June 27, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.
On going talks in Mogadishu, Adado over fate of Hassan Dahir Aweys
27 Jun- Source: Somalia Today Online/Badweyn Online/AllSaxafada/Xogmaal Online- 120 words
Intensive negotiations and communications continues in the capital Mogadishu and Adado town in Galgudud region, central Somalia on how to move Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys to Mogadishu, a leader of al Shabaab rebel group who arrived Wednesday to Adado town, headquarter of Himan Heb administration, after rifts between the leaders of al Shabaab in Lower Shabelle, led to the outbreak of fighting in different areas that controls al Shabaab militia in Southern Somalia.
According to sources close to the Somali government, talks between Somali government and Himan and Heeb administration, on the transfer of Hassan Dahir Aweys to Mogadishu is on going. The mediators between two sides are parliamentarians from the clan of Hassan Dahir, ministers from the federal government, and other parties.
An official from the Himan and Heb said they feel the presence of Hassan Dahir in their town may trigger attack by al Shabaab, whom he fled from. The leaders of the Himan and Heeb administration met on Wednesday with Hassan Dahir Aweys in Adado town, but the administration has not issued any details about meeting between them and the al Shabaab leader, who is currently in the city under heavy guard by the forces of the state.
Key Headlines
- On going talks in Mogadishu Adado over fate of Hassan Dahir Aweys (Somalia Today Online/Badweyn Online/AllSaxafada/Xogmaal Online)
- ‘If he surrenders we welcome him’ says the federal government of Somalia (Radio Shabelle)
- Tension remains high in Kismayo (Radio Bar-kulan/ Hiiraan Online/Dhanaan Online/Radio Mustaqbal)
- Somaliland: UNSOM Chief Congratulates New Somaliland Foreign Minister (Somaliland Sun)
- UN welcomes use of sports as a peacebuilding tool in Somalia (Horseed Media/Somalia Sport Press)
- Top federal government leaders address Somaliland talks (Radio Shabelle)
- Somali warlords fight over key southern port (Capital FM/AFP)
- Brussels to host int”l conf. on Somalia in September (Kuwait News Agency)
- Sierra Leone Troops Capture al Shabaab Fighters (Sierra Express Media/Awoko)
- Somali families’ lifeline under threat (Channel 4)
SOMALI MEDIA
On going talks in Mogadishu, Adado over fate of Hassan Dahir Aweys
27 Jun- Source: Somalia Today Online/Badweyn Online/AllSaxafada/Xogmaal Online- 120 words
Intensive negotiations and communications continues in the capital Mogadishu and Adado town in Galgudud region, central Somalia on how to move Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys to Mogadishu, a leader of al Shabaab rebel group who arrived Wednesday to Adado town, headquarter of Himan Heb administration, after rifts between the leaders of al Shabaab in Lower Shabelle, led to the outbreak of fighting in different areas that controls al Shabaab militia in Southern Somalia.
According to sources close to the Somali government, talks between Somali government and Himan and Heeb administration, on the transfer of Hassan Dahir Aweys to Mogadishu is on going. The mediators between two sides are parliamentarians from the clan of Hassan Dahir, ministers from the federal government, and other parties.
An official from the Himan and Heb said they feel the presence of Hassan Dahir in their town may trigger attack by al Shabaab, whom he fled from. The leaders of the Himan and Heeb administration met on Wednesday with Hassan Dahir Aweys in Adado town, but the administration has not issued any details about meeting between them and the al Shabaab leader, who is currently in the city under heavy guard by the forces of the state.
‘If he surrenders, we welcome him’ says the federal government of Somalia
27 Jun- Source: Radio Shabelle- 153 words
President Hassan’s spokesman Abdirahman Omar Osman who held a media conference Wednesday said that the federal government was aware of the capture of Hassan Dahir Aweys in Adado town, central Somalia. Mr. Abdirahman added that the government welcomes any terror leader who surrenders to the authorities and accepts to stop terror activities.
The spokesman added that the federal government will forgive any al Shabaab member who chooses to quit the militants except the foreign fighters who fight along with the terror group. Asked if the federal government secretly communicated with Mr. Aweys, the spokesman denied answering that question.
Mr. Aweys along with other top al Shabaab commanders escaped from the coastal town of Barawe via a boat and arrived at Adado town. Elders and politicians pleaded with the federal government to forgive the former Hizbul Islam leader as he was seeking asylum from al Shabaab.
Tension remains high in Kismayo
27 Jun- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/ Hiiraan Online/Dhanaan Online/Radio Mustaqbal- 165 words
Tension is high in the southern Somali town of Kismayo, capital of Lower Jubba region where fierce fighting between troops loyal to Jubbaland leader Ahmed Mohamed Islan (Ahmed Madobe) and Col Bare Hirale’s occurred on Wednesday. At least 10 people were killed in Wednesday’s battle.
Reports emerging from the port city add that most of the city’s business places remained closed for the second day and transportation was also paralyzed. The Somali Federal government has called for cease fire between forces loyal Ahmed Madobe, a prominent leader and Col Bare Hirale fighters.
Somali president spokesman Eng Abdirahman Omar Osman (Yarisow) stated that the government has reminded those involved in the fighting that no solution can be gained through gun-power and advised them to get solutions through talks. On the other hand, a grenade was hurled to a convoy of Kenyan forces under AMISOM command at the Isbatimo junction in Kismayo town though causality is not yet reported.
Somaliland: UNSOM Chief Congratulates New Somaliland Foreign Minister
27 Jun- Source: Somaliland Sun- 275 words
The UN Special representative and head of the United Nations Assistance Mission –UNSOM in Somalia Amb Nicholas Kay has extended congratulations to newly appointed Somaliland Foreign Minister Mohamed Younis Bihi
The congratulatory posted by Amb Kay in his twitter read “Welcome and congratulations to Mohamed Younis in #Somaliland, a friend and colleague from #Sudan. Look forward to working together again”
An earlier tweet by the Amb in which he informed of his meeting with the Turkish Ambassador to Somalia Dr Kani Torun, and great discussion undertaken with the UNSOM chief promising the full support of UN during talks between Somaliland and Somalia expected to resume next in Ankara, Turkey.
UN welcomes use of sports as a peacebuilding tool in Somalia
27 Jun- Source: Horseed Media/ Somali Sports Press- 385 words
The United Nations under-Secretary General for Somalia Nicholas Kay has lauded the idea of using sport as a tool of peace building in Somalia during a meeting with Somali NOC secretary General Duran Ahmed Farah in Mogadishu on Wednesday.
Somali Olympic committee Secretary General Duran Ahmed Farah told the media in Mogadishu that the high profile meeting with the top UNSOM official was very fruitful for Somalia as under Secretary-General for Somalia Nicholas Kay was very keen on the sporting influence in the reconciliation and peacebuilding process in the lawless country where sport has in the past played a key role in reconciliation, public integration and peace process.
“During our meeting we gave the UN official fully-detailed information about the importance that the use of sport has the United Nations in terms of introducing peace into the country and he lauded and welcomed our idea, because himself knows that every difficult situation can be easily reachable through sport” Somali NOC secretary General Duran Ahmed Farah told the media in Mogadishu after his meeting with the UN special representative for Somalia Mr. Nicholas Kay.
Top federal government leaders address Somaliland talks
26 Jun- Source: Radio Shabelle- 228 words
The president of the federal republic of Somalia, prime minister and the parliament speaker addressed the Somali and Somaliland talks during the celebration marking the 53rd anniversary that ended the British rule in northern Somalia. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud admitted that atrocities occurred during the military rule in Somalia not only to the people of Somaliland but majority of Somalis in the whole country.
“We are ready for a dialogue and the dialogue will continue in a peaceful way “said Mr. Hassan. Thousands were killed during and after the military rule that never discriminated the Somali communities living in the entire country. This led to the long inter clan civil war that completely devastated the country. The president assured all Somalis that he will do everything to maintain the unity of Somalis in Somalia
Prime minister Abdi Farah Shirdon said that he welcomed the talks and urged the Somaliland administration to forget and forgive the past mistakes of the military regime. The speaker of the national assembly, Prof. Mohammed Osman Jawari said that the talks should adhere to the Somali constitution and should bring together the Somali communities to prevent what happened in the past. The federal government of Somalia previously welcomed the talks and urged the Somaliland administration to forward its allegations to the federal government leaders.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Somali warlords fight over key southern port
27 Jun- Source: Capital News/AFP- 421 words
At least seven people have been killed in the latest fighting between rival Somali warlords battling for control of the southern port city of Kismayo, witnesses said Thursday. Gunmen from the Ras Kamboni Brigade of former militant warlord Ahmed Madobe who last month appointed himself “president” of the southern Jubaland region battled against forces loyal to Bare Hirale, a former warlord who also leads a powerful militia army and also contest the presidency of Jubaland.
“Seven people, three of them civilians, were killed, and four others were injured,” said Ali Mohamed, a resident of Kismayo who saw the aftermath of one battle on Wednesday.”The tensions are still there,” Mohamed added. Several rival factions claim ownership of Kismayo, a former stronghold of the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab, where Kenyan troops in an African Union force are now based.
Brussels to host int”l conf. on Somalia in September
27 Jun- Source: Kuwait News Agency- 170 words
The Federal government and the European Union are to co-host “The new deal for Somalia conference” in Brussels on September, the EU announced here. The international conference will endorse a new programme that will commit the Somali people and their international partners to a set a key priorities and new support for the reconstruction of Somalia over the next three years.
Kenyatta lauds Kenyan-Ugandan security co-operation
26 Jun- Source: Sabahi Online- 196 words
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta Monday (June 24th) praised the Kenyan Defence Forces co-operation with the Uganda People’s Defence Force under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and pushed for more regional integration.
“It is an honour for our men and women in uniform to be working together to bring peace to Somalia, which has faced war and conflict for the last 20 years,” he said at a banquet held in his honour in Kampala, according to Kenya’s Daily Nation. Kenyatta said he is hopeful that Kenyan-Ugandan co-operation on security matters will extend to the fight against banditry along their shared border.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Sierra Leone Troops Capture al Shabaab Fighters
27 Jun- Source: Sierra Express Media/Awoko -341 words
The Sierra Leone peacekeeping troops deployed in the Somalia city of Tabda, on Sunday 23rd June, 2013 captured two al Shabaab fighters during a patrol within their vicinity. On Friday, 21st June, 2013, the Sierra Leone troops deployed at Dobley repelled an ambush along their main supply route to Tabda. No casualty was reported on the side of the troops.
On the following day, on Saturday, 22nd June, 2013, a few remnants of al Shabaab attacked the troops at Tabda. The troops halted the assault and the attacking force retreated with casualties. None of the troops was injured or killed.
The EU and Somalia announce “The 5ew Deal for Somalia Conference” 16th September 2013
26 Jun- Source: European Union- 195 words
The Federal Government of Somalia and The European Union (EU) are to co-host “The new Deal for Somalia Conference” in Brussels on 16 September 2013. The international conference will endorse the “New Deal Compact” that will commit the Somali people and their international partners to a set of key priorities and new support for the reconstruction of Somalia over the next 3 years. The Conference is set to build on the momentum of progress and change in Somalia, supported by the recent international conferences on the country.
High Representative Vice President Catherine Ashton said: “The situation in Somalia has been transformed over the past year. There is now a real atmosphere of activity, emerging governance and hope. It is therefore more important than ever that the international community makes good on its promises of support for the Somali people. This joint event, co-hosted by Somalia and the EU, will establish the “ew Deal Compact” as the foundation of the international community and Somalia’s mutual commitment to a three year plan that can deliver peace, security and development to all Somali people.”
Somali families’ lifeline under threat
26 Jun- Source: Channel 4- 04:14 min
A money transfer system allowing UK families to send cash back home is under threat after Barclays said it wouldn’t do business with transfer firms. Jamal Osman reports on the problem facing Somalia.
African states join forces to tackle piracy
26 Jun- Source: Reuters- 355 words
West and central African nations have agreed to create a regional centre for coordinating the fight against a sharp rise in piracy in the Gulf of Guinea that is jeopardising the shipping of commodities in the region. The Gulf of Guinea, which includes Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast, is a major source of oil and cocoa and increasingly metals for world markets. Pirate attacks in the region, mainly carried out by armed Nigerian gangs, have almost doubled from last year, jacking up insurance costs.
The main purpose of the new centre, to be based in Cameroon, will be intelligence gathering and research, according to an agreement signed at a summit of regional leaders in the Cameroonian capital Yaounde. International navies are not actively engaged in counter-piracy missions in the region, unlike in the waters off Somalia, the piracy hotspot on the other side of the continent.
A study by advocacy group Oceans Beyond Piracy in June estimated piracy in the Gulf of Guinea cost the world economy between $740 million and $950 million last year and the cost is expected to rise in 2013. The number of attacks in Somalia has fallen markedly since 2011 thanks to tougher security aboard ships and the increased Western naval patrols.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“The political conflict is centred on two forms of government – federalism and centralised unitary state, and one political goal, secession. The proponents of federalism have in common with proponents of centralised unitary state the goal to safeguard the political unity and territorial integrity Somalia.”
SOMALIA: The Somali Political class and the struggle over the Form of Government for Somalia
27 June- Source: Raxanreeb-801 Words
The political conflict in Somalia is no longer characterised as a conflict between clans vying for the presidency. The conflict is over the form of government Somalia would adopt to be become a viable state again. There are many factors that contributed to this transformation. One of them is the international community’s renewed interest in and commitment to helping Somalis to end the ‘failed state’ status of their country.
Another factor is the threat of transnational Islamist movements in Somalia. This essay argues that clan narratives form the undercurrent t of an intractable political conflict. What makes large-scale, inter-clan conflict less likely in many parts of South-central Somalia for now is the presence of African Peacekeeping troops.
The former armed opposition fronts that brought to an end the military dictatorship in 1991 shared no post-dictatorship political goals. After successive attempts at reconciliation conferences, two transitional administrations were formed before the current Somali Federal Government based , in theory, on federalism, had come into existence in 2012.
Twenty two years after the overthrow of the military dictatorship in Somalia the political class in Somalia are divided on not only how federalism would be applied but how power would be exercised at the centre as well.
“The revamped Panorama Hotel on Mogadishu’s waterfront serves lobsters – somewhat outrageously, given the continually dismal conditions in Somalia’s refugee camps. Businessmen are building resorts on Mogadishu’s pristine beaches. Somalia’s enterprising diaspora is flocking back. Self-starting Somali think tanks and NGOs are emerging. But just like Afghanistan, Somalia faces enormous challenges that can easily allow this moment of hope to slip through its fingers.”
Lobsters, Beaches, and Bombs in Mogadishu … Not on President Obama’s Africa Menu
26 June- Source: Brookings Blog-1025 Words
Several African countries are smarting for being bypassed in President Barack Obama’s trip, Kenya perhaps the most. Others, like Somalia, can only dream that the President would visit them.
Kenya after all is to where the President traces his ancestral origins. Many Kenyans see his skipping Nairobi as U.S. disapproval of the country’s elected president and vice-president, two men under the indictment by the International Criminal Court for their alleged incitement of violence during Kenya’s 2007 elections.
Ethiopia too would have loved to host the U.S. president, having built itself up as a key regional powerbroker, the seat of the African Union, a trusted counterterrorism partner for the West, hosting U.S. drones, and a favored proxy for dealing with the complexities of Somalia.
After the 2012 death of Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, the one-party authoritarian regime still feels shaky. Although the regime seems to have pulled off a smooth transition, an endorsement from the United States would be very handy.
Top tweets
@t_mcconnell #Shabaab leader Godane is cleaning house in#Somalia. With Aweys and Al-Afghani out of play a showdown with Roboow surely looms.
@africaupdate Get some context on Sheikh Aweys & his complicated relationship w/HSM from JEAS: http://ow.ly/mqtOnby @CedricHoA & @HarunMaruf #Somalia
@amisomsomalia February 14, 2013 – Operation “Boot On the Ground” by #AMISOM & #SNA troops http://on.fb.me/QqTSeN wpic.twitter.com/tghbdBfAPP
@UNDPSomalia Fragile #Somali populations have only just emerged from a massive food crisis; losing #remittances will be an economic shock #UNLazzarini
@tresthomas_HOA PICS: In BuuloBurde, #Shabaab spox Ali Dheere (fattened, long-haired, w/gold mic) hails 200 new missionaries http://t.co/cBa2Uu10Ss #Somalia
Image of the day
Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon, centre, announcing the New Deal for Somali conference in Brussels onSeptember 16th, at the core group meeting in Mogadishu. Photo: Horseed Media