February 8, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Ten killed, dozens wounded in Buhodle Fighting
08 Feb – Source: Radio Kulmiye, Shabelle – 153 words
At least ten people had been killed and dozens other were wounded in heavy fighting that rocked Buhodle town, Togdher region, northern Somalia. The fighting broke out in the city today as the militia of newly elected authority of the Khatumo state and the soldiers of the Somaliland troops clashed.
Witnesses say at least eight civilians may have dead in the fighting while heavy loses is also reported from both warring sides. Hospitals are overwhelming with the casualties. Somaliland opposed the creation of the new state of Khatumo in Ayn region specially in the city of Buhodle. But Khatumo authority insists to be a separate autonomous state as part of the Somali federal regional authorities in the area.
Key Headlines
- President Sharif meets Jerry Rawlings in Mogadishu (Radio Bar-kulan)
- Somali Kenya forces move to al Shabaab base in Gedo region (Shabelle)
- Somalia to establish 100 schools in the capital (Africa Review)
- Turkish Religious Affairs head meets Somali minister in Ankara (World Bulletin)
- South Africa Tanzania and Mozambique agree to combat Somali piracy (Coast Week Xinhua)
- Piracy costing $6.9 Billion as Attacks off Somalia Reach Record (Bloomberg)
- ASWJ conduct security operations in central Somalia (Radio Mogadishu SONNA)
- Somaliland Desirous to Consolidate its Relations and Cooperation with Ethiopia (Ethiopian News Agency)
SOMALI MEDIA
President Sharif meets Jerry Rawlings in Mogadishu
08 Feb – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 129 words
President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has held talks with the visiting African Union Special Representative to Somalia, Jerry Rawlings, in Mogadishu. The two leaders discussed the way forward in implementing the Roadmap and overcoming the current political standoff within the Somali parliament.
Speaking to the press at the Somali presidential palace shortly after meeting the president, Rowlings said he come to Mogadishu to assess the current situation in the country and chatting the way forward in the implementing the roadmap.
Rawlings said he will personally take part in efforts to seal-off the widening crack within the legislative arm of the Transitional government. The African Union Special Representative to Somalia, Jerry Rawlings, who arrived in Mogadishu on Tuesday, is expected to fly out of the country later in the day.
ASWJ conduct security operations in central Somalia
08 Feb – Source: Radio Mogadishu, SONNA – 158 words
Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama’a in central regions of Somalia have conducted major security operations and arrested dozens of people accused of planning to cause mayhem in the region. The group has also retaken several key bases in some of al Shabaab strongholds in the regions following a massive military offensive that saw a key commander defect from the terrorist network.
The al Shabaab commander said that he was tired of fighting his own people and called on the thousands in the militia group to denounce violence and accept peace. The areas that witnessed the security operations are the major towns of Galgadud and Abudwaq in the central regions of Somalia. “The operations will last until the extremists and their sympathizers are flashed out completely from Somalia’’ a senior ASWJ official told SONNA.
Somali, Kenya forces move to al Shabaab base in Gedo region
08 Feb – Source: Shabelle – 166 words
Pro-Somali government soldiers backed by forces from neighbouring Kenya were reportedly advancing to a new al Shabaab stronghold in Gedo region of south western Somalia, reports said Wednesday.
Local residents say the allied forces from Somalia and Kenya are preparing to attack in the coming hours Burdubo village, one of the key al Shabaab bases in Gedo region- a move that forced hundreds of villagers to flee from their houses in fear of fierce fighting between TFG, Kenya army and the militants. Al Shabaab fighters in Burdubo village were also reported to have been vacating from the area as the military exercises intensified in the past few weeks in Gedo region.
This move followed after Somali government retook the control of Beled-Hawo, Luq and El-wak towns from al Shabaab militants. The fall of these towns into Somali government hand is described to be a major loss to Islamist militants of al Shabaab who have been losing ground since their withdrawal of the capital, Mogadishu last August in 2011.
Overnight fighting in Mogadishu
08 Feb – Source: Radio Kulmiye, Risaala – 179 words
An overnight fighting occurred in Mogadishu as al Shabaab fighters launched hit and run attack on military bases in Karaan district, north Mogadishu. The sounds of heavy weapons is being heard for hours overnight. Witnesses who spoke to radio Kulmiye says they heard heavy machine guns, artilleries and mortars in the middle of the night.
Mahmud Sheikh Omar radio Kulmiye Journalist in the area says the situation is returning to normal but there are reports that the military is pushing toward the rebel-held areas in outskirt of the capital Mogadishu. “It is not yet confirmed the exact number of the casualties on the civilians or warring sides,” said Omar. Overnight attacks are increasingly overwhelming in Mogadishu’s northern district of Karaan where almost every night has seen constant attack by al Shabaab fighters since they withdrew from Mogadishu on August last year, saying it was a military tactic.
Al Shabaab militants desert strongholds in Somalia
08 Feb – Source: Mareeg Online – 183 words
The militants of al Shabaab have vacated from a number of key towns in south western Somalia as Somali government soldiers backed by Kenyan army are heading to new strategic locations, witnesses said. Reports say the militants withdrew from bases in Dalayat area, 25-Km away from east of Badade town in Lower Jubba region in fear of heavy fighting and air strikes by allied forces from Somalia and Kenya who promised to root the Islamists out of the horn of Africa conflict-torn country.
Abdinasir Sayrar, the spokesman of Raskamboni militias told Shabelle Media that al Shabaab has lost in the past few days many strongholds in Lower Jubba region of Somalia as result of the intensifying battle.
Al Shabaab’s withdrawal from this area in Lower Jubba region has been pointed out to be a major blow for their military combat in the country against TFG and AMISOM soldiers and Kenya which is providing all material support to Somali military officers trained in Kenya and who have been deployed to the front-line and propped by the Kenya army.
Ten killed, dozens wounded in Buhodle Fighting
08 Feb – Source: Radio Kulmiye, Shabelle – 153 words
At least ten people had been killed and dozens other were wounded in heavy fighting that rocked Buuhoodle town, Togdher region, northern Somalia. The fighting broke out in the city today as the militia of newly elected authority of the Khatumo state and the soldiers of the Somaliland troops clashed.
Witnesses say at least eight civilians may have dead in the fighting while heavy loses is also reported from both warring sides. Hospitals are overwhelming with the casualties. Somaliland opposed the creation of the new state of Khatumo in Ayn region specially in the city of Buhodle. But Khatumo authority insists to be a separate autonomous state as part of the Somali federal regional authorities in the area.
Somalia: Puntland President returns to Garowe
07 Feb – Source: Garowe Online, Shabelle – 202 words
Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole returned to Garowe on Tuesday, Garowe reports.
Puntland Vice President Abdisamad Ali Shire, Ministers, government officials, Youth and Women groups waited in Garowe International Airport to welcome the Puntland President’s arrival back to Garowe after travelling to Djibouti and U.A.E. Vice President Abdisamad briefed President Farole and his delegation on the state of affairs after his arrival.
The President then held a press conference shortly after his arrival the President told reporters that both his trips to Djibouti and UAE were beneficial to Puntland’s development. He said that UAE is committed to strengthening the Puntland Marine force and its natural resource development.
President Farole briefly spoke about the ICG meeting that wrapped up in Djibouti adding that the conference on the Somalia constitution scheduled on the 15th of February in Garowe will give further information on the results of the ICG meeting.
Ambassador: Somali refugees in Kenyan camps still at risk
08 Feb – Source: Shabelle – 99 words
Hundreds of thousands of Somali refugees in camps in northern eastern Kenya are said to be in appalling living condition after international aid agencies left for security reasons. Mohamed Ali, Somali ambassador to Kenya urged the humanitarian aid agencies to return into the refugee camps in Kenya to help people who are currently faced with poor health condition and other basic services.
Mr. Ali noted that he will talk with Kenyan government officials to tighten security for the safety of the humanitarian aid workers who evacuated from the refugee camps after attacks and kidnappings against them.
Galgudud administration urges youths to join peace building
07 Feb – Source: Radio Mogadishu, Somali report – 69 words
Local officials, religious elders, businessmen, women and youths attended a meeting in Guriel district of Galgudud region to find ways to encourage the unemployed youth to participate in the peace making process. The chairman of Guriel district, Isman Huur Isse (Taar-Dhulled), who spoke at the meeting said that it’s paramount to improve the situation of the youths to bring a long lasting solution to the endless conflicts plaguing Somalia.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Somaliland Desirous to Consolidate its Relations, and Cooperation with Ethiopia
08 Feb – Source: Ethiopian News Agency – 136 words
Somaliland President Ahmed Mohammed Silanyo says his administration gives high place to Ethiopia and has strong desire to further consolidate its relations with Ethiopia. While conferring with the Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here on Tuesday, the Somaliland President said Somaliland is keen to further strengthen its all-round relations and cooperation with Ethiopia.
He said his country is very much satisfied over the excellent relations it has with Ethiopia. The President also mentioned that the country plays significant role in east African region. According to a Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders discussed on bilateral issues and issues of mutual concern such as regional peace and security, trade and economic affairs. They also deliberated on the implementation of the agreements in which they have signed earlier.
Somalia to establish 100 schools in the capital
08 Feb – Source: Africa Review – 100 words
Somalia President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has announced the government’s plan to establish 100 schools in the capital Mogadishu. President Ahmed said the move was aimed at ensuring more Somali children and adults accessed quality education.
The Transitional Federal Government President made the announcement on Monday while receiving the keys to a commercial centre building known as “Bacadlaha Xamarweyne” in Central Mogadishu.
Bacadlaha was one of hundreds of buildings that belonged to the Somali Government that collapsed in 1991, and had since been taken over by private citizens. “There are 90 schools in Mogadishu that can be rehabilitated for the education of children and adults,” stated the President.
Several countries and institutions have expressed willingness to offer development assistance to Somalia, especially after the militants of Al-Shabaab, the radical Islamist group, were largely driven out of Mogadishu.
South Africa, Tanzania and Mozambique agree to combat Somali piracy
08 Feb – Source: Coast Week, Xinhua – 137 words
In response to a surge in attacks by Somali pirates along the east coast of Africa, South Africa signed a maritime cooperation agreement with Tanzania and Mozambique on Tuesday.
South Africa’s Department of Defense said in a statement that the three countries will work together to secure the territorial waters of each respective country, local media reported. Under the agreement the three forces have rights to patrol, search, arrest and undertake pursuit operations on any maritime crime suspect or pirate.
This will include the three parties sending members to participate in the combined maritime operations aimed at searching and interdicting bases of pirates and other illegal activities in the territorial waters.
South African Defense Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said the three countries have taken a lead in implementing the maritime strategy endorsed by the Southern African Developing Community.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Piracy costing $6.9 Billion as Attacks off Somalia Reach Record
08 Feb – Source: Bloomberg – 323 words
Somali pirates cost the shipping industry and governments as much as $6.9 billion last year as average ransom payments advanced 25 percent, according to One Earth Future Foundation.
Ships are spending an extra $2.7 billion on fuel to speed up through the area because no vessel has been captured while traveling at 18 knots or faster, the Colorado-based non-profit group said in a report today. Governments spent $1.27 billion on military operations, including warship patrols, and ship owners another $1.16 billion on armed guards and security equipment.
Attacks in the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and off Somalia jumped fivefold in the past five years to a record 236, according to the London-based International Maritime Bureau. About 20 percent of world trade passes through the Gulf of Aden between Yemen and Somalia, which is used to get to Egypt’s Suez Canal, connecting the Red Sea and Mediterranean. It is the fastest crossing from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean.
The EU joins hands to tackle instability in Somalia
07 Feb – Source: EUNAVFOR – 253 words
The European Union will remain fully engaged in Somalia: this is the message conveyed in the first week of February by the EU during a visit in Mogadishu by senior representatives operating under the EU Common Security and Defence Policy.
For the first time, General Håkan Syrén, Chairman of the EU Military Committee, Rear Admiral Duncan Potts, Operation Commander of the EU NAFVOR – Operation Atalanta, and Colonel Michael Beary, Commander of the EU Training Mission for Somalia (EUTM), paid a joint visit to the Somali authorities in Mogadishu. They reiterated with the members of the Joint Security Committee, which includes senior representatives from the Transitional Federal Government and regions including Puntland and Galmudug, the EU’s intention to enhance peace and security and to counter piracy in Somalia.
The meetings confirmed the need for closer cooperation with the Somali authorities to further strengthen Somali security forces and to improve law and order, with a view to improve the daily lives of the Somali people. The EU officials also stressed that security gains can only be sustainable when the political process moves forward as well. “The Somali security concerns are our concerns as well and we need to tackle them together” said Rear Admiral Potts.
The possible upcoming EU civilian mission – augmented with military expertise – to strengthen maritime capacities in the Horn of Africa was also discussed with the Somali partners. Complementing the successful EU NAVFOR Atalanta operation at sea, this mission would, inter alia, assist Somali and regional efforts to counter piracy on land.
Turkish religious affairs head meets Somali minister in Ankara
07 Feb – Source: World Bulletin – 138 words
Somali State Minister Ahmed Abdullahi Hussein met Turkish Religious Affairs Director General Mehmet Gormez in capital Ankara on Tuesday. Gormez recalled that Somali religious officials and 450 students arrived in Turkey a short time ago, and he said that the relations between Turkey and Somalia would be strengthened.
He noted that these students would be ambassadors between Turkey and Somalia in the future.
Regarding activities of Turkish Religious Affairs in Somalia, Gormez said that they would support restoration of a historical mosque in Somalia.
Hussein said that he brought greetings of Somali president to Turkish people and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Noting that Erdogan’s visit to Somalia opened doors in many areas, Hussein said that it helped many institutions and non-governmental organizations visit Somalia. Assistances in Somalia began with the help of Turkish Religious Affairs, he added.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“To make talks work between the TFG and al Shabaab would require using both approaches. Some of al Shabaab’s demands — a government based on Islamic values and the withdrawal of foreign forces — are popular and have broad constituencies. In addition, the group consists of various factions with different grievances and aspirations, and many of these could be accommodated.”
Negotiating an End to Somalia’s War with al Shabaab
07 Feb – Source: Foreign Relations Journal – 1827 Words
In August 2011, after three years of fighting, forces backing the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) took control of the Somali capital of Mogadishu. Although this was a welcome development, it was a short-term tactical gain. The strategy that the government and international community are now employing to stabilize Somalia neglects reconciliation with the rebels and relies too much on external military muscle. Further, aside from the efforts of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), military involvement in Somalia has been counterproductive.
The Somali government and its backers should instead focus on establishing a competent security sector and starting genuine negotiations with those rebels who are interested in a political solution — and there are some. It has long been known that some senior figures of al Shabaab (the al Qaeda-linked militant group that controls most of southern Somalia) would consider negotiating with the government. Moreover, a dialogue now could boost the unpopular TFG’s image in the eyes of the Somali people who view the conflict as innately political. Indeed, for the last three years, the TFG has talked about negotiating with its principal enemy, al Shabaab, but has never put forward a serious plan for doing so, mainly because dialogue has never been as high a policy priority as a military victory.
Who’s in Somalia? And why?
07 Feb – Source: African Report – 498 Words
Below is a list of countries that have deployed forces or provide military support to troops on the ground in Somalia, and some of the reasons behind the military action.
KENYA
Kenya’s invasion was reportedly to secure its northern border and to protect its coastal resorts from rebel militias. The operation has since grown into a medium-term occupation force, partly to establish Kenya’s military credentials in a dangerous neighbourhood.
UGANDA
Uganda’s military aspirations in the region rival Ethiopia’s, despite its much smaller army. Its strategy draws revenues from the UN peacekeeping budgets and US military, and reinforces Museveni’s ambition to become president of the East African Community.
DJIBOUTI
Ethnically Somali, neighbouring Djibouti may have the most compelling security reason to intervene. President Omar Guelleh’s government, which faces growing opposition at home, is offering more than 5,000 troops to the AU force.
ETHIOPIA
Ethiopian interventions in Somalia date back to the 19th century and its Somali-speaking Ogaden region remains in dispute. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi sees Somalia as a critical regional security issue with capacity to cause instability in Ethiopia’s south-east. Meles works closely with US counter-terrorism forces, confirming Ethiopia’s role as regional policeman.
Top tweets
@Somaliland_1991 Not long to go until London conference on Somalia. I doubt all problems can be solved in one day, but it’s a promising start!
@mrabdinur Piracy Costing $6.9 Billion as Attacks off Somalia Reach Record bloomberg.com/news/
@allanandrews #Somalia faces significant challenges – piracy, security & terrorism amongst them. The #UK has stepped up its efforts to help.
@africareview #Somalia to establish 100 schools in Mogadishu bit.ly/xfTeYM
@meedyze We all condemn tribalism but we naturally campaign for. Lets the forget the archaic ideas of tribalism and build our nation. #somalia
Image of the day
Somalis took to the streets to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, a day popularly known as Mowlid An Nabi, in the Ugandan capital, Kampala.