July 29, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Somali Refugees Find an Unlikely Home … In Istanbul

29 Jul- Source: IPS News-942 Words

Among the labyrinth of winding narrow streets just outside a major shopping centre in the Kumkapi neighbourhood of Istanbul is a rundown road, congested with shops and apartments stacked atop one another. Cars somehow manage to come barrelling down the street as people slowly move to the narrow pavement already full of food carts and clothes strewn out on blankets for sale. Trash lazily rolls past groups of men engaged in conversation while sitting on buckets or leaning against shop windows. The area feels oddly serene.

This street is host to a community of African refugees, with the majority comprising Somali natives, and aptly named “Somalia Street”. Through word of mouth and family ties, Somali refugees seek a temporary home in this nook of Istanbul, in order to find some respite from the political and natural disasters that have devastated Somalia for decades.

Istanbul has become a staging post for Somalis hoping to eventually travel on to Australia, Canada or the United States, migration trend watchers say. Because of the constant population flux, it is difficult to estimate the number of refugees actually living on the street at any given moment, but street residents say that there are a few hundred Somalis living there.

Key Headlines

Somali PM Abdiweli appeals for peace during Eid days (Radio Mogadishu/Radio RBC)
Central Somali regions under Ahlu Sunnah observe Eidul fitri (Radio Dalsan/Goobjoog/Shabelle)
Mogadishu residents celebrating joyous occasion on 2nd day of Eid (Radio Shabelle)
6 Somali migrants die in Yemen explosion (Radio Goobjoog)
Alarming malnutrition rates observed in Mogadishu (Radio RBC)
Government Probes Reported Killings of al Shabaab Officials (Radio Dalsan)
Kenya: Westgate Mpeketoni killings suspects held (Star-Kenya)
AMISOM Troops Seize Assorted Weapons Ammunition In Mogadishu (K24 Kenya/NTV Uganda)
Somali Refugees Find an Unlikely Home … In Istanbul (IPS News)
For Somalia “Team Canada” means more money fewer jobs (Toronto Star)

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali PM Abdiweli appeals for peace during Eid days

29 Jul- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio RBC- 249 words

Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed has appealed for Somali people to maintain peace and rebuild the country as the first day of Eidul Fitr starts.

Giving his nation address at the Eidul Fitr occasion in the Villa Somalia on Monday shortly after the Eid Prayers, Prime Minister Abdiweli called on all Somalis to join the peace efforts made by the government and agree to an end of the chronic violence in the country.

“I would say let us take advantage of these valuable days of happiness and celebrations to put our efforts to gain peace and prosperity, and stop violence and let us forgive among us,” he said.

The Prime Minister also called on the fighters of al Shabaab to renounce violence against the people of Somalia and join peaceful ranks as he said the government will have nothing to do with those fully comply with the country’s laws and renounce killing fellow Somalis.

“These are Eid days, they are days of helping each other, we must not forget our brothers and sisters who can not afford anything to eat or drink,” he added calling on the business people to to help the most poor families.

The Prime Minister’s message was the second one during the Ramadan calling on al Shabab fighters to stop killing fellow Somalis as the group maintained its attacks in the capital killing 132 during Ramadan month

Central Somali regions under Ahlu Sunnah observe Eidul fitri

29 Jul- Source: Radio Dalsan/Goobjoog/Shabelle153 Words

Many people in Central Somalia regions under the administration of Ahlu Suna Wal Jamaa who were fasting the first day of Shawal have on Tuesday come out in large numbers to celebrate Eidul fitri. Reports from Dhusamareb, the headquarters of Galgadud region, Guriel, Abudwak and Northern Galkayo state that Muslims gathered in the mosques to mark the important day as they extend special greetings “Eid Mubarak’ to one another- men, women and well clad children were seen in Galgadud region.

The top leaders of Ahlu Suna wal Jamaa in Central Somalia addressing the crowds sent congratulations to the Muslim community all the world on this important occasion they commended the community of the region how they abide their orders and unity they showed. They urged the Somali people to closely work with the administration and spearhead the efforts of maintaining security of the region adding that tribal clashes in the region be stopped without conditions.

Mogadishu residents celebrating joyous occasion on 2nd day of Eid

29 Jul- Source: Radio Shabelle-103 Words

The majority of the population in Mogadishu the capital city of Somalia and towns in other regions are still celebrating the Eid Al-Fitri celebration. The residents in districts of Benadir and other regions of the country have spoken to Radio Shabelle and said that they are fully celebrating the 2nd day of the Eid occasion.

The district commissioners of Benadir regions are taking part in the Eid day celebrations with the residents in their districts in Mogadishu.
Furthermore, news reports from the Puntland, Galmudug, Jubaland and central regions state that the population are also participating in celebrating the 2nd day of the special occasion.

6 Somali migrants die in Yemen explosion

29 Jul – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 116 words

Six Somali nationals are among 48 migrants who died and more than 10 others sustained serious injuries after explosion hit two minibuses they were travelling in the outskirts of Sana’a, the capital of the republic of Yemen on Monday.

The wounded migrants were admitted to the hospitals in Sana’a for treatment, some of them with light injuries were discharged after receiving medical assistance. The real cause of the explosion is not known but rumors are one of the buses was hit with land mine explosion.

To the context the remaining migrants on board of the buses are missing and their whereabouts is not known. The migrants were intending to the cross the kingdom of Saudi Arabia border.

Alarming malnutrition rates observed in Mogadishu

29 Jul- Source: Radio RBC- 183 words

Aid groups in Somalia now say that acute malnutrition and mortality levels surpass emergency thresholds as warnings of possible new famine in the horn of African country alerted already by the aid agencies.

Alarming rates of malnutrition have been observed among displaced communities in Mogadishu, the country’s capital which hosts the highest number off internally displaced families across the nation. According to FSNAU data.

Nutrition assessments in May and June show above emergency levels of malnutrition seven urban towns (Dhobley, Doolow, Dhuusamareeb, Garowe, Gaalkacyo and Kismayo) with the highest deterioration reported in Somalia’s capital city, Mogadishu.

Global acute malnutrition (GAM) levels among the displaced communities in Mogadishu were reported at an alarming 18.9 per cent (the emergency threshold is 15 per cent). The severe acute malnutrition (SAM) rates increased to 5.5 per cent (the emergency threshold is 4.5 per cent). Of the 14 sampled districts in Mogadishu, the highest number of malnutrition cases was recorded in displacement settlements in Wadajir, Hodan district. The nutrition situation is equally alarming in Doolow, where GAM rates are 18.9 per cent and SAM is 4.4 per cent.

Government Probes Reported Killings of al Shabaab Officials

29 Jul- Source: Radio Dalsan- 99 words

Information Minister Mustaf Duhulow told Dalsan Radio that his ministry has received the information that al Shabaab officials exchanged fire in Hiiraan Region and killed each other. He said they are investigating the information and will inform the media when the outcome is ready. This comes at a time when reportedly some members of al Shabaab were killed even though the militant group remained silent about the matter. There is no independent confirmation to this too. However, last year, due to a dispute within the leadership of al Shabaab, prominent figures of the group namely Ibrahim Afghan and Moalim Burhan were killed.

Middle Shabelle administration distribute cash to needy families on Eid

29 Jul- Source: Radio Shabelle- 113 words

The Governor of Middle Shabelle for the Somali Federal Government, Abdi Jinow Alasow says that his administration has distributed cash to hundreds of needy families in the region. Mr. Alasow claimed that in many towns and districts of the Middle Shabelle region, local residents can be seen celebrating the 2nd day of Eid and for that he chose to give out cash disbursements. Jowhar is the provincial capital of the Middle Shabelle region and it is under the control of Somali National Army soldiers and African Union troops.

Puntland Govt committed to’ implementing democracy’-says President

28 Jul – Source: Garowe Online – 133 words

The President of Somalia’s Puntland Government Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas said his administration is committed to realizing working democracy as Puntland people marked the end of fasting month of Ramadan with joyful celebrations, Garowe Online reports.

Addressing thousands of worshipers at Mire Aware stadium in the state capital of Garowe on Monday, Puntland leader disclosed that they will work towards a truly democratic state within Federal republic of Somalia.

“We are committed to implementing democracy here [in Puntland] and Puntland citizens are keen on democratization process,” he went on, emphasizing the need for ingredients key to working democracy.

On security, President Gaas urged locals to cooperate with security agencies on tight security plan since some regions in the country are unable to happily celebrate Eid Al Fitr as a result of threats.

Pirate Chief ‘Afweyne’ charged in Belgium court

28 Jul – Source: Somaliland Sun – 129 words

A former Somali Pirate chief Mohamed Abdi Hassan, aka ‘Afweyne’ or ‘Big Mouth’, has been charged with piracy for the first time, a charge which carries a 20 year prison sentence. Afweyne is said to be behind a kidnapped vessel which a ransom was paid, according to the statement of the charges.

The leader of the Somali pirate group, Afweyne, held a January press conference to declare his retirement from terrorizing the Indian Ocean as one of the Somalia’s most notorious pirates. A year after, the court adjourned to his long-term sentence in late September or in early October.

The important evidence filed against ‘Big Mouth’ during his trial and judgment are among recorded phone calls and surveillance cameras conducted by people that met him from different record numbers.

AMISOM peacekeepers in Baidoa host security meeting

26 Jul- Source: AMISOM-383 Words

In a bid to improve security in Bay and Bakool region and ensure synergy in the ongoing efforts to fight Al-Shabaab terrorists, AMISOM peacekeepers in Baidoa town hosted a high level security meeting with all Somalia security agencies and the civilian administration.
Brigadier General Gebremedhin Fikadu, the AMISOM sector 3 Commander said the meeting comes at an important time when the militant group al Shabaab continue to intimidate and carry out attacks against the civilians.

“This security briefings are very important, we all come together and share information, Fighting al Shabaab is a collective efforts led by Somalis, AMISOM is here to support the Somali administrations fight al Shabaab and we will continue to help our brothers until peace is restored in this country.” said Brig. Fikadu.

AMISOM concludes Nigerian IPOS Induction Training

26 Jul- Source: AMISOM-410 Words

8 women and 15 men from the Nigerian Police Force serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have completed a six day induction course as they begin their tour of duty in Somalia. The six day induction course covered different aspects including knowledge of the mission mandate, Somalia and its culture, humanitarian and international law, civil military co-ordination and dealing with cultural diversity, among others.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the officers’ induction training, the AMISOM Police Commissioner, Mr. Anand Pillay challenged the newly deployed officers to take their role serious and pledged to give them the support they need.

“Wherever you are posted, we will be monitoring and assessing your performance. We will also be providing you with the necessary support from our side at Police Headquarters, to ensure that you are given the necessary support and assistance to perform your duties,” he said.

The Acting Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia Hon. Lydia Wanyoto Mutende reiterated the importance of building the capacity of the Somali government institutions, an aspect key to the AMISOM exit strategy.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Kenya: Westgate, Mpeketoni killings suspects held

29 Jul- Source: Star-Kenya- 376 words

Two terror suspects linked to the Westgate and Mpeketoni attacks have been arrested in Garissa as they crossed over to Somalia. Ahmed Mohamed and Noor Gatut, who are in their mid 40s, are of Somali origin and were arrested by a combined police force drawn from the Rapid Deployment Unit and the CID last Thursday.

The two wanted terror suspects, who had been on detectives’ radar for some time, were arrested after they communicated with their colleagues in Somalia. Investigations told the Star that the two made two calls to al Shabaab commanders in Somalia just before they made it through the Kenya-Somalia border.

A detective assigned for terrorism communication on mobile data said the two had planned and participated in the September 21, 2013 Westgate attack and June 14-15 Mpeketoni killings of more than 100 people.

“We have been chasing these two suspects for long. They first made communication outside Riyadha Mosque in Majengo, Nairobi. Their mobile communication data shows that they participated a lot in Westgate and Mpeketoni attacks,” he said.

AMISOM Troops Seize Assorted Weapons, Ammunition In Mogadishu

29 Jul- Source: K24 Kenya/NTV Uganda 01:58mins

Somalia’s al Shabaab militia were dealt a major blow earlier Monday after AMISOM troops seized an assortment of weapons and ammunition in the capital Mogadishu. They were seized at an auto garage during the raid that was conducted in conjunction with the Somali national army. AMISOM force Commander Lieutenant General Silas Ntigurirwa hailed the seizure as a major gain in the war against terror.

UPDF, AMISOM troops capture al Shabaab weapons

28 Jul- Source: The East African-324 Words

African Union troops from the Ugandan Contingent in Somalia on Monday captured an assortment of weapons and ammunition from al Shabaab insurgents who heightened attacks on key government installations in Mogadishu during the month of Ramadan.

A statement issued by the deputy UPDF spokesperson, Maj. Henry Obbo said the guns were seized at Asuman Atto Garage in Mogadishu during a cordon and search operation conducted on Monday morning.

The AMISOM Force Commander Lt. Gen. Silas Ntigurirwa said in the same statement that the operations were part of the wider effort to improve security in Mogadishu and Somalia in general. The insurgents have attacked Presidential palace and parliament in the last one month, leaving a number of people dead.

“Since we launched operation Eagle, we also launched the cordon and search in Mogadishu which is a bigger activity conducted by AMISOM troops, particularly sector one commander, which is occupied by UPDF forces, jointly, with the Somali National Army, with NISA and Somali people,” he was quoted in a statement.

Sh680bn for 1998 bomb blast victims

28 Jul – Source: Daily Nation – 84 words

An American court has awarded Sh680 billion ($8 billion) to victims of the 1998 attacks on the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. The beneficiaries are all people who were employed by the US government at the time — Kenyans, Tanzanians and Americans.

The victims were represented by, among others, Mr Gavriel Mairone of MM-LAW LLC and Mr William Wheeler of Wheeler & Franks Law Firm LLC. Mr Mairone, in an email interview, said the judgments in the four consolidated cases were made last Friday.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somali Refugees Find an Unlikely Home … In Istanbul

29 Jul- Source: IPS News-942 Words

For Somalia, “Team Canada” means more money, fewer jobs

28 Jul- Source: Toronto Star-1871 Words

The tables start to fill inside the air-conditioned Maka al Mukarama Hotel cafe just before sunset. Hunks of black forest cake and frothy cappuccinos are ordered, as members of Mogadishu’s who’s who exchange nods and handshakes. They keep determinedly coming here even though the hotel has been hit twice by suicide bombers from al Shabaab. Mohamed Ali Nur, arguably Somalia’s most important ambassador, sits at one table in the corner, soon joined by his compatriots. Canadian compatriots, that is.

There’s Abdurahman Hosh Jibril, a longtime Toronto community leader and lawyer who moved back to Somalia to become a member of parliament and political rainmaker. Hassan Abukar, a youth activist who once held a spot on Toronto City Hall’s Youth Committee, has come to his parent’s homeland, as has 20-year-old Ali Liban, who sits behind the hotel front desk in his Blue Jays cap.

When the government here collapsed 23 years ago, hundreds of thousands of Somalis left to seek refuge abroad. Many settled in Canada and much of the money they earned went back to relatives, providing a lifeline for at least 40 per cent of the country.

Gunned down in Mombasa – the clerics that have died

28 Jul – Source: IRIN News – 165 words

More than 21 Islamic clerics have been gunned down in Kenya’s southeastern port city of Mombasa over the past two years, according to the human rights group Haki Africa. All but one of them was linked by the government to terrorism and support for the al-Shabab insurgency in neighboring Somalia.

The Kenyan government has strenuously denied allegations the security forces are involved in extra-judicial killings. Mombasa Country Commissioner Nelson Marwa told IRIN: “It is easy to point fingers, but do they have any evidence?” Human rights groups have called for the killings to be investigated.

Mombasa is fertile recruiting ground for al-Shabab, working through radical mosques and clerics. These leaders portray the conflict across the border as jihad, and for many youth, that has an energizing appeal. “In the competition for followers, the moderates appear to be losing the battle for winning over the youth,” said Hussein Khaled of Haki Africa. “The killing of so-called radical imams is winning them [the militants] sympathy and support.”

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Operating in conflict zones raises serious operational considerations for any organisation, but it is particularly challenging for businesses in the financial services sector, including banks. International banks have no presence in Somalia. Therefore money service businesses (MSBs) are the only safe and transparent way to send money into the country.”

Operating in conflict zones: lessons from a financial institution in Somalia

28 Jul- Source: The Guardian-784 Words

When Sir Paul Collier made reference to a “bottom billion” he shone a much-needed light on a group of small nations largely unnoticed by the west. He argued a bold new plan was required to support these nations. Structuring remittance finance to help sustain and drive development in such emerging and frontier markets should be one of the core policy agendas for a number of international governments.

The transfer of money by expat communities to their families and local communities back home provides a vital lifeline for many of Africa’s more remote regions. To put into context the size and importance of the market, approximately £24bn is sent annually to Africa by its diaspora. For the region as a whole, this is 50% more than net official development assistance. In Somalia, remittances are estimated to account for 50% of its gross national income.

Millions of Somalis – 40% of the population – rely on remittances to support their livelihoods, including paying for food, medicine and education. Remittances provide not only humanitarian support, but contribute to long-term economic development and stability, including the ability to develop, in due course, formal financial systems operating to international standards.

“After two decades of increasing stability, Africa was beginning to shed its reputation as the war-torn continent. There’s a risk of backsliding now, as extremists extend their reach through the region.”

Africa’s deadly insurgencies: Ranking high on the wrong measures

28 Jul- Source: The Economist-473 Words

For years Africa was a backwater for al Qaeda-linked insurgents, but today it is rising axis for extremism. Two African insurgencies now rank among the most dangerous internationally: Boko Haram in Nigeria and Somalia’s al Shabaab. Going by the number of fatalities per attack, Nigeria now has the world’s deadliest insurgency (killing an average 24 people per assault, versus two in Iraq), according to the risk consultancy Maplecroft. Violence has spilt into neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger. In Somalia, al Shabaab has come under pressure from regional African forces, but has responded by striking beyond its borders. Kenya has been particularly hard hit. Since the bloody siege on Westgate Mall in Nairobi, the capital, last year, a series of coastal attacks has cost hundreds of lives and hammered the tourism industry.

Further north countries are still struggling to contain the fallout of the 2011 protests, which left behind a dangerous combination of weak governments and available weapons. Terrorism incidents have doubled in the past year in Libya, where disorganised national forces are battling with power-seeking militias. Those groups have been wreaking chaos in the country since Muammar Qaddafi was overthrown in 2011, with dire economic consequences. And things could get worse. Maplecroft says that the prospect of Libya descending into civil war cannot be ruled out. On July 27th the American embassy evacuated its staff from Tripoli and a vehicle from the British embassy came under attack.

“The sending of US ambassador to Somalia will also depend on how Hassan’s administration and future Somalia governments address corruption in the government, fragmentation of Somalia nation, security, and their intellectual capacity to fight for what is theirs and demand an equal footing. So if anyone tells you that the US government is on the verge to send an ambassador to Somalia anytime soon know is far-fetched.”

US Will Not Send an Ambassador to Somalia Soon

28 Jul- Source: Hiiraan Online-560 Words

In mid-July of this year President Obama accepted the credentials of Somalia’s official Ambassador to US bringing the diplomatic rapport between the two nations closer in more than two-decades; however, what’s missing is reciprocity from the US side—and there are obvious reasons of why the US government isn’t rushing to send an ambassador to Somalia.

The recent attacks on American embassies in North Africa and Middle East and constant threat that Al-Shabab poses inside Somalia created an environment, in the State Department, that breeds extreme caution to avoid repeating what have happen in Libya two years ago when the US Ambassador in that country lost his life. Moreover, the American interests in Somalia are largely to contain Al-Shabab in Somalia and combat piracy, which both have been successful in American eyes.

“Mr Odinga says al Shabaab will stop attacking Kenya if KDF withdraws from Somalia. That’s completely erroneous. Al Shabaab is a terror group that thrives on attacks on civilians to extort society. It’s success in Somalia would embolden it to take over Kenya. Al Shabaab is an al Qaeda affiliate with global jihadist ambitions. But I agree with Mr Odinga on one thing. KDF must tell Kenyans how many of its sons and daughters have been killed and injured in Somalia. Kenyans must know the war’s cost and the exit strategy.”

Raila is wrong, Kenyan troops must remain in Somalia and bring order

26 Jul- Source: Standard Media-801 Words

CORD leader Raila Odinga has called on Kenya to cut and run from Somalia. Mr Odinga wants Kenyan combat troops to return home with their tails between their legs. That’s right — Agwambo would have the Kenya Defence Forces throw in the towel and flee the fight against al Shabaab, the primitive rag tag militia ravaging Somalia and Kenya. This is what I say to Mr Odinga, my dear comrade, the indomitable doyen of opposition politics — nyet. States that have a reason to fight an evil menace don’t quit simply because the going is tough. But Mr Odinga is right about one thing — President Uhuru Kenyatta must be fully transparent about the cost of the war in lives and treasure.

Since its founding, the Republic of Kenya had avoided war with, or against, any of its neighbours. Kenya was often christened an island of tranquility in a sea of chaos. States — including Uganda, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and DRC — had imploded as Kenya serenely looked on. Kenya was the “exceptional” African country. It bucked the African trend of failed states. Kenya was the “anti-African.” It wasn’t until the genocidal post-election violence in 2008 that Kenya became truly “African.” It regressed to the African mean. No longer could Kenyans claim to be “exceptional.” Whereas in the past Kenyans walked tall against other Africans, the post-election pogroms turned them into “normal African brutes.”

Letter: Somalis worldwide lost a great leader

26 Jul- Source: St. Cloud Times-126 Words

Somalis in St. Cloud lost a legendary Somali singer and songwriter. Saado Ali Warsame was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting last week in Mogadishu, Somalia. Ali was a member of the Somali federal government, a well-known musician who had lived in St. Cloud in the past. She was killed along with a civil servant in a drive-by shooting in the Somali capital of Mogadishu. Al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab gunmen are suspected of shooting her. The United States has condemned in the strongest terms this killing. Saado Ali spent much of the civil war in the United States and returned in 2012 to represent her people in the new Somali parliament. This is a tremendous loss to the people of Somalia and to Somalis around the world.

Top tweets

@amisomsomalia Video: #AMISOM Eid celebrations in Mogadishu. Fun, song and dance in a peaceful environment.http://bit.ly/1mXukU7

@MaatMHI Somalia has a Monarchy? RT @BariisIyoHilib: Eid in Qardho today, with the King of Somalia in attendancepic.twitter.com/tLtw7V2Rng

@UNLazzarini Alarming #malnutrition rates observed in#Mogadishu, #Somalia. + in @OCHASom’s hum bulletin:http://bit.ly/1tMySSH pic.twitter.com/J7xyrpxerT

@SomaliPM UAE has sent Somalia 40 trucks of aide for drought affected regions. pic.twitter.com/YFmRG1X5MN

@Daudoo With #Ramadan finished, the number of assassinations in #Mogadishu reached 84 incl 2 #MPs (my count). Other media put it at 95. #Somalia

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Image of the day

Image of the day People gather at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Somalia’s capital of Mogadishu to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr on 28 July 2014. Photo: UNSOM/ Tobin Jones