January 5, 2016 | Daily Monitoring Report
SNA and AU Troops In Jubaland To Lead New Offensive Against Al-Shabaab
05 January – Source: Goobjoog News – 276 Words
Ethiopian troops under the framework of AMISOM and Somali National Army are getting ready to launch military offensive against Al-Shabaab in Jubaland regions. The operation being undertaken by AMISOM and SNA troops follows recent successful operations that have seen the militants pushed out of most regions of the country. The operation will ensure that all the remaining areas in Jubaland will be liberated and peace restored, according to AMISOM commanders in the region.
Last Sunday, hundreds of Ethiopian soldiers and their tanks were deployed in Kismayo town as part of the African Union Peacekeeping troops. The deployment of the Ethiopian forces is said to be the replacement of the departed Sierra Leone peacekeepers once based in the port town. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, the Vice President Jubaland administration, said that the troops were deployed in response to a request from the public to assist the administration in restoring peace and stability in the region. Col. Tesfaye, the commander of the Ethiopian troops deployed in the town vowed to help ‘liberate’ the region, through coordination with local forces and AU forces from Kenya and Burundi.
Last year, Jubaland Deputy Vice President Abdullahi Sheikh Osman Fartaag has stated that his administration planned to annihilate Al-Shabaab fighters from all areas under Jubaland State. He said that his regional state was committed to consolidating the war against Al-Shabaab fighters in Middle Juba region. “We were able to eliminate military bases in the region which Al-Shabaab carried out its subversive operations against government in the capital and other regions,” he said. The Jubaland government is facing security challenges from Al-Shabaab despite the group recently losing key towns in southern Somalia.
Key Headlines
- SNA and AU Troops In Jubaland To Lead New Offensive Against Al-Shabaab (Goobjoog News)
- International Airport To Be Inaugurated In Puntland (Villa Puntland)
- Training Workshop For Journalists In Garowe (Goobjoog News)
- A Top Al-Shabaab Leader Surrenders In Kenya (Somali Current)
- Outpouring Tribute For Respected Somali Clan Leader’s Death (Hiiraan Online)
- Twin Cities Somali Community Calling On Young Muslims To Reject Terror Recruitment (KMSP TV)
- Eagan Islamic State Suspect’s Family Against Radicalization Attorney Says (Pioneer Press)
- What The US Suspension Of Drone Operations In Ethiopia Mean For The Somalis (Somali Current)
- Review Dadaab Refugee Camp Detailed In ‘City of Thorns’ Is A World Ripped From The World (LA Times)
NATIONAL MEDIA
International Airport To Be Inaugurated In Puntland
05 January – Source: Villa Puntland – 185 Words
Although the current administration of Puntland is yet to celebrate its second year in office, the first International Airport in Puntland pops up in Bossaso, a port city in the Bari region. The airport with upgraded facility of 2.4 asphalt runway, numerous paved roads and a modernised terminal has been undergoing major works by China owned International company called CCECC.
The President of Puntland State of Somalia, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas is expected to open the airport on 8th February in an inauguration ceremony. Senior Somali politicians including two former Somali prime ministers are believed to attend the historic opening of one of the first mega projects successfully implemented in Somalia following the downfall of the central government in more than two decades back.
Similarly, The President Abdiwali also laid the foundation stone for the second international airport that will open its doors in the state’s administrative capital city of Garowe. Remarkable, the state is experiencing its biggest booms in economic infrastructure in its 17-years of existence as part of the forefront strategies of the current leadership of Puntland.
Training Workshop For Journalists In Garowe
05 January – Source: Goobjoog News – 156 Words
A Training Workshop for Journalists on Personal Safety, Reporting on the New Deal, State-Building and Political Process which jointly organized by Puntland Ministry of Information, Media Association of Puntland (MAP) and UNSOM Strategic Communication and Public Affairs Department was held at UNSOM Compound in Garowe town. Howard Bell, UNSOM Garowe Head of Office, officially opened the training. He noted that the workshop was a great capacity building opportunity for an important sector within Puntland society.
He added that, amongst other things, journalists can play a key role in addressing common misconceptions about subjects of public interest – the Somali New Deal being a leading example. Meanwhile, the Puntland Minister of Information, Mohamud Soocadde, said the training will help journalists to increase their knowledge on their safety, ethics and New Deal process. The Chair Person of Media Association Puntland (MAP) urged participants to apply what they will learn from this training, and thanked UNSOM for its sponsorship.
A Top Al-Shabaab Leader Surrenders In Kenya
04 January – Source: Somali Current – 150 Words
An Al-Shabaab leader has surrendered in Wajir Saturday. Yussuf Maalim Noor also known as Yussuf Nur Aden and Fanah, An Al-Shabaab top commander, surrendered to Kenya security officials in Wajir County through clan elders in Kutulo town in Wajir County. Speaking to a local TV station, Mohamed Sheikh, a senior police superintendent, confirmed the surrender of Maalim on phone saying he was alone and unarmed. He added that he collaborated in providing required information concerning the group’s activities.
According to Kenyan authorities, Mohamed Sheikh was a top commander charged with execution of guerrilla warfare and was an Amniyat operative, the intelligence unit of the group. “Yussuf Maalim Noor will be taken to Garissa town for debriefing by Counter-Terrorism and Intelligence service officials,” an official has said. According to intelligence reports, Yussuf Maalim Noor is cooperating well with government officials and has provided critical information that help in Kenya’s war on terrorism.
Outpouring Tribute For Respected Somali Clan Leader’s Death
04 January – Source: Hiiraan Online – 385 Words
Somali communities around the world united in an outpouring tribute for the tragic sudden death of one of Somalia’s most respected clan leaders who died in the central Somali town of Belet Weyne on Sunday. Ugas Abdirahman Ugas Khalif, the chieftain of of Hawadle clan has died after sudden illness at his home in Belet Weyne, the provincial capital of Hiiraan region. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who led the mourning called him a ‘figure of peace’ and a driving force of reconciliations who will dearly be missed by Somalis around the world.
Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke has also reacted to the news of Mr. Khalif’s death, saying that Somalis had lost a great leader of peace and reconciliation and that Somalis would always remember his ‘outstanding contributions to the peace. Social media has also been filled with tributes, images and prayers mourning for the chieftain’s death, calling him a ‘great figure’. Born in Bulla-burte town in 1957, Mr. Khalif has graduated from a primary school in his hometown in 1973 before he moved to Jowhar town in Middle Shabelle region for Middle School studies.
He graduated from the Somali National University in 1982, before he started an internship work at the ministry of animal husbandry in Balad town, 30km north of Mogadishu before he was picked as the coordinator of the ministry’s operations, a position he held from 1984-1991. He also worked as the head of the Pan-Africa project for Polioencephalomalacia in cows’ eradication project from 1989-1991.
During his professional career, Mr. Khalif has also worked for OXFAM Base and Italian aid organization TRE NOVE before he was inaugurated as a clan leader in 2001, replacing his father who died in the same year. He held the position for 15 years before his sudden death on Sunday. He is survived by two girls and a wife. He’s considered to be one of the few educated clan leaders in Somalia where clan leaders are elected because of their wisdom and intellect. His death has also led to an outpouring of tributes on social media, as thousands took to the social media, calling him a ‘leader’ for all Somalis, not just for his clan. “Sad, we lost one of the most wonderful leaders of our time.” tweeted Mohamed Ali, a former colleague of Mr. Khalif.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Twin Cities Somali Community Calling On Young Muslims To Reject Terror Recruitment
04 January – Source: KMSP TV – 272 Words
There are major concerns in the Somali community over a terror recruitment video released by al-Shabaab. The video specifically references the Twin Cities and young men who have left Minnesota to fight for terror groups. A task force met with members of the community on Monday to discuss these fears, where they condemned the video and called on young Muslims to do the same.
In a war of conflicting messages tangled in a web of religion, it’s this simple, straightforward plea that Muslim leaders hope will stick: “We call on the Muslim youth to reject the trap of being lured or recruited by extremist groups like al-Shabaab,” community member Farhio Khalif said. But what they’re up against is a polished, sophisticated message that sells a dream. And in their latest video, al-Shabaab makes a point to show off the Minnesota men who bought in. At nearly an hour long, the video paints a fateful picture of terror.
But among the many contradictions is the fact that most of those depicted are long dead. “The danger is there. And with young kids, when they access this kind of video when there are no parents around, it is very dangerous,” one woman said. Parents and community leaders know what they’re up against. And to fight back they need a message that’s also unified and convincing — a message that’s shaped by after-school programs, youth outreach and resources that so far don’t exist. “What we need to have is what exists or is available in every other community. We don’t even have a community center for the Somali American community,” community leader Abdi Bihi said.
Eagan Islamic State Suspect’s Family Against Radicalization, Attorney Says
05 January – Source: Pioneer Press – 790 Words
An Eagan man charged in an alleged international terror plot wants a court to release him to his family, which is involved in preventing radicalization of Somali youth in Minnesota, according to court documents. Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame, 20, was arrested and charged Dec. 9 in federal court with one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and one count of providing such support.
Warsame was the 10th young man from Minnesota’s Somali community to be charged since April with terrorism-related counts accusing them of plotting to travel to Syria to join the Islamic State group. Prosecutors allege that Warsame played a leadership role in a group of young men plotting to join the terrorist organization. U.S. Magistrate Becky Thorson ordered Dec. 23 that Warsame be held without bail.
Warsame’s attorney, Robert Sicoli, filed an appeal to the magistrate’s ruling Dec. 31, requesting that Warsame be released on bond to his mother’s custody in Eagan, on condition of electronic home monitoring. Warsame’s mother and other family members are heavily involved in the local anti-radicalization effort, and others in the community have assured authorities that he’d be monitored, Sicoli’s motion said.
OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE
“In October 2015, a whistleblower has revealed documents showing the extensive casualties caused by the US drone operations in Somalia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Yemen. Some 2,500 people have been killed by US drone strikes outside the country’s declared war zones since President Barack Obama took office seven years ago, according to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism. The closure of US base in Ethiopia therefore would mean less casualties in what the US army refer to as “targeted killings” overseas.”
What The US Suspension Of Drone Operations In Ethiopia Mean For The Somalis
05 January – Source: Somali Current – 312 Words
The U.S government has shut down its drone operation base in Ethiopia four years after it first set up the base. The Pentagon has reached the decision to close down the operation of the base that is located in Arba Minch, 450 kilometers (280 miles) south of Addis Ababa without giving out any good reason for its closure. David Kennedy, the Spokesman of the U.S embassy in Ethiopia told the press that the base has served out its purpose.
The U.S drone operations in Ethiopia has killed top Al Shabab and Al Qaida operatives in Somalia. The latest high level target was carried out in August 2014 when the leader of Al Shabab Ahmed Godane was killed. “U.S. military personnel are no longer in Arba Minch,” Kennedy said. “In our ongoing bilateral discussions on defenceco-operation, we reached a mutual decision that our presence in Arba Minch is not required at this time.”
In July, US drones reportedly killed two senior leaders of Al-Shabaab, an affiliate of al-Qaeda, in south-west Somalia. However, Ethiopia is not the US drone base. It has another in Djobouti. The only formal base Washington acknowledges in Africa, Camp Lemonnier occupies a part of Djibouti’s main international airport. After more than a decade of operation and numerous drone crashes, Djiboutian authorities worried the unmanned planes posed a danger to civilian air traffic and nearby residences.
“City of Thorns is as much about the rest of us as it is about the refugees it describes. It evolves into a meditation on the war on terror, the European refugee crisis, and corruption in the developing world without ever releasing its tight focus on Dadaab.”
Review Dadaab Refugee Camp, Detailed In ‘City of Thorns,’ Is A World Ripped From The World
04 January – Source: LA Times – 899 Words
The residents of the sprawling Dadaab camp in northern Kenya are living paradoxes: nationals of no nation, refugees who in many cases are also natives — born and raised in a state of anguished waiting. This wasn’t supposed to happen. When Dadaab was established a quarter of a century ago, it was envisioned as a short-term shelter, mostly for Somalis fleeing war and famine. It was not meant to endure for two decades and become home to possibly as many as 600,000 people — though the official count is much smaller.
But a lesson of Ben Rawlence’s magisterial “City of Thorns: Nine Lives in the World’s Largest Refugee Camp” (Picador) is that the multitudes, driven by fear and want, are endowed with their own momentum. Their informal collective power overwhelms institutional designs. As a result, little in Dadaab functions exactly as planned. A regional black-market economy flourishes in the absence of jobs, lynch mobs fill the law enforcement vacuum and the temporary camp appears to grow more permanent by the year.
Rawlence spent about five months there, beginning in 2011, building on six years of research he conducted for Human Rights Watch in the Horn of Africa. His chronicle focuses on the everyday lives of camp residents during a period when international-aid attention shifts to Syria, terrorism seizes Kenya, pressure mounts to close the camp and decisions made in European capitals reverberate down the lines of flimsy tents.
TOP TWEETS
@SagalAshour : The fact that #Somalia is withdrawing it’s diplomatic relation with #Iran for Saud is a step in the wrong direction for our foreign affairs
@Omaar_nor : A compound housing #Turkish nationals near a heavily guarded area #Mogadishu airport attacked by unknown Gunmen in a car. 1 killed. #Somalia
@AmbAmerico : In 2016 we want peace, justice and unity in#Somalia
@Somaliupdate : A statement by #Somalia‘s @mofasomaliasaid “#Somalia government strongly deplores the attack on the#Saudi embassy in #Tehran @SomaliPM
@getu_haile : Ethiopian forces arrive in Kismayu #Somalia…http://fb.me/3JFaRfzFz
@SagalAshour : Why is #Somalia with it’s own peace building issues getting involved in a sectarian war between #Iran and#SaudiArabia @TheVillaSomalia
IMAGE OF THE DAY
On 4 January in Garowe, a Training Workshop for Journalists on Personal Safety, Reporting on the New Deal, State-Building and Political Process which jointly organized by Puntland Ministry of Information, Media Association of Puntland (MAP) and UNSOM Strategic Communication and Public Affairs Department was held at UNSOM Compound.
Photo: UNSOM