March 28, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.
SNA, AMISOM conduct security operation in Buulo-Burde suburbs
28 Mar- Source: Radio Bar-kulan-85 Words
Somali National army and AMISOM troops have conducted security operations in the outskirts of Buulo Burde to beef up the security of the town. A suspected al Shabaab militant group member is reported to have been arrested in the operations.
The operation came after militants from al Shabaab launched an attack on the joint forceson Wednesday night. Al Shabaab militant group lost Buulo-Burde town to Somali National Army backed by Djiboutian military who are part of AMISOM contingents serving in sector four which covers Hiran province.
Key Headlines
- SNA AMISOM conduct security operation in Buulo-Burde suburbs (Radio Bar-kulan)
- UAE Pledges Continued Support for Puntland Marine Forces (Horseed Media)
- Somali pirates returned home to serve jail in Puntland (Puntland TV/Somalicurrent/Radio Garowe/Bar-kulan)
- UNOCHA deeply concerned that over 10 people injured including children in Mogadishu (RBC)
- SIMHA on talks with Ethiopian Government about sentenced Somali journalist (Radio Bar-kulan)
- Human Rights Watch condemns Kenyan Government over harassing Somali refugees (Somali Current)
- Somaliland:UN Habitat Unveils New Map Detailing City of Hargeisa (Somaliland Press/Hiiraan Online)
- Puntland FAO launch new safe database for Somali Fishermen (Horseedmedia)
- Somaliland: Executive Director of SONYO Meets with Obama’s special Assistant on African Affairs in the White House (Somaliland Press)
- IGAD countries declare war on drought (New Vision)
- Somalia’s South-western State elects new president representing 3 regions (Sabahi Online)
- Squeezed Kenyan poachers switch to al Shabaab charcoal racket – police (Reuters/Trust Org)
- Kenyans enhance vigilance as threats of terror attack rise (Xinhua)
SOMALI MEDIA
SNA, AMISOM conduct security operation in Buulo-Burde suburbs
28 Mar- Source: Radio Bar-kulan-85 Words
Somali National army and AMISOM troops have conducted security operations in the outskirts of Buulo Burde to beef up the security of the town. A suspected al Shabaab militant group member is reported to have been arrested in the operations.
The operation came after militants from al Shabaab launched an attack on the joint forces on Wednesdaynight. Al Shabaab militant group lost Buulo-Burde town to Somali National Army backed by Djiboutian military who are part of AMISOM contingents serving in sector four which covers Hiran province.
UAE Pledges Continued Support for Puntland Marine Forces
28 Mar- Source: Horseed Media-187 Words
Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali and UAE Ambassador to Somalia Mohamed Al Osmani met to discuss on the bilateral relations between both sides. The meeting took place in Puntland marine Forces base in the port town of Bosaso.
Ambassador Mohamed Al Osmani who arrived in Bosaso on Wednesday, underlined that his government will continue supporting the Puntland’s new leadership progress. A Source from the Puntland President Office confirmed that both sides agreed the UAE to also continue supporting Puntland Marine police forces that was formed in 2010.
The UAE has funded the training program of the Puntland Maritime Police forces ever since which was conducted by Saracen International and South Africa-linked private military operator Sterling Corporate Services.
Puntland has managed to eradicate Pirate from its coasts, as a massive fall down came to the attacks and hijackings the sea gangs have been carrying out in the past years.
The semi-autonomous region is stepping up to tackle Somali militants who are expected to flee from Southern Somalia and seek for safe havens in Galgala mountain rages after coming under large offensives from the African Union and Somali troops.
Somali pirates returned home to serve jail in Puntland
28 Mar- Source: Puntland TV/Somalicurrent/Radio Garowe/Bar-kulan- 200 words
Government of Seychelles handed 9 prisoners of Somali origin to Puntland government on Thursday. The 9 men arrived in Garowe, Puntland capital to serve their sentence in the regional state after a court in Seychelles convicted them on piracy charges.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime facilitated the transport of these prisoners from Seychelles to Garowe. Puntland Prison service commissioner Alinur Omar Salah who spoke after receiving the prisoners urged to adhere to the laws of the land.
Shafici Abdullahi Ali, one of the prisoners expressed a deep delight of returning home. These prisoners’ jail term varies from 7 to 24 years.
The programme to repatriate the Somali pirates in Seychelles prison was made possible by extensive diplomatic efforts among the Seychelles government and Puntland authorities.
UNOCHA deeply concerned that over 10 people injured, including children in Mogadishu
28 Mar – Source: RBC – 197 words
The acting United Nations Office for Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Mr. Sikander Khan has expressed deeply concerned that over 10 people were injured, including at least six children, and others were exposed to severe danger due to mortar shelling affecting several densely populated civilian areas in Mogadishu.
“This attack is a clear violation of international humanitarian law that prohibits indiscriminate attacks as occurred in the night of 25 March” a statement from UNOCHA said. The mortar shelling affected one settlement where displaced people reside in the outskirts of Mogadishu. The humanitarian nature of such settlements must not be violated and the protection of civilians must be upheld as a matter of priority also in times of armed conflict.
The attack comes amidst a worrying security situation in the capital, which impacts on the protection and provision of humanitarian assistance to civilians and particularly to vulnerable internally displaced people, most of whom have been evicted to insecure areas of the capital.
“I call on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law, in particular under international humanitarian law and human rights law and to refrain from further actions which could harm innocent people” Mr. Sikander Khan added.
SIMHA on talks with Ethiopian Government about sentenced Somali journalist
28 Mar- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 184 words
Somali independent media houses association (SIMHA) has opened talks with Ethiopian government concerning the situation of arrested Somali journalist Mohamed Aweys Mudey.
The chairman of Somali independent media houses association Hassan Ali Gesey has confirmed to Bar-Kulan that the association has engaged the Ethiopian authorities in relation to the arrest of journalist who was sentenced to 27 years in jail for terror related charges.
Speaking during the first general meeting of association in Somali capital Mogadishu on Thursday Gesey said the association has meet the Ethiopian ambassador to Somalia Wondimu Assame and discussed with issues related to the arrest of the journalist.
“We discussed with the Ethiopian ambassador regarding Mohamed Aweys case and he requested as to submit Mohamed’s biography in Media.” He said. “We will make every effort to make sure our brother Mohamed is released,” he added.
Mr. Gesey said the Ethiopian ambassador has promised to look into the matter of the arrested journalist.
Journalist Mohamed Aweys Mudey famously known as “Boqorka Bartamaha” was sentenced to 27 years in jail by Addis Ababa court for his alleged involvement in terrorism.
Human Rights Watch condemns Kenyan Government over harassing Somali refugees
28 Mar – Source: Somali Current – 152 words
The Human Rights Watch profoundly criticized a decision withdrawn by Kenyan government ordering Somali refugee residing in Kenyan towns to go back two designated camps, Dadaab and Kakuma.
Human Rights Watch said that it was not the right time for Kenyan government to announce deportation of Somali refugee while Kenya welcomed and hosted Somali refugees for over two decades.
This came as response to statement issued from the office Kenyan interior minister Joseph Ole Lenku banning Somali refugees to reside in Kenyan soil expect two refugee camps. The police of Kenya will use force to repatriate the refugees if they fail to adhere to this rule, stated within this rule from the government of Kenya.
Kenyan government associates the terror attacks plotted in the main towns with Somali refugee living in Kenya’s main towns. Kenya welcomed Somali refugee who fled from civil war after the collapse of Somali central government in 1990s.
Somaliland:UN Habitat Unveils New Map Detailing City of Hargeisa
28 Mar – Source: Somaliland Press/Hiiraan Online – 129 words
The Hargeisa city council and the UN habitat have jointly unveiled a detailed map showing all buildings and other features such as main roads, rivers, airport, etc. during an event held at Hotel Mansoor.
The Mayor of Hargeisa Mr. Abdurrahman Mahmoud Aideed (Solteco) speaking during the unveiling of the new map said, “The chosen variables for the property database described in the map includes the physical characteristics of the property (dimensions, use, building materials, access to infrastructure) occupier (could be different from owner) number of residents living in the building.
UN-Habitat Emrah Andenis representative said, “The mapping project of Hargeisa city began in mid-2004. The plan was to create a database of all the properties in the city, and a methodology for classifying them and developing tax bills.
Puntland, FAO launch new safe database for Somali Fishermen
27 Mar- Source: Horseedmedia- 268 words
Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali met officials from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and European Union on Wednesday evening onboard an EU Naval Force warship that docked near Bosaso Port.
During the meeting, a new database system was introduced for the first time which will improve the Somali fishermen who carry out their activities in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.
FAO representative to Somalia Luca Alinov said that this new database will enable fishermen to easily conduct their activities and keep them safe.
Hargeisa Mayor officiate Commencement of Road Construction
27 Mar – Source: Somaliland Sun – 165 words
Mayor of Hargeisa Municipal Council joined residents of Jigjiga-Yar neighborhood in a function marking the conclusion of road construction fundraise by breaking the initial stone in commencement of much yearned road uplift that most of the city’s neighborhoods deserve.
Mr. Abdirahman Mohamud Aideed (Solteco) officiated the groundbreaking of construction work of Jigjiga-Yar road dubbed ‘Part 2’ covering a distance of 1.1 KMS & stretching from the national head office of the ruling party Kulmiye till Sunshine Secondary School within Ibrahim Kodbur District of Hargeisa.
Speaking at the groundbreaking function Mr. Abdirahman Solteco praised the area locals for a good job done, calling on other city dwellers to emulate their hard work which saw them raising $ 45,000 out of the total $ 60,000 required for the completion of the exercise with the remaining $15,000 provided by Hargeisa local authority in a joint partnership of cost sharing contributed by public & private sectors-a well established norm operating in Local Governments of major world cities.
Somaliland:Executive Director of SONYO Meets with Obama’s special Assistant on African Affairs in the White House
27 Mar – Source: Somaliland Press – 206 words
The Executive Director of SONYO Mr. Saeed Mohamed Ahmed , was among the eleven youth leaders chosen to participate in this year’s International Visitor Leadership Program, Mr. Saeed had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Grant Harris who is the President Obama’s Special Assistant on African Affairs and Policy Advisor on Africa during a visit to the white House.
The session was interactive and more of information-sharing. Saeed has interacted with Harris by also briefing on the processes of peace-building, state-building and democratization that Somaliland has managed to successfully pursue in the last two decades. In addition, Saeed urged Obama’s administration to come close to the real context in Africa and particularly stand up for the support of the growing democracy and the blossoming development in Somaliland.
REGIONAL MEDIA
IGAD countries declare war on drought
28 Mar – Source: New Vision – 208 words
A four-day summit in Kampala by countries under the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Thursday afternoon came to a close, with its leadership reaffirming the region’s commitment to turn a page on the phenomenon of droughts degenerating into emergencies.
The closure was graced by the top leadership of the member countries and a multiplicity of stakeholders as the bloc seeks to mitigate effects of drought on its citizens. The current ambitious initiative on drought was informed by a devastating drought in 2010 that nearly decimated animals in Northern Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti, affecting over 13 million people.
According to IGAD Executive Secretary, Eng. Mahboub Maalim, close to 70% of the IGAD region is either arid or semi-arid, with an estimated 76 million people routinely bearing the brunt of intermittent droughts whose frequency and severity is becoming alarming.
Somalia’s South-western State elects new president representing 3 regions
28 Mar – Source: Sabahi Online – 177 words
More than 700 delegates attending a three-region state formation conference in Baidoa elected Mohamed Haji Abdinur as president on Thursday. The formation of the new South-western State — comprising Bay, Bakol and Lower Shabelle regions — directly competes with a rival six-region administration formed in Baidoa on March 3rd, with Madobe Nunow Mohamed elected president.
Mohamed’s state comprises Bay, Bakol, Lower Shabelle, Gedo, Lower Jubba and Middle Jubba regions. Of the 725 delegates who attended the conference on Thursday, 713 voted for Abdinur, 10 voted against him and two abstained.
“I will work on the security of these regions I am appointed for, and I will also endeavour to defeat al-Shabaab from the areas they are still operating in these regions,” Abdinur said.
AMISOM captures Shabaab key town
28 Mar- Source: Star- Kenya- 98 words
A Somali civilian was killed and three others seriously injured when an IED targeting AMISOM troops on patrol went off in the port city of Kismayo. In a statement, AMISOM said a convoy carrying Sierra Leonean troops was hit by the IED in Alanley destroying a personnel carrier.
Meanwhile, the Somalia National Army and Amisom troops captured al Shabaab’s commercial hub of Eel Buur in Somalia’s Gagaduud region as they marched further into insurgent controlled areas. Several villages surrounding the town have also been captured by SNA and Amisom troops in the latest offensive against al Shabaab.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Squeezed Kenyan poachers switch to al Shabaab charcoal racket – police
28 Mar- Source: Reuters/Trust Org-812 Words
Kenyan poachers squeezed by more effective wildlife protection have found work in the regional illegal charcoal trade run by the Islamist group al Shabaab to fund its terror-related activities, Kenyan and international police officials say.
“The al Shabaab-controlled charcoal trade is emerging as the new security threat facing the country’s biodiversity,” Henry Wafula, a district commissioner in eastern Kenya, said in an interview with Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Charcoal worth more than 140 million Kenya shillings (about $1.7 million) is being shipped out of eastern Kenya illegally every month, Wafula said. The lucrative trade involves cutting down and burning mature trees, particularly in protected wildlife areas. The loss of trees reduces cover for wildlife and worsens soil erosion.
In 2013, the annual report of the UN Monitoring Group on Somalia estimated that al Shabaab’s charcoal exports from eastern Africa could be as high as 24 million sacks per year, for an overall international market value of $360 to $384 million.
Kenyans enhance vigilance as threats of terror attack rise
27 Mar – Source: Xinhua – 171 words
At any time of the day, the streets of Nairobi are always teeming with hundreds of people going about their businesses. The huge human traffic has in the past made it difficult for security agents to protect citizens and thus terrorists have more than once targeted people on the streets.
But with increased threats of terror attack hanging over Kenya, Nairobi residents have become vigilant. City residents are watchful of suspicious actions of anyone seemingly out to cause trouble as police and other security organs work round the clock to foil terror attacks.
Citizens have become aware of the fact that fighting terrorism is not only the work of the police but for everyone. Kenya has been hit by terrorists several times, with a good number of the attacks resulting into deaths and injuries.
The latest incident happened last Sunday in Mombasa when terrorists stormed a church in Likoni and fired at worshippers. The terror attack resulted into the death of at least four people, with dozens others sustaining series injuries.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“The endemic violence against women and girls in Somalia can only be overcome when survivors and their communities band together, speak up and demand justice against gender based violence”
More than just a victim
27 Mar- Source: One Young World Blog-667 Words
Violence against women is not country specific; it knows no creed, religion or age. Violence against women is a cross cutting, global issue: a weapon, often justified by culture or traditional practice.
As the director of the first rape crisis center in Somalia – a country considered one of the worst places to be a woman – I have learnt firsthand that to eradicate violence against women more than aid and emotional support are required.
The crisis center, Sister Somalia, co-founded by my organisation – the Elman Peace and Human Rights Center – began responding to the emergency needs of rape victims and survivors of physical violence. We began by offering women free health services including post-exposure prophylaxis treatments, shelter in safe-houses for those at risk of re-attack and counselling to equip survivors to cope with reintegration in the community.
Given the environment our survivors return to, Sister Somalia often finds that the same women need help time and again. Consequently, relocation grants have now been introduced into our services enabling survivors to relocate to a different area and along with a life-skills training.
“Despite dangers portrayed in Captain Phillips, pirate attacks in Somali waters have declined drastically. It’s a different story in Strait of Malacca.”
Why Somalia isn’t the real piracy threat
27 Mar- Source: Global Post/Toronto Star-762 Words
Maybe God has a soft spot for pirates. That would explain the Strait of Malacca, a natural paradise for seafaring bandits. Imagine an aquatic highway flowing between two marshy coasts. One shoreline belongs to Malaysia, the other to Indonesia. Each offers a maze of jungly hideaways: inlets and coves that favour pirates’ stealth vessels over slow, hulking ships.
It’s a narrow route running 885 kilometres, roughly the distance between Miami and Jamaica. This bottleneck is plied by one-third of the world’s shipping trade. That’s 50,000 ships per year — ferrying everything from iPads to Reeboks to half the planet’s oil exports.
The world’s fascination with neo-piracy now centres on Somalia. Thanks to the 2013 thriller Captain Phillips, in which Tom Hanks plays a cargo ship captain abducted by Somalis, even teenagers know the anarchy-prone African state is a breeding ground for pirates. At least it was. In truth, Hollywood stumbled onto Somalia’s piracy phenomenon rather late. In the last three years, pirate strikes in Somali waters have plummeted 95 per cent to a meagre seven incidents in 2013; none were successful.
Top tweets
@GermanyinKenya GER Amb Peschke meeting H.E@BeilehMofa Foreign Minister of Somalia.#Germany firmly committed to support new #Somaliapic.twitter.com/svsBoRFvQT
@GlobalPost The world has a new piracy hotspot. And sorry, Hollywood. It’s nowhere near Somalia. http://glpo.st/1hdKSZa pic.twitter.com/lwEy6HYBaD
@BBCAfrica ‘75% of south #Somalia liberated, but still some work to be done to ensure a secure Kenya’, KDF tells#BBCNewsday http://bbc.in/1h1wEpJ
@yassinomar Somalia voted pro Ukraine today at the UN General Assembly and did not abstain from voting. Very interesting. pic.twitter.com/CVvlEbZBrN
@bonifacemwangi Ugandan army has been in Somalia longer than Kenya’s but have fewer terror attacks- Can Kenya learn from UG how to keep us safe?
Image of the day
#Somalia custodial corps with certificates! 3 day training concluded Thusday with @UNSomalia @UNODC @unicefsomalia support. Photo: @UNSomalia