July 17, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Western oil exploration in Somalia may spark conflict – U.N. report

17 Jul – Source: Reuters – 147 words

Western commercial oil exploration in disputed areas of Somalia and discrepancies over which authorities can issue licenses to companies could spark further conflict in the African nation, U.N. monitors warned in a confidential report.

In the U.N. Monitoring Group’s latest annual report to the Security Council’s sanctions committee on Somalia and Eritrea, the experts said the Somali constitution gives considerable autonomy to regional governments to enter commercial oil deals.

But a petroleum law that has not yet been adopted by the country’s parliament but is being invoked by federal officials in the capital Mogadishu says that the central government can distribute natural resources.

“These inconsistencies, unless resolved, may lead to increased political conflict between federal and regional governments that risk exacerbating clan divisions and therefore threaten peace and security,” the experts group said in an annex to its annual report, which was seen by Reuters.

Key Headlines

Somali Defense Minister travels to Ethiopia (Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/al Shahid)
Western oil exploration in Somalia may spark conflict – U.N. report (Reuters)
Finance Minister says New Deal will succeed by responding to people’s priorities (Office of the Prime Minister)
Former Somali PM disappointed with Qardho riots (Bar-kulan/Hiiraan Online/Radio Mogadishu)
Training course for Somali police officers in Hiiraan (Radio Mogadishu/Raxanreeb)
Ethiopia: WFP distributes cash food rations to Somali refugees (Afrique Jet)
Former Prime Minister: Kenya is not enemy of Somalia (Radio Kulmiye/Jowhar Online/Radio Al Furqaan)
Somali Federal MP commends AMISOM role in Kismayo (Garowe Online)
Kismayo airport comes under attack (Radio Dalsan)

PRESS STATEMENT

Finance Minister says New Deal will succeed by responding to people’s priorities

16 Jul – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 293 words

His Excellency Mohamud Hassan Suleiman, Somali Finance Minister, today said the New Deal would be responding to the Somali people’s priorities as consultations got underway in Mogadishu. “Today I congratulate the Somali government New Deal team under Deputy Minister of Planning Abukar Sheikh Abdi Ibrahim for kicking off public consultations.

The New Deal needs to earn public confidence and what better way than to put the people at the heart of the process,” the minister said. “Today we are speaking to civil society organizations, women’s groups, elders, religious leaders and other groups in Mogadishu to listen to their perspectives. Then we will be going to Baidoa and Garowe. Everywhere we go we will listen to the people’s priorities that will determine government and international donor policies.”

The two-day consultations began today with discussions on the five Peacebuilding and Statebuilding Goals of security, legitimate politics, justice, economic foundations and public services and revenue management. Sessions were also held analysing the causes of conflict, together with discussion about the sources of peace and stability.

Those attending Somalia’s first New Deal consultations said it was a very positive start, taking public policy to the grassroots. Maryam Takhal of the Somali Women Development Centre said: “The most important thing for us is civic education and education for children. Another top priority is social services. It is a disgrace that women in Somalia die giving birth. Access to justice is another area we need to improve dramatically.

As Somalis we need to take a hard look at ourselves in the mirror and adjust our behavior in many ways – from corruption to clannish politics – otherwise whatever the international community does in Somalia will be wasted.”

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali Defense Minister travels to Ethiopia

17 Jul – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/al Shahid – 139 words

Somali Defense Minister Abdihakim Haji Mahmoud Fiqi on Tuesday left the Somali capital, Mogadishu, heading to Addis Ababa, accompanied by commanders of the Somali army.

Somali defense minister told Radio Mogadishu that his visit aimed strengthening relations with Ethiopia. He added that he would discuss during his visit with Ethiopian officials, especially officials of the Ministry of Defense, in cooperation between the two countries on security issues and the fight against terrorism.

Somalia’s defense minister visit to Ethiopia come after the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops on Monday from Baidoa, 250 km southwest of the capital Mogadishu. There were no details on the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from Baidoa by Addis Ababa, which previously announced its intention to withdraw its troops from Somalia, due to economic pressures.

Former Somali PM disappointed with Qardho riots

17 Jul – Source: Bar-kulan/Hiiraan Online/Radio Mogadishu – 140 words

The former Prime Minister of the Somali Transitional Federal government Dr Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gas has expressed his displeasure over the recent riots that had erupted in the northeastern town of Qardho, capital of Karkar region.

Speaking to Radio Mogadishu, a Somali Federal government-run radio station, Dr Abdiweli stated that he is unhappy about the violence in Puntland over the disputed Local Council elections.

The former Prime Minister sent condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the clashes. He called on both of the administration and a local to maintain peace, and take the opportunity now to work together to ensure a democratic process that is peaceful and credible.

At least five people have reportedly been killed, dozen other wounded after local residents clashed with Puntland security forces transporting polling boxes in the northeastern town of Qardho.

Training course for Somali police officers in Hiiraan

17 Jul – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Raxanreeb – 137 words

A training course for Somali police officers opened on Tuesday in Beledweyne, capital of the province of Hiiraan region in central Somalia. The 300 Somali police officers will undergo the training which will provide by Experts from the Somali government and African Union forces (AMISOM).

The governor of Hiiraan province AbdI Farah Laqanyo said in a speech on the occasion of the opening of the training, the training will raise the capacity of police in the province.

He urged the police to benefit from the training provided by experts from the Somali government and African troops in order to ensure security of region. This training is part of a program which aims to strengthen the capacity of the Somali police to enable them to protect the security of society.

Former Prime Minister: Kenya is not enemy of Somalia

17 Jul – Source: Radio Kulmiye/Jowhar Online/Radio Al Furqaan – 137 words

Former Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi said in a statement reported by some local media that Kenya’s security is linked to peace and stability in Somalia, especially the provinces of Jubaland in southern Somalia, pointing out that the security threats in North Eastern Kenya prompted Kenyan authorities to intervene in Somalia.

He added that Kenya is part of the African Union forces (AMISOM) which supports the Somali government. Gedi said that the Kenyan forces in Somalia are fighting in Somalia to defeat al Shabaab terror group and to defend the Somali people.

He denied that Kenya is enemy of Somalia, warning of what he called the distinction between the African Union troops in Somalia, also he criticized the government’s vision towards Kenyan forces in the south of the country.

New health centre for remote Garissa village

17 Jul – Source: Radio Ergo – 220 words

A new health centre built and run by a local organization is set to bring much needed services to the remote village of Diisow, 40kms from Garissa in Northeastern Kenya.

Built by the Pastoralist Girls Initiative at a cost of KES 5m, the centre has three rooms, each with seven beds. It offers maternity services for local women who normally have to give birth at home, in the hands of untrained traditional midwifes, or find money to reach Garissa town.

Fatuma Kinsi Abas, the head of Pastoralist Girls Initiative, said the centre was built as a result of an assessment showing the area had virtually no access to basic health services. “Drugs brought to the village once in a while used to go bad inside some makeshift structures like tents. Women in labour had to be transported to Garissa; some died on the way; others gave birth at home, which is risky,” she said.

Kismayo airport comes under attack

17 Jul – Source: Radio Dalsan – 103 words

News reports from the port town of Kismayo say that the main airport has come under attack on Tuesdayevening which al Shabaab fighters are believed to be behind it. Gun battle could be heard after the attack as the Kenyan Army and the Ras Kamboni forces responded with shelling.

There were no immediate comments from the Kenyan forces and the Ras Kamboni-led administration in Kismayo but local sources said the attack heavily damaged the airport building. The Kenyan Army and the Kismayo administration forces started search operation in search for the groups behind the nightly attack.

Somali Federal MP commends AMISOM role in Kismayo

16 Jul – Source: Garowe Online – 165 words

Somali Federal Member of Parliament Abdi Barre Yusuf Jibril commended the role of African Union Peacekeeping Force AMISOM in the southern Somali port city of Kismayo, Garowe Online reports.

Speaking on Puntland-based independent media MP Abdi Bare said those who claim Kenyan-AMISOM troops to withdraw from Somalia are “al Shabaab remnants” and want to help al Shabaab extremists seize control of Kismayo and Jubaland regions at large.

“I expect that al Shabaab remnants protest against the presence of Kenyan-AMISOM forces in Kismayo, Kenyan troops are part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and if we insist their withdrawal this means, AMISOM should vacate throughout Somalia which, in turn paves the way the sudden return of al Shabaab,” he added.

The MP has talked about Kismayo issues as dozens of Somalis protested in front of the Kenyan embassy in Washington last week by blaming Kenya for “genocide” and that it sided with one of the rival groups in Kismayo, accusations rejected by Kenyan government.

Statement from the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator on the occasion of his first official visit to Somaliland

16 Jul – Source; Somaliland Press – 140 words

“A key priority for the United Nations to better respond to local needs is enhancing collaboration with Somaliland authorities,” United Nations Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator Philippe Lazzarini said during his first official visit to Somaliland.

Lazzarini will meet with His Excellency President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Silanyo and the Ministers of Planning and National Development, Foreign Affairs, Commerce and International Investments and Interior. He will also have discussions with civil society, humanitarian actors and UN personnel.

On his arrival in Hargeisa, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator commended the contribution of the people of Somaliland to maintaining stability and ensuring sustainable development for all – women and men.

“Somaliland is an inspiring example of peace and stability in the region. The United Nations is committed to working with authorities, civil society and communities to build on this progress,” he said.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Ethiopia: WFP distributes cash, food rations to Somali refugees

17 Jul – Source : Afrique Jet – 316 words

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) on Monday said more than 12,000 Somali refugees in Ethiopia are receiving monthly cash entitlements in addition to food rations.

PANA quoted Mr. Abdou Dieng, Country Director for the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in Ethiopia, as saying that the cash allows refugees to have more control in diversifying their diets, and they can buy milk, vegetables or pasta directly from the local market.

He said refugees at Sheddar camp, located outside of Jijiga, the regional capital of the Somali area of Ethiopia, are now receiving a monthly ration of 13.9 kilograms of food, including wheat, rice, pulses, corn-soya blend, oil, sugar and salt as well as a cash allocation of 100 Ethiopian Birr or the equivalent of US$5 per person.

Diane Smith: No relief in refugee camps

17 Jul – Source: Gulf Today – 1270 words

Life for the ethnic minority Bantu people from Somalia has meant a steady stream of danger, whether from armed militiamen, wild animals or disease-infested refugee camps. Children were taught from an early age to survive. When in the path of a lion, stand tall. Don’t panic. Don’t run.

“The danger of Africa, we were prepared for it,” said Ahmed Omar, a Somali Bantu who fled the war-torn country and moved to Fort Worth.

After the State Department began resettling Bantu refugees in America in 1999, dozens of families ended up living at an apartment complex in southeast Fort Worth. But rather than finding peace, they encountered more heartbreak, this time from a predator for which they were unprepared. Last month, Somali refugee Sida Osman — described by all as a charming and happy 5-year-old boy — was beaten to death with a bowling ball.

RCA implements Ramadan seasonal programmes in number of countries

16 Jul – Source: Emirates News Agency – 85 words

The UAE Red Crescent Authority (RCA) has implemented Iftar Projects in Egypt, Ethiopia, Somalia, Senegal, Niger, Sri Lanka and Guinea-Bissau. Iftar Centres in those countries witnessed a huge turnout, where the RCA distributed Ramadan food parcels to underprivileged families experiencing dire circumstances.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Western oil exploration in Somalia may spark conflict – U.N. report

17 Jul – Source: Reuters – 147 words

Mogadishu: Food rations for detainees

16 Jul – Source: ICRC – 261 words

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has made a symbolic gesture to detainees in Somalia by providing them with food rations to mark the holy month of Ramadan.

The rations, containing dates, meat, milk, rice, beans, sugar and tea leaves, were distributed to detainees in Mogadishu, Beledweyne, Baydhabo, Bosaaso, Galkacyo, Garowe and Qardho.

“It’s important that people suffering hardship are not forgotten during Ramadan,” said one detainee. “We are very happy about this gesture from the ICRC.”

In line with its role as a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization, the ICRC visits prisons in south-central Somalia and Puntland to monitor the conditions of detention and the treatment of detainees; it has a particular interest in people who are being held in connection with armed conflict. The ICRC’s findings are communicated to the detaining authorities confidentially. The ICRC also provides direct material assistance whenever required.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“The plain truth of the matter is that by limiting the availability of funds in the hands of criminal gangs, pirates don’t have the capital to invest into future piracy attacks. In other words, the pirates will find themselves hijacked.”

Hijacking the Pirates – asset recovery of piracy ransoms

16 Jul – Source: Arm Blog – 661 Words

One of the less welcome effects of the drop in maritime piracy attacks is that the average ransom has risen by 20% from the 2010 average of US$4million. This, and the recent increased migration of maritime piracy to the West coast of Africa, has resulted in a consequent increase in insurance premiums for shipowners and charterers alike. All is not as we would wish it to be. In the event that a ship is hijacked and ransom negotiated and paid, the buck, so to speak, does not have to stop there.

The development of asset freezing and asset repatriation laws provides a framework for the recovery of payments made by those who fall prey to maritime piracy. The right combination of legal expertise and forensic investigation, combined with cooperation of local law enforcement and relevant regional organisations, means that significant inroads into the reclaiming of ransom payments are now being made. Timing, however, is crucial.

There is a common misunderstanding that asset recovery is dependent on the prosecution of an individual. Through developments in domestic and international law, this, in fact, is not the case.

Top tweets

@amisomsomalia PHOTO OF THE DAY- #AMISOM soldier hands out biscuits to young #Somali children in #BuurH akba http://on.fb.me/QqTSe N w pic.twitter.com/sax8KHOFo N.

@UWT_UK #Ramadhan provisions in #Somalia are ready to be collected by the recipients. pic.twitter.com/qQKGwpR5D t.

@OCHASom Polio campaign continues in #Somalia, latest Humanitarian Bulletin http://bit.ly/1bHy MUF @WH Osom @unicefsom alia http://twitpic.com/d32w1 a.

@gcmcSomal ia #Somalia Kenya: Emergency Humanitarian Response Plan Mid-Year Review http://bit.ly/1aOz MIN #crisismanagemen t.

@FAOcomd ev @techpresi dent #UN using #mobile phones for #food security survey in #DRC and #Somalia aim: 47% of pop have 1 by ’13 http://ow.ly/n0goB.

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Image of the day

Image of the day A group of men and their sons sit on the floor of a mosque in Mogadishu, Somalia, reading from the Quran during the holy month of Ramadan. Photo: AMISOM Facebook.