July 4, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Terrorism: Police, army take over Kampala

04 Jul – Source: Daily Monitor – 123 words

Army, police and counter terror units yesterday morning mounted a massive security sweep across central Kampala and beyond in the wake of a specific threat of planned terror attacks on key installations, bringing business to a standstill in some places.

Entebbe International Airport was also the focus of attention with elements from the Joint Anti-Terror Taskforce taking over security.

Police confirmed earlier warnings sent out by the US Embassy to American nationals not to go through Entebbe because real time intelligence had indicated that the airport was likely to be attacked yesterday evening.

Hundreds of officers in battle dress, some wielding high velocity sniper rifles and others light weapons patrolled the city suburbs, causing panic among city dwellers during the morning rush hour.

Key Headlines

Terrorism: Police army take over Kampala (Daily Monitor)
Security Council Press Statement on Killing of Somali MP (UNSOM)
Explosion kills one child near Jowhar town (Jowhar Online/Radio Risaala)
Talks between Somalia Somaliland to begin in August- Foreign minister (Somaliland Sun)
US Increases the Number of US Officials Supporting Government Troops and AMISOM (Radio Dalsan)
Suspicious vessel seized in Mombasa (the Star)
Somaliland Former Commerce Minister returns to the country (Somaliland Informer)
Local charity donates food to nomadic communities in Sanaag region (Radio Bar-kulan)
UN calls for urgent help to avert malnourishment crisis in Somalia (Sabahi Online)
Probe blames Mpeketoni raid on al Shabaab (the Star)
US gives details of its military presence in Somalia (BBC)
Curbing Starvation in Somalia (CCTV Africa)
Italy navy warns ‘terrorists’ could be crossing in migrant boats (AFP)

PRESS STATEMENT

Security Council Press Statement on Killing of Somali MP

04 Jul – Source: UNSOM – 363 words

The members of the Security Council strongly condemn the assassination of Ahmed Mohamud Hayd, a member of Parliament of the Federal Republic of Somalia, for which al Shabaab has claimed responsibility. The attack also claimed the life of the MP’s bodyguard and caused further injuries.

The members of the Security Council extend their condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia. They also wished a swift recovery to those injured.

The members of the Security Council are appalled that al Shabaab has deliberately targeted a member of the Somali Parliament, an institution which represents the legitimate hopes of the Somali people for a more democratic, peaceful, stable and prosperous future.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, wherever and whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with their responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Somali authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

The members of the Security Council underlined their willingness to impose measures against those whose behaviour threatens the peace, stability, or security of Somalia. The members of the Security Council reiterated their support to the Federal Government of Somalia and all actors working for more peace, stability and prosperity in Somalia. They further underlined that neither this nor any other such act of terrorism would diminish the determination of the members of the Security Council to stand by the people of Somalia.

Minister of Information Seeks Clarification from former Mayor of Mogadishu, Offers Chance to Join Peace Process to Disaffected members of al Shabaab

04 Jul- Source: Ministry of Information- 426 words

H.E. Mustaf Duhulow, the Minister of Information today issued a statement in response to the recent interview of Mohamud Ahmed Nur (Tarzan) with the BBC Hard Talk programme: “The Federal Government of Somalia is committed to the fight against al Shabaab, an al Qaeda affiliated group. The issue of extremism is global and it needs a global solution. Our fight against al Shabaab is part of that global solution. In order to rebuild institutions in Somalia and to implement the democratic process it is absolutely essential that we bring peace and stability in the country and al Shabaab is an obstacle to that. It is true that we are fighting with vigour against al Shabaab: but we offer amnesty to those Somalis in the group who are willing to renounce violence and take part in reconciliation and the peace process. Nonetheless, the Federal Government of Somalia is determined to do all it can to confront al Shabaab within our meager resources. As Minister of Information, the spokesperson of the Government, my ministry is doing all we can to counter the extremist narratives of violence and destruction and to highlight the constant improvements in our security forces and the institutions of government.”

The Minister of Information continued: “I was therefore surprised to hear Tarzan, the former Mayor of Mogadishu, say to Tim Franks on BBC HARDTalk: ‘I organized a rally against al Shabaab, and when I speak about the atrocities they are committing, those al Shabaab, the Minister of Information called me and he was my friend from London also, he said you are putting yourself on the spot, you putting yourself to a dangerous position.” I would like to state that very clearly that I never had such a conversation with the former Mayor of Mogadishu and I don’t know why he said this. Therefore, I would like to request Tarzan to clarify his statement in order to put the record straight.”

The Minister of Information concluded: “The former Mayor of Mogadishu and I are on good terms, and I believe that this was a slip of the tongue on his part or that he meant someone else other than me. When I became Minister of Information, Tarzan was offered ministerial position but we never worked together as Minister and as Mayor. Since the former Mayor of Mogadishu made public statement via BBC HARDtalk, it is appropriate and legitimate to ask him to clarify the statement in public to set the record straight.”

SOMALI MEDIA

Explosion kills one child near Jowhar town

04 Jul- Source: Jowhar Online/Radio Risaala/Radio Bar-kulan- 94 words

One child was confirmed to have died and three others injured after an explosion occurred at a location near Jowhar town, the provincial capital of Middle Shabelle region. The explosion happened on Thursday after an object that was being played with by the children exploded according to one of the deceased child’s relatives who talked to the local media. The other three who were injured in the explosion are being treated at Jowhar General Hospital. It is not clear whether the explosive object was recently placed in the area.

Talks between Somalia, Somaliland to begin in August- Foreign minister

04 Jul – Source: Somaliland Sun – 142 words

The fifth phase of talks with Somalia slated for last month were postponed on the behest of the Somaliland Government. This was disclosed by the Somaliland Foreign Minister Mohamed Behi Yonis during a press conference in Hargeisa where he said that the talks with the probability of representatives from other countries taking part shall now resume after the ongoing holy month of Ramadan.

The holy month of Ramadan in which all able and healthy adherents to the Islamic faith are obliged to fast from dawn to dusk for 30 days commenced on the 29th June thence the talks resumption unless otherwise shall be in August 2014.

On the international sanctioned talks with the Somalia Federal government-SFG hosted by Turkey FM Behi Yonis said. “We requested postponement as a result of preparations for the country’s Independence Day held annually on the 18th May“.

US Increases the Number of US Officials Supporting Government Troops and AMISOM

04 Jul- Source: Radio Dalsan- 208 words

US Officials have been advising the Govt. troops since 2007. Sources say American troops were operating in the country secretly for years. The US Army are said to have several military camps inside Somalia. In January, US Govt admitted that it sent officials to advise and train Somali troops and AMISOM inside Somalia. However, it is only now that it is officially crystal clear that US army are present in Somalia since the Black Hawk Down Era of the 1990s when militants loyal to the late Somali General Mohamed Farah Aideed and them confronted inside Mogadishu.

Sources say there are about 120 US Officials in the country advising Govt troops and AMISOM. US Government official said these are just advisers and trainers and have no involvement in the war going on in some parts of the country. However, it was confirmed that since last year they were assisting the government troops directly in the combat against al Shabaab. US officials from the Pentagon now confirm that the number of US officials in Somalia were increased several times in the past and yet there are more plans to increase their number even further.

The US Government has already donated $170 million to the Somali Government in support of the Government troops.

Somaliland Former Commerce Minister returns to the country

03 Jul – Source: Somaliland Informer – 101 words

Ex- Commerce Minister Dr. Mohamed Abdilahi Omar has arrived at Egal airport on Thursday after he spent a month long trip to Brazil and the UK.

Dr. Mohamed has spoken about the compromise made by the chairman of ruling party that he gave up his political ambition to run for the presidential contender and did so in honor of the serving president Ahmed Silanyo who is seeking re-election in 2015 presidential elections.

He revealed that the decision to abandon his bid to vie for the presidency is Musa’s personal political ambition but he always wanted to end the party squabbles peacefully.

Local charity donates food to nomadic communities in Sanaag region

04 Jul- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 95 words

Kaar, a local charity in Badhan town of Sanaag region has donated food aid to over two thousand families in Badhan town and its environs. The food was donated by the Islamic Bank through the local charity of Kaar according to Sanag region commissioner for Puntland Mohamud Said who talked to Bar-kulan. The food aid consisted of rice, wheat flour, sugar, cooking oil and milk powder according to the official.Most recipients were said to be nomadic people in areas near Badhan, Awsane and other areas.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Terrorism: Police, army take over Kampala

04 Jul – Source: Daily Monitor – 123 words

Entebbe International Airport was also the focus of attention with elements from the Joint Anti-Terror Taskforce taking over security.

Hundreds of officers in battle dress, some wielding high velocity sniper rifles and others light weapons patrolled the city suburbs, causing panic among city dwellers during the morning rush hour.

Suspicious vessel seized in Mombasa

04 Jul- Source: the Star- 204 words

Kenya Navy officers on Thursday seized a suspicious ship linked with drugs and other illegal trade within the Indian Ocean in Mombasa. The ship MV Alnoor was seized within Kenya territorial waters in the in Lamu sailing towards Mombasa by a navy patrol ship.

Police said they are holding ten crew members, seven Pakistanis, two Indians and an Iranian nationals for further grilling

Mombasa acting police commander Sevelino Kubai said the ship was among two cargo vessels that were being monitored by security agencies after they left Somalia. Kubai said the two ships had originated from Pakistan but had entered Somalia under unclear circumstances.

Senior police officers and Navy commanders inspected the vessel that remained heavily guarded at Mtongwe Military base within the port of Mombasa.

UN calls for urgent help to avert malnourishment crisis in Somalia

03 Jul – Source: Sabahi Online – 142 words

The United Nations warned that time is running out to provide much-needed assistance to prevent worsening malnutrition in Somalia, and that failure to do so could undermine recent political and security gains.

“Somalia is at a crossroads. Today, 50,000 children are severely malnourished, including many at risk of death within weeks if they do not get the treatment they need. We have a small but critical window to do what is needed to prevent a repeat of 2011,” United Nations Children’s Fund Emergency Director Ted Chaiban said at a press briefing in New York following visit to Somalia and Yemen to assess the humanitarian conditions in both countries.

International donors have contributed to relief funds for Somalia, but donations do not match the urgency of need, said John Ging, operations director for the Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Probe blames Mpeketoni raid on al Shabaab

4 July- source: The Star- 147 words

THE Mpeketoni killings on June 15-16 that left 65 people dead was a terrorist attack and not politically instigated, according to a report by a Coast human rights organization. The detailed, 17-page report released yesterday by Haki Africa said investigations on the ground showed that the killings were carried out by the Somali al Shabaab militants.

Speaking during the launch of the human rights report, Khalid said it was established that some of the attackers were of Somali origin. The report said that all the witness and survivors interviewed said the language used by the attackers included Somali.

The rights organization urged improved security by devolving security management to the counties. “The government must open up security committees, especially at the county, and bring onboard county government officials, the public and private sector and civil society organizations,” he said. “Only by working together security can be guaranteed.”

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

US gives details of its military presence in Somalia

04 Jul – Source: BBC – 119 words

The United States has for the first time in recent years given details of its military presence inside Somalia. US officials told Reuters news agency that there were “up to 120 troops on the ground”.
The BBC has seen some of these soldiers, who work with African Union and Somali government troops fighting al Shabaab Islamist insurgents.

The total number of armed Americans on the Somali government side, including contractors, is probably much higher. US officials in Washington told Reuters the plan was to deepen military involvement with the Somali National Army.

This follows several years of US military and financial backing for the 22,000-strong African Union force AMISOM, which fights on behalf of the relatively weak Somali government.

Curbing Starvation in Somalia

03 Jul- Source: CCTV Africa- 01:59mins

Calls for more funding for Somalia are again being made nearly three years after the famine hit the Horn of Africa nation. An estimated 857,000 Somalis require urgent assistance and more than two million are facing food insecurity. But several new initiatives are fighting that, with some communities adding hardier vegetables to their crops

Italy navy warns ‘terrorists’ could be crossing in migrant boats

03 Jul – Source: AFP – 189 words

The Head of Italy’s Navy warned on Thursday that terrorists could be using migrant boats to cross the Mediterranean to Europe, amid increased concern among intelligence services of possible attacks by extremists. “There’s a risk not only of massive illegal immigration, but also of terrorist infiltrations,” the commander in chief of the Italian navy, Luigi Binelli Mantelli, told La Stampa.

He said that police boarding migrant boats intercepted by the navy were trained in special interrogation techniques designed to root out traffickers and potential “terrorists”. “There are indicators which confirm contacts between traffickers (who organise the boats) and terrorists,” he said.

Italy’s “Mare Nostrum” (“Our Sea”) operation is not just tasked with rescuing immigrants —thousands of whom have drowned on the perilous crossing—but is also “monitoring the sea in a situation of international crisis”, he said. More than 66,500 migrants have arrived in Italy from North Africa this year so far, from where most hope to reach other destinations in Europe.

The majority come from Eritrea, Syria, Somalia and Mali. As well as “operative terrorists”, there are “latent terrorists… who present themselves as asylum seekers”, Binelli Mantelli said.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Instead of government money wasted by corruption, it isn’t a bad idea to buy every MP one bullet-proof vehicle to prevent the MPs from being killed one by one. MPs also need bullet-proof vests. This is a crazy simple idea but this idea will work out well if the al Shabaab’s warning is going to be taken seriously. MPs also deserve more than one bodyguard: they need real protection from the government. This is not a joke. It is a real business.”

Somalia: Slaughtering of MPs

04 Jul- Source: Somali Current-858 Words

Imagine you dwell in this house or place in Mogadishu. Probably you’re an MP and you live with little protection by your government or you’re under the aegis of nobody for your security. You go to work everyday, you go to bed every night, unsure if you’re the next legislator to be lost soon to an assassination. This is a nightmare and your life can be compared with that of a frightened character in horror movie. Not humorously, the analogy sounds preposterous, but there is no preposterousness to it –the metaphor is humorlessly sensible.

Al Shabaab assassinated a member of the Somali Parliament again. Al Shabab also murdered two lawmakers in April of this year. Yet, nobody emerged on the side of Somalia’s Federal Government with a successful plan to stop the murders.

There is still a degree of goodwill in the mentality of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) to do all it can to foil assassination plots before they hatch. Nevertheless, goodwill alone is a drop in the ocean because altruism alone on the part of the FGS is not enough if it is devoid of effective actions and strategies to keep a tight rein on the homicides. So far, the FGS failed to see where the killers are or where they’re aiming from to slay their victims. The next target of the killers is anybody’s guess.

“Beyond signing pledges to co-operate in fighting Islamic extremists like Boko Haram and al Shabaab, no real strategy is in place.”

Terror threat puts African leaders on back foot

04 Jul- Source: Mail & Guardian-824 Words

As fear grips a number of African countries due to a wave of Islamist terror attacks on civilians, the continent’s leaders are struggling to explain what they are doing to ensure the safety of their citizens. Heads of state of the African Union (AU) met in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, last week for their biannual summit meeting with the theme Agriculture and Food Security.

The meeting took place against a backdrop of a growing campaign of bombings and kidnappings by the extremists Boko Haram in Nigeria, which was followed by the bloody killings in Mpeketoni in Kenya by the Somalia-based al Shabaab.

“The cowardly kidnapping by Boko Haram of over 200 young girls in northern Nigeria [on April 14 this year] elicited outrage from the heads of state and government, who also welcomed the ongoing AU efforts to address the scourge of terrorism,” the leaders said in their final statement following the summit.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi told the heads of state at the summit that Africa was “plagued” by the threat of terrorism. “The continent faces an increasing challenge in trans-border threats, with terrorism at the forefront,” he was quoted as saying.

“Ultimately I believe Somalia is so much more rich and complex than merely just a failed state, and until development and aid agencies, as well as the global media, come to realise this then they will never truly be in a position to assist Somali people, as they will always be ‘getting Somalia wrong’.”

Somalia: More Than Just A Failed State

03 Jul- Source: Elizabeth Norman Blog-1146 Words

The 1st July saw Somalia’s annual Independence Day, with many well-meaning international development charities choosing to mark this day by taking to social media to tell the tale of the broken state of Somalia and what they, as an organisation, were doing to try and change this. While I admire the work aid and development charities are doing within Somalia, and I agree they are genuinely making lives better, I can’t help thinking that the image of Somalia they project onto the wider world, the one of Somalia as a dangerous and underdeveloped place, is both an unfair representation and part of the regions overall problem. This is because it goes no way towards countering or challenging the biased image of Somalia that has sprung up through the media in recent years.

The UK image of Somalia is that of the ultimate African disaster zone, one of civil war, terrorism, piracy, child soldiers and famine. It is often described as the most dangerous place on earth and for the vast majority of the UK general public that is all they know of Somalia. However, Somalia and the ordinary people who call it their home deserve more than that. I admit that I am by no means an expert, the issues within the region are complex and diverse, but after studying the area for my MA dissertation I do know that I want people to know that there is more to Somalia and its people than those of us in the UK often get to see.

Top tweets

@amisomsomalia PHOTOS: #AMISOM Gender Unit distributes dates to less fortunate families #Mogadishu http://on.fb.me/QqTSeN pic.twitter.com/I4poRKVj16

@OCHASom #Somalia: All 2011 pre-#famine signs are here. “Vital that we act NOW to avert another disaster.” @UNOCHAJohn Ging pic.twitter.com/adEZO3agxM

@Oxfam #Somalia depends on $ from loved ones abroad. Ask@USTreasury to keep #SomaliLifeline open http://ow.ly/yJ6P8 pic.twitter.com/lHI9BlxnLg

@johntoryTO A warm productive meeting with leaders of our Somali Canadian community on Dixon Road tonight. #TOpoli #TOgether pic.twitter.com/fHOzFkRPG4

@SomaliaNewsroom What Somali forces are missing this#Ramadan against Shabaab urban attacks is some swampy bog camouflage from #Uganda pic.twitter.com/F6KFIrY22o

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Image of the day

Image of the day AMISOM’s Woman & Child Protection Officer, Kaoutar Kaddouri, holds a child after handing a box of dates to young men during a distribution of dates to less fortunate families around Mogadishu by the AMISOM Gender Unit on 3rd July 2014. Photo: AMISOM