December 23, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.
UNSC: Diplomacy in action 2015
23 Dec – Source: Geeska Afrika – Video – 3:55 Minutes
Ambassador Nicholas Kay provides Geeska Afrika with exclusive analysis of the recent political developments in the Somali Regions, the role the UNSOM has played in Somalia for peace, security and reconstruction efforts for new Somalia in 2016 . United Nations efforts to achieve peace, reconciliation and stability in Somalia are led and coordinated by the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), a field operation of the Department of Political Affairs established in the Somali capital of Mogadishu in June 2013. In this interview, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Somalia, Nicholas Kay, reflects on that first year and developments in a new Somalia.
Key Headlines
- Former FM Buba “Somalia should not be partitioned” (Radio Goobjoog)
- UNSC: Diplomacy in action 2015 (Geeska Afrika)
- The commissioner of Hosingow Location Lower Jubba resigns (Radio Goobjoog)
- Somalia Attorney General visits Minnesota (Geeska Africa)
- Pro-new PM rally held in Jowhar (Garowe Online)
- Measles diarrhoea threaten lives of children in Galgadud (Radio Ergo)
- Over 1000 Somali commandos complete military training in Mogadishu (Horseed Media)
- Qatar Charity ranked first in world for its relief projects (Thepeninsulaqatar.com)
- Ethiopia says ready to boost Somalia troops (New Vision/AFP)
- Somali National Olympic Committee gives top award to taekwondo official (Insidethegamebiz)
- Immigrants make big contributions to Minnesota economy study says (ABC News)
- PASA: Graduating with confidence community (Kent Reporter)
SOMALI MEDIA
UNSC: Diplomacy in action 2015
23 Dec – Source: Geeska Afrika – Video – 3:55 Minutes
Ambassador Nicholas Kay provides Geeska Afrika with exclusive analysis of the recent political developments in the Somali Regions, the role the UNSOM has played in Somalia for peace, security and reconstruction efforts for new Somalia in 2016. United Nations efforts to achieve peace, reconciliation and stability in Somalia are led and coordinated by the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), a field operation of the Department of Political Affairs established in the Somali capital of Mogadishu in June 2013. In this interview, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Somalia, Nicholas Kay, reflects on that first year and developments in a new Somalia.
Former FM Buba: “Somalia should not be partitioned”
23 Dec – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 173 Words
The former foreign minister of Somalia, Hon. Ismael Hurre Buba said it’s a bad idea to separate Somalia into two states and that the country is best served when it’s fully intact. He was commenting on the recent unity negations in Djibouti between the Somalia Federal Government and the separatist Administration of Somalia in the North where Mr. Ismael hails from. He commended the progress made in the talks, and the 6 points agreed on which could be a good start for the desired results. “I can’t see the possibility of the country to split into two or three states, remember Somaliland is not the only one willing to separate, if we accept this it will lead other regions also to announce their independence, this is very dangerous for Somalia, the whole Horn Africa region and to the whole world” says the unionist. He praised the role played by the international community in bringing the two sides to the negotiation table. The talks between the Federal Government and Somaliland will resume in February 2015 in Turkey.
The commissioner of Hosingow Location, Lower Jubba, resigns
23 Dec – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 119 Words
Mr. Ibrahim Adan Dakane, the commissioner of Hosingow Location has resigned over what he termed as too much pressure from the Jubbland Interim Administration. “The minister for religious affairs of Jubbaland and other officials from Kismayo came here with another man they were claiming is the commissioner, then there was dispute. AMISOM and elders tried to resolve the issue, and finally elders came up with a solution; they suggested that both of us should resign,” said Mr. Dakane. “Therefore, I resigned in the interest of the people, but the other man has yet to follow suit” said Dakane. After these claims, [Radio Goobjoog] tried to contact the Jubbaland Interim Administration, but were unsuccessful.
Somalia Attorney General visits Minnesota
Dec 23 – Source: Geeska Afrika – 337 Words
The Somali Attorney General Dr. Ahmed Ali Dahir arrived in Minneapolis for a short visit on Friday Dec 19th. His first stop was at the Abubakar Mosque in Minneapolis where he had round table meeting with the Imams from various mosques, and community leaders. The Somali Attorney General, Ahmed Ali Dahir, gave them a brief summary on the overall status of the country (Somalia,) and went into detail on the obstacles of justice, equality, and law and order as the country is now beginning to come out of more than two decades of lawlessness . At one point during the round table he became emotional and was in tears while talking about the Somali prison conditions which he vowed to make better.
The next day, the Attorney General had a one-on-one meeting with the Somali American Police Association (SAPA) where they have discussed on how SAPA and the Somali Police can work together and benefit from one another. He had also met with the Somali-American Lawyers Association, as well as Somali-American law students where they agreed to develop continuous relationships, and students potentially having their internships in their homeland. The Somali Attorney General, Ahmed Ali Dahir also attended a town hall meeting with the Somali American Community in Minnesota where he had received a standing ovation welcome, and outlined his bold agenda for reforming Somalia’s justice system with accountability and transparency. In his remarks he encouraged the Somali diaspora to be a good model citizens and abide the law wherever they live, he concluded to invest and come back to the homeland where everyone can contribute and can have a role play for a better Somalia with peace and prosperity for all.
Pro-new PM rally held in Jowhar
22 Dec – Source: Garowe Online – 192 Words
Hundreds of residents in Middle Shabelle regional capital of Jowhar took to the streets in support of Prime Minister designate Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke as security officials reported of the arrest of 40 terror suspects on Monday, Garowe Online reports. The participants at the rally were waving banners that read: “We welcome the appointment of new Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke”. Addressing crowds at a square in Jowhar, Middle Shabelle region governor, Ali Gudlawe Hussein, said that the past experience of Sharmarke would be beneficial for Somalia. Hussein added that the newly-appointed Prime Minister of Somalia is a savior who can make the country leap forward.
Among the speakers were also Jowhar Mayor Mohamed Ali Mudey, and Deputy Governors of Middle Shabelle Sugal Moallim Mohamud and Ahmed Meyre Makaran. Meanwhile, on account of grenade explosion in Hantiwadaag neighborhood, security forces arrested 40 youths suspected of being terrorists in a sweep. Some of the suspects are said to have been released from Jowhar police station after interrogation. The agriculture-rich town, located in southern Somalia is recovering from life-threatening flooding that forced hundreds to flee from their homes.
Measles, diarrhoea threaten lives of children in Galgadud
22 Dec – Source: Radio Ergo – Interview – 274 Words
Locals say suspected cases of measles and watery diarrhoea are threatening the community, particularly children in Elshid village, 16 km north of Elbur district. Radio Ergo spoke by phone to a local resident Ahmed Jim’ale to find out how many are affected:
[How many locals are affected?]
Ahmed: As far as I know, 13 children have fallen sick with disease with some of them in critical condition.
Ergo: What particular diseases are they suffering from?
Ahmed: Measles, watery diarrhoea and also malaria.
Ergo: When was the first case reported?
Ahmed: These outbreaks started last month [November]. Area residents don’t have health facilities or drugs to tackle the diseases. Additionally, there are many IDPs from Elbur and surrounding villages arriving in our village. Most of the affected children come from such families and aid agencies are unable to respond to the health needs due to ongoing conflict in the area.
Ergo: If there are no health centres where are the victims taken for medication?
Ahmed: Some of the sick children as young as six years old as well as some adults were taken to nearby towns for treatment.
Ergo: What do you think is the main cause of the outbreaks?
Ahmed: There are displaced people in the area who have no access to clean water, most people drink from contaminated water wells, so I assume the outbreaks result from dirty water and lack of access to health services.
Ergo: What about the food situation?
Ahmed: The area has been marred by recurring conflict and as a result there is a shortage of food and most of the people are in dire need.
Over 1000 Somali commandos complete military training in Mogadishu
22 Dec – Source: Horseed Media – 208 Words
Over 1000 Somali commandos completed ten months of military training in the war-ravaged capital, Mogadishu on Monday. Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, along with the country’s top military and police officials attended the closing ceremony held in Jazeera camp whereby soldiers who completed the training were given certificate of honour. The training was conducted by personnel from European Union countries under the European Union training mission (EUTM). In his speech, President Mohamud encouraged the newly trained soldiers to execute their duties and fight against the “elements” threatening the country’s security and stability.
Trainers say building a competent military is critical to Somalia’s future — and security in East Africa. Approximately 150 EU personnel coming from 14 EU countries oversee the training program in Mogadishu which was shifted from Uganda end of last year. Through the whole training process, EU instructors promote awareness on the laws of armed conflict, including the protection of civilians in armed conflict, human rights (including rights of the child) and gender issues with a view to reflecting those of European standards. Ever since it plunged into chaos in the 1990s, Somalia has destabilised the region, serving as a hub for Islamic extremists and pirates who plunder some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Qatar Charity ranked first in world for its relief projects
Dec 23 – Source – The Peninsulaqatar.com – 233 Words
Qatar Charity (QC) has been named first in the world in terms of relief projects for Syria, Palestine and Somalia. The announcement came in a Financial Tracking of International Relief Report of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and refers to QC’s performance over the last three years. QC relief projects valued at over QR185m were carried out for the benefit of around 2,128,000 displaced and refugee Syrians.
This include QR62.5m on food for the benefit of around 1,353,000 Syrians, QR45m on shelter and non-food items, QR60m on health projects and QR17.6m in the field of education. Over half of these projects were directed inside Syria. QC projects in Palestine amounted to around QR170m, of which QR145m went towards projects in the Gaza Strip, while in Somalia QC spent QR25m on projects which benefited around 680,000 people.
The projects focused on ensuring the most basic necessities such as food, medicine and shelter, besides providing job opportunities for the unemployed, orphan sponsorship and disaster relief, QC said in a statement yesterday. The Financial Tracking Service (FTS) is a global database managed by OCHA which records all contributions to international humanitarian aid, including non-governmental organisations and their contributions, and bilateral and in-kind aid and private donations.
Ethiopia says ready to boost Somalia troops
23 Dec – Source: New Vision/AFP – 304 Words
Ethiopia has said it was ready to boost its troop levels in Somalia to replace soldiers from Sierra Leone, which has been forced to withdraw its forces from the mission over Ebola fears. A contingent of 850 soldiers from Sierra Leone, who were part of the African Union’s 22,000-strong AMISOM force, began departing Somalia on the weekend after a 20-month posting in the war-torn country. AMISOM said the troops would not be replaced from Sierra Leone until the Ebola outbreak in the west African nation, which has the largest number of recorded cases of the virus, was contained. Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said his country could help take their place.
“If there is a request from the African Union, Ethiopia is ready to replace any contingent that leaves Somalia,” he told reporters, adding that Ethiopian troops were already operating in “more than 60 percent of Somali territory.” African Union troops are in Somalia in support of the country’s fragile, internationally-backed government and to fight Al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabaab rebels. Desalegn, however, repeated concerns by several international donors over the recent in-fighting in the Somali government that saw the president again sack his prime minister. “This squabbling must be addressed,” Desalegn said.”We hope this squabbling will not continue,” he added, stressing the the focus needed to stay on the need to “eradicate the Shabaab” — who have conducted a wave of attacks in Somalia and Kenya, another source of AMISOM troops. Al-Shabaab attacks have recently been foiled in Uganda, and Desalegn said Ethiopia was also at risk. “The al-Shabaab are a threat to Ethiopia. Incidents have not happened in Ethiopia not because al-Shabaab is not threatening us, but simply because we are vigilant,” he said. “We are following very carefully all the movements of al-Shabaab in Ethiopia.”
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Somali National Olympic Committee gives top award to taekwondo official
23 Dec – Source: Insidethegamebiz.com – 477 Words
Somali Taekwondo Federation vice-president, Eng Ahmad Kirish has received the Somalia National Olympic Committee’s (NOCSOM) “Sport and Arts Award” for 2014. The Award is part of set of similar sport and art honours handed out by NOCs in conjunction with the International Olympic Committee. The official was recognised at Wish Stadium in the heart of Mogadishu, with local athletes, fans, journalists, dignitaries and officials all in attendance for a ceremony which began with a handball match between local male and female teams.
NOCSOM secretary general Duran Farah then praised Kirish, an engineer by trade, for his “determined contribution to revitalising sports facilities and helping generate youth participation”. “I am very delighted on behalf of NOCSOM to announce that this year’s Sports and Arts Award goes to Eng Ahmed Kirish,” he said. “He has made tremendous efforts to contribute the growth of Somali sports through his professionalism and devotion and helped our organisation to prosper. Mr Kirish is not merely the person who designed the first building owned by NOCSOM and most of sports facilities for Mogadishu’s districts but he is also the vice-president of Somali Taekwondo Federation, which during his leadership made a huge improvement and won medals at international competitions for the country.”
Immigrants make big contributions to Minnesota economy, study says
22 Dec – ABC News – Video 2:16 mins
Immigration is always a divisive debate and a new, non-partisan study shows its benefits for Minnesota. It shows new numbers about how immigrants are contributing to the state’s economy. Sharing African recipes, with up to 600 customers a day in the West Bank and Cedar Riverside communities; It’s what makes this Minneapolis small business owner Abdirahman Kahin proud. “Our positive impact into the economy, and to the labor, and into a lot of aspects of life,” Kahin said. He’s glad to see those are some of the results from a new study out on Immigrant Contributions to Minnesota’s Economy.
Sarah Radosevich is a Policy Research Analyst with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Radosevich is part of the Minnesota Business Immigration Coalition, which helped author the report. “We found that immigrant purchasing power more like $7.7 billion a year,” Radosevich said. The study also found they contributed more than $22 billion to the state’s GDP. And more than $1 billion in state and local taxes. Radosevich said it’s good for the state’s economy.
PASA: graduating with confidence, community
23 Dec – Source: Kent Reporter – 548 Words
Forziya Abdul Aziz had never worn a mortar board in her life – until recently when the Somali woman basked in the glow of a special ceremony. Abdul Aziz, a Somali immigrant and mother of seven, was among the 300 parent graduates on hand who received their diplomas from the Kent School District’s PASA (Parent Academy for Student Achievement) commencement at the Kent-Meridian High School gymnasium Dec. 16.
Abdul Aziz, a refugee from the 1997 Somali Civil War, has several children attending Kent schools. But the woman knew little about how American education worked. PASA helped her navigate the complex and often intimidating system. The PASA program rotates among schools in the district, and plans to select the next round of participating schools in late spring. The program is offered in nine different languages, many of them the most prominent languages spoken in the district including Somali, Ukranian, Nepalese and Spanish. Facilitator Yusuf Bashir, who volunteers as a PASA instructor at Pine Tree Elementary, said the school district did a good job of making the material easily translatable.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“It’s a huge cultural celebration…I think it’s really important that they realize that now that they’re in Canada, it’s their celebration too.”
Holidays the same in any language
23 Dec – Source: Leaderpost.com, Canada – 556 Words
Asked by her teacher to write “Merry Christmas” in her own language, Grade 10 student Naima Mohamed wrote “Eid Mubarak,” a Muslim greeting used around the festivals of Eid. “There is no ‘Merry Christmas’ in Somali!” said Mohamed, a refugee from Somalia who this year is in Canada for her second Christmas. A year ago she had no idea what Christmas was, but on Friday she had come up with an explanation. She said both Christmas and Eid are times to give, to be thankful and to be together with family and friends.
“They’re different holidays, but they’re similar,” said Mohamed. On Friday, Mohamed and her English Additional Language (EAL) classmates at Sheldon-Williams Collegiate celebrated the Christmas season in one of the messiest and tastiest ways possible: They built and decorated gingerbread houses. For a group of first-time builders, the results were impressive. Upside-down ice cream cones became frosty trees, coconut shavings for snow and jujubes for chimneys.
Top tweets
@HarunMaruf: Breaking: A well known politician and ex-army colonel Yasin Nur Radar is seriously wounded in an attack on a beach hotel in Kismayo.#Somalia
@Channel4News Watch: Where does frankincense come from? – http://bit.ly/1GNHyPH #c4news
@DEMASomalia: #Somalia #Hormuud FDN supplies free#cleanwater to residents in #Yaqshid area #Mogadishuaffected by poisoned wells.
@MogadishuImages: Super Girl the school play: she brings all the girls 2 school and boys too. Hoyga Xamar School #Mogadishu #Somalia https://twitter.com/
@UNDPSomalia: RT @UNLazzarini: ‘#Somalia sexual offences bill hailed as vital step towards lasting change,’@guardian reports: http://gu.com/p/43n3j/stw!
@Adesoafrica Make an impact. Donate today & bring clean drinking water & hope to #Somalia #ChangeTheStoryhttp://bit.ly/1uRIbAf
Image of the day
A Puntland female police officer searches a vehicle during judicial and close protection training. Photo: UNSOM