February 14, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Biggest donor Turkey stops direct budget support to Somalia

14 Feb – Source: Reuters – 223 words

Turkey is a key ally of the Somali government. Its vast humanitarian aid effort at the height of the 2011 famine has endeared the country to many Somali people, especially as Ankara continues to build hospitals and dispatch aid across Somalia.

Turkey has backed the Somali government with direct cash aid, in contrast to Western governments who have pledged billions but not in the form of direct budget support. A Turkish foreign ministry official told Reuters direct budget support payments stopped at the end of 2013.

It is not clear how much cash Turkey donated to Somalia in 2013, when the government budget totalled $110 million. Somalia’s former central bank chief, Abdusalam Omer, said during his seven-month tenure the support amounted to $4.5 million per month, which he said was paid in cash to the central bank.

A Somali government official confirmed the support stopped at the end of 2013 but said his government “hopes the payments will be re-started”. When asked whether there were plans to restart payments in 2014 or whether talks were taking place over resuming direct budget support, the Turkish official told Reuters in Ankara:

“We have no such plans at this stage. It is not on our agenda.” An official from TÄ°KA (Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency) said its projects in Somalia were unaffected and would continue.

Key Headlines

Security Council Press Statement on Attack against UN Convoy in Somalia (UN)
Biggest donor Turkey stops direct budget support to Somalia (Reuters)
“Any British nationals in Somalia should leave.” Says Uk Government (UK Government)
Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Attack in Mogadishu Somalia(UN)
Puntland’s New minister for Women affairs officially takes over Office (Universal TV)
International Basketball Federation to launch training course in Somalia (Raxanreeb)
Uganda: Public locked out as Ondoga’s trial starts (Daily Monitor)
Kenya : Police say slain al Shabaab suspect killed counter-terrorism agent (Standard Media)
Facing widespread neglect disabled Somalis seek government assistance(Sabahi Online)

PRESS STATEMENT

Security Council, Press Statement on Attack against UN Convoy in Somalia

13 Feb- Source: UN- 315 words

The members of the Security Council are outraged by today’s terrorist attack which targeted a UN convoy in Mogadishu, for which al Shabaab has claimed responsibility and which has caused numerous deaths and injuries. The members of the Security Council extended their condolences to the victims and their families, as well as to the people and the Government of the Republic of Somalia.

The members of the Security Council underscored their determination to stand by the people of Somalia as they seek peace and stability. The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that this and other acts of terrorism would not weaken that determination. The members of the Security Council are appalled that this attack targeted UN personnel seeking to assist Somalis realise their hopes for a brighter future.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, wherever and whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Somali authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support to all UN personnel working to bring peace, stability and prosperity to the people of Somalia.

“Any British nationals in Somalia should leave.” Says Uk Government

14 Feb – Source: UK Government – 153 words

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to Somalia, including Somaliland. Any British nationals in Somalia should leave.

There is a high threat from terrorism, including kidnapping, throughout Somalia, including Somaliland. Terrorist groups have made threats against westerners and those working for western organisations. The FCO believes that there is a constant threat of terrorist attack in Mogadishu. The FCO also believes that terrorists continue to plan attacks against westerners in Somaliland.

Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in crowded places, high-profile events, events involving government officials and in places frequented by foreigners.

Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. There is also a high threat of maritime terrorism in the territorial and international waters off Somalia.

All areas across Somalia are suffering food shortages resulting in the displacement of thousands of Somali people. The FCO is unable to provide consular assistance in Somalia.

Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Attack in Mogadishu, Somalia

13 Feb- Source: UN- 105 words

The Secretary-General condemns the attack on a convoy of UN vehicles that occurred Thursday near the international airport in Mogadishu. The Secretary-General expresses his deep condolences to the families of the Somali citizens that have been killed as a result of this attack and wishes a swift recovery to those injured.

The Secretary-General remains determined to support the Somali Government in preventing such attacks and holding the perpetrators accountable. He expresses his appreciation to United Nations staff in Somalia for their continued dedication under difficult circumstances. The Secretary-General reaffirms the undeterred resolve of the United Nations to support the people and Federal Government of Somalia.

SOMALI MEDIA

Puntland’s New minister for Women affairs officially takes over Office

14 Feb- Source: Horseed Media/Radio Garowe/Universal TV- 218 words

Puntland’s new Minister for Women Affairs and Family Development Anisa Abdulkadir Haji Mumin has on Thursday officially taken over office in a ceremony held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Garowe. Former Minister Halimo Haji Hassan handed over to the new minister documents containing the recent developments achieved by the previous team of the ministry and pending plans.

New Minister for Women Affairs Anisa Hajji Mumin thanked the Ex-minister for the efforts and commitment showed during her tenure. She added that the Ministry will take the right steps to protect and strengthen the right of the women.

‘’ Currently there are women undergoing difficulties whereby some of them even don’t have antenatal care. We will strive on protecting them and fight for their deserved rights,’’ pledged Ms. Anisa, who recently was a Education and Child rights activist.

In a recent poll made, Somalia was ranked fifth in a list of worst countries a woman can live. According to U.N figures, one woman dies for every 100 live births. At least five women have managed to feature in the new cabinet of President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, whereby two of them are full ministers and other three deputy ministers. Women in Puntland recently carried out a massive campaign in order to be given a large quota in the state’s cabinet and Parliament.

Italy Ambassador to Somalia condemns terror attack in Mogadishu

14 Feb- Source: Somalicurrent/Radio Shabelle/Radio Kulmiye- 186 words

Italian Ambassador to Somalia Andrea Mazzella has strongly condemned today’s terror attack that left six people dead near Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle International Airport.

Al Shabaab militants claimed the responsibility of remotely controlled car bomb blast that targeted UN vehicles carrying officials, leading the death of civilians on the street, according to United Nations Office in Somalia (UNSOM).

“I condemn, in the strongest terms, the heinous terror attack that took place this morning near Mogadishu International Airport Aden Abdulleh, in which – once again – innocent Somali civillians died.” The Ambassador said.

“The civilian population continues to pay an unbearable price in terms of loss of lives and suffering. They finally have the absolute right to live with their dignity, free from terror, with full respect of their political and human rights.” he added.

Ambassador Mazzella appealed to the Federal Government of Somalia, elders and leaders to express together, unequivocally, their renewed determination to achieve lasting peace for the sake of their people.

International Basketball Federation to launch training course in Somalia

13 Feb – Source: Raxanreeb – 116 words

Experts from the international Basketball federation (FIBA) are expected to arrive in Somalia next month where they will conduct the first FIBA level course in the country for more than 25 years.

The announcement was made by the Somali basketball Federation vice president for techniques, development and international relations Mrs. Hawa Sheik Ahmed Taako who issued a press conference here in Mogadishu on Thursday.

“On behalf of Somali basketball federation president Mr Abdullahi Nur Adani, I am very happy to announce that Somalia will benefit from the first FIVA level course to be held in the country for decades” the Somali basketball federation Vice president Mr.s Hawa Taako said in her press statement on Thursday.

Somaliland: more than 2500 citizens to compete 45 posts up for grabs at ministry of interior

13 Feb – Source: Somaliland Informer – 134 words

More than 2500 Somaliland young graduates are about to compete for 45 posts vacant at the ministry of Interior as announced by the Director of treasury. Hon. Mohamed Osman Dube further said that this is major boost to accelerate efforts to create employment opportunities to Somaliland citizens.

The Director has told the media that more than 2500 applicants have applied and sent their credential to the ministry of interior. Applicants will take an examination that will be run by the Civil service. It is the first time in the history of Somaliland that the Ministry of Interior to employ 45 employees at once.

The current government led by incumbent president Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo is doing everything it can to create jobs for Somaliland graduates who are desperate to land jobs after finishing their education.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Uganda: Public locked out as Ondoga’s trial starts

14 Feb- Source: Daily Monitor- 272 words

The public was yesterday locked out as the trial of a former commander of the Uganda contingent of the Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Brig Michael Ondoga started.

Brig Ondoga, is facing charges of failure to execute duties, offences relating to operations, interfering with the process of the law and disobeying lawful orders. The charges are in connection with AMISOM operations.

He appeared before the General Court Martial at Makindye, chaired by Brig Moses Ddiba Ssentongo for hearing of prosecution witnesses’ testimonies.

Brig Ssentongo directed that all none court members leave court upon request of the prosecution, arguing that the matters that were about to be raised were in interest of national security.

Kenya : Police say slain al Shabaab suspect killed counter-terrorism agent

14 Feb – Source: Standard Media – 285 words

Police in Malindi have said a ballistic analysis has confirmed that slain al Shabaab suspect Ali Mohamed Delawa, killed counter-terrorism agent Ahmed Abdalla Bakhshwein on January 28 this year using a stolen US rifle.

Delawa was killed on February 1, and police say an analysis of the US Colt .45mm rifle and 5 rounds of ammunition found on him when he was murdered in Ngala estate Malindi, link him to several gun and grenade attacks in Kwale . Bakhshwein was a former police reservist, who also assisted US and Kenya counter-terrorism efforts in Somalia and on the Kenyan coast.

Delawa was also on the police’s most wanted list with alleged links to al Shabaab and al Qaeda. Police claim that he belonged to a terrorist cell that was exterminating counter-terrorism agents. On Thursday, Malindi District Criminal Investigation Officer Mr John Ndungu said Delawa “was in a list of most wanted criminals” and alleged that he was involved in Bakhshwein’s killing and a series of criminal attacks in Kwale and Diani towns on the Kenyan south coast.

Facing widespread neglect, disabled Somalis seek government assistance

13 Feb – Source: Sabahi Online – 778 words

Disabled Somalis say they have been overlooked in recent years and are asking the government to address their needs by improving access to public buildings and providing job training.

Mohamed Yahye, 56, who lost both legs in a mortar attack that hit his house during tribal clashes in Mogadishu in 1996, said disabled people have not receive the assistance they expected from the government after the security situation began to improve in Mogadishu.

“It looks as though the government and the public have forgotten about helping us as there is no group yet that has officially assumed responsibility for doing the things that are important for disabled people such as when we go to the ministries, police stations and the centre that issues national identification cards,” he told Sabahi.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Biggest donor Turkey stops direct budget support to Somalia

14 Feb – Source: Reuters – 223 words

INSIGHT-Graft allegations test West’s ties to Somali president

14 Feb – Source: Reuters – 1401 words

A resignation letter by Somalia’s central bank governor sent from Dubai has thrown Western donors into a quandary over supporting a government they need to fight al Qaeda’s local allies.

Governor Yussur Abrar quit after only seven weeks in the job, alleging she had been pressured to accept arrangements she believed would open the door to corruption.

With one email, she sucked President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud into a dispute over the recovery of frozen Somali assets from abroad, embarrassing foreign donors who have pledged billions to rebuild his shattered nation after two decades of chaos.

Divisive clan politics have bedevilled Somalia throughout its long civil war and more recent insurgency by the Islamist militants of al Shabaab, the local franchise of al Qaeda.

Somali radio run by female staff on air

14 Feb – Source: Press TV – 198 words

Women in Somalia, one of the dangerous countries for journalists, have established Aman Radio in the capital Mogadishu. The radio station aims to help women’s voice be heard in a country where rape and domestic violence are widespread.

“When you start working on something, there is bound to be challenges. This happened to us too as we worked on this. People asked us why we were doing this because girls have never done it before,” said Farhiyo Farah Aoble, the station manager of the radio.

“We have proved them wrong and now we have created the platform to air the voice of Somali women,” she added. Instead of discussing politics, the radio focuses on social issues like education, community development and healthcare that affect the society.

“I want to speak for the disadvantaged and those whose voice has never received attention. We rarely discuss politics. We focus on the community, women, healthcare, education and the rebuilding of the country,” Aniso Abdullahi, the editor of the radio, said.

Most people in Somalia use radio to receive the latest news and listen to programs and music. ccording to statistics, there are more than 28 radio stations operating in Mogadishu alone.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“As long as Somalia remains without any formal banking system, the remittance system will be difficult to monitor. Yet the international community must also realize that as long as the country’s ineffective government remains unable to provide for its citizens, the money sent by the diaspora is crucial for the wellbeing of its citizens and its overall stability. Cutting this critical lifeline will threaten the already fragile economy and bring further hardship to millions of Somali citizens.”

The High Price of Losing Remittances

13 Feb – Source: World Policy Blog -1253 words

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Somali immigrants walk into small money transfer organizations in more than 150 countries around the world in order to send money to relatives in their homeland. Their funds prop up local and regional economies, keep families fed, and help preserve stability around the country. But this soon may change. As international banks shut down money transfer organizations to curb the funding of terrorist groups, many Somali workers worry their families will no longer have an income.

In Somalia, (where there hasn’t been a central government since the collapse of the Somali state in 1991), remittances are the single largest source of revenue. Although difficult to measure, remittance flows are thought to total $1.2 billion a year, surpassing foreign direct investment, livestock trade (Somalia’s largest commercial sector), and international aid.

Yet funding from the Somali diaspora is teetering on a precarious precipice. In September 2013, British banking giant Barclays sent notices to 250 money transfer companies from a variety of countries, notifying them that Barclays would be closing their accounts due to fears of money laundering and terrorist financing. Dahabshiil, Somalia’s largest remittance organization, won a temporary injunction against the bank in November, delaying the closure unthigh-price-losing-remittances.

Top tweets

@Draz_DJ:Reuters investigation into the #Somalia central bank scandal: “Graft allegations test West’s ties to Somali presidenthttp://t.co/e45wSKi1lF.

@UNSomalia: The @UN in Somalia strongly condemns the attack and expresses deep sorrow at the reported deaths and injuries of Somali bykJ04dsgvsT.

@4DialogSK: World press freedom: 4 key takeawayshttp://t.co/W6HGOf1t9n @pressfreedom #Somalia #Egypthttp://t.co/kisw7oOZs3V.

@mukhtaryare: The British government warns against all travel to Somalia, calls on its citizens to leave. https://t.co/AZutAtKjMd http://t.co/isw7oOZs3V.

@KenRoth: What’s it like to research rape & sexual abuse of women in #Somalia?

@SamerHRW describes this difficult work:http://t.co/YmnuCoaU1U.

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Image of the day

Image of the day A man rides a motorbike past a burning car shortly after it exploded on February 13, 2014 near the entrance of Mogadishu’s international airport. Photo: Reuters/BBC.