December 19, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

The president of southwest state appoints cabinet ministers

19 Dec – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 150 Words

The president of southwest state Sharif Hassan Sheik Adan appointed some of his cabinets ministers for the first time since his election on 17th November this year. After much consultation and deliberations with elders and political stakeholders, the president has appointed Abdirahman Ibrahim Adan as interior minister; Hassan Ibraahim Lugbur as minister of finance; Mohamed Hassan Fiqi as minister of agriculture; Ahmed Sheik Hassan as minister of justice. After the appointment the president Shariif Hassan sheik Adan gave a speech encouraging these ministers to fulfill the mission and vision of the state and he also addressed them to exercise their duties as per required by law of the country. This comes only after the two political factions led by Shariif Hassan and Modoobe Nunow agreed to have power sharing. the union of these two parties is expected alter the security and the development of the state.

Key Headlines

The president of southwest state appoints cabinet ministers (Radio Goobjoog)
President Hassan attends security meeting in Mogadishu (Radio Muqdisho)
Somali refugees protest against forced deportation outside The Hague (Horseed Media)
Section of Somali police forces trained in Djibouti (Radio Muqdisho)
Court rejects witnesses of ex-army commander (New Vision)
Mogadishu hosts a medal parade for AMISOM Kenya contingent (Coastweek)
UNSOM conducts training of Somali police forces on digital communication (Ethiopian Govt.)
Mandera leaders residents vow to tackle radicalisation after al-Shabaab attacks (Sabahi Online)
Four killed after Maasai and Somalia herdsman clash at Kinango (Xinhua/Hiiraan Online)
Somali charged with double attempted murder placed under bill of indictment (Malta Today)
It’s official: units credited for Somalia campaign (Army Times)

SOMALI MEDIA

The president of southwest state appoints cabinet ministers

19 Dec – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 150 Words

President Hassan attends security meeting in Mogadishu

19 Dec – Source: Radio Muqdisho – 111 Words

President of Federal Government of Somalia Hassan Sheikh has attended meeting held in Mogadishu over security matters. In the meeting was attended by Somali army forces Commanders , Amisom Forces and they discussed how to launch counter attacks against Alshabab militia . Also in the meeting they bid farewell to the Head of Amisom head who was praised for a job well done during his tenure. President Hassan has praised the Somali army forces who have fought in al-Shabab hideouts in Mogadishu and have cleared them. President has encouraged the army forces to continue with assault against Al-Shabab militia operation against them so as to secure the security of city and entire country.

Somali refugees protest against forced deportation outside The Hague

19 Dec – Source: Horseed Media – 279 Words

Dozens of Somali asylum seekers have protested against the Dutch government’s plan to forcibly deport a number of Somali refugees whose asylum claims have been rejected.The protest which took place in The Hague – the political and administrative capital of the Netherlands called for an end to the forcible deportation of refugees back where their lives or freedom are threatened. “We came here for protection, not to be treated in this way. Our lives are in danger if we are sent back and we might end up being killed,” said one of the asylum seekers. Netherlands is renowned for having one of Europe’s most rigorous regimes on migrant issues. It has become extremely difficult for non-EU migrants to enter the Netherlands legally, or to receive a temporary residency permit. Undocumented migrants (and their children) who succeed in entering are deprived of basic human and civil rights. In particular, the frequent and often long imprisonment of undocumented migrants has been fiercely criticised by human rights organisations such as Amnesty International. The Somali government has refused to receive refugees who have been forcibly deported.

Human rights and advocacy groups have voiced their concerns on the deportation of Somalis seeking asylum, saying that it represents a clear violation of international refugee conventions. The United Nations high commissioner for refugees has continuously said that many parts of the war-ravaged country remains unsafe due to threats from militant groups and human rights violation such as rape. Tens of thousands of Somalis fled the country after the Central Government was overthrown in 1991 and civil war emerged. Most went to neighbouring countries, but large numbers sought sanctuary in Europe and North America.

Sections of Somali police forces trained in Djibouti

19 Dec – Source: Radio Muqdisho – 107 Words

Three month training for 147 Somali police officers has concluded in Djibouti. Closing remarks were delivered by leaders of the Djibouti Forces who advised the trainees to serve the people of Somalia diligently, and make use of training skills imparted to them. The Somali forces were trained in the preventions of crimes, investigations of post mortem cases, and how to handle organized crime. The Somali forces are expected to be back to the country in order to attend the 71st anniversary of the formation of Somali Police Force which is expected to be held tomorrow in Mogadishu.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Court rejects witnesses of ex-army commander

19 Dec – Source: New Vision – 319 Words

The General Court Martial in Makindye has rejected nine witnesses of the former commander of UPDF Battle Group 11+ in Somalia, Col. Hassan Kimbowa. Col. Kimbowa is facing charges of selling fuel meant for peacekeeping operations in the Horn of Africa. At the opening of the defence case, Kimbowa tasked court to issue summons to a number of army officers and the UN coordinator for AMISOM to be witnesses in his case. These include Maj. Kangwamu (officer prosecuting the case), Brig. Leopold Kyanda, Brig. Michael Ondoga, Lt. Col. Sarah Mpabwa, Maj. Savimbi Tumuhimbise, Capt. Kashakamba, Capt. Munyandekezi, Capt. Kakuru and the UN coordinator for AMISOM. The nine above named people, excluding Brig. Ondoga and the UN coordinator, constituted the team that investigated the case and later arrested Kimbowa. The army court chairman Maj. Gen. Levy Karuhanga ruled that they dismissed the application to issue witness summons to any of the members of the team that investigated the case. “An investigator does not become a vital defence witness simply because he interacted with people at the scene of the crime, made a decision to arrest or visited a scene of crime,” Maj. Gen. Karuhanga explained.

Mogadishu hosts a medal parade for AMISOM Kenya contingent

19 Dec – Coastweek.com – 606 Words

A medal parade has been held in Mogadishu, in recognition of the Kenyan Police Contingent drawing to the end of its tour of duty, having contributed to the peace process in Somalia over the past one year. The Individual Police Officers including 3 females and 17 males were first deployed in Somalia on 17th December 2013 in various capacities as mentors, trainers and advisors, working under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). They have worked together with officers from other Police Contributing Countries in mentorship of the Somali Police Force, to support efforts at ensuring law and order in the country.

The ceremony held in appreciation of their contribution was presided over by the AMISOM Police Commissioner Anand Pillay, and the Kenyan AMISOM Deputy Force Commander Maj. Gen. Jonathan K. Ronno. Speaking during the ceremony, the AMISOM Deputy Force Commander challenged the officers to apply the knowledge acquired while in Somalia to the fight against terrorism back home. “We are facing a situation where we have a lot of intrusion of terrorist activities in the country and this is facing the police at all our borders. So as you go, I am so happy because you will employ that knowledge, you will employ that technique that you have been using here to see that you enforce law and order and also detect issues of possible terrorism and safeguard human life,” said Maj. General Jonathan Ronno.

UNSOM conducts training of Somali police forces on digital communication

18 Dec – Source: Government of Ethiopia – 145 Words

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) completed an eight-day training programme for Somali police Forces. 11 members of the Somali Police Force (SPF) and two members of the AMISOM Police Component attended the training session. The training is the second phase of series of capacity building trainings. UNSOM’s Police Commissioner Mr. Mustafa Resat Tekinbas expressed satisfaction with the technical skills on the use of communications equipment acquired from the training opportunity. He said the training will help the Somali Police Force build a team that is skilled and equipped, one that can contribute to the ongoing restoration of peace and security in the country. Speaking at the event, the Director of the SPF Communications Department, Gen. Mohamed Wardhere asked for an increase in capacity-building programmes for SPF members so as to enable them to acquire technical skills in order to fulfill day-to-day operations.

Mandera leaders, residents vow to tackle radicalisation after al-Shabaab attacks

18 Dec – Source: Sabahi Online – 1, 122 Words

Following two deadly al-Shabaab attacks on a commuter bus and a quarry in Mandera, residents are striving to disassociate themselves from the terror group and to find ways to de-radicalise youths. In an effort to foster religious harmony and restore the county’s economic potential, local religious leaders, officials, lawmakers, security authorities and the general public are coming together to condemn al-Shabaab and find ways to combat extremism. Mandera County has been marketing itself to attract business investors and development opportunities, but the latest al-Shabaab attacks are derailing progress, Mandera County Governor Ali Roba told Sabahi.

The attacks, which killed 64 non-Muslims, and subsequent calls for civil servants to flee the county struck at the “heart of the county’s manpower”, he said. “No man is an island. Everyone is important in steering the county’s development progress irrespective of their faith,” he said. “We have to accept the fact that al-Shabaab group members and sympathisers are living among us,” Roba said. “It is a problem we must face and do everything possible to reverse.” Many people have left Mandera, but it remains necessary for county officials to denounce violence committed in the name of Islam, the governor said. “Our people have to look at the terrorists in Syria, Iraq, Nigeria and even neighbouring Somalia. Terrorists are killing Muslims daily,” he said. Once public support has been secured, the next step will be to start a complete de-radicalisation programme to protect vulnerable youth from falling prey to terrorists, Roba said. In the interim, security forces should take action based on intelligence, he said.

For his part, Mandera West lawmaker Mohamed Maalim Mohamud said the county’s fight against terrorism will not succeed unless similar efforts are put forth in neighbouring Wajir and Garissa counties. “The recruits transcend borders,” he told Sabahi. “When Mandera sneezes, Garissa, Wajir and Kenya in general catches a cold. So it is important that we fight this together.” Terrorists choose soft targets to draw an emotional public response and to sow seeds of discord and violence among peaceful populations, Mohamud said. “We are appealing to our people and all Kenyans not to assist the merchants of terror to further their ends.”

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Four killed after Maasai and Somalia herdsman clash at Kinango

19 Dec – Source: Xinhuanet.com/Hiiraan Online – 286 Words

At least four people were killed and several others injured after two pastoralist communities fought over pasture in Kenya’s coastal region of Kinango, local officials said on Thursday. Kwale County Commissioner Evans Achoki said the two communities are demanding ownership of ranches in the area, and killed two Somali headsmen and two Maasai when clashes erupted on Wednesday night.The four were slashed to death by the herders both armed with crude-weapons.

Achoki said they have set up buffer zone separating the two warring communities. He said more security officers have been deployed to the area to contain the situation over fears of more Achoki said the two communities are fighting over grazing right of Kuranze ranch in the area. retaliation from both communities demanding ownership of the Kuranze range. “We have launched investigation into the incident. We are appealing to both communities to maintain peace as we resolve concerns of all parties,” Achoki said. “We are urging them to maintain good relations and coexist until the issues are addressed amicably,” he said

Somali charged with double attempted murder placed under bill of indictment

18 Dec – Source: Malta Today – 456 Words

A Somali man charged with the attempted murder of two Sudanese men was today placed under a bill of indictment after a criminal court ruled that there is enough prima facie evidence.The remark was made this afternoon during the compilation of evidence against 49-year-old Abdirahman Ahmed, who is pleading not guilty to the stabbing of Anwar Iskander and Ali Eysa Ali. Magistrate Josette Demicoli heard that on December 10, the accused – who is being remanded in custody – stabbed one of his alleged victims after he took exception to him leaving.

Taking the witness stand, one of the victims, Ali Eysa Ali, recounted that on the day, the three men were drinking whiskey at the home he shared with the accused in Triq id-Duluri, Hamrun.The witness explained that at around 8:45pm, his friend and fellow Sudanese national Anwar Iskander wanted to go home but Ahmed took exception to him leaving. “I went to bed, and as soon as Iskander was putting on his shoes, I heard screams coming from the kitchen.

It’s official: units credited for Somalia campaign

18 Dec – Source: Army Times – 99 Words

More than 200 units ranging in size from detachments to groups and brigades have been officially credited for participation in Operations Restore Hope and United Shield, the 2½-year relief and evacuation campaign in Somalia. Soldiers who were assigned to these units and who participated in the campaigns generally are eligible for the award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the United Nations Medal. The campaign also generated several combat awards, including 103 Bronze Stars for Valor, 188 Purple Hearts, 41 Silver Stars, and posthumous Medals of Honor for Master Sgt. Gary Gordon and Sgt. 1st Class Randall Shugart.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Kenya, which has its own challenges in terms of the degree to which its politics have been corrupted by tribalism, has in recent in years faced a particular challenge from Somalia when it eventually decided to go and support AMISOM and the African Union forces in Somalia.”

Kenyatta’s anti-terror NGO clampdown may have broader agenda

18 Dec – Source: Deutsche Welle – 580 Words

Kenya’s opposition lawmakers disrupted parliament on Thursday temporarily preventing the passing of a bill on terrorism-related measures which that civil society groups say could violate civil liberties. The new legislation, if passed and signed into law, would give more powers to security agencies enabling them – among other things – to detain terror suspects for almost a year. This comes after Kenya de-registered at least 500 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and froze their accounts. Some of the groups are suspected of financing terrorism. However analysts say the move by President Uhuru Kenyatta is aimed at silencing his critics. They include NGO’s that wanted to see Kenyatta stand trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague. DW spoke to Jakkie Cilliers a security analyst at the Institute for security studies (ISS) in Pretoria.

DW: The Horn of Africa has become synonymous with human rights abuses, lack of press freedoms and good governance. Where is this leading to?

I think the horn of Africa is the most unstable among all regions in Africa. That is because it has countries like South Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia that are recovering from brutal internal conflicts and then it borders the Great Lakes region. As we all know, Kenya, which has its own challenges in terms of the degree to which its politics have been corrupted by tribalism, has in recent in years faced a particular challenge from Somalia when it eventually decided to go and support AMISOM and the African Union forces in Somalia. Al-Shabab has since struck back. And like the United States and the international community, the Kenyan government-quite legitimately-is trying to make sure that Non Governmental Organizations are not being used as a conduit. But we don’t know enough of the specifics of the NGOs that are affected to be able to make a clear judgment on this at the moment but I think over time the picture will perhaps become clearer.

“Somali Studies has now become an invisible orphan both intellectually and academically, for all were distinguished scholars who had made outstanding – in many cases, even exceptional – contributions to the study of Somali society, state, culture and contemporary politics.”

The passing of four prominent stars of Somali Studies and the Year 2014

19 Dec – Source Hiiraan Online – 3, 397 Words

As the year 2014 is drawing to a close, it is with sadness to look upon a year in which Somali society had lost four dedicated and devoted luminaries and legendaries: (1) Professor Ioan Myrddin Lewis on 14 March, (2) Professor Hassan Mohamed Omar ‘Ookiyo’ on 13 May, (3) Abdulkadir Osman Mohamoud ‘Aroma’ on 15 July, and (4) Ambassador Mohamed Osman Omar on 5 October. With the passing of the four, Somali Studies has now become an invisible orphan both intellectually and academically, for all were distinguished scholars who had made outstanding – in many cases, even exceptional – contributions to the study of Somali society, state, culture and contemporary politics.

Lewis in March. Spending most of his academic career at London School of Economics (LSE), Professor Lewis was an icon in the field of African anthropology, following in the footsteps of the eminent Edward Evans-Pritchard, his mentor and doctoral supervisor at the University of Oxford in the 1950s. Pritchard was the man who not only redefined African anthropology but also donated a young man called Ioan who would redefine the embryonic field of Somali Studies. I am both an admirer and an adversary of Lewis, perhaps more of the former than of the latter. In recent article titled ‘In Memory of I.M. Lewis’, the Norwegian Somalist Jan Monteverde Haakonsen has criticised me for chastising hard on Lewis in an earlier piece I had assessed Lewis’s corpus of work spanning more than fifty consecutive years.

Top tweets

@omabha EU provides 13.4 million USD for economic recovery in Somalia – Diplomat News Network http://dlvr.it/7sRkQc #Somalia

@Abdikarim_Abdi3 Somalia On 20th December 2014,#Somalia will commemorate the 71st anniversary of #SomaliPolice Force. S/O to our saviours!

@Saidmose #SOMALIA: President Hassan bids farewell to Sierra Leone peacekeepers | Garowe Onlinehttp://shar.es/13U0fi via @sharethis

@UNLazzarini · Thanks to #G2S, nearly 40k new pupils enrolled in south & central #Somalia past year: http://uni.cf/1IdXsV5 @UNICEF

@MogadishuImages getting ready for the #Mogadishu girls basketball season. #Somalia @SomalilandTalk Somaliland: Somalia: Somali refugees protest against Forced Deportation outside The Hague: Dozens o… http://bit.ly/1AyXAcc Somaliland

Follow the conversation →

Image of the day

UNSOM held its monthly Civil Society Organizations Consultative Forum to discuss the road to democracy in Puntland. Photo: UNSOM