July 9, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Somali Prime Minister appoints new National Security Minister

09 Jul- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Dalsan/Radio Kulmiye- 149 words

Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed on Wednesday named former Banadir regional security agency chief, Khalif Ahmed Ereg as the new National Security Minister to replace Abdikarim Hussein Guled who resigned from his post following Al Shabaab’s deadly attack on Somali Parliament in May.

Somali Information Minister, Mustafa Sheikh Ali Dhuhulow who held a press conference in Mogadishu said that Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed urged the new minister to serve the nation and perform his duties in a professional way.

Dhuholow said the federal government will closely keep an eye on the country’s security progress.

Following the resignation of former National Security Minister, Abdikarim Hussein Guled in May this year, Somalia’s Defense Minister Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Hamud was named as acting National Security Minister.

The appointment of Khalif Ahmed Ereg as National Security Minister comes hours after al Shabaab militant group attacked Somali Presidential Palace in Mogadishu.

Key Headlines

Joint Press Conference on Failed Terrorist Attack on Villa Somalia (OPS)
Somali Prime Minister appoints new National Security Minister (Radio Mogadishu/Radio Bar-kulan)
Somali lawyer gunned down in Mogadishu (Radio Risaala/Raido Goobjoog)
Somali PM sacks security chiefs following presidential palace attack (Radio Bar-kulan/Jowhar Online)
Al Shabaab: “ We killed over 10 government forces during the attack on Villa Somalia” (Somalimemo Online)
Somali President vows strong response to al Shabaab attacks (SNTV/Radio Bar-kulan)
President Hassan denies he fled the palace after al Shabaab attack (Radio Mogadishu/Goobjoog/Radio Dalsan)
Somalia Fires Security Heads After Presidential Villa Attack (Bloomberg)
United States condemns terrorist attack against Villa Somalia (Horseed Media/ Department of State)
Somali Security personnel helped armed militants penetrate villa Somalia (Hiiraan Online)
Moderate Islamic group blames al Shabaab defectors on increasing attacks in Mogadishu (Somali Current)
Armed men shot and killed security officer in Mogadishu (Radio Goobjoog)
Mothers of IDP children injured in blast appeal for medical aid (Radio Ergo)
CECAFA joins Somalia in mourning death of Legend Shangole (Horseed Media/Mareeg Online)
Somaliland president receives Ballore Logistics delegation (Somaliland Informer)
Revealed: Why terror groups target Arusha (Citizen TZ)
69 suspects arrested as police find leaflets threatening more raids in Lamu (Citizen TV/Standard Media)
Survivors claim Asians called the shots in Gamba Hindi killings (Standard Media)
Somali presidential compound attacked president safe (Reuters)

PRESS STATEMENT

Joint Press Conference on Failed Terrorist Attack on Villa Somalia

09 Jul – Source: Office of the President of Somalia – 542 words

Tonight, at Villa Somalia, HE the Minister of Information and HE The President gave a joint press conference following this evening’s failed terrorist attack. HE the Minister of Information, Mustafa Duhulow provided details of the attack:

“The attackers approached in a Noha people carrier vehicle, but were stopped at a checkpoint by Somali National Army personnel. At this point the attackers left their vehicle, and detonated a bomb in the car before attempting to penetrate an office complex that houses the offices of various Ministries. Fortunately, the prompt actions of the Somali National Army, assisted by AMISOM forces, quickly halted the attack.

Of the four attackers, three were killed in the car park, and one was captured. Bomb disposal personnel have rendered safe a number of devices, including a suicide vest that one attacker was wearing that had failed to detonate. There will be a thorough investigation and the results of that investigation will be shared with the public by the Government.”

HE the Minister of Information continued: “The terrorists attacked just before Maghrib, the time of Iftar. Their most unholy actions in the month of Ramadan are shameful. They despise peace and wish to destroy everything that the government and the people working for.

The security forces stopped this attack just as they have foiled other attacks previously. Terrorism is a global problem that needs a global solution. The Federal Government of Somalia is committed to fighting terrorism and is grateful to the international community for its continued support.”

HE the President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud then addressed the media: “As is evident from where I am speaking to you- in my residence in Villa Somalia- Villa Somalia is safe and secure, and I am safe and secure. Wild rumours of terrorists controlling government buildings and ongoing gun-battles are false. As the Minister of Information has detailed, the Somalia National Army, with the assistance of AMISOM forces, quickly dealt with the attackers and secured Villa Somalia. The attack failed.”

HE the President continued: “Terrorists can make as many claims and threats on the internet as they want. I say to them, you will not kill us, and nor will you demolish our spirit. We exist in the real world, not on the internet, and we are here to stay.

The Federal Government of Somalia is here to stay. And I am here to stay, with Allah’s will. The terrorists cannot affect the good work we have done together because we are long past the stage where we can be halted. The momentum is with us, and against al Shabaab.”

HE the President ended: “I want to conclude by sending out a clear message to all Somali parents: please be aware of your children’s activities. They are Somalia’s sons too, and we have to work together to ensure all our children stay on the right path. Make sure you work with the government, and let us know if you see anything out of the ordinary.

We all have a part to play in the security of our nation and I call upon you to play your part in defeating the terrorists and making Somalia secure, stable and prosperous once again. I wish you and your families the best for the Holy Month of Ramadan.”

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali Prime Minister appoints new National Security Minister

09 Jul- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Dalsan/Radio Kulmiye- 149 words

Dhuholow said the federal government will closely keep an eye on the country’s security progress.

The appointment of Khalif Ahmed Ereg as National Security Minister comes hours after al Shabaab militant group attacked Somali Presidential Palace in Mogadishu.

Somali lawyer gunned down in Mogadishu

09 Jul- Source: Radio Risaala/Raido Goobjoog/Radio Kulmiye/Radio Mustaqbal- 76 words

Reports from Dharkenley district in Banadir region states that armed men killed a lawyer earlier Wednesday. The district commissioner of Dharkenley confirmed the death of the lawyer to the media. Witness confirmed to local media that two men armed with pistols killed the lawyer while inside a business premises in the district and immediately disappeared. The government forces have not succeeded to capture the perpetrators as they reached the area after the armed men escaped.

Somali PM sacks security chiefs following presidential palace attack

09 Jul- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Jowhar Online/Radio Mustaqbal/Radio Risaala- 148 words

Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Wednesday sacked Somali Police Force Commissioner Abdihakim Dahir Saaid and National Security Agency chief, Gaas Bashir Mohamed Jama following Tuesdaynight’s attack on Somalia’s presidential compound in Mogadishu.

Speaking at a press conference in Mogadishu, Somalia’s Information Minister, Mustafa Sheikh Ali Dhuhulow said the prime minister named Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Ismail as the new Police Force Commissioner and Mohamed Abdullahi Hamud as Acting National Security Agency chief.

Dhuholow further stated that the Somali premier ordered Banadir regional police chief as well as the region’s head of security to directly report to the Banadir Governor, General Hassan Mohamed Hussein Mungab.

He added the prime minister urged the new security chiefs to carry out their duties efficiently and professionally saying the government will closely monitor the progress in the country particularly in the capital, Mogadishu.

Al Shabaab: “ We killed over 10 government forces during the attack on Villa Somalia”

09 Jul- Source: Somalimemo Online/Radio Al Furqaan/Radio Goobjoog/Radio Kulmiye-125 words

Al Shabaab claimed the responsibility of the attack on Villa Somalia adding that they killed many government forces during the attack.

Sheikh Abdiaziz Abu Musab, senior al Shabaab spokesman stated that the attack was well planned and the attackers reached their target. “ Our troops successfully reached their target.” He added that they killed over 10 government soldiers in the presidential palace during the attack.

The spokesman vowed that they will intensify the attacks against the government bases during this holy month of Ramadan. Despite the claims of al Shabaab, federal government stated that the forces killed three al Shabaab members and captured another one while one government soldier died and two others sustained injuries.

Somali President vows strong response to al Shabaab attacks

09 Jul- Source: SNTV/Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu- 129 words

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has dismissed reports by al Shabaab militant group suggesting Somali leaders fled the presidential compound during al Shabaab’s latest attack on the heavily fortified Villa Somalia Presidential Compound on Tuesday night.

Mohamud dismissed the reports, saying there is nothing to worry about as his government is in control and added al Shabaab militant group will not succeed in its plans to stop his government from serving the people of Somalia.

The president called on Somali parents to make every effort to prevent their children to be misled and brainwashed by al Shabaab militant group. He emphasized that his government and its security institutions will respond to al Shabaab’s recent attacks on the presidential compound in Mogadishu.

President Hassan denies he fled the palace after al Shabaab attack

09 Jul – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Goobjoog/Radio Dalsan – 162 words

The President of the federal government of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud denied reports indicating that he fled the presidential palace when al Shabaab fighters raided the compound.

Speaking to the state-run radio and TV station, the president said “I am here to assure you that I am in Villa Somalia, and those rumors saying that I escaped and fled from my residence in the presidential compound are mere propaganda from our enemies.”

He confirmed that the palace is secure, and he has full confidence with the security forces to deal with any threat and they are up to the task. The president further stated that this attack was act of cowardice from what he termed as “Anti peace” group, referring to al Shabaab.

He urged the citizens especially the parents to take care of their children and guide them from the cunning of al Shabaab, asking them to report to the security forces if their children Joined without their will and misled by al Shabaab.

United States condemns terrorist attack against Villa Somalia

09 Jul- Source: Horseed Media/ Department of State/Radio Dalsan-125 words

The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack against Villa Somalia, the headquarters and residence of several Somali government officials in Mogadishu. We offer our condolences to the victims and their families.

Incidents such as this further demonstrate that insecurity in Mogadishu persists, including very real threats from al Shabaab.

This is why we continue to support the efforts of the Somali National Security Forces and the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) to expand security and stability in Somalia. These forces stopped today’s attackers and prevented further harm.

The United States stands as a firm partner to the people of Somalia and the Somali government as they continue to forge their path towards stability.

Somali Security personnel helped armed militants penetrate villa Somalia

09 Jul – Source: Hiiraan Online – 190 words

Al Shabaab militants have attacked the Somali presidential palace for the second time this year after launching a major bomb attack and an armed assault Tuesday evening. Four members of the Islamist militant group entered the heavily fortified Presidential compound.

The four militant’s entry into this fortified compound was facilitated by a member of the Security personnel at Villa Somalia, the militants were also assisted in hiding their weapons on the premises before the attack according to a confidential source.

When the militants entered the Presidential compound they were met by Somali security forces who engaged them in a fierce battle but the President, Hassan Mohamud Sheikh, had already left by that time accompanied by AMISOM and Somali forces for Iftar at the Halane compound.

It is not clear whether or not the Prime Minister and the Speaker of Parliament were in the compound at the time of the attack but early information suggests that they were. Live twitter feeds from those trapped inside the Presidential compound suggest that the Prime Minister was definitely inside Villa Somalia at the time of the attack but this cannot be independently verified at present.

Moderate Islamic group blames al Shabaab defectors on increasing attacks in Mogadishu

09 Jul- Source: Somali Current- 152 words

Somali moderate Islamic group Ahlu Sunna wal Jama has accused al Shabaab defectors on the increasing attacks in the capital Mogadishu.

Speaking to the local media Ahmed Abdullahi Mohamud senior official in the group has faulted the government of tasking al Shabaab militant group defectors in the Somali security forces of securing major government installations in the capital city.

He urged the government to be extra careful when it comes to security issue saying the defectors from the al Qaida linked militant group have penetrated in all sectors of the government and are threat to the national security if necessary steps will not be taken.

Mr. Ahmed who condemned the Tuesday attack on the presidential palace has called upon the government to be serious on the war against the militant group while recommending the federal government of Somalia to put in place mechanisms to deal with those who defect from the group.

Armed men shot and killed security officer in Mogadishu

09 Jul – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 93 words

Unidentified gunmen armed with pistols have shot and killed a National Security and Intelligence officer at Mogadishu’s Howl-wadaag district Tuesday night, one of his guards was also killed in the assault, locals said. The Security Officer was the Head of the National Intelligence office at How-wadaag neighborhood of Mogadishu.

The perpetrators fled as the police reached the area. No one was arrested, but heavy search out operation was launched, the district officials confirmed. No group has yet claimed the responsibility of the murder. Al Shabaab has been carrying out attacks against government officials.

Mothers of IDP children injured in blast appeal for medical aid

09 Jul- Source: Radio Ergo- 262 words

Seven children were injured inside their makeshift homes in Darwish IDP camp near the Somali parliament building in Mogadishu when a car bomb exploded on Saturday. Ali Abdi Rage, a father of two of the wounded children, said they were hit by shrapnel from the blast. The children were taken to local fee-paying hospitals. Their families, who were already struggling to get a meal, are unable to pay the medical bills.

Fadumo Osman, a mother of several children, said her son sustained serious stomach injuries and has been admitted to hospital. “The cost is very high and I don’t know how I will manage to pay when he’s discharged,” she said. Osman and the other displaced mothers of the wounded children asked the government to help them pay the hospital bills.

Darwish camp hosted hundreds of displaced people, mostly women and children, coming from Bay, Bakool, Lower and Middle Shabelle regions, and other parts of central Somalia. But fearing more attacks, many of them have begun to flee again and are gathering in camps on the outskirts of Mogadishu.

An al Shabaab spokesman threatened to turn the parliament building into a “military zone.” Last month al-Shabaab militants set off a car bomb at the gates of parliament and then stormed the building while MPs were meeting, leaving at least 16 people dead.

Al Shabaab has vowed to step up attacks during the Muslim month of Ramadan. The group said it was behind the latest blast, which killed two people. Security forces guarding the parliament stopped the explosives-packed car before it reached the parliament building.

CECAFA joins Somalia in mourning death of Legend Shangole

09 Jul- Source: Horseed Media/Mareeg Online- 257 words

As Somalia feels an enormous sense of sorrow and painful experience over the death of the country’s first national team captain Mohamed Qalaf Aden Shangole, the council of east and Central Africa football Associations (CECAFA) itself mourns for the loss of the great football personality of the country.

“I join my brothers and Sisters in Somalia in mourning the death of Aden Shangole, the icon of Somalia Football. CECAFA have received this sad news and wish to convey our sincere condolences to the family and the entire football fraternity of Somalia” CECAFA secretary General Nicholas Musonye said in a condolence message.

Mr. Musonye became the first high profile sporting leader to share the sadness with the entire people of Somalia. He sent his message to Somali football Federation hours after the sad news was announced at the SFF headquarters.

“The Chairman of CECAFA and I share with the close family and friends of Shangole the pain of losing a close member of a family. The long serving skipper of Somalia national team was a good team player, leader and father-figure of Somalia football” he noted.

“We comment the SFF leadership of keeping in close contact with all men and women who have contributed immensely to the survival and growth of Somalia football over the years, despite the many difficulties” CECAFA Secretary General Nicholas Musonye explained.

“Kindly convey our sincere condolences to the family of Shangole” Mr. Nicholas Musonye continued to say in his condolence message to Somalia.

Somaliland president receives Ballore Logistics delegation

08 Jul – Source: Somaliland Informer – 188 words

Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo has on Tuesday received a delegation from the French based Ballore Logistics that paid an official visit to Hargeisa and their mission is aimed at revamping the port of Berbera. Somaliland & the firm already entered into agreement which will pave the way for the port to become one of the leading ports in the Horn of Africa.

A closed door meeting was held between the Head of State and the firm delegates which took place at the presidential mansion. Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation Hon. Mohamed Bihi Yonis has told that they came to Hargeisa in order to inform the president that they are about to commence port rejuvenation.

Mr. Bihi has said that they made short stopover at Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital and met Prime Minister Hon. Hailemariam Desalegn and it’s the place that wants to use the port. Ballore Logistics president Hon. Dominique Lafont who spoke at the press briefing event has told that they are happy being the firm that will revamp the port Berbera in order to become the leading in the Horn of Africa.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Revealed: Why terror groups target Arusha

09 Jul – Source: Citizen TZ – 111 words

The heart of Tanzania’s tourism industry was hit again on Monday, leaving eight people wounded—one seriously—in a bomb blast in a restaurant. This raises two burning questions: Why Arusha and who is behind these attacks?

It all started on May 5, last year, when a church congregation was bombed. Three worshippers died on the spot and scores were injured, some critically. The attack shocked the residents of the city and beyond and Tanzanians waited anxiously to see what the authorities were doing to catch the culprits.

Arusha Regional Commissioner Magesa Mulongo described the incident as a terrorist attack and first reports suggested it was carried out by foreigners or hired locals.

69 suspects arrested as police find leaflets threatening more raids in Lamu

09 Jul- Source: Citizen TV/Daily Nation/Standard Media- 291 words

At least 69 suspects have been arrested in connection with last week’s attacks in Lamu and Tana River counties that left 21 people dead and several displaced. Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo said the suspects were arrested in a two-day operation mounted by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and police. One of the suspects had a wound police believe came from a bullet. “We have so far apprehended 50 suspects who are connected to the incidents. They will be arraigned in court once investigations are finalised,” said Mr Kimaiyo. He also said a number of leaflets had been dropped in the area yesterday threatening more attacks. The revelation came as a deadline issued by Deputy President William Ruto, who toured Hindi after theSaturday night attack, lapsed. Mr Ruto on Sunday told police to arrest the culprits dead or alive and within 48 hours. Yesterday, Kimaiyo said the operation, led by Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Samuel Arachi, would continue. He did not say what connection the 50 have with the attack or the kind of evidence they have.

Survivors claim Asians called the shots in Gamba, Hindi killings

08 Jul- Source: Standard Media- 328 words

Horrifying details have emerged over Saturday’s twin attacks in Lamu and Tana River counties in which 21 people were killed, with survivors claiming Asian men led the assault. One of the alleged Asians, now known in these parts as the “White Beast”, even offered medicine to a female hostage as he plotted to kill her husband, according to witness accounts. They also claimed killers undressed children to ascertain their sex before killing the boys with glee. And unlike in past attacks, the attackers reportedly made no effort to conceal their faces. In Gamba, the killers were of Middle East descent, ethnic Somali and also coastal Kenyans, survivors said. Yet in the Gamba attack, Muslims and Mijikendas were also killed while some Christians were spared in patterns that have defied tribal and religious logic. Witnesses in both Hindi and Gamba claimed two Asians gave the orders to tie up captives and slit their throats and in some cases decapitated the victims themselves. At Gamba Police Station in Tana River, an alleged Asian commander yanked a mobile phone from a woman he had spared. He used it to call her son who was hiding in the nearby bushes and also to communicate with police. In both attacks, as in last month’s massacre in Mpeketoni, the attackers targeted men and boys.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somalia Fires Security Heads After Presidential Villa Attack

09 Jul- Source: Bloomberg-217 Words

Somalia’s government fired the country’s police commissioner and head of national security after Islamist militants attacked the presidential compound in the capital yesterday. Al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgents entered the compound in Mogadishu before Somali armed forces alongside African Union peacekeepers repulsed the attack, killing three of the assailants and injuring another, Information Minister Mustafa Ali Duhulow told reporters in the city. The fighters were armed with assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, police officer Dahir Osman said by phone. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud and Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed were unharmed, according to the presidency. “They cannot frighten me, they cannot frighten the parliament,” Mohamoud told reporters in Mogadishu. Al Shabaab, which is trying to oust the government and implement Shariah, or Islamic law, carried out the attack for the second time this year on the presidential palace, spokesman Sheikh Abdul Aziz Musab told pro-al Shabaab Radio Andulus.

Somali presidential compound attacked, president safe

09 Jul – Source: Reuters – 186 words

Islamist militants attacked Somalia’s presidential compound on Tuesday with a car bomb and gunmen broke through a perimeter wall but were repulsed by security forces, and the president was not there at the time, the interior ministry said.

Up to five members of the al Shabaab Islamist group, which claimed responsibility, were killed, Interior Minister Abdullahi Godah Barre told Reuters. Three militants were confirmed dead, and one or two more were believed to have died in the car blast.

The assault was the most dramatic in a string of attacks in the capital Mogadishu by al Shabaab since it launched a campaign during the current Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. But President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was not there at the time as he was at another location attending an iftar, the meal to break the Ramadan fast after sunset.

“I can assure you the president is not hurt and as a matter of fact he was not in the palace,” the minister said, adding the gunmen were repulsed in the car park near the prime minister’s offices and had not made it to the presidential quarters.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“This historic agreement and the recognition by the FGS and the UN of the South Western State of Somalia will pave the way at the State level for the completion and the building of the federal system in Somalia. This historic agreement will help open new doors and will facilitate those regions not yet built State Administrations in line with the constitutional requirements to follow suit, such as Upper Shabelle, Hiraan and Galgaduud regions.”

Somalia: Agreement and Recognition of South Western State

08 Jul- Source: Raxanreeb Online-611 Words
The creation of the South Western State of Somalia by its people and the subsequent recognition by the UN and by the Federal Government of Somalia of the South Western State of Somalia is an excellent step forward and towards the goal of the 2016 in which the implementation and creation of all Somali States is not only important but paramount in the job menu and mandate of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS). So, big kudos to every Somali person who made this possible.

I don’t want to bore the reader with the historical background of South Western State of Somalia in which two opposing administration formed a few months ago, one with 6 regions overlapping with Jubaland State of Somalia and one with 3 regions: Bay,Bakol and lower Juba regions. What I would prefer, however, is to emphasize is the reason the 3-region-consisting, FGS-recognized South Western State is worth supporting is that in the recent culture of the Somali political agreement, no matter how an agreement is fairly good, it never lacks Somali players opposing it, partly because those players dont see their personal whims or interests in whatever agreements reached. As long as they dont see in their affections that their thinly-disguised selfish plans didnt bore well with where things are heading, whatever agreement reached was not inclusive (or in Somali, looma dhamayn).

“The AU claimed Kenyatta needed immunity from the ICC charges so that he would not be distracted from the pressing demands of fighting al Shabaab. Yet now that the ICC case is falling apart, Kenyatta is using his free time not so much to fight al Shabaab as to play his old game of tribal politics.”

Kenyatta’s game a risky one

08 Jul- Source: IOL News-639 Words

The deep, underlying historical flaws of Kenyan society – tribalism and corruption – are being cruelly exposed under the pressure of the growing insurgency by the al Shabaab extremist Islamists from neighbouring Somalia.

Yesterday, the government said that 29 people had been killed in raids in two separate areas on the coast, in Lamu and Tana River counties. This followed the wave of terrorist attacks last month in Mpeketoni, on the north-east coast near the major tourist destination of Lamu Island, in which 60 people died.

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government is responding to the rising death toll from al Shabaab terrorist attacks by heavy-handed and indiscriminate security force action against Kenya’s large Somali community and by blaming domestic political opponents.

The Kenyan security forces embarrassed themselves and the nation last year when al Shabaab terrorists attacked Nairobi’s Westgate mall, by exchanging fire among themselves, looting shops and virtually demolishing the building to stop the attack.

“Somali terrorists, tribal divisions, and political opportunists are conspiring to put the east African nation in a dangerous spot.”

Kenya on the Brink

07 Jul- Source: Foreign Policy-1279 Words

On a chilly Saturday 24 years ago, political leaders angered by the dictatorial rule of Kenya’s President Daniel arap Moi led 6,000 protesters to a rally at a dusty sports field north of Nairobi’s city center. Speaker after speaker demanded political reforms, democracy, and transparent government, driving the crowd into a frenzy. Then security forces moved in and pushed people back with batons and tear gas. Riots followed, first across Nairobi and then nationwide. After a four-day crackdown, 20 people were dead and most of the opposition leaders were under arrest.

That day, July 7, 1990, became known as Saba Saba — “seven seven” in Kiswahili. In Kenya, it is still synonymous with violent suppression of popular protest against political despotism. This year, Saba Saba and all of its connotations are on Kenyans’ lips again. Opposition leaders once more called their supporters to a rally this July 7 in central Nairobi, where grievances ranging from soaring costs of living to rising insecurity were vented under the watchful eye of 15,000 armed police summoned to keep the peace. Fears the rally would turn into a riot were so deep that people fled flashpoint towns, diplomatic staff and private sector workers were encouraged to work from home, and shops stayed shuttered.

Top tweets

@UNLazzarini Gatekeepers of IDP sites in #Mogadishu,#Somalia, continue to abuse #IDPs & siphon off aid meant for vulnerable communities. This must stop.

‏@eu_echo A crisis in #Somalia is on the horizon. Keep following our facts for updates. http://bit.ly/Xv77x2 Img via@UNOCHA

@Cantoobo Visited @UKinSomalia As a British Somali I felt tha the UKgov is genuinely working towards a better future 4 Somalia pic.twitter.com/YLNFbCZfYb

@Somalia111 Good to meet Mr Wei Hongtian in charge of new Embassy of People’s Rep of China in #Mogadishu. Another#UNSC permanent member in #Somalia!

@amisomsomalia #AMISOM Force Commanderspic.twitter.com/eCcvdmVng2

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Image of the day

Image of the day Dr. Opiyo Ododa gives out pencils and books to class one pupils at Hajji Mohamud Hilowle Primary School in Mogadishu. The school was built by AMISOM and it currently has 650 pupils. Photo: AMISOM/ David Mutua