June 11, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.
PM: Al Shabaab will be driven out of Somalia before August
11 Jun – Source: Shabelle/Radio Mogadishu – 135 words
Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohammed Ali, announced plans to eliminate the al Qaeda-allied al Shabaab militants from the whole country before August 20, the deadline to implement a roadmap for a new government of Somalia.
Speaking on state run Radio Muqdisho, Somali premier said: “Somali government troops with the help of African Union peacekeepers are committed to finish the reign of al Shabaab control in Somalia.”
Mr. Ali stated that Somali and AU forces have previously secured several key areas in south and central Somalia and now pursuing the Islamist militants in many fronts in the country. “Al Shabaab lost most of its territory during 18-month offensives involving African Union forces, the Somali government, Ethiopia and Kenya,” Abdiweli Ali added.
Key Headlines
- PM: Al Shabaab will be driven out of Somalia before August (Shabelle/Radio Mogadishu)
- The Special Representative of the Chairperson for Somalia sympathizes with the Kenyan Government over the tragic death of Professor Saitoti and his Deputy (AMISOM)
- Prime minister hopes Somaliland Reconciliation (Radio Kulmiye/Jowhar Online/Hiiraan Online)
- AU Deputy Special Representative condemns the assassination attempt on Radio Bar†kulan Journalist (AMISOM)
- RCO inaugurates first potable water well in Somalia (Bahrain News Agency)
- Draft Constitution’s Technical Revision Committee’s Four Days working Session officially concludes(Raxanreeb)
- U.S. to act firmly on Somalis who hinder roadmap (Reuters/ BBC)
- A century later Kenya beats British troops to capture Afmadow (Standard)
- Former prime minister says it is time to renounce al Shabaab (Radio Kulmiye)
- Relief Campaign for Somalia signs agreement with UNICEF (Saudi Press Agency)
- Can Somalia’s cheap peacekeeping defeat al-Shabaab (BBC)
PRESS RELEASE
The Special Representative of the Chairperson for Somalia sympathizes with the Kenyan Government over the tragic death of Professor Saitoti and his Deputy
11 Jun – Source: AMISOM – 225 words
The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia (SRCC), Ambassador Boubacar Diarra expresses his deepest condolences to the Government of the Republic of Kenya and its people over the tragic death of the late Minister, His Excellency George Saitoti, Internal Security Minister and his Assistant Minister, Honorable Orwa Ojodeh, and all the officers who lost their lives.
It was with sadness that the SRCC learned of the news that put the Kenyan people in a state of shock and anguish. On behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the Special Representative of the Chairperson for Somalia conveys his heartfelt condolences to the Government of Kenya, the people of Kenya and to the families of the bereaved.
“Professor Saitoti was a key member of the Kenyan politicians who have been striving to put Kenya on the path to success and economic and social development. He was a very talented man whose vision was demonstrated through the achievements realized during his career. He cared and loved his country and was working tirelessly with partners in the Eastern region and also at the international level to ensure security in Kenya and neighboring countries. This is a great loss for Kenya, its people and the families of all those who lost their lives”, said the SRCC.
Professor George Saitoti was leading a delegation to Homa Bay for a church fundraiser when the chopper transporting them suddenly crashed early Sunday morning, killing all passengers on board including his Assistant Minister, Honorable Orwa Ojodeh.
AU Deputy Special Representative condemns the assassination attempt on Radio Bar†kulan Journalist
11 Jun – Source: AMISOM – 97 words
The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia, Honorable Wafula Wamunyinyi has expressed concern at the continued trend of assassination attempts targeting journalists in Somalia with the latest being an attack over the weekend on Radio Bar†kulan journalist Mr. Mohammed Noor Sharif by unidentified gunmen. Honarable Wamunyinyi while condemning the attempted assassination on Mr. Mohamed Noor Sharif prayed for his quick recovery. He said; “I am happy to learn that Mr. Mohamed Noor is in stable condition despite sustaining injuries during the assassination attempt and I wish him quick recovery.”
SOMALI MEDIA
Prime minister hopes Somaliland Reconciliation
11 Jun – Source: Radio Kulmiye/Jowhar Online/Hiiraan Online – 96 words
Somali Prime Minister Abdiwali Mohamed Ali Gaas has reaffirmed talks between Somali government and breakaway region of Somaliland ahead of scheduled reforms in Somalia by next august this year.
Speaking to state-run Radio Muqdisho, the Somali prime minister said that he is very optimistic to open a new negotiating table which will help reestablish relationship between Somalia and Somaliland. Abdiweli says we will be at the side of negotiations. Somaliland and Somalia have been working on holding initiative negotiations to end this prolonged conflict.
PM: Al Shabaab will be driven out of Somalia before August
11 Jun – Source: Shabelle/Radio Mogadishu – 135 words
Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohammed Ali, announced plans to eliminate the al Qaeda-allied al Shabaab militants from the whole country before August 20, the deadline to implement a roadmap for a new government of Somalia.
Speaking on state run Radio Muqdisho, Somali premier said: “Somali government troops with the help of African Union peacekeepers are committed to finish the reign of al Shabaab control in Somalia.”
Mr. Ali stated that Somali and AU forces have previously secured several key areas in south and central Somalia and now pursuing the Islamist militants in many fronts in the country. “Al Shabaab lost most of its territory during 18-month offensives involving African Union forces, the Somali government, Ethiopia and Kenya,” Abdiweli Ali added.
Two killed in Las Anod
11 Jun – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 118 words
Two people were on Sunday evening killed on the outskirt of northern Somali village of Karin Dabeyl-weyn, some 57 kilometres south of Las Anod town, Sool region, after the vehicle they were travelling in came under attack from unknown gangs.
The gangs reportedly ambushed the Galkayo bound vehicle carrying passengers and killed two men who were among the passengers in the vehicle. The gangs also took away the vehicle to an unknown destination, according Abdullahi Mohamed Muse, a local resident who spoke to Bar-kulan.
Local elders are now said to be in custody of the bodies of the deceased men and are trying to contact their families. The identity of the gangs are also yet to be established.
Draft Constitution’s Technical Revision Committee’s Four Days working Session officially concludes
10 Jun – Source: Raxanreeb – 216 words
A Four-day working session with the Signatories’ Technical Revision Committee has been concluded in Nairobi. The working session is a follow up to the recent Addis Ababa Signatories meeting were most of the constitutional issues were agreed and some of the provisions prepared by the Independent Federal Constitution Commission has been amended after congenial political negotiations between the signatories of the Roadmap to end the transition which was adopted in Mogadishu last September.
The technical Revision Committee’s mandate as per Addis Ababa’s Communiqué is to complete the constitutional process. The Minister of Constitutional Affairs who convened the meeting explained to participants and the media “that that road towards ending of the transition is getting closer and closer by the day, and we need to collectively work towards delivering a constitution that Somalia deserves and serves its people.
A constitution that is shariah complaint, up holds the fundamental rights and which is bedrock for justice and peace”. The Minister then informed the meeting that there will be various consultations that will be held before the draft goes to the constituent assembly for provisional adoption. He said that this will begin with Shariah audit on tail end of next week in Mogadishu and will also include a targeted consultations including one with the Somali elders who are currently in Mogadishu.
Gunmen shot and wound judge in Hargaisa
11 Jun – Source: Radio Kulmiye/Shabelle/Mareeg Online/Bar-kulan – 104 words
A judge has been slightly wounded in Hargaisa, the capital of breakaway Somaliland after being shot by gunmen as he was on his way to home while returning from the Mosque. Somaliland police told the media that investigations are still underway and suspects have been arrested over the attack.
Sources said the attack were a revenge of prior verdict conducted by the judge in Hargaisa against several people who were accused of being behind crimes in Somaliland.
Former prime minister says it is time to renounce al Shabaab
10 Jun – Source: Radio Kulmiye – 134 words
Speaking in an interview conducted by Radio Kulmiye the former prime minister of Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) said it is time for Somali youth to renounce Al Shabaab urging them to support their current government and the country’s development.
Mohamed said “it is time to renounce al Shabaab. The group has no more power over Somalia as fighters have failed to continue its war against the government and the peace in Somalia.
The former prime minister Mohamed Abdulah Farmajo was the first prime minister or become a leader in this transitional government who gained a greater confidence from the Somali people making his government go forward and drive all the sectors towards positive governance and start development in the country enhancing the peace and liberation.
Somaliland drought: Awdal, Salal elders demand immediate aid
10 Jun – Source: Somaliland Press/Hadhwanaag Times – 115 words
The local elders of Awdal and Salal regions on Sunday called for the government and relief agencies to act immediately to help the drought hit people in those regions.
The elders made the call during a meeting held in Hotel Rays in Borame town where convened local people, religious figures and civil societies. The elders highlighted the prolonged drought condition in the regions of Awdal and Salal which had great impact on the people and their domestic animals as well as the environment.
They noted that thousands of people are now undergoing the bad effects of the drought in Somaliland. Locals and elders jointly asked the government of republic of Somaliland and international aid agencies to help those needy people.
REGIONAL MEDIA
RCO inaugurates first potable water well in Somalia
11 Jun – Source: Bahrain News Agency – 200 words
The first Bahrain potable water well dug in the sisterely Republic of Somalia funded by the Royal Charity Organization (RCO) has been inaugurated in cooperation with Islamic Trans-World Relief Organization.
On this occasion, the RCO secretary general Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayyed submitted utmost gratitude and appreciation to HM the King who is the Honorary President of the Royal Charity Organization for HM’s humanitarian initiatives and generous granting of support and assistance in disaster relief aid to the needy, and praised the Government’s support led by HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa the Prime Minister supported by HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa the Crown Prince, and efforts of the RCO’s board of trustees chairman HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa in supporting Somali brethren, and praised the Bahraini people for their valuable contributions aimed at alleviation of the plight of Somali brethren.
Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayyed emphasized that the Royal Charity Organization supported by the wise leadership continues its humanitarian work for the sake of assisting Somali brethren and offering development aid to restore development and contribute in the best interest of all parts of the Somali people as part of a series of development projects.
A century later, Kenya beats British troops to capture Afmadow
11 Jun – Source: Standard – 647 words
When Kenya dispatched her forces to Somalia in October last year, the world waited with bated breath to see the outcome. Hopes of the untested troops scoring any victory against the battle-hardened al Shabaab outfit were indeed slim.
However, when cheers erupted in Afmadow last week following the triumphant entry of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) into the town, there was disbelief. Kenya had scored a rare victory that eluded Britain in 1898, when its forces tried to capture the town to quell a revolt.
Relief Campaign for Somalia signs agreement with UNICEF
10 Jun – Source: Saudi Press Agency – 105 words
The Saudi national campaign for the relief of the people of Somalia signed a cooperation agreement with UNICEF to implement medical nutrition program for children of Somalia, it was reported here today.
Accordingly, an amount of SR5823140 has been transferred by the campaign’s administration as a kick off of the program to alleviate the sufferings of the needy in Somalia.
Mubarak bin Saeed Al-Bakr, the Executive Manager of the campaign, said this comes as per directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior.
Terror attacks, 2013 poll raise the cost of insurance in Kenya
10 Jun – Source: Business Daily – 517 words
A recent spate of terrorist attacks has significantly raised the cost of political insurance, making it difficult for Kenyan businesses to get underwriters in the run up to next year’s general election. Also read Visitors face tighter checks as border hotels step up vigilance.
Managers of some top Kenyan corporations said the cost of insuring political risk has risen by between 100 per cent and 1,000 per cent this year compared to last year as underwriters factor in terrorism attacks that have hit parts of the country in recent months.
“Some reinsurers are also turning away insurers and this has contributed to the non-renewal of some policies or a steep increase in premiums,” said Tom Gichuhi, the executive director of the Kenya Association of Insurers (AKI).
51 Somalis arrested in central Kenya
08 Jun – Source: Star – 330 words
Eighty foreigners among them 24 illegal immigrants were arrested at Sigona in Kikuyu District in Kiambu County while travelling along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway yesterday. Among them were 51 Somalis, nine Kenyans, 10 Congolese, two South Sudanese and seven Ethiopians. There were 45 children and 35 adults with 17 being males and 18 females.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
U.S. to act firmly on Somalis who hinder roadmap
10 Jun – Source: Reuters/BBC – 271 words
The United States will impose travel sanctions and freeze assets of Somalis who hinder a political roadmap towards a new constitution and president in the Horn-of-Africa nation, a senior State Department official said on Sunday. Somalia faces an August deadline to achieve both targets, which are a key step towards restoring stability after more than two decades of turmoil following the overthrow of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African affairs Johnnie Carson told a news conference in the Kenyan capital that the sanctions would apply to members of the Transitional Federal Government as well as to people outside of it. “The kind of action we must take against spoilers range from visa sanctions to travel sanctions to asset freezes. There is a level of vulnerability for all of those who might be spoilers,” he said after a one-day visit to Mogadishu.
During the trip, which was the first by a senior ranking U.S. official in nearly two decades, Carson met President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, the prime minister and the ministers of defense and foreign affairs. He joined a growing chorus of optimism on the country, after African Union forces (AMISOM) engaged in hard battles with the militant group al Shabaab and were able to restore a measure of normality in the capital Mogadishu.
Can Somalia’s cheap peacekeeping defeat al-Shabaab
11 Jun – Source: BBC – 985 Words
The Islamist group al Shabaab, that controls large parts of central and southern Somalia, has recently suffered significant defeats at the hands of AAMISOM, the African Union force that has been fighting the al Qaeda-allied militants. The BBC’s Gabriel Gatehouse is in Mogadishu and has been travelling with them.
“Every day they attack, but without success,” a Burundian soldier says as he takes us to see his new front line, on the outskirts of Mogadishu. “Shabaab, finished!” shouts a new Somali recruit, as he heaves himself into his “technical” – a modified pickup truck with an anti-aircraft gun welded to the back, bullet belts slung around his neck. African Union forces have been hitting al Shabaab hard.
Together with their allies in the Somali national army (mostly former militiamen like the young fighter in the “technical”), Ugandan and Burundian soldiers took the key town of Afgoye at the end of April. It is about 30 km (18.5 miles) from Mogadishu, and had been a crucial stronghold for the Islamist fighters, as well as a centre of their bomb-making activities.
In former rebel camp, Somali athletes eye London
11 Jun – Source: Reuters – 226 words
Training in a bullet-riddled stadium where the remains of a rocket propelled grenade lies discarded on the track’s edge counts as progress for Somali Olympic hopeful Mohamed Hassan Mohamed. A year ago, Mogadishu’s Konis stadium was a base for Islamist militants and a work out meant at times running through the streets, dodging gun-fire and mortar shells in one of the world’s most dangerous cities.
“It’s easier for us to train now,” said Mohamed. It is a staggering understatement from the 22-year-old, one of four Somali athletes vying for the two slots guaranteed for Somalia at the London games. For 20 years the capital’s rutted roads were the frontline in running battles between feuding warlords and later Islamist insurgents fighting to overthrow a government propped up by foreign forces and cash.
The Konis stadium served as an al Shabaab rebel training camp until the al Qaeda-linked combatants fled the capital in August last year. Bullet holes pepper the stadium’s concrete stands, which lie in mounds of rubble in places.
Progress, however, is relative. Somalia’s Olympic bid is run on a shoestring. There are no dedicated personal trainers, physiotherapists or nutritionists. “Our facilities are poor. We don’t have a modern training camp or a modern gym. We should replace our running shoes frequently. Instead, we wash them,” said Mohamed.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“A year ago, the visit would have been unthinkable. But in August, African Union troops pushed al Shabaab, an Islamic militant group affiliated with al Qaeda, out of central Mogadishu after years of bitter urban fighting. The last senior U.S. official visited Mogadishu 19 years ago, officials said.”
First senior U.S. official in 19 years visits Mogadishu
10 Jun – Source: CNN Security blog – 487 Words
For the first time in nearly 20 years, a senior U.S. official visited the Somali capital of Mogadishu on Sunday, a sign of improving security in a country long considered a failed state. Johnnie Carson, assistant secretary for African affairs, met with Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, president of Somalia’s transitional government, along with several high-ranking government and diplomatic officials.
“The blueprint is that provided by Afghanistan and Iraq. Go in. Bomb the hell out of any possible insurgencies. Deal with any possible legitimacy and sovereignty questions by supporting a negotiated transitional government of Somalis despite the apparent inability of said government to control a single square kilometre of territory on its own. Rebuild institutions — particularly those relating to elections, law and order and security. Support elections for a wholly legitimate and sovereign government. And then get the hell out.”
Can we impose democracy on Somalia? At what cost?
09 Jun – Source: The East African – 597 Words
We are informed that the Kenyan military has “taken” Afmadow and Biibi. We are further informed that it intends to take Kismayu by this August at the latest.
We are meant to infer that this is good. It is hard to see any evidence that it is not good. The advance of the Kenyan military into southern Somalia has been covered with photographs of smiling soldiers, next to equally smiling Somalis. Some of this coverage has been generated by the Kenyan military itself. Some of it has been generated by what can only be referred to as the Kenyan version of “embedded’ journalists.”
“Continued violence in Somalia vividly highlights the need for stronger regulation of the global trade in conventional arms. It also underlines how Britain’s own interests lie firmly in securing a robust Arms Trade Treaty at the UN negotiations in July.”
Somalia: a clear demonstration of why Britain’s interests lie in a robust ATT
07 Jun – Source: Safer World Blog – 1130 Words
With a policy commitment to conflict-prevention and budgetary cash to match, London has both initiated renewed international action to support Somalia and played an informal leadership role in the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) process. Given the potential long-term benefits of an ATT for conflict-affected states, the gathering of diplomats and politicians in New York this July hoping to negotiate an ATT presents Britain with a unique opportunity to advance both a humanitarian cause and its own interests.
“The exhibition aims to present and future generations of Somalis to learn about their rich heritage so that they can work towards restoring and preserving it. The reflection will focus on preaching peace and stability.”
Mogadishu Then and Now exhibition at Alliance Francaise
08 Jun – Source: The Star (Nairobi) – 200 Words
Somalia has been in civil wars for the last two decades with its capital city, Mogadishu portrayed as a war-torn, no go zone devoid of any history or culture. The Alliance Francaise in Nairobi this Tuesday presented Mogadishu -Then and Now, a photo exhibition that captures the country in its former glory and present ruin. The exhibition was curated by Kenyan writer Ms. Rasna Warah and Mohammud Diriye, a former curator of the Mogadishu Museum.
Top tweets
@ggatehouse The AU’s ultra-low-budget (but effective) mission in #Somalia: the future of peacekeeping, or a proxy war?http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
@BrenthurstF Will 2012 mark a new beginning in the#Somalia’s future or simply another false dawn? The Foundation’s latest… http://fb.me/10wN1EFwP.
@azraeltheangel2 #Analysis of pro Al-Shabaab website on scribd: http://tiny.cc/vl6ofw ,#Somalia, #Shabaab.
@ogal909 “@SomaliaReport: #Shabaab now taking photos of youths & elders in Bardhere (Gedo) ordering them to stay in the town or face death.
@hoyawolf Best option is to let AU remain in lead @DaveedGR#AMISOM making progress, now TFG has to uphold their end. US & donor support right level.
@KhusaafMan People in #Mogadishu, who have been enthusiastically and cheerfully swimming in #Lido beach, should check if the #sea is clean.
Image of the day
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson is seen at a hotel in Nairobi, Kenya Sunday, Jun 10, 2012 shortly after returning from a trip to Mogadishu, Somalia. He is the highest ranking U.S. official to visit Somalia’s capital in years. Photo: AP