June 19, 2015 | Morning Headlines
Al-Shabaab Kills 24 People In Central And Southwest Somalia
18 June- Source: Anadolu Agency – 433 Words
Al-Shabaab announced Thursday that they killed 24 people in southwest and central Somalia. Sixteen Somali government soldiers were killed in an attack in the village of Gedweyne in the southwestern region of Gedo. The militant movement made the announcement via Somalimemo.net, an Al-Shabaab affiliated news website.“The movement’s fighters attacked today a military post in the village of Gedweyne, and took control of it for a number of hours before withdrawing from it,” the announcement said.
“Sixteen soldiers were killed in this attack, which lasted four hours.”Earlier on Thursday, six people were killed in an attack on the city of Adado in the Galguduud region in central Somalia, targeting a building in which a meeting was taking place to form a local administration, according to eyewitnesses and local officials. Speaking to an Anadolu Agency reporter over the phone, the eyewitnesses said that an explosive-laden vehicle driven by a suicide bomber exploded at the entrance of the building.
This was followed by an exchange of fire between Ethiopian troops charged with protecting the building and three militants who attempted to storm it. Four militants were killed, including the suicide bomber and a civilian near the scene of the incident. A government official said, on condition of anonymity, that the assault was fierce and led to the death of all the militants.
Key Headlines
- Al-Shabaab Kills 24 People In Central And Southwest Somalia (Anadolu Agency)
- Security Stepped Up In Mogadishu Over Fears Of Ramadan Attacks By Militants (Horseed Media)
- Al-Shabaab Marks First Day Of Ramadan With Botched Attack (Garowe Online)
- FGS Sign New Joint Programmes With UN Donors (Goobjoog News)
- UN Envoy Reaches Kismayo (Garowe Online)
- Kenya To Lift Somalia Cash Transfer Freeze (NDTV)
- UN Chief Names Deputy Head Of UN Assistance Mission In Somalia (Global Post/Xinhua)
- Life After Losing Remittances: Somalis Share Their Stories (The Guardian)
- The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia Nicholas Kay And The UN Family Extend Their Ramadan Greetings
NATIONAL MEDIA
Puntland Warns Of ‘Civil War’ Over Claims Of Its Territory By Central Region State Formation Delegates
18 June – Source: Horseed Media – 324 Words
Somalia’s semi-autonomous state of Puntland warned on Thursday of the risk of a civil war, after delegates sitting for the establishment of a new Federal state in the Central Region of Somalia signed a controversial constitution. The delegates of the conference passed on Wednesday a controversial constitution, claiming the new state’s boundary is close to Burtinle district, which is less than 70-kilometres South of Garowe, the capital of Puntland. One of the Puntland’s weekly cabinet meeting agenda held in Garowe concerned the on-going conference in Adado district, insisting the conference doesn’t comply with the federal provisional constitution. “
Puntland stated that if the conference continues in this way, it can lead to a civil war…. Puntland is capable enough to defend its territories and people,’’ read a press statement from the Office of Puntland President Abdiweli Mohammed Ali. A long-standing wrangle has been going on since the middle of last year over the formation of the new state after parts of it have been included some of Puntland territories – Northern Mudug. As stated in the provisional constitution, two or more states are only allowed to form a federal state.
In April, Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud made it clear that “no community will forcibly amalgamated to another’’ in a speech during a national conference held in Garowe that brought together the federal government leader with also the leaders from Puntland, Jubbaland and South-west regional administrations. Puntland, a region in northeastern Somalia, declared itself to be semi-autonomous from Somalia in 1998 as fighting raged through most of the country. Since the region has been calm and had a functioning constitutional government with its own security forces. Political analysts have accused the federal government of Somalia of playing a two-faced policies on this issue and have warned that the leaders will pay the consequences.
Al-Shabaab Marks First Day Of Ramadan With Botched Attack
18 June – Source: Garowe Online – 245 Words
As Somalis are observing the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar, Ramadan, coordinated terror attack by Al Shabaab gunmen on a building housing delegates Thursday ended in failure in central town, Garowe Online reports. Militants in military fatigues tried to ram an explosive-laden car into the building, but the plot went wrong according to a spokesman for Somalia’s Ministry for National Security, Mohamed Yusuf. Security forces manning an entrance to the residence, and were appearing to have received a tip-off shot three militants on the spot. The attackers were reportedly planning to shoot their way into the house of Adado conference delegates.“No casualties have been resulted in except for the assailants.
The security forces foiled, they were four people in number, one blew himself up in the car and the three other [attackers] were shot dead by the security forces,” the official told the Media. Al-Shabaab immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, saying they killed Ethiopian soldiers at a security checkpoint near Kafalo building.GO couldn’t reach independence sources in Adado for exact number of fatalities from the botched attack. Al Shabaab is known for staging a string of deadly assaults in the holy month of Ramadan every year. Residents in Mogadishu broke fast to volleys of gunfire and scramble for cover last year.In an attempt at curbed rampages, Somalia government deployed hundreds of police officers into the streets of war-torn Mogadishu on the eve of dawn-to-dusk fasting month of Ramadan.
Security Stepped Up In Mogadishu Over Fears Of Ramadan Attacks By Militants
18 June – Source: Horseed Media – 265 Words
Somalia’s federal government officials have said that security had been stepped up in and around the Somali capital in the run-up to the holy month of Ramadan. On Wednesday, hundreds of Security forces were paraded in the streets of Mogadishu, prepared to prevent any attacks by the al-Qaeda-linked militant group, Al-Shabaab which in the previous Ramadans managed to carry out deadly attacks in the city. Billions of Muslims around the world are marking this year’s Ramadan which started on Thursday with a month-long fasting, in fulfillment of one of the most revered pillars of the Islamic religion – Fasting.
To secure the capital, checkpoints at the entrances to the city were reinforced by high numbers of officers, with additional forces deployed to public places, said a senior security official.“A tightened security plan has been worked out to secure people in the streets and give citizens a feeling of safety while they are fasting,’’ said the official. Security officials have asked the public to comply with and assist their efforts. This includes reporting any suspicious behavior that could be related to insurgent activities. Though Al-Shabaab was pushed out of key towns in South and Central Somalia, the group has been able to hit high-profile targets in Mogadishu’s heavily fortified areas, including the national courts, the UN compound, the Turkish embassy, and popular gathering places. Earlier on Thursday, police in the central town of Adado foiled a planned Al-Shabaab suicide attack against delegates attending a Political conference. Officials said they had killed four militants who planned to carry out the car bomb attack.
FGS Sign New Joint Programmes With UN, Donors
18 June- Source: Goobjoog News – 502 Words
The Federal Government of Somalia and the United Nations have launched joint programmes to kick-start implementation of a process to rebuild critical Somali State institutions as the country continues on the road to recovery. The implementation of these programmes, which focus on Federal State formation, Constitutional Review and Implementation, Elections, Rule of Law, Youth Employment, and Capacity Development through the Strengthening Institutional Performance, will be led by the Federal Government of Somalia with joint support from the European Union, the United Nations, and other partners. The launch in Mogadishu on Wednesday was marked by a signing ceremony between Philippe Lazzarini, the UN Resident Coordinator, and various members of the Somali Cabinet led by the Somali Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Abdirahman Aynte.The signing ceremony follows joint discussions and endorsement of the programmes by the FGS Cabinet, the UN, and a group of donor partners, composed of the European Union (EU), Denmark, Italy, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom (DFID). It is also the culmination of a process that began nearly two years ago during a conference in Brussels, where the New Deal Compact for Somalia was officially endorsed.
Minister Aynte expressed gratitude to the donors for their support and to the UN for working closely to design and ensure that the programmes meet the well-intended targets in line with the country’s Peacebuilding and Statebuilding Goals (PSGs) and the New Compact Deal for Somalia. Aynte said, “2015 was supposed to be the year of delivery and we are almost halfway through already but we are delighted that we are signing, probably, the most important programmes that are going to help our government and key government institutions to deliver on Peacebuilding and Statebuilding Goals as they were intended within the Compact programme”. Lazzarini said the launch of the joint programmes under the Somalia Development and Reconstruction Facility marks an important milestone for the UN’s engagement in Somalia.
“The significance of this ceremony is also to demonstrate that the processes put in place since the adoption of the (New Deal) Compact are now being translated into concrete activities and results on the ground,” said Lazzarini, outgoing Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to Somalia. According to Aynte, the FGS commits to ensure that programme implementation happens quickly, and there is already high-level commitment from the government and Prime Minister Abdirashid Ali Shermarke, who has formed a Cabinet-level committee to monitor the progress made. Speaking on behalf of the donor partners, Daria Fané, the Head of Development Cooperation for the EU Delegation to Somalia said, “It’s an important moment of delivery in our collective commitments towards the New Deal. And I would like today on behalf of my Ambassador and the EU member States who contribute, to thank UN and the Somali Government, particularly also the coordinating efforts from the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and the Aid Coordination Unit; but also the line ministries that have been involved here, for their partnership and collective effort in making it happen”.
UN Envoy Reaches Kismayo
18 June -Source: Garowe Online – 123 Words
United Nations envoy to Somalia Ambassador Nicholas Kay has reached the southern port city of Kismayo for key talks on Thursday, Garowe Online reports. Kay briefly met with members of Jubaland’s Committee on Constitution, and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) sector commanders at Kismayo airport before being driven into Jubaland State House. UN envoy has held talks with Jubaland President, Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) behind closed doors. During his stay in Kismayo, Kay is expected to discuss UN support for Jubaland, looming anti-Al Shabaab offensives and the political deadlock over Jubba regional assembly with the political and community leaders. On June 6, Jubaland broke off all relations with Mogadishu-based federal government over the passing of a controversial vote of no confidence.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Kenya To Lift Somalia Cash Transfer Freeze
18 June – Source: NDTV – 322 Words
Kenya’s president ordered today that the central bank is to issue regulations and then lift restrictions on key money transfer services vital for Somalia suspended over suspected links to the Al-Qaeda-allied Shebab. Kenya in April froze transfer companies as part of a crackdown on alleged Al-Shabaab supporters following the university massacre of almost 150 people by the Islamists. President Uhuru Kenyatta, in a statement released to mark Islam’s holy month of Ramadan, said he had “noted the proposal to lift the suspension of licenses” for 13 registered money remittance providers (MRPs).
“I direct the Central Bank of Kenya to immediately issue comprehensive regulations that guide the operation of MRPs, upon which their suspension would be lifted,” Kenyatta added. No date or further details were given for when the suspension would end. Aid agencies criticized the shutting down of transfer services, warning it would hit the poorest hardest and jeopardize their operations. With no formal banking system in the poverty-stricken country, diaspora Somalis use money transfer services to send cash back home to support their families, sending some $1.3 billion (1.1 billion euros) each year, dwarfing foreign aid.
Kenyatta also called for a security “review” during Ramadan. In past years Shebab fighters have intensified attacks during the month of fasting. “Aware that the enemies of our country may wish to exploit this season, I call upon the entire Muslim fraternity and its leadership to remain vigilant, and do everything in their power, to cooperate fully with the security agencies in order to safeguard this holy month,” Kenyatta said.
UN Chief Names Deputy Head Of UN Assistance Mission In Somalia
18 June – Source: Global Post/Xinhua – 294 Words
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Thursday announced the appointment of Peter de Clercq of the Netherlands as his deputy special representative for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), where he will also serve as UN resident coordinator and humanitarian coordinator. De Clercq will also serve as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative in the horn of Africa country. He will succeed Philippe Lazzarini of Switzerland, who will shortly leave his post to join the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL). “The secretary-general is grateful to Mr. Lazzarini for his dedication and service in Somalia,” a UN spokesman told reporters here.
De Clercq brings to the position solid experience in managing political processes, security sector development, operations and emergency management, protection of civilians and rule of law, as well as mobilization and management of humanitarian and development assistance, the spokesman said. His most recent assignment was that of UN deputy special representative of the secretary-general for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Prior to that, he served as senior adviser to the special representative of the secretary-general for Somalia and deputy special representative for Somalia for the United Nations Political Office for Somalia.
OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE
“My brother lives in Australia, he works there as a truck driver. Every month he would send me $200,” Maryan said. “But then last month he failed to send me the money because of Westpac closing accounts. To raise money, I sold my jewellery, and then I opened this small kiosk with $600 so I could keep sending my son to school as I don’t want him to get recruited by al-Shabaab.”
Life After Losing Remittances: Somalis Share Their Stories
18 June – Source: The Guardian – 1, 210 Words
In a war-torn country with no formal banking structure, 40% of Somalis rely on money sent from relatives abroad – but what happens now that money is cut off? Amin Yusuf, a 49-year-old journalist in Mogadishu, is deeply concerned about his pregnant wife. They are among the 40% of Somali families who rely on remittances from overseas for basic needs such as food and medicine. “My wife is in her final stages of pregnancy, this will be our fourth baby and I am very worried about her,” Yusuf explained. “Every time my wife is about to deliver a baby, my older brother who lives in the US would send me money for hospital expenses through remittance companies. “But this time I am really scared because I am no longer expecting any financial support from my brother because he’s unable to transfer money from the US,” he said.
“What if she finds an urgent medical need that is catastrophic and costly when I don’t have the financial resources to pay it? My brother would have sent me the money already, but this time he couldn’t”. Yusuf explained that the US bank which holds the account his brother’s remittance firm uses to transfer money to Somalia has been closed. In April, Australia’s Westpac bank became the latest foreign bank to stop transferring remittance money to war-torn Somalia. Barclays, the last major UK bank to provide remittance services to Somalia, closed the accounts of about 250 money transfer businesses in 2013 and another remittances specialist, Merchants Bank of California, announced plans in February 2015 to close the accounts of all the Somali-American money transfer companies on its books. The result is that Somalians in the US, UK and Australia are unable to send money home.
For the Somalian government, it is another reminder that their financial system is desperately in need of fixing. International regulatory pressure has pushed banks to withdraw from Somalia after concerns have been raised about money transfer operators laundering money or funding terrorism. The challenge for Somalian diaspora to get money home to their families is likely only to get harder. Yusuf and other Somali men now fear that they will not be able to give their wives any more financial help. And that is one of the more minor problems facing thousands of poor families in a country where the estimated annual total of remittances – $1.3bn (£0.8bn) – is more than all foreign aid and investment in Somalia combined, according to a study published earlier this year by Adeso, Oxfam and the Inter-American Dialogue. Mogadishu resident Hali Osman and her family are also dependent on money sent through remittances by her two sons who live abroad. “Before the closure of remittance channels, my sons in the US and Qatar were sending me $200 every month to cover all my basic needs and with my 100-year-old mother who has many health issues, we are fully dependent on it,” Osman said.
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia Nicholas Kay And The UN Family Extend Their Ramadan Greetings
18 June – Source: UNSOM – Video – 2:03 Minutes
SRSG, Nicholas Kay, and the UNSOM staff extend their best wishes to the people of Somalia, as the holy month of Ramadan begins.