June 19, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

AU Special Representative prepares to leave

19 Jun- Source: AMISOM- 386 words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif will be leaving the mission on July 2nd, 2014. Yesterday he held separate meetings with the President, the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Federal Republic of Somalia and formally introduced the Deputy Special Representative, The Honorable Lydia Wanyoto Mutende and the recently appointed Police Commissioner, Mr. Anand Pillay, as part of the handover process.

The AU Special Representative applauded Somalia’s leaders for their commitment to peace and reconciliation noting that through their efforts, the country is now registering tremendous progress on both the political and security fronts.

He said: “As I leave Somalia, I’m impressed by your determination to bring sustainable peace and stability to your country. I’m particularly happy to note that the horn of African nation is currently enjoying its longest period of relative peace since 1991 and that through your leadership, we have of late witnessed amicable resolution of disputes amongst various different groups.”

The AU Special Representative thanked Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) as well as international partners, notably the UN and the EU, for supporting him during his tenure and for their continued commitment to peace and stability in Somalia. The contribution of Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Uganda to the building of peace in Somalia is something of which all Africans can be proud. He said; “Despite Al-Shabaab’s desperate attempts to reverse the gains made so far, AMISOM’s determination to bring peace and stability to Somalia remains paramount.”

In his address to the officers and staff of AMISOM, during a dinner in his honor, Ambassador Annadif commended AU peacekeepers for supporting the Somali National Army in liberating strategic areas of the country from the terror group al Shabaab. He called on AMISOM to continue to adhere to relevant Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law when implementing their mandate.

“As we have witnessed in many other African countries, the problems of Somalia will ultimately come to an end and this Horn of Africa nation will reclaim its position within the continent and beyond.” said Ambassador Annadif.

The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of African Union Commission (DSRCC), Honorable Lydia Wanyoto Mutende will head the AU Mission in Somalia until the appointment of a replacement.

Key Headlines

AU Special Representative prepares to leave (AMISOM)
Somali Prime Minister to visit Dadaab Refugee Camp (Radio Bar-kulan)
Two children die of hunger in besieged Burdubo (Radio Ergo)
Prime Minister Ahmed visits Kenya holds talks with Kenyan Deputy President (OPM)
“We are now ready to defend our territories from Somaliland.” Puntland government vows (Radio RBC)
New forces deployed to Lafole for the first time (Radio Goobjoog)
President Hassan Visits Some of the Regions in the Country (Radio Dalsan)
Gunmen kill civilian in Galkayo Central Somalia (Radio Shabelle)
One civilian killed in Middle Shabelle clashes (Radio Bar-kulan)
Marka District Commissioner: Shabelle State Troops Occupied Marka (Radio Dalsan)
Uganda beefs up security at all borders (East African)
Al Shabaab confiscate TV sets from Bardere town amid world cup 2014 (Radio Goobjoog)
AMISOM escorts Humanitarian Convoy to recently liberated areas in Bakool Region (AMISOM)
50 law students complete training course in Garowe (Radio Bar-kulan)
We have established networks in Kenya claims al Shabaab (Somali Current)
Shebelle State ministerial cabinet announced (Radio Goobjoog)
Somaliland announces to open dialogue with Khaatumo (Somaliland Informer)
Security Official Killed in Mogadishu (Radio Dalsan)
KDF will not leave Somalia Deputy President William Ruto says (Standard Media)
Kenya: Lamu calls for border vigilance (Star- Kenya)
Somali president tours southern central Somalia (Al Shahid)
Kenya Forces Arrest Five Suspects in Deadly Attacks (Wall Street Journal)
Security beefed along Kenya Somalia border (Star- Kenya)
Farah Mohamed Shirdon of Calgary fighting with Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (CBC Canada)

PRESS STATEMENT

AU Special Representative prepares to leave

19 Jun- Source: AMISOM- 386 words

The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of African Union Commission (DSRCC), Honorable Lydia Wanyoto Mutende will head the AU Mission in Somalia until the appointment of a replacement.

Prime Minister Ahmed visits Kenya, holds talks with Kenyan Deputy President

19 Jun – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 527 words

His Excellency the Prime Minister of Somalia Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed is on an official visit to Kenya to attend the 99th session of the meeting of countries in the African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States. The Prime minister also met with the Deputy President of Kenya H.E. William Ruto and other high level Kenyan officials. The meetings covered a wide range of issues including security, refugees and strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.

H.E Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed reiterated his condolences to the Kenyan government and the people of Kenya on the recent cowardly attacks on innocent civilians in Lamu County. The Prime Minister and Mr. Ruto agreed that the threat of terrorism is a regional and global issue that requires all parties to work together to address it, and build bonds that will further the fight against those who seek destruction and mayhem.

H.E. Prime Minister Ahmed thanked the Kenyan government for the role it is playing in the stabilization of Somalia and for the troops it has contributed to the AMISOM forces. The Prime Minister spoke about the recent liberation of 9 districts through joint SNA and AMISOM operations as part of achievements in security, and both governments renewed their commitment to continue working together to increase security in Somalia.

“SNA and AMISOM have battled tirelessly to eliminate those who wish to impose their warped ideology on the region. The successes of the SNA and AMISOM are not only beneficial for Somalia, but for the entire East African region. We must continue to fight those who want to harm us and reaffirm our commitment to peace and justice,” H.E Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed said.

H.E Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed expressed his continued concern about the state of Somali refugees in Kenya amid recent security sweeps that have resulted in the mass arrests of people of Somali origin since April. He thanked the Kenyan government for hosting Somali refugees for over twenty years, but urged the Kenyan authorities to be cognizant of the rights of refugees while conducting security operations and to separate extremist elements from the legitimate refugees who are in Kenya.

Further on the refugee issue, both parties agreed that the Tripartite Commission will be launched as soon as possible. The Commission will enable the processing of any issues regarding refugees under the framework of the Tripartite Agreement, which will allow for orderly and voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees to a favorable environment.

“The two governments agreed to hold a conference soon in either Mogadishu or Nairobi to discuss the implementation of the Tripartite Agreement on the issue of Somali refugees in Kenya. Under this agreement, refugees will only be returned to Somalia voluntarily and in an orderly manner,” said the Prime Minister.

To strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries, the Kenyan government will speed up the process of opening its embassy in Somalia. Both governments agreed to re-launch the Joint Cooperation Committee, which will oversee and improve governance, stability, economy, financing and infrastructure. The Prime Minister of Somalia and the Kenyan officials agreed to promote and encourage regular visits to Mogadishu by Kenyan officials.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali Prime Minister to visit Dadaab Refugee Camp

19 Jun- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 190 words

Before his official visit to Kenya comes to an end, Somali Prime Minister, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed is expected to visit Dadaab Refugee Complex in northeastern Kenya according to Prof. Abdullahi Sheikh Ali, Deputy Minister for Somalia’s Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation.

He said the prime minister and his delegation will visit the camp to assess the current living conditions of the Somali refugees in Dadaab Refugee Complex, which is home to the largest Somali refugees in the world.

Prime Minister, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed and Kenyan Deputy President, William Ruto raised the issue of the Somali refugees in Kenya during their talks in Nairobi on Wednesday.

The prime minister stated that the two sides are committed to the implementation of the tripartite agreement between Kenya, Somalia and the United Nations Refugee Agency over the voluntary repatriation of the Somali refugees.

Furthermore, the deputy minister said the prime minister’s delegation will hold talks with EU and US ambassadors to discuss long term partnerships and developmental projects in Somalia.

The prime minister’s delegation is in Kenya to attend the 99th Session of African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) in Nairobi.

Two children die of hunger in besieged Burdubo

19 Jun- Source: Radio Ergo- 194 words

At least two children have died from hunger and dozens more are at risk of starvation in al-Shabaab besieged district of Burdubo on the Somali-Ethiopian border, according to residents.

Mohamed Salah, a traditional leader in the district in Gedo region, warned that more people could die if al-Shabaab’s blockade of the town continues. He said stocks of food and other supplies including medicines had run out.

Al-Shabaab forces have been denying access to trucks transporting food and goods into the district since allied Somali and Ethiopian forces seized the town from them three months ago.

Three children were reported to have died of starvation in Wajid district of Bahool region last week. Wajid is subject to a similar blockade by al-Shabaab.

The Somali federal government said it was planning to deliver food aid to besieged towns and villages including Wajid. The director general of the Interior and Federalism Ministry, Ali Abdidoon Halane, told Radio Ergo that more than 25 trucks and vehicles carrying food aid and medical supplies had been parked at Baidoa, about 90 km from Wajid, since 3 May because the roads to Wajid, Hudur and Burdubo were all closed by al-Shabaab.

“We are now ready to defend our territories from Somaliland.” Puntland government vows

19 Jun- Source: Radio RBC/Puntlandi Online- 274 words

Somalia’s north eastern state of Puntland has declared a state of war against Somaliland administration over the disputed regions along the border between the two administration.

Ahmed Elmi Osman, Puntland interior minister who hails from Sool region has disclosed that Puntland will now start to defend the borders of its territory.

The minister has paid a visit to Tukaraq, Puntland military base in Sool region and said that the government of Puntland has supplied the right necessities to the soldiers and they are now ready to restore the security of the Puntland regions.

Ahmed Karash urged the people of Puntland especially those from the Puntland’s Sool and Sanaag regions “to stand up and collectively protect the land and the dignity of their state against the enemy that crossed beyond their borders into Puntland territories.”

In the past months, Somaliland armed forces had been advancing to Sool and Sanaag regions. Early this year, Somaliland president Ahmed Silaanyo had secretly paid unofficial visit to Laas qoray, coastal town in Sanaag regions.

Recently Somaliland forces seized Taleh, a very historical town and also among the Nugaal bordering Sool towns. Talex recently served center the Khaatumo state.

However the Puntland response to that severally issued a statement urging Somaliland to refrain from such actions that can cause renewed conflicts between the two administrations.

New forces deployed to Lafole for the first time

19 Jun- Source: Radio Goobjoog- 86 words

The administration of Lafole locality in Lower Shabelle region welcomed hundreds of new forces that were deployed to the area for the first time. Social services vice chairman of Lafole stated that the forces will take part in strengthening security of the area and the nearby localities in Lower Shabelle region. Lafole locality and surrounding areas have been facing problems posed by armed men who set illegal road blocks where the drivers and owners of the public transport were forced to pay large amount of money.

President Hassan Visits Some of the Regions in the Country

19 Jun- Source: Radio Dalsan- 128 words

President Hassan Sheikh on Wednesday visited some of the regions of the country in a survey to find out how life of the ordinary people is and how administrations are functioning.

The president was accompanied by cabinet ministers and the places they visited included Jowhar, Hudur and other parts of Bakool Region. In the recent past, Hudur residents and other parts of Bakool were being faced by a difficult humanitarian problem due to lack of basic necessities such as food after al Shabaab blockaded them.

Finally, the president would visit Marka town of Lower Shabelle where in the recent past there were tribal clashes. Many people including combatants and civilians died in Lower Shabelle in tribal clashes between two rival clans. However, delegates were recently sent there to reconcile them.

Gunmen kill civilian in Galkayo, Central Somalia

19 Jun- Source: Radio Shabelle- 57 words

Armed gunmen have shot dead a civilian man in north Galkayo. Security officials of the Puntland administration have said that they are conducting search investigations and pursuing the perpetrators. Until now no-one has been arrested on the suspicion of murdering the civilian that was gunned down in North of the city, Galkayo.

One civilian killed in Middle Shabelle clashes

19 Jun- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 98 words

At least one person has been killed and two others injured after government forces clashed with al Shabaab militants in Lafole location, Middle Shabelle region. The confrontation between the two sides occurred on Wednesday night according to Bar-kulan correspondent in the region. The clashes came after militant fighters loyal to al Shabaab militant group in the region attacked a government forces base in Lafole location. Residents told Bar-kulan that one civilian was killed and two others injured in the heavy shelling which ensued al Shabaab’s attack on the government forces base.

Marka District Commissioner: Shabelle State Troops Occupied Marka

19 Jun- Source: Radio Dalsan- 93 words

The District Commissioner of Marka, Mohamed Osman Yariisow says Shabelle State troops captured Marka. Speaking to Dalsan Radio, Mr. Yarisow said the troops who are loyal to Shabelle State stopped the movement of people and vehicles. He also said that those troops camped many areas within the town and people have already started fleeing for dear life. He added that the general regional administration is aware of the fact that they want to set up an administration here for both Lower Shabelle and Middle Shabelle but without the consent of the Federal Government.

AMISOM escorts Humanitarian Convoy to recently liberated areas in Bakool Region

19 Jun- Source: AMISOM-382 Words

On June 10, the road convoy, carrying one of the largest consignments of humanitarian supplies, began moving to Wajiid. The convoys comprised of a total of 59 trucks that were ferrying humanitarian aid, administrative items for the local administration as well as military and commercial vehicles escorting the convoy.

Following the liberation on Hudur and Wajiid towns in Bay and Bakool region, the improved security has seen a majority of the people returning back to their homes as a result of the subsequent defeat of al Shabaab terrorists by AMISOM and Somali forces.

After the al Shabaab ousting, the resident who had left during the groups control in Wajiid and Xudur came back to vandalized and destroyed towns. The al Shabaab militant group had destroyed the towns’ infrastructure leaving nothing for the returning residents that they had rendered homeless.

50 law students complete training course in Garowe

19 Jun- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 111 words

50 law students have on Wednesday completed a training course in Garowe, the administrative capital of Somalia’s semi-autonomous state of Puntland in a bid to strengthen and enhance the legal knowledge of the students.

The training course was jointly organized by Puntland Ministry of Women, UNDP and Tayris, a local non-governmental organization in Puntland and the trainees were selected from various schools in Garowe.

Abdi Ibrahim who is the head of Tayris NGO told Bar-kulan that the aim of the training course was to teach the young students ways to advocate their fellow youths whenever their rights are violated or legal challenges arise.

Shebelle State ministerial cabinet announced

19 Jun – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 102 words

The President of Shebelle State of Somalia consisting lower and middle shabelle Abukar Mardaadi appointed cabinet of ministers for his administration.

Abukar Mardaadi , Elected as the President of the two region state, mentioned that for the past few days he has been concentrating on the new ministerial cabinet. “I thank the community in Lower and middle Shebelle region for reaching out to me by voicing their thoughts and advice,” said the President

Mr Mardaadi said the council of ministers will consist of 15 members, whereby he named only seven and said to complete the list in the coming few days.

We have established networks in Kenya, claims al Shabaab

19 Jun – Source: Somali Current – 89 words

Al Shabaab militant group has claimed that they have established bases in Kenya to facilitate its attacks against Kenyan government. Sheikh Abdulaziz Abu Musab spokesman for the group has said on a statement that they have opened what he termed as battlegrounds in Kenya.

“In our latest attacks you have seen the fatalities we have caused to our enemy,” Abu Musab said they have taken the decision after Kenyan defense forces which went inside Somalia in 2011 and continued to defy their calls to pull out.

Al Shabaab confiscate TV sets from Bardere town amid world cup 2014

19 Jun – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 77 words

Al Shabaab movement launched massive operations in Bardere town of Gedo region to confiscate all television sets in the town. At least thirty people accused of breaching the order were arrested during the crackdown, all the confiscated Tv sets were taken to the police stations in the town.

This operation comes when al Shabaab outlawed watching of 2014 cup world cup going on in Brazil. Al Shabaab has declined to give comment about the operations in Bardere town.

Security Official Killed in Mogadishu

18 Jun- Source: Radio Dalsan- 74 words

Armed men attacked and killed one of the Security Officials in Mogadishu.The Security Official was based in Wadajir District Police Station. The gunmen who killed the deceased official at Isgoyska Korontada Junction escaped. Security personnel were deployed there after the incident and have done operations even though till now no one was captured for the act. However, some leaders in Wadajir who spoke to the media said the killers are still being hunted.

Somaliland announces to open dialogue with Khaatumo

18 Jun – Source: Somaliland Informer – 149 words

Somaliland government has announced its eagerness to have dialogue with local factions and bordering countries to stop the political hostility in Taleh in Sool province, Buhodle and eastern Sanaag.

“Somaliland is a independent nation and citizens have the right to have voice in the future progress of the country but instigating violence and insecurity is not tolerable and further revealed that this can offer a window of opportunity to al Shabaab to take advantage,” states the Foreign Ministry. It has stated her continuation to have bilateral ties with the International Community (IC), Somalia and Puntland to ensure all have peace and stability.

It is the commitment of the country to resolve all domestic conflicts through fostering dialogue according to the Foreign Ministry. Mr. Said Ali Musa, Foreign ministry spokesman has said that the country is welcoming every opportunity to begin talks with local groups and closest nations to resolve conflicts through peaceful manner.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Uganda beefs up security at all borders

19 Jun- Source: East African- 404 words

Security has been beefed up at all border crossings into the country as the threat of terrorism heightens, following two fatal attacks on two Kenyan towns two days ago. Al Shabaab Islamic militants have always vowed to harm Uganda, Kenya and Burundi for deploying soldiers to Somalia in AMISOM’s peacekeeping mission. In response, Uganda Police Force has regularly asked Ugandans to be vigilant.

An on-spot check yesterday revealed intensified security measures at the entry points in the country, with tighter screening of immigrants and security agencies engaged in both overt and covert manoeuvres.

KDF will not leave Somalia, Deputy President William Ruto says

19 Jun – Source: Standard Media – 139 words

The Kenya Defence Forces ( KDF) will not leave Somalia until peace is restored in the horn of Africa nation, Deputy President William Ruto has said. Responding to calls for withdrawal of Kenyan troops due to rampant terror attacks, Ruto said: “We shall stay engaged under AMISOM to create a peaceful and stable condition for

He spoke at his office Wednesday when the Somalia Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed paid him a visit. The DP also announced that plans were underway to roll out voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees.

The DP at the same time said stern action will be taken against senior Government officials for negligence that led to the killing of more than 50 people in Mpeketoni. Ruto also said politicians and leaders who issued inflammatory statements that may have triggered the attacks will be arrested and prosecuted.

Kenya: Lamu calls for border vigilance

19 Jun- Source: Star- Kenya- 154 words

Leaders in Lamu want border patrols in Somalia increased and officers deployed to the county. Governor Issa Timammy said the national government should add security surveillance in all areas to avoid attacks similar to those that left more than 58 people dead on Sunday and Monday in Mpeketoni.

Addressing a press conference attended by political leaders he said the government should also increase security forces in all departments including the NSIS and CID.

“We want the national government to increase patrols along the Somali border and deploy more security personnel so as to curb the insecurity,” he said. Timammy said it is too early to say the attack was politically motivated.

Somali president tours southern, central Somalia

18 Jun – Source: Al Shahid – 99 words

A delegation led by Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has on Wednesday reached in Jowhar, the provincial capital of Middle Shabelle region on board helicopter.

Middle Shabelle administration’s spokesperson said the president had talks with local administration officials, community elders and security officials over the situation in the area. He added that the security of the town has been heightened as hundreds of people lined up in the major roads to welcome the president to the town.

This is the second visit of the Somali president to Jowhar town since he came to power in almost two years ago.

Security beefed along Kenya Somalia border

18 Jun- Source: Star- Kenya- 46 words

Security has been beefed up along the Kenya-Somalia border in Lamu East following renewed threats by al Shabaab to carry attacks in the country. Lamu East police boss Samuel Obara says police are working with the military to secure the border.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Kenya Forces Arrest Five Suspects in Deadly Attacks

18 Jun – Source: Wall Street Journal – 144 words

Kenyan security forces on Wednesday arrested five suspects in attacks that killed more than 50 people and fanned tensions along the country’s contentious coastline. Benson Maisori, the deputy police commissioner for Mpeketoni, said the arrests resulted from “an intelligence-led action,” but wouldn’t provide details on the suspects or what led to their capture.

More assailants remain in the area, he said, and about 300 security officers from surrounding Lamu County are participating in the search for them. “We have enough forces on the ground,” he said.

Kenya’s Red Cross on Wednesday confirmed that 58 people were killed over two days of attacks in the town of Mpeketoni—about 30 kilometers from the popular tourist destination of Lamu Island—and surrounding villages. In Sunday’s assault, residents said, dozens of men in military uniforms shouted “Allahu akbar!”—Arabic for God is great—and hunted Christian men to gun down.

Farah Mohamed Shirdon of Calgary fighting with Islamic State of Iraq and Syria

18 Jun- Source: CBC Canada-912 Words

Farah Mohamed Shirdon, a Calgarian in his early 20s, is fighting overseas with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, CBC News has learned. Shirdon, who was enrolled in the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology until at least 2012, appears in an ISIS video released two months ago.

Before burning his Canadian passport, Shirdon, in full view of the camera lens, issues a threat to Canada, the U.S. and “all oppressors.” “We are coming and we will destroy you by the will of God,” Shirdon says on the video.

He comes from a prominent and well-educated Somali family. His father’s brother, Abdi Farah Shirdon, was a former prime minister of Somalia who has survived numerous attempts on his life by al Shabaab militants fighting for an Islamic state in Somalia under the banner of al Qaeda.

Shirdon’s mother and sister live in Calgary and are deeply involved in the religious life of their community. CBC News reached out to them repeatedly, but they would only say they are “confused and pained by Farah’s choice,” before asking for privacy.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“The Somali Diaspora command enviable respect within Somali institutions as they have had the advantage of Western education, professional experience and are generally wealthier than the local population. They hold key posts in government and this will only be genuinely beneficial in the long term if they are able to apply their international learning and experiences on Somali policies with a healthy dose of useful Somali culture.”

Somali Diaspora: cultural competence crucial for institutional development

18 Jun- Source: Hiiraan Online-1644 Words

There is not a conference that goes by without the mention of the role of the Somali Diaspora in the Somali states rebirth and future stability. The International community have firmly placed the Diaspora at the core of their Somalia strategies and are actively promoting their engagement at every level and in all institutions. This is not a criticism because without doubt the Somali Diaspora, despite their many shortcomings just like other groups, contribute to their nation through remittance, investment and as scholars and international ambassadors.

One area where the Diaspora efforts and their knowledge and skills are needed, where they have it, is in institutional development. In the book Fixing Failed states the prominent Afghani academic and politician alongside his co-author Clare Lockhart argued that without Human Capital failed states can never find their way out of poverty and violence as the very institutions needed to lead to prosperity and security would not be manned by the right people. Ghani and Lockhart saw the Diaspora returning to work and invest in their failed state homes as the trigger for development that was needed so long as they still understood local cultures and could integrate back into the societies they fled. This theory is evidenced in Rwanda and Congo where after savage civil wars both societies Diaspora returned in substantial numbers, encouraged by their governments, to work and invest. Today both nations enjoy strong social cohesion and impressive economic growth.

“Into this charged political atmosphere, Kenyatta’s recent comments have raised fears of a very bitter political season – or worse – in the days to come.”

Kenyatta’s al Shabaab denial inflames Kenya’s divisive discourse

18 Jun- Source: France 24 Blog-1471 Words

On Tuesday night, Kenyans across the country gathered around TV sets in living rooms, bars and makeshift “viewing centers” in shanty towns and refugee camps to hear the Kenyan president’s speech on a recent series of brutal attacks.

Even in a country that’s no stranger to attacks by the Somali Islamist al Shabaab group, the latest assaults — which killed more than 60 people in the coastal town of Mpeketoni and the nearby Poromoko area — had the sort of chillingly precise savagery that shocked the nation.

Nearly nine months ago, when al Shabaab conducted a brazen attack on the Westgate mall in Nairobi, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta made a televised address to the nation at the end of the siege, which succinctly captured the grief as well as the resilient spirit of the nation.

But on Tuesday night, there was none of the clarity and gravitas Kenyans have come to expect from their president.

As Kenyatta proceeded to insist that “politically motivated ethnic violence” – and not al Shabaab – was responsible for the recent attacks, there was collective sense of confusion, suspicion and dismay among many Kenyans.

“Kenya is too important to fail. The government knows it, and so do donor governments. So its dependence on foreign aid will also continue. Let us hope that Kenya does not become part of the African Confederation of Failed States. As of now, there is just as much chance that it will, as that it will not.”

Kenya, Corruption, and Terrorism

18 Jun- Source: Huffington Post Blog-1049 Words

Shortly after Uhuru Kenyatta was elected president of Kenya early last year, I published an article pondering whether his election and indictment at the International Criminal Court would ultimately make the country more isolated. At the time, Kenya was becoming increasingly important in the regional fight against militant groups such as al Shabaab, and a transit point for aid and goods to South Sudan, so the country’s potential to impact other states in the region was significant.

Given the subsequent and ongoing terrorist attacks throughout the country, Kenya has now become a lynchpin in the fight against terrorism in the region. The stakes are high because al Shabaab has become stronger, in spite of all the resources devoted to fighting against it, and crosses the region’s borders with impunity. The presence of endemic corruption is important here because it can impact a country’s ability to combat terrorism. Kenya has regrettably become a paradigm for what can happen when corruption becomes so ingrained in a nation that its security forces are unable to effectively protect its people.

Kenya is not the worst country in Transparency International’s (TI) Corruption Perceptions Index. It is rated 136 out of 177, on a par with Bangladesh and the Ivory Coast. But it is not far from one of the worst, and is in a rotten neighborhood, battling one of the most savage terrorist organizations on the planet.

Top tweets

‏@Somalia111 We remember today our UN colleagues & innocent Somalis killed in a brutal attack in Mogadishu. We continue committed to our work in #Somalia

@WilliamsRuto I held talks with Somali PM, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, on the Kenya-Somalia relations when he called on me.pic.twitter.com/5FCzZYl6sV

@amisomsomalia #AMISOM Ethiopian troops conducting patrols in Baidoa. http://bit.ly/1yhIoAG

@UNOCHA_EA A great find: High Commissioner’s High-Level Panel on Somali @Refugees at http://bit.ly/1vP71mh @OCHASom @UNOCHA #Somalia @RefugeesIntl

@UNLazzarini In #Puntland, @UNDP supported training for 5 female police officers to gain skills &increase equality in police force

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Image of the day

Image of the day #UN staff observe a minute’s silence in honor of colleagues killed in an attack on the UN in #Mogadishu on 19-06-13. Photo: @UNSomalia