June 13, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

The third phase of the New Deal summit commences in Mogadishu

13 Jun – Source: Radio Mogadishu/RBC – 118 words

The third phase of the New Deal summit attended by Ministers from the Federal government of Somalia, representatives from the International community, United Nations and European Union envoys to Somalia has commenced today in Mogadishu.

The third phase of the New Deal summit will focus on an evaluation on the overall situation in Somalia and the conflicts in the country which will be jointly carried out by federal government of Somalia, civil society and the international community.

The prime minister of the federal government of Somalia Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed has chaired the conference and stated that his government will work on the crimes committed against women and the minority to win the peace restoration process in the country.

Key Headlines

The third phase of the New Deal summit commences in Mogadishu (Radio Mogadishu/RBC)
Howlwadag administration investigates suspected al Shabaab members (Radio Mogadishu/Radio Goobjoog)
Somali Interior Minister claims govt will end fighting in Lower Shabelle (BBC Somali Service)
Three people killed in Galgadud region (Bar-kulan)
Middle Shabelle administration to speed up the security of the region (Radio Goobjoog)
Fears in East Africa over World Cup attack threat (AFP/New Vision/Standard Media/Capital FM news)
Southeast Asia overtakes Somalia as hub of global pirate attacks (South China Post/Japan Times)

PRESS STATEMENT

Prime Minister Abdiweli chairs Somalia Development and Reconstruction Facility meeting

13 Jun – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 407 words
His Excellency Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed chaired the Somali Development and Reconstruction Facility meeting alongside Michele Cervone d’Urso, EU Ambassador to Somalia. They discussed ongoing accomplishments and continuous dialogue between the Federal Government of Somalia and their International partners.

Vision 2016 highlights challenges such as security, social services, economic development and long term political stability which must be overcome. H. E Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed has firmly reiterated the International community’s immense friendship and support towards the rehabilitation of Somalia and the betterment of the Somali people. Addressing members of the SDRF, the Prime Minister, said:

“The SDRF was established as the centrepiece of the New Deal partnership to enhance the delivery of effective assistance to Somalia, serving both as a financing mechanism and a broader aid coordination structure.

“I acknowledge the presence of representatives from the UN and the World Bank, I’m glad we are moving in the right direction on the Multi Partner Trust Funds”

The Prime Minister discussed the necessity to focus on Peace Building and State-Building Goals (PSG’s). Creating inclusive politics, access to justice, improving economic foundations, providing equitable services to citizens and strengthening revenue collection are equivalent to the 2014 Work Plan. H.E also outlined the Capacity Development Programme which will streamline capacity support to the Ministries; this will commence in the autumn.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of women in Somalia and their strength throughout difficult times. Somali women have a leading role in ensuring lasting peace throughout the nation. H.E Abdiwali Sheikh Ahmed discussed the role the youth are taking for the betterment of Somalia and their future.

“Let’s not forget our future generation, our youth. These young people have also been on the forefront of my agenda. Ensuring access to primary and secondary education; sports programs and jobs for young people will propel Somalia to a stable future.” The Prime Minister said.

Finally, the government has taken great steps to emphasis the alignment of the Work Plan to the PSG’s and the SDRF which will aid the joint vision to achieve greater unity of international financing with the compact priorities.

Ultimately the success of the compact will be determined by whether or not it improves the lives of Somali citizens. H.E Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed has re-affirmed his commitment to the New Deal Compact and stressed the importance of honoring commitments made in Brussels by the international community to start delivering to the Somali people.

SOMALI MEDIA

The third phase of the New Deal summit commences in Mogadishu

13 Jun – Source: Radio Mogadishu/RBC – 118 words

Howlwadag administration investigates suspected al Shabaab members

13 Jun- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Goobjoog- 100 words

The administration of Howlwadag district in Banadir region is investigating individuals suspected of being al Shabaab members who were arrested after massive crackdown in the district.

The district commissioner of Howlwadag Ahmednoor Siyad told Radio Goobjoog that the security forces are conducting security operations in all parts of the district intended to maintain security.

The commissioner stated that his administration is setting up new plans to survey and control the security situation of Bakara market
He reiterated that the security operations in the district will continue until the overall of the district is fully maintained.

Somali Interior Minister claims govt will end fighting in Lower Shabelle

13 Jun – Source: BBC Somali Service – 120 words

The Minister of Interior & Federalism for the Somali Federal Government told the BBC Somali Service that the government is committed on stopping the clan tensions and physical confrontations in the Lower Shabelle region.

Abdullahi Godax Barre, the Minister, said that his Ministry along with the Minister of Defence and acting National Security Minister will travel to Marka to remove the armed militias from the city and other towns in the region.

“We will form a stable regional administration; deploy security agencies such as police and NISA officers to secure the district” Said Mr. Godax.

The Minister said that the Somali Federal Government will work in cooperation with clan elders and intellectuals to reach peaceful reconciliation.

Three people killed in Galgadud region

13 Jun- Source: Radio Bar-kulan-131 Words

Three people have been killed and others injured after armed militia ambushed a delegation returning from a recent meeting aimed at finding lasting solution to the inter-clan conflicts in Galgadud region. Reports said that the delegation’s armed forces resisted the attack and killed one fighter from the militia. The incident occurred in Labi-Aw-Ali location which lies 10 north of Balanballe in Galgadud region.

Hareri Hassan Barre, federal government’s top official in Balanballe has confirmed the casualties to Bar-kulan and expressed concerns over the current situation in the region. Barre urged locals to work with the government administration in achieving peace and stability.

At least 12 people have so far been killed and scores injured in inter-clan clashes between armed clan militias in rural areas near Guri-el and Balanballe in Galgadud region.

Tanzania to Train Thousand of Somali Government Soldiers

13 Jun- Source: Radio Dalsan- 99 words

The Tanzanian Government said that it is ready to train a thousand Somali government soldiers. The training will be on how they would combat terror groups effectively.

This was one of the Tanzanian government pledges to the Somali Transitional Federal Government led by Sheikh Shariif Sheikh Ahmed in 2012. Salfa Rweyemamu, the Director of the Communication Department of the Office of Tanzanian President says the preparation of the training has already been done and that everything is ready for it.

On the other hand, the Tanzanian Defense Minister, Hussein Mwinyi said this initiative aims to consolidate the regional cooperation.

Middle Shabelle administration to speed up the security of the region

13 Jun- Source: Radio Goobjoog- 109 words

Middle Shabelle police command announced that new police will be deployed in Jowhar district, the headquarters of middle Shabelle to reinforce other forces who reached the town yesterday.

Middle Shabelle police commander Col. Khalif Abdulle stated that the troops are prepared to keep the security of the entire region.
He added that the police command is planning to sit with elders in the region and consult with them the security situation of the region.

The remarks of the police commander comes a time when the insecurity acts in the region have been increasing the last few months.

Liyuu Police and al Shabaab fight in Aato again

13 Jun- Source: Radio Dalsan/Shabelle- 105 words

Reports from Aato area in Bakool Region say Liyuu Police from the Somali Region of Ethiopia and al Shabaab fought Thursday night.

This followed after al Shabaab attacked a police post which was manned by Liyuu Police.Stray bullets hit nomadic pastoralists who were near the conflict zone. However, it is unclear how many combatants from the warring sides were either killed or injured.

Even though the situation in Aato is calm on Friday, there are ongoing operations by the Ethiopian troops of AMISOM in the area. Just recently similar clashes between al Shabaab and Liyuu Police occurred in the same area where many people were killed.

Somaliland Forces Take Control of Taleh Without Resistance

13 Jun- Source: Garowe Online-590 Words

Amidst looming threats of instability in the disputed regions of Sool and Sanaag, a fresh incursion into the historic town of Taleh by Somaliland’s separatist administration forces has been reported on Thursday, Garowe Online reports.

Taleh resident said on Puntland-based independent station, Radio Garowe that 40 fighting vehicles besieged the town by granting Khaatumo 3 Convention participants including founder and Federal MP Ali Khalif Galaydh a safe passage out of the town.

“No combat has occurred in the town. Armed ordinary residents are roaming around here and Khaatumo 3 conference organizers departed either overnight on Wednesday and in the early hours of [Thursday morning],” he said.

Though, officials couldn’t be reached for comments on the matter, reports on the arrival of Somaliland forces went viral in Taleh over the last few hours. On the other hand, speaking on BBC Somali Service Somaliland Armed Forces Commander-In-Chief Gen. Ismael Shaqale confirmed the military move as normal operation aimed at securing Somaliland borders.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Fears in East Africa over World Cup attack threat

13 Jun- Source: AFP/New Vision/Standard Media/Capital FM news-330 Words

East African nations were on high alert Thursday over fears that Somalia’s al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab rebels may launch attacks on World Cup screenings. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, whose country is a key contributor to African Union forces fighting the al Shabaab in Somalia, cautioned fans “to be alert as they enjoy football, bearing in mind that the country is threatened”.

A statement said Ugandan security forces had been urged to screen people to avoid a repeat of attacks four years ago during the World Cup final, when al Shabaab militants killed at least 76 people in the bombing of two restaurants in the Ugandan capital. In Kenya, police chief David Kimaiyo promised “sufficient security measures” to ensure fans were safe, but said bar owners must take their own precautions. “Owners of such social places must ensure that every person is thoroughly screened before entering their premises,” he said in a statement.

Chinese to build airport in Somalia’s Puntland state

13 Jun – Source: Africa Review – 1515 words

A Chinese company has began building an airport in Bossaso town, the commercial capital of Puntland, a semi-autonomous state in northern Somalia.

Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Wednesday launched the project to be undertaken by China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC). President Ali stated that the project was being funded by Italy at a cost of $10 million.

The occasion in Bossaso town, 1,500 km northeast of Mogadishu, and facing the Gulf of Aden, was attended by UN and Italian officials.

President Ali stated that upon completion, the Bossaso airport would serve the whole of Somalia, adding that CCECC would complete the construction in 10 months.

The President underlined that CCECC had a good experience and expertise in carrying out civil works in Africa. “Puntland chose CCECC for the job of constructing the Bossaso airport because it realised such ambitious projects as the Tanzania-Zambia railway line,” said President Ali.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Southeast Asia overtakes Somalia as hub of global pirate attacks

13 Jun – Source: South China Post/Japan Times- 101 words

Southeast Asia has become the world’s hotspot for pirate attacks after an international clampdown slashed the number of hijackings off the coast of war-torn Somalia, the UN said on Thursday.

Piracy in Southeast Asia surged last year, particularly in the maritime trading hub of the Malacca Straits, between Malaysia and Indonesia.

Attacks in the region topped 150 last year after starting an upward trend since 2010, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) said in a report.

“Piracy in the Malacca Strait continues to be a major disruptor for safe routes in the eastern Indian Ocean,” said the agency.

BD sailors held by Somali pirates home after 4 yrs

13 Jun – Source: AFP – 181 words

Seven Bangladeshi sailors, held hostage by Somali pirates for almost four years, finally returned homeThursday, saying it was “unbelievable” to be alive and describing their ordeal as “like hell.” The sailors flew into the Bangladeshi capital after the foreign ministry said they were freed last week after lengthy negotiations.

“It’s unbelievable that I am still alive and free. I want to see my family,” Abul Kashem, 46, one of sailors, told reporters at Dhaka airport. “Every day in captivity was like hell. We were not given proper food. They used to torture us on almost every day for ransom,” Kashem said.

Although Bangladesh said they were freed, other officials have said they were among 11 sailors mostly from Asia who escaped last week and were taken to safety in Kenya. The group “sneaked out a window” in their pirate prison to escape their captors, before being rescued by local security forces, a British mediator who helped secure their freedom said last week.

Their boat, the Malaysian-flagged-ship MV Albedo, was hijacked in November 2010 by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean.

Jihad in Syria lures Somalis from Minnesota

12 Jun- Source: MPR News-1297 Words

Over the past few months, as many as 15 young Somali-American men from the Twin Cities have traveled to Syria to join radical groups trying to overthrow President Bashar Assad’s regime, according to the FBI.

One of the men, Abdirahmaan Muhumed, told MPR News through a series of Facebook messages that he is fighting alongside the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. ISIS, as it is commonly known, captured the Iraqi cities of Mosul and Tikrit this week.

“A Muslim has to stand up for [what’s] right,” Muhumed, 29, wrote in a Jan. 2 post. “I give up this worldly life for Allah.” Muhumed, who claims he wants to save the global Muslim community, said if that causes others to consider him a terrorist, he is “happy with it.” He asked Allah to forgive him and to “make my mom strong for the decision that I made.”

In recent months, Syria has lured many young Muslim men from abroad who want to join the jihad against the Assad government, which has waged a bloody conflict against its opponents. Many of the foreign fighters are from other parts of the Middle East but some have arrived from the United States.

Minneapolis FBI probes Somali-Americans fighting Assad in Syria

12 Jun – Source: Reuters – 165 words

The FBI is investigating men of Somali background who have traveled from the Minneapolis-St Paul area to Syria to fight with Islamist groups against President Bashar al-Assad, an FBI spokesman said on Thursday.

Kyle Loven, a spokesman for the FBI’s Minneapolis office, said in the last few months the Bureau had received information indicating that 10 to 15 men from the region’s large Somali community had traveled to Syria. Loven said that the FBI believed they would join up with Sunni militants, although he did not identify the groups.

The U.S. Justice Department, the FBI and U.S. spy agencies recently assigned coordinators or special teams to monitor such travel, fearing that radicalized Americans may return and stage attacks at home. The FBI inquiry grew out of an investigation opened in 2007 into possible terrorism links by people of Somali background who traveled from the same region to Somalia to fight with the al Qaeda-linked group al Shabaab, or who raised money for it.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Some said in the past that the Somali youth from the Twin Cities who went to join Al Shabaab did so because of nationalistic sentiment resulting from the incursion by Ethiopia, a Christian neighbor country, into Somalia — that they left to defend their homeland. As I see it, however, nationalism was not the motivating force then, nor is it now. The only thing that binds these groups together is a deeply rooted conviction in extremism, and it is about time that the FBI gets the broader picture and revisits their strategy to make it more effective next time.”

Needed: A more effective strategy to deter Somali youth from jihadist causes

13 Jun- Source: Somali Current-532 Words

Many people found themselves disconcerted when the news broke that Somali youth are going to Syria to join a Jihadist group to fight against the regime there. It is an experience of deja vu.

More than 20 Somali youth have already gone to Somalia to join Al Shabaab, an extremist group, affiliated with Al Qaida. One of the Somali boys, Ahmed Shirwac, was the first U.S. citizen to carry out a suicide bombing in the northeastern region of Somalia known as Puntland. Many of these youth were killed in combat; some who survived managed to come back. They were prosecuted, convicted and sent to federal prison.

The Somali community has since been tenacious and resolute not to have such a thing happen again. And so when the news broke that young Somali were going to Syria to join a jihadist group, most of the community were dumbfounded that their youth still continued to slip out of Minneapolis to join terror groups across the globe. The FBI has focused on this pipeline for recruitment for the last few years and launched an operation dubbed “Operation Rhino.” But the program has been a colossal failure, and this failure calls for an immediate revision along with genuine collaboration of the community.

“You wouldn’t think it, but recent gains tell of a country on a determined mission to redeem itself following decades of internecine strife.”

Somalia’s international isolation ending? This may be the best place it’s been in years

12 Jun- Source: Mail and Guardian Africa-984 Words

You probably wouldn’t think it, but it just could be the best time to be a Somali in the last 20 years. Talk of a property boom is not far-fetched, construction work continues unabated, while entry points are choked with Somalis coming back home. Despite an ever-present threat of terrorist bombs, the battered streets teem with resilient entrepreneurs and shoppers simply refusing to be put down.

Residents and security forces tell of a country determinedly clambering back onto its feet not unlike a boxer with a bloodied nose, and of one that is fast ending its international isolation following a debilitating two-decade civil war triggered by the collapse of the Siad Barre junta-led central government in 1991.

The latest fillip to its diplomatic effort was the announcement by the United States that President Barack Obama would soon nominate an ambassador to Somalia, though he or she would in the interim work out of Nairobi.

Top tweets

@FAOemergencies #UNFAO’s response to the deteriorating food security situation in #Somalia http://bit.ly/1s7O7st pic.twitter.com/Qj9rGcJ9Qy

@SomaliaEU New Deal steering committee: active participation of #Somalia‘s regions; dialogue on priorities & financial supportpic.twitter.com/Or1cqne2MF

@UNLazzarini .@ILOSomalia offers vocational skills training to#youth in #Mogadishu #Somalia VIDEO: http://bit.ly/TEsCQA pic.twitter.com/wD8nS7Hf55

@SomaliPM Prime Minister Abdiweli chairs Somalia Development and Reconstruction Facility meetinghttps://madmimi.com/s/0783f4 pic.twitter.com/cS86hkju9Y

@UNICEF We treated over 50 child survivors of #sexualviolencea week in Mogadishu #Somalia 2013 #TimeToAct #ENDviolence pic.twitter.com/VWxrYGalB6

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Image of the day

Image of the day Despite their hardships & dislocation #Somali Refugees enjoying the first day of the World Cup at IDP Camp in #Somalia. Photo:@Cantoobo