suspected cases of measles were reported between January and June

08 Aug- Source: Radio RBC- 208 words

Another $1.45 million was allocated to kick-start a campaign to combat the outbreak of measles, which has left thousands of children at risk of disability and death, the humanitarian partners in Somalia said.

This funding will be used to vaccinate 520,000 children under 5 years in the worst affected areas of Banadir, Lower Juba and Puntland.

According to the latest humanitarian report released by the UNOCHA, around 4,000 suspected cases of measles were reported between January and June this year, more than double than the same period last year.

Three quarters of cases were reported in children under 5 years. Measles is one of the leading killers of young children in Somalia, a situation made worse by the lack of health services.

The vaccination drive will help prevent the spread of the disease to other locations, particularly those inaccessible to vaccination teams. The allocation will be complemented by $300,000 from the Somalia Common Humanitarian Fund (CHF).

The UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has allocated over US$20 million to bolster humanitarian efforts in Somalia. On 23 July, the CERF allocated the largest single allocation to a country, $20 million, to Somalia for life-saving activities based on a global review of critical aid operations that are facing funding deficits.


U.S. welcomes Himan and Heeb decision to join central state formation deal

07 Aug – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 129 words

Acting U.S. Special Representative for Somalia Brian H. Phipps welcomed the addition of Himan and Heeb as a signatory to an agreement in principle to form a regional administration in central Somalia.

“The United States welcomes this important agreement and looks forward to continuing progress towards establishing an administration,” stated the Acting Special Representative.

The United States Government praised the efforts made by the concerned parties and stated that it will remain a committed partner to the government and citizens of Somalia and will continue to support Somalia’s path towards a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future.

The decision of Himan and Heeb was also welcomed by the EU and the UN special representative, and is seen as a significant step in the process of building a Federal Somalia.


Somaliland Presidential affairs Minister received by Crown prince Abdirahman

07 Aug – Source: Somaliland Informer – 90 words

Somaliland Presidential Affairs Minister Hon. Hirsi Ali Hassan has been formally received by crown prince Abdirahman Bin Abdiasis who is the brother of the current ruler King Abdullah. The Minister discussed with Saudi officials on bolstering the bilateral ties on trade and diplomacy.

The Minister briefed Saudi leaders that Somaliland reclaimed her independence in 1991 after blood war with military leader of Mohamed Said Barre.

Saudi leaders pledged to assist Somaliland and praised the security maintenance in the country. The Minister is accompanied by an MP, representative to the Kingdom.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Mombasa police to extend hunt for terror suspects in Tanzania

09 Aug– Source: Coastweek/ Xinhua-179 words

Kenya’s security agencies said on Thursday they have made contacts with Tanzanian authorities to pursue most wanted terror suspects who have fled into the country after a series of executed and planned terror plots.

Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Director Ndegwa Muhoro said their details have been shared among foreign agencies including the Interpol to assist in tracking them down.

“Our security teams have set up robust security measures that have forced most of the suspects to flee the country, but we have circulated their details among multi-agency security agencies,” Muhoro told Xinhua in Mombasa.

He said government counter-terrorism officers want the Tanzanian authorities to assist in arresting some of them who may hide in their country.

The suspects including radical Muslim preachers had sneaked back to Tanzania through the Kenya-Tanzania border in Lunga Lunga and Kenya-Somalia border in Lamu.


Kenya will not withdraw form Somalia any time soon says President Uhuru

08 Aug- Source: KTN/Standardmedia- 1:46 min

In the US , President Uhuru Kenyatta earlier this morning gave the strongest indication yet that Kenya will not be withdrawing its troops from Somalia anytime soon. A tough talking president told Kenyans living in the US that the troops would only pull out when the government in Somalia was strong enough to secure the country. He was speaking in Washington DC after the conclusion of the US-Africa summit.


Muslim scholar denies possession of terror devices in Nairobi court

08 Aug- Source: Coastweek/Xinhua-371 words

A Muslim scholar on Thursday denied possession of devices believed to have been used to plan terror acts in Kenya. Mohamud Abdi Adan was arrested in possession of a laptop which had video clips, photo images and downloaded map images of vital installations within Kenya.

The clips had pictures of more than 20 buildings in Nairobi including churches, police stations and churches. The State Prosecutor Charles Wanjohi the matter should be heard behind closed doors due to the sensitivity of the case, and the video clips they intend to play in court.

He also urged the court to grant them time to confirm whether there is a provision in the Anti Terrorism Protection Unit Act that allows the withholding of evidence from the defense in the terror-related case.


Two charged with terror recruitment of youths

07 Aug- Source: Star-Kenya- 241 words

Two men have been charged in court with recruiting persons to the al Shaabab. The court heard that Ali Mbuiya and Kalume Ibrahim committed the offense on July 7, at Mazeras township, Rabai subcounty, jointly with others not before the court.

Mbuiya and Kalume denied the charges before chief magistrate Stephen Riech. The prosecution said the suspects conducted the recruitment in Boni Forest, at the Kenya and Somalia border.

The recruits would later cross into Somalia to join the al Shaabab terror group. A written affidavit by the investigating officer Gabriel Karuguh attached to Mombasa CID headquarters shows the suspects are connected to the offence.

The al Shaabab has also been accused of the serial killings and bomb attacks, witnessed in several parts of the Coastal region. In the affidavit, the officer pleaded with the court not to release the two on bond since they are likely to abscond and leave the country.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Kenya downplays security risks as it courts U.S. investment

08 Aug – Source: Reuters – 175 words

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, in Washington this week to court Western investors, has sought to downplay a spate of violent attacks tied to militants in neighboring Somalia and their impact on Kenya’s economy.

“Yes, we may have pockets where we have problems – which we know and are focused on how to address. But the rest of the country is actually trouble-free,” Kenyatta told Reuters in an interview on Thursday from a hotel overlooking the White House.

Kenyatta, the son of Kenya’s founder who was elected last March to lead East Africa’s biggest economy, has been touting the country as a resource-rich hub of innovation, talking up the benefits of East African integration and detailing vast plans to improve the country’s shaky infrastructure.

But he has also been plagued by questions about security. Last September, Somali-linked Islamist militants attacked Nairobi’s Westgate mall and left at least 67 people dead. This summer has seen a spate of killings, mostly along Kenya’s coast, prompting several Western nations to warn their citizens against travel to parts of Kenya.


Somalia: Providing water to the most vulnerable in Gedo

08 Aug- Source: trust.org -392 words

Just three years after famine was declared in parts of Somalia, a poor rainy season is once again threatening the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of poor households. The effects of these poor rains, namely disappointing harvests and rising food prices, are made worse by military operations and clan fighting, causing new displacements and disrupted markets.

In addition, our partners on the ground are seeing sick livestock, dried up water sources and an increase in the number of children being treated for acute malnutrition. While we wait for definitive figures on this worsening situation, this blog, provided by Solidarités International, aims to highlight the experiences of local people coping with this new crisis, and what our partners are doing to help in some of the most affected areas.

South and central Somalia has suffered consecutive poor rainy seasons causing a severe water shortage. In Gedo, both the Gu and Deyr seasons (April-June and Oct-Dec) performed poorly, completely failing in some areas. The dry season has been particularly harsh causing all the temporary water sources to dry up.

Gedo region is served by open water sources that are seasonal, small in size and unreliable during extended dry seasons. Local vendors have since been trucking water from the few existing boreholes, an average of 30 kilometres away.


Department of State and the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia Sign Agreement to Support Police Reform Efforts

07 Aug- Source: state.gov -231 words

On August 5, the U.S. Special Representative for Somalia, James P. McAnulty and Deputy Assistant Secretary Todd Robinson, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs participated in a signing ceremony with Somali Finance Minister Hussein Abdi Halane at the U.S. Department of State. Special Representative McAnulty and Minister Hussein signed a bilateral agreement providing approximately $1.9 million to support Somali-led efforts in broad, national security sector reform through support to police development initiatives.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) will provide the funding which will allow the United States and the Somali Federal Government to work together to support police reform projects designed to increase the capacity of officials to deter and effectively respond to crime. This is INL’s second agreement with the Government of Somalia.


Briefing: Somaliland, oil and security

07 Aug- Source: IRIN News- 1412 words

The proposed deployment of armed contingents to protect oil installations in the self-declared Republic of Somaliland risks further destabilizing a region rife with disputes over sovereignty, boundaries and oil concessions.

Security is deemed necessary for seismic exploration in areas of Somaliland thought to contain significant quantities of oil, some of which are also claimed by neighbouring Puntland, an autonomous region which, unlike Somaliland, still regards itself a part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Who exactly would control and manage such armed contingents and what their precise mandate would be, have yet to be determined. Since Somaliland’s independence is unrecognized internationally, the territory remains subject to a UN arms embargo, which means it would need to obtain permission from a sanctions committee before importing military equipment or conducting military training.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Our research indicates that given the right economic incentives, local elites spontaneously chose not to support piracy and even engaged in counter-piracy. A developmental solution to piracy could therefore be attempted even if the Somali state remains fragile.”


Pirate paper

07 Aug- Source: professionalsecurity- 811 words

A costly, heavy military presence around Somalia is to keep shipping lanes safe. However, a new academic study suggests a more sustainable way to tackle piracy would be to build new roads and harbours so clans in the remoter areas of Somalia do not miss out on legitimate trading opportunities. A new paper, published in the British Journal of Criminology, argues that local communities are usually protecting pirates when they have no comparable alternative source of income.

The study by the University of Oxford and King’s College London argues that policy makers have focused too much on the motives of the pirates without looking at why they are receiving protection from the local elites (clan leaders). Somali clans protect legitimate interests, such as trade flows through their territory and ports, by issuing licenses to traders and charging ‘taxes’ at road-blocks and harbours. This can provide them with a steady flow of income, but the paper argues that they can switch the taxation of legitimate business to taxing the criminal activities of pirates (thus providing them with protection) if and when it provides them with a better source of revenue.


“Unless the President relays more on an inclusive vision that promotes comprehensive reconciliation and start implementing unadulterated spirit of the Federal constitution, neither the West nor Somalia’s own citizens would take his bravado and misplaced sloganeering of “Somalia is open for business” any more serious.”


US-African summit for security: what is in it for Somalia?

08 Aug- Source: Wardheernews- 818 words

The US-Africa summit in Washington DC (August 4-6), attended by nearly fifty heads of state, is a historic gathering for Africa’s leaders.  It may not be as important as Sydney Poitier’s Oscar wining “guess who is coming to dinner,” It came at a rare moment when the son of a Kenyan born Harvard educated sits at the White House.

At no time in recent history did such a large cohort of African leaders met together to discuss stability, security, and system of governance with the lone world super power. The summit has both fluffy social events and serious diplomatic caucusing.

The fluff of the summit was marked by the highly orchestrated dinner reception, an African cousin, prepared with spices familiar to the guests, such as cumin, pepper, and cinnamon. But the high light of the social event at the White House was claimed by the daughter of Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, who towered above her father and Michelle Obama. That scene, where a gorgeous African Tutsi queen stood on the red carpet in front of the White House lawn, fed the insatiable American taste for the outer beauty – a picturesque moment for Washington’s tabloid.

Top tweets

Eye on Somalia ‏@Eye_on_Somalia  #allAfrica Department of State and the Govt of the Federal Republic of Somalia Sign Agreement to Supp… http://bit.ly/1u4Plor  #somalia

@JamalMOsman In Mogadishu, #Somalia whenever top Govt officials want to travel around, they block main roads for hours. It’s making residents very angry!

Abukar Omarsson ‏@Mr_Omarsson  RT #Africa shows potential to drive global growth – http://FT.com  http://on.ft.com/1oujpBw  via @FT #USAFRICASUMMIT #USAFRICA #Somalia

Oxfam International ‏@Oxfam Will lessons from the past be learned in #Somalia? http://ow.ly/A5KiB  @a_khalif7 via@HuffPostImpact

Anti-Tribalism M ‏@movementatm #Somali women are the key to#Somalia’s future so we must give them a chance to provide a better access to security and justices for women.

East Africa Watch ‏@Tommy_Africa #Somalia SOMALIA: Around 4,000 suspected cases of measles were reported between January and June http://ow.ly/2Lq0wr

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Image of the day

Image of the dayAMISOM’s acting-SRCC, Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, attended the closing ceremony of the Formed Police Unit’s induction training at Mogadishu stadium in Somalia on August 7. Photo: AMISOM

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