July 20, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Somalia in critical political stage – AU
20 Jul- Source: New Vision- 385 words
The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has said it is satisfied with the firm commitment demonstrated by leaders of transitional federal institutions to end the transition period and usher in a more representative administration.
The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC), Wafula Wamunyinyi said that there was hope that such momentum will be sustained until when the entire transition, that includes drafting and promulgation of a new constitution, comes to an end.
Key Headlines
- The Holy month of Ramadan kicks off (Shabelle/Mareeg Online/Jowhar Online)
- Somalia in critical political stage – AU (New Vision)
- Al Shabaab flee Bur-hakaba town (Radio Bar-kulan)
- Al Shabaab ‘threaten to hit Kenya during Ramadhan’ (Capital News/Africa Review)
- Top finance ministry official killed in Mogadishu (Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Kulmiye)
- National security officials meet in Mogadishu (Radio Mogadishu/Somalia report)
- 20 Somali permanent secretaries graduate at UMI (New Vision)
- UK ambassador to Somalia welcomes efforts to end transition period (Radio Bar-kulan)
- Britain to open consulate general in Hargeisa (Somaliland Press)
- Kenyan hostages held in Somalia say they fear for their lives (Radio Bar-kulan)
- Fragile peace bolsters Somali Olympic hopes (AlJazeera)
- UN warns of humanitarian crisis in Somalia (Presstv)
- Turkey to rebuild Somalia (Anatolia News Agency)
SOMALI MEDIA
The Holy month of Ramadan kicks off
20 Jul- Source: Shabelle/Mareeg Online/Jowhar Online/Radio Mogadishu- 138 words
Somalis began on Friday fasting the first-day of holy month of Ramadan , which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. On sighting of the crescent, in several parts in Somalia, marked that Friday, July 20, is the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan and people fast from dawn to sunset.
Somali People are extending their Ramadan greetings to each other and Muslim Nations on the advent of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the ninth month on the Islamic calendar.
Al Shabaab flee Bur-hakaba town
20 Jul- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 110 words
Al Shabaab militias have reportedly fled Bur-hakaba town on Thursday following reports that TFG troops and their allied Ethiopians were planning an onslaught against the militant group. Locals in the town confirmed to Bar-kulan that militants deserted their bases and fled to Wanlaweyn town, Lower Shabelle region.
Somali and Ethiopian troops left Baidoa town yesterday in effort to attack rebel bases in Bur-hakaba and take over the town from the militants.
Reports say the allied forces are now pitching tents on the outskirt of the town and are expected to roll in any time from now. The allied forces have been vowing to oust the militant rule in the entire region.
Reports of abuse by Somali forces continue in Afgoye
20 Jul- Source: Garowe Online- 260 words
There have been a series of reports of Somali government forces regularly mugging residents of Afgoye, which was recently liberated from al Shabaab, Garowe Online reports. Residents of Afgoye have been reporting that Somali forces stationed in Afgoye have been abusing and robbing civilians daily.
According to local sources in Afgoye, most residents are afraid of reporting abuses committed by Somali forces stationed in Afgoye. Some residents have approached media outlets in Afgoye to shed light on the constant abuses they face, some even reported being robbed in broad daylight.
Top finance ministry official killed in Mogadishu
20 Jul- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Kulmiye/Shabelle-107 words
Somalia’s Finance Ministry Deputy Director has been killed in Mogadishu on Thursday evening by unknown gunmen. Mohamed Ali Hussein was gunned down by assailants armed with pistols near the livestock market after performing evening prayer in a mosque in the area.
Government officials picked the body of the slain deputy director from the crime scene. It is not yet known who the assailants were and what their motive was. Hussein has earlier worked in Central Bank of Somalia as cashier.
No group has claimed the responsibility of the attack, but suspicion is likely to fall on al Shabaab militants and their sympathisers for the killing.
National security officials meet in Mogadishu
19 Jul- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Somalia report- 64 words
A security meeting attended by the Defense Minister Hussein Arab Isse, Internal and National Security Minister Abdisamad Mo’alim Mohamud, Commander in Chief of the National Forces, Chief Commander of the Police Forces, Banadir region governor and other government officials was held in Mogadishu on Wednesday night. The national security leaders discussed the improvement of the national security, especially the secure and safety of Mogadishu.
UK ambassador to Somalia welcomes efforts to end transition period
19 Jul- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 23:35 min
British ambassador to Somalia Matt Baugh has welcomed Somali government efforts to end the transitional period. In an exclusive interview with Bar-kulan Matt Baugh said they are quite optimistic that the set timeline will be met in accordance with the roadmap and by 20 August the transitional period will be over.
Britain to open consulate general in Hargeisa
19 Jul – Source: Somaliland Press – 122 words
The British government this week unveiled its plans to open a consulate general in Hargeisa, capital city of (Self-declared republic of) Somaliland, as it broadens its diplomatic presence in the region. This was announced at the Hargeisa Book Fair exhibition by the visiting British Ambassador to Somalia, Matt Baugh, who said the establishment will mark a new step forward in British-Somaliland relations. The consulate will oversee the delivery and implementation of British interest and development projects in Somaliland, as well promote relations between Hargeisa and British partners.
The office will operate under the British embassy set to be opened in Mogadishu and all diplomatic contacts between Somaliland and Britain will be moved from the current Mission in Addis Ababa to the office of Ambassador Baugh.
Kenyan hostages held in Somalia say they fear for their lives
19 Jul- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 181 words
Two Kenyan aid workers who were kidnapped in central Somalia by notorious Somali pirates a week ago have said they fear for their lives and appealed for help to secure their release.
The two are now being held at Towfiq village near Gara’ad district of Mdug region, according to Saeed Osman Warsame, an employee of Mines Advisory Group (MAG UK) who visited the Kenyan hostages.
Warsame said the pirates holding the two Kenyan threatened to kill them in response to any forceful rescue mission. He added that the pirates demanded unspecified amount of money as ransom from the hostages.
The duo who works for a Swedish group International Aid Services were last week kidnapped by a group of Somali pirates together with a Somali doctor.
A Puntland police officer was killed and two others injured when the pirates engage police escort with brief gun-battle before kidnapping the trio.
The incident occurred less than a week after four foreigners working for the Norwegian Refugee Council were released in southern Somalia following a successful operation by Somali forces three days after their kidnapping.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Somalia in critical political stage – AU
20 Jul- Source: New Vision- 385 words
The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has said it is satisfied with the firm commitment demonstrated by leaders of transitional federal institutions to end the transition period and usher in a more representative administration.
The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC), Wafula Wamunyinyi said that there was hope that such momentum will be sustained until when the entire transition, that includes drafting and promulgation of a new constitution, comes to an end.
Al Shabaab ‘threaten to hit Kenya during Ramadhan’
20 Jul- Source: Capital News/Africa Review- 470 words
Kenyan Police have warned of fresh terror threats from al Shabaab militants who have warned of massive destruction in Kenya during Ramadhan. Nairobi Provincial Police chief Anthony Kibuchi said they had received intelligence reports that the terrorists plan to hit their targets during the Holy Month of Ramadhan.
“Al Shabaab terrorists have issued threats that they will carry out massive destruction during the month of Ramadhan,” Kibuchi said and urged the public to remain vigilant. “Let everybody be extra alert,” he added. A police source told us “security has been intensified mainly in Nairobi, Mombasa and border towns where the terrorists are targeting.”
Security has been intensified in government installations and public places, including hotels, the source added.
Fragile peace bolsters Somali Olympic hopes
19 Jul- Source: Aljazeera- 233 words
For many in Somalia’s war-torn capital, Mogadishu, running was something that was done only when fleeing bullets or exploding shells. But with a relative peace having been restored to the city, the few men and women comprising the Somali Athletics Federation train religiously, holding out hope for a wild-card place in this year’s Olympic Games in London.
During the time of al Shabaab, a Somali Islamic militant group that ruled Mogadishu until African Union forces ousted them last August, runners such as Abdinasir Ibrahim – the Somali 5,000-metre champion – would dash across the front line in order to train, hiding behind moving vehicles as they traversed the conflict.
20 Somali permanent secretaries graduate at UMI
20 Jul- Source: New Vision- 342 words
Uganda Management Institute (UMI) has passed out 20 permanent secretaries from the federal transitional government of Somalia. The graduation was held at the institution’s main campus, in Kampala. Of these graduates, 19 are male and one female. They were awarded certificates in Financial Management and accountability. The two weeks course which began on 2 July, 2012 was funded by the African Development Bank in a bid to rebuild the wrecked civil service of the Horn of Africa country.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
UN warns of humanitarian crisis in Somalia
20 Jul- Source: Press Tv- 274 words
The United Nations has warned that over 2.5 million people in Somalia remain in crisis despite huge global aid efforts and the situation may worsen, barely a year after the UN declared famine in six regions of Somalia.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia Mark Bowden warned that out of 7.5 million people, more than 2.5 million Somalis affected by famine are still in need of more international aid. One year later people are still living in poor conditions and still remain in need of assistance despite a consolidated humanitarian assistance by international organizations and Islamic countries.
Fighting between al Shabaab and government forces with the backing of Ethiopian military and AMISOM forces in South and Central Somalia is a major problem for the famine ravaged people who are forced to flee in fear of being caught up in the endless war.
Conflict and the lack of access to people in need remain major operational challenges and the United Nations adds that a $576 million gap remains. Poor rains are also to blame for the food shortage being experienced in Somalia.
Famine anniversary: Somalis dying on food walks
19 Jul- Source: AP- 919 words
The long, dusty walks from hungry homes to far-away refugee camps are again claiming lives in Somalia one year after up to 100,000 people died in the country’s worst famine in generations. Two lethal factors are again combining to send families fleeing from their homes: Too little rain and too many guns.
Enough rain did fall in Somalia this year to prevent a repeat of last year’s massive famine, but it wasn’t enough to keep everyone fed. In addition, al Shabaab militants who have been forced out of larger cities are infiltrating smaller towns where they are demanding payments from families in money, livestock or children, residents said.
The weekslong walks to refugee camps made by hundreds of thousands of Somalis last year turned sandy paths into roads of death for the famine’s weakest victims. Refugees in Dolo are telling similar heartbreaking tales of weak children being left behind to die. One baby being carried on her mother’s back in recent weeks died during the walk, a doctor said.
Turkey to rebuild Somalia
20 Jul- Source: Anatolia News Agency – 273 words
President of Turkish Red Crescent, Ahmet Lutfi Akar, has said that Turkish Red Crescent would leave Mogadishu after producing impressive works in the city.
MOGADISHU (AA) – July 20, 2012 – President of Turkish Red Crescent, Ahmet Lutfi Akar, has said that Turkish Red Crescent would leave Mogadishu after producing impressive works in the city.
Akar inspected the area of Turkish Foundation and Industrial Vocational High school which the Turkish Red Crescent is going to build in the Abdul Aziz district of Mogadishu. During his visit, he was informed about the project by civil engineer, Semih Tuncer.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Humanitarian funding kicks in once an emergency are declared, while development funding is often insufficiently flexible to enable aid agencies to adapt and respond to early indicators of crisis. Ultimately what we need is long-term programs that shift back and forth between development, disaster risk reduction, early action and emergency response, based on continual situation analysis.”
Why we lose the hunger game
20 July- Source: Sydney Morning Herald-828 Words
A year ago the world woke up to the devastating scale of the food crisis in East Africa – the worst food crisis anywhere in the world in decades. When the crisis reached its peak, in parts of Somalia almost a third of all children were acutely malnourished, and 750,000 people were at risk of starvation.
Since then, one thing that’s been widely acknowledged is that the crisis should never have got so bad. Thanks to sophisticated early warning systems, the international community had the information needed to take cost-effective, preventive action. We could have acted early, and saved lives.
“The sand was covered with boys playing soccer while young girls ran into the crashing waves. The air was warm and the water was cool. Apparently where we stood was once occupied by some of the largest mansions in Mogadishu, and today, it is simply a popular place for recreation. I have no doubt that this could become a big tourism hotspot.”
Mogadishu as Future Tourism Destination?
20 July- Source: Humanitarian Space Blog-256 Words
A lucky aspect of my work in Mogadishu is the ability to travel freely throughout the city. With 16 districts in the city, many of them retain their own unique characteristics either inherited from history or newly developing amidst the current revival of the city. A couple days ago, while meeting with members of the local business community, a successful restaurant owner showed me some of the other ventures he is developing. One in particular had already caught my eye while rolling down the street.
The zebra-stripped facade stands boldly from the ruined landscape. In the neighborhood of Liido, across the street and down a ways from the restaurant Indian Ocean, the Safari Classic Beach Resort is a visionary step toward a future tourism economy. The owner returned two Somalia from many years in Canada in 2009 and said that these days everything is dramatically different.
Somalia: 10 things we’ve learnt this week
19 July- Source: BBC-1367 Words
A leaked UN report on Somalia has alleged that much of the money received by the interim government has been frittered away. The allegations of such high-level corruption have shocked many, with estimates that around 70% of money intended for development and reconstruction in a country racked by 20 years of war was unaccounted for.
The government, whose mandate expires next month, dismissed them as “absolutely and demonstrably false”.
But the 198-page report, published on the Somalia Report website and due to be discussed by the Security Council, contains many other revelations. Here are 10 other things we have learnt:
“The explanation of how so many U.S. dollars are flowing into Somalia’s street-level economy, however, is generally inadequate. Various groups are blamed, from a Turkish diplomatic delegation that handed out $100 notes to refugees to a decision in Mogadishu to pay high-ranking civil servants in greenbacks.”
A Strong Currency in Somalia: How and Why
18 July- Source: Global Policy Journal-589 Words
A thinly-traded currency on the horn of Africa has been getting some attention in the past 100 days. The historically-weak Somali shilling has been fluctuating violently against the dollar, with double-digit swings day-to-day. The trading range for the Somali shilling in recent history has been roughly 8,900 to 41,000 shilling to the dollar.
For instance, on March 7 one dollar bought 25,000 Somali shillings; less than twenty-four hours later, the same dollar (the dollar was stable in this trading period) bought only 19,000 shillings. While the moves in the shilling have been erratic, the trend has been toward a stronger Somali currency.
Top tweets
@Anne_Poulsen Tackling chronic #drought requires short-term aid, but a long-term strategy. #Somalia One Year On via @eu_echo http://bit.ly/MvviHI
@dailynation POLICE: #SOMALIA militia Al-Shabaab warn of terror attacks in #Kenya during the month of #Ramadhan; public urged to remain vigilant
@stenomast As in #Constitution-making proc. #Afghanistan also in #Somalia elders reluctant #gender quota #women participation http://bit.ly/NCET1B
@henruga #Somalia athletes Mohamed and Farah to compete in London #Olympics celebrate their courage and that of #updf who made safe a country lost
@Natasha1024 RT @AJEnglish In Pictures: #Somalia‘s #Olympic hopefuls train under difficult circumstances #London2012 #LondonOlympics http://aje.me/NUmCsn
Image of the day
Kenyan aid workers held hostage by pirates in central Somalia. The aid workers say they fear for their lives. Photo: Radio Bar-Kulan