June 14, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

AMISOM urges Somali leaders to re-energize the ongoing political process

14 Jun – Source: AMISOM – 406 words

The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia, Honorable Wafula Wamunyinyi has urged Somali leaders to re-energize the ongoing political process to compliment recent military successes; emphasizing that military achievements alone will not bring about peace and stability.

He said that Somalia has reached a critical juncture in its political history as the progress made towards completing the road map, cumulating to the end of the Somali transition, have provided crucial moments to determine the future of the country. The Istanbul Conference, the London Conference and the Addis Ababa meeting, recently added momentum to the country’s political process which should usher in a new constitutional order and a more legitimate government.

“As we draw closer to the end of the transitional period, there will be heightened political activities and I wish to reiterate my earlier calls to all stakeholders to refrain from acts and statements that may distract the ongoing political progress and a new dawn of peace enjoyed in Mogadishu and most parts of the country.”

The Deputy Special Representative announced that the Force Commander Lieutenant General Andrew Gutti has taken command of forces in lower Juba (sector II) since a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the African Union Commission and the Government of Kenya, fully integrating the Kenyan Defense Forces into AMISOMs military component.

Key Headlines

Somalia’s Prime Minister meets with President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga (OPM/Radio Mogadishu)
AMISOM urges Somali leaders to re-energize the ongoing political process (AMISOM)
President Kibaki hails strides towards stabilizing Somalia (Coast Week Xinhua)
Roadside Bomb targets Ethiopian troops in central Somalia (Shabelle)
Indians support US drone strikes in PakistanYemen and Somalia (Business Standard)
How terrorism suspect was seized in Dar es Salaam (Citizen)
Somali cabinet announces three days of public mourning over death of former speaker (Radio Risaala)
Gen. Katumba Meets Somali President Inspires UPDF in Afgoye (Chimp Reports)
Al Shabaab Associate Admits To Supporting Terrorist Group (Bloomberg)

PRESS RELEASE

AMISOM urges Somali leaders to re-energize the ongoing political process

14 Jun – Source: AMISOM – 406 words

The Deputy Special Representative reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to supporting the TFG in the implementation of activities towards the end of the transition, warning that AMISOM along with other members of the international community will not allow spoilers to derail the process. “As we draw closer to the end of the transitional period, there will be heightened political activities and I wish to reiterate my earlier calls to all stakeholders to refrain from acts and statements that may distract the ongoing political progress and a new dawn of peace enjoyed in Mogadishu and most parts of the country.”

This has bolstered AMISOM military successes since AU troops secured Afgooye and Afmadow. These victories are important steps of AMISOMs operation helping to provide security to thousands who have previously been held captive by Al’ Shabaab terrorists and fulfilling AMISOM’s mandate to secure humanitarian corridors enabling humanitarian assistance to reach those in need.” h He said.

Honorable Wamunyinyi also said that AMISOM will soon deploy two Formed Police Units (FPUs) each consisting of 140 personnel from Uganda and Nigeria. The FPUs will play a critical role in aiding the Somali Police Force in an exercise to wipe out al-Qaeda backed al-Shabaab remnants to improve security. AMISOM Police will continue to work directly with their Somali counterparts, ensuring vigilant patrol of Mogadishu streets, crime prevention, public order and general restoration of the rule of law.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somalia’s Prime Minister meets with President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga

14 Jun – Source: OPM/ Radio Mogadishu – 383 words

The Prime Minister of Somalia Abdiweli Mohamed Ali who is on official visit to Kenya has yesterday met with the President of Kenya Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Abdiweli’s meeting with president Kibaki was the first of its kind. Premier Abdiweli discussed Somalia’s relations, the AMISOM operations, operations of the TFG soldiers in Juba regions and the completion of the roadmap with the two Kenyan principals.

Abdiweli thanked President Kibaki for welcoming him sympathising with the Kenyan people of the sudden death of minister for internal security Prof Saitoti and other officials in a helicopter crash. He sent his deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved. Mr. Ali said Professor Saitoti was a gallant politician who took a great role in galvanising the operations against the al Shabaab.

Abdiweli who was on a courtesy call briefed president Kibaki of the current situation in the country and the progress of the roadmap in ending the transitional period of the government. Abdiweli emphasised the enormous progress made on the security and the push to wipe out al Shabaab adding that the traditional elders will select the constituent assembly for the ratification of the new constitution and eventual selection of a new parliament in readiness for elections by August this year.

President Kibaki commended the progress of Abdiweli’s government on security and the implementation of the roadmap. Kenya once again reaffirmed its commitment to help and support the peace process and the reconciliation initiatives of Somalia for the benefit of all neighbouring countries.

Kibaki reiterated the hope and optimism of the regional countries as well as the international community in a stable Somalia. He urged the international community to support the peace process of Somalia to cut short the long term violence and usher in a peaceful duration of the history of Somalia and form a government that can maintain law and order.

Roadside Bomb targets Ethiopian troops in central Somalia

14 Jun – Source: Shabelle – 162 words

A powerful blast has on Thursday rocked across Somalia’s central town of Beledweyne, the latest series of attacks against Somali and Ethiopian troops in the town since al Shabaab quit Dec 31, 2011, last year, witnesses said. Thursday’s explosion hit convoy of military vehicles carrying Ethiopian forces traveling on the outskirts of Beledweyne town, which lies just 350 kilometers north of Mogadishu, Somalia capital, causing unidentified casualties on the soldiers, according a TFG official.

“The blast was a remote-controlled landmine that struck Ethiopian troops at a remote village located on the suburbs of Beledweyne town and the casualties are yet to be confirmed,” said, Mohammed Ibrahim, a TFG official in Beledweyne.

Witnesses said Ethiopian troops cordoned off the blast site and conducted heavy search operation to find out the mastermind of the attack, but no arrests were made. The situation is reportedly tense and locals gripped in fear. No ground or individual has claimed the responsibility for the attack so far.

Mahiga: “those against peace will be treated just like al Shabaab

13 Jun – Source: Radio Risaala – 131 words

In an exclusive interview with Radio Risaala, United Nation special envoy to Somalia Augustine Mahiga said those that jeopadize Somalia’s wheel of development will be treated just like al Shabaab. He said those causing the disruptions are former warlords, people disguised as traditional elders and some wealthy business people. Augustine Mahiga said anybody against the peace process or the roadmap will be treated like Al Shabaab.

He similarly talked about the cold blood assassination of Somali journalists in Mogadishu and he said he stands by the press freedom and he is deeply sorry for the troubles the journalists had to bear. He however, called on Somali journalists to respect the laws that govern them.

UN to send international observers at Somali Elders’ meeting in Mogadishu

13 Jun – Source: Shabelle – 143 words

The Special Representative United Nations for Somalia Ambassador Augustine Mahiga,stated on Wednesday that the UN is going to send international observers in the Somali Traditional Elders’ convening in Mogadishu that are tasked to select a constituency assembly of 825 delegates that will make national constituent assembly (NCA).

In a wide-range exclusive interview the envoy gave to Shabelle Media Network, he said that United Nations is committed to put more efforts in order the Traditional Elders meeting in Mogadishu to be more, sovereign, fruitful and effective for Somali people.

The UN Special Representative also pointed out the meeting to be a great victory since the attending Elders are from all regions in Somalia and all Somali clans, notably some came from al Shabaab ruled territories in south and central the country.

UN envoy to visit southern Somalia town seized from Islamists

13 Jun – Source: Jowhar Online/ Radio Kulmiye – 98 words

United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia Amb Augustine Mahiga said he plans to visit Afgooye, southern Somalia. In an interview with Radio Kulmiye, Mahiga said African Union Mission in Somalia top official invited him to Afgooye, saying he will be there as soon as possible. ”I am hoping that I will visit Afgooye as soon as possible. Afgooye is a strategic town. AMISOM’s [top] official invited me,” said Mahiga.
Amb Mahiga said AMISOM has achieved its biggest victory [so far] by capturing Afgooye, terming the town as famous for its agricultural produce.

Suicide bomber kills him self in Mogadishu

13 Jun – Source: Radio Kulmiye/Hiiraan Online – 156 words

Witnesses told radio Kulmiye that suicide bomber has killed him self as he was trying to wear the explosive belt to use for expulsions in any unknown target place. “He was killed by his explosive belt,” said witnesses in Howlwadaag district in Mogadishu who spoke to radio Kulmiye KNN, he was about to kill himself for suicide bombing but he failed. Two other ladies in the district wounded in the explosion and the house where he was preparing for the failed attack was destroyed by the powerful blast. It is yet known where was the target of this suicide victim. Al Shabaab has been conducting suicide attacks against the Somali government and African Union peacekeepers of AMISOM since their withdrawal from capital Mogadishu.

Somali cabinet announces three days of public mourning over death of former speaker

13 Jun – Source: Radio Risaala – 181 words

After holding a session in Mogadishu, the cabinet of the Transitional Federal government of Somalia expressed their condolences to the Somalis on the death of former speaker Sheikh Muqtaar Mohamed Hussein who passed away in Nairobi, Kenya. The Sheikh had served different positions in the governments the country had since independence. At the end of the session, Hussein Arab Isa who is the minister of defense as well as the deputy prime minister announced to the press that the national flag will be lowered for three days in respect for the death of the former speaker. He further added that Sheikh Muqtaar Mohamed Hussein will be given a national burial in Mogadishu.

REGIONAL MEDIA

After Islamists, first clinic brings hope to Somali town

14 Jun – Source: Capital News/AFP – 883 words

Amino Mahamoud has been waiting to see a doctor for the past 10 years — ever since a stray bullet got lodged in her left buttock. It has been there ever since. “When I was shot I didn’t have any money and the main hospital was on fire so I couldn’t see a doctor,” she told AFP in the capital of central Somalia’s Bakool region.

Mahamoud was hit by a stray bullet in the capital Mogadishu. Once she was well enough to travel she returned home to Hudur, but the injury has left her incapacitated. “I feel ill after five minutes of walking and I feel pain all the time.”

Bakool has had no hospitals for the past three-and-a-half years when al Qaeda affiliated al Shabaab insurgents closed down a maternity clinic that had been set up in 2008. But that is about to change.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is setting up a field hospital in Hudur, after opening similar facilities in Baidoa to the south, in Dolow near the borders with Kenya and Ethiopia and in Galkayo farther north, as they try to bring health care to people across Somalia.

How terrorism suspect was seized in Dar es Salaam

13 Jun – Source: Citizen – 537 words

A 24-year-old terrorism suspect was arrested on Sunday night at Julius Nyerere International Airport as he was negotiating entry into the city, police revealed yesterday. Emrah Erdogan, alias Abdulrahman Othman, had arrived from the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

Police sources told The Citizen in an exclusive interview that Erdogan, a German national of Turkish origin, was wanted by Kenya for suspected links to Islamist rebel groups al Shabaab and al Qaeda. He had travel documents indicating that he came from Somalia.

The suspect, who has been on the wanted list for about four years, was arrested after a tip-off by German authorities was communicated to all entry points, including Julius Nyerere International Airport. He arrived on schedule, only to find officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and the department of terrorism waiting for him.

“The suspect has not been injured in any way,” the sources said. “He was arrested professionally but police detectives were worried about his terrorism connections, though they were ready for any fracas.”

Hope returns as Mogadishu gets back on its feet

13 Jun – Source: Daily Monitor – 519 words

In June last year, men wielding guns, total darkness at night, gun-shots, rubble and dusty streets were the major visible features of Mogadishu. These are no more. Streets are lit at night. Cafes selling coffee are open. For the first time in 20 years, there is traffic police.

This has come with the defeat of Islamic militants in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. With normalcy returning, there is an influx of people escaping starvation in the countryside. Most of them come from the newly captured areas.

The population in the city has grown from 1.5 million to 2.5 million residents in one year, putting a strain on humanitarian agencies trying to help tens of thousands of people living in tent cities with no means of support.

Security is much improved, although there are isolated clashes and the occasional suicide bomb attacks. One can now stand on top the parliamentary building without fear of being shot at by a sniper. This is something that could not be done one year ago.

Gen. Katumba Meets Somali President, Inspires UPDF in Afgoye

13 Jun – Source: Chimp Reports – 389 words

UPDF Commander Land Forces Lt Gen Katumba Wamala on Wednesday visited the liberated Afgoye in Mogadishu to morale boost AMISOM combatants that have sent al Shabaab into disarray. The insurgents’ stronghold fell to AMISOM troops and Somali National Army less than a month ago in a battle that lasted three days.

Gen Katumba, accompanied by the AMISOM Uganda Contingent Commander, Brig Paul Lokech addressed and interacted with serving troops from Battle Groups VIII and IX, some of whom have served in the mission for almost a year. He described his visit to Afgoye as ‘a shove of moral support to the troops’, and an appreciation for doing their job exceedingly well.

Gen Katumba said that there had been a lot of pessimism about the possibility of the mission, both at home and abroad when it started five years ago, but the UPDF has surpassed expectations amidst the tough conditions.

President Kibaki hails strides towards stabilizing Somalia

14 Jun – Soure: Coast Week, Xinhua – 411 words

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki on Wednesday hailed efforts made by the African Union (AU) peacekeeping mission to stabilize Somalia. At a meeting with visiting Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali in Nairobi, Kibaki lauded progress made by the allied forces in securing large swathes of in southern and central Somalia from al Qaeda linked al Shabaab.

Kenya sent troops in mid-October 2011 to attack Somalia-based al Shabaab in retaliation for repeated cross-border kidnappings. “This will encourage the voluntary return of refugees and other migrants to Somalia,” the president said, urging the Somali leadership to take advantage of this development to consolidate its authority in the region.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Al Shabaab Associate Admits To Supporting Terrorist Group

14 Jun – Source: Bloomberg – 206 words

An associate of the al Shabaab terrorist organization in Somalia pleaded guilty in New York to providing material support to the group and receiving military training in 2009.

Mohamed Ibrahim Ahmed, 38, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy and faces as long as 10 years in prison, according to a statement today by U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara in New York. Ahmed, an Eritrean native who lived in Sweden before going to Somalia, was arrested in Nigeriain 2009 and transferred to the U.S. the following year.

“Mohamed Ibrahim Ahmed traveled a long way from his home in Sweden to Somalia, where he took up the cause of al Shabaab, a deadly terrorist organization and sworn enemy of the United States and its people,” Bharara said in the statement.

Lords EU Committee holds follow-up inquiry into Somali piracy

14 Jun – Source: Parliament – 335 words

The House of Lords EU Sub-Committee on External Affairs will hold a follow-up inquiry on Somali piracy which will open with evidence from witnesses including Nick Harvey MP, Minister of State for the Armed Forces and Captain David Reindorp of the Royal Navy.

The Committee published Combating Somali Piracy: the EU’s Naval Operation Atalanta in April 2010. The report called for both a more robust approach to be taken to prosecution and punishment of pirates as well as more effort to tackle the root causes of extreme poverty in Somalia in order to change the perceived risk/reward ratio for potential pirates.

In their follow-up inquiry the Committee will consider what progress has been made by Operation Atalanta and whether the threat of Somali piracy is being reduced.

Indians support US drone strikes in Pakistan,Yemen and Somalia

14 Jun – Source: Business Standard – 296 words

The frequent CIA drone attacks on terrorist safe havens in countries like Pakistan is widely opposed around the world but not in India, US and UK, according to a recent survey on America’s image abroad. In the vast majority of nations polled, there is considerable opposition to the US drone campaign against extremist leaders and organisations.

In 17 of 20 countries, more than half disapprove of the US conducting drone missile strikes to target extremists in places such as Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. The policy is unpopular in majority Muslim nations, but also in Europe and other regions as well.

Indeed, at least three-in-four hold this view in a diverse set of countries: Greece (90 per cent), Egypt (89), Jordan (85), Turkey (81), Spain (76), Brazil (76) and Japan (75). The three outliers on this issue are India, Britain, and the US itself.

Indians who have an opinion tend to support American drone strikes (32 per cent approve, 21 disapprove), but nearly half (47) do not offer a view on this question. Meanwhile, the British are almost evenly divided (44 per cent approve, 47 disapprove), the survey said. Americans largely support the drone attacks: 62 per cent approve; just 28 disapprove.

Across much of the EU, there is a significant ideological gap on this question. For example, a majority (56 per cent) of those who describe themselves as being on the political right in Britain favor US drone strikes against extremists, but just 31 on the left agree, the survey said.

A similar gap emerges in France, where about half of those on the right (49 per cent) approve of the drone attacks, compared with about one-quarter (26) among people on the left. Double-digit differences are also found in Italy, the Czech Republic and Germany.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“For four straight days (and nights) the delegates continued their discussions and deliberations of the important issues that is the prerequisite for ending the transition period. The discussion was based on what to do with the secret draft constitution, the selection of the constituent assembly, the selection of the members of the next parliament, the re-building of security and justice sectors and finally good governance or the institution and capacity-building for the core Somali ministries.”

Historic Istanbul Conference Recommends Transparent And Democratic Process For Somalia

14 Jun – Source: Eurasia Review – 755 Words

On May 26-30, 2012 a truly historic conference on Somalia’s reconciliation process took place in Istanbul, Turkey. Before shedding light on what transpired there, I would like to thank the Turkish government for their pivotal role in both hosting this event as well as the many humanitarian stances they have taken for the Somali people.

It is only through works of deliberate partnership that nations can emerge out the destructive dire straits that they may find themselves in in the course of their existence, and Turkey has been a critical partner to Somalia in that regard.

Although the Turkish government played a part in realizing the conference, the assembling, daily organization, debates, and consensus building procedures were all led by Somalis. Needless to say, the conference was unique in that respect. And the outcome was indeed Somali-owned outcome.

“Things remain very fragile but at least people in the capital are enjoying a taste of normal life that people all over the world enjoy. But we must be careful to remember that there is still a long way to go yet for Somalia and its people.”

A day out at Mogadishu beach

13 Jun – Source: Oxfam Blog – 467 Words

Last Friday I did something I’ve never done before in Mogadishu. I went to the beach and swam in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
It was a warm, sunny day and in a normal city this would not be unusual. But Mogadishu has not been a normal city for a long time, and previously even something as simple as going swimming has been impossible. Even just a few months ago it would have been far too dangerous. I went with some friends and colleagues, and we were not alone. After the midday prayers we drove along the coast on a worn-out tarmac road and joined hundreds of other people on the sandy beach. There were men and women, young and old – lots of different people trying to enjoy their day off work.

Top tweets

@t_mcconnell Proof it’s possible for aid agencies to operate beyond #Mogadishu, a health clinic opens in Hudur, #Somalia http://thetim.es/Nzb16A (cc @WHO).

‏@Jeannie_Hartley #Kenya #Somalia #War #humanrights #Crisis #UN Journey to #Afmadow Part 1″ on YouTube –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmOJPUDAz-U&feature=youtube_gdata_player.

@Sojeede The seaside Somali capital #Mogadishu is enjoying a peace. Somalis who fled decades of war are coming back,#Somalia.

‏@David_Waddell From nuisance families in Ealing to the#Shabaab of Mogadishu – good training for a key player in a failed state: http://bit.ly/LZsanW #in.

@Hamza_Africa KDF spokesman to Daily Nation journalist: Decision on when to take over #Kismayu will be made by#Amisom. #Kenya don’t want to go alone?

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Image of the day

Image of the day Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and Somali Prime Minister Abdweli Ali pose for picture after holding meeting at State House, Nairobi.