June 3, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Al Shabaab parade Kenyan hostages
03 Jun- Source: Daily Nation/ AFP/Standard/ Capital News- 192 words
Somalia’s militant fighters have paraded two prisoners, believed to be Kenyans captured last month after a cross border raid, witnesses said Monday.”Hundreds of people came to see the hostages who the al Shabaab said were Kenyans,” said Ali Moalim, who was among the crowds who gathered Sunday in Jilib, an Islamist-controlled southern Somali region of Lower Juba.
Last month al Shabaab fighters attacked a Kenyan police border post, killing five and claiming to have kidnapped two. “The two men looked miserable,” said Abdurahman Isa, another witness, adding that rifles and ammunition allegedly captured at the same time were also paraded alongside the men.
Kenya has been hit by a wave of grenade and gun attacks since its army invaded Somalia in 2011 to attack the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab, who vowed revenge.
Key Headlines
- TICAD summit to be conclude in Yokahama (Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu)
- Professor Samatar back to Somaliland (somalilandinformer/ al Shahid/Somaliland Press/Universal TV)
- Floods in Somalia kills 22 displaces hundreds (Horseed Media/Press TV/Bar Kulan)
- AU troops targeted with twin explosion attacks in Somali capital (Risaala Radio)
- Three people killed in Kismayo (Bar-kulan)
- Allied forces arrest 100 people following security operations in Somali capital (Radio Galkayo)
- Al Shabaab parade Kenyan hostages (Daily Nation/ AFP/Standard/ Capital News)
- Investors keenly eye Somalia opportunities (Capital FM)
- Somalia concerned over xenophobic attacks in SA (Times Live)
- Somali pirates will face death penalty in federal trial in Virginia (Washington Post)
PRESS STATEMENT
New UN envoy arrives in Mogadishu to support Somali peace and stability
03 Jun- Source: UNSOM-522 words
The new Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG), Nicholas Kay, arrived in Somalia today to assume his duties as head of the new UN political mission, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).
Upon his arrival, SRSG Kay said “I am very pleased to be in Mogadishu and to have this opportunity to support the Federal Government and people of Somalia to bring peace, security and prosperity back to Somalia.
“Somalia is a proud country with ancient traditions, a vibrant culture, and strong values. I will not forget that as I strive to support the Somali Government and people in their quest for peace.
“I pay tribute to Dr Mahiga and the UNPOS team. They have completed their mission and can be proud of their achievements. Today marks the new beginning of a new phase for the UN and UNSOM as a new mission.
“This is an historic moment for Somalia. The people of Somalia rightly have high expectations. We need to aim high. We look forward with hope towards a national election in 2016. The challenges are tremendous, but we must work hard to seize the moment.
“Over the coming days I will meet His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his government, with our partners in AMISOM and IGAD, and the many other partners working together to support the country, particularly Somali civil society groups.
“I intend to build strong relationships with all actors working in the interest of the Government and people of Somalia. Our staff will be based initially in Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Garowe and Baidoa and are committed to working with their counterparts”
“The people of Somalia have asked the UN for a new partnership to match their aspirations. The UN effort will become more unified, more joint and more effective – based on the principles of true partnership with the African Union and all other partners of Somalia. The international community has recognised this through its commitment to support UNSOM.
The UN envoy concluded by saying “I am personally deeply and passionately committed to this mission and look forward to the months ahead.”
UNSOM is a new United Nations political mission that started its operations today. It has a mandate to support state building and peacebuilding with a focus on good governance, security sector reform, rule of law, human rights, providing “good offices” for mediation and political reconciliation and coordination of international assistance.
Mr. Kay previously served as Africa Director at the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, a position he has held since 2012. Prior to this, he served as Ambassador to the Republic of the Democratic of the Congo and the Sudan from 2007 to 2010 and 2010 to 2012, respectively. He was also the United Kingdom’s Regional Coordinator for Southern Afghanistan and Head of the Provincial Reconstruction Team for Helmand Province from 2006 to 2007.
In his earlier career with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Mr. Kay served in policy and country positions in London, as well as overseas in Spain and Cuba. Mr Kay is married with three children.
AU Special Representative welcomes the new UN SRSG for Somalia
03 Jun- Source: AMISOM- 186 words
The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif has welcomed the arrival of the new Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations (SRSG) for Somalia and head of the new UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).
Ambassador Annadif said the arrival of the new UNSRSG and his team demonstrates the United Nations and international community’s continued commitment to supporting Somalia especially at this time when the country is putting in efforts to rebuild its state institutions and safeguard the gains made on both the political and security fronts.
He said; “I wish to affirm my support as Head of AMISOM to the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) to ensure that the people of Somalia realize their dream of a peaceful and stable country.”
Ambassador Annadif assured the SRSG of his readiness and commitment to establish excellent and dynamic working relationships with the entire UNSOM team as he has already done with other UN entities such as UNSOA and the now dissolved UNPOS.
Prime Minister calls on South Africa to protect vulnerable Somali community
03 June- Source: Office of the Prime Minister-182 Words
His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon today expressed his concern for the safety of the Somali community in South Africa.
In a letter to President Zuma, the Prime Minister said:
“I appeal to the Government of the Republic of South Africa as a matter of urgency to intervene and contain this unnecessary and unfortunate violence against Somali business communities to preserve peace and stability, thereby further strengthening and promoting brotherly relations between our two peoples and governments.”
The Prime Minister also sent his sincere condolences to the families of those Somalis who were killed or wounded and lost their properties during the recent violence in Diepsloot, Pretoria and Booysens Park, Port Elizabeth.
“On the other hand, I also call for all the Somalis in South Africa to respect and adhere rigidly to the local laws and customs, work with the Somali Embassy in Pretoria, maintain calmness, knowing that my government will vigorously work with the South African Government to address these recurring problems,” the Prime Minister said. “Our thoughts are with those Somalis who have suffered at this time of sadness.”
Prime Minister welcomes “vote of confidence in the new Somalia” as UN launches new mission in Mogadishu
03 June- Source: Office of the Prime Minister-363 Words
His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon today welcomed the head of the new UN mission in Somalia (UNSOM) to Mogadishu, praising the launch of the new mission as a “vote of confidence in the new Somalia”.
Meeting Nicholas Kay, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG), the Prime Minister said:
“The UN has voted with its feet and come to establish its new Somalia headquarters in the Somali capital. This is just as it should be. You have shown the world that to engage with Somalia it is possible – and indeed necessary – to come to Somalia. I congratulate you on your new appointment and the UN on launching this new mission with a new mandate.”
UNSOM’s mandate is to support statebuilding and peace, with a focus on promoting good governance, security sector reform, human rights, rule of law and improved coordination of international assistance to Somalia.
“An effective partnership with the UN is essential for the new Somalia,” said the Prime Minister. “Our relationship goes back many years, through good times as well as bad. We welcome your support of our government’s agenda of peace, security and nation-building. We asked for a single UN door to knock on and you have provided it with UNSOM. Now we will work together on preparations for national elections in 2016.”
The Prime Minister said UNSOM had arrived at a critical point in the history of Somalia.
“With the support of AMISOM and our international partners we have already come a very long way in a very short time. The world has seen the progress we have made and newspaper headlines no longer talk about a failed state. But we still have a long, long way to go on the road to a more peaceful and prosperous Somalia. I am delighted that UNSOM will be here to walk along that road with us. We need to put a final end to the fighting. We need to reconstruct our country, rebuild our economy, make sure our children have the best possible education, ensure Somalis can expect to find jobs, decent healthcare, the sort of things that are considered normal in most parts of the world.”
SOMALI MEDIA
TICAD summit to be conclude in Yokahama
03 May- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu- 117 words
The 3-day Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Yokahama hosted by the Japan government is due to be concluded later today. The conference aimed to develop Africa in the next five years opened in Yokahama on Saturday.
Japan government who hosted the conference presented its structure on Africa development in the next five years. The 5th Tokyo International Conference on African Development is a conference hosted by Japan government once in every five years.
Japan government become the first country to host the Tokyo International Conference on African Development in 1993, since then a rage of developing programs had been launched in Africa continent. Somali Federal government was among the governments attended the meeting this year.
Professor Samatar back to Somaliland
03 Jun- Source: somalilandinformer/ al Shahid/Somaliland Press/Universal TV- 146 words
Prof. Ahmed Ismail Samatar who was in exile for ages has finally returned to Somaliland and arrived at Berbera airport on Sunday afternoon.
He was given warm and cordial reception at Berber and Hargeisa cities as thousands of residents turned out to receive him after returning exile that he spents for the past years.
Ministers of presidency, information, Agriculture, fishery, Postal and Telecommunication, Aviation, heads of National Political Parties, scholars, chiefs and other people.
Speaking at the VIP lounge Prof. Samater thanked president of Somaliland Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo for inviting him to his homeland.
His trip to Somaliland is to see the real situation on the ground and further spelled out that he will embark on a trip to Sanaag and Zeila. He finally admitted that he was happy upon his return to Somaliland.
Floods in Somalia kills 22, displaces hundreds
03 Jun- Source: Horseed Media/Press TV/Bar-kulan- 326 words
In southern Somali town of Jowhar, hundreds of families and farmers have been displaced after a river burst its banks in Middle Shabelle region. Those highly affected are the internally displaced persons. Many villages and farms have remained under water as sanitation system has collapsed. The displaced families also raise safety concern posed by stagnant water in many of the affected camps.The local administration says that at least 22 people have been killed due to the floods. Many of the victims are said to be young children.
AU troops targeted with twin explosion attacks in Somali capital
02 Jun – Source: Radio Risala- 77 words
Twin explosions targeted at a convoy of AU peacekeepers have rocked Mogadishu’s SOS neighbourhood in Huriwaa Distric.
The first explosion attack was a land mine while the second one was a bazooka which hit one of the AU peacekeepers’ vehicles, and is said to have inflicted some casualties” on the peacekeepers.
The peacekeepers responded by “firing and cordoned off the area”. The casualty figure is still unknown.
Jubaland officials hold event for Puntland President
02 Jun- Source: Garowe Online- 244 words
Nairobi residents held a welcoming event on Sunday for Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole and the Puntland government delegation, Garowe Online reports.
President Farole and delegation of Puntland Ministers, MPs and MPs from the Somali Federal Government and Kenyan government were special guests at an event attended by over a thousand Somalis held in Nairobi.
The head of the Jubaland state Commerce department – who organized the event – Yasin Jama, thanked the Puntland President for his support and dedication to establishing the Jubaland state. He also requested President Farole’s lending some of his experience to Jubaland officials.
President Farole thanked the organizers of the event for their warm welcome and thanked the various speakers at Sunday’s event.
Three people killed in Kismayo
02 Jun- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 99 words
Reports from southern port city of Kismayo, capital of Juba region suggest that three people, among a Kismayo port staff have been killed in town in separate incidents on Friday night.
Reports add that unknown gunmen have carried out the killings in different neighborhoods as security officials in Kismayo said that investigations over these killings have been launched.
On the other hand, the Kismayo security troops have detained a soldier who shot dead another soldier in Kismayo though the reason behind the killing is not yet officially known. The Kismayo communication is out of service for the fourth day.
Allied forces arrest 100 people following security operations in Somali capital
02 Jun – Source: Radio Gaalkacyo – 154 words
Somalia’s national security troops backed by Amisom (African Union’s Mission in Somalia) have carried out massive operations in districts of Banaadir Region, Mogadishu, and seized many people for allegedly causing insecurity, privately-owned Radio Gaalkacyo reported on 1 June 13.
The troops are reported to have entered Waaberi, Wardhiigley districts in Mogadishu and begun operations to curb insecurity as they have seized many young people during the crack down, according to a local resident whose name was not mentioned by the radio. The troops said to have captured more than 100 people in today’s operations and are said to be interrogating some of them.
The move comes as government of Somalia reportedly received information that Al-Shabab fighters were making safe havens in the area and were planning to carry out attacks against government troops and Amisom in Mogadishu.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Al Shabaab parade Kenyan hostages
03 Jun- Source: Daily Nation/ AFP/Standard/ Capital News- 192 words
Somalia’s militant fighters have paraded two prisoners, believed to be Kenyans captured last month after a cross border raid, witnesses said Monday.”Hundreds of people came to see the hostages who the al Shabaab said were Kenyans,” said Ali Moalim, who was among the crowds who gathered Sunday in Jilib, an Islamist-controlled southern Somali region of Lower Juba.
Last month al Shabaab fighters attacked a Kenyan police border post, killing five and claiming to have kidnapped two. “The two men looked miserable,” said Abdurahman Isa, another witness, adding that rifles and ammunition allegedly captured at the same time were also paraded alongside the men.
Kenya has been hit by a wave of grenade and gun attacks since its army invaded Somalia in 2011 to attack the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab, who vowed revenge.
Somalia’s al Shabaab targeting Mwingi residents in recruitment drive
03 Jun- Source: standardmedia -422 words
Mwingi security chiefs have put the local residents on high alert following intelligence reports that the al Shabaab group is recruiting local youths to join their camp.
Mwingi Deputy OCPD Leonard Baini and Mwingi Central AP commander Ali Hussein on Saturday said that the al Shabaab group had infiltrated Mwingi region and its environs with the sole aim of recruiting young people to join the militant group.
Speaking on Saturday during Madaraka day Celebrations, the security bosses warned that the militant group was targeting towns in close proximity with the northern frontier to recruit new members.
Investors keenly eye Somalia opportunities
03 June – Source:Capital FM – 403 words
After 22 years of civil strife and political turmoil, a new era has dawned on Somalia and the country is embarking on a dynamic path of political and economic renewal.
This is after the successful liberation of large territory from the control of al Shabaab militia last year by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) which widened a window of opportunity for lasting peace in Somalia.
Many investors are now seeing Somalia as an increasingly enticing market for investment as the country starts rebuilding itself from scratch.
Simatech Shipping, one of the largest feeder service companies in the Gulf, the Indian Sub-Continent, Far East and East Africa, has started providing shipping services at Mogadishu Port in Somalia.
Container trade to Mogadishu, the country’s capital city, was suspended some years ago due to the political situation and the risk of piracy. With the absence of container services, traders have had to depend on break bulk operations using smaller vessels. Simatech Shipping started its services at the port in January this year and has already invested close to Sh1billion.
Somalia and Kenya sign further co-operation agreement
03 Jun- Source: Coastweek/Xinhua- 945 words
Kenya and Somalia on Sunday officially launched the Joint Commission of Cooperation (JCC) to help boost bilateral ties between the two countries.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary of Foreign Affairs Amina Mohammed told journalists in Nairobi that the JCC will provide a framework for the promotion of ties as well as enhancing of all future engagements.
“The JCC will identify the key priority areas that both countries will work on, in order to strengthen bilateral links,” Mohammed said.
Emergency team fights Polio outbreak in Dadaab Camp
02 Jun- Source: Daily Nation- 210 words
The Ministry of Health is working with United Nations agencies to stem a polio outbreak in the Dadaab refugee complex, the UN announced on Friday.
Five cases of the highly infectious disease have been confirmed in the past two weeks among the estimated 424,000 Somalis living in Dadaab.
Kenyan health workers are conducting a vaccination campaign in areas of Northeastern Province near the camp while an emergency team from the World Health Organisation is helping inoculate thousands of children in Dadaab.
Special Conference on Somalia happens in Japan
01 Jun- Source: Walta Information Centre- 306 words
A conference on Somalia was held on 31 May 2013 in Yokohama, Japan. The conference was organized by the government of Japan and the African Union, according to MoFA.
It aimed to compliment the various initiatives taken on the future of Somalia and was attended by President Hassan Sheikh Mahamoud of Somalia, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, President Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, Deputy President William Ruto of Kenya, Prime Minister Hisham Qandil of Egypt, Commissioner Ramtane Lamamra of the AU Peace and Security Council, and Ambassador Mahboub Maalim, Executive Secretary of IGAD among others.
Prime Minister Hailemariam said Japan could do a lot for post-war reconstruction in Somalia and reiterated IGAD’s support for Somalia’s stability, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to support the establishment of local administration and delivery of public services.
Puntland authorities seize alcohol load
31 May- Source: Africa review- 278 words
Security forces in Puntland, a semi autonomous state in northwestern Somalia, have seized a saloon car carrying 150 bottles of alcoholic drinks.
According to reports from Mudug region in central Somalia, the vehicle was intercepted as the smugglers were passing through Abarey settlement on the outskirts of Galkayo, 750km north of Mogadishu.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all parts of Somalia while the Puntland authority often reports seizure of drinks smuggled from Ethiopia where sale and consumption of alcohol is legal.
Mr Said Abdi Ibrahim, a security officer with Puntland, who led the operation, stated that his unit acted on a tip off.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Somalia concerned over xenophobic attacks in SA
03 Jun- Source: Times Live- 163 words
The Somali government on Monday called on South Africa to protect Somali nationals living in the country after a spate of attacks on foreigners.
Residents in a township near Johannesburg rioted against the Somali community last week, while tensions have also flared in Port Elizabeth in the east of the country.
The unrest in Diepsloot township came after a Somali shop owner allegedly shot dead two Zimbabweans last week. Somali shop owners in Port Elizabeth have also been targeted.
Police have arrested dozens of people and the government in Pretoria has condemned the attacks, which are reminiscent of the wave of xenophobic violence that left at least 60 foreigners dead in 2008.
UN chief calls for swift resolution of Somali crisis
02 Jun- Source: Xinhua-636 words
UN has called for faster resolution of the Somali crisis to save Kenya, the country hosting thousands of refugees from the Horn of Africa nation, from various challenges, said a statement issued on Sunday.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon who met Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto in Japan also said the world body is aware of the challenges Kenya was facing in ensuring peace and stability in Somalia.
“When I visited Dadaab refugee camp last year, I witnessed a very sad situation where 600,000 people are crowded in one place. That population alone is more than that of some countries in the world,” Ban said according to a statement issued in Nairobi.
Somali pirates will face death penalty in federal trial in Virginia
02 Jun- Source: Washington Post- 516 words
For two days, the four Americans held aboard their yacht by Somali pirates had been shadowed in the Indian Ocean by a U.S. aircraft carrier, two guided-missile destroyers and a cruiser. The U.S. military and FBI agents wanted to negotiate; the pirates wanted to reach land.
When one of the destroyers neared the 58-foot sailing boat, gunfire erupted. By the time Navy SEALs reached the Quest, the four Americans had been fatally shot — the first time U.S. citizens were killed in a wave of piracy that has rippled out from the coast of Somalia in recent years.
On Tuesday, a federal court in Virginia will begin jury selection in the capital trial of three Somali pirates charged in the February 2011 deaths of Scott and Jean Adam of Marina del Rey, Calif., and Bob Riggle and Phyllis Macay of Seattle.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“What do a handful of South African mercenaries do for an encore in Somalia, once all the pirates are gone?”
The Wild West in East Africa
31 May- Source: Foreign Policy-2643 Words
It’s not easy to be a mercenary these days. The once-booming markets in Iraq and Afghanistan have shrunk, while lingering controversy surrounding the mercenary poster-boy company Blackwater (or whatever they’re called these days) has served to paint private security contractors as reckless and unaccountable war junkies. A good gig as a soldier of fortune is harder and harder to come by.
Yet there’s one war-torn country where demand for guns-for-hire is still high. A contingent of mercenaries has managed to carve out a niche for itself in the failed state of Somalia. Initially brought on in an internationally controversial mission to combat pirates terrorizing Somalia’s coastal waters, the mostly South African corps have now turned to fighting Somalia’s al Qaeda-linked terrorist menace, al Shabaab. In the anarchic world of failed states, private contractors are often able to accomplish what governments are not. But the consequences are hard to predict.
Even by the standards of Basrah or Kandahar, northern Somalia’s a pretty tough place to go to work. Mired in civil war for over two decades, Islamist militants, pirates, clan militias, and government forces continually clash in an ever-shifting web of alliances. But for these hardened South African mercenaries, such environments are hardly new.
“There are more pressing matters of resettlement of refugees, getting basic structures available, defeating Al Qaeda, jump-starting the economy so that the two nations, and indeed, all development partners can return the Federal republic of Somalia to its glory days.”
Peace has broken out and Somalia needs goodwill to blossom
02 May- Source: Standard Media-501 Words
Somalia and Kenya have a shared history, heritage, a common border and an Indian Ocean frontage. The neighbours have found themselves facing a common enemy in al Qaeda that, for a short while, bolstered local militia al Shabaab.
And although a coalition of forces from the Transitional Federal Government in Mogadishu, African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) and Kenya Defence Forces neutralised this threat, the region paid a huge price in economic terms, and saw hundreds of thousands forced out of their homes.
But then again, it is only a neighbour who can get to you quickly enough to answer a distress call. Kenya and Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) did just that. At the end of that civil war, Mogadishu has a popularly elected administration and that country is once again receiving serious attention from the international community as the next investment destination. In this regard, there have been many congregations addressing Somalia’s immediate as well as long-term needs.
From the first London conference, the Istanbul Conference, various stakeholder meetings in Nairobi and at the UN general assembly, and, now, the conference in Yokohama, Japan.
Top tweets
@UNSOMALIA #UNSG: Progress in #Somalia shows what African partners & international community can accomplish together @amisomsomalia @UN_DPA
@AbukarArman Is pigeonholed #security in #Somalia‘s best interest? Lucrative projectification of the nation continues. THE PROJECT http://www.youtube.com/watch?
@AdrianaStuijt #Somalia and #Djibouti naval personnel working with #European navies to protect North-East Africa’s coast pic.twitter.com/QBlLvLBGT6
@Anisa_Hajimumin #Somalia, is going through difficult situation more so, it is gaining its strength back-may it succeed prosperously!
@icrc_kl Despite difficult conditions, health workers in Mogadishu strive to provide emergency medical services.#Somalia http://bit.ly/15dlBqa
Image of the day
Soldiers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) disembark from a plane at Aden Abdulle International airport 01 June 2013, following their arrival in the Somali capital Mogadishu. Photo: AMISOM