January 3, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Somali team seeking to be masters of ice sport bandy
03 Jan- Source: BBC-03:41mins
Bandy is not a game that many people know. It is basically ice hockey writ large – played outdoors on a sheet of ice the size of a football pitch, and with a ball not a puck. Unsurprisingly, the countries that win major competitions are generally from the frozen north – Sweden, Finland or Russia.
But when this year’s World Championships take place later this month in Irkutsk in Siberia, there will be a new contender – from Africa. Somalia are not expected to win many games, but they are likely to gain a lot of new friends. BBC News visited Ahmed Hussain Abdi and his teammates at their training base in Borlange, Sweden.
Key Headlines
- Banadir administration delivers cash aid to flood survivors in Middle Shabelle (Radio Bar-kulan)
- Prime Minister says attempted attack will only strengthen fight against terrorism (Radio RBC/Radio Dalsan)
- Somali PM’s Family Relocated From Jazeera Hotel (Radio Dalsan)
- Kenyans hit most by terror attacks in 2013 (Daily Nation)
- Al Shabaab New Year’s Day attack rattles Somalia’s security façade (Sabahi Online)
- Somali team seeking to be masters of ice sport bandy (BBC)
SOMALI MEDIA
Banadir administration delivers cash aid to flood survivors in Middle Shabelle
03 Jan- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 97 words
A delegation led by deputy security chief of Banadir region, Warsame Mohamed Hassan Jodah has delivered cash aid of 100 thousand USD to the flood survivors in Middle Shabelle region.
Ahmed Meyre Makaran, the commissioner of Waberi district who was among the delegation that arrived in Jowhar on Thursday told Bar-kulan that the money was collected from all the districts in Banadir region.
Last month, Banadir administration officials delivered over 200 thousand dollars to Puntland religious scholars in order to assist cyclone-hit families in the region.
Prime Minister says attempted attack will only strengthen fight against terrorism
03 Jan- Source: Radio RBC/Radio Dalsan- 157 words
Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed sends his condolences to the victims and their families of those killed in Wednesday night’s attempted attack on Jazeera Hotel in Mogadishu. The Prime Minister, said: “I send my personal condolences to the victims and families affected by Wednesday night’s attempted attack and wish those injured a quick and full recovery.
“(Wednesday) Last night’s attempted attack at Jazeera Hotel will only strengthen the people of Somalia and the government’s commitment to tackle those who threaten the security and stability of Somalia with indiscriminate violence and killing. “Earlier in the day I had visited the Ministry of Defence and Jazeera Military Training Camp to see for myself the work of our security forces. Last night’s attack was thwarted thanks to the commitment and sacrifice of our brave security personnel. I thank them for their continued service to our country.”
Somali PM’s Family Relocated From Jazeera Hotel
02 Jan- Source: Radio Dalsan-171 Words
The family of Prime minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed has been relocated from Jazeera hotel back to their home in Mogadishu following al Shabaab claimed attack on Jazeera Hotel on Wednesday night. PM’s mother and brothers who returned back to the country one year ago resided at Jiro Maskin suburb of Wadajir district in Mogadishu before being moved to Jazeera hotel for fear of attacks last week.
An exclusive footage obtained by Radio Dalsan revealed the PM’s family convoy escorted by National security forces in their relocation process back in their original home in Mogadishu. 11 people lost their lives while more than 37 others were wounded when two separate suicide attacks followed by sporadic gunshots were targeted at Jazeera hotel which is famous for large number of foreigners on Wednesday night.
Al Shabaab militants has claimed the responsibility of the two attacks in its official twitter account saying that the mission intended is accomplished while warning well calculated sophisticated attacks against what it described as the western backed government and its sympathizers.
Somaliland: Welcoming The Traditional Leader of Adal at Heathrow Airport
02 Jan- Source: Somaliland Press- 239 words
The Adal Diaspora in London, have welcomed their Traditional Leader Ugas Abdi Rashid Ugas Doodi Ugas Robleh. The diaspora members were led by The Traditional Leader of the Adal Diaspora’s in UK & EU Suldan Ilkajir and the councillor of Ugas in London Councillor Harun AbdiRahman Qadi, Overall enormous Adal politicians have jointly participated the welcoming event including young politician AbdiRahman Hamud Aleel, Professor Hassan Mussa Khalif who is the prime host of the Ugas, Hussein Mike, Sucdi Haji Musse and her husband Abdi Nur Omar Qaddi.
The arrival terminal at Heathrow airport, children wore their ancestor’s traditional clothes, amazingly this traditional welcoming style attracted the attention of a lot of tourists/staff members at the airport, were some said is he the Dalai lama of East Africa, mother and youths also contributed their share etc.
Ugas AbdiRashid was excited and heartily smiled for the crowd of his diaspora in London. During the media coverage, The Ugas thanked warmly to all delegates who welcomed him, he then informed to the media, that he will meet both diaspora and other delegates from The Great Britain’s lords.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Kenyans hit most by terror attacks in 2013
03 Jan- Source: Daily Nation- 851 words
The country suffered a series of terror-related attacks last year which left dozens dead and others injured, with security agents left struggling to contain such violence. From civilians to law enforcers, religious leaders to merrymakers, none has been spared the wrath of terrorists who have intensified attacks in the country, especially after Kenya Defence Forces crossed into Somalia to flush out the al Shabaab.
Perhaps the most horrific of the attacks was on September 21 when al Shabaab-linked terrorists attacked Westgate Mall in Nairobi in a four-day siege in which 67 people were killed and 175 others injured.
Al Shabaab New Year’s Day attack rattles Somalia’s security façade
03 Jan- Source: Sabahi Online- 1344 words
Al Shabaab claimed responsibility Thursday (January 2nd) for a twin bombing at the Jazeera Hotel in Mogadishu that killed at least 10 people and injured many more, boasting it was the start of its campaign for the new year.
“This is the beginning of 2014,” al Shabaab spokesman Ali Mohamud Rage said in a new year message a day after the attack. “The fate of foreigners and local mercenaries will remain the same until they leave the country… they will have no safe haven in Somalia.”
The first car bomb exploded outside the Jazeera Hotel, near Aden Abdulle International Airport and the United Nations complex. The hotel is one of the capital’s most upmarket establishments and its clientele includes Somali politicians and visiting foreign officials.
Police boost security as 10 hurt in blast
02 Jan- Source: Daily Nation- 689 words
Security has been beefed up at the Coast after a hand grenade was hurled into a bar in Diani injuring 10 people early on Thursday. Revellers were having fun at the Tandoori Bar when they were attacked at about 3:30am. The bar on Diani Beach Road is frequented by local and foreign tourists from nearby beach hotels. Police said no foreign tourist was injured in the attack.
“We want to assure Kenyans that we have elaborate security measures we have put in place to counter terror related incidents in the region,” said Kwale County Commissioner Evans Achoki. He said police were on high alert and had intensified patrols in the South Coast.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Somali team seeking to be masters of ice sport bandy
03 Jan- Source: BBC-03:41mins
Bandy is not a game that many people know. It is basically ice hockey writ large – played outdoors on a sheet of ice the size of a football pitch, and with a ball not a puck. Unsurprisingly, the countries that win major competitions are generally from the frozen north – Sweden, Finland or Russia.
But when this year’s World Championships take place later this month in Irkutsk in Siberia, there will be a new contender – from Africa. Somalia are not expected to win many games, but they are likely to gain a lot of new friends. BBC News visited Ahmed Hussain Abdi and his teammates at their training base in Borlange, Sweden.
Security Council, Ban deplore Mogadishu bombings, reaffirm resolve to help end al Shabaab threat
02 Jan- Source: UN News Centre- 554 words
Appalled by the deadly bomb attacks carried out in Mogadishu Wednesday, for which Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility, the United Nations Security Council and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underlined their strong resolve to back global efforts aimed at ending the threat posed by the group and to support all measures to restore peace in long-troubled Somalia.
In a statement issued to the press today in New York, the members of the Council deplored the attacks and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. Dozens of people were reportedly killed and injured when two bombs detonated in front of the Jazeera Hotel in the Somali capital. The group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility.
The Council stressed its resolve to continue to support efforts to bring greater peace and stability to Somalia, and “underlined that this, and other deplorable acts of terrorism, would not weaken [its] resolve to support the people of Somalia.”
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Somalia is emerging from conflict, battered and ruined but there is little hope for the future. Somalia is finally being created into a typical African country controlled by Western educated elites and foreign sponsored and trained security forces.”
With Its New Ruling Elite Somalia Has Lost Destiny
02 Jan- Source: The Star (Kenya)1104 Words
Somalia’s unending conflict may finally be waning. Analysts and internationalists are singing odes to a “prosperous Somalia at peace with itself and the world”. The neighbouring countries, IGAD and the United Nations are pleased that they have managed to control the discourse on Somalia. The various interests can now create Somalia in their own image.
To Ethiopia and Kenya, Somalia was the “problem child” of the Horn of Africa. Somalia’s inability to accept partition by the colonial powers created security issues for its neighbours. During the Cold War, Somalia was a strategic asset to the East and the but was controlled by unpredictable tribe that changed its allegiance according to the moods of its dictators and warlords.
To the oil companies, Somalia is full of minerals but too risky to prospect and exploit. Pacifying the Somali beast was a priority for many countries. Finally Somalia seems pacified. Somalia was never a good candidate as an African country.
“The grenade attackers usually claim they are retaliating against Kenya’s military presence in Somalia. Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo said his agents have contained several planned attacks in the past year alone.”
Is security too tall an order for Government as grenades continue to explode?
02 Jan- Source: Standard Media-350 Words
The country’s security agencies continue to face a challenge in addressing increasing incidents of terrorism that have left dozens of people dead and scores wounded. Such incidents happen with few or no arrests, bringing into question the seriousness of the agencies in deterring or addressing insecurity.
The latest and first incident to happen this year was at Tandoori Bar in Diani, Kwale County, where 10 people were injured. Police said the incident occurred at about 3am in the club that is popular with tourists. Seven of the victims had serious injuries, according to police. Police said an unidentified person lobbed the explosive device, believed to be a grenade, into the club before it exploded. Other versions indicated that a bag had been abandoned in the club before its contents went off.
“A new culture of accountability and transparency has to begin now. And you (collectively) are only body that can make the right pick come January 8. Recall your patriotism and vote for change.”
SOMALIA: A Word for Puntland MPs
02 Jan- Source: Raxanreeb-885 Words
This being the last weekend before the Puntland presidential election on January 8, let us tip off the members of parliament. Because only the 66 MPs are to elect the next boss of Puntland, it is our citizenry duty to have them briefed of our current mood. And the reason for this caution is simple: their votes can inadvertently put the wrong man on top. And because we love Puntland, it is our obligation to forewarn the MPs of imminent dangers and to save the states in the process.
Ladies and gentlemen, you now have secured your seats in parliament. Without a doubt, you fought hard to get there, and we understand it. Similarly, we understand that you owe everything to yourselves—that is why in politics the credit goes to the winner. After all, you may buy the false impression that the journey is over. Far from it. You have to realize that the journey is not over yet. Indeed, your ticket to parliament was just the beginning. One major, decisive day is about to come. On this day, your will and citizenry responsibilities are tested. Your different constituencies, and of course the rest of the country, will be watching you. Simply put, your votes matter more than you can imagine.
Top tweets
@UKinSomalia Roundup of the good stuff that happened in#Somalia in 2013. http://www.somalicurrent.com/
@tresthomas_HOA #Somalia Officials Donate Blood After#Shabaab‘s Jazeera Hotel Attack http://bit.ly/1keEJPC
@Aynte Undated tape of #alShabaab leader Godane condemning takfiri ideology (declaring another Muslim nonbeliever) http://bit.ly/JNfzGT #Somalia
@stability_fund This year #Somalia is the only African country to compete in the Bandy World Championships. Watch the team train: http://bbc.in/1cqtc5C
@harunmaruf Despite New Years day bombing in #Mogadishu, Somali police thwarted more planned al-#Shabab attacks in 2013 than ever b4 – police. #Somalia
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