June 17, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Kenya: 15 killed in fresh Mpeketoni attack
17 Jun- Source: Daily Nation/Star/Standard Media- 252 words
Another attack in Mpeketoni last night left at least 15 people, including two police officers killed in Poromoko area, police have confirmed. Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku said the attackers destroyed Safaricom communication equipment before they undertook the new killings.
The CS said the attackers ensured the network was jammed so that locals could not raise alarm. He said by paralysing communication, the attackers are sophisticated and seemed to know what they were doing. “This is an elaborate war,” he said.
Three houses were torched in Mapenya village in the same area, and police Tuesday were trying to establish if this was in retaliation for the attacks.
The al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militant group have already claimed responsibility for theMonday night attack.
Key Headlines
- Police Commissioner visits Italy meets Italian Police heads (Radio Mogadishu/Radio RBC)
- Intense fight breaks out in Somalia border with Ethiopia (Radio Shabelle)
- Local NGO establishes school and hospital in Awdinle district (Radio Goobjoog)
- Kenya: 15 killed in fresh Mpeketoni attack (Daily Nation/Star)
- Puntland security officials arrest al Shabaab suspects in Galgala Mountains (Radio Shabelle)
- Parliament motion is one of the greatest challenges against govt officials says President(Universaltv/RBC)
- Kenya: Witnesses recount night of terror claim ‘white man’ was commander (Standard Media)
- Ban deplores deadly attacks on civilians in Kenya (UN News Center)
- Fighting in Kismaayo Resolved (Radio Dalsan)
- Somaliland Presidency Minister returns to the country (Somaliland Informer)
- Government forces launch security crackdown in Waaberi and Hamar Jajab districts (Radio Shabelle)
- AMISOM mentorship of Somali police (Walta Information Centre)
- Suspect linked to Sheikh Idris Mohamed’s killing remanded (Standard Media)
- KDF to remain in Somalia (Star- Kenya)
- Somalia’s al Shabaab declares Kenya a ‘war zone’ (Toronto Star)
- U.S. Condemns al Shabaab Terrorist Attack in Mpeketoni (US State Department)
SOMALI MEDIA
Police Commissioner visits Italy, meets Italian Police heads
17 Jun- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio RBC- 176 words
Somalia’s Police Commissioner General Abdihakim Dahir Sa’id “Saacid” is currently paying first official visit to Italy and met his Italian Counterpart Alessandro Pansa in Rome.
The visit by the Somali Police Commissioner to Italy came following an official invitation from the Italian Government. Italy is currently funding projects to rebuilding and equip Somalia Police Forces (SPF).
In a meeting in Rome on Monday, both Police Commissioners discussed the way forward the Italy’s support to Somali Police Force as part of the broader project to train, equip and the support on communication sector.
According to the Somali Police Commissioner’s Office, the Monday’s meeting also addressed the better way to re-organize the former Somali Special Police Unit (known as Darawish) to enhance the capacity of the nation’s security forces in order they can fully country the country.
Italy has been a longtime friend to Somalia since 1960, but the ties between the two nations halted following Somalia’s civil wars that started in 1991. Italy has re-established its embassy in Mogadishu and sent its ambassador back late last year.
Intense fight breaks out in Somalia border with Ethiopia
17 Jun- Source: Radio Shabelle- 66 words
A strong battle erupted on the Ethiopia-Somalia border that resulted In casualties and losses. Monday night’s encounter broke out between Liyu Police and government troops on one side against al Shabaab. News reports indicate that the fight was intense and various weapons were used. Reliable sources in Bakool region have confirmed to radio Shabelle that several fatalities were caused although the precise numbers have not been specified yet.
Local NGO establishes school and hospital in Awdinle district
17 Jun- Source: Radio Goobjoog- 97 words
A local NGO has established a hospital and a school in Awdinle district in Bay region a time when the residents were in need of Social amenities. A colourful ceremony meant to open the social services was held in Awdinle district. The administration of Awdinle district welcomed the establishment of the social services in the district adding that the services introduced will change the lives of the people. Awdinle located 30 kilometres South of Baidoa, the headquarters of Bay region had no proper schools and hospitals before.
Puntland security officials arrest al Shabaab suspects in Galgala Mountains
17 Jun- Source: Radio Shabelle- 72 words
Speaking at a press conference in Bossaso, a Puntland state official commented on the latest confrontations in Galgala Mountains. Puntland security officials have said that they have captured armed fighters of al Shabaab that they claim were fighting in Galgala Mountains and that they will prosecute them. The Bari regional governor said that one of the detainees they arrested hailed from the Somaliland region.
Parliament motion is one of the greatest challenges against govt officials, says President
17 Jun – Source: Universaltv/RBC – 166 words
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud urges Members of the Federal Parliament of Somalia to halt the motions against government officials and instead use the motions as advices, RBC reports.
“The biggest failure against a nation is the fear,” President Mohamud told the parliamentarians during his address on Monday.
“Al Shabaab threatens our people to kill them or behead them, courts threaten the people for arrest, but our parliament threatens for motion,” he added. President Mohamud asked the lawmakers of Somali Parliament to make use the short term the government has to be directed to forming and enabling the country to hold elections by 2016.
“Let us be united all and direct all our resources and efforts to manage the little amount of time in order to finalize all the mandate of this government,” President noted. He said he would preferred the lawmakers to correct and direct the government officials when it is possible instead if tabling a motion to fire a minister or other government officials.
Somaliland Presidency Minister returns to the country
17 Jun – Source: Somaliland Informer – 101 words
Presidency Minister Hon Hirsi Ali Hassan & the Minister of National Planning Hon Sa’ad Ali Shire have returned to the country on Monday after finishing days of working visit to Djibouti where they met with Minister of foreign Affairs and Turkish ambassador to Djibouti.
Somaliland delegation led by Minister Hisri also toured Zaylac, Lawyo Ado where the Turkish government has promised to pay the funds earmarked for the building of road that will connect Zaylac to Djibouti.
On the other hand, Minister Hirsi has firmly spoken of the clear breach of Somaliland sovereignty by Puntland with the help of Somali Federal Government.
Fighting in Kismaayo Resolved
17 Jun- Source: Radio Dalsan- 135 words
The security situation in Kismayo town is now stable after two armed groups clashed in Alanley area yesterday, at least two people were killed and others wounded during the fight. Jubbaland Interim Administration said that the fighting in Kismayo in which people died and others were wounded was resolved.
The Commissioner of Lower Jubba Abdirashid Gooni who spoke to reporters said the fighting in Kismaayo yesterday was resolved. The fighting was between two groups in the same Interim Jubba Administration. He said the intellects and the leaders of the administration managed to solve the dispute.
The wounded people during the clash between the sides were rushed to hospitals in the city. The clashes in Kismayo embarked after Interim Jubba administration security forces tried to disarm an armed in the area but turned down their order.
Government forces launch security crackdown in Waaberi and Hamar Jajab districts
16 Jun – Source: Radio Shabelle – 77 words
Government forces backed by African union peacekeeping troops have launched massive security crackdown at Waaberi and Jamar Jajab districts in Banadir region. AMISOM troops blocked the main roads entering the districts while government forces were searching the houses.
Dozens of people arrested by the forces were taken to police stations for investigations, the security officials have not yet given comment about the operations. This operation came after a judge was killed in Waaberi district last night.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Kenya: 15 killed in fresh Mpeketoni attack
17 Jun- Source: Daily Nation/Star/Standard Media- 252 words
Another attack in Mpeketoni last night left at least 15 people, including two police officers killed in Poromoko area, police have confirmed. Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku said the attackers destroyed Safaricom communication equipment before they undertook the new killings.
The CS said the attackers ensured the network was jammed so that locals could not raise alarm. He said by paralysing communication, the attackers are sophisticated and seemed to know what they were doing. “This is an elaborate war,” he said.
Three houses were torched in Mapenya village in the same area, and police Tuesday were trying to establish if this was in retaliation for the attacks.
The al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militant group have already claimed responsibility for the Monday night attack.
Suspect linked to Sheikh Idris Mohamed’s killing remanded
17 Jun – Source: Standard Media – 125 words
A Mombasa court has remanded a suspect linked to the killing of Sheikh Mohamed Idris for 14 days to allow the police to investigate if he is involved in other terror activities in the town.
Sheikh Idris, a prominent moderate Muslim cleric, was gunned down as he prepared to enter a mosque in Likoni last Tuesday. Mohamed Sudi Said alias Abu Osamah, who is also suspected to have attacked a church at Likoni and killed several faithful, was remanded in police custody by Chief Magistrate Maxswel Gacheru after police made a successful application.
Police, in a sworn affidavit, said the suspect was arrested along the Likoni-Ukunda Road between Likoni Ferry and Corner Police while riding a mountain bike and a pistol recovered after a search.
Kenya: Witnesses recount night of terror, claim ‘white man’ was commander
17 Jun- Source: Standard Media- 223 words
Intriguing and conspiratorial accounts have emerged from local residents caught up in Sunday’s Mpeketoni attack with some witnesses claiming a masked white man commanded the attackers. Witnesses also reported seeing about 50 heavily armed gunmen with flags associated with al Shabaab. Some witnesses allege that police fled with them into bushes where they stayed for hours as heavy explosions shook the town. The Standard crew saw the body of a police officer in uniform in the bush indicating the attackers could have pursued victims into the thickets to finish them off. The alleged white man and his henchmen were masked but his distinctive pale white skin stood out from his exposed hands, neck and eyes in the street lighting. He allegedly wielded a bazooka. “We have reports that one of the attackers was a white man.
AMISOM mentorship of Somali police
16 Jun- Source: Walta Information Centre- 235 words
The African Union Mission in Somalia continues its mentorship of the Somali Police Force (SPF), with further training of 100 officers currently ongoing.
In a press release AMISOM Public Information Services sent to WIC, it is a refresher training course for the Somali Police Officers on Cordon & Search, Arrest and Handcuffing, Patrols & Motor Vehicle Search and Interrogations taking place at the General Kahiye Police Academy.
The week long training is meant to equip the officers with skills necessary to ensure vigilance and ability to detect and address any security threats. Speaking at the training, AMISOM Police Training Coordinator Dr. Benjamin Agoju noted that such initiatives are supplemented by joint activities such as the patrols conducted together with the SPF.
KDF to remain in Somalia
16 Jun- Source: Star- Kenya- 137 words
The Kenya Defence Forces will remain in Somalia until the country is stable, spokesman Bogita Ongeri has said. Ongeri said KDF, which is now under the AMISOM mission, will continue with its mission of stabilising Somalia as it is crucial for peace in Kenya and the horn of Africa. The KDF spokesman, however, said he was not aware of reports that KDF will stay in Somali till 2022. Ongeri said KDF is funded by the Amisom and United Nations, not the Kenyan government. He said the ongoing peace mission in Somalia was now beyond the mandate of Kenya and was being handled by African Union under AMISOM and United Nations. “This is no longer Operation Linda Nchi but a peace mission which many key players are involved,” he said on phone yesterday.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Ban deplores deadly attacks on civilians in Kenya
17 Jun – Source: UN News Center – 113 words
Ban Ki-moon today condemned “in the strongest terms” the attacks that took place on Sunday in Mpeketoni, Kenya, which reportedly killed at least 48 people and wounded many more.
“The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of the deceased and the Government of Kenya and wishes the wounded a swift recovery,” said a statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson.
The Somali insurgent group known as al Shabaab has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attacks, which targeted hotels and a police station and lasted several hours, according to media reports.
“The Secretary-General reiterates the solidarity of the United Nations with the people and Government of Kenya in their struggle against terrorism,” said today’s statement.
Somalia’s al Shabaab declares Kenya a ‘war zone’
17 Jun – Source: Toronto Star – 138 words
Attack on southern Kenyan town another deadly example of how al Shabaab battle is increasingly moving across the border. There had been warnings that the country would be hit again, but the attackers descended on the southern Kenyan town with ease, reportedly flying the black flag of al Qaeda and killing residents and soccer fans watching a World Cup match Sunday night.
For hours they shot civilians, targeting those gathered at cafes and bars for the game and then roaming through Mpeketoni’s streets and neighbourhoods, going house to house and setting fire to buildings and cars.
“They came to our house at around 8 p.m. and asked us in Swahili whether we were Muslims,” resident Anne Gathigi told The Associated Press. “My husband told them we were Christians and they shot him in the head and chest.”
U.S. Condemns al Shabaab Terrorist Attack in Mpeketoni
16 Jun- Source: US State Department-89 Words
The United States strongly condemns the al Shabaab terrorist attack on the coastal town of Mpeketoni, Kenya overnight that killed dozens of people. We offer our deepest condolences to those that have lost loved ones and to persons injured in the attacks.
There can be no place for horrific acts of violence such as this in any society.
The United States stands with Kenya. We will continue to work in partnership with Kenya to address security in Kenya and in the region in a comprehensive manner that respects human rights.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Yet more violence in Kenya on Sunday night as 48 people were gunned down in the streets of a coastal town. Al Shabaab strike again, making a mockery of the Kenyan government’s attempts to stop them. SIMON ALLISON wonders if Kenya is going about it the wrong way.”
Another month, another devastating attack in Kenya: can al Shabaab be stopped?
17 Jun- Source: Daily Maverick-899 Words
In Kenya, the scenes of devastation are beginning to repeat themselves. There is the charred skeleton of another burnt-out car. There are the bullet holes in the wall, the shattered glass on the floor, the collapsed sheets of corrugated iron. There are the dead bodies – this time 48 of them, all men, mostly civilians, left in the wake of a five-hour rampage from by gunmen who shot up bars and homes and set several buildings alight.
Sunday night’s raid in Mpeketoni, the coastal town nearest to Lamu Island’s swish tropical resorts, was a big one, the biggest since the Westgate Mall siege in September 2013. But those two attacks are just the highest-profile of an unrelenting onslaught of violence committed in the name of Islam by radical, extremist militants – an onslaught which is only growing in intensity. In the first four months of this year, more than 80 terrorist attacks were documented by Kenyan human rights lawyers, ranging from shootings to car bombs to grenade attacks. This is double the frequency recorded in the corresponding period in the two preceding years.
It wasn’t supposed to be this way. In 2011, when Somalia’s al Shabaab first began to flex its muscles across the Somali border and into Kenyan territory, Kenya vowed to halt the group once and for all. They sent thousands of Kenyan Defence Force troops into Somalia to chase down the militants in their own back yard.
“Concerned about terrorism as well as influence from Washington’s economic rivals, the Obama administration is renewing its efforts to support the Somali central government.”
The Obama Administration’s Somali Pivot
16 Jun- Source: Hiiraan Online-1576 Words
Somalia has been a trouble spot on the African continent for much of the past two decades, unable to meet the humanitarian and security needs of its own citizens, engendering regional insecurity, exporting massive numbers of refugees, and hindering the flow of international commerce on the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. An endless political conflict rages at all levels of the federal government and its regions that continues to dampen public aspirations for political stability and regional peace. Even after the Obama administration recognized Somalia as an “equal partner” in January 2013, the nation remains fragile and unstable.
In fact, political, humanitarian, and security conditions have not improved much since the adoption of a provisional constitution, the establishment of a federal parliament, and the inauguration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in 2012.
After two years at the helm, the Somali government seems incapable of shaking off its failed-state status. The weak and ineffective central government has little practical control over much of its territory, and it provides little in the way of needed humanitarian services. There is widespread corruption and inter-clan warfare. A massive flow of refugees has moved in and out of the country, which continues to suffer intolerable rates of unemployment and economic hardship. International aid agencies deliberately sidestep Somalia’s nascent public institutions. The federal government, whose taxing authority is limited and generates little revenue, consequently looks weaker. It remains deprived of the international financial and technical assistance necessary to strengthen its coffers and enhance its stature locally and internationally.
Top tweets
@amisomsomalia #DayoftheAfricanChild. #AMISOM supports efforts towards ensuring a safe and secure environment for the Somali child pic.twitter.com/Wk09fFZO9Q
@OCHASom #Somalia at risk of sliding back into emergency. See latest humanitarian snapshot: http://bit.ly/1lvQjjL @reliefweb pic.twitter.com/5td1mDAs8T
@JClemenzoICRC Flood has badly affected Kismayo, in#Somalia. We and the Somali Red Crescent have distributed aid to 23,000 people. pic.twitter.com/T329UAJLRd
@CMainga Its an average of 205 km from mpeketoni to somali ras kamboni border it would take 2 .5 hrs @ 80km/hpic.twitter.com/zDWSbT4acO
@SalahOsman0 Mogadishu is being rebuilt. First kinder care officially opened pic.twitter.com/Ji21ghueOR
Image of the day
#Somali Police Commissioner Gen. Saacid with his #Italian counterpart in #Rome. Photo: @Abdikarim_Abdi3