July 22, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Security alert in Mogadishu as Parliament wraps up 4th session
22 Jul- Source: Radio RBC/Radio Risaala- 167 words
Security is extremely high in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia Tuesday as the country’s Federal Parliament wraps up the 4th session. The Parliament’s 4th session is due to end ahead of the Eidul Fitr holiday, according to the working schedule of the house.
Members of the Parliament were queening to attend an event to mark the end of the 4th session.
The Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Osman Jawari said President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will officially close the 4th session of the parliament.
Hundreds of police, military and intelligence officers were deployed into the main roads in Mogadishu as vehicle and people were denied to use the main road that links the Parliament building to the other parts of the capital.
Police spokesman announced that movement near the Parliament is strictly blocked during today’s event in order to prevent any security threat that al Shabab may pose. The Federal Parliament of Somalia came under attack twice this year which were claimed by al Shabaab fighters.
Key Headlines
- Security alert in Mogadishu as Parliament wraps up 4th session (Radio RBC/Radio Risaala)
- Soldier murder suspects nabbed in Hodan District (Radio Simba/Radio Dalsan)
- Somali security agencies commended for extra Ramadan efforts (Somali Current)
- Somali cabinet discusses emergency response (Radio Mogadishu/SNTV)
- EU delegation arrives in Kismayo for talks with IJA leaders (Radio bar-kulan/RBC)
- Government troops al Shabaab clash near Bardaale (Radio Dalsan)
- Minister of Sea Resources says Somalia’s territorial waters remain unchangeable (Radio RBC)
- Afgoye administration hunts gunmen who killed government soldier (Radio Goobjoog)
- Djibouti’s Internal Security tightened amid Fears of more al Shabaab attacks (Radio Dalsan)
- Grenade explosion in Northern Galkayo kills one soldier (Allpuntland)
- UAE Ambassador hosts Iftar reception for Somali FM (Gulf News)
- Somali telecommunication companies sign agreement (Jowhar Online)
- Government forces battle with al Shabaab in Baidoa (Radio Shabelle)
- Two people killed in yet another gun attack in Mombasa (Standard Media)
- 8 killed in deadly car crash on Garowe-Galkayo highway (Radio Bar-kulan)
- Somali women lobby for more representation (Hiiraan Online)
- Federal Govt mediates between warring militias in Hiiraan (Garowe Online/Universaltv)
- Kismayo’s stunning beach view frontline position (AMISOM)
- Kenya’s airports unsafe warns US (Standard Media)
- Ethiopian FM discusses regional issues with IGAD officials (mfa.gov.et)
- FGM unit set up to stop practice in UK (Guardian)
- Kenya defence Twitter account hacked (BBC)
SOMALI MEDIA
Security alert in Mogadishu as Parliament wraps up 4th session
22 Jul- Source: Radio RBC/Radio Risaala/Wehel Media- 167 words
Security is extremely high in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia Tuesday as the country’s Federal Parliament wraps up the 4th session. The Parliament’s 4th session is due to end ahead of the Eidul Fitr holiday, according to the working schedule of the house.
Members of the Parliament were queening to attend an event to mark the end of the 4th session.
The Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Osman Jawari said President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will officially close the 4th session of the parliament.
Hundreds of police, military and intelligence officers were deployed into the main roads in Mogadishu as vehicle and people were denied to use the main road that links the Parliament building to the other parts of the capital.
Police spokesman announced that movement near the Parliament is strictly blocked during today’s event in order to prevent any security threat that al Shabab may pose. The Federal Parliament of Somalia came under attack twice this year which were claimed by al Shabaab fighters.
Soldier murder suspects nabbed in Hodan District
22 Jul- Source: Radio Simba/Radio Dalsan- 123 words
Security forces apprehended several people suspected to have been behind the killing of a soldier in Mogadishu’s Hodan District on Monday.
This followed after police did security operation in that district. During the security operation movement of people and vehicles was halted and traffic became stand still. Business was also disrupted as police were frisking anyone they suspected. Hodan District Commissioner, Abdulkadir Ali Kulane told media after the operation that many people were caught, even though most of them were released later on for innocence.
He added that at the moment five people are in police custody. He said four of them were suspected to be al Shabaab members. Recently, many soldiers were killed in Mogadishu including unarmed traffic police who were on duty.
Somali security agencies commended for extra Ramadan efforts
22 Jul- Source: Somali Current/Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu- 118 words
The federal government of Somalia has praised the efforts shown by Somali security forces to avert attacks particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking during a press conference the deputy minister for water transport Mohamud Olow Barre has commended the role Somali police and national intelligence has played to preempt al Shabaab militant group attacks during the holy month of Ramadan.
He said the Somali security agencies have proved that their are capable of maintaining peace and order in the country. The government stepped up security in the capital following al Shabaab threat to carry out several sophisticated attacks in the capital especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
Somali cabinet discusses emergency response
22 Jul – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV – 85 words
The weekly Somali cabinet meeting has discussed emergency response and the new deal. Somali PM Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed has listened suggestions from the two different committees tasked on the two issues above while urging the Somali Diaspora and the international community to help the famine affected victims in the country.
Speaking to the media after the meeting government spokesman Ridwan Hajji has said the cabinet has agreed to fasten the content of the so called new deal which was agreed in Brussels on September 2013.
EU delegation arrives in Kismayo for talks with IJA leaders
22 Jul- Source: Radio bar-kulan/RBC/Somali Current- 73 words
A delegation from European Union on Tuesday morning arrived in Kismayo, the administrative capital of Interim Jubba Administration. The delegation was received at the airport by officials from Interim Jubba Administration according to Bar-kulan correspondent in the region.
The EU delegation is expected to hold talks with Interim Jubba Administration officials including its leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe on wide range of issues.
Government troops, al Shabaab clash near Bardaale
22 Jul- Source: Radio Dalsan- 83 words
Al Shabaab and government troops clashed at Toos Weyne near Bardaale on Monday. According to Radio Dalsan’s Bay Bay Region reporter, the fighting erupted after al Shabaab attacked bases manned by the government forces in that area. The fighting was also taken part by fighter jets of KDF Contingent of AMISOM who were striking and were assisting the government troops. So far, there are no confirmations regarding the casualty figures. Many civilians were displaced by recurrent clashes like this in the area in the last few days.
Minister of Sea Resources says, Somalia’s territorial waters remain unchangeable
22 Jul- Source: Radio RBC- 235 words
The Minister of Fisheries and Sea Resources of the Federal Government of Somalia Mohamud Olow Barrow has rebuffed media reports and public speculations on the possibility that the current government will endanger the country’s sea resources.
“It is total fabricated false reports that the president of Somalia is on the course to sell Somalia’s sea resources,” the minister said in a press conference. “There is nothing to be sold,” he added.
Mr Barrow defended a recent signed letter by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to the United Nations in which he proclaimed the exclusive economic zone of Somalia in relation to the Somali Maritime Law of 1988 passed by the Somali parliament.
In this letter dated June 30th 2014, President Mohamud stipulated that Somalia has its “Sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing the natural resources, whether living or non-living, of the seabed and subsoil and the superjacent waters, and with regard to other activities for the economic exploration and exploitation of the zone, such as the production of energy from water, currents and winds.”
But Minister Olow said the public got confusion and misinterpretation about President Mohamud’s letter.
“Somalia is not newly born nation, we have been a sovereign state since 1960, so there is no any intention to worry about selling our seas or redefining our borders,” he added.
Afgoye administration hunts gunmen who killed government soldier
22 Jul- Source: Radio Goobjoog- 97 words
The administration of Afgoye district in Lower Shabelle region stated that they are hunting for armed group who shot dead a government soldier in the district. Government forces have been conducting heavy security crackdown in the district since last night to capture the murderers and keep the overall security of the district.
Heavy presence of government forces that terrified the residents were seen patrolling the main streets blocking roads and asking questions to the people. Radio Goobjoog correspondent in Lower Shabelle regions says unspecified number of people were apprehended during the operations whose investigations is now underway.
Djibouti’s Internal Security tightened amid Fears of more al Shabaab attacks
22 Jul- Source: Radio Dalsan/Qurbejoog Online/Somalilandlive/
Security forces in Djibouti tightened security and were alert since the suicide bombing targeting a hotel where tourists ate meals in Djibouti a couple of months ago.
The Djibouti foreign minister, Mohamed Ali Yusuf asserted that local security in Djibouti has been tightened after recent al Shabaab suicide bombing in order to make sure that further terrorist activities are thwarted. He also discussed about a plan in which government is in its final military preparation stages to send extra Djibouti forces to Southern Somalia to encourage support for AMISOM and the peacekeeping operations in their brotherly country of Somalia.
“In the first phase we will send 450 soldiers and the rest, another 500 soldiers will follow in two months time.” The minister said. He added that in total 950 more Djiboutian troops will be sent to Somalia in the next couple of months. Currently, Djibouti contingent of AMISOM is based in Hiiraan Region, Central Somalia.
Grenade explosion in Northern Galkayo kills one soldier
22 Jul- Source: Allpuntland Online/Radio Goobjoog/Puntlandi Online- 126 words
At least one soldier was killed and two others sustained injuries after explosion occurred at a checkpoint where Puntland forces were stationed in Northern Galkayo. The explosion was caused by grenade that was hurled at a checkpoint managed by Puntland forces in Garsoor village.
After the explosion new forces reached the scene and opened gunfire to disperse the large crowd though no casualties reported so far. Individuals suspected of behind the explosion were arrested after explosion. The wounded soldiers were admitted to local hospitals in the district for treatment.
The last few days Puntland forces in Northern Galkayo have been alert after the administration received security warnings that al Shabaab might carry out a major attack its territories.
Government forces battle with al Shabaab in Baidoa
22 Jul- Source: Radio Shabelle- 112 words
Officials say fierce gun battle broke out between Somali National army forces “SNA” and al Qaeda inspired al Shabaab militants in Baidoa, the capital of Bay region.
The deadly battle is said to have erupted after heavily armed fighters from al Shabaab launched an attack on Somali military bases located in Baidoa. The casualties remain unknown.
A witness who asked to be unnamed said that both warring sides used heavy and light weapons during the surprise assault on the military base. Hassan Aadan Noor, a chief of security forces told Radio Shabelle that Government forces repelled al Shabaab attacks.
Somali telecommunication companies sign agreement
22 Jul- Source: Jowhar Online/Somali current/RBC- 115 words
Three main Somali telecommunication companies namely Hormud, Somtel and National link have signed cooperation agreement. The three said in a joint released press conference that the cooperation will pave way for easy communication of their customers across the three networks.
The three have also agreed to form Somali telecommunication company (STC) to urgently implement and facilitate the pact between the telecommunication giants in the country.
It is not clear when exactly the joint service will come into effect however some of the Somali citizens whom the Somali current has contacted for reaction have welcomed the idea saying the agreement was timely and based on the ever changing world of telecommunication.
8 killed in deadly car crash on Garowe-Galkayo highway
22 Jul- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Garowe- 115 words
At least 8 people have been killed and several others injured on Monday night in car crash which occurred at Ilmo-Adeer village, 60 KM out of Garowe, Puntland’s administrative capital. The accident occurred between two cars travelling in the opposite direction on Galkayo-Garowe highway.
Nugal region deputy commissioner Abdullahi Isse told Bar-kulan that Abdishakur Mohamud Gurey, former General-Director of Puntland Agency for Social Welfare was among those killed in the deadly car crash.
He added that Sheikh Ahmed Qorane, one Puntland’s prominent religious scholars also sustained injuries in the crash. Isse said those who injured in the car crash are being treated at Garowe district hospital.
Somali women lobby for more representation
21 Jul Source: Hiiraan Online- 199 words
Women in Somalia say they want to see the country’s constitution clearly mentioning the full rights of women and the exact number of officials they will have in the country’s future governmental institutions.
The agenda was raised in a lengthy meeting held in the capital Mogadishu on Sunday which gathered high profile women including the chairperson of Somali National women’s Association Batuulo Sheik Ahmed Gaballe and female members form Somali parliament.
“We don’t want to be deprived off the rights we have in the country, we need to get enough female representation in the parliament, in the political parties and as well as in the regional autonomies” a statement read to the meeting on Sunday.
Federal Govt mediates between warring militias in Hiiraan
21 Jul – Source: Garowe Online/Universaltv/Somali Channel Tv/SNTV – 111 words
Federal Government of Somalia dispatched ministerial delegation to Hiiraan region of central Somalia in an effort to mediate between two warring clan militias, Garowe Online reports.
A delegation led by Deputy Minister of Interior and Federal Affairs Abdirahman Mohamed Salah has held meeting with prominent elders in Hiiraan regional capital of Beledweyne on Monday to put an end to grudges over farmland in Deefow vicinity.
Salah expressed hope about the ongoing mediation efforts, saying clan elders stood for the conflict ahead of their arrival in Beledweyne.
“Frankly speaking, traditional leaders spoke with us seriously and showed their keenness in putting an end to conflict through dialogue and peaceful means,” he indicated.
The ministerial delegation from Mogadishu will continue their mediation process according to officials. Two armed clan militias clashed in deadly battle over farmland in Deefow.
Kismayo’s stunning beach view frontline position
21 Jul- Source: AMISOM- 487 words
In another world, a beach view location would have been a 5 star tourist hotel raking in millions of dollars but due to Somalia’s prolonged lawlessness, this stunning beachfront location now serves as an AMISOM frontline position in Kismayo jointly manned by Kenya Defense Forces and Sierra Leonean soldiers.
The Kenya Defense Forces along with Jubaland Somali forces captured Kismayu in September 2012 from al Shabaab militants who melted away into remote villages not far away from the port city.
Like a newborn baby, since then the city of Kismayo is slowly opening its eyes to development as aid slowly trickles in and its former inhabitants flock back to rebuild their shattered country, homes and businesses.
Kismayo’s flora and fauna captivates everyone as locals and AMISOM forces a like endlessly talk of its beauty and potential. Tucked away, from the busy streets of Kismayo is a serene discreet hilly area surrounded by trees and mountains along the main road to the Somalia capital city Mogadishu.
An AMISOM detachment jointly manned by Kenyan and Sierra Leonean forces lies somewhere there to provide protection to Kismayu city from the north. The AMISOM base there has two fascinating and yet distinctive compounds.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Kenya’s airports unsafe, warns US
22 Jul- Source: Standard Media- 328 words
A United States aviation agency has designated Kenya as a hostile region for US aircraft in its latest advisory and prohibition notice. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) notice also lists Ethiopia on its full prohibition list and restates Somalia as a no-go area for US aircraft. Analysts say the latest classification is a major blow to efforts by Kenya to convince the US to allow direct flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ( JKIA) to the USA. Only last week, Kenya Airports Authority installed security screening gadgets, passenger handling and general security with the aim of getting the nod from FAA. Transport Cabinet Secretary Eng Michael Kamau said the US Transportation Security Administration is currently doing audits at JKIA in anticipation for winning direct flights to the US. FAA also warns that Ethiopian forces may fire upon aircraft crossing into Ethiopian airspace from north-eastern Kenya.”
UAE Ambassador hosts Iftar reception for Somali FM
22 Jul- Source: Gulf News/WAM- 67 words
Mohammed Ahmed Othman Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to Somalia, held an Iftar reception in honour of Somalia’s foreign minister Abdurrahman Dualeh Beileh at the embassy in the capital Mogadishu. On the occasion Al Hammadi stressed the UAE’s keenness to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and cooperation in various areas of common interest, especially in the field of investment.
Two people killed in yet another gun attack in Mombasa
22 Jul – Source: Standard Media/Daily Nation – 141 words
Two people were on Tuesday morning shot dead in a gun attack at a bar in Majengo area, Mombasa. Two others were rushed to hospital with bullet wounds after the shooting that happened at 4 am after gunmen burst into Sega bar, police said.
The motive of the attack is yet to be known. Mombasa police boss Robert Kitur said investigations into the incident has been launched. He said the attackers seemed to have been out to rob and decided to shoot after they got resistance.
We are still investigating even though on the preliminary this seems to be a botched robbery, said Kitur amid protests from the locals on increasing rate of insecurity.
Mombasa has been the scene of worsening unrest in recent months with a string of shootings and bombings blamed on Somalia’s al Shabaab rebels or local supporters.
Ethiopian FM discusses regional issues with IGAD officials
21 Jul- Source: mfa.gov.et -242 words
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Tedros Adhanom, on Friday (July 18) held discussions with IGAD’s Executive Secretary, Ambassador Mahboub Maalim and IGAD’s Special Envoy to Somalia, Ambassador Mohammed Affey. Ambassador Mahboub raised the issue of regularizing the IGAD Partners Forum (IPF), a group of 26 countries and organizations interested in supporting the initiatives of IGAD. The Executive Secretary expressed his belief that the Forum could facilitate talks in dealing with the region’s issues with the help of the international community. Ambassador Affey, who commended Ethiopia’s role in the Jubaland reconciliation process, briefed Dr. Tedros on the current situation of Somalia, and on the preparations for the forthcoming reconciliation processes in Kismayo and Baidoa. He called up on Ethiopia to continue to support these reconciliation processes.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
FGM unit set up to stop practice in UK
22 Jul: The Guardian- 292 words
Speaking at the Girl Summit – a major international conference in London designed to highlight the issues of FGM and child marriage – the home secretary, Theresa May, said the cross-party unit would help protect thousands of girls across the country. The unit, which could operate in a similar way to the government’s forced marriage unit, has been a key demand of campaigners against FGM. “These measures will ensure that we can maintain the momentum on stamping out these harmful practices,” May said. The home secretary said the government would also strengthen laws around FGM, and would hold parents responsible if their child was a victim of the practice. May also announced a consultation into making it mandatory for professionals to report FGM and said victims going through court cases would be given lifelong anonymity.
Kenya defence Twitter account hacked
21 Jul – Source: BBC – 111 words
The Twitter accounts of the Kenyan defence forces and its spokesman have been hacked by activists protesting about corruption. “All of you who have stolen money #Kenya, we are coming after you,” reads one post.
The hacked posts were signed as being from activist group Anonymous. Kenyan military spokesman Major Emmanuel Chirchir often uses Twitter to give updates of the war against Somalia’s al-Shabab militant group.
The hackers criticised the government of President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying it only protected the interests of the elite and was not doing enough to tackle poachers and drugs traffickers. Col Willy Wesonga said no internal military systems had been infiltrated, reports the AP news agency.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Although the number of kidnapping incidents in Somalia in recent years is reduced in comparison to other extreme-risk destinations, this is assessed to reflect the limited activities of foreign nationals in the country, rather than an absence of threat. Given the ongoing presence of Somali militants and associated instability in the region, further kidnappings for both criminal and political motives should be anticipated in the short- to-medium-term.”
Examining kidnapping and piracy risks in Somalia
21 Jul- Source: Red24-1086 Words
Recent high-profile hostage releases have drawn attention to the persistent threats which kidnap for ransom and extortion (KRE) and piracy pose to individuals and organisations operating in Somalia and its surrounding areas.
Somalia is universally considered a traditional piracy and kidnapping hotspot; however, when compared to other global hotspots, reported incidents of both forms of crime have remained relatively low in recent years.
What are the current risk levels for kidnapping and piracy in Somalia, and does the low incident level indicate a decreased threat or merely an absence of opportunity?
Top tweets
@unicefsomalia #Polio transmission still not yet over in#Somalia. 198 cases so far, 4 of them new @WHOsom
@AnalystSomalia #Mogadishu needs #zoo. This cute monkey and dozen or so others call home few trees in my neighbors’ backyard. pic.twitter.com/q7IsGTOioT
@amisomsomalia VIDEO: #Somali Police Force welcomes new Commissioner http://bit.ly/1p7fuhP
@stability_fund Celebrate #Somali Culture. See our call for concept notes here: Somali – http://www.stabilityfund.so/
@mukhtaryare Twin Cities’ Somali community has lost an esteemed leader and a passionate advocate for Somali families. http://www.minnpost.com/
Image of the day
#SNA & #AMISOM soldiers in an armoured vehicle during a cordon & search operation in Madina area of Wadajir district. Photo: @amisomsomalia