March 14, 2016 | Morning Headlines
Amid Attacks, Somali Parliament Seeks Better Welfare For Armed Forces
13 March – Source: Hiiraan Online – 297 Words
In a rare push, which seeks to boost the morale of the ill-equipped soldiers struggling to fight off the threat from the Al-Shabaab militant group, the Somali Parliament has called on the government to improve the welfare of members of the country’s armed forces.
“We do hereby call on the government to reintroduce the No. 8 rule, which was initially introduced in March 1965, to ensure the welfare of the armed forces or support for families of those who die in line of duty. The government should also set up a commission to execute these crucial measures,” said a statement issued by Somali Parliament on Saturdayevening.
Members of the country’s Parliament have also called for the government to review the armed forces’ basic salaries. The development comes after lawmakers grilled the Prime Minister, Security minister and the Intelligence chief on security matters following a series of attacks by the Al-Qaeda linked Al Shabab group in the capital of Mogadishu and Baidoa town,
Working under tough conditions with inferior military equipment and without regular wages for years, the Somali army is locked in a deadly war with one of the most dangerous global jihadist groups:Despite being ousted from some of its key strongholds across the country, Al-Shabaab continues to challenge government’s efforts to restore peace and political stability. Critics accuse the government of failing to prioritize its army, which is struggling to restore law and order in a war-torn country.
In a report issued after a week-long security assessment, Somali Parliament highlighted the need for developing the armed forces’ benefits’ kitty. Parliament has also recommended regular monthly payout and additional benefits to the army. The legislators have also reiterated the need for introducing a monthly army budget to cater for intelligence gathering and related security operations.
Key Headlines
- Amid Attacks Somali Parliament Seeks Better Welfare For Armed Forces (Hiiraan Online)
- Seven People Die Of Diarrhoea 34 Others Recuperating In Sanguni Town Middle Jubba (Goobjoog News)
- Somali Court Sentences 5 To Death Over Twin Deadly Blasts (Hiiraan Online)
- Count Us Out Of State Formation Process Elders In Hiiraan And Middle Shabelle Declare (Goobjoog News)
- Al-Shabaab Still Poses Big Threat To Region Say Experts (Daily Nation)
- KDF Soldier Hangs Himself After Somalia Mission (The Standard)
- AMISOM Acting Force Commander Tours Recently Liberated Towns In Forward Operation Bases(AMISOM)
- Normalcy Returns To Biyo-Adde A Month After Liberation From Al-Shabaab (AMISOM)
- Money Dead Bodies And The Allure Of Peacekeeping (The EastAfrican)
NATIONAL MEDIA
Seven People Die Of Diarrhoea, 34 Others Recuperating In Sanguni Town, Middle Jubba
13 March – Source: Goobjoog News – 279 Words
An outbreak of acute diarrhea in and around the town of Sanguni, Middle Jubba, in southern Somalia, has left at least seven people dead in the past three days, local officials have said. A resident told Goobjoog News that the outbreak could be a result of contaminated water from wells in the area.
“Some people have been using the water for drinking and other domestic purposes,” said Abshir Haashi Jim’aale a resident. He said among the dead, two were children under the age of seven years. Sanguni hospital, which has not be operational for several years, is being used as a treatment centre for victims from the surrounding villages, Jim’aale said.
At least 34 other people are reported to have fallen sick after drinking from the contaminated well that had dried up during the drought which has hit the area. Abdi Ali Omar, another resident, told Goobjoog News the victims were mainly from pastoralist families, who had fled from remote rural villages after they lost all their livestock to the ravaging drought in the region. He added that pastoralists in the area were forced to drink from abandoned water wells as they could not afford to buy clean water.
“The impact of the drought and water shortage is very serious. It is responsible for the deaths of these people and their livestock,” he warned. He urged both local and international aid agencies, the Somali people and the federal government, to immediately respond to the looming crisis in the region by providing water, food and medicine. Rampant attacks by militia groups on aid workers have further hampered the relief effort for the millions of Somalis affected by war, hunger and disease.
Somali Court Sentences 5 To Death Over Twin Deadly Blasts
13 March – Source: Hiiraan Online – 198 Words
A Somali military tribunal has sentenced five Somalis to death for their role in twin blasts in the south-western town of Baidoa last month.More than 30 people were killed in simultaneous attacks that targeted two neighbouring restaurants. The Al-Qaeda linked Al Shabab group claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Col. Hassan Nur, a military court judge who read the verdict said that the court convicted five men, out of seven arrested, for the attacks of having planned the two blasts, and jailed another one for 3 years. During the hearing, the court also acquitted a seventh man who was released from the jail after prosecutors failed to present sufficient evidence to backup their claims.
The attacks come despite efforts by local officials to curb violence in the town. Last year, for instance, more than 11 people were killed in a suicide attack on the local administration’s headquarters. Baidoa town, which is the regional capital for Southwestern State is under the control of Ethiopian troops who are parts of the AU forces and Somali forces. Despite being ousted from large swathes in south and central Somalia, Al Shabab continues to carry out guerrilla attacks in the region.
Count Us Out Of State Formation Process, Elders In Hiiraan And Middle Shabelle Declare
13 March – Source: Goobjoog News – 350 Words
Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan state formation process has been dealt a further blow after elders from both regions unequivocally declared they were distancing themselves from the process, Goobjoog News can exclusively report.
In a statement seen by Goobjoog News addressed to the United Nations, the African Union, the regional body IGAD, Russia, China, US and the European Union, the elders who met in Jowhar, Middle Shabelle unanimously declared they were boycotting the process owing to interference from the Federal government. The elders accused the government of unfair distribution of clan delegates and ‘ignoring the value and respect of both regional clan elders’.
“We the clan elders of Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle, have come together today, and decided collectively to boycott the above mentioned conference,” read the statement in part. The elders further called on their delegates not to attend any proceedings and warned that anyone attending will not be deemed to be representing any of the clans. The statement by the eight elders representing eight major clans in Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan regions could totally disrupt the state formation process as their endorsement is critical for the process to be effectively conducted.
While responding to a question from Goobjoog News on the latest developments, Interior and Federalisation Minister Abdirahman Hussein maintained the process was ongoing. “It is common knowledge the state formation process in going on in Jowhar,” said Hussein. The minister declined to respond on declaration by the leaders.
The state formation conference has had many false starts since September last year when it was supposed to kick off. Elders from both sides agreed on setting the venue to be in Jowhar while the future state headquarters would in Buluburde. The conference later started in December 20. However the issue of representation of elders from both sides has been a hard nut to crack with accusations being leveled at the federal government that it had interfered in the selection and number of delegates for the conference. Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan state was expected to be the newest federal state in Somalia after the formation of Galmudug state last year.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Al-Shabaab Still Poses Big Threat To Region, Say Experts
13 March – Source: Daily Nation – 584 Words
Funding cuts, implementation of an arms embargo on Somalia and a slow de-radicalisation campaign are combining to re-energinise Al-Shabaab. The revelations follow a recent report by a top US military official who said despite continued drone and ground attacks on the militants, the group still posed a big threat to the region.
“Al-Shabaab’s efforts will be aimed at removing external influence from Somalia and compelling troop-contributing countries to re-evaluate their involvement in the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom),” Gen David Rodriguez, the head of US Africa Command told his country’s Senate Armed Forces Commitee.
“In future, Al-Shabaab may seek to adapt to financial and territorial losses by broadening its terrorist agenda throughout East Africa.” According to Gen Rodriguez, recent successes by Amisom have been hampered by overstretched resources and a weak Somali National Army. The statement was made on Tuesday, a day after the US armed forces said they killed several militants at a training camp in Somalia. The Pentagon said the terrorists may have been planning another assault on Amisom troops.
“The strike was conducted using manned and unmanned aircraft. The fighters who were scheduled to depart the camp posed an imminent threat to US and Amisom forces,” Pentagon Spokesman Peter Cook said on Monday. The US has pumped about $600 million (Sh60 billion) in the war against Al-Shabaab. Last year, it announced a further $100 million (Sh10 billion) to focus on strengthening intelligence-sharing, border protection, equipment supply and training of security agencies in Kenya and Somalia.
Yet the Somali government admits it needs a stronger army to destroy the terrorists: “The best approach is to push for a coordinated, coherent international support for rebuilding and strengthening of the Somali National Army. That is the most reasonable long term solution to this menace,” Somalia Ambassador to Kenya Gamal Hassan told the Nation. The fear that Al-Shabaab had strengthened was laid to the bare last week when leaders of troop and police contributing countries met in Djibouti. The terrorists have attacked civilians and military bases inside Somalia in the recent past.
KDF Soldier Hangs Himself After Somalia Mission
13 March – Source: The Standard – 76 Words
A Kenya Defence Forces soldier hanged himself at his Bukalama village home in Busia County. Family members said the 52-year-old Joash Ochieng Magar, who was due to retire on March 12, was sent on indefinite leave after developing mental problems. He had just returned from an operation against the Al-Shaabab militia in Somalia. His family says he returned safely, but with mental problems. Police in Busia have launched investigations to determine the cause of his death.
AMISOM Acting Force Commander Tours Recently Liberated Towns In Forward Operation Bases
13 March – Source: AMISOM – 544 Words
The Acting AMISOM Force Commander Major General Mohammedesha Zeyinu has stressed the importance of building on the partnership between AMISOM troops and the Somali National Army (SNA) to win the war against Al Shabaab.
The Acting Force Commander spoke at the conclusion of his tour to recently liberated towns of Biyo Adde, and El Baraf, which were captured from the terrorists by the Burundi contingent. Major General Zeyinu also visited Leego in Sector 3 and Baledogle in Sector 1, which are under the Ugandan contingent of AMISOM.
The visits to AMISOM Forward Operation Bases (FOB) aimed at boosting the morale of the Forces. The Acting Force Commander complimented AMISOM and SNA troops for reducing the threat posed by Al Shabaab and other armed groups. The tour by the Acting Force Commander was to assess the implementation on the ground, of decisions made during the Sector Commanders Conference in Mogadishu. He sought to ensure that the Sectors were prepared to conduct operations to flush out Al Shabaab from the remaining pockets inside Somalia.
“Al Shabaab in any dimension is weaker than AMISOM and SNA Forces. As you have seen in your current operations, they are not able to confront you directly,” said Major General Zeyinu while addressing troops in El Baraf. While in Biyo Adde, he challenged troops to nurture relations with the local communities. “To create good relations with the people is necessary. If we enhance these relations, the people will give us timely information, also important for our co-existence,” said the Acting Force Commander.
“Our mandate is to free Somalia from Al Shabaab threat, to create a favorable environment for peace and stability and open doors for the Peace loving Somali people to achieve economic development. Therefore you need to prepare for more tasks until Al Shabaab is destroyed,” added Gen. Mohammedesha. AMISOM Force Spokesperson Lt. Col. Paul Njuguna reinforced the Acting Force Commander’s message, saying the visits had been essential in assessing the situation at the Forward Bases.
Normalcy Returns To Biyo-Adde, A Month After Liberation From Al-Shabaab
13 March – Source: AMISOM – 457 Words
Life is back to normal again in Biyo-Adde, a town in the Middle Shabelle region, one month after its liberation from Al Shabaab militants. Joint forces of the Somali National Army and the Burundi National Defence Forces under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), captured the town in February 2016, after years of occupation by the militants.
With security now guaranteed, residents are returning to their homes and starting up small businesses. Second Lt. Noor Ahmed Abdurhman of the Somali National Army says the situation has greatly improved, with the residents relishing their newly found peace and freedom: “This week is much better compared to four weeks ago, when we first came here. There are more and more people returning to Biyo-Adde after they got assurance that we are staying with them. The market is booming now with trade. This town has a weekly market, and there is a lot of change now with more shops open, crops and animals on the market. The enemy is far away from here because we engage them rather than wait for them to attack us. We are planning to pacify the whole area and push them out of the entire region.”
The District Commissioner of Mahadaay, who is in-charge of Biyo-Adde, Mr. Ahmed Hussein Afrah appreciated the role SNA and AMISOM continues to play in securing the region: “The people are very happy with our brothers, the AMISOM Burundian and the Somali National Army who have really done a very hard job. They started the operation from Mogadishu and now have reached El Baraf and we are happy with what they are doing. They are extending the operation to eliminate Al Shabaab from the places they are hiding.”
AMISOM’S Maj. Richard Nikoyagize explains the untold suffering endured by residents of Biyo Adde.
“The population was very unhappy. This town has been under the control of Al Shabaab for seven years and they did all sorts of things to the residents. For example; a family that had a boy was obliged to donate the child to Al Shabaab militants. If not, a family had to pay 300 dollars per month. Other than donating a boy or paying 300 dollars, families were required to donate a young girl to Al Shabaab for forced marriage. Above all, they were physically beaten for the entire 7 years,” Major Nikoyagize said.
OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE
“Somalia needed some heroic intervention by peacekeepers, which the AU provided. But peacekeeping countries tend to make wrong-headed decisions, and only two things can force them to be sensible. First, the mission has to be costly in human terms.”
Money, Dead Bodies And The Allure Of Peacekeeping
12 March – Source: The EastAfrican – 540 Words
East and Horn of Africa leaders meeting in Djibouti at the end of February said they would reconsider their contribution to Somalia peacekeeping if the United Nations and other international bodies didn’t intensify their support of the African Union Mission in the country, known as Amisom, to enable it to “significantly degrade the growing threat posed by Al-Shabaab.”
Their gripe follows a recent European Union decision to reduce its financial support to Amisom troop allowances by 20 per cent, citing financial constraints. Suggesting that African troops were getting second-class treatment, the leaders demanded that the UN provide Amisom with the same support that it provides to other peacekeeping missions. Then last Tuesday, US Special Forces and the Somali National Army staged a night-time raid on an Al-Shabaab training camp in Awdhegle, killing scores of militants.
While the US has staged military operations in Somalia in recent years, this seems to be the first main joint one with the SNA that American officials have publicly acknowledged. The reduction in EU allowances to Amisom troops, and the US-Somalia joint attack on Al-Shabaab may be a coincidence, but it is a pregnant one nonetheless. It could be indicative of a view that the Somali army is at a point where it can take up a greater role against Al Shabaab, and Amisom should begin stepping back. Whatever the case, the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia is probably slipping into mission creep.
Somalia needed some heroic intervention by peacekeepers, which the AU provided. But peacekeeping countries tend to make wrong-headed decisions, and only two things can force them to be sensible. First, the mission has to be costly in human terms. Over the past nine years, according to some estimates, Amisom has lost more than 2,000 men. But that of itself doesn’t influence the thinking of political leaders unless it becomes a hot political potato too, with the public demanding the “boys and girls” return home, and if they don’t they punish the government by voting it out.