January 16, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Anti-Terror Police following money with links to al Shabaab in Kenya
16 Jan- Source: Standard Media-816 Words
The Anti-Terror Police Unit and other State security agencies in Kenya are trailing suspicious financial transactions and illegal cash dealings for possible links to Al-Shabaab. The cash trails in question are those flowing in and out of Nairobi, Mombasa and parts of North Eastern Kenya, and are suspected to be financing the Somalia-based terrorists. The police are also investigating individuals suspected to be part of a syndicate financing terror activities in parts of the country.
“We have also widened the net to include supporters, sympathisers and those harbouring terror gangs such as the Al-Shabaab, human and drug traffickers as well as those involved in money laundering-criminal activities that we believe are linked to terror,” Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo said.
The police boss revealed this in a telephone conversation with The Standard, on the side-lines of a two-day conference in Kampala, Uganda. The conference brings together East African police chiefs to discuss the fight against terrorism. Mr Kimaiyo could not reveal how much money is involved but sources familiar with the investigations say the money runs into billions of shillings.
Key Headlines
- Al Shabaab suspects nabbed in Bakool region (Radio Shabelle)
- Al Shabaab fighters kidnap WHO staff in Wajid town (Hiiraan Online/Radio Dalsan)
- Somalia-Somaliland talks to kick off in Turkey (Radio Mogadishu/Dalsan/Kulmiye/Bar-
kulan) - Allied forces urged to maintain security in Hiiraan region (Radio Bar-kulan/Kulmiye)
- Anti-Terror Police following money with links to al Shabaab in Kenya (Standard Media)
- UAE’s Air Arabia to launch Somalia flights – report (Arabian Business)
- S. Korea sends anti-piracy troops to Gulf of Aden (Yonhap News)
- Sierra Leone records biggest achievement in Somalia (Sierra Express Media)
SOMALI MEDIA
Al Shabaab suspects nabbed in Bakool region
16 Jan- Source: Radio Shabelle- 146 words
Somali security forces have beefed up security measure in a bid to thwart al Shabaab fighter’s attempts in Bakool region. Security operation has been conducted in Baradele town in Bakool region, with Somali security forces arresting dozens of al Qaeda linked al Shabaab militants in the city, according to Gov’t officials.
Speaking to Radio Shabelle in Mogadishu, Col Abdirahman Mohamed Osmaan, a police chief in the eegion said that the swoop was intended to eliminate al Shabaab remnants in town, adding that a number of al Shabaab suspects were detained during the operation.
“They [ al Shabaab suspects] were taken at Bardaale custody, the crackdown will continue until al Shabaab is eliminated from Bakool region,” he stressed.
This operation comes as al Shabaab carry out ambushes and grenade attacks on bases manned by Somali Gov’t official’s forces and African Union peacekeeping troops in town.
Al Shabaab fighters kidnap WHO staff in Wajid town
16 Jan- Source:Hiiraan Online/ Radio Dalsan- 326 words
Al Shabaab militants fighting Somali government and AU peacekeepers in the country have abducted a doctor working with World Health Organization, from his home in the city of Waajid, in the south western region of Bakool bordering with Ethiopia, according to residents.
Locals said that the doctor identified as Mohiyadin Taruuri, working for the world health organization (WHO) was snatched by fighters belonging to al Shabaab who secretly entered the town from their base in Diinsoor district.
He is the second doctor to be snatched by al Shabaab recently, as they earlier abducted Dr Abukar Hashami, the WHO’s representative in the region. Residents said that both doctors are currently being held in the town of Diinsoor, one of the main bases of the al Qaeda-linked militants in southern Somalia.
Neither the world health organization nor Somali government or even al Shabaab themselves haven’t yet spoken about the latest abductions of the health workers. But the abduction comes as one of al Shabaab’s leaders Sheikh Ali Mohamed Hussein recently accused the aid organizations operating in the country of being part of what he described as the “invasion against Somalia”.
“They are not aid organizations, they are spy agencies and work for the enemy of Islam, we urge the Muslim Somali people to keep off from the bases of the so-called aid agencies, the puppet government and the enemy forces in the country,” the al Shabaab’s representative told the group’s al Andalus Radio which operates from an unknown place in the country.
The militant leader said they were fully aware of the American military presence in the country vowing they will launch what he described as ‘all out war’ against them.
Somalia-Somaliland talks to kick off in Turkey
16 Jan- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Dalsan/Kulmiye/Bar-
Talks between Somalia’s federal government and the Somaliland administration are expected to kick off Thursday in Istanbul, Turkey as both delegations assure readiness.
A delegation led by Minister of Interior, Abdikarim Hussein Guled arrived in Turkey on Wednesday to represent Somali government in the talks between the two sides. On the other hand, Somaliland authorities sent a delegation led by Foreign Minister Mohamed Behi Yonis to Istanbul. Both parties have previously held similar Turkish-mediated talks in Turkey.
Allied forces urged to maintain security in Hiiraan region
16 Jan- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Kulmiye-104 Words
Officials in central Somali region of Hiiraan have called on Somali military forces and their African allies in the region to help maintain security in the areas where recent clashes occurred.
Hiran Governor, Abdi Farah Laqanyo who made the call urged the Somali and African forces that were recently dispatched to the area to work on security measures and to improve relationships between the local communities.
Laqanyo also urged local communities to cooperate with the security personnel and warned those caught carrying unauthorized weapons will be considered criminals. The governor thanked community elders and the security forces for their peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts.
Lower Shabelle Administration vows to eradicate illegal roadblocks
16 Jan- Source: Radio Shabelle-107 Words
The commissioner of Marka town in lower Shabelle province Mohamed Osman Ali Yarisow who spoke with Radio Shabelle in Mogadishu says that his administration is committed in ensuring security of different villages in Marka, vowing to remove all illegal roadblocks in the region. Mr. Osman reaffirmed that they (Somali forces) will fight the roadblocks until it cleaned from the region.
Unknown number of illegal roadblocks have been erected in Lower Shabelle region which is used to extort large amount of money from public transports . Illegal road blocks has become a common phenomenal in Lower Shabelle region.
Puntland President Discusses Plans Ahead for New Govt
15 Jan- Source: Garowe Online/Somali Channe-449 Words
The newly elected President of Somalia’s Puntland government Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas has held a wide ranging discussion with the public at Puntland Development Research Center (PDRC) in the state capital of Garowe on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports.
Shortly after he engaged in question and answer session with the participants at the event that brought together over 100 people including former cabinet ministers, politicians, women and youth, and Diaspora, President Gaas gave a 20-minute speech, touching on key topics of security, justice, institution building, corruption, economy and reconciliation.
President-elect said that security is a vital to Puntland people and commended former Puntland governments for setting up reliable security apparatuses: “Tremendous efforts were undertaken by the former Puntland governments; today my firm belief is that Puntland has a tight security”.
Somaliland: Humbo-Weine Water Supply to Alleviate Scarcity in the City
16 Jan- Source: Somaliland Informer- 255 words
The second phase of the Humbo-weine water supply project is being started, Somaliland Water minister has announced. Hon. Hussein Ahmed Abdillahi at the same time dispelled rumours that the water supply of this phase was being diverted to Geedeeble; the project is supposed to supply water to the eastern and southern parts of the city upon completion.
The minister said “I hereby ascertain to the populace that they should rest be assured that the Humbo-weine water project is on course hence will supply designated areas,” and added, “The allegations that the water was being diverted to Geedeeble are baseless”.
He said that the Al-khalifa foundation was on course of continued construction and were implementing the project as planned. The UAE government is the main sponsor of both phases of this project. The first phase consisted of the drilling of 10 water boreholes; which has since been successfully been completed. “The initial pipes were changed since we felt they were smaller”, said the minister.
The minister who gave the revelations in a press conference was flanked by Hargeisa water agency manager Mr. Ibrahim Siad Yonis. The water agency chief said that “We have just been informed of the UAE releasing the funds for the second phase which we have now signed to continue construction for the rest three months”. He said that it was with effect from yesterday Tuesday the 14th of Jan 2014.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Anti-Terror Police following money with links to al Shabaab in Kenya
16 Jan- Source: Standard Media-816 Words
The Anti-Terror Police Unit and other State security agencies in Kenya are trailing suspicious financial transactions and illegal cash dealings for possible links to al Shabaab. The cash trails in question are those flowing in and out of Nairobi, Mombasa and parts of North Eastern Kenya, and are suspected to be financing the Somalia-based terrorists. The police are also investigating individuals suspected to be part of a syndicate financing terror activities in parts of the country.
“We have also widened the net to include supporters, sympathisers and those harbouring terror gangs such as the al Shabaab, human and drug traffickers as well as those involved in money laundering-criminal activities that we believe are linked to terror,” Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo said.
The police boss revealed this in a telephone conversation with The Standard, on the side-lines of a two-day conference in Kampala, Uganda. The conference brings together East African police chiefs to discuss the fight against terrorism. Mr Kimaiyo could not reveal how much money is involved but sources familiar with the investigations say the money runs into billions of shillings.
UAE’s Air Arabia to launch Somalia flights – report
16 Jan- Source: Arabian Business-189 Words
UAE low cost carrier Air Arabia is to launch direct flights to the autonomous region of Somaliland in war-torn Somalia, a report in the African country claimed. According to the Somaliland Sun, the Sharjah-based airline committed to flights to and from Somaliland’s Egal and Berbera International Airports during a meeting between aviation officials in both countries earlier this week.
The report did not specify when flights would begin, but stated that Air Arabia would invest in developing Somaliland’s airports and road infrastructure as part of the deal. A spokesman for Air Arabia could not be reached at the time of writing to confirm the deal.
Air Arabia serves more than 50 destinations across the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa, but its only current connections in West Africa are Khartoum in Sudan and Nairobi in Kenya.
Somali government, citizens condemn al Shabaab’s attempt to ban internet access
15 Jan- Source: Sabahi Online- 1105 words
Al Shabaab’s attempt to ban high-speed fibre-optic and mobile internet services has been met by outrage from Somali citizens and prompted a firm warning from the government.
In a statement published January 8th on the Somalimemo website, al Shabaab announced its internet ban, ordering telecommunications companies to stop providing internet services within 15 days.
The statement also warned that companies and individuals that do not follow the directive will be viewed as enemies and punished under sharia law.
Al Shabaab justified its ban by saying Western intelligence agencies, especially US and British agencies, use the internet to gather information on the mujahideen.
“Mobile internet is a danger for every Muslim person using that service [as it] allows the enemy to be aware of the movement of individuals and extract data,” the statement said.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
S. Korea sends anti-piracy troops to Gulf of Aden
16 Jan- Yonhap News-225 Words
South Korea dispatched the 15th batch of troops to the Gulf of Aden on Thursday to continue its part in the worldwide effort to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia, the Navy said.
A 4,500-ton destroyer departed the southern port city of Busan to conduct anti-piracy missions for six months starting in February. Its voyage is expected to take approximately one month, naval officials said.
“Somali waters are the main shipping route and the lifeline of our economy. Put utmost efforts for your readiness,” Adm. Hwang Ki-chul, the Navy chief of Staff, said during a send-off ceremony at the port. The Cheonghae unit has been deployed in the Gulf of Aden since early 2009 as part of global efforts to tackle piracy in the region.
Mother, Son Team Up to Fight Somalia Poverty
15 Jan- Source: VOA News-657 Words
Although he has never lived there, Sahnun Mohamud has always wanted to help Somalia, the birthplace of his parents and home to many of his relatives. Now a college student, he believes educating as many Somali children as possible is essential to making a difference and building a better future for the war-torn west African coastal nation.
Mohamud, 21, is following in his mother’s footsteps. “She’s been helping Somalia since before I was born,” he said. In 1987, his mother, Filsan Darman co-founded a non-profit organization called Aadamiga, which means humanitarian in Somali.
“At that time we were helping women,” Darman said. “There was a civil war in Somalia. We were helping those people who escaped from the north of Somalia to Mogadishu because the civil war started there. So we were helping them with food and clothes also.”
Inspired and encouraged by his mother, Mohamud got involved early on in various charitable projects. His latest effort is founding Students for Somalia, a group of college students committed to raising money to fund projects in the country.
Sierra Leone records biggest achievement in Somalia
15 Jan- Source: Sierra Express Media-526 Words
Brigadier General David Baburam, Chief of Peace Support Operations of the African Standby Force on Sunday 12th January 2014 announced that come end of February Sierra Leone will take up the leadership and command of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Sector 5 in Kismayo from the current Kenyan Commander on the ground. (Photo: Major General Samuel Omarr Williams, Chief of Defence Staff of the Sierra Leone Army)
This unprecedented success record is coming at a time when His Excellency President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma has boosted the moral, confidence and respectability of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) after years of war and political instability. No President in Sierra Leone’s history has ever increased the capability of the military in that country like President Koroma.
Brigadier General Baburam made this announcement during a consultative meeting convened by the African Union Commission for Chiefs of Defence Staff of Troops and Police Contributing Countries in Addis Ababa on AMISOM’s operations. The aim of the meeting was to specifically discuss important operational issues arising from the development of the revised AMISOM concept of operations.
AU confirms Ethiopia will join Somali mission
14 Jan- Source: HIS Janes-381 Words
Ambassador Smal Chergui, the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Peace and Security, has confirmed that Ethiopian troops will join the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), but the extent to which this represents a real increase in the foreign military presence in the east African country remains unclear.
Chergui told a meeting of the AU’s Committee on Defence, Safety and Security in Addis Ababa on 14 January: “With Ethiopia joining the mission … the mission strength will now be about 22,000 uniformed personnel.
“This will enable us, together with our brothers in arms from Somalia, to resume military operations against the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, in order to create favourable conditions for further progress in the political process and the successful holding of elections in 2016”.
In November, the United Nations (UN) Security Council approved the expansion of AMISOM from 17,731 to 22,126 uniformed personnel. The main troop providers are currently Burundi, Kenya and Uganda, with Djibouti and Sierra Leone deploying smaller contingents.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Although the current era leaders may claim to have many certificates compared to our founding leaders, our founding leaders are obviously seem to be more literate. Ethnic Divisions, most of Today’s leaders in Somalia are more concerned on their ethnic clans than their motherland, which prompts them to always remain divided and less concern over their country.”
Why do the current Somali leaders claim more certificate​s but less productive then founding Somalia leaders
16 Jan- Source: Raxanreeb-761 Words
Our founding Fathers endured pain, physically tortured and mentally harassed when they were fighting for the independency of our homeland “Somalia” They challenged the colonials with high intelligence and bravery. They invited all Somalis on the table, called for good governance, and finally made our “Flag” highly honoured Hang around the world
It was because of the rank of their classical education and high patriotism of which they were willing to sacrifice their lives for their country and defend from all the possible threats, which enabled them to write “Somalia “in the hearts of the nations around the globe back in their era.
It is the level of the intellect of our founding fathers that equipped them to come and solve everything on the table, while our current leaders dispute and fight between themselves because of their political divisions, and not trying to compromise for the sake of their country and people.
“The armed robbers of Indonesia aren’t as dangerous as the pirates of Somalia. Sounding an alarm is sometimes enough to scare them away, in contrast to the firefights that still flare up around the Horn of Africa, and a more disorganised piracy away from the world’s most important trade routes is less disruptive for business.”
Maritime piracy: better, in parts
15 Jan- Source: Financial Times Blog-533 Words
Maritime piracy has fallen to its lowest level for six years, according to figures released on Wednesday by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB). Overall, the number of actual and attempted attacks is down 40 per cent since Somali piracy peaked in 2011.
But there there are new reasons to be concerned. Piracy is spreading in west Africa and beyond. The number of armed robberies around the coast of Indonesia is at its highest level for 10 years. Most of the overall decline is due to a large drop in piracy off the coast of east Africa. There were just 15 attacks last year, down from 237 in 2011.
Michael Howlett, deputy director of the IMB, attributes the reduction in Somali piracy to the presence of international navies, the widespread adoption of best practice to “delay, deter and prevent” piracy and less lawlessness on shore.
Top tweets
@faoinsomalia Questions and comments ahead of the event are welcome as we pick each other’ s brains on moving#Somalia forward. @sopec2014
@amisomsomalia Unexploded Ordinances (UXOs) are placed at the bottom of a pit before detonation at a site near Mogadishu#Somalia pic.twitter.com/9v4zk6Ki9Y
@DHAFoundation 1st batch of handmade soap! Equipping#women entrepreneurs w small business skills & promoting sanitation in #Somalia pic.twitter.com/nGNxujudPW
@SomaliPM Welcomed new #French Ambassador Rémi Maréchaux, another sign that #Somalia is rejoining the international community pic.twitter.com/rywKg9Mpqs
@OCHASom OCHA #Somalia: December 2013 issue of Humanitarian #Snapshot published http://bit.ly/1dNDlus
Image of the day
New French Ambassador to Somalia, Rémi Maréchaux presents his credentials to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Villa Somalia, Mogadishu. Photo: Hiiraan Online