July 10, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Somali president holds key meeting with local elders
10 Jul – Source: Hadhwanaag Times – 107 words
The president of Somali Transitional Federal Government Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Monday held key meeting with local elders in Mogadishu. Mr. Ahmed discussed with elders mainly from the Hawiye traditional elders about precipitating in the selection of a body which will then appoint constituent assembly to approve the new constitution of Somalia republic. Elders consisted of 27 members and the president talked about the formation of technical body that will help the precipitation of selecting the national constituent assembly. In the past few months, the president was trying to proceed and succeed the roadmap process so as to country be out of the transition after seven years.
Key Headlines
- Somali president holds key meeting with local elders (Hadhwanaag Times)
- Selection of National Constituent Assembly almost halfway says Constitution Minister ( Bar-kulan/VOA Somali Service)
- UN humanitarian delegation visits central Somalia (Shabelle/Jowhar Online)
- Somali Premier jets in from Italy (Risaala/Radio Mogadishu)
- Kenyan PM urges S. Korea to support peace in Somalia (KBC)
- UN Special Representative for Somalia statement on attempted assassination of Somali journalist(UNPOS)
- Security meeting held in Mogadishu (Radio Kulmiye/Jowhar Online)
- 3 UK Men Due in Court Over Preparing Terrorism (ABC News/AP)
- Djibouti U.S agree to fight terrorism and piracy (Bar-kulan/Horn Cable TV)
- UN Somalia office goes digital (Daily Nation)
PRESS STATEMENT
UN Special Representative for Somalia statement on attempted assassination of Somali journalist
09 Jul – Source: UNPOS – 196 words
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga condemns in the strongest terms the assassination attempt on Abdulkadir Omar Abdulle, a journalist for Universal television, who was seriously injured on Saturday night when he was shot by two unidentified men near his home in the Wadajir district of Mogadishu.
“I call for the Somali authorities to take immediate action and do all that is necessary to conduct a full and independent investigation into this incident and to bring the perpetrators to justice”, SRSG Mahiga said. “Journalists play a critical role in Somali society, especially in this time of political transition. The fundamental right of freedom of expression must be protected.” SRSG Mahiga emphasised. “I pay tribute to the brave Somali journalists who continue to work in incredibly difficult conditions to keep the pressure on these criminal elements trying to intimidate them, and I send my wishes for a quick recovery from his injuries to Mr. Abdulle,” SRSG concluded.
Although security conditions in Mogadishu have improved in recent months, Somalia remains one of the most dangerous places in the world for media professionals, with several serious attacks already taking place this year.
SOMALI MEDIA
Selection of National Constituent Assembly almost halfway, says Constitution Minister
10 Jul – Source: Radio Bar-kulan/VOA Somali Service – 129 words
Somalia’s Constitution and Reconciliation Minister Abdirahman Hosh Jibril has said 40 percent of the national constituent assembly set to vote for the new draft constitution has been selected. Speaking to the VOA, the minister said they are quite optimistic that the remaining members of the constituent assembly will soon be named, urging Somali elders to speed up their selection process.
The minister said the future of the Somali people lies in the hands of these elders who were tasked with selection process, assuring them that they will not be interfered during their selection process. The National Constituent Assembly meeting was scheduled to kick off today but was later rescheduled to till next Thursday. It is not yet clear whether the selection process will be complete in this short timeframe.
Security meeting held in Mogadishu
10 Jul – Source: Radio Kulmiye/Jowhar Online – 149 words
As waves of insecurity is ravaging almost entire country including the capital of Mogadishu, government officials hold a meeting to discuss over the current security issues in Somalia, military commander Gen Abdikarim Yusuf Dhagabadan said.
The leaders said adequate action should be taken by all actors in the government, to ensure the necessary security for the crucial period that the country is witnessing. Security has been one of the top priorities for the transitional federal government TFG and the African Union peacekeepers of AMISOM since al Shabaab militants reiterated from the capital city.
Security operations are being conducted by the Somali government accompanied by the African Union peacekeepers of (AMISOM). Hundreds of suspected al Shabaab fighters have been detained by the security forces in many parts of the capital.
UN humanitarian delegation visits central Somalia
09 Jul – Source: Shabelle/Jowhar Online – 90 words
A high-level delegation led by Mark Bowden, United Nations’ humanitarian coordinator for Somalia is visiting in Somalia’s central town of Dhusamareb controlled by ASWJ, a pro-government militia, reports said on Monday. ASWJ officials confirmed to Shabelle Media station in Mogadishu by phone from the town the arrival of Mark Bowden, in Dhusmareb town. The UN delegation is scheduled to evaluate the scale of the humanitarian crisis in the region. During his stay in the region, Mr. Bowden is also set to hold talks with ASWJ officials.
Police recruitments exercise kicks off in Dusamareb town
10 Jul – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 80 words
Police recruitment exercise has kicked off in central Somali town of Dusamareb to strengthen the force’s capacity in dealing with crime.
Central Somalia regions’ police commander colonel Mohamed Jima’ale Osoble said the move is aimed at recruiting healthy and energetic youths who will be serving their country. Osoble said former police officers who are still capable will also be considered for the recruitment exercise. He further said similar exercises will be conducted in all other district in these regions.
Somali president holds key meeting with local elders
10 Jul – Source: Hadhwanaag Times – 107 words
The president of Somali Transitional Federal Government Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Monday held key meeting with local elders in Mogadishu. Mr. Ahmed discussed with elders mainly from the Hawiye traditional elders about precipitating in the selection of a body which will then appoint constituent assembly to approve the new constitution of Somalia republic. Elders consisted of 27 members and the president talked about the formation of technical body that will help the precipitation of selecting the national constituent assembly. In the past few months, the president was trying to proceed and succeed the roadmap process so as to country be out of the transition after seven years.
Somali Premier jets in from Italy
09 Jul – Source: Radio Risaala/Radio Mogadishu – 190 words
The Somali Prime Minister Dr.Abdiweli Mahamed Ali has returned back to the country from Italy where he attended a conference held by the international contacts group (ICG) on Somali affairs especially on the issues of the roadmap and how to end the transition period.
The premier accompanied by his delegation was welcomed at the international airport of Adan Ade by his deputy, ministers, members of parliament, women lobby groups, offices and a large number of the public. The prime minister briefed the media of his visit to Italy while still at the airport.
“I am overjoyed to return back to my country, I am from Nairobi now and previously went to Italy where I took part in conference organized by the international contacts groups (ICG), we discussed many issues on Somalia especially on the roadmap and how to end the Transition period”.
And lastly, the Prime Minister said the Italy conference organized by ICG discussed on how to support Somalia and how to give humanitarian support to the newly liberated lands from al Shabaab.
Djibouti, U.S agree to fight terrorism and piracy
09 Jul – Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Horn Cable TV – 108 words
Djiboutian president Ismail Omar Guelleh has today held talks with the head of U.S African Command Gen. Carter Ham in Djibouti where they discussed range of issues including the fight against terrorism. The two discussed ways in which Djibouti can play a vital role in stabilizing chaotic Somalia, cooperation in the global fight against terrorism and piracy. Speaking to the press after the meeting, Djiboutian Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamoud Ali Yussuf said the U.S promised to support Djibouti’s role in stabilizing Somalia. Ali said the president Guelleh and General Ham agreed to strengthen their cooperation in the global fight against terrorism and piracy of the coast of Somalia.
Major rift emerges among al Shabaab officials over money
09 Jul – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Somalia Report – 68 words
A major rift over bribe money is brewing between the al Shabaab officers in Hiiraan region in central Somalia. The officers disagreed on the way money will be extorted from the transportation and traders in territories under their control. Some al Shabaab leaders have proposed to reduce the extortion money from the civilians while the others refused. Locals told Radio Mogadishu that the rift has reached the boiling point.
Turkey begins training 120 Somalis in Technical and Trade Innovation
09 Jul – Source: Somaliland Press – 201 words
The Turkish government has formally began training 120 Somali students in a prestige technical institution in the capital Ankara this week. The Somali ambassador to Turkey, Nur Sheikh Hamud Mursal, visited the Erkunt Vocational Center where 111 boys and 9 girls are undergoing Technical and Trades Innovation training.
Somalia is keen on sharing information on human resource needs in the economy and has so far requested assistance in trades, health, security and agriculture sectors. Turkey has offered more than 1,500 scholarships to Somalia in a number of defined sectors where skilled people are desperately needed after twenty years of conflict.
Turkey hopes a better trained workforce more aligned to modern market needs will help strengthen stability in Somalia. Turkey says it will teach the Somali people to be self-reliant in the long term. Ankara government has stressed its bilateral programmes will focus on larger and longer term investments that bear real fruits for the Somali people. Ankara has defended its policy reiterating that Turkey and Somalia’s joint Commitment are made with best endeavours in the spirit of partnership and mutual friendship. It has argued that it has no other motives other than to see Somalia back on its feet.
Somali Lawmakers and ASWJ call for humanitarian assistance in Southwest regions
09 Jul – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Somalia Report – 59 words
Somali parliament members and religious leaders of Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a met in Mogadishu on Monday and called for the aid agencies and the government to deliver relief aid to the residents of Bay, Bakool and Gedo regions. The officials stated that food shortage exist in those areas and humanitarian crises could worsen if immediate relief aid is not delivered to those regions.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Kenyan PM urges S. Korea to support peace in Somalia
10 Jul – Source: KBC – 333 words
Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga urged the Korean government Monday to support the ongoing efforts to restore peace in Somalia and the feuding nations of Sudan.
He asked the visiting South Korean premier Kim Hwang to help the establishment of a legitimate state in war ravaged Somalia to contain the insecurity menace posed by terrorist cells and pirates in the horn of Africa.
“We call upon the south Korea to be steadfast in support for the reconstruction in Somalia and demanding stability and peace in the Sudans” the premier said. He stressed on the need for the two nations to strengthen their ties on security issues to detect and deter any threats posed by terrorist groups and pirates.
UN Somalia office goes digital
09 Jul – Source: Daily Nation – 260 words
The United Nations Political Office for Somalia has revamped its digital presence ahead of the closing of the transitional period in Somalia. UNPOS Public Information Unit, which had been working on a wide-ranging overhaul of the Mission’s online presence, announced on Monday evening that it had established three new digital platforms.
In a statement, the office said the move was in an effort to “increase the scope of our outreach during the critical time leading to the end of the transitional period and beyond.” They can now be reached on the social networking site – Twitter on the handle @UNPOSomalia.
Briton among 133 nabbed in terror swoop in Nairobi
09 Jul – Source: Capital News – 301 words
A Briton and two Pakistanis are among 133 foreigners arrested in Nairobi on Sunday night, for allegedly being in the country illegally, police said. Others are 81 Somalis, 47 Ethiopians and two Sudanese nationals who were picked up from various estates in a security operation mainly targeting foreigners staying in the country illegally.
“The suspects will be arraigned in court later today (Monday),” Police chief for Nairobi Antony Kibuchi said. Kibuchi said they have launched a security operation code-named “Operation Fagia Wageni” (Operation sweep foreigners) targeting those who do not have valid papers.
He said the operation is part of the security measures the government has put in place to suppress terror threats the country is facing. In the latest weeks, Kenya has been hit by a series of terror attacks blamed on the notorious al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab which has set base in neighbouring lawless country Somalia.
US issues fresh travel advisory
09 Jul – Source: Daily Nation – 436 words
The US government has ordered its staff to stay away from North Eastern Province. The advisory comes days after Washington lifted a similar ban for Mombasa and Lamu in Coast Province.
The US embassy in Nairobi on Monday said that a series of terror attacks in the region that borders war-torn Somalia, including twin attacks on churches in Garissa in which 17 people died on July 1, made North Eastern unsafe. While the ban does not affect Americans who are not government employees, the embassy told them it would be risky to visit the area.
“As a result of recent events (attacks) and threats, US Government employees, contractors, grantees, and their dependants are prohibited from travelling to the province, including the cities of El-Wak, Wajir, Garissa, Dadaab, Mandera, and Liboi,” says the embassy dispatch sent to its citizens.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
3 UK Men Due in Court Over Preparing Terrorism
10 Jul – Source: ABC News/AP – 405 words
Three men from central England accused of building an improvised explosive device and making other preparations for a terrorist attack were appearing in court on Tuesday, prosecutors said.
Jewel Uddin, 26, Omar Mohammed Khan, 27, and Mohammed Hasseen, 23, were scheduled to appear at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court after they were charged late Monday. The three are among seven people detained after police stopped a car on a highway in central England on June 30, suspecting it had no insurance.
Home Secretary Theresa May told lawmakers Monday she was confident the Summer Games would be secure, but acknowledged a suspected terrorist had been caught visiting the Olympic park in east London.
The 24-year-old man, who is being held under a form of house arrest and suspected of links to the Somali militant group al Shabaab, traveled to the stadium five times, she said.
EU, China agree to regular defense, security talks
10 Jul – Source: AP – 128 words
The European Union and China say they will begin to hold regular talks on defense and security and are looking at boosting their cooperation on anti-piracy missions off the coast of Somalia.
The agreement was made Tuesday during the third session of the EU-China Strategic Dialogue in Beijing, a two-day forum meant to minimize disputes and deepen ties between China and its biggest trading partner. EU efforts to grapple with its debt crisis were also on the agenda of the two-day talks that kicked off Monday.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“For the most part, Kenya and the AU’s military campaign remains on course to open August’s political stage under a relatively peaceful canopy. One year goes by quickly during counterinsurgency and Nairobi would be foolish to prematurely withdraw, a reaction that nullifies its own sacrifices and undermines Somalia’s security. Services win counterinsurgencies and they require time, patience and efficiency to deliver.”
Kenya Puts Down Roots In Somalia
09 Jul – Source: The Trench Blog – 806 Words
Nairobi’s open-ended commitment in southern Somalia has added new time on its clock. Roughly 40 days before Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) is scheduled to dissolve into a UN-overseen election process, the African Union (AU) absorbed Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) into its regional mission (AMISOM) during a weekend ceremony held in Nairobi. Although informative on a tangible level, the move largely confirms pre-existing speculation over Operation Linda Nchi’s resources and objectives.
A total of 4,664 Kenyan troops were “re-hatted” in AU green, equivalent to the two or three battalions and support units reportedly operating in southern Somalia. Friday’s ceremony, attended by AMISOM’s Lt. General Andrew Gutti and the Chairman of the AU Commission for Somalia, also finalized the intermediate stage of Kenya’s advance towards Kismayo, the main port and final stronghold of al Shabaab.
Since the operation’s launch in October 2011, political and military analysts have expected a merging of Kenyan forces as a precursor to establishing authority under the TFG and AU. Their plan initially appeared to call for a blocking maneuver until fresh AU troops arrived to relieve Nairobi’s military demands, but Kenyan troops were likely earmarked as the reinforcements from the beginning.
“Despite now being part of Amisom, Kenya cannot remain in Somalia indefinitely and ultimately the game plan must include a democratic option that allows Somalis to govern their own country. Initially when KDF went in, the Government was very guarded in responding to questions over the endgame, but it cannot do so any longer. Kenyans have died and been maimed because of the intervention in Somalia and that is a fact.”
Troops cannot stay in Somalia indefinitely
08 July – Source: The Standard – 650 Words
The message coming from the warfront in southern Somalia is that the fall of Kismayu could be imminent. Briefings by the Kenya Defence Forces tend to paint a rosy picture of events at the front of the battle, but it can reasonably be said that KDF forces, alongside Ethiopian and Somali troops and friendly militia are preparing for a decisive battle that should put Amisom in full control of southern Somalia for the first time in years.
This means it is about time that Kenyans began asking what comes afterwards. What plans does Amisom have to stabilise the areas they say have been emptied of the al Shabaab threat?
Top tweets
@UN #Somalia: special message to Somali people on peace process now online: http://bit.ly/MfRyFe. For more updates, follow: @UNPOSomalia.
@BillaoJournal Mark Bowden, #UN humanitarian coordinator for #Somalia will meet with #ASWJ officials during his visit to the region http://bit.ly/L5wHC6.
@FAOemergencies #Somalia | Mortality rates are among highest in the world & fragile gains made could be reversed without contd support http://bit.ly/v9WSMN.
@sirhashim After August elections in #Somalia we will see what is in store for our future. Same old same or brand new promise. We’ll see insha’Allah.
@t_mcconnell In Ras Kamboni, #Somalia, a hand-stitched Somali flag flutters in the breeze http://twitpic.com/a5yl7e.
@KhusaafMan There are a lot of new political parties dat has suddenly sprung up in #Somalia & dat is a good sign, towards#democracy& human right I hope.
Image of the day
A high-level UN delegation led by Mark Bowden, UN humanitarian coordinator for Somalia visits central Somali town of Dhusamareb, Galgadud region. Photo: Radio Mogadishu.