June 25, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Somali cabinet approves new agreement in South Western regions

25 Jun- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu/Hiiraan Online – 200 words

Somalia’s Cabinet has approved the recent agreement between opposing sides in south western Somali regions to form a three-region interim administration.

Somali Prime Minister, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed hailed the agreement saying it was a progressive agreement that represents a positive step toward reconciliation and the establishment of a federal system in Somalia. “The Federal Government of Somalia welcomes the agreement signed yesterday by the opposing sides in South West Somalia,” the prime minister said in a press release sent to the news rooms. This government is ready to take part in the finalization and implementation of this agreement, which will be a lasting solution to the conflict,” he added.

The people of the region are brothers and sisters and must come together to establish an inclusive interim administration,” said the prime minister.

Somali Minister of Youth and Sports Khalid Omar Ali, who spoke to the press after cabinet’s approval, said the agreement was approved after long discussions on the terms of the agreement reached by the rival factions.

Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed’s government played an important role in the agreement reached by the opposing sides in south western Somali regions to end months of political deadlock in the region.

Key Headlines

Parliament Speaker visits Djibouti ahead of Independence Day (Radio Mogadishu/Radio RBC)
Cabinet approves agreement reached by opposing sides in South West Somalia (OPM)
Unknown fighter jets strike Gof Gaduud locality in Bay region (Radio Goobjoog)
Somali cabinet approves new agreement in South Western regions (Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu)
Charcoal fuelling al Shabaab (Star-Kenya)
Gender minister promises action against rape (Radio Ergo)
Qardho Mayor urges residents to maintain peace and security (Radio Bar-kulan)
Statement Attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Somalia: Interim Administration for the South West Regions (UNSOM)
Over 20 People Suffered from Food Poisoning (Radio Dalsan/Radio Shabelle)
President Gaas and delegates arrive in Kenyan capital Nairobi (Radio Goobjoog)
Turkey looks to support Somali diaspora (Daily Sabah)
Solar Lights Being Installed in Jowhar (Radio Dalsan/Radio Bar-kulan)
Hizbul Islam Change Their Name (Radio Dalsan)
Hormud Foundation donates cash aid to the needy in Mogadishu (Bar-kulan)
Somaliland: First Fire Safety Firm unveiled (Somaliland Informer)
UN says wildlife crime bankrolling al Shabaab LRA (Daily Nation/AFP)
Toll hits 65 after five more die in fresh Lamu raid (Daily Nation)
Africa peace and stability meeting opens in Addis (Africa Review)
Oregon’s would-be Christmas festival bomber denied new trial (Wtaq News/Reuters)

PRESS STATEMENT

Cabinet approves agreement reached by opposing sides in South West Somalia

25 Jun – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 366 words

The Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia His Excellency Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed chaired an extraordinary session of the Somali Cabinet tonight that led to a unanimous approval of yesterday’s agreement reached by the opposing sides in South West Somalia.

Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed described the agreement reached by the two sides as a progressive one that represents a positive step towards reconciliation in Somalia and the establishment of a federal system.

“The Federal Government of Somalia welcomes the agreement signed yesterday by the opposing sides in South West Somalia. We will continue to encourage and support the agreement. This government is ready to take part in the finalization and implementation of this agreement, which will be a lasting solution to the conflict. The people of the region are brothers and sisters and must come together to establish an inclusive interim administration,” said Prime Minister Ahmed.

The Somali Minister of Youth and Sports Khalid Omar Ali, who spoke to the press after the session, said the Council of Ministers unanimously approved the agreement after a long discussion on the terms of the agreement reached by the two opposing administrations in South West Somalia.

“The Cabinet’s extraordinary session tonight was on the agreement reached yesterday by the opposing administrations in South West Somalia. This agreement is part of the government’s vision to encourage reconciliation among the Somali people. The government will be a big part of the implementation of this agreement and the completion of anything that is missing. The Council of Ministers also said that the government is ready to engage the people who are not happy with yesterday’s agreement.

The government will continue to work towards fostering understanding among the people of Somalia,” said the Minister, who also said that this agreement will open the way for improving security and strengthening the security operations against the insurgent group al-Shabaab.

The Federal Government of Somalia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, played a significant role in brokering yesterday’s agreement between the opposing sides in South West Somalia. The terms of the agreement included establishing an interim regional administration and appointing an inclusive committee to facilitate the formation of the regional administration.

Statement Attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Somalia: Interim Administration for the South West Regions

24 Jun- Source: UNSOM- 109 words

The Secretary-General welcomes the signature on 23 June in Mogadishu of an agreement to establish a new interim regional administration in south west Somalia, comprising the regions of Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle.

The Secretary-General commends all parties involved for their diligent negotiation of this important agreement, and looks forward to its prompt implementation. He recalls that the formation of inclusive regional administrations is a key milestone in Somalia’s path towards a federal system of governance, in line with the Provisional Constitution and the aspirations of the Somali people.

The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to support the Federal Government of Somalia’s peace-building and state-building efforts.

SOMALI MEDIA

Parliament Speaker visits Djibouti ahead of Independence Day

25 Jun- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio RBC/SNTV- 175 words

Somalia’s Parliament Speaker Mohamed Osman Jawari has started a three day-day official visit to Djibouti where he will meet members of the government and Members of the Parliament.

Speaker Jawari accompanied by MPs from Somalia Federal Parliament has received a cordial welcome at Djibouti’s International Airport on Tuesday afternoon where he spoke to the local media.
“I am very delighted that I and my delegation are here today starting an official visit to the Republic of Djibouti,” Speaker Jawari said.

His visit came as Djibouti prepares to celebrate its 37th independence anniversary which is on 27th June.

The Speaker of Somalia Federal Parliament congratulated the government and the people of Djibouti for the great day ahead as he said that he wished the country ad the people a prosperous days.

Meanwhile the Djiboutian Parliament Speaker Idiris Eena-oud has welcomed the visit of the Somalia Parliament Speaker as he also congratulated Somalia for the upcoming celebrations of two important independence days of 26th June and 1st July this year marking the 54th anniversary of Somali independence.

Somali cabinet approves new agreement in South Western regions

25 Jun- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu/Hiiraan Online/Radio Mustaqbal- 200 words

Somalia’s Cabinet has approved the recent agreement between opposing sides in south western Somali regions to form a three-region interim administration.

The people of the region are brothers and sisters and must come together to establish an inclusive interim administration,” said the prime minister.

Unknown fighter jets strike Gof Gaduud locality in Bay region

25 Jun – Source Radio Goobjoog – 97 words

Unknown fighter jets strike Gof Gaduud locality 30 kilometers south of Baidoa district, Bay regional headquarters. Reports say that senior al Shabaab officials were in the area during attack, the residents in the locality express fear of the attack.

The real casualties of the airstrike is not clearly known. This is the first airstrike to occur in areas near Bay region. Neither Bay regional administration nor al Shabaab have given immediate comment about the airstrike in Gof Gaduud.

A similar airstrike in Kudaa and Anole of Lower Shabelle region which Kenyan contingent claimed responsibility killed at least eighty people.

Gender minister promises action against rape

25 Jun- Source: Radio Ergo- 251 words

Somalia’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Human Rights has promised to make new efforts to end gender-based violence against women. Khadija Mohamed Diriye, who has been minister for the past five months, said stopping rape was the number one priority of her campaign.

She told reporters in Mogadishu that the government institutions would soon launch a joint campaign aimed at eradicating violence against women across Somalia. “The violence against women and children is a war that the government institutions and civil society should be united against,” Diriye said. She added that the community should collaborate in efforts to bring perpetrators of violence against women to justice.

The Somali government is planning to establish a special commission assigned with powers to investigate rape cases and other violence against women. Ms Diriye said the members of the commission would be selected from government ministries and institutions as well as from civil society organizations.

Qardho Mayor urges residents to maintain peace and security

25 Jun- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 112 words

Qardho Mayor, Mohamed Said Isse wants the residents of Qardho to maintain peace and security after several cases of insecurity were reported in the area.

Speaking at a press conference in Qardho, the mayor said that cases of insecurity over the last couple of days have been reported in various neighborhoods in the town over land ownership disputes.

He warned those he said are fuelling the situation and urged them to refrain from such activities and let local authorities deal with the matter.

He added that they will not allow anyone to buy or sell property without the consent of the local authorities.

Over 20 People Suffered from Food Poisoning

25 Jun- Source: Radio Dalsan/Radio Shabelle- 95 words

More than 20 people who suffered from food poisoning in Adale, Middle Shabelle were brought to Mogadishu for treatment. They were converging at a relative’s house for an event when they suffered from the food poisoning after consuming contaminated food. They were admitted at Taajir Hospital. Two of these people are women and the rest are men and children. The family members of the host family were among the victims of the food poisoning.

There is recurrent food poisoning in Middle Shabelle nowadays. But so far, there is no death which resulted from that incident.

President Gaas and delegates arrive in Kenyan capital, Nairobi

25 Jun – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 94 words

The President of Semi Autonomous Regional State of Puntland abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas leading large delegates arrived the capital of Kenya, Nairobi after he received official invitation from Kenyan government.

President Gaas and his delegation were warmly welcomed by Somali ambassador to Kenya, Puntland agents in Nairobi, politicians and businessmen. The delegation led by president Gaas include the minister for trade and industry, and other senior officials.

During his visit to Nairobi he expected to meet Kenyan top leaders including president Uhuru Kenyatta, US, UK, world bank, UN and several foreign embassies in Kenya.

Solar Lights Being Installed in Jowhar

25 Jun- Source: Radio Dalsan/Radio Bar-kulan- 114 words

There is a plan to install solar lights in Jowhar town. The people in that town were in badly need of that project. The local administration and the different cross-sections of the society welcomed the project which is being implemented by the Federal Government. They praised this initiative of the government.

Mohamed Amiin Ismaan Haji Aaqil, one of the stakeholders who spoke at the launch of the project said, the lights will be installed along all major roads of the town and in the dark neighbourhoods. Such lights were in the past installed in the capital Mogadishu. These lights are suitable for most parts of Somalia given the fact that Somalia gets enough sunshine.

Hizbul Islam Change Their Name

25 Jun- Source: Radio Dalsan- 167 words

Religious leaders and other members from the different cross-sections of the society attended a function in which militant group Hizbul Islam changed its name to Istiqlaal. Hizbul Islam disintegrated and some of their leaders formally joined al Shabaab before their overall leader who also joined al Shabaab Hassan Dahir Aweys surrendered himself to the Federal Government authorities.

The former secretary of Hizbul Islam, Sheikh Mohamed Moalim announced that they revived the organization which will function as a political party and named it Istiqlaal. He also said that their new organization will take part in the politics of the country.

Sheikh Mohamed Moalim who is the chairperson of the new organization says their organization will function as a political party and will seek to do everything in a peaceful manner. He also said that they will have discussions with the Federal Government. Sheikh Mohamed Moalim is currently in Mogadishu where he said they will not seek for political engagement through violent means but through a peaceful manner.

Hormud Foundation donates cash aid to the needy in Mogadishu

24 Jun – Source: Bar-kulan – 100 words

Hormud Foundation, a local charity in Somalia has today donated $5,000 to some of the physically challenged people in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. Hormud Foundation chief, Abdullahi Nur Osman stated that over 500 families will benefit from the donation adding that each family was given $100 in cash. He added the donation was part of a new project designed to assist the physically challenged people in the country during this fast approaching holy month of Ramadan. Some of the beneficiaries thanked Hormud Foundation for its assistance and called on other well-wishers to follow suit and assist their fellow Somalis.

Somaliland: First Fire Safety Firm unveiled

24 Jun – Source: Somaliland Informer – 161 words

A fire safety firm has been established in Hargeisa, Somaliland. Somaliland Fire Safety has been set up by expatriate citizens and is equipped with fire prevention and rescuing as well as firefighter vehicles. A well organized ceremony held at the firm’s headquarters adjacent to Hargeisa Water Municipality.

The speaker of the house of national assembly, most powerful presidency minister, public works, environment & Rural Development, sports & youth, traditional leaders and businessmen attended the launching ceremony.

Mr. Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed alias Aktoobar as the chairman of SFS made opening remarks and said that he wanted to be part of the development n the country and further want on to say that he wished to emulate the successes that his father left behind.

He announced that SFS has all tools essential for the safety of the fire. Mr. Mohamed has stated that fire experts are on the ground that is ready to provide how to handle, install, and apply fire equipments at any place.

REGIONAL MEDIA

UN says wildlife crime bankrolling al Shabaab, LRA

25 Jun – Source: Daily Nation/AFP – 160 words

Global environmental crime is worth up to $213 billion a year and helping to finance criminal and terrorist groups threatening security and sustainable development worldwide, according to a report released Tuesdayby the UN and Interpol.

The report said Somalia’s al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab rebels were estimated to make between $38 and $56 million (28 to 41 million euros) per year from the illegal trade in charcoal, and that ivory from poached elephants was the primary source of income for Uganda’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

Ivory poaching was also carried out by rebel groups including insurgents in Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the fearsome Janjaweed — who carried out atrocities in Sudan’s Darfur region — operating also in Niger and Chad.

“The illegal trade in wildlife and environmental crime are now widely recognised as significant threats on a global scale, to be tackled with urgency,” said Achim Steiner, head of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Charcoal fuelling al Shabaab

25 Jun- Source: Star-Kenya- 457 words

The 230 elephant tusks worth millions of shillings seized at a yard in Tudor, Mombasa on May 5. Photo Elkana Jacob. Unep says there is no evidence linking al Shabaab to the rampant poaching of elephants and rhinos in Kenya.

In a joint report released yesterday, Unep and Interpol said al Shabaab’s main source of income is charcoal, taxing of other commodities, as well as ex-pat finance.

The group makes up to Sh4.9 billion (US$56 million) every year from the illegal trade in charcoal, says the report, The Environmental Crime Crisis.

It was released during the ongoing United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi. It contradicts several past reports that claimed the Somali terrorist group was now poaching Kenyan animals to finance its activities.

Toll hits 65 after five more die in fresh Lamu raid

25 Jun – Source: Daily Nation – 165 words

Five more people have been shot dead in Lamu County even as the government says a major security operation is under way in the area to arrest gunmen who massacred 60 people last week. The latest attack happened at Pandanguo in Witu, Lamu West, on Monday night when a gang armed with guns and machetes attacked villagers.

Some sources put the death toll at 11 but the Daily Nation could only obtain the names of five victims.
Two were killed at Maleli village while the other three were murdered at Ziwa la Taa within Bujira Ranch. The ranch is between Witu trading centre and Pandanguo.

All the victims were men. A survivor was critically injured and was being treated at a hospital Mpeketoni. Witnesses said the victims hands were tied to their backs with ropes. All had their throats slit. And all the bodies had bullet wounds.

Police collected the bodies at about 1.30pm Tuesday and took them to the Mpeketoni sub-county hospital mortuary.

Africa peace and stability meeting opens in Addis

24 Jun – Source: Africa Review – 133 words

An international conference to discuss peace and security in Africa opened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Tuesdaymorning. The Peacekeeping and Stability Links Africa meeting aims to deliberate on issues hampering the growth of the continent.

“In order to bring lasting stability and peace in Africa, emphasis should be put on the prevention rather than deploying battalions,” said General Jean de Matha Jaotody, Head of Peace Support
Operations Division at the African Union Commission (AUC) in his opening remarks.

Started by one staff in 1971, AUC today has 71 staff members in its peacekeeping liaison offices in different countries, including Comoros, Somalia, Côte d’Ivoire, Burundi and South Sudan, according to Gen Jaotody.

“Despite the limited human and financial resources, we have been engaged in several African countries’ conflict resolution and peacekeeping activities,” he said.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Oregon’s would-be Christmas festival bomber denied new trial

25 Jun – Source: Wtaq News/Reuters – 165 words

A Somali-American man convicted of trying to blow up a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Oregon was denied a new trial on Tuesday by a federal judge who rejected the defendant’s claims that his constitutional rights were violated by warrantles
s surveillance.

Mohamed Osman Mohamud, a naturalized U.S. citizen and former Oregon State University student, faces a possible life prison term for his conviction last year on a single charge of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction. No date has been set for sentencing.

Mohamud was arrested shortly after attempting to use his mobile phone to remotely detonate an artificial car bomb planted near a Portland square that was crowded with thousands of people attending a ceremony the day after Thanksgiving in 2010.

No one was hurt, and authorities say the public was never in actual danger. During a three-week trial in federal court, defense attorneys argued that overzealous law enforcement officers posing as al Qaeda militants invented a crime and entrapped their client.

Turkey looks to support Somali diaspora

24 Jun- Source: Daily Sabah-405 Words

Ninety-nine representatives of the Somali diaspora visited Prime Minister Erdoğan and thanked him for Turkey taking the lead in helping Somalia and asking for his help to foster cooperation between Turkey and the Somalis living overseas.

On Sunday, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with 99 representatives of the Somali diaspora, who came from 19 countries, including the U.K. and U.S., to discuss ways to maximize the diaspora’s contribution to Somalia and cooperation with Turkey. Although the meeting was originally scheduled to be held a few months ago, it was delayed due to Erdoğan’s busy agenda.

Yet, the diaspora members said they were quite pleased to have been extended an invitation and attend the meeting. At the end of the meeting, they gave a letter to Erdoğan, while expressing their happiness with Turkish investments in the country. Although the meeting was closed to the press, Daily Sabah obtained information about the gathering from a source in the Prime Ministry.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Khat, the stimulant leaf chewed by Yemeni and east African communities, especially Somalis, is now illegal and is classed as a class C drug – but will that stop it being sold illegally in the UK?”

Going underground? Khat is now officially illegal

24 Jun- Source: Channel 4 News-503 Words

At a warehouse in Southall, west London, which for years has been the centre of UK’s khat trade, businessmen came early than normal so as no to end up empty handed, writes Jamal Osman.

Hours later a lorry carrying the last shipment to arrive in Britain pulled over. Many of them knew it was in the final hours before khat ban comes into effect. The mood was sombre.

It was all too evident on the face of Mohamud Ahmed’s, the main importer of khat . “We are feeling disappointed,” he told me. “They never considered the major impact on the community. “Banning it, is not the solution… You are just creating underground and criminal activities which will be affected by our community.”

“It raises millions in taxes, has been chewed on for centuries, and is harmless. So why is Khat now illegal?”

Banning Khat is another pointless drug law that will do more harm than good

24 Jun-Source: The Independent-UK-532 Words

Today, khat joined the range of prohibited substances that fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Those who distribute this Class C drug can now face 14 years imprisonment – the same maximum sentence that applies to individuals who cause death by dangerous driving, and four years more than the maximum penalty for sexual assault. So what exactly is khat, and why has it attracted such harsh legislation?

Khat is a mixture of leaves and herbs that provides a mild stimulant sensation when chewed, and is most prevalently used in Britain by immigrant communities – predominantly those from Somalia, Ethiopia, and Yemen. There is a long history of khat use in East Africa, and its consumption is nothing new to Western observers; in an 1856 journal article, Charles Dickens remarked that khat “[acts] upon the spirits of those using them, much as a strong dose of green tea acts upon us in Europe“.

The movement to criminalise khat in the UK first gained momentum in 2008, when Baroness Sayeeda Warsi outlined a desire to ban the substance – describing the plant as “addictive”, “carcinogenic” and “beginning to tear apart the social fabric of certain communities”.

Top tweets

@EUNAVFOR #EUNAVFOR and NATO Force Commanders meet at sea http://bit.ly/1yMH0Gz @oceanshield #counterpiracy #Somalia pic.twitter.com/YYg7wPChyf

@SultansThrone Historic meeting between Egal & Isse to discuss the formation of a united Somalia in the year of 1960.pic.twitter.com/IezuyTYcKj

@DalmarMillenium Olympic day celebrated right in the center of the city #Mogadishu #Somalia pic.twitter.com/ZfLoxntu08

@msipus Three years later and this IDP camp in Mogadishu is exactly the same as I found it on my first visit.pic.twitter.com/D2QFTRMsHp

@AMB_A_Mohammed We strongly condemned acts of terror that have occurred in Kenya, Nigeria and Somalia.in malabo during AU summit. pic.twitter.com/zOG3uzoZMM

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Image of the day

Image of the day AU special rep & head of AMISOM Mahamat Annadif held talks with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade @amb_A_Mohammed at sidelines of AU Summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. Photo: @ForeignOfficeKE