December 24, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Africa Terrorism Threat Remains
23 Dec- Source: VOA-03:21 min
2013 appears to have been the year the world woke up to African terrorism. Military gains against Islamist extremists in places like Mali and Somalia were followed by major terrorist attacks in neighboring countries – highlighting how complex and persistent the threat really remains. VOA’s Anne Look has more.
Key Headlines
- Somali journalist arrested in Kismayo (Radio Bar-kulan/Radio RBC)
- Former Somali PM says he will work on to improve relationship between Puntland state and Somali federal Govt (Shabelle)
- UN Envoy to Somalia reiterates calls for credible electoral process in Puntland (UNSOM)
- Somalia: Inter Cities Basketball Tourney Eyes On All Africa (Radio Dalsan)
- Somali refugees in Botswana camp suffer water cut (Radio Ergo)
- Government forces intervenes to stop clan militia fighting in Lower Shabelle region (Radio Shabelle)
- Somalis hopeful but cautious about new prime minister (Sabahi Online)
PRESS STATEMENT
UN Envoy to Somalia reiterates calls for credible electoral process in Puntland
24 Dec – Source: UNSOM – 223 words
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, has once again called for a timely and credible political process that should lead to a new Puntland parliament this year and regional presidential elections on 8 January 2014.
“As the election draws closer and political temperatures become more heated, I call on all candidates and stakeholders, in particular the traditional titled elders, to work jointly and be prepared, at times, to strike difficult compromises,” Mr. Kay said. “UNSOM has supported mediation and consultation efforts throughout the process and I remain hopeful that all candidates are committed to a peaceful and credible election.”
Mr. Kay encouraged all stakeholders to fully cooperate with the Commander of the Puntland Darwish Force, General Said Mohamed Hersi Dheere, who is responsible for security for the elections, and urged all candidates to campaign responsibly in support of a peaceful election.
He further stressed that all presidential candidates should be assured of freedom of movement, association and security, and should enjoy equal access to media. “I will continue to follow events closely and make every effort to assist Puntland to have a free, fair, inclusive and peaceful process,” he added.
SOMALI MEDIA
Former Somali PM says he will work on to improve relationship between Puntland state and Somali federal Govt
24 Dec- Source: Radio Shabelle- 123 words
Abdiwaei Mohamed Gas who is among the top contender for the upcoming Puntland state elections says he will work on the relationship between the central Gov’t and Puntland if he wins the elections. Mr. Gas once held a prime ministerial post during Sheikh Sharif’s transitional government.
“I will work on to improve the working relations between the federal government (in Mogadishu) and Puntland state because we both need each other,” said Mr. Gas during a press conference. Mr. Gas reiterated that Puntland is a state within the federal Somalia and supports Somali unity.
Somali journalist arrested in Kismayo
24 Dec- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Radio RBC- 172 words
A Somali journalist was on Sunday arrested in Kismayo, the provincial capital of Lower Jubba region and the seat of the Interim Jubba Administration. Aden Mohamed Salad, a journalist working for the Somali National Television was arrested on Sunday after his car was reportedly stopped by officers from Jubba Administration Intelligence Services. He is reportedly being held in a detention center in Kismayo.
The National Union of Somali Journalists has condemned the arrest of the journalist and demanded his release from the relevant authorities in the region. “We condemn in the strongest terms possible and call for the Jubaland Administration for his unconditional release,” Mohamed Ibrahim, Secretary General of the National Union of Somali Journalists said in a statement.
“We call upon the administration to respect the media freedoms and freedom of expression which is currently under threat and without which democratic societies cannot develop.” He added. The motives behind the arrest of the journalist are still unclear and the Interim Jubba Administration officials remained reticent over the incident so far.
Somali refugees in Botswana camp suffer water cut
24 Dec- Source: Radio Ergo- 245 words
Somali refugees in Botswana’s Dukwi camp say they are facing an extreme water shortage following the government’s order to disconnect the potable water supply in the camp. Abdirisaq Mohamed Aden, one of hundreds of Somali refugees living in the camp 180 km outside Botswana’s second largest city, Francistown, said the disconnection of water supply is a result of disagreement over water bills between the UNHCR, which runs the camp, and the government of Botswana.
“Since 15 December, there has been no water supply in the camp,” Aden told Radio Ergo. He added that the water crisis had worsened the refugees’ tough life in the camp. Fahmo Dahir Isse, another Somali refugee, said the camp is isolated and they are not allowed to leave the camp. “Refugees are not allowed to go outside the camp, and for that reason we can’t get jobs in this country. The same policy applies when it comes to refugees going outside the camp to get water, we are not allowed,” she said.
Water used to be available free for the refugees. Refugees say some camp dwellers are managing to bring in water from outside for sale, even though the government doesn’t allow them to do so. Isse said water is on sale at 50 cents (USD) for 20 litres. Radio Ergo’s reporter said the water crisis has caused panic in the camp, with refugees fearing it may escalate and lead Botswana to press for repatriation of the refugees in the camp.
Government forces intervene to stop clan militia fighting in Lower Shabelle region
23 Dec- Source: Radio Shabelle- 186 words
Reports from the lower Shabelle region confirmed that the Government forces have intervened and separated the 2 clan militia who have been fighting each other for the past few days. This follows a day after Somalia’s defense minister Abdi Hakim Fiqi, Minister for judiciary and justice Abdullah Abyan and other high profile politicians visited KM50 area to calm the situation.
However, motorists who use the roads leading to the region confirmed to Shabelle Radio that illegal road blocks have been placed along the major roads by the rival clans. A driver who requested not to be named told Shabelle radio that he has seen 30 roadblocks between Shalambood and KM50 area of which each vehicle has to pay 100,000 Somali shillings each roadblock. The illegal road blocks have become a recurring problem in the region and the newly appointed prime Minister Dr. Abdiwali Sheikh promised to prioritize the removal of the roadblocks.
Somaliland: Burco Policeman’s Transfer Cause Public Rampage
23 Dec- Source: Somaliland Informer- 213 words
The state has dispatched a delegation of four cabinet members to help contain and quell disastrous public chaos that erupted on Monday in Burao in which a person got killed and numerous others injured. Disgruntled members of the public went on the rampage in the name of demonstrating against the removal of the regional police commander Major Ahmed HASSAN Abdirahman and subsequent replacement with Sayla district commander.
The Honourables Dr. Abdi Aw Dahir, Lady Shukri Haji Ismael, Farah Elmi Geedoole and Dr. Sa’ad Ali Shire of Livestock Development, Environment, Agriculture and Planning ministries respectively, held a press conference flanked by the Togdeer Regional Administration in which they pledged that they would delve into the matter with the aim of addressing any differences that are abound.
They called on the members of public not to breach public peace and order hence at the same time sent condolences to the family, relatives and friends of the victim who perished in the chaotic situation. Some of them burnt tyres or hurled anything that they could get their hands on playing the aggrieved party. Two other members of the public are reportedly seriously injured following the move by the security service when they tried to control rampage in the regional town and have since been hospitalized.
Somalia: Inter Cities Basketball Tourney Eyes On All Africa
23 Dec – Source: Radio Dalsan – 333 words
As the interest for the annually-held inter-cities basketball competition is on the increase, the East and Central Africa basketball Federation intends the inclusion of Cities from across the continent into the competition in the near future, according to its head of marketing and media Engineer Bana Ali.
“With respect to our financial capability, the competition currently maximizes 24 cities, but in the near future we are planning a bigger tournament with the attendance of cities across the continent and we hope to reach such goal after we have confirmed a major sponsorship” Engineer Bana Ali said in a press statement Sunday.
“The intention of our president Mr. Simon Msoffe is to broaden the competition as part of his initiative for the promotion of basketball both in the region and in the whole Africa continent” Engineer Bana Ali added in his statement. The statement noted that the cities which have so far shown their interest for the next year’s edition of the event have doubled in accordance with the number of cities attracted by the 2013 event hosted in Kampala.
“This year (2013) the competition attracted at least 11 cities across the east and central Africa region, whilst 23 cities from different regions in the continent were already listed for the 2014 edition of the inter-cities basketball tournament” the press statement added.
Those include: Cairo, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Mogadishu, Galkayo, Hargeisa, Dar Es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza,Mbeya, Djibouti, Tanga, Harare, Bujumbura, Kigali, Congo Brazzsaville, Kampala,Entebbe, Jinja, Southern Sudan and Benntieu from South Sudan. The cities outside the east and central Africa region who are planning to take part in the 16th edition of the tournament are: Cairo (Egypt), Harare (Zimbabwe) and Congo Brazzavile, as the participation of these cities shows that the event is spreading across Africa.
REGIONAL MEDIA
New intelligence unit will tackle any terror threats in Mombasa
24 Dec- Source: Coastweek-399 words
Kenyan authorities have established an intelligence unit to deal with terrorism threats in the coastal city of Mombasa. A security meeting attended by top security chiefs and county government announced the formation of central coordinate team that will be operational during the festive season.
“We are aware of the threats posed by the terrorism in the region but our security team are up to task to avert any attempt to disrupt peace and tranquility during the season,” Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa said. He said the intelligence team is collaborating with all stakeholders in the tourism industry to ensure safety for both foreign and domestic tourist. Mombasa Coast Tourism Association chairman Mohammed Hersi said the hotels have invested largely on security.
Somalis hopeful but cautious about new prime minister
23 Dec- Source: Sabahi Online-852 Words
Somalis have voiced mixed reaction to newly-confirmed Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, with some saying his economic experience will improve the country’s development while others are concerned about his lack of national security experience. Ahmed’s appointment was confirmed by parliament Saturday (December 21st) by a vote of approval from 243 of 246 lawmakers, with three abstaining from the vote.
“I am very grateful with parliament for endorsing my nomination,” Ahmed said after the vote, according to AFP. “I promise to work for the development of the country and to form a cabinet of high quality soon.”
The new prime minister has 30 days to appoint his cabinet, which must then be approved by parliament. Ahmed, 54, is a dual Somali-Canadian citizen and holds a doctorate in trade and development from Ottawa University. He replaces Abdi Farah Shirdon who was ousted by parliament December 2nd, after just over a year in the post and a power struggle with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Africa Terrorism Threat Remains
23 Dec- Source: VOA-03:21 min
2013 appears to have been the year the world woke up to African terrorism. Military gains against Islamist extremists in places like Mali and Somalia were followed by major terrorist attacks in neighboring countries – highlighting how complex and persistent the threat really remains. VOA’s Anne Look has more.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“In nutshell, Mr. Prime Minister, your new administration should take different approach, build up the justice system, encourage reconciliation, and strengthen the government institutions to limit corruption. These simple ideas could frame your policies.”
Simple Ideas for Somalia’s Current institution Building
23 Dec- Source: Somalicurrent-1190 Words
Somalia turmoil has taken deep root. The current trend of fragile governing structure, corruption, lack of reliable justice system among many other challenges will reverse the progress made thus far by the government. These daunting challenges could take the future of the state into abyss. With honesty political will and skillful structuring system, the country could turn around.
As it’s noticeable on his resume, I am sure the newly appointed Prime minister has the length of experience and educational attainment. Given the weak institutions he inherits, a sort of Neo-patrimonialism in which there is no objective administrative structures and clear-cut separation, these are few ideas, which should curb much of the fraud, waste, and corruption and promote justice and reconciliation.
“Why would any media lionize a terrorist, who is suspected of masterminding the slaughter of 67 innocent civilian–including children–at a Nairobi shopping mall?”
British mainstream media continues to romanticize ‘White Widow’
23 De- Source: Canada Free Press-406 Words
Pigs no longer fly, they ride full bore into the desert on camels. The British media seem hellbent to romanticize the comings and goings of 29-year-old Samantha Lewthwaite, who is believed to have fled Kenya to Somalia after the Nairobi shopping mall massacre in September.
The authorities of many lands continue to miss those comings and goings, somehow missing Lewthwaite’s cross border movements even when she has four children in tow. There have since been four reported sightings of Lewthwaite in Somalia, who remains at large. ‘British White Widow seen fleeing on a camel to al Qaeda training camp hidden in a snake-infested Somali forest’ (Daily Mail, Dec. 23, 2013).
“For Somalia as a whole, the Puntland experience demonstrates that instituting party-based democracy will be a contested process at every step, especially at the local (clan) level. Particular attention should be paid to the establishment of political parties. In Puntland as in the rest of Somalia, traditional clan authorities remain unconvinced of the benefits of party-based democracy.”
Somalia: Puntland’s Punted Polls
23 Dec-Source: Eurasia Review -503 Words
Puntland’s presidential election, scheduled for January, threatens to exacerbate clan tensions and polarise the population. To keep the regional state on the path of democratisation, deep investment from local, national and international actors will be crucial. In its latest briefing, Somalia: Puntland’s Punted Polls, the International Crisis Group examines the attempt to reconcile clan interests with a democratic constitution for a regional administration whose development is important for establishing a degree of stability in a country that has not had much effective government for a generation.
Hopes were once high that Puntland could be an example to Somalia’s other regions, but the democratic transition process has been mostly suspended due to increasing clan grievances and concerns over the weakness of political and judicial institutions charged with overseeing elections. If the election of the president by parliament next month is disputed, tensions could easily escalate to violence.
Top tweets
@amisomsomalia#AMISOM Supporting #Somalia Federal Government in ensuring free access to water & sanitationshttp://on.fb.me/QqTSeN pic.twitter.com/GPEq2Z0GZi
@faoinsomalia In Burao, a new slaughterhouse sets a milestone in the Somali meat industry. This joint project of UK in Somalia… http://fb.me/QfoByf1m
@tiwowudy A Captains Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea: A Captains Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy … http://amzn.to
@HuffPostImpact Somali taxi driver helps bereaved mom forgive the Somalis who slew her son, a reporterhttp://huff.to/1d4uQON
@UNSomalia#UN Envoy to #Somalia (@Somalia111) reiterates calls for credible electoral process in #Puntland:http://bit.ly/1c3XGdx
Image of the day
A member of the Somali Police Force walks down a road in Mogadishu with his son on December 21. Photo: @amisomsomalia