June 25, 2015 | Morning Headlines
Four Soldiers Killed As Emiratis Targeted In Somalia
24 June – Source: Aljazeera English 287 Words
A car bomb targeting a bulletproof vehicle carrying diplomats from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has killed at least 12 people, including four Somali soldiers, in Mogadishu. Local officials said that the Emiratis were unharmed. In a statement to Al Jazeera, the armed group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attack in Mogadishu. “We targeted a vehicle carrying the enemies of Somalia,” Abdulaziz Abu Muscab said. Muscab later told the Reuters new agency that the attack targeted UAE nationals. They were military trainers, Hussein Afrah, a Somali military officer, told Reuters, confirming the intended targets were not hurt. The explosion happened near a defence ministry hospital and heavy gunfire was heard soon afterwards. ‘Utterly cruel’ Witnesses described chaotic scenes as civilians fled through nearby alleys while soldiers fired in the air to prevent a crowd from gathering. Civilians carried victims to nearby hospitals.
“The explosion was very heavy and it destroyed the pick-up truck,” said Hassan Bile, an eyewitness. Nick Kay, the United Nations envoy to Somalia, condemned the “utterly cruel” attack, saying he had spoken to the UAE ambassador, Mohamed Al Osmani, who was not harmed in the explosion. Al-Shabab has vowed to step up attacks against the government of Somalia during the month of Ramadan. Since the start of Ramadan, there have been at least 10 assassinations in the capital targeting government officials. Somalia has been wracked by instability since the collapse of Siad Barre’s hardline regime in 1991. The current government is being supported by a 22,000-strong African Union force that includes troops from Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. The UAE is involved in a number of security, infrastructure, development and humanitarian projects in Somalia.
Key Headlines
- Mogadishu: Suicide Bomber Targets UAE Ambassador near Turkish Embassy 10 Killed (International Business Times)
- US Operates 2 Secret Bases In Kismayu (Wacaal Media)
- Ahlu-Sunna Introduces Islamic Court In Dhusa-mareb (Goobjoog News)
- Media Urged To Support Federalism In The Country (Somali Current)
- Ban Ki-moon Called On The Council Of Europe To Fight Violations Of Essential Freedoms (Shabelle News)
- Armed Gunmen Kill A Traditional Elder In Marko Yet Again (Wacaal Media)
- UN Somalia Envoy Condemns Latest Terrorist Attack In Mogadishu (UN News Centre)
- Communities Criticise ‘Lack Of Support’ – One Year Since Herbal Stimulant Khat Was Banned (ITV News)
- Gargash: Terrorist Attack On Aid Convoy Will Not Undermine UAE’s Commitment To Support Somalia(WAM)
- Writing The Lives Of Somalia’s Women (Pop Matters)
- Young Somali Man’s Journey From Matatu Tout To CEO (Sahan Journal)
NATIONAL MEDIA
US Operates 2 Secret Bases In Kismayu
24 June – Source: Wacaal Media – 324 Words
The United States of America operates two military bases in Kismaayo, Wacaal Media has learned. The first of the bases is located near Kismaayo Airport. The base is near that of the Kenyan forces at the airport. The Kenyans serve in the AMISOM mission but it is not clear what the mandate of the US base is. The second secret base is located within one of the Jubbaland military camps in the city of Kismaayo. Efforts to get more information from the Jubbaland officials bore no fruits as they showed reluctance to comment on the issue. Sources told Wacaal Media that there was cordial work relations between the Jubbaland intelligence agency and the US forces.
Construction of the building which the US offices occupy at the Kismaayo airport began in the year 2014 but now seems complete. The US forces are estimated to be around 200 officers. They don the official uniform of the US marines. Our source adds that the building also houses drone command and control center. US drones carry attacks in Gedo as well as neighboring regions targeting top Al-Shabaab commanders. Mogadishu, Baidoa, Marka reportedly house similar control and command centers.
Local residents confirmed to Wacaal Media the presence of the US forces in the city as they have on more than one occasion spotted vehicles driven by US forces. At one time, a vehicles in their convoy developed mechanical problems in the town and residents were shocked to see the heavily armed US marines taking positions. This confirms rumors in Kismaayo that the US forces had bases in Jubbaland.
Ahlu-Sunna Introduces Islamic Court In Dhusa-mareb
24 June – Source: Goobjoog News – 174 Words
The Somali moderate Islamist group Ahlusunna Waljama’a has established first Islamic court under its administration, in Dhusa-Mareb town which the group seized earlier this month. In statement issued by Ahlu-Sunna, The group’s Deputy chairman for Dhusa-Mareb, Sheikh Ali Warsame said that the court will start operating on 27th this month. The group has seized the town earlier this month after it engaged in a gun battle with somali government forces which later withdrew from the town. Currently, Somali federal government is in talks with Ahlu-Sunna which vowed to form an independent regional state. On 10th this month, Somali moderate Islamist group, declared that its delegates would vacate the conference within 24 hours.
Media Urged To Support Federalism In The Country
24 June – Source: Somali Current – 101 Words
Somalia Minister of Information has urged the independent media to participate and help the government in implementing federalism in the country. Speaking about media’s role, the minister said the media play vital role in the country´s progress. The minister encouraged journalists to “show the positive side of the Federalism to the people not the negative side”. The government reiterated its call that they are committed to implement federalism in the whole country before 2016. On the other hand, media owners called the government to respect the independence of the press as well as freedom of expression should they want the media to work with government.
Ban Ki-moon Called On The Council Of Europe To Fight Violations Of Essential Freedoms
24 June – Source: Shabelle News – 229 Words
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has called on council of European to join forces and fight violations of essential freedom. The UN Secretary General urged the independent media, civil society as well as human right defenders to be on the forefront in addressing the gravest terrorism threats of our time. Ban Ki-Moon categorically stressed on the rise of violent extremism, crime and intolerance all in the name of religion. Threats posed by Al Shabaab, Boko Haram, Al Qaeda, Daesh (Islamic State) or any other terrorist groups requires stern security measures and more so military interventions. Terrorists are operating in various bases and camps across the world.
Islamist State commonly known as ISIS or ISIL has it operating camps in Syria and Iraq, Boko Haram in Nigeria, Al Shabaab home base is Somalia while Al Qaeda global terror network operating worldwide. Ban commended the nations which are on the forefront on the war against terrorism; among them the U.S. lead international coalition waging war on terror in Syria and Iraqi fighting alongside Iraqi forces against Islamic State extremists. Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon continue on their offensive against Boko Haram which swore allegiance to Islamic State. Kenya and Somalia have taken a bold action in combating the Al Qaeda affiliated, Al Shabaab within East Africa.
Armed Gunmen Kill A Traditional Elder In Marko Yet Again
24 June – Source: Wacaal Media – 101 Words
Armed gunmen killed a famous traditional elder cum businessman in Lower Shabelle’s capital Marka last night. The slain leader was identified as Ali Hamza and was reportedly gunned down by two men armed with pistols as he left a local mosque heading to his home. It was not immediately clear who and why the traditional elder was killed. However, pro Al-Shabaab media reported that a security officer was killed in Marko. The killing is the fourth one of its kind in the country in as many days. Two traditional leaders were killed in Baladweyne while another one was killed in Mogadishu yesterday.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
UN Somalia Envoy Condemns Latest Terrorist Attack In Mogadishu
24 June – Source: UN News Centre – 257 Words
The top United Nations official in Somalia has condemned “in the strongest terms” today’s Al-Shabaab terrorist attack against a convoy from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the capital of Mogadishu, resulting in a number of casualties. “I condemn today’s appalling attack against innocent civilians and dedicated international officials who are providing critical peace-building and State building support to Somalia,” Nicholas Kay, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), declared in a press statement issued earlier this afternoon.“The attack is an attempt to deter and undermine those from the international community working with Somalis to build a better Somalia,” he continued. “These terrorists will not achieve that objective.”
In a briefing of the Security Council last month, Mr. Kay told Security Council members that momentum had been regained on efforts to achieve political progress in the country, pointing to work by federal, regional and local leaders, and parliamentarians to build a State through dialogue and reconciliation, and top-level commitment to deliver Somalia’s Vision 2016 plan. At the same time, however, he conceded that there was “still a long way to go,” adding that with so much at stake between now and 2016, “we can expect Al-Shabaab to do everything it can to derail the political process.” In today’s statement, the UN official added his “sincere condolences” to the family and friends of all those who have suffered, as well as to the government of the UAE, and reiterated the UN’s “unfaltering commitment to fighting the scourge of terrorism.”
Communities Criticise ‘Lack Of Support’ – One Year Since Herbal Stimulant Khat Was Banned
24 June – Source: ITV News – 595 Words
Members of the Somali and Yemeni communities in Wales say they have not received enough support during the first year since the herbal stimulant khat was made illegal. The plant has been chewed for centuries, and is an important social custom, in the Horn of Africa – and among many members of the large migrant communities who have made Cardiff their home for more than 100 years. It acts as a stimulant similar to amphetamine, and was made a Class C drug in the UK due to, much-disputed, fears over its health and social impacts, and concerns the UK was becoming a hub for its supply around Europe. Figures we have obtained show there have been just two arrests in Wales since it was made illegal on 24 June 2014 – a year ago today. Former users, and community leaders in Cardiff, have told us, though, that the ban was implemented quickly and with little consultation, and there has been a lack of support, or access to rehabilitation programmes for example – before or after, making it difficult for them to move on from a drug which has been chewed for generations, with great cultural significance. Yassin Ahmed is from Somaliland – and has been living in Cardiff for 19 years. He told us that – although stopping chewing khat a year ago has had a positive effect on his life, it was extremely difficult – and made worse by a lack of help from the authorities.
Substance misuse charity NewLink Wales has said the level of support available to the community has been “clearly insufficient”. Chief Executive Lindsay Bruce said that posters and leaflets distributed to the community in different languages were just “tokenistic information-giving exercises”, with few efforts made to actively engage with them, and encourage users into rehabilitation and other services. “It is like banning alcohol – and not providing any support for people”, she said. The debate over whether khat should have been made illegal in the first place – and whether the ban has had a positive effect – very much continues on the streets of the capital, a year on. Some say it was doing no harm, even keeping young men out of trouble; others say that it was making many quite useless, unable to work and be a full part of their families. Some say the ban has allowed many to turn their lives around; others that it has destroyed community links, and pushed users towards alcohol and harder drugs instead.
Gargash: Terrorist Attack On Aid Convoy Will Not Undermine UAE’s Commitment To Support Somalia
24 June – Source: WAM – 167 Words
Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, today condemned the heinous terrorist act in which the UAE aid convoy was targetted in the Somali capital of Mogadishu. Affirming that the UAE aid workers travelling as part of the aid convoy were not wounded, Minister Gargash expressed deep sorrow and grief at the loss of lives of innocent Somalis in the attack and offered his profound condolences to families of the victims. He also wished speedy recovery to those injured in the accident. ”We are monitoring the situation and investigations into the accident,” he said, emphasising that this terrorist act will not undermine the UAE’s principled commitment to support Somalia and its people in their fight against terrorism.”We will pursue our work diligently to support security, stability and development in Somalia,” he stressed. This cowardly terrorist act, he maintained, underscores the urgency of confronting terrorism with full force and of rallying all international efforts in the war against extremism and terrorism.
OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE
“There’s lots and lots of footage now of Somalia as it used to be on YouTube. Lots of young people who’ve grown up outside of the country are fascinated by these videos of such a normal city – especially Mogadishu, which is so destroyed now – but on YouTube you can watch hours and hours of footage of people just walking around Mogadishu. People are really touched at the fact that there are streetlights, and traffic, and policemen, and you know people just sitting around outside cafes and wearing different clothes from what they can wear now.”
Writing The Lives Of Somalia’s Women
24 June – Source: Pop Matters – 2, 197 Words
Nadifa Mohamed is a rising star of the literary world whose life experiences are woven intimately into her award-winning fiction. Born in Hargeisa, a city in the north of what was then Somalia, she was four years old when her family relocated to London, where they remained when civil war broke out in their homeland shortly thereafter. It was an experience she described as “a rupture of everything I’d known… going to school for the first time in a completely different environment knowing that the world I did know was lost in quite a big way was very traumatic.” A Somali diaspora has emerged in the UK and elsewhere in the intervening years, but in that early and chaotic period it lacked the sense of diasporic community that it would later develop.
“That’s definitely I think something that came along later, with the increase of Somalis in London. Before that it was almost like being an alien. Very few people had heard of Somalia. The two big groups here were either Jamaican or Pakistani, so you were constantly put into one of those two groups, or questioned as to why you weren’t one of those groups. It was only much later, say in the mid-‘90s, when Somalis began to move into my part of London and began to be seen more widely across London. And now there’s a huge population, and you do feel part of a diaspora.” After growing up and attending university in the UK, Mohamed’s career took an unexpected literary turn. Her debut novel, Black Mamba Boy, was based on her father’s experiences growing up in ‘30s Yemen and East Africa. The novel, published in 2009, won the Betty Trask Award and was shortlisted for several other prestigious prizes.
In 2013 she released her second novel, The Orchard of Lost Souls. The book is set in 1987 Somalia, in the northern city of Hargeisa on the eve of the civil war which would devastate and fragment the country. The events leading up to the outbreak of civil war are experienced from the perspective of three female protagonists – Kawsar, Deqo, and Filsan – but the events and characters that populate the novel are based on dozens of interviews, in addition to considerable archival research, that Mohamed conducted as she developed the book. Having studied history at Oxford, this part of the work came naturally to her. “I loved the research part of writing,” she enthused. “I began with interviews, I interviewed my mother to begin with, and female relatives who’d been in the war as children now as adults. I go to Hargeisa quite a lot now for different reasons, so I also interviewed people there and that was really fascinating. There’s very little done to memorialize people’s experience of the war. I think it’s so close that people just kind of turned their backs to it and walked away. So it’s very rare to actually hear a full narrative of someone’s experiences in the war. And so I sought them out.”
“He recalls vividly how no one bothered to reply to his application letter to a certain hardware in Mombasa that promised to pay him a paltry 5,000 shillings ($50) salary a month.”
Young Somali Man’s Journey From Matatu Tout To CEO
24 June – Source: Sahan Journal – 1,048 Words
At the centre of the bustling city of Nairobi along Kenyatta Avenue, next to the famous New Stanley Hotel is Pan Afric Life Insurance house, an inconspicuous old-style building, different from the glass and steel structures that are typical of Nairobi. On June 16, I proceeded to interview Ahmed Abdi, CEO of Amana Insurance Brokerage Limited. I met Ahmed swinging in a big seat in one of the plush offices. Ahmed is an exuberant young man whose contentment with life is evident. Smartly dressed in a modern lounge suite, the 28-year-old father had all the reasons to be happy. His excitement on this particular day was quite extraordinary, a day that came with many blessings. It was his birthday. And just ten days before, his first child was born. It was the same month of June that he was promoted to be a member of technical and legal sub-committee of the Association of Insurance Brokers of Kenya.
On June 9, Ahmed was featured in “The Entrepreneur,” a weekly program aired on Kenya Television Network that features successful entrepreneurs in the hope that it will inspire others. Life was not always like this for Ahmed. Ahmed recounts his past ordeals somberly. He comes from a humble background and encountered myriad challenges that had far reaching implications on his life. Born in Garissa County and schooled in Dadaab Primary School before transferring to Al Farouq Primary, Ahmed’s early life was as precarious as that of the Dadaab camps. His parents were poor with no much to sustain them. There was no quality education and therefore his future virtually appeared bleak even from his early childhood. Despite the odds, Ahmed did well in his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examinations in 2002 and got admitted to Bura Secondary School.
Life at Bura Secondary School was tough. Ahmed almost lost hope. He did not have school fees and dropped out of school in 2003. Ahmed, though crestfallen, had no option but to contend with a bitter reality of dreams unfulfilled. However, as the third born and the eldest son of a family of nine, Ahmed was the sole breadwinner. He had to take care of a demanding family with little resources. Ahmed tried his hand at everything to make ends meet, from a matatu tout, a novice garage mechanic, a truck turnboy and part time driver in Garissa town. He recalls vividly how no one bothered to reply to his application letter to a certain hardware in Mombasa that promised to pay him a paltry 5,000 shillings ($50) salary a month. “Life sometimes can be full of tragedy and heartbreakingly brutal,” he says. On April 28, 2008, while he was going on with his daily chores in Garissa, Ahmed received a call from his cousin Nageye Mohamud Dahir, a call he says that fundamentally changed his life for the better. He was called to serve as an office messenger for Nairobi-based Transnep Insurance Agency, a company owned by cousin Nageye.
“We are trying to support Somalia in capacity-building in areas like training the Somali army, training their police, training the civil society in preparing them towards elections 2016 which is supposed to be supported by the “African Union Commission, other regional bodies and the international community.”
AMISOM Trains Somali Government Officials In Elections Management
24 June – Source: AMISOM – Video – 2:17 Minutes
Senior officials of the Federal Government of Somalia have completed a two-week course on elections management, at the Kofi Annan International Peace Training Centre, in Accra Ghana.