March 21, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Somalia announces Judicial conference on Human Rights
21 Mar – Source: Office of the Somali President – 198 words
President of the Federal Government of Somalia H.E. Hassan Sh Mohamud has hosted the UN’s Independent Human Rights Expert on Somalia, Shamsul Bari, for a constructive round of human right discussion in Villa Somalia. Speaking to media after their meeting, President Hassan Sheikh began by sending his condolences to the victims and the families of the latest car bomb in Mogadishu, and then turned to the issue of Human Rights in Somalia:
“Somalia is now looking to join the UN Human Rights Commission, and that means we must try to improve our record and promote human rights in everything we do.” The President of Somalia is committed to improving human rights conditions, and already started directing reforms in the security and judicial sector.
“Soon the government will be holding a judicial conference here in Mogadishu whereby many experts both Somalis and non Somalis will participate. The aim of the conference is to reform and advance human rights within our justice system.” At the end President stated “I assure you, my fellow citizens, that our number one policy pillar is security, and human rights is part of that pillar. We are committed to that and we will prevail.”
Key Headlines
- Somalia announces Judicial conference on Human Rights (Office of the Somali President)
- AMISOM Reassures Citizens of Somalia on Security Situation in Bay and Bakool (AMISOM)
- US offers Sh425m reward for arrest of two al Shabaab militants (Standard Digital Media)
- Conference on war against piracy continues in Ethiopia (Radio Kulmiye)
- U.S hails Somalia Supreme Court decision to free Journalist (Bar-kulan)
- Somali suspect 18 charged with hurling grenade at Eastleigh shop (Star/Kenya)
- Four Somali soldiers bodies found in Mogadishu (Somalia Today/Radio Kulmiye)
- Somali Pirates Make No Successful Hijacks in 2013 Group Says (Bloomberg)
- Somalia captives return home (Khaleej Times)
PRESS RELEASE
Somalia announces Judicial conference on Human Rights
21 Mar – Source: Office of the Somali President – 198 words
President of the Federal Government of Somalia H.E. Hassan Sh Mohamud has hosted the UN’s Independent Human Rights Expert on Somalia, Shamsul Bari, for a constructive round of human right discussion in Villa Somalia.
Speaking to media after their meeting, President Hassan Sheikh began by sending his condolences to the victims and the families of the latest car bomb in Mogadishu, and then turned to the issue of Human Rights in Somalia:
“Somalia is now looking to join the UN Human Rights Commission, and that means we must try to improve our record and promote human rights in everything we do.” The President of Somalia is committed to improving human rights conditions, and already started directing reforms in the security and judicial sector.
“Soon the government will be holding a judicial conference here in Mogadishu whereby many experts both Somalis and non Somalis will participate. The aim of the conference is to reform and advance human rights within our justice system.”
At the end President stated “I assure you, my fellow citizens, that our number one policy pillar is security, and human rights is part of that pillar. We are committed to that and we will prevail.”
AMISOM Reassures Citizens of Somalia on Security Situation in Bay and Bakool
21 Mar – Source: AMISOM – 194 words
The African Union Mission in Somalia reassures the citizens of Somalia that it is closely monitoring developments following the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from Hudur and is working closely with the Federal Government of Somalia in their efforts to re-establish a security presence in the area.
AMISOM Force Commander General Gutti said “We strongly condemn the beheading of the prominent cleric in Hudur by the al Qaeda affiliated al Shabaab terror group and are working with the Somali National Security Forces to ensure that security is restored to the area as soon as possible.”
General Gutti added that “We have in place contingency measures to ensure that areas in Bay and Bakool where AMISOM are co-located with Somali National Security Forces remain stable and secure in the event of further Ethiopian troop withdrawals. We are conducting a review of our troop deployments there and in Hiiraan and remain confident that there will be sufficient coverage,”.
AMISOM urges members of any armed opposition groups to lay down their arms and turn themselves over to the Federal Government of Somalia and AMISOM. Those turning themselves in will be treated fairly and in accordance with International conventions.
SOMALI MEDIA
Conference on war against piracy continues in Ethiopia
21 Mar – Source: Radio Kulmiye – 172 words
Two teams selected by the International Relations Group on the Somali Affairs have held a meeting to redouble the efforts against the piracy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The governments of Egypt and Britain are chairing the conference that is aimed at coming up with tangible resolutions against piracy. Egyptian delegates which chaired the opening of the conference on Wednesday, looked at how much concern could the neighboring countries contribute in the fight against piracy.
Thursday’s meeting chaired by British delegates will come up with resolutions on fight against the piracy, the judiciary system of Somalia and how the government could have been assisted.
Four Somali soldiers bodies found in Mogadishu
21 Mar – Source: Somalia Today/Radio Kulmiye – 123 words
The bodies of four Somali soldiers reportedly killed in the past few hours were discovered in different parts of the seaside Somali capital, Mogadishu.
Two bodies were found on Wednesday evening near the Somali defense ministry headquarters wearing their uniforms but without weapons. Eyewitnesses reported that three armed men shot dead the soldiers as they walk on the industrial street.
Two soldiers were also killed Sunday night near Weel-Tusbaxley in Dayniile, Banadir region, and their bodies were found Thursday morning in the area. No statements from Somali army officers about these four soldiers killed during the past few hours.
U.S hails Somalia Supreme Court decision to free Journalist
21 Mar – Source: Bar-kulan – 128 words
The United States on Thursday welcomed the Somali Supreme Court’s March 17 decision overturning the conviction of Somali journalist Abdiasis Abdinur Ibrahim for interviewing a woman who alleged rape by Somali security forces.
In a statement, the U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Thursday “We are hopeful that this ruling, along with earlier statements of Somalia’s President and Prime Minister expressing concern over the original verdict, will help strengthen protection of freedom of expression in Somalia, as guaranteed by the provisional federal constitution.”
The United States says it will continue to support the government of Somalia as it develops and strengthens transparent and accountable institutions to protect human rights, including women’s rights and freedom of expression, as part of its efforts to promote peace and democracy.
Somaliland Coast Guards seize Yemeni Fleet and a Crew of 70 for Illegal Fishing
20 Mar – Source: Somaliland Press – 129 words
Somaliland coastal guards have in their custody more than 70 men crew on board a fleet of fishing trawlers inside Somaliland territorial waters. The Director General in the ministry of Fisheries and marine resources Hon Mohamed Elmi (Illkacase) in a brief press statement released from his office today and which stated as follows:-
Somaliland Coastal Guards have detained more than 70 fishermen of Yemeni origins and four fishing trawlers involved in illegal fishing during a routine patrol in a place Conquer which lies between Maydh and Shalcaw in Sanaag region of Somaliland.
The Detained fishermen numbering more than 70 and their four trawlers had neither licensed nor permission to fish in Somaliland waters hence violating international laws by stealing and looting the natural resources of a foreign nation.
REGIONAL MEDIA
US offers Sh425m reward for arrest of two al Shabaab militants
21 Mar – Source: Standard Digital Media – 317 words
The US has placed a Sh 425 million bounty on the heads two members of Somali-based al Shabaab terrorist group. The Barack Obama-led administration offered a reward of $5million (Sh 425 million) to any person who will offer information that will lead to the arrest or conviction of Omar Shafik Hammami and Jehad Serwan Mostafa. Both men are currently believed to be in Somalia.
In a statement by the U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice Program, Omar Hammami is a U.S. citizen and former resident of Daphne, Alabama and has used the aliases Abu Mansour al Amriki and Farouk. He is believed to have moved to Somalia in 2006 where he joined and received training from the Islamist militants.
Somali suspect, 18, charged with hurling grenade at Eastleigh shop
21 Mar – Source: Star/Kenya – 71 words
An 18- year- old Somali citizen was yesterday charged in a Nairobi court with terrorism. Abdurizak Mohamed Hussein was charged that on March 5, he hurled grenade at a shop in Eastleigh area and injured one person.
Hussein denied all charges before Nairobi chief Magistrate Kiarie Waweru and pleaded for his release to allow him to return to School. Hussein was released on KSh 800, 000 bond and surety of similar amount.
Somalia captives return home
21 Mar – Source: Khaleej Times – 573 words
Five of the 27 Indians rescued from a year-long captivity of Somali pirates arrived in Kerala on Tuesday to a joyful reunion with their families.
Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Minister K C Joseph and family members and friends of the rescued five seafarers received them at the Trivandrum International Airport. The five on board MT Royal Grace were in captivity since March 2, 2012.
“We are very happy. After 12 months we are arriving home and seeing our family members, who passed more than a year in big anxiety,” said an elated Manesh Mohan, a marine engineer from Quilon.
Somali lawmakers face critical test with implementation of federalism
20 Mar – Source: Sabahi Online – 681 words
As parliamentarians undertake the task of reviewing Somalia’s provisional constitution, they will need to take great care in setting the guidelines for establishing federal states, analysts say.
The review process began March 9th, and the section most closely being watched by stakeholders is Article 49, which deals with the number and boundaries of federal states.
“Federalism is something new for Somalia, and if the process of creating the nascent federal states is not done properly and resources are not distributed fairly, this could cause a new conflict to engulf the country,” said Ahmed Aden, a political analyst in Mogadishu.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
U.S. offers reward for capture of two U.S.-born alleged Islamic militants
21 Mar – Source: Reuters – 551 words
The U.S. government on Wednesday offered rewards of up to $5 million each for information leading to the capture or conviction of two U.S. citizens alleged to have become fighters for the Somalia-based Islamic militant group al Shabaab.
In announcements posted on its “Rewards for Justice” website, the State Department identified the two men as Omar Shafik Hammami, alias Abu Mansour al Amriki, and Jehad Serwan Mostafa, alias Ahmed Gurey or Anwar al Amriki. Hammami is a former resident of Alabama and Mostafa a former resident of California, it said.
Hammami is alleged to be a particularly notorious American volunteer for al Shabaab who made propaganda videos for the group, including pictures portraying him as a fighter rather than a mere spokesman, a U.S. law enforcement official said.
Somali Pirates Make No Successful Hijacks in 2013, Group Says
20 Mar – Source: Bloomberg – 179 words
Somalia’s new government, greater naval cooperation and more armed security aboard ships has cut piracy to the point that pirates have had no successful hijacks this year, according to a group formed to stop the attacks.
Somali pirates tried and failed to seize two ships in the Gulf of Aden in 2013, after incidents fell almost fourfold to 36 last year versus 2011, said James Hughes, co-chairman of the Contact Group on Piracy Off the Coast of Somalia.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
I don’t know what Somalia will be like a few years from now, but I do know that it will remain true to its cultural heritage, even if it looks very different from the country we see now. I know this because, through all the disorder, the people still haven’t lost sight of their dreams.
Dear Somalia: Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way
20 Mar – Source: New York Times (Opinion Blog) – 441 Words
Last week’s events in Somalia were truly historic, although we may not know for years or even decades what their final meaning is. It is impossible not to be tantalized by the potential of these events to change the course of Somalia’s history. What’s important, however, is that we focus on what this means on the street. The media seems too caught up in spinning the facts to pay attention to what’s important on the ground. Just call it missing the shirts for the cloth.
When thinking about the recent turmoil, it’s important to remember three things: One, people don’t behave like computer programs, so attempts to treat them as such are a waste of time. Computer programs never suddenly blow themselves up. Two, Somalia has spent decades as a dictatorship closed to the world, so a mindset of peace and stability will seem foreign and strange. And three, hope is an extraordinarily powerful idea: If corruption is Somalia’s glass ceiling, then hope is certainly its alarm clock.
When I was in Somalia last June, I was amazed by the variety of the local cuisine, and that tells me two things. It tells me that the citizens of Somalia have no shortage of courage, and that is a good beginning to grow from. Second, it tells me that people in Somalia are just like people anywhere else on this flat earth of ours.
So what should we do about the chaos in Somalia? Well, it’s easier to start with what we should not do. We should not let seemingly endless frustrations cause the people of Somalia to doubt their chance at progress. Beyond that, we need to be careful to nurture the seeds of democratic ideals. The opportunity is there, but I worry that the path to moderation is so strewn with obstacles that Somalia will have to move down it very slowly. And of course Mogadishu needs to come to the table.
“The State Department is also seeking information on Californian Adam Gadahn, an alleged terrorist and supporter of al Qaeda. There is a $1 million reward for information leading to his arrest.”
American Rapping Jihadist Target of $5M Bounty
20 Mar – Source: ABC News Blog – 202 Words
Alabama-born jihadist Omar Hammami never could make much of a rapping career in Somalia, but the U.S. government now believes he – or at least information leading to his arrest – is worth a whopping $5 million.
Hammami, also known as Abu Mansoor al Amriki, and fellow U.S. citizen Jehad Serwan Mostafa are the latest additions to the State Department’s Rewards for Justice program, which already hosts dozens of designated terrorists including al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.
Hammami, already a member of the U.S. Treasury’s Designated Terrorist List and the FBI’s Most Wanted List, has been a high-profile member of the Somalia-based al Shabaab terrorist organization for years. The U.S. government accuses Hammami of being a propagandist and, at times, a military leader of the group; though recent, curiously public spats between Hammami and al Shabaab’s leadership seem to have thrown his status into question.
“Somalia had turned a new leaf; this was supposed to be a new chapter. The government actors who chose to speak and rise with us at our event agreed, that this was a fail from the judicial system; and that it is a wrong that must be resolved immediately. Only then will the momentum of change last on, and only then will security, stability, peace and prosperity mean for all; which includes women.”
Turning a new leaf: Somalia Rising
19 Mar – Source: One Billion Rising – 1168 Words
The venue of our main event was a public courtyard located in one of the more recently liberated districts of Mogadishu. Still fraught with constant insecurities; high profile government actors whom were scheduled to speak at our rising event nearly canceled, due to the shootout that took place at the very location, just one day before.
Despite the high security risk notice, the Mayor of Mogadishu, Member of Parliament/Prime Minister’s wife and other influential men and women gathered and joined our rising. The perimeters were secured by national Somali forces and African Union Peacekeeping troops in armored vehicles; an attack was expected, the impact it would have was the pending uncertainty.
With security on high alert; a stampede of joyful risers filled the bleachers, entering by the hundreds; carrying picket signs with messages of ending violence against women and girls. Engulfed by a myriad of bright colors, the courtyard quickly reached maximum capacity. All of the major local news outlets and international press were in attendance at the unprecedented and historic rising in Mogadishu.
Traditional proverbs related to the power of women were being chanted in a melodious tune over the microphone, the beat of the drums took on as a faint whisper of a banjo harmony pacified the anxious crowd. A group of cultural dancers and poets of nationwide acclaim had then entered the courtyard; the crowd that had calmed down were now up on their feet again, dancing, singing, clapping.
Top tweets
@SomaliPM We know that the world is watching #Somalia closely & we are fine with that. We will take the criticism we receive on HR constructively.
@Sefu_Africa If al-Shabaab turns over Hammami & Mustapha, does Shabaab get the reward money? #Somalia #alShabaab.
@julmando #Somalia working on empowering girls and women despite insecurity.1 Billion Rising in #Mogadishu via @rogermid http://ow.ly/jgVsH.
@AmbassadorRice Continued progress in #Somalia begins with full respect for human rights & press freedom, & today’s action is a step on the long road ahead.
@amisomsomalia PHOTO OF THE DAY: #AMISOM doctors provide medical services to displaced #Somali civilians http://on.fb.me/10lEF4t w pic.twitter.com/Sa8m5Hmqk6.
Image of the day
U.S. citizens Omar Shafik Hammami (R) and Jehad Serwan Mostafa are seen in undated FBI handout photos. State Department on Wednesday offered rewards of up to $5 million each for information leading to their capture or conviction. Photo: Reuters.