July 2, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Aid workers kidnapped from Kenya camp ‘free and safe’
03 Jul- Source: BBC- 77 words
Four aid workers kidnapped from a refugee camp in Kenya close to the border with Somalia have been released and are safe, reports say.
A Somali military commander said the four had been freed in a “overnight rescue operation”, Reuters reported.
The foreigners, from Canada, Norway, Pakistan and the Philippines, worked for the Norwegian Refugee Council. A Kenyan driver was killed in the attack.
An NRC spokesman said the council would issue a statement within the hour.
Key Headlines
- Somali forces rescue four aid workers kidnapped in Kenya (Radio Mogadishu/ Midnimo Online/Radio Bar-kulan)
- Allied forces vow to attack rebel positions in Juba regions (Radio Bar-kulan)
- National forces foil attacks against 52nd anniversary in Beled-hawo city (Radio Mogadishu)
- UAE funds helped starving Somalis (National)
- Al Shabaab attack Somali troops in Hudur Bakol state (Shabelle)
- Yemen government alarmed over number of Somali refugees entering its country (Radio Risaala)
- Kenya to use US and UK-trained special forces and rangers to capture Kismayu (East African)
- Obama condemns Garissa attacks (Daily Nation)
PRESS STATEMENT
Somalia’s National Day
30 Jun- Source: U.S Department Of States – 193 words
Hillary Rodham Clinton,
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Somalia as you celebrate your 52nd independence day this July 1.
Over the past year, progress has been made toward stability in Somalia. The Transitional Federal Government and Somalia’s regional governments helped mitigate the effects of drought and famine, improve security and access to assistance for Somalis displaced by the drought and al Shabaab’s violence, and made real political progress to conclude the transitional process. Thanks to the ongoing efforts by the Somali National Security Forces and the African Union Mission in Somalia, Mogadishu and its surrounding areas are largely free from al Shabaab, and its influence in southern and central Somalia is waning.
As you celebrate your Independence Day, know that you have a dedicated partner in the people of the United States. Our support for Somalia and the Somali people will continue beyond the end of the transition. We stand with the people of Somalia on your path toward peace, stability, prosperity.
SOMALI MEDIA
Somali forces rescue four aid workers kidnapped in Kenya
02 Jul- Source: Radio Mogadishu/ Midnimo Online/Radio Bar-kulan- 67 words
Somali government forces have this morning rescued four aid workers who have been kidnapped by militias from the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya on Friday [29 June]. A Somali government military official, Col Abdullahi Moalim, confirmed the rescue of the foreign aid workers following an operation in southern Somalia.
Reports say there was no harm visited upon the captives who are from Canada, Pakistan, Norway and Philippines.
In an exclusive interview with Bar-kulan, a Somali military commander, Gen. Ismail Sahardid said the four who worked for the Norwegian Refugee Council had been freed in a “overnight rescue operation”. He said they also captured three of their kidnappers and killed their accomplice during the rescue operation.
The four were rescued at a place called Ali Gurey, some 45 kilometers from the border town of Dobley, he added. Sahardid said the rescue operation came as a result of what he called “a three day continued operation” along the border with Kenya.
The foreigners, from Canada, Norway, Pakistan and the Philippines, worked for the Norwegian Refugee Council. A Kenyan driver was killed in the attack.
Allied forces vow to attack rebel positions in Juba regions
02 Jul- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 143 words
Allied forces battling al Shabaab militant fighters in Juba regions of southern Somalia have vowed to expand their operations and attack militant held positions in these regions. Speaking to Bar-kulan, the pro-government Raskamboni militia leader Ahmed Mohamed Madobe said plans are now underway to expand their operation against al Shabaab militant group.
Madobe said they will soon capture al Shabaab positions in these regions, adding that they will make sure the militant group is wiped-out of these regions before the end of the current transitional period in the country.
In October last year, allied forces from Somali government, Kenyan troops and Raskambani militia group launched attacks on militant positions in Lower Juba starting with the border town of Dobley and thereby advancing towards Kismayo.
During this operations, several towns were wrested control with the latest being Afmadow just 120 kilometers from the port city of Kismayo.
National forces foil attacks against 52nd anniversary in Beled-hawo city
02 Jul- Source: Radio Mogadishu- 110 words
Somali forces have last night foiled an attack on the celebration of 52ndanniversary of 1st July that was taking place in Beled-hawo city of Gedo region southwest Somalia. The national forces killed one and wounded other fighters of al Qaeda linked group of al Shabaab, district commissioner of Beled-hawo, Adam Barre Ali confirmed to Radio Mogadishu.
The national day was marked in all parts of the country and it is reported that all occasions of 1st July finished successfully and cheerfully as our reporters reported.
Al Shabaab attack Somali troops in Hudur, Bakol state
02 Jul- Source: Shabelle- 105 words
Fighters from the Islamist militants of al Shabaab-linked with al Qaeda have attacked on Monday on Somali government soldiers at a base located near Hudur town, the provincial capital of Bakol region. Locals said al Shabaab agents with rocket propelled grenades and automatic guns mounted heavy attacks against Somali soldiers positioned on the outskirts of Hudur town, causing an unconfirmed loss on both warring sides and nearby civilians.“The fighting was so heavy and blazed on for two-hours with both sides exchanged mortar and artillery fire that could be heard across the city,” said a local resident, adding that he could confirm the exact casualties.
Yemen government alarmed over number of Somali refugees entering its country
02 Jul- Source: Radio Risaala- 130 words
Yemeni government today expressed concerns over the number of Somali refugees crossing into its country and the possibility of al Shabaab operatives sneaking in. Since the merger of al Qaeda and al Shabaab on February, 2012, al Shabaab fighters have being flocking to Yemen to fight alongside their fellow militants.
Yemen hosts a huge number of Somali refugees who fled their country due to constant wars and poverty. On 18th June, a Yemen General, Salem Ali Qoton was killed in the Yemeni capital, Aden in a suicide blast which was suspected to have being carried out by a Somali national.
Ansar al Sharia which has links with al Qaeda has already declared that they have al Shabaab fighters in their ranks. These events have created panic and uneasiness to the huge Somali population living in the country.
Hiiran deputy governor survives assassination attempt
01 Jul- Source: Shabelle- 65 words
Awin Elmi Nur, the deputy governor of Hiiran region for Somali government says he survived narrowly at assassination attempt on his life on Sunday.
Speaking to Shabelle Media via phone, Mr.Nur said that he was attacked by gunmen armed with pistols as he was heading home in central Beledweyne town, but fortunately escaped unharmed from the assassination. The town is under Somali government control.
REGIONAL MEDIA
UAE funds helped starving Somalis
02 Jul- Source: National- 648 words
Last year, as Somalia faced its worst drought in more than 60 years, the UAE was quick to step in with humanitarian aid. The nation’s rulers and residents raised more than Dh162 million in cash through telethons in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, and sent an aid ship carrying more than 400 tonnes of food, clothes and medicines.
A mobile UAE clinic was deployed under government directives. The clinic helped treat nearly 1,000 malnourished patients who were suffering from severe anaemia, urinary tract infections and bladder and respiratory diseases.
Officials from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment worked with the Red Crescent Authority and local aid organisations to distribute 900 tonnes of food and dig more than 60 wells.
Obama condemns Garissa attacks
02 Jul- Source: Daily Nation- 257 words
United States President Barack Obama has condemned Sunday’s terror attacks in Kenya that killed at least 14 and left 66 others seriously injured.
In a statement released Monday by the White House press secretary, the US called for speedy justice on the perpetrators of the recent spate of terror attacks along Kenya’s coastal and the North East regions.
“The attacks on two churches in Garissa follow shortly after the killing of one aid worker and the kidnapping of four others in Dadaab refugee camp this week, as well as an attack on a nightclub in Mombasa last weekend.
“The perpetrators of these attacks have shown no respect for human life and dignity, and must be brought to justice for these heinous acts,” teh statement from White House said.
The statement came moments after a section of Muslims youths in Nairobi reacted angrily to the blasts in Garissa and said the incident was a blot in their image.
Yemen FM receives credentials of Somali Consul to Aden
30 Jun- Source: Yemen News Agency- 58 words
Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi received on Saturday a copy of the credentials of Ahmed Abdi Hassan , the Consul General of the Republic of Somalia in Aden province. In the meeting, the two sides discussed the developments of conditions in Somalia, as well as the relations between the two brotherly countries and ways of boosting them.
Kenya to use US and UK-trained special forces and rangers to capture Kismayu
30 Jun- Source: East African- 619 words
In a recent trip to the warfront in Somalia, we travelled with a military unit that seemed different from the rest of the Kenya Defence Forces troops. They had a hard, professional quality and an air of competence about them that reminded me of what I had read about elite troops like Britain’s SAS and the US Navy Seals who killed Osama bin Laden.
When we tried to enquire who these men were, the military officer babysitting us laughed and said, “They are just like other troops,” a sentiment repeated by his commanding officer when we sat down with him later in the sweltering afternoon at Somali’s Xayo town.
At a time when many Kenyans think that KDF should send every soldier to the warfront and have the troops march to al Shabaab’s bastion in the port city of Kismayu, The EastAfrican can now reveal that the military’s plan is to use a small elite force, in the low hundreds perhaps, for the final onslaught.
The Kenya military will be relying on two elite units, one of “Special Forces” trained and armed by the British and one of “Rangers” trained by the Americans.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Aid workers kidnapped from Kenya camp ‘free and safe’
03 Jul- Source: BBC- 77 words
Four aid workers kidnapped from a refugee camp in Kenya close to the border with Somalia have been released and are safe, reports say. A Somali military commander said the four had been freed in a “overnight rescue operation”, Reuters reported. The foreigners, from Canada, Norway, Pakistan and the Philippines, worked for the Norwegian Refugee Council. A Kenyan driver was killed in the attack. An NRC spokesman said the council would issue a statement within the hour.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“At nights, spotlights would illuminate the black painted anchors with creamy wall in the background. It was just breath-taking. Next to the municipal hall was a building known as Sayyid Bargash with twin eighteen’s century cannons fitted in front of it. Down the road, Secondo Lido, a popular beach accommodated both swimmers as well as football players. My favourite, however, was Lido Beach, a long coastline covered by creamy sand at the eastern edge of the city. Bars, restaurants and other trade outlets filled everywhere.”
When we began: Fond memories of my country
01 June- Source: Africa Review-1935 Words
I read with keen interest a report on Nation Media’s Africa Review – Mogadishu on her mind: A conversation with Rasna Warah (June 2, 2012), by Abdinasir Amin. It was about an exhibition organised by Rasna Warah titled Mogadishu Then and Now. The description of the exhibition and the fact that today is Somalia’s Independence Day threw my memory four decades back.
In my hometown Beledweyne, some 335 km north of Mogadishu, July 1, 1969 was as glamorous as it had been in the previous eight years. It marked the 9th anniversary of the Independence and Unity Day of Somalia, dating back from 1960 (the glorious year of Africa).
Like any other towns in Somalia at the time, my hometown was decorated as per the laws of the day. Walls, especially of the houses facing the main roads, were painted white while Somalia’s distinctive blue flag with a lone white star in the middle was raised above every door and gate.
“When viewing the development of Somalia, in relation to the country’s history of ongoing conflict, it therefore leaves us to consider the perspective that the use of violence is the single factor obstacle to any socio-political and economic progress in Somalia.”
The History of Violence In Somalia: Know the Past, Change the Future
02 July- Source: Harowo-1265 Words
Somalia is a country that inspires images of violence, chaos, disorder and abject poverty. For the past two decades, various clans and sub clans have been dead locked in a violent struggle for power and dominance. The lethal use of force has become the culture in resolving disputes between rival clans, groups and governments. Now current events, such as the al Shabaab threat in the region have further exacerbated the conflict and fuelled the already growing volatile state of Somalia.
This infatuation with violence has been the root cause of the total collapse of all Somali institutions and the human suffering. In addition, any peace talks on the nation’s agenda have been delayed due to the consequent of all this violence. In order to conceptualize this violent reality, it is crucial for the young generation of Somalis to learn the historical conflict, and understand the crippling damage it has brought to a nation.
“Constitutions are the product of negotiations, deals and common understanding where not everyone gets what they want but everybody gets something. Tribal networks and systems make constitutions difficult but it is not impossible. If free and fair elections could be held and an independent judiciary can be established which is selected on its merits by an independent body than maybe there will be some hope.”
Constitution, Tribe and the future of Somali governance
29 June- Source: Wardheernews-1320 Words
I am prompted to write this article by a recent experience in one of the Somali Coffees in Bristol. In a round table discussion that enticed me initially, I took my place among some friends, colleagues and those that I had only had passing acquaintance with.
The topic for discussion was Somali politics of course and been Somali myself and as anxious as anybody else about its progress, I was keen to listen and perhaps, if I felt qualified enough, participate. The topic for discussion that caused the most heated argument and disagreement was that regarding the yet to be affirmed but written constitution.
To make the debate accessible, lively and perhaps more factual a colleague had brought with him a draft copy of the constitution. Although no one read it cover to cover, many points were made by participants that were poorly cited and in some cases totally misunderstood.
“President Sharif has several advantages over other presidential candidates. He is no longer described as inexperienced president; he has nearly four years of presidential experience under his belt; TFG forces have, with the help of AMISOM, kicked Al Shabaab out of Mogadishu, Afgoye and Balca’d whereas Ethiopia’s army forced Al Shabaab militias to flee Beledweyne, Baydhabo and some districts in Gedo region”
Somalia: President Sharif’s re-election chances
01 July- Source: Raxanreeb-468 Words
The list of presidential candidates for Somalia’s post- August 2012 presidency is growing. Twenty years ago this time Somalia was in headlines and on prime time TV news because of famine in southern Somalia. Notwithstanding political and security challenges Somalia is facing, efforts to end transitional government and replace it with a permanent government is even backed by Somaliland administration whose president, Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo, met president Sharif Ahmed of Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in Dubai a few days ago.
President Sharif Ahmed is a contender for the presidency. The new parliament to be formed will have Members of Parliament ( MPs) half the number of MPs in the outgoing parliament, depriving of president Sharif of the privilege he enjoyed as leader of the former Alliance for the Reliberation of Somalia (ARS) when his group was given the same number of MPs as TFG’s after ARS and the TFG signed agreement in 2008 in Djibouti.
Top tweets
@t_mcconnell An usually swift & happy ending to a #Somaliakidnapping ordeal: 4 foreign aid workers, seized in Dadaab on Friday, rescued today
@Moadow The porous # Kenyan border and corrupt officials who take bribes from even would- be bombers make a mockery of its operation in #Somalia.
@Semhar So impressed! #Somalia #diaspora youth walked 18 MILES to raise $ for @Teach_Somalia! The least we can do is donate $5. http://tinyurl.com/7xczda2
@icrc_uk Poor rains and conflict make food situation still difficult in #Somalia a year after crisis #ICRC warns (from Friday) http://bit.ly/NKkkN0
@BillaoJournal Al-Kataib Media has released a new documentary entitled: “Under the Shade of Shari’ah” #Shabaab#alShabaab #HSM #Somalia #jihad
@BillaoJournal Note reasons given for foreign fighters deserting #Shabaab to return to #Kenya – money, food, equipment. Still need to defeat the ideology!
Image of the day
Somalis in Nairobi celebrate the 1st July Independence Day in Nairobi, Kenya. Photo: Radio Mogadishu.