March 19, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

National Security Council discusses stabilization of liberated towns

19 Mar – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/RBC – 186 words

On Tuesday Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has chaired the National Security Council which deeply discussed the stabilization and urgent requirements of liberated towns. The national level security council meeting was attended by Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, government ministers and senior military and security officials.

According to the Defense Minister Mohamed Hassan Hamud the meeting aimed to review the government’s efforts towards the newly liberated regions as he said that the government wants to address the humanitarian needs of the local communities while the military continues its operation to flush out the fighters of Al Shabab.
“We are not engaging in war against al Shabaab, but we see as important to address the most needy people in the towns and regions the national army liberated.” the minister told the local media after the meeting ended.

On Monday government ministers including the Defense Minister and the Interior Minister visited the ton of Hudur to assess the humanitarian needs there. “The aim of this was visit to facilitate new campaign to deliver food aid and other urgent basic needs required by the local families.” the minister added.

Key Headlines

National Security Council discusses the stabilization of liberated towns (SNTV/RBC)
Defence Minister urges al Shabaab to surrender themselves (Radio Shabelle)
Government forces AMISOM launch operations in Mogadishu (Radio Goob Joog)
Mogadishu mayor calls for close cooperation from city residents to improve security (SNTV/ Universal TV)
Somali PM vows gov’t will foil al Shabaab attacks (Radio Shabelle)
Somali-Norwegian 60-yrs old among al Shabaab suiciders attacked Buuloburde hotel (Somalimemo)
Former Hiiraan governor: “Government forces AMISOM are ready to fight al Shabaab without fear” (Radio Goob Joog)
Foreign Office Minister welcomes African Union Mission operations in Somalia (Gov.UK)
Glocall Telecoms plans to deploy 4G in Somalia (IT Web Africa)
More girls going to school in central Somalia (Radio Ergo)
Balanbale administration opens first secondary school in the town (Radio Goob Joog)
Hunt on for owner of vehicle carrying explosive devices (Daily Nation)
Al Shabaab confiscates camera-equipped mobile phones in Barawe (Sabahi Online)
Djibouti confirms 5 soldiers killed in Somalia attack (Xinhua)

SOMALI MEDIA

National Security Council discusses stabilization of liberated towns

19 Mar – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/RBC – 186 words

Defence Minister urges al Shabaab to surrender themselves

19 Mar – Source: Radio Shabelle – 100 words

Mr Mohamed Sheikh Hassan the Defence Minister of the Somali Government called on the young members of al Shabaab to surrender themselves to the government. The Minister said that the government is ready to work on providing a great future for the youth that were ‘brainwashed’.

“It’s not necessary to kill your people in cold-blooded hands and destroy your country,” said the Defence Minister. The minister insisted that emergency aid is provided to those living in territories that have just recently been liberated from the control of al Shabaab.

Government forces, AMISOM launch operations in Mogadishu

19 Mar- Source: Radio Goobjoog/Radio RBC- 80 words

Somalia Government security forces and AMISOM police have jointly conducted a search operation in parts of Mogadishu on Wednesday blocking main roads.

The joint search operation started early morning as the security forces stormed in houses in a very populated neighborhoods of Hodan district including the Zone-K area, which is populated by an Internal Displaced Families.

Access of the main road from Afgoye to Mogadishu was restricted during the early morning operation as well as the Industrial Road was also blocked. People walking were seen on the streets and the joint forces continued searching the homes in the area. Residents in the area told local media that the joint security forces apprehended suspected number of people and took them to police custody for interrogation.

The operation came as the new mayor of Mogadishu recently announced a tough operations in the capital to ensure the stability of Mogadishu following nighttime explosions and ambush attacks in some parts of the city. There were no yet any comments from the security officials on Wednesday’s search operation.

Mogadishu mayor calls for close cooperation from city residents to improve security

19 Mar – Source: Bar-kulan/SNTV/Universal TV – 123 words

Mogadishu Mayor who also doubles up as the governor of Benadir Region has unveiled new plans to strengthen the security of the capital Mogadishu.

Speaking in Mogadishu during a welcoming ceremony organized by the locals, Hassan Mohamed famously known as general Mungab has said for total security to be achieved in the city both the Somali police and the national intelligence agency should closely work with his administration.

Mogadishu Mayor has also stressed the need to closely work with the residents of the capital saying close cooperation with the community is a key to overcome the insecurity in the capital. General Mungab has been mobilizing the residents of the capital in Mogadishu to work with his administration since he took office early this month.

Somali PM vows gov’t will foil al Shabaab attacks

19 Mar – Source: Radio Shabelle – 94 words

Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed the Prime Minister of the Somali Government spoke to the press and announced that the government will thwart any further terrorist attack by al Shabaab in the country.

The Prime Minister clearly emphasized that al Shabaab attacks and explosions on military bases for the AMISOM peacekeepers and government troops will soon be brought to a standstill with the government overpowering the terrorist insurgents.

The speech by the Prime Minister of Somalia follows subsequent to attacks on military bases for peacekeepers and government troops in neighborhoods and territories of Somalia’s region by al Shabaab.

Somali-Norwegian, 60-yrs old among al Shabaab suiciders attacked Buloburde hotel

19 Mar – Source: Radio RBC/Somalimemo Online/Jowhar Online/Radio Andulus – 277 words

A Somali-Norwegian citizen who joined al Shabaab militant group is reportedly among al Shabaab suicide bombers that attacked a hotel in Buloburde town, central Somalia on Tuesday morning.

According to a recorded voice aired on al Shabaab’s radio Tuesday night, Abdullahi Ahmed Abdulle, 60-years-old Somali-Norwegian citizen was the man driving the explosives-loaded vehicle that rammed outside the Camalow hotel in Buloburde killing at least 20 people including senior Somali military officer and at least six Djiboutian soldiers.

Mr Abdulle, who is also known as Habil al Muhajir within al Shabaab ranks, has traveled from Norway to Somalia to join al Shabaab fighters. The date of his arrival in Somalia in unclear yet.

He becomes the oldest man al Shabaab fighter used for its suicide explosions against Somali government and the African Union Forces in Somalia. Al Shabaab are known for employing and recruiting young men on execute suicide bombings in the main cities. According to the 14-minutes-long voice recorded, Mr Abdulle admits that he joined the former al Itihad Al Islami group in Somalia before 13 years now, but later he joined al Shabaab, he says.

“I ask God to secure my self within this operation,” he says in the recorded voice broadcasted by radio Andalus of al Shabaab “I am heading to Buuloburde where the enemies of Allah captured,” he says while laughing. The recorded interview seemed to be conducted in a rural place as the sounds of birds could be heard in the background of the interview. For al Shabaab’s radio, It has been common to interview its suicide bombers before they go into the operation.

Somaliland Environment Minister opens One Day Conference on Environmental Protection

19 Mar – Source: Somaliland Press – 139 words

The Minister of Environment and Rural Development Hon Shukri Haji Ismail Bandare opened one day meeting to discuss and drafting of the environmental protection legislations amid the current rapid industrialization pace in the country.

Madam Shukri Bandare speaking at the one day event said, “We should put in places policies which are in a way act as effective guidelines in deterring industrial pollution resulting from rapid urbanization and industrialization and which are synchronize with environmental protection social development could reach a co-ordinated benefit.

“We are currently working with the few industries established in the country so that both of us can adopt very forward-looking strategies and which are emphasizing a more balanced and co-ordinated approach to development and conservation, and which will be put in practice in an early stage of the country industrialization,” Madam Shukri Bandare said.

Former Hiiraan governor: “Government forces, AMISOM are ready to fight Al Shabaab without fear”

19 Mar- Source: Radio Goobjoog/Radio Kulmiye- 132 words

The former governor of Hiran region Yussuf Ahmed Hagar aka Dabageed while giving exclusive interview to Goobjoog FM through telephone stated that the suicide explosions will not have any effect to the ongoing operations in the region.

He said the government forces and AMISOM are ready to fight Al-shabaab without fear and will take over the remaining areas under al Shabaab fighters in the region. He sent condolence to the relatives of those lost their dear lives during the explosions in Buuloburde town.

Al Shabaab has claimed the responsibility of the suicide car in which over five soldiers were killed. The federal government of Somalia backed by AMISOM has launched strong military offensive against al Shabaab and seized over several towns in five regions of the country from the militant group.

More girls going to school in central Somalia

18 Mar- Source: Radio Ergo-300 Words

The number of girls enrolled at school has dramatically increased in Somalia’s central regions in the past three years, and has topped 50 percent of the overall numbers in some schools. Girls have been attracted by the free education and scholarships offered by Iftin education foundation that operates in the area controlled by the Himan and Heb administration.

The foundation has built more than 10 schools in towns and villages in these areas. “This has helped more girls to enrol in school,” said Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, the director of Iftin office in central Somalia. Three years ago there were only 425 girls in schools in the area; this compares to 1,089 girls now in school out of a total number of 2,420 students.

In some schools, such as Bahdo Primary and Secondary School, the females outnumber the males. Badho School principal Mohamed Haji Hussein said 70 per cent of his students are girls and women. “Some of them are married women with children to take care of,” Hussein told Radio Ergo.

Hawo Abdidon Kadiye, an Advocate for female Education in central Somalia, said parents’ negative attitude towards girls’ education has changed a lot in recent years. “The mothers are encouraging their children to go to schools these days,” said Kadiye. “They have understood that girls and boys have equal rights to get education,” she added.

Cultural conservatism, the heavy demands of running the household and early marriage have deprived many girls of going to schools. Some of them are even forced to drop out school due to such pressure. However, Kadiye said things are now changing and mothers are encouraging girls to compete with boys in education. “Mothers are doing the household work and telling their girls to go to school and study better than the men!” she said.

Balanbale administration opens first secondary school in town

19 Mar – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 106 words

The administration of Galgadud has established a secondary school in Balanbale for the first since the collapse of the central government in 1991.

The administrator of Balanbale town Hareeri Hassan Bare told the media that the administration of Balanbale town and a local NGO has succeeded to establish a secondary school where students who use seek education from far areas will benefit.

Mr. Bare called on the federal government of Somalia and international agencies to support the residents of Balanbale and the administration to establish social services. The parents of the students in Balanbale town welcomed the move and it as a positive step towards development.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Al Shabaab planned to bomb Mombasa buildings

19 Mar – Source: The Star-Kenya – 513 Words

Al Shabaab planned to bomb strategic buildings in Mombasa before their vehicle was intercepted by police on Monday. Two more bombs have been found under seats of the car as well as those in the boot of the car. In total the car contained six cylinder explosives weighing 60kgs, 270 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, six hand grenades, 6 detonators, 5 magazines, quarry cables and an AK 47 rifle.

The driver of the vehicle, the main suspect, has been arrested according to County Commissioner Nelson Marwa. The FBI was instrumental in Monday’s operation by providing a satellite to track the movement of the suspects’ vehicle. Yesterday Uganda warned that al Shabaab is planning to turn fuel tankers into massive bombs.

“We have received credible information to the effect that al Shabaab are planning to blow up fuel trucks in Kampala to cause extensive damage to people and property,” Ugandan police chief Kale Kayihura said in a statement.

94 charged with illegal stay in the country

19 Mar – Source: Daily Nation/East African – 133 words

More than 90 people, including women and children, of Somali origin yesterday appeared in a Kwale court for allegedly being in Kenya unlawfully. Of the 94 before resident magistrate Christine Njagi, 43 were children. They were arrested at Mahamudia Spiritual Centre in Mackinnon Road after a tip-off from the public.

The prosecutor told the court that the group did not have legal documents to be in Kenya. However, defence lawyer Daudi Abdul said some of them had legal documents.

He was also quick to point out that the mosque was not conducting radical teachings. “I know the first impression was that these people have links to the Al-Shabaab terror group. These are just moderate Muslims,” Mr Abdul said. He pleaded with the court to free the 43 children and those with legal documents.

Hunt on for owner of vehicle carrying explosive devices

18 Mar – Source: Daily Nation – 369 words

Two massive bombs were left at a police station for six days in Mombasa. The two bombs, which officers said could bring down a 14-story building, were cleverly hidden in a vehicle that officers had impounded. On Tuesday they launched a hunt for the owner after they found the two bombs, categorised as improvised explosive devices. As the investigations were going in, bomb experts were called in to diffuse the devices.

The devices were discovered on Monday when the officers invited experts to inspect the vehicle after the two men who were driving it were arrested in connection with terrorism. The owner is reported to have left the vehicle — a Toyota Surf — with one of the two men arrested last week. The two men are in custody.

Inquiries by the Daily Nation showed that according to registry records, a Toyota Hilux Surf, number KAN 410E is registered to Barnabas Kiposkei Kiprono of PO Box 1459 Eldoret.

Al Shabaab confiscates camera-equipped mobile phones in Barawe

18 Mar – Source: Sabahi Online – 8001 words

Al Shabaab has once again flexed its control over the people of Baraawe by confiscating all camera-equipped mobile phones, residents told Sabahi.

Using loudspeakers on March 10th, al Shabaab militants announced the new directive, ordering all residents to bring their mobile phones to al Shabaab’s base at the Barawe municipal office, threatening harsh punishment for non-compliance.

“Men who were members of al Shabaab unexpectedly came into my store and ordered me to show them the phone I was using,” said Farhan Mohamed, 38, who owns a food store in Barawe market. “When I showed them my phone, which was a Nokia C3, they took it away. I can describe it as something akin to robbery.”

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Djibouti confirms 5 soldiers killed in Somalia attack

19 Mar – Source: Xinhua – 266 words

Djibouti has confirmed that five soldiers from the Red Sea country were killed in a recent attack in Somalia, where al Qaeda linked terrorists launched two attacks on the targets of government and the African Union (AU) mission this week.

One attack was launched Monday night targeting Djiboutian soldiers deployed in central Somalia under the auspices of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Five of the soldiers died and seven others were injured.

The Djibouti News Agency (ADI) made the confirmation Tuesday, citing the AMISOM chief, Gen. Osman Nour Soubagleh. This was the heaviest loss for the Djiboutian contingent since its deployment in Somalia in 2011.

The AMISOM chief said after the attack, the Djiboutian soldiers, their AMISOM allies as well as Somalia forces repulsed the assailants who suffered heavy casualties.

Glocall Telecoms plans to deploy 4G in Somalia

19 Mar – Source: IT Web Africa – 309 words

East African nation Somalia is set to become the next African country to launch a 4G/LTE (long term evolution) network in that country’s capital city, Mogadishu. Global voice, data and carrier solutions provider Glocall Telecom LLC announced that it plans to set up a 4G network in Somalia.

The US based company plans to partner with broadband company, Tazca Connects, to help businesses, schools and homes connect to a fast and reliable internet connection. Tazca Connects will take care of the hardware infrastructure while Glocall will provide the service, a statement has revealed.

“Deploying 4G LTE with Tazca Connects will accelerate global connectivity in Somalia and provide new opportunities to stimulate socio economic growth by increasing access to information and rich content services,” Mobeen Bhamjee, Glocall Telecoms’ chief executive officer said.

Foreign Office Minister welcomes African Union Mission operations in Somalia

18 Mar- Source: gov.uk- 183 words

Minister for Africa Mark Simmonds welcomes the recent offensive by the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Foreign Office Minister Mark Simmonds said:

I am pleased to hear that renewed operations by the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have resulted in the capture of several towns in Western Somalia from al Shabaab. As terrorism in Somalia is a direct threat to the UK and UK interests, we remain committed to providing support to AMISOM, both bilaterally and through organisations such as the UN and EU.

AMISOM are to be commended on their continuing efforts to bring peace and stability to Somalia. The participation of the Somali National Army (SNA) in these operations is very welcome; Somalia’s long-term security depends on the development of its national security forces. However, al Shabaab remains a threat, as demonstrated by recent attacks including against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on 21 February.

As operations progress, it is important that the Federal Government of Somalia and the international community support stabilisation efforts to ensure AMISOM’s and the SNA’s successes are not reversed. ,,

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“It would not take much for the Saudi authorities to ensure that people from countries in the midst of conflicts do not bear the brunt of restrictive policies toward foreigners. As Salad, the young man from Bakool, eloquently put it: “Even though we are a country still in conflict, we still deserve to be treated humanely.”

Saudis’ Mass Expulsions Putting Somalis in Danger

18 Mar – Source: Human Rights Watch – 2414 Words

Mohamed, a 22-year old Somali, was in Saudi Arabia and made a living washing cars. In late 2013, due to increasing government pressure on employers of undocumented workers, Mohammed was fired. In December, after several weeks without a job, he handed himself over to the police. He spent the next 57 days detained in appalling conditions.

“In the first detention center in Riyadh, there was so little food, we fought over it,” he said. “So the strongest ate the most. Guards told us to face the wall and then beat our backs with metal rods. In the second place, there were two toilets for 1,200 people, including dozens of children.” Mohamed is now in Mogadishu, the Somali capital. He is one of more than 25,000 Somalis, including hundreds of women and children, rounded up by the Saudi authorities and expelled back to their war-torn home country since the last month of 2013.

The rash of deportations has continued in early 2014, with hundreds forced to leave each week in February and March to date. And the Saudis are expected to expel thousands more. These moves are part of a campaign by Saudi labor authorities and security services to arrest and deport undocumented migrants from several countries, a process that the government contends will open private-sector employment opportunities to Saudi Arabian citizens.

“Despite military progress, the embattled East African country is still blighted by frequent bombings, shootings and other attacks by al Shabaab.”

SOMALIA: EDGING AWAY FROM CHAOS?

18 Mar – Source: Inkerman Blog – 892 Words

As Somalia has attempted to shrug off its long-standing image as a ‘failed state’, a series of successful military operations against Harakat al Shabaab al Mujahideen – more commonly known as al Shabaab – signify the beginning of a much anticipated full-scale offensive against the Islamist terrorist group. Since its emergence from the now-obsolete Union of Islamic Courts in 2006, al Shabaab has controlled significant areas of Somalia, in which it imposes its strict interpretation of Sharia law.

Despite gaining international notoriety via its merger with Ayman al Zawahiri’s al Qaeda in 2012, however, al Shabaab has steadily lost territory since a 2011 African Union (AU) operation forced it out of the capital, Mogadishu, which was closely followed by a subsequent operation which seized back Kismayo, a port city in the Lower Juba province which had previously generated a large portion of al Shabaab’s income.

Top tweets

@GermanyinKenya GER Dep Amb for Somalia visits #Puntlandfor talks with regional leaders. GER supports stabilisation of all parts of #Somalia @radiogarowe.

‏@unicefsomalia Children in #Somalia are being recruited to fight in armed groups.Support UNICEF’s campaign to end itpic.twitter.com/qERVZZqMkK.

@DeeqAfrika Blue eyed girl in Dolo a tiny village in Southern#Somalia pic.twitter.com/9DRKeP8VRg.

@Somalia111 Good news & sad news. Sincere condolences for loss of #Somali & #Djibouti soldiers today. But Govt &#AMISOM winning against terrorism.

‏@SomaliPM Speaking to staff at #Mogadishu airport passort control & saw important work they do helping to secure#Somalia pic.twitter.com/SffWqSHbkb.

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Image of the day In #Mogadishu Pres #Mohamud visits #Somali, #Djiboutian soldiers wounded in attack in #Buloburde. Photo: @harunmaruf.