June 24, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

AMISOM welcomes agreement on Interim Administration for South West Regions of Somalia

24 Jun- Source: AMISOM-217 Words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Mission Commission for Somalia (SRCC) Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif has welcomed the agreement in Mogadishu between representatives of the South West-6 Group and the South West-3 Group to form an interim administration for the 3 regions of Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle.

Under the agreement negotiated by the Federal Government of Somalia, partners committed to begin the process of establishing the interim administration within 30 days. The agreement also respects the Addis Ababa accord that established the Interim Jubba Administration in August 2013.

“This agreement is a watershed moment for the federalism process in Somalia. It is a display of the overwhelming will to build consensus on key issues that affect the Somali people today,” said Ambassador Annadif.

In March, AMISOM expressed its concern when parallel processes aimed at establishing a federal state turned violent. AMISOM has supported the Federal Government of Somalia in its dialogue and reconciliation efforts.

“I congratulate the Federal Government and the stakeholders but above all, I laud the patience and determination of the Somali people to a better future,” said Ambassador Annadif adding that AMISOM would continue to support the government and its institutions.

As part of its mandate, AMISOM has supported dialogue and reconciliation since its initial deployment in 2007.

Key Headlines

AMISOM welcomes agreement on Interim Administration for South West Regions of Somalia (AMISOM)
Britain contributes $136 Million in Somalia’s rebuilding process (Radio Bar-kulan/Somali Current)
Kenya: Five killed in fresh attacks near Mpeketoni (Daily Nation)
Bardale administration arrests al Shabaab members after security crackdown (Radio Goobjoog)
Hawiye MPs Suggest a Radical Decision on Lower Shabelle (Radio Dalsan/Radio Shabelle)
Somaliland Civil Aviation Minister leaves for Kenya (Somaliland Informer)
EU welcomes establishment of new interim administration in south west Somalia (KUNA/Shabelle)
CPJ calls Authorities to immediately investigate the murder of a journalist (RBC)
Unknown disease kills over 150 livestock in Lower Juba region (Radio Goobjoog)
Global Somali Diaspora (Horusocod) Conference Communiqué (Kismaayo News)
Somaliland: Gebiley Town Councillors set to issue a vote of no confidence over the mayor & deputy(Somaliland Informer)
Al Shabaab denies AMISOM claim (Al Shahid)
Jailed UPDF officer admitted in critical condition (Daily Monitor)
Gunmen kill five in fresh Kenya coast attack (AFP/Yahoo News)
Bristol Somalis wake up to ban on khat (Bristol247 News)
Somalia creates special force for security in Ramadan (AA/Diplomacy Post)
Massachusetts mayor: Stop sending my city refugees (AP)

PRESS STATEMENT

AMISOM welcomes agreement on Interim Administration for South West Regions of Somalia

24 Jun- Source: AMISOM-217 Words

As part of its mandate, AMISOM has supported dialogue and reconciliation since its initial deployment in 2007.

SOMALI MEDIA

Britain contributes $136 Million in Somalia’s rebuilding process

24 Jun- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Somali Current- 118 words

The government of Britain is making efforts to rebuild Somalia by contributing to the aid and developmental projects in the country. A statement from UK Prime Minister, David Cameron’s office in the wake of banning Khat, said the government of Britain has set aside £80 Million which is equivalent to $136 Million in aid to feed starving children and creating jobs for the Somali youth.

The statement added that Britain has successfully combated piracy off the Somali coast and continue to tackle extremism in the horn of African nation.

Furthermore, the statement said that the government of Britain stood side by side with Somalia during the devastating famine in 2011.

Bardale administration arrests al Shabaab members after security crackdown

24 Jun- Source: Radio Goobjoog- 88 words

The administration of Bardale district in Bay region has arrested many people who are suspected of al Shabaab in a thorough operation. Bardalle district commissioner Mohamed Garaase told Goobjoog FM that the suspects were arrested the security forces conducted massive security sweep in the district and the nearby areas. Mr. Guraase added that the motive of the operations in the area is to maintain the overall security of the region. The commissioner also declared that the security crackdown in the area will continue until the security threats is eliminated.

Hawiye MPs Suggest a Radical Decision on Lower Shabelle

24 Jun- Source: Radio Dalsan/Radio Shabelle/Dhanaan Online- 157 words

Lawmakers from Hawiye clan opposed the idea of adding the Lower Shabelle Region to the three regions including Bay and Bakool. Speaking to journalists in Mogadishu, the MPs said the inclusion of the region into the 3 region state is against the law as it is a legal challenge. They requested from the president and PM to stop this in a bid to curb what they termed as the creation of illegal states in the country. They said many people are in doubt about how these states are being established.

Abdisamad, one of the Hawiye MPs said, ‘leaders should lead their people in the region in a legal way. There are many things. As I have said, I don’t know many meeting for the issue but that community submitted their idea on the matter to the president, PM and the speaker of the parliament.’

CPJ calls Authorities to immediately investigate the murder of a journalist

24 Jun – Source: RBC – 155 words

Authorities in Somalia must immediately investigate the murder of a Somali journalist in Mogadishu on Saturday, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Yusuf Ahmed Abukar, who also used the name Yusuf Keynan, was killed when a bomb believed to be attached to his car exploded while he was on his way to work, according to news reports. Yusuf was a reporter for Mustaqbal radio, a privately owned station in Mogadishu, and Ergo radio, a Nairobi-based station that covered humanitarian affairs, reports said.

“We call on authorities to undertake a thorough investigation into the deadly attack on Yusuf Ahmed Abukar, identify the perpetrators, and hold them to account,” said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Sue Valentine. “Despite establishing a task force in 2012 to address impunity of murdered journalists, authorities have little to show for their claims that they are committed to creating a safer Somalia-for citizens and journalists. We urge Mogadishu to redouble their efforts.”

Unknown disease kills over 150 livestock in Lower Juba region

24 Jun- Source: Radio Goobjoog- 110 words

Over one hundred and fifty (150) livestock died in Lower Juba region due to unknown disease that broke out in the area last month. The interim administration of Juba in Southern Somalia stated that they are investigating the cause of the disease and urged all the pastoralists in the region to come to the centers where the investigation is actively going on. Many pastoralist started fleeing from the areas where unknown disease broke out. The outbreak of the disease has affected the localities near Kismayo city, the headquarters of Lower Juba region. Juba administration has called the aid agencies to give immediate assistance to the affected pastoralists in the region.

Global Somali Diaspora (Horusocod) Conference Communiqué

24 Jun- Source: Kismaayo News- 367 words

The first-ever Global Somali Diaspora Conference was held on 21st – 22nd of June 2014 in Istanbul, Turkey. The conference, which was the culmination of many consultations and smaller meetings among Somali Diaspora over the past year, was attended by 100 leaders, activists, professionals and community representatives from Australia, Asia, North America, Europe and Africa. The participants of the Conference agreed on the importance of a unified global Somali Diaspora Organization and resolved to create an organization named “Global Somali Diaspora”.

The conference was addressed by the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey H.E. Professor, Dr. Emrullah Isler, Former Somali Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Osman Jama Ali (Kallun), H.E. Maryam Qasim, the former minister of social services, Turkish Diaspora Agency Vice President Mr. Mehmet Kose, Somali Ambassador to Turkey, H.E. Mohamed Mursal, Turkish Ambassador to Somalia, H.E. Dr. Cemalettin Kani Torun, and many other notable speakers. A memorable performance was provided by the Somali composer, singer and song-writer Al-Ustad Ahmed Naji Saad.

Somaliland Civil Aviation Minister leaves for Kenya

23 Jun – Source: Somaliland Informer – 92 words

Somaliland’s Civil Aviation & Air Transport Minister Hon Mohamud Hashi Abdi left from the country on Sundayand flew to Kenya on a working visit.

The trip embarked by Mr. Hashi has something to do with statement made by his Somali counterpart Mr. Qorshel that he declared by assuming total control of Somalia’s airspace management from the UN.

The decision violates the Istanbul agreement which stipulated that both countries share revenues on equal basis. On the other hand, Somaliland Foreign Minister Hon. Mohamed Bihi Yonis has left for Ethiopia and later will visit Kenya.

Somaliland: Gebiley Town Councillors set to issue a vote of no confidence over the mayor & deputy

23 Jun – Source: Somaliland Informer – 135 words

Fourteen Gebiley Town councilors have announced to impeach and issue a vote of no confidence over the current Mayor and Deputy. The town councilors held press conference on Monday in Hargeisa and accused the mayor of failing to discharge his national duty and further stated that he sided with Silanyo regime.

They announced that they will get together on Wednesday in which they are expected to issue a vote of no confidence and sack the mayor. They also made clear that all Gebiley City Hall equipments are on loan.

Council members consisting 14 out of 24 set to convene an emergency meeting and will start the impeachment of the mayor and deputy. Two mayors were impeached and sacked from their posts following the failure to get the proper votes of confidence from the town councilors.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Kenya: Five killed in fresh attacks near Mpeketoni

24 Jun- Source: Daily Nation- 108 words

At least five people were killed in fresh attacks at Witu, Lamu West on Monday night. According to Chief Kaviha Charo Karisa, armed bandits raided Taa village, an area dominated by small-scale farmers from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Lamu County Commissioner Steven Ikua said an emergency security meeting has been called to assess the situation. Last week, over 50 people were killed following attacks at Mpeketoni in Lamu County. According to President Uhuru Kenyatta, the two attacks in Mpeketoni were politically orchestrated and al Shabaab terrorists were not to blame.

EU welcomes establishment of new interim administration in south west Somalia

24 Jun- Source: KUNA/Shabelle- 155 words

The European Union (EU) Tuesday welcomed the agreement reached yesterday in Mogadishu to establish an interim South West State of Somalia. “It represents an important milestone in Somalia’s state building process. We call on all parties to ensure its speedy implementation and on all stakeholders of the South West State to establish an inclusive administration,” said Michael Mann, spokesman for EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, in a statement. “We welcome the good broker role of the Federal Government of Somalia in facilitating the Agreement. The EU encourages the Federal Government to continue reaching out to other regions of Somalia, to consolidate the security gains made and to provide the people of Somalia with the deserved return to sustainable peace and stability,” he stated.

Al Shabaab denies AMISOM claim

24 Jun – Source: Al Shahid – 212 words

After AMISOM troops claimed killing 80 al Shabaab fighters in air raid, al Shabaab spokesman Abdulaziz Abu Musab has termed the claim as propaganda and said Kenyan troops with the AU were also fighting the Islamists on the ground Monday, with jets and attack helicopters firing in support. He dismissed claims over 80 of his fighters had been killed as propaganda, and said bombardments on Sunday had struck empty forested areas. “Not a single al Shabaab fighter was killed or wounded, and the Kenyan statement is to confuse the Kenyan people who want their government to withdraw their troops that are in Somalia,” he said. “Several Kenyan soldiers were killed and their bodies are lying in the battle zone,” Musab told AFP, claiming at least 13 had been killed, reports again impossible to verify.

Jailed UPDF officer admitted in critical condition

24 Jun – Source: Daily Monitor – 166 words

Maj Jamil Sseguya, a former maintenance officer of the Ugandan military contingent in Somalia, has been hospitalised in a critical condition. Maj Sseguya’s family yesterday said the senior army officer, who is on remand over alleged offences in connection with Somalia operations, is admitted to Bombo Military General Hospital.

“I developed breathing complications and they admitted me at Makindye but the situation worsened until I was brought here (Bombo),” he said in a brief interview from the hospital bed. Maj Sseguya said his condition resulted from the nature of work which involves spraying that affected his lungs.
His wife, Ms Hanifah Nassali, described her husband’s condition as on and off.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Gunmen kill five in fresh Kenya coast attack

24 Jun- Source: AFP/Yahoo News-350 Words

At least five people have been killed in a new attack on Kenya’s coast, officials said Tuesday, one week after some 60 people died in twin massacres nearby. The attack took place overnight on a small village near the town of Witu, some 40 kilometres (25 miles) on the mainland west of the tourist island of Lamu.

“There is another attack where five people were killed,” a police officer in Lamu said on condition on anonymity. Lamu County Commissioner Stephen Ikua confirmed there had been a new “unfortunate attack”, the third in the area this month, but said he could not confirm casualties.”We have sent our officers to the ground to get more details,” Ikua said.

There was no immediate claims of responsiblity. Attacks last week on the nearby coastal Mpeketoni district left at least 60 dead and were claimed by Somalia’s al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgents, though President Uhuru Kenyatta blamed “well-planned, orchestrated and politically motivated ethnic violence” carried out by “local political networks”.

Bristol Somalis wake up to ban on khat

24 Jun – Source: Bristol247 News – 114 words

Bristol’s Somali community are coming to terms today with a ban on khat, a herbal stimulant popular in the Horn of Africa and sold in dozens of businesses in the city.

Khat officially became a Class C drug from midnight, with anyone found in possession of the drug facing up to two years in prison. Anyone producing or supplying it face a maximum jail sentence of 14 years.

A system similar to a cannabis warning system will be applied by the police. Those caught in possession of khat for the first time will receive a warning. A £60 fine applies for a second possession offence and those with a third possession offence face arrest.

Somalia creates special force for security in Ramadan

23 Jun- Source: AA/Diplomacy Post-252 Words

Somali police have established a special force to maintain security in the capital Mogadishu during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, due to start next week. “We have now established a force specifically to make sure that residents of this city go about their religious practice in peace,” police spokesman Kassim Roble told Anadolu Agency in a phone interview on Monday.

The force will mainly be deployed in the evenings in the downtown and around mosques in Mogadishu.

According to the Somali police, the decision to establish the force comes in the wake of intelligence reports indicating that the militant group al Shabaab is planning attacks during the fasting month.

“The Somali National Police Force will be on high alert throughout the month,” Roble said. “We will intensify security on all key installations in Mogadishu. We expect the residents to be cooperative and volunteer any helpful information,” he added.

Massachusetts mayor: Stop sending my city refugees

23 Jun- Source: AP-887 Words

A Massachusetts mayor is calling for an end to refugee resettlement in his city, saying Somali families are putting pressure on already strained services in Springfield, a onetime industrial center where nearly a third of the population lives below the poverty line.

Mayor Domenic Sarno is the latest mayor to decry refugee resettlement, joining counterparts in New Hampshire in Maine in largely rare tensions with the State Department, which helps resettle refugees in communities across America.

The mayor is drawing criticism from those who say this country has a moral obligation to help the outcast and refugees who say they’re being scapegoated for problems the city faced long before their arrival.

“Why not talk about the problems in the city, why not talk about the houses that are unstable and in bad conditions, why only talk about the Somalis and Somali Bantus?” Mohammed Abdi, 72, said through an interpreter.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“The fact that the DJibouti bombing was planned in Somaliland, facilitated in Djibouti, and carried out by Ethiopian nationals once again demonstrated the transnational nature of al Shabaab’s networks, which allow the Islamist group to operate fluidly across borders.”

Djibouti: Al Shabaab’s Latest Front

23 Jun- Source: Jay Bahadur Blog-579 Words

On 24 May, two Ethiopian-Somali suicide bombers, a man and a woman, entered a popular Djibouti restaurant and blew themselves up. Dozens of Western military personnel were wounded, and one Turkish national later died of his injuries.

Al Shabaab claimed the attack three days later, announcing in a statement that the target had been “French crusaders” responsible for the “persecution” of Muslims in the Central African Republic (CAR).

Two days prior to the attack, the two bombers — later identified as Musa Roble Hirad and Hodan Mohamed Isse — entered Djibouti via Loyada, the only land border crossing with Somaliland, assisted by a Djiboutian border officer. They had spent at least 20 days in the capital Hargeisa, according to Muse Bihi, the chairman of Somaliland’s ruling Kulmiye party, where they likely received local assistance.

There are strong indications that the attack was planned and financed in Somaliland, possibly even with the assistance of government officials. The Somaliland connection will certainly worry the Ethiopians, as the autonomous region has long been the eastern flank of Ethiopia’s regional security strategy of isolating itself from Somalia’s instability.

“This is exactly the quandary that Kenya’s Somali population faces. As we speak, hundreds of Somalis, many with full Kenyan citizenship, are being detained in the country’s largest stadium, ostensibly because they did not possess identity cards.”

The politics of identity and belonging in Kenya

23 Jun- Source: Al Jazeera English-1072 Words

When I was 18 years old, I went along with my classmates to the local chief’s office to apply for my national identity card. Like most Kenyan high schools, every year, the members of the final class were taken to the nearest chief’s camp and guided by a supervising teacher through the process of applying for the card. Technically, the process is supposed to be straightforward – the ID card is theoretically a right because the identity card allows you access to all government buildings, to a bank account and to cross regional borders without a passport.

In many ways, it allows Kenyan adults to access the privileges of citizenship. Sadly for me, the process of applying for an identity card was far from straightforward and it would be my first and most personal lesson in the politics of citizenship in the contemporary Kenyan state.

If you think about it, the idea that an individual’s personhood can be rooted to just one place and then distilled to the information that can fit on a laminated card is absurd. There are more countries that require identity cards than those that do not. This would not be a problem if states didn’t restrict the access of identity cards to groups on one end, to later persecute them on the other end for not possessing one.

Top tweets

@amisomsomalia Video:South West regions of Somalia sign interim agreement.AMISOM applauds peaceful efforts at effective federalism http://bit.ly/1q3BrRw

@SomaliaEU #EU fully supports SW administration agreement; great atmosphere & speeches, key milestone for Federal #Somalia p ic.twitter.com/1y45e25CNw

@OxfamInSOM First Catch:Strengthening Fisheries & Coastal Management in #Puntland,#Somalia h ttp://www.oxfamblogs.org/eastafrica/?p=7237 … p ic.twitter.com/9TCSginkrJ

@tres_HOA TEXT: #Somalia Govt Reaches “Inclusive” Deal With Rival #Baidoa Camps (But Not Shabelle State)http://somalianewsroom.com/text-somali-government-reaches-deal-with-rival-baidoa-camps/ … p ic.twitter.com/TI8jcWLhD0

@EdPomfret Having worked with @PeterGreste on stories on#Somalia I can attest to the FACT he is a real pro,a great journalist #FreeAJStaff

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Image of the day Young footballers in #Somalia calling to #SilenceTheGuns & end violence across #Africa #WorldCup2014 . Photo: @africansact