June 26, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Somalia marks 53rd anniversary of independence of Northern region
26 Jun- Source: Radio Mogadishu/ SNTV/Universal TV/ al Shahid- 273 words
Somalia celebrates the 53rd anniversary of the independence of the northern provinces of British colonial in 1960. An official ceremony was held at the presidential palace in the capital Mogadishu in the presence of senior government officials and members of the Council of Ministers and the Parliament as well as the staff of government institutions and different segments of Somali society. The Somali flag raised yesterday in the appropriate held in different regions of Somalia.
The Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, in a speech on the occasion congratulated the Somali people on the occasion of Independence Day of the northern part of Somalia from the British colonial. The Somali president spoke about the history of the struggle against the Somali colonialism, and urged the Somali people on the incorporation our forefathers who have made the country’s dignity, freedom and independence.
The Somali Parliament Speaker Mohamed Osman congratulated the Somali people inside Somalia and abroad for the Independence Day. The speaker encouraged to move forward in the talks that began between the Somali government and the Somaliland administration to achieve unity of Somalia. For his part, Somalia’s prime minister sent his congratulations to the Somali nation on the occasion of June 26. The Prime Minister spoke about the unity of Somalia, which he described as “sacred not be compromised,” and called on the Somali people to concerted efforts to care for the unity of Somalia. He stressed that the Government was making every effort to achieve unity, saying “The government confirms its intention to protect the unity of the Somali nation.”
Key Headlines
- Somalia marks 53rd anniversary of independence of Northern region (Radio Mogadishu/ SNTV/Universal TV/ al Shahid)
- Senior al Shabaab leader surrenders to authorities in central Somalia (Hiiraan Online/VOA Somali Service/ Radio Mustaqbal/ Radio Risaala/al Shahid)
- Top al Shabaab official Aweys ‘captured’ in Central Somalia (Africa Review)
- Al Shabaab vows fresh attacks in Mogadishu (Radio Andulus/al Shahid/ Somalimemo)
- Al Shabaab factions in standoff after unprecedented battle in Barawe (Sabahi Online)
- Al Shabaab rebels attack Sierra Leone soldiers on AMISOM …Defence Ministry Says “No Idea”(Awareness Times)
- Al Shabaab ambush gov’t forces near Baidoa (Garowe Online/BBC Somali Service)
SOMALI MEDIA
Somalia marks 53rd anniversary of independence of Northern region
26 Jun- Source: Radio Mogadishu/ SNTV/Universal TV/ al Shahid- 273 words
Somalia celebrates the 53rd anniversary of the independence of the northern provinces of British colonial in 1960. An official ceremony was held at the presidential palace in the capital Mogadishu in the presence of senior government officials and members of the Council of Ministers and the Parliament as well as the staff of government institutions and different segments of Somali society. The Somali flag raised midnight Tuesday in the appropriate held in different regions of Somalia.
The Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, in a speech on the occasion congratulated the Somali people on the occasion of Independence Day of the northern part of Somalia from the British colonial. The Somali president spoke about the history of the struggle against the Somali colonialism, and urged the Somali people on the incorporation our forefathers who have made the country’s dignity, freedom and independence.
The Somali Parliament Speaker Mohamed Osman congratulated the Somali people inside Somalia and abroad for the Independence Day. The speaker encouraged to move forward in the talks that began between the Somali government and the Somaliland administration to achieve unity of Somalia. For his part, Somalia’s prime minister sent his congratulations to the Somali nation on the occasion of June 26. The Prime Minister spoke about the unity of Somalia, which he described as “sacred not be compromised,” and called on the Somali people to concerted efforts to care for the unity of Somalia. He stressed that the Government was making every effort to achieve unity, saying “The government confirms its intention to protect the unity of the Somali nation.”
Senior al Shabaab leader surrenders to authorities in central Somalia
26 Jun- Source: Hiiraan Online/VOA Somali Service/ Radio Mustaqbal/ Radio Risaala/al Shahid- 232 words
Hassan Dahir Aweys, one of al Shabaab’s prominent leaders surrendered himself to Himin and Heb authorities Tuesday night. Speaking to Voice of America, Spokesman of the regional authorities confirmed the report. “Hassan Dahir Aweys is in our custody, he is in the hands of the special forces of our president,” said Mr. Mohamed Omar Hagafey.
The spokesman said that they launched an attack on Aweys’ group to push them from their areas, but after hours of stand off and communications Aweys agreed to surrender to Himan and Heeb president Abdullahi Mohamed Kediye, as he was surrounded by administration troops near the coast area. “He surrendered following days of talks, arguments and standoff, ” he added.
Aweys escaped using small boats after his followers waged fierce fighting against loyalists of al Shabaab overall leader Ahmed Abdi Godane in Barawe town in Lower-Shabelle region. The internal warfare was a sign of worsening tensions within the al Qaeda-affiliated militant group which has now became a reality following the surrender of Aweys.
Signs have been growing of a split with an alliance forming against leader Ahmed Abdi Godane who is viewed as one of the most radical leaders of the group who promotes global Jihadi warfare ideologies.
Al Shabaab vows fresh attacks in Mogadishu
26 Jun- Source: Radio Andulus/al Shahid/ Somalimemo- 83 words
Al Shabaab terror group linked to al Qaeda vowed to carry out fresh attacks on the Somali capital Mogadishu. Ali Mohamed Hussein, al Shabaab representative in Banadir region, said in a statement to Radio Andalus, pro-al Shabaab station, that the his fighters are planning attacks bigger than the recent one on the UN compound in Mogadishu. He added that the al Shabaab will carry out operations against Somali government officials and security men in Mogadishu.
Al Shabaab ambush gov’t forces near Baidoa
26 Jun- Source: Garowe Online/BBC Somali Service- 229 words
At least 10 people were killed and 15 others injured in a battle between al Shabaab and Somali forces outside the south central city of Baidoa on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports. The clashes sparked after al Shabaab fighter ambushed government forces that left the town of Qansah Dheere and were headed to the capital of Bay region, Baidoa. The ambush led to heavy fighting, according to local sources. Both sides used heavy artillery during the battle that lasted one hour.
A commander of Somali government forces told BBC Somali radio that 2 government forces were killed in the clashes and 6 other injured. “The anti-peace movement [al Shabaab] attacked us [government forces] with rocket propelled grenades and other artillery and 2 of our forces were killed and 6 others injured,” said Col. Hassan Baidoa.
Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs & international cooperation (MOFAIC) new website portal
25 Jun- Source: Somaliland Press/Somaliland Informer/Radio Hargeysa/somaliland mofaic Online – 574 words
The website www.mofaic.org will be launched with the objective of exerting relentless effort to provide information on various activities of the Ministry on both domestic and international arenas concerning political, economic, cultural and legal fields, and on bilateral and multilateral levels. The site will display all press release, statements and speeches delivered in Somali, English and other Foreign languages by the Foreign Minister, deputy Foreign Ministers or senior officials before regional and international meetings and conferences.
The website which has been under development little over 5 months is expected to commence on June 26, 2013, when Somalilander’s home and overseas celebrate the State of Somaliland’s independence from British Somaliland protectorate.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Top al Shabaab official Aweys ‘captured’ in Central Somalia
26 June- Source: Africa Review-420 Words
One of the senior officials of al Shabaab terror group, which vehemently opposing the Somali government, Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, has reportedly been captured. The controversial clergyman was reportedly seized by forces loyal to Himan and Heb State, a self-declared administration in Central Somalia. Himan and Heb State spokesman Mohamed Omar Hadafey told the media that Sheikh Aweys was captured at around3am local time Wednesday.
Earlier on Tuesday, reports from Adado town, 475 km north of Mogadishu stated that forces led by new President Abdullahi Ali Mohamed caught up with Sheikh Aweys and his followers around the coastal areas. “Tension remained high when the President and his forces reached the coastal areas where Sheikh Aweys and his militias were,” said Mr Hadafey. “Luckily, the clergyman surrendered without putting up resistance,” he added.
Earlier reports from Hobyo, about 500 km northeast of Mogadishu, confirmed that Sheikh Aweys reached the area on Monday. The hardliner cleric reportedly sneaked out of Barawe, a coastal town, about 200km south of Mogadishu, by boat on Saturday evening. He apparently fled to avoid further confrontations with loyalists of Sheikh Mukhtar Abdurahman Abu Zubayr, the Supreme Leader of al Shabaab.
Al Shabaab factions in standoff after unprecedented battle in Barawe
26 Jun- Source: Sabahi Online- 699 words
After rival al Shabaab forces squared off in a deadly battle last week in the Lower Shabelle town of Barawe, residents of militant-controlled areas say al Shabaab’s feuding factions are preparing for more open warfare.
Forces loyal to top al Shabaab commander Ahmed Abdi Godane, also known as Mukhtar Abu Zubayr, and second-in-command Ibrahim al-Afghani faced off beginning on June 19th, Barawe residents told Sabahi.
The clashes killed five militants and injured four civilians, according to 62-year-old Barawe resident Garaad Yusuf, who spoke to hospital officials. “We are in a state of fear … because the two warring forces are still in the city without considering the poor civilians who cannot escape,” Yusuf told Sabahi.
Al Shabaab abducting children from central Somalia
25 Jun- Source: Sabahi Online- 653 words
Al Shabaab in recent weeks has kidnapped hundreds of children from the militant-controlled town of El Bur in Galgadud, residents say, expressing fear that the al Qaeda-affiliated militant group is forcibly recruiting them as child soldiers.
Since early May, more than 350 children under the age of 16 have been taken from Qur’an schools or while playing in the streets of El Bur and surrounding areas, said town elder Jama Hassan, 54.
“It is something that has terrified all of us,” Hassan told Sabahi. “If al Shabaab has become weak it should not use children who do not know how to use arms to shore up its strength.”
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Al Shabaab rebels Attack Sierra Leone soldiers on AMISOM …Defence Ministry Says “No Idea”
26 Jun- Source: Awareness Times 332 words
Reports monitored from East Africa and the international media indicate that personnel of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), representing the country in a peace-keeping mission in Somalia, came under deadly attack launched by al Shabaab militants over the weekend.
Heavy artilleries hit bases belonging to the Sierra Leone troops in the lower Juba regions as al Shabaab militants attacked the new AMISOM peace keeping force in the lower Juba region of Somalia, the international media has reported.
According to reports, the AMISOM bases in Taabta were attacked by al Shabaab fighters on the night of Sunday 23rd June 2013. Taabta residents told journalists that they heard deafening sounds during the attacks followed by gunfire battles. The casualties resulting from the attacks have not yet been confirmed.
Collegiate Churches Supports SAACID to Build Malnutrition Treatment Facility in Somalia
25 Jun- Source: Wall Street Journal- 523 words
The Collegiate Churches of New York has funded SAACID International to build a children’s health facility that will provide inpatient care for severely malnourished children and their resulting medical complications. It will be the first indigenous construction in 22 years in south and central Somalia.
The Inpatient Malnutrition Stabilization Center will be integrated with the existing network of 17 outpatient health and nutrition centers across Mogadishu City. The outpatient centers have treated 27,467 severely malnourished children and another 75,682 moderately malnourished children throughout the last 12 months. In addition to treating severely malnourished children, the inpatient facility will offer immunizations, nutrition and breastfeeding counseling and hygiene promotion. All services and transportation will be free.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“The event observed a minute of silence in remembrance of the lost volunteers. They were two great men who devoted themselves to Somali sport and lent a forceful commitment in the development of Somali sport in an era that life was even more difficult.”
International Olympic Day Remembers Slain Sports Leaders of Somalia
25 June- Source: News Blaze-450 Words
With the help of its affiliated athletics and taekwondo federations, the Somali National Olympic committee has organized a very colourful occasion to commemorate the International Olympic day, a global event which is observed by all IOC-member nations annually in a bid to show the value and greatness of Olympics around the world.
In Somalia, a full day commemorations with events of different sport, folklore dancing and other traditional dances were observed on Sunday 23rd of June, a day that hundreds of Somali youths enjoy annually, because it is a joyous day that youths are given such great chance of making integration and travelling from long distances to the Daljirka Dahsoon Monument in the Boondheere district in the city centre of the capital Mogadishu were the event is concluded every year. It was the second year that Somalis held the Olympic day event with no fears from the notorious Al-shabab terrorists who banned sports in Somalia.
Somalis show off their wares
26 June- Source: Maribyrnong Weekly-143 Words
SOMALI culture will be in the spotlight this Saturday when a new festival is launched in Footscray.
The So’maal is an all-day event at Footscray Community Arts Centre celebrating the best of Somali Australian culture and featuring workshops and performances, including poetry, theatre and live music.
There will be film, food and fashion by contemporary Somali Australian designers, as well as the So’maal Festival Party, kicking off at 7pm.
Festival organiser Nadia Faragaab says the event, the first of its kind, is about providing a unique creative space to express what it means to be a Somali Australian.
Ms Faragaab wants the festival to show there is more to Somalia and being Somali than the images of pirates, war and famine.
The festival, presented by Burji Arts, will run from 11am-midnight this Saturday at Footscray Community Arts Centre. Tickets: $30 at the door.
Top tweets
@hrw #Somalia: apparently indiscriminate attacks on civilian buildings by militias in Kismayo http://ow.ly/mogVK
@Aynte Central #Somalia region says it captured Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, a senior #alShabaab figure who fled infighting http://bit.ly/122LeqC
@harunmaruf JUST IN: Former #Hisbul #Islam Spox Sh. Mohamed Moallim in #Adado with Sh. #Aweys. He was in#Qatar last week.Coincidence? #Somalia #Shabab
@amisomsomalia QUOTE OF THE DAY: Donors unfazed despite #UN compound attack in #Somaliahttp://on.fb.me/QqTSeN , http://bit.ly/122KAJS w
@RM_Laf Third round of talks between #Somaliland and#Somalia will take place next week in Ankara. #Turkey #Africa
Image of the day
The European Union officials and Somali delegations on board the EU Naval Force Flagship, NRP Alvares Cabral, at sea off Mogadishu.