July 17, 2015 | Daily Monitoring Report
Somali President Extends Eid Message To Somalis
17 July – Source: Goobjoog News – 223 Words
Somali leaders have sent messages of happiness and congratulations to all Somali people wherever they are around the world on celebrating the Eid Ul-fitri on Friday. Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud congratulated all Muslims, specifically citizens of Somalia wherever they on this auspicious occasion of Eid Ul-fitri. ‘I implore Allah to accept the prayers of the millions of Muslims and the fasting they performed during the holy month Ramadan” he said. While thanking Allah for peace, security and prosperity in the country, the president also entreated Allah to guide the nation during the coming years.
“The month of Ramadan is a month of rekindled love and affection for mankind. Therefore, as the Somalis celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr to mark the end of the holy month, I wish them a peaceful and joyous Eid-ul-Fitr,” he added. Muslims in Somalia are celebrating Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. People are encouraged to forgive and wish each other a happy, peaceful and prosperous year. Somali government officials have also taken part in mass prayers held in Isbahaysiga Mosque of the capital Mogadishu. Families traditionally buy new clothes and prepare sweets to give out to relatives and neighbors while adults give money to children.
Key Headlines
- Somali President Extends Eid Message To Somalis (Goobjoog News)
- The US Government Joins The International Effort to Combat Piracy Off The Coast Of Somalia (Mustaqbal Radio)
- Information Minister: “Somali People Demonstrated A Conclusive Rejection Of Violence And Intimidation By Extremists.” (Goobjoog News
- Full-fledged UN Peacekeeping Mission In Somalia Would Be ‘High-risk Undertaking’ Security Council Told (UN News Centre)
- Hargeisa: Inside Somaliland’s Would-be Capital City (CNN)
- Investing In Post-War Somalia To Advance US Strategic Interests (The Hill)
PRESS STATEMENT
AU Special Representative Sends Best Wishes To The People Of Somalia On The Occasion Of Eid ul Fitr
17 July – Source: AMISOM – 134 Words
The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia Ambassador Maman Sidikou has sent best wishes to the people of Somalia as they celebrate Eid ul Fitr. Ambassador Sidikou congratulates the Somali people upon successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan, the period of prayer, sacrifice and soul searching. “It is with great pleasure that I wish Eid Mubarak to our Somali brothers and sisters on this occassion. May the spirit of reconciliation, peace and sacrifice upheld during the holy month extend to the rest of your lives and manifest itself further in the pursuit for peace in Somalia,” said Ambassador Sidikou. He also commended the various Somali security institutions who have worked together with the African Union forces to ensure that the holy month was largely peaceful.
UN Special Representative For Somalia On The Occasion Of Eid-ul-Fitr
17 July – Source: UNSOM – 93 Words
Mogadishu, 16 July 2015 – The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG) Nicholas Kay extends his heartfelt greetings to Somali people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. “I convey to all Somalis and their families Eid Mubarak, as they gather to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr. As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, we remember those that are less fortunate than ourselves. I hope that peace and security will prevail across Somalia during this festive time. Ciid Wanaagsan!” SRSG Kay said.
NATIONAL MEDIA
The US Government Joins The International Effort to Combat Piracy Off The Coast Of Somalia
17 July – Source: Mustaqbal Radio – 105 Words
Over 80 countries and international organizations met at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City during the beginning of July to discuss piracy off the coast of Somalia. Contact Group, an international organization which played a key role in the meeting talked about the difficulties and challenges of countering piracy, both at sea and on land in Somalia. Although the US has been supporting the efforts against piracy behind scenes, it has officially confirmed that it is joining the group of countries in the fight against piracy in the Indian Ocean. In addition, Seychelles has been named the new chair for these group of countries, taking over from the European Union.
Information Minister: “Somali People Demonstrated A Conclusive Rejection Of Violence And Intimidation By Extremists.”
17 July – Source: Goobjoog News – 859 Words
Mohamed Abdi Hayir (Mareye), the Minister of Information, Culture & Tourism sent his best wishes to the Somali people and to fellow Muslims around the world at the time of Eid al-Fitr. The Minister said that “during the Holy Month of Ramadan the Somali people demonstrated hope, resilience, charitable acts for the poor and a conclusive rejection of violence and intimidation by extremists.” HE Mohamed Abdi Hayir (Mareye), the Minister of Information spoke in detail on the Holy Month of Ramadan in the capital, Mogadishu: “During the period of Ramadan there were considerably fewer attacks in Mogadishu than in 2014, with many attacks being foiled by security forces and many other attacks being ineffective. But that is not to ignore the fact that al-Shabaab did, on a few occasions, succeed in their unholy aim of bringing death and destruction to the capital during the Holy Month. We must recognize that the threat has not yet disappeared, it has only decreased, and that we all, the government, the security forces and the people, must remain vigilant at all times.”
Minister Mohamed Abdi Hayir (Mareye), the Minister of Information continued: “I would highlight two aspects of the Holy Month that particularly stood out to me: the first is the manner in which people supported each other by providing food aid and assistance to those in need. Ramadan is a month of solidarity, helping each other, and the lost sense of generosity has been revived. I saw numerous Somalis behaving with compassion towards others as they assisted much needier people, showing compassion to that person. Our friends and partners from Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Djibouti, Turkey, UAE and others also distributed food aid to the regions of Somalia. The support from our friends and allies gives us hope, determination and a sense of togetherness. I hope that they will continue their generosity to the needy people after Ramadan and beyond. “The other aspect is the resilience of the people. I think of the director of the Banadiir Regional Administration neighborhood Watch programme, Abdulhakim Mohammed Hadi, after his car was destroyed by a bomb meant for him. He got a lift to work the following day and was back at his desk as if nothing had happened. I also think of my colleague, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources His Excellency Mohamed Omar Aymoy, caught up in the attack on the Weheliye Hotel: he grabbed a weapon and joined the fight against the attackers. In difficult times, we have consistently proved that we have the resolve to overcome the terrorist threat.” HE Mareye, the Minister of Information commented on events outside the capital: “Al-Shabaab’s attempts to obstruct progress extended into the other parts of the country and across the borders into the territory of our neighbours. I take this opportunity to thank the contribution made by our African brothers and donor countries who serve as part of AMISOM. Some of them have made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of protecting freedom in Somalia and we salute that sacrifice. We also send our condolences to our neighbour, Kenya, who have also felt the pain of terrorist attacks during the Holy Month of Ramadan, and we continue to work closely with them to find ways to limit the destructive ambitions of al-Shabaab.”
The Minister of Information commented on the reality behind Al-Shabaab’s apparent strategy: “My ministry, in close consultation with the security institutions and forces and with other ministries, has analysed the events of the last month: intelligence, media reports, and statistics. Al-Shabaab’s attacks in Mogadishu failed to even dent the resolve of the people. Its attacks outside the capital have accelerated planned joint operations between the Somali National Forces and AMISOM to clear the remaining pockets of al-Shabaab resistance in the countryside. Al-Shabaab time is going to be a history, now they are acting without an aim, without leadership. They tried to attack everything – and have achieved nothing.” HE the Minister of Information concluded: “The Federal Government of Somalia with the support of AMISOM will increase security operations with a view to recapture on all the areas that they are hiding and planning all their violence and destruction attacks to civilians in order to eliminate all threats posed by terrorists. I conclude, though, by focusing on a positive. Other than the bravery and the resilience of both the security forces and the people in the face of grave danger, I have been most inspired by a campaign that is being fought on a different battleground: on social media. Throughout Ramadan, at first scattered amongst exaggerated reports of Al-Shabaab atrocities, then in equal numbers and then finally drowning out the hysterical negativity, I noticed numerous messages of happiness, of hope and of peace. Most striking to me was a series of images posted throughout the Holy Month on Twitter by @MogadishuImages: people on the beach or dancing, beautiful buildings, shops full of Iftar foodstuffs, stunning sunsets, men at work, children in school. It is easy to forget the beauty of our country and our people but, during this period of contemplation, these images remind us of what our struggle is about: the future.”
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Full-fledged UN Peacekeeping Mission In Somalia Would Be ‘High-risk Undertaking,’ Security Council Told
16 July – Source: UN News Centre – 470 Words
A United Nations peacekeeping mission in Somalia would be a “high-risk undertaking,” considering the threats posed by Al-Shabaab militants and despite advances made by the African Union Mission in the country (AMISOM), a senior UN official told the Security Council today. “Progress would not have been possible without the continuing sacrifices of AMISOM troops and the Somali National Army. Their heroism deserves our collective tribute,” said Edmond Mulet, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, attributing the significant gains made against Al Shabaab to a surge of AMISOM military personnel and to the logistical support package for the Somali National Army. “However, in the face of these advances, A1 Shabaab continued to adapt, launching asymmetric attacks and blocking access to some of the newly recovered areas. It also expanded its presence in Puntland and became a more significant threat within the sub-region,” warned Mr. Mulet.
Underlining the importance of the extension of State authority throughout the Somali territory, the Assistant Secretary-General said that the international community should engage in Somalia in accordance with the new federal map. The recommended strategy was designed to create an enabling environment for the political process to unfold in Mogadishu and the regions during the next critical 18 months, and would be guided by three interlocking objectives: enabling the political process at all levels; reinitiating offensive operations against Al-Shabaab strongholds as soon as possible; and enabling consolidation efforts. Those objectives, he said, required strong commitments from all partners, including the Somali Federal Government, the African Union, troop-contributing countries and the United Nations.
OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE
“There’s a buzz about Hargeisa that’s unencumbered by the stigma of being ‘Somalia’ and ‘an unsafe place to visit’ as preconceived by many people,” said Mark Rowlatt, a 56-year-old traveler passing through Somaliland during a world tour.”
Hargeisa: Inside Somaliland’s Would-be Capital City
16 July – Source: CNN – 909 Words
You may well not have heard of Hargeisa. This could have something to do with it being the capital city of a country that in the eyes of the rest of the world doesn’t exist: Somaliland. The international community hasn’t recognized this would-be nation-state since it claimed independence from Somalia to its south in 1991. But Hargeisa’s boisterous, welcoming inhabitants don’t let global politics get them down. Their sun-blasted city is reinventing itself with or without international recognition. Hence the colorful contrasts among its 800,000 residents. Donkey carts jostle for road space with smart 4x4s. Noisy telecommunication stores burst with activity one moment then empty in response to the call to prayer from mosques the next. Goats and sheep share streets with Somaliland woman in bright kaftan dresses, clan elders, businessmen and trendy teenagers from the diaspora. “There’s a buzz about Hargeisa that’s unencumbered by the stigma of being ‘Somalia’ and ‘an unsafe place to visit’ as preconceived by many people,” said Mark Rowlatt, a 56-year-old traveler passing through Somaliland during a world tour.
It’s a city in flux, where formal Islamic culture — many women are veiled, and alcohol is prohibited — exists alongside a mishmash of chaotic street market commerce and more modern glass-fronted office buildings, trendy cafes and air-conditioned gyms. And what this young city lacks in striking historical architecture it makes up for in ambiance and a sense of exploration. The central market below the main thoroughfare of Independence Road contains a warren of tight lanes hiding everything from perfume, clothes and electronic goods to tinned foods, fruits, vegetables and pyramids of dazzlingly colored spices.Turn one corner and your nose first lets you know about the tight walkway flanked on both sides by tables covered in mounds of fresh red meat among which women squat and swish away flies. On the southeastern outskirts is the open-air livestock market, where every day hundreds of camels, goats and sheep are traded. Behind frothing male camels squaring off to each other, silhouetted in the distance are two adjacent triangular mountains, the so-called breasts of Sheba. Fish fans are well catered for with Somaliland’s 850 kilometers of coastline providing ample stock to Hargeisa’s restaurants. A generous portion of fish steak and rice goes for about $3 — best enjoyed with the spicy red powder locals like to have with it.
“As the security situation in Somalia improves, industries that have been hamstrung by violence and lack of governance will reappear in force. Fishing has historically been a major source of livelihood for Somalis, but without a coast guard to patrol the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), piracy and illegal fishing present major obstacles. An industry analysis conducted by Shuraako in 2013 conservatively estimated Somalia’s potential yearly sustainable catch to be 40,000 metric tons; from 1997-2006, Somali fishermen caught only 550 metric tons a year—barely one percent of its sustainable potential. Once our government has the capacity to protect its waters and establish a regulatory framework for the industry, Somalia’s coastline—the longest on the continent—will be ripe for investment and development.”
Investing In Post-War Somalia To Advance US Strategic Interests
16 July – Source: The Hill – 628 Words
The right time for the United States to invest in Somalia’s future is now. Somalia is turning the corner after decades of violence and has a lot to offer the United States economically and strategically, but the country first needs investment and support to explore those opportunities and find its footing. As U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry noted in May 5, 2015 visit to Mogadishu: Somalia’s return to effective government is an historic opportunity for everybody to push back extremism and to empower people in a whole country to be able to live on the promise of their country.
My country has made tremendous progress in its struggle against Al Shabaab. In June 2015, Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke announced that the Federal Government of Somalia now controls more than eighty percent of the country—an achievement that would not have been possible without the assistance of U.S. intelligence and drone strikes, as well as African Union forces. Now, we face the tremendous challenge of rebuilding a nation torn apart by decades of civil war. The success of the new Somali government’s efforts to create economic opportunity and ratify an inclusive constitution will be just as important as its military victories, and the United States has significant strategic and economic interests in ensuring a prosperous future for the people of Somalia.
As the security situation in Somalia improves, industries that have been hamstrung by violence and lack of governance will reappear in force. Fishing has historically been a major source of livelihood for Somalis, but without a coast guard to patrol the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), piracy and illegal fishing present major obstacles. An industry analysis conducted by Shuraako in 2013 conservatively estimated Somalia’s potential yearly sustainable catch to be 40,000 metric tons; from 1997-2006, Somali fishermen caught only 550 metric tons a year—barely one percent of its sustainable potential. Once our government has the capacity to protect its waters and establish a regulatory framework for the industry, Somalia’s coastline—the longest on the continent—will be ripe for investment and development.
TOP TWEETS
@UKinSomalia: Eid Message from British Ambassador to Somalia @HarrietLMathews
@HodanTV: Eid Mubarak! Watch now @MogadishuSummerHe learns how 2 make #Somalia‘s fave #Eid Treat Halwa!http://bit.ly/1DjKUH5
@UN_Photo: Security Council Considers Situation in Somaliahttp://bit.ly/1HU9XBy #UN
@PressTV: New US drone strike kills 30 in southern Somaliahttp://ptv.io/1unO
@Somalia111: Ciid Wanaagsan. Eid Mubarak. Wishing all a happy and peaceful Eid in #Somalia and around the world.
@Eye_on_Somalia: #goobjoog Residents of Mogadishu are celebrating Eid al-Fitr: All parts of the world especially Somal…http://bit.ly/1V9DSzN #somalia
@NHBranson: Security is one reason #Obama is visiting#Ethiopia: 3rd largest troop contributor to @UNPeacekeeping & hosts #UAVs for recon. over #Somalia
@dronesdefined: Investing in post-war Somalia to advance US strategic interests | TheHill – The Hill (blog) http://ift.tt/1f8CkVK
IMAGE OF THE DAY
Photo: AMISOM