March 20, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Ministerial delegation meets Galgadud administration and elders in Dusamareb
20 Mar – Source: Radio Goobjoog/Radio RBC/Radio Mogadishu/SNTV – 142 words
High level delegates from the federal government of Somalia who arrived Dusamareb, the headquarters of Galgadud region held security meeting with the administration of the region, elders and intellectuals.
The delegates led by the Minister Interior and federalism Abdullahi Qodah Bare include the Ministers for Defense, National Security, Information and Telecommunication, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Senior Security officials.
The governor of Galgadud Hussein Ali Wehliye who addressed the meeting said the federal government of Somalia is needed to implement the promises it made to the residents of the region.
The elders also called on the government to honour the promise to the people of the region so as to make reliable progress. The minister for interior finally said the federal government of Somalia is committed to make the region free from conflicts and inter-clan conflicts and develop the region.
Key Headlines
- African Union’s war against al Shabaab (CCTV Africa)
- Ministerial delegation meets Galgadud administration elders in Dusamareb (Radio Mogadishu/SNTV)Middle Shabelle administration request emergency aid (Radio Shabelle)
- UN Security Council slams deadly terrorist attack on Somali hotel (Xinhua)
- Turkey condemns blasts in Somalia (Anatolia News Agency)
- Puntland President to visit town of Bossaso (Radio RBC)
- Somali investment conference set in Dubai (Radio Bar-kulan)
- Puntland Chamber of Commerce calls for investment (Garowe Online)
- Mombasa Court charges two key terror suspects from Somalia (Xinhua)
- Kenya: Mombasa explosion was to be launched in crowded place and would have been largest attack(Standard Media)
- Brazen al Shabaab attack in Bulo Burde tests resolve of allied forces (Sabahi Online)
- Saudi Arabia donates one million USD to the Int’l Organization for Migration (Saud Press Agency)
- Culture of bribing traffic police poses security challenge for Mogadishu (Sabahi Online)
- Germany to Participate in EU Somalia Mission (AP)
SOMALI MEDIA
Ministerial delegation meets Galgadud administration and elders in Dusamareb
20 Mar – Source: Radio Goobjoog/Radio RBC/Radio Mogadishu/SNTV – 142 words
High level delegates from the federal government of Somalia who arrived Dusamareb, the headquarters of Galgadud region held security meeting with the administration of the region, elders and intellectuals.
The delegates led by the Minister Interior and federalism Abdullahi Qodah Bare include the Ministers for Defense, National Security, Information and Telecommunication, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Senior Security officials.
The governor of Galgadud Hussein Ali Wehliye who addressed the meeting said the federal government of Somalia is needed to implement the promises it made to the residents of the region.
The elders also called on the government to honour the promise to the people of the region so as to make reliable progress. The minister for interior finally said the federal government of Somalia is committed to make the region free from conflicts and inter-clan conflicts and develop the region.
Puntland President to visit town of Bossaso
20 Mar – Source: Radio RBC/Bartamaha Online – 115 words
Puntland president Dr. Abdiwali Mohamed Ali Gaas prepares for a visit to Puntland’s commercial town of Bosaso. The president is expected to start his travel to Qardho, Karkaar region as reported to Raxanreeb Online News.
Health and Aviation ministers are among the delegation expected to accompany the president in his visit to Bosaso. On Friday, DR. Abdiwali is expected to continue his journey from Qardho to Bosaso.
This tour of Dr. Abdiwali Mohamed Ali Gaas has come just days after a senior Puntland military commander and the leader of the Gal-gala mountains warfare against the al Qaida linked al Shabaab militants Colonel Afguduud was killed in car bomb attack on the outskirts of Bosaso.
Middle Shabelle administration request emergency aid
20 Mar- Source: Radio Shabelle- 117 words
The Deputy Governor of the Middle Shabelle Regional Administration of the Somali Federal Government Yusuf Abdi Abdulle Jaalle called for urgent humanitarian aid be delivered to certain vicinities that have been struck by poverty in the region.
Yusuf Jaalle highlighted that the security situation in the region is one that is very peaceful but that there is extreme cases of aid shortages in territories occupied by large population of residents in the Middle Shabelle region.
“The citizens in the Middle Shabelle region require urgent aid from the Government as well as humanitarian agencies,” Said the Deputy Governor. Many neighborhoods and districts in the Middle Shabelle region is inhabited by very needy people that require food relief.
Somali investment conference set in Dubai
20 Mar – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 137 words
Somali investment conference organized by Somali economic committee is expected to be held on 6th next month in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. According to the director of Somali economic committee Hassan Muse who spoke to Bar-Kulan the conference is meant to share investment experience, networking and explores the investment opportunities in Somalia.
He said they have invited officials from the federal government of Somalia, several companies, ambassadors of various countries who have possible investment interest and other Somali businessmen adding that there will be signing of business agreements between several Somali business companies and other international investment companies.
Somali business community is making efforts to lobby for business investment back in the country to build the collapsed economy after two decades of civil war in the country. The annual conference was held in Nairobi last year.
Somaliland Parliament, Journalist’s Body Set to Institutionalize Media Law
20 Mar – Source: Somaliland Sun – 130 words
The members of parliament and a cross-section of the country’s journalist led by the Somaliland journalist association (SOLJA) have agreed on the imperative need for implementation of media law #27/2004 by the government.
The agreement came during a come together meeting by the journalist association and members of the house of the assembly, at Mansoor hotel in Hargeisa where a consensus was also reached by the two sides for the appointment of a joint committee that will see through the implementation of the act.
The meeting organized by SOLJA and sponsored by National Endowment for Democracy (NED) organization. The meeting was attended by seven parliamentarians who represented the house select committee for social services led by its chairman Hon Hassan Awale Aynaan and 23 journalists from different media houses.
Puntland Chamber of Commerce calls for investment
19 Mar – Source: Garowe Online – 118 words
Puntland Chamber of Commerce urged Somali business community to invest in the northeastern state and seize the emerging market potentials on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports.
Speaking at a launching event held for the construction of Iftin Bank in Puntland capital of Garowe, Saed Hussein Eid Chamber of Commerce Chairman encouraged the tycoons and business community members to pave the way infrastructure investment by focusing on various sectors.
“The Somalis position their commercial centres in different places, they created booming businesses in South Africa but they were targeted and killed, they did the same in South Sudan, deadly conflict started and they fled, henceforth instead of moving from one place to another, you must invest in your country,” said Eid.
Somaliland: Chinese Partners to Conduct Comprehensive Survey to Map Country’s Mineral Deposits-Energy Minister
19 Mar – Source: Somaliland Press – 205 words
Somaliland Minister of Energy and Minerals Resources Hon Hussein Abdi Dualeh and other top officials in his ministry today returned to the country after concluding the a two and half weeks tour which began in Dubai , UAE followed by a two week working stint covering three different region of peoples republic of China.
Hon Hussein Abdi Dualeh speaking to the media during a press conference held in the VIP lounge at the Egal International Airport said, “The purpose of our recent trip to China came about when we (Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources) got an invitation from the GUANGZHOU DONGSONG ENERGY CO LTD which recently signed a contractual agreement with Somaliland government to conduct a nationwide Comprehensive survey to map the mineral potential and to develop the country’s energy sector.
“We started our working tour in Guangzhou province where the energy company operations are mainly based, there we got firsthand familiarization of the company’s massive operations, afterwards we then proceeded to Yunnan Province where major mining activities take place and finally we had the opportunity to fly to Beijing the capital of the people’s republic of china where we had a series of meeting with top management of the Chinese energy firm”, he stated.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Mombasa Court charges two key terror suspects from Somalia
20 Mar – Source: Coastweek/Xinhua – 552 words
Two key terror suspects arrested with explosives-laden vehicle in the coastal city of Mombasa were on Wednesday charged with seven counts including murder.
The accused Abdiaziz Abdullah Abdi and Isaak Noor Ibrahim were charged for being members of ‘al Shabaab’ terror group and being in possession of firearms.
The Kenyan prosecutors charged the suspects with being in possession of six hand grenades, an AK-47 rifles, 270 rounds of ammunition five AK -47 magazines with intent to commit felony namely murder.
They were arraigned before Senior Principal Magistrate Richard Odenyo under tight security where they denied all the charges. They have been remanded until May 22 hearing of their case.
Kenya: Mombasa explosion was to be launched in crowded place and would have been largest attack
20 Mar – Source: Standard Media – 372 words
Intelligence officials have warned that two terror suspects detained in Mombasa were part of an 11-person al Qaeda-trained squad on a mission to commit a massive terror campaign in Kenya. The suspected terrorists with a booby-trapped car had entered the country early this month.
They also believe Fuad Abubakar Manswab, a Kenyan fugitive from Mombasa who has links to the Yemen-based al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsular, is behind the alleged terror plot. Fuad, who is facing terrorism charges in absentia alongside Briton Jermaine Grant, is said to have fled to Somalia after jumping bail about two years ago.
 Fuad is believed to be staying in Yemen or the Gedo region of Somalia. Yesterday police were seeking court permission to destroy the car in a controlled explosion, despite removing six pipe bombs and neutralising detonators and batteries attached to what has been described as one of the largest improvised explosive device find in Kenya in recent history.
Brazen al Shabaab attack in Bulo Burde tests resolve of allied forces
19 Mar – Source: Sabahi Online -1148 words
Al Shabaab’s attack against a hotel housing Somali and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops in Bulo Burde on Tuesday (March 18th) served as a test of the resolve allied forces and Somali citizens have for annihilating al Shabaab. Despite the brazenness of the attack and the significant loss of life, military officials and citizens alike say they will remain united against their common enemy.
On Tuesday at around 2:15 pm, a car laden with explosives blew up outside the Camalow hotel in Bulo Burde, where high-ranking officers from the Somali and AMISOM forces were staying, AMISOM spokesperson Colonel Ali Aden Humad told Sabahi.
“A few minutes later, there was an exchange of fire involving heavy and light weapons which lasted for five hours,” he said. Captain Rachid Hachi, spokesperson for the Djiboutian armed forces, said Wednesday(March 19th) that 14 soldiers had died in the attack, nine from Somalia and five from Djibouti.
Saudi Arabia donates one million USD to the Int’l Organization for Migration
19 Mar – Source: Saudi Press Agency – 154 words
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has donated one million USD in support of the efforts of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Somalia.
The gesture was announced by Dr. Bandar bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, during a meeting with the director general of the IOM William Lacy Swing in the attendance of the Saudi permanent representative to the Geneva-based United Nations Faisal bin Hasan Trad on the fringes of the 25th session of the International Human Rights Council.
Dr. Al-Aiban said this donation comes within the keenness of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to support the efforts of IOM to provide assistance to the needy.
For his part, the director general of the organization thanked the Kingdom for this generous donation which, he said, would contribute to helping the organization to live up to its humanitarian roles.
Culture of bribing traffic police poses security challenge for Mogadishu
19 Mar – Source: Sabahi Online – 761 words
For Abdi Ali, a 35-year-old shop owner in Mogadishu’s Hamar Weyne market, driving with cash on hand to give traffic police officers at checkpoints is a normal part of getting around the capital.
“It is a normal thing and we save time when there is a lot of traffic on the city roads,” he told Sabahi. “I give a small amount of money to any police officer that agrees [to take a bribe] after which he notifies the other policemen that the car has been searched. If that was not possible, anyone who is driving a personal car would waste a lot of time at security checkpoints.”
While many drivers may choose to bribe the traffic police to avoid routine car searches, others worry that it sets a bad precedent and could have a negative impact on security.
“I have witnessed many drivers handing out cash bribes to police in the streets to avoid being searched,” said retired Colonel Abdullahi Abdi Ganey, who served in the Somali army under the Mohamed Siad Barre regime. “[But this] can have a huge negative impact on security if the government does not do something about it and hold security forces accountable.”
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
UN Security Council slams deadly terrorist attack on Somali hotel
20 Mar – Source:Xinhua – 343 words
The UN Security Council on Wednesday “condemned in the strongest terms” a deadly terrorist attack on a hotel in central Somalia, saying that “any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation.”
“The members of the Security Council condemn in the strongest terms yesterday’s attack on a hotel in Bula Burde, Somalia, for which al Shabab has claimed responsibility,” said a statement issued by the 15-nation council Wednesday night.
A suicide bomber in Somalia on Tuesday rammed a car packed full of explosives into a hotel in the southern town, killing several people, days after it was recaptured from al Shabab fighters, in an attack claimed by the armed group.
Germany to Participate in EU Somalia Mission
20 Mar – Source: AP – 115 words
Germany will contribute soldiers to a European Union-led military training mission in Somalia overcoming its previous reluctance to send troops to the war torn country.
Government spokesman Steffen Seibert said Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Cabinet decided on Wednesday to commit up to 20 soldiers to the mission. The move needs parliamentary approval, which it is expected to receive.
The EU mission moved to the Somali capital, Mogadishu, in December. It was launched in Uganda in 2010 and Germany participated in training there, but initially wouldn’t send soldiers to Somalia itself because of security concerns.
Germany has been cautiously moving toward a more active foreign policy role under Merkel’s new coalition government, which took office in December.
Turkey condemns blasts in Somalia
19 Mar – Source:Anatolia News Agency – 103 words
Turkey condemned on Wednesday the blasts that hit the Somali cities of Mogadishu and Buuloburde killing at least 11 people in the last two days.
“We extend our condolences to the families of the victims and a quick recovery to the wounded,” said Turkey’s Foreign Ministry in a written statement, adding that Turkey strongly condemned any act of violence targeting Somalia’s peace and security.
At least 11 people were killed on Tuesday in a car bombing and in the ensuing shootout in the central Somali city of Buuloburde. Another blast hit the Somali capital Mogadishu on Wednesday. The number of victims remains unclear.
African Union’s war against al Shabaab
19 Mar – Source: CCTV Africa – 01:54mins
The African Union’s Mission in Somalia has in recent days declared major gains in its onslaught on the militant group, routing it out of at least six towns. Pushed against the wall, the al Shabaab has come out fighting, staging several brazen attacks in the Capital, Mogadishu. Reports of planned attacks in neighbouring Kenya and across in Uganda also filter in. CCTV’s Mohammed Hirmoge reports.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“To properly wage this war, the security forces must be given all the necessary support. They need the total backing of the public. From the government, they need all the available resources in funds, personnel, equipment and training.”
We must all join the war on mindless terror
20 Mar – Source: Daily Nation – 285 words
We have been reminded, once again, of the magnitude of the threat posed by terrorist groups. The discovery of a deadly car bomb in Mombasa is a credit to the security forces, who no doubt averted what could have been a devastating attack by the merchants of terror.
We can heave a sigh with relief that one dastardly plot has been disrupted, the terrorists arrested, and deadly explosives seized. However, we must never be lulled into a false sense of security. We know without a shadow of doubt that the terrorists are still amongst us and forever plotting to kill and maim innocent people. For every terrorist mission neutralised, many more are in the works.
Security agencies work day and night in a virtual war against the demented extremists, who want to shed blood indiscriminately. While many evil operations have been nipped in the bud, it takes just one mission to slip through the net for the full horror of terrorism — Westgate, Paradise Hotel, and the 1998 attack on the US Embassy — to be revealed.
“The creation of Somali media law is a positive step towards the re-establishment of media ethics and standards, and the safety and freedom this provides journalists.”
The verdict on Somalia’s new draft media law
19 Mar – Source: African Arguments – 1102 words
It is not everyday that UK Somali journalists meet in London to discuss a law in Somalia – a country known for its lawlessness and for being the epitome of a failed state. But this is not any law, but a law which could potentially be a pillar for democratic progress in Somalia.
Somalia’s new draft media law has come under much criticism by Somali journalists and international agencies such as the United Nations Human Rights office. They argue it is vague, violates freedom of expression and curbs freedom of press. For instance, the law stipulates that journalists cannot release information against Somali or ‘Islamic tradition’ and would be forced to disclose sources if publications stir up public sentiments.
Nor does it comprehensively address safety and the protection of journalists. Last year the Somali Ministry of Information opened up a public consultation on the new draft media law following this criticism. It was an opportunity for stakeholders within the media to give their comments and recommendations about the new law. Consultations took place in Somalia, Kenya and the UK, marking a serious step towards greater transparency and collaboration with civil society by the newly formed Somali Federal government.
“As an elected representative of a huge population whose lives and livelihoods have been adversely affected by the refugee presence, I am demanding that the environmental destruction cease immediately, and appropriate measures be taken to remedy the situation.”
Dadaab refugees making our lives a misery
19 Mar – Source: Daily Nation – 502 words
Kenya’s continued support for humanitarian efforts in the Horn of Africa is both anchored in, and justified by, our international obligations and the spirit of solidarity with fellow Africans displaced from their homelands by wars.
However, along with these noble efforts, the Kenyan State must also ensure that the lives, security, interest and well-being of its own citizens, who suffer from the refugees’ presence, are safeguarded.
As host to the world’s largest refugee camp, Dadaab, in which over 500,000 refugees, mostly from Somalia, have lived there for well over two decades now, the neighbouring Kenyan communities continue to suffer serious socio-economic, environmental and security challenges, which call for urgent intervention.
The sprawling settlements that dot the landscape of Dadaab area, and the ever-burgeoning number of refugee communities that populate them, has over the years, negatively affected the host communities.
Top tweets
@BeilehMofa Met with Swedish Ambassador Mikael Lindvall to discuss the progress & development of Somaliapic.twitter.com/nNOz5eqgVR.
@UN #Somalia: @UNSomalia envoy welcomes progress in regaining key towns from insurgents. http://ow.ly/uKmbt pic.twitter.com/i7mPp7VwiO.
@FCONeilWigan President today asked donors to provide support where Al #Shabaab has been driven out by #SNA and#AMISOM. pic.twitter.com/JtGvVD18hR.
@amisomsomalia #AMISOM A Djiboutian soldier, part of the current offensive against al Shabaab reads the Qur’an.#alshabaabontherun pic.twitter.com/ft7Fpp7A7m.
@SomaliPics A picture taken in 1976 of university students in Mogadishu, Somalia. #SomaliPics pic.twitter.com/vHjc9gZHoG.
Image of the day
#MOGADISHU continued to reel under severe traffic jams due to ongoing road renovation. Photo: @Omaar_nor.