December 4, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Somali lawmaker seriously wounded in Mogadishu
04 Dec – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 54 words
Somali MP among four people was seriously injured by armed men in a drive by shooting incident in Mogadishu earlier today.The MP was immediately rushed to Madina hospital for treatment. Sources confirm that three people including former MP of transitional federal parliament died during the incident. It’s not clear whether the victims were bystanders or those accompanying the MP.
Key Headlines
- AMISOM troops will facilitate aid delivery as new guidelines (Geeska Africa Online)
- Somali military court executes three men in Mogadishu ( Radio Mogadishu/Radio Goobjoog)
- Somalia participates in historic NATO meeting (Hiiraan Online)
- Al Kharaz refugees in Yemen want better education (Radio Ergo)
- Mogadishu marks international day of persons with disabilities (Radio Goobjoog)
- Security forces dismantle three terror cells (Garowe Online)
- Somali lawmaker seriously wounded in Mogadishu (Radio Goobjoog)
- Protesters raid Somali hotel in Mwingi demo (The Star Kenya)
- Somali media organisations unite to counter violent extremism (Sabahi Online)
- Muslim leader asks Uhuru to appoint former police boss Hussein Ali to fight the raging terror (The Star Kenya)
- Kuwait FM leaves Khartoum heading to Somalia (Kuwait News Agency)
- Emotional moments as families identify Mandera attack victims (SABC)
- Yusuf Osman Abdille ID’d as dead man connected to Thorncliffe Park homicides (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)
PRESS STATEMENT
AMISOM welcomes the swearing-in of the Head of the Interim South West Administration of Somalia
03 Dec – Source: AMISOM – 367 words
The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Maman S. Sidikou today attended the swearing-in of the Head of the Interim South West Administration (ISWA), Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, in Baidoa, Somalia. The Interim South West Administration (ISWA) covers the Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle Regions. The formation of the ISWA is in line with the ongoing Federalization process in accordance with the Provisional Federal Constitution of Somalia.
Speaking at the Inauguration ceremony, Ambassador Sidikou said: “The African Union and indeed all the people of Africa who have committed their sons and daughters to helping their Somali brothers and sisters enjoy peace and their right to life, will continue to support them in restoring the country back to its place of pride and glory.” He also said that the realization of the new State as well as its Interim Administration is an achievement not only for the people of the three regions but also a milestone for the Federal Government in its efforts to realize the goals of Vision 2016.
While thanking President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for his support to the process, Ambassador Sidikou encouraged the Head of the ISWA Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden to continue with the reconciliation process in order to build a solid foundation for sustainable peace and the development of the State. He urged the President of the ISWA not to betray the trust that the people of the State have placed in him. The inauguration ceremony was attended by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Head of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), Abdi Qaybdiid of Galmudu State, Abdulkadir Mahamud Yusuf of the Interim Juba Administration (IJA) as well as a delegation from Puntland. The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General (SRSG) for Somalia and the Special Envoys of the European Union (EU) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) as well as the Ambassadors of Ethiopia, Germany, Sweden and Turkey were in attendance.
Baidoa is the Headquarters of AMISOM’s Sector 3 which is manned by the Ethiopian Contingent. The Ethiopian Contingent under AMISOM provided the necessary support for the State formation process and will continue to support the new administration and the people of the State.
UN Envoy for Somalia congratulates new leader of Interim South West Administration
03 Dec – Source: UNSOM – 218 words
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, welcomed the inauguration of Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan as the head of the newly formed Interim South West Administration (ISWA). Speaking at a ceremony held in Baidoa SRSG Kay said, “I congratulate Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan on his inauguration. Today is a significant step forward in building a strong, united and federal Somalia as envisaged in Vision 2016. I welcome the importance placed on the need for inclusivity and reconciliation with all local constituents of the ISWA, and I urge all stakeholders to continue these efforts.”
“The establishment of the ISWA paves the way to focus efforts on building a functioning administration that is able to deliver much needed services to local communities,” said SRSG Kay. “I look forward to the establishment of inclusive institutions with participation and representation by women, youth and minority groups.”
“ISWA and other interim regional administrations also have a key role to play in the review and implementation of the Provisional Constitution, including preparation for elections and the establishment of a federal system, as well as the implementation of the New Deal Compact for Somalia. I reiterate the firm commitment of the United Nations to support these processes and to help build peace, stability and prosperity in Somalia and the region.”
Inauguration of President Sharif Hassan, South Western IA
03 Dec – Source: Office of the President – 820 words
It is an honour and a privilege to celebrate this historic day with you. I congratulate President Sharif Hassan, and recognise the peaceful creation of the South Western Interim Administration.
Two years ago, my newly formed government articulated a big vision: a vision of a peaceful Somalia, a vision of a federalised nation, a vision of a nation whose ideals and rights were enshrined in a Constitution, a vision of a people who would go the polls- as a democratic nation in 2016. This was Vision 2016.
Vision 2016 is a Somali vision and South West Interim Administration is today a reality of this vision. To some, Vision 2016 was both too ambitious and audacious. How could a country which had barely emerged from 24 years of civil conflict, war, famine and disease dare to dream so big? How could a country which had no functioning schools, no hospitals, few opportunities for its young people to enjoy gainful employment dare to suggest that in four years it would do what has taken other countries decades to achieve? How could a country whose seas were ruled by pirates and whose countryside ruined by terrorists, dare to talk so boldly of peace and stability?
But, we did dare to dream. And more than that, we had the courage of our convictions and the courage to act. In two years, we have proved our doubters, our detractors, our nay-sayers wrong. In two years, we had laid the foundation of a functioning state, by delivering the basic building blocks of state reform,. In two years, we have developed the path for political reform and crafted the framework for building a Somali nation. Within two years we have guided the formation of Interim Juba Administration and the South West Interim Administration. Additionally, the South Central process is now gaining strength and Puntland remains strong. On this joyous day, I’m confident to say to you that we are well on our way to making vision 2016 a reality.
Yet more needs to be done. We cannot allow the energy and motivation that has sustained us for the past two years to flag now. We have shown the Somali people a glimpse of what the future of Somali could look like. In order for that future to materialise, we must invest our energy in ensuring that we have a ‘government in the sun’. Our operations, our discussions, and our decision making processes must be clear and transparent. Our institutions must be allowed to fulfil their mandates as they mature.. At every level, we must normalise the expectation that individuals and groups have equality before the law, that Government is operating in their best interests, and that individuals and groups will settle differences through non-violent means.
We must invest in the rule of law to ensure safety and equality for all and create a culture sustained by tolerance and respect for all. Ladies and Gentlemen: leadership might be bestowed through votes, but it is earned by hard work and dedication to the common good. Leadership is remembered by having the courage to make tough decisions that may not please everyone in the short term, but are in the interests of the nation, in the long term.
Leadership is not a privilege. It is a call to service for the good of others. It is a call to serving Somalia: the nation and our people. My friend – President Sharif Hassan – I can tell you now that you have difficult days ahead of you. It was not so long ago that Baidoa was restored to the Federal Government through the efforts of the Somali National Army and AMISOM. We thank those who sacrificed their lives to make this possible.
As I have said before – we have won the war, and now we must win the peace.. We have much to do, and we know that we have little time. By the end of the next Parliamentary session, the Federal Government must deliver on several outstanding items. We must ensure that the legislation to establish the Boundaries and Federation Commission and the National Independent Election Commission is passed through Parliament. Other Key legislation currently in the Parliament must be adopted. We must urgently address regional force integration to further strengthen the Somali National Army and deliver on the benefits of federalism.
President Sharif Hassan- your hard work, good will and service to Somalia will be critical to the success of all of these items. The support of our international partners is crucial and we thank them, but ultimately, national unity must grow out of Somali leadership and commitment, it cannot be delivered through external intervention We have set the foundations for a sovereign, secure, democratic, united and federal Somalia, at peace with itself and the world and for the benefit of its people. On these foundations we must now raise the pillars of stability, security, equality and prosperity.
Car bomb Attack in Mogadishu this Morning
03 Dec – Source: UNSOM – 74 words
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) can confirm that a car bomb detonated at approximately 09.40 am in the vicinity of a UN convoy travelling near Mogadishu International Airport. Thankfully no injuries to UN staff have been reported and all UN personnel have now been accounted for. Sadly, we have had reports of casualties amongst bystanders and security personnel. We are co-operating with the authorities as they investigate this morning’s attack.
SOMALI MEDIA
AMISOM troops will facilitate aid delivery as new guidelines
04 Dec – Source: Geeska Africa Online – 148 Words
The African Union Mission in Somalia is working on guidelines under which its peacekeeping troops would enhance the protection of civilians as they battle Al-Shabaab militants in southern Somalia to open access road to deliver humanitarian needs to villages and cities removed Al-Shabaab militants.
According to Djibouti Minister of defense, the new Amisom operating guidelines will allow Ethiopian, Djibouti, Brundi, Uganda and other troops to re-open key supply routes once blockaded by militants in south central Somalia, where more freedom of movement is needed to help alleviate the impact of drought and food insecurity.
According to General Dahair, the commander of Somali national Army (SNA), AMISOM troops will now deliver aid to these areas following an agreement reached between the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the African Union Mission in Mogadishu, Somalia (AMISOM), with the main support of Somali national Army.
Somali military court executes three men in Mogadishu
04 Dec – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Goobjoog – 105 words
Somali military court has on Thursday executed three men convicted of killing innocent civilians in the country. One among them was a member of Al-shabab while the remaining two were government forces who earlier killed civilians in the capital.
The execution carried at Mogadishu’s police academy, general Kahiye was witnessed by senior high court officials, officials from Benadir administration and civil society.A father among the people president during the incident whose son was killed by one among the executed members welcomed the execution and urged the court to execute everyone found guilty of killing innocent people.
Somalia participates in historic NATO meeting
04 Dec – Source: Hiiraan Online – 361 Words
A meeting of Foreign Ministers from 59 countries forming the U.S.- led coalition against ISIL militants, was held in the NATO headquarters in Brussels yesterday. The meeting chaired by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry reviewed progress in the fight against ISIL and discussed how the coalition members will coordinate politically and militarily going forward.
Secretary John Kerry, NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg, The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq (SRSG), Mr. Nickolay Mladenov as well President Obama’s special envoy to Iraq General Allen spoke of their determination to bring stability to Iraq and the surrounding regions through the combating of ISIL violence and ideology. All argued that terrorism is one of the most pressing problems the world faces today and that through international partnership and co-ordination ISIL can be tackled effectively in Iraq and the wider Middle East.
The 4 hour meeting of Coalition partners at the NATO headquarters provided an opportunity for all coalition government members to contribute their views to the challenge of overcoming ISIL and other terrorist organisations like Al-Shabaab in Somalia and Boko Haram in Nigeria.
The Somali government, which is a coalition partner against ISIL, was represented by the Somali Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdirahman Beileh, who spoke of the lessons that can be learnt from Somalia’s battle with Al-Shabaab. He also called for partnership, coordination and the provision of alternative livelihoods to entice young indoctrinated fighters to return to wider society as fully empowered citizens contributing positively to their nations progress rather than destroying it. At the end of the conference, a joint statement by partners in the Counter ISIL Coalition was endorsed calling for greater partnership and all members states to do what they can to support the effort against ISIL in Iraq.
Al Kharaz refugees in Yemen want better education
04 Dec – Source: Radio Ergo – 226 words
Somali refugees in Al-Kharaz, southern Yemen, say education facilities in the camps are inadequate. More than 4,200 students study in shifts in the single primary and secondary school in the camp because of lack of space and teachers. The chairman of Al Kharaz education committee, Osman Kassim Hussein, told Radio Ergo that the lack of classrooms, teachers, and setbacks caused by the Yemeni community meant that learning was stalled for three months in every academic year.
Furthermore, a lack of income among poor refugee families led to high numbers of children dropping out of school. Primary teacher, Mohamed Abukar Omar, said some of his students had dropped out of school to go to work to help support their families. Other students working to support their poor families were managing to do distance learning and sit for exams.
Yet in spite of the problems besetting education there are high expectations among young people in the camps. Suad, aged 15, is in the final class of primary class. She told Radio Ergo she wants to be a minister to help her community. Despite the challenges, she is optimistic that she will complete her studies and fulfil her dream.UNHCR supports the education sector in the camp, which hosts more than 35,000 refugees mostly from Somalia and Ethiopia. Most have been there for the last 14 years.
Mogadishu marks international day of persons with disabilities
04 Dec- Source: Radio Goobjoog – 227 words
As International Day of People with Disability is observed on December three globally with ceremonies, similar ceremonies were observed in different parts of the country. One of them was held in Mogadishu,the capital. It was attended by officials from the ministry of labour , elders, youth and representatives of people with disabilities.
Mohamed Khalif Omar, one of the persons with disabilities and one of the organizers of the ceremony gave full reports of the needs and the real conditions of the disabled in the country particularly Mogadishu. He said such events will enable them to speak out and express their needs, demands and support from the federal government and the world.
The minister for labour Mr. Luqman said the ministry is making efforts to create centers in all regions of the country where the persons with disabilities are taught different skills that will enable them manage their lives. Somali Prime minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed taking part in the ceremony through telephone said the persons with disability have played an active role in the country adding that his government will take full responsibility to give them proper care and support.
The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The day takes place annually and focuses on different issues around the world.
Security forces dismantle three terror cells
03 Dec – Source: Garowe Online – 168 Words
Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency has announced that units from police and intelligence service dismantled three terror cells amid deadly Al Shabaab rampage, Garowe Online reports. A Spokesman for Ministry of National Security unveiled the destruction of terror networks shortly after Intelligence Boss Abdirahman Mohamed Tuuryare presided over a security meeting on the progress being made over the course of intense operations in Mogadishu in the presence of African Union Special Representative for Somalia Ambassador Maman S. Sidikou.
“The meeting was aimed at presenting the dismantlement of three terror cells during the first phase of joint security sweeps,” said Mohamed Yusuf Osman, National Security Ministry spokesman. “Among the three cells were assassination plots by Al Shabaab’s Amniyat, planned drive-by shootings and anchorages meant for preparation of suicide attacks”.The security commanders-level meeting follows weeks of anti-terror sweeps in volatile Mogadishu where beleaguered Al Shabaab militants target government officials and foreigners. Weapons cache and scores of people suspected of being terrorists were netted in a series of operations.
Somali lawmaker seriously wounded in Mogadishu
04 Dec – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 54 words
Somali MP among four people was seriously injured by armed men in a drive by shooting incident in Mogadishu earlier today. The MP was immediately rushed to Madina hospital for treatment. Sources confirm that three people including former MP of transitional federal parliament died during the incident. It’s not clear whether the victims were bystanders or those accompanying the MP.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Protesters raid Somali hotel in Mwingi demo
04 Dec – Source: The Star, Kenya – 214 Words
Mwingi residents yesterday staged demonstrations against insecurity. The protesters almost set ablaze buses to and from North Eastern Kenya and Nairobi. Ordinarily, these buses are packed with members of the Somali community. Police had to shoot in the air to disperse the mob. While other buses opted to turn back, some headed to police stations.
The demonstrators stoned an Earth Plane Company bus from Nairobi, before heading for a local hotel run by Somalis. They threatened to smash the windows and doors and pour out all the cooked food. The demonstrators said the buses ferrying the attackers from Northern Kenya pass through Mwingi to go to other regions like Nairobi and Mombasa. They called for investigations of all residents and foreigners.
Somali media organisations unite to counter violent extremism
04 Dec – Source: Sabahi Online – 873 Words
Many young Somalis join al-Shabaab because they lack awareness about the dangers of the group and its misguided ideology, Somali media agencies said at a conference in Mogadishu last week where they pledged to make a concerted effort to counter extremist views.
During a day-long conference November 23rd organised by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), the Somali Independent Media Houses Association (SIMHA) and the Centre for Community Awareness (CCA), media, civil society and government representatives discussed how journalists can help stop the spread of violent ideologies and lay the foundation for reconciliation in Somalia.
“As we know, extremism is spreading in our country, especially among the youth,” said CCA director Mohamed Ibrahim Ali. “Therefore, we want to fight against al-Shabaab, al-Qaeda and any group that is against Somali governance…Extremism in Somalia has destroyed our society…It has killed academics, intellectuals and anyone who would have benefitted this society. Therefore, we recognise that extremist ideology is the enemy of the nation, the people and the religion.”
Kuwait FM leaves Khartoum heading to Somalia
04 Dec – Source: Kuwait News Agency – 263 Words
First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on Thursday left the Sudanese capital Khartoum heading to the Federal Republic of Somalia, heading an Arab ministerial delegation, which includes Mauritania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ahmad Ould Teguedi and Arab League Secretary General Nabil Al-Araby, for a one-day official visit.
The delegation is scheduled to meet, in the Somali capital Mogadishu, with President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud and a number of senior Somali officials in order to emphasize the Arab solidarity with the government and the Somali people, to support all efforts to restore security and stability throughout Somalia and to promote its prosperity.
Muslim leader asks Uhuru to appoint former police boss Hussein Ali to fight the raging terror
03 Dec – Source: Star – 272 words
The Supreme Council of Muslims of Kenya (SUPKEM) Eastern branch Chairman Abdallah Kamwana has urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to commission a special arm of police to deal with the deadly Al-shabaab militia group. Kamwana said the arm should be composed of officers not tainted with corruption to avoid the temptation of being compromised by the wealthy terror group.
He proposed the former police Commissioner Major General Hussein Ali as the person suited to head the anti-terror team saying the current team was sleeping on the job and needs to be disbanded immediately. The Chairman said Ali had a wealth of experience in security matters having served in the army and the police service for years. “Ali is also best suited because he worked with the former Chief of Defense forces Gen. Mohammed Mohamoud to eliminate the Shifta menace in the northern Kenya thus the best to counter the Al Shabaab right at the Somalia border,” Kamwana said.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Emotional moments as families identify Mandera attack victims
03 Dec – Source: SABC – 289 Words
A day after killing 36 Kenyans in the Northern border town of Mandera, the al Shabab militant group claimed responsibility for a car bomb attack in Mogadishu in which three people were killed. The car bomb targeted a United Nations (UN) convoy in the Somali capital but those killed were non-UN staff.
There were emotional moments in Nairobi as family members positively identified their loved ones, the 36 Kenyans whose lives were snuffed out by gun men in the early hours of Tuesday. They recalled their last moments with family, and told of what drove them hundreds of kilometres from home to Mandera where they eked out a living mining and breaking stones. “I spoke to my husband hours before the attack, Tuesdaymorning I could not reach him, it is then that I called his boss and he confirmed my worst fears,” says widow Margaret Gatiwu. At least 500 civilians and 300 security officers have killed in terrorists – related attacks in Kenya since the Kenya Defence Forces entered Somalia.
Yusuf Osman Abdille ID’d as dead man connected to Thorncliffe Park homicides
04 Dec – Canadian Broadcasting Corporation – 489 Words
Toronto police say the man who was killed after jumping from a bridge onto the Don Valley Parkway last Saturday was Yusuf Osman Abdille, whose wife and two sons were discovered dead in a nearby highrise. Police said in a news release that Abdille’s involvement in the homicides is still being investigated. Police saidon Wednesday that Abdille, 50, was the husband of Zahra Mohamoud Abdille, 45, and father of the two slain boys, 13-year-old Faris, 8-year-old Zain, whose bodies were discovered inside their apartment at 85 Thorncliffe Park Dr.
CBC News has learned Zahra Mohamoud Abdille and her children had spent time at a women’s shelter after fleeing from her husband last year. In 2013, the trio stayed for several weeks at Dr. Roz’s Healing Place, a centre for abused women and their families in Scarborough, according to the facility’s executive director, Roz Roach. “The family came to the centre because they were fleeing abuse — physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse,” Roach told CBC Radio’s Metro Morning on Wednesday. Roach said Zahra married her husband in the late 1990s, after coming to Canada alone and without any “support systems.” “He owned her. He claimed her. He controlled her income. He abused her in so many different ways.”
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“What they’re doing is selling how to be a hero, [saying] ‘why don’t you come over and lead this army with these big weapons…That’s very enticing to somebody that really has no direction.”
Minnesota’s Somali community acts to counter ISIL recruiters
04 Dec – Source: Aljazeera America – 961 Words
Somali community leaders in Minneapolis are working with U.S. authorities to develop a program inspired by gang-prevention methods to steer disaffected youths away from extremist groups overseas. The program — a mix of mentorship, psychological care and after-school programs — has been developed to give more opportunities to mostly young Somali-American men in Minnesota, home to the largest population of Somalis in the United States.
It follows concern that recruiters of extremist groups are targeting members of the Somali community. Since 2007 at least 23 Minnesotans have left the U.S. to fight with Al-Shabab, an Al-Qaeda-linked group based in Somalia, according to local media. Meanwhile a grand jury, convened last spring, is investigating an alleged recruitment pipeline set up by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported. Federal authorities believe that roughly a dozen Somali-Americans from the Twin Cities, including two women, have flown to the Middle East to aid ISIL, responsible for brutally carving out swaths of Iraq and Syria.
Just last week, the Justice Department charged two young Minnesotans — Abduallahi Yusuf, 18, and Abdi Nur, 20 — with conspiring to provide support to ISIL. Yusuf was released to his parents but Chief U.S. District Judge Michael Davis reversed that order Wednesday after federal prosecutors argued that Yusuf deceived his parents before and was likely to try it again. Davis said he couldn’t envision any bail conditions that would ensure Yusuf appears for future court dates.
Top tweets
@UNSomalia @UN Security Council reiterates that no attack by Al Shabaab will dent its resolve to support #Somalia‘s people:http://bit.ly/1w2TTOg
@Goobjoognews #Somalia a drive by shooting targets MP at Hamar Weyne District of Mogadishu ahead of parliament session
@VOA_News Pushed out of former strongholds, al-Shabab regrouping on #Kenya/#Somalia border – http://bit.ly/1I0N0Aj
@amisomsomalia AMISOM welcomes the swearing-in of the Head of the Interim South West Administration of #Somaliahttp://bit.ly/1tNrXqh
@ElmiDhigal UN Deputy Special Representative to Somalia Mr Philippe Lazzarini @UNLazzarini visits Beledweyne #Hiiraan@UNSomalia
@Harar24Editor Breaking: #Somalia military court in Mogadishu has executed 2 govt soldiers & #Shabaab member by firing squad, they were accused of killings
@AU_PSD Against backdrop of spike in terror attacks in Africa,#AU convenes 1-day consultative meeting on Counter-Terrorism
Image of the day
UN Deputy Special Representative to Somalia Mr Philippe Lazzarini visits Beledweyne. Photo: @ElmiDhigal