March 8, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Somalia marks Global Women Day

08 Mar – Source: Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu – 141 words

The International Women day is being commemorated in various cities in Somalia. Several well organized commemoration ceremonies are now underway in Mogadishu, Garowe, Bosaso, Hargeisa and several other towns in the country.

The day which is also known as the United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace, is a global day annually held on 8 March to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women throughout history and across nations.

This year’s theme for the day is “A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women”. Meanwhile EU Special envoy to Somalia, Michele Cervone d’Urso, and several partner organizations including International Labour Organisation Somalia (ILO Somalia Programme), Vétérinaires sans Frontières Germany (VSF-G), Minority Rights Group International (MRG), Women in Somalia: the heroes of a generation have called Somali women “heroes of a generation.”

Key Headlines

Somalia marks Global Women Day (Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu)
SRSG Mahiga Statement on International Women’s Day 2013 (UNPOS)
UN extends mandate of peacekeeping force in Somalia (Business Daily/Sudan Tribune)
Africom Commander Outlines Diverse Challenges Ahead (US Department of Defense)
Central bank delists accounts from sanction list (Gulf News)
Somali refugee recounts perilous escape to Israel (Daily Targum)
320 former pirates join Himin & Heb forces (Bar-kulan)

PRESS RELEASE

SRSG Mahiga Statement on International Women’s Day 2013

08 Mar – Source: UNPOS – 396 Words

International Women’s Day (IWD), also known as the United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace, is a global day held on 8 March every year to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women throughout history and across nations.

This year the United Nations is calling for action to end violence against women and girls, using concerts, seminars and song releases to raise awareness. Violence against women is universal, and is prevalent in all countries and all settings. The IWD aims to create institutional awareness and assist nations worldwide to eliminate discrimination against women and focuses on helping women gain full and equal participation in global development.

This year we celebrate great strides in empowering Somali women, particularly following the selection of 35 female legislators in the nation’s new Parliament (15% of the allocated quota). At the same time, we must not forget those women who remain powerless in Somalia and those who are subjected to violence and discrimination. Violence against women is still a reality in Somalia; it is imperative that all allegations of sexual violence and violence against women are investigated fully and perpetrators are brought to justice.

Women, traditionally marginalised in Somalia, are a tremendous source of energy, creativity, determination and courage. Preventing women from fully enjoying their political and civil rights is a serious discrimination and a violation of their rights.

The fact that women still continue to suffer in Somalia and have restricted access to decision making process is not only a violation of human rights but also a lost opportunity for them as partners in developing Somalia. Somali women have clearly demonstrated their potential in participating, resolving conflict, building and bringing prosperity to the nation. This natural resource must be fully tapped in the new Somalia.

It is a new era in Somali politics. There is now a chance for the women of Somalia to make their mark and influence the rehabilitation and transformation of their nation. As the Government undertakes a review of the Provisional Constitution, there is another golden opportunity to increase the female profile by fulfilling the commitment of a 30% quota of women’s representation in Parliament to enable them to participate in state-building and representation in political institutions. With this, I wish to congratulate all Somali women and girls for their tireless efforts and wish them a peaceful and fruitful International Women’s Day.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somalia marks Global Women Day

08 Mar – Source: Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu – 141 words

This year’s theme for the day is “A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women”.Meanwhile EU Special envoy to Somalia, Michele Cervone d’Urso, and several partner organizations including International Labour Organisation Somalia (ILO Somalia Programme), Vétérinaires sans Frontières Germany (VSF-G), Minority Rights Group International (MRG), Women in Somalia: the heroes of a generation have called Somali women “heroes of a generation.”

Officials meet in Mogadishu to discuss traffic rules

07 Mar – Source: Radio Kulmiye – 75 words

A meeting to discuss the traffic rules was Thursday held at the center of the Traffic officers or “Fiisha Trafiko” in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital. The meeting which was attended by top government officials including Minister of Information, Posts, Telecommunication and Transport Abdullahi Hirsi and traffic officials was aimed at outlining the successes and failures in implementing the traffic rules in the capital.

Some traffic officers were honored for the owrk while the officials called on the public to assist the traffic department in making sure the city’s roads and streets are safety for users.

Somaliland Army repel assault on their positions in Hudun

07 Mar – Source: Somaliland Press – 121 words

A fierce firefight took place in the district of Hudun in Sool region between Somaliland defense forces and militiamen aligned to the Khaatumo separatist movement earlier today.

The fighting erupted in the early hours of Thursday morning in the small but strategic town of Hudun in Sool region, Khaatumo Militiamen attacked government forces positions in around the town of Hudun in the attack by the militiamen hence resulting to what residents termed one of the deadliest engagements in recent times.

The inhabitants of the town said the militia loyal to Khaatumo separatist group had fled after government forces launched a counteroffensive using heavy weapons. Unnamed government solider confirmed that Somaliland forces were in control of the town and the surrounding areas.

320 former pirates join Himin & Heb forces

08 Mar – Source: Bar-kulan – 122 words

Himin and Heb regional administration in central Somalia has revealed that 320 former sea gangs have been reintegrated into its security forces as part of its strategy to dismantle pirate networks in the region. The regional president Mohamed Abdullahi Adan said the former pirates joined their forces after receiving basic military training following their decision to quit piracy.

Adan said his administration is also embarking on ambitious plans to reintegrate former pirate back into the society by offering them skills to allow them eke a living outside piracy activities.

He however revealed that Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon has promised to help his administration acquire necessary equipments for its security forces to allow them strengthen security and fight piracy in the region.

REGIONAL MEDIA

UN extends mandate of peacekeeping force in Somalia

08 Mar – Source: Business Daily/Sudan Tribune – 117 words

The mandate of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) which was to expire on Thursday has been extended by a year by the United Nations Security Council. The 15-member committee passed a resolution on Wednesday that gives a lifeline to the regional peace keeping force mandated to support the Somali government.

The new Security Council Resolution 2093 (2013) is aimed at strengthening the newly elected federal government of Somalia headed by Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon in its efforts to stabilise the country and foster political dialogue and reconciliation.

“The Security Council decides to authorise the Member States of the African Union (AU) to maintain the deployment of AMISOM until 28 February 2014,” reads the resolution.

Central bank delists accounts from sanction list

08 Mar – Source: Gulf News – 138 words

The UAE Central Bank issued orders to banks and financial institutions on Thursday afternoon to delist one Somali and 17 entities from the al Qaeda Sanction List. The order was given after concluding its consideration of a request submitted through the Ombudsperson established pursuant to Security Council Resolution NO 1904 of 2009 and after considering the comprehensive report of the Ombudsperson, the Central Bank said in a statement.

“Therefore, the assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo set out in the Security Council Resolution 1904 of 2009 no longer applies to the names in the list,” the Central Bank clarified.

The Central Bank added that Ali Ahmad Nur Jim’ale remains subject to a travel ban, asset freeze and targeted arms embargo imposed by the Security Council Resolution No. 1844 of 2009, concerning Somalia adopted under the UN Charter.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Africom Commander Outlines Diverse Challenges Ahead

08 Mar – Source: US Department of Defense – 229 words

Somalia and Mali represent different stages of the challenges for U.S. Africa Command, Army Gen. Carter F. Ham told the Senate Armed Services Committee today. Ham, who will step down as Africom commander next month, said the five-year-old command has increased operational capabilities and capacities and has worked to build and focus security cooperation on the continent.

“Our approach seeks to address the near-term threats to our national security while simultaneously building partnerships and fostering regional cooperation which contribute to achieving longer-term U.S. objectives in Africa,” he said. Africa has been a mixed bag in recent years, with positive steps in Somalia and security challenges in Mali.

Along with allies in East Africa, Africom developed a strategy that has seriously weakened the terror group al Shabaab, Ham said. “Somalia still faces significant political, economic and security challenges, but the Somali people now have something they haven’t had for a very long time: hope for a better future,” he added. “And I’m proud that we’ve played a role in that.”

In Central Africa, African troops, advised and assisted by U.S. Army Special Forces personnel, have achieved some significant tactical gains against the Lord’s Resistance Army and its leader, Joseph Kony. “Today, we are seeing increased levels of LRA defections, fewer LRA attacks, and enhanced cooperation between the military forces in the region,” the general told the Senate panel.

Somali refugee recounts perilous escape to Israel

08 Mar – Source: Daily Targum – 138 words

Daher Dhudy, a 27-year-old Somalia native who now resides in Queens, N.Y., has faced many obstacles that often accompany the life of a refugee. Rutgers Hillel’s Center for Israel Engagement hosted “Black, Muslim and Free: One Man’s Journey to Israel” last night, which featured Dhudy, who spoke to a room full of University students.

He left Somalia when he was 16 years old with his older brother after the rest of his family died. The area has been associated with violence because of the civil unrest in the region, he said.

Dhudy, who was born into a minority-Muslim tribal family, took refuge in Egypt with his brother after the passing of his family. Once there, he faced racism and discrimination, even witnessing the death of many people because of the practice of organ removal for financial gain.

My rapists were rewarded, says Somali woman cleared of making false claims

07 Mar – Source: Guardian – 168 words

There was astonishment and revulsion around the world when, having told the police and journalists about the rape, the 27-year-old was arrested and sentenced to a year in jail. The verdict was quashed on appeal earlier this week. But Abdiaziz Abdinur Ibrahim, a journalist whose “crime” was to interview Barake, remains in prison.

Relatives are increasingly worried that his fragile health will not survive a Mogadishu jail that is so overcrowded he has to sleep standing up. The case has shone an unflattering light on the Horn of Africa country and the fledgling institutions put in place with western support after two decades of civil war.

“The victim was arrested instead of the rapists, so the rapists have been rewarded,” Barake told the Guardian in her first major interview since her acquittal. “I was a victim and I was given a one-year jail term. No female victim in Somalia will feel able to talk about this. Rape victims will stay silent in their home and not tell anyone.”

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“To have women’s rights, along with press freedom, challenged now in a time of newfound peace is not the International Women’s Day many Somalis had hoped to celebrate.”

Somalia’s International Women’s Day of celebration and dismay

08 Mar – Source: The Star Blog – 700

First, the good news on International Women’s Day in Somalia. There is much to celebrate right now and much of that is thanks to the sheer determination of Somali women. One of the country’s most famous over the years has been “Mama Hawa,” a 65-year-old obstetrician, gynecologist and lawyer, who along with her daughters have created a safe oasis inside Somalia for women and thousands of others displaced after two decades of fighting.

Many Canadian women are the forefront as well, including Toronto’s Fartuun Adan, the executive director of the Mogadishu-based Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre, whose husband was assassinated in 1996 by warlords for his peace activism.

Adan received the well-deserved U.S. State Department’s International Women of Courage Award this week. Today, she will meet Michelle Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington. A whole new generation of women leaders are emerging.

“The war is almost over. Now what? First of all, almost doesn’t count! This war must come to an end conclusively. But of course even before the war is concluded the country has started rebuilding. As you may all know the reconstruction process and the nation building is going at a lightning speed in Mogadishu. This is the time to invest in Somalia.”

Somalia: A New Lease of Life

08 Mar – Source: Hiiraan Online – 2515 Words

There is sad news for the enemies of Somalia within or without; Somalia is turning a new page, a new leaf. It may be ironic to start a sentence with the word “sad” in it, especially the first sentence, about Somalia and then not talk about the litany of the horrible things associated with Somalia in the past two decades. The sad things are still there, of course.

The Somali civil war, perhaps modern Africa’s longest civil war, has reduced the country into bile of rubble. Poverty, piracy, anarchy, mayhem, lawlessness and displacement have become bywords for Somalia. Much of the outside world was either indifferent, or continued directly or indirectly fanning the flame with glee.

When a house is set on fire, there are five groups of people involved; the arsonists who ignited or accelerated the fire; the victim of the fire who runs from the house to safety; the looters who just want to steal the contents before the house burns down; the hapless bystander who has no power or resources to put down the flame; and the firefighter who has the resources but came late to the scene and is scrambling to salvage whatever is salvageable or at least save the neighbors from the raging fire. The house set on fire twenty something years ago is Somalia, whose inhabitants are scattered the world over for better or worse.

Celebrating Women in Somalia – International Women’s Day 2013

07 Mar – Source: AMISOM Youtube Channel – 1:13 mins

Marking International Women’s Day 2013, a collection of images of women in Somalia from all walks of life. Haweenku waa laf-dhabarka bulshada (Women are the cornerstone of society).

Top tweets

@warsameh 14k #Somalia Shilling for a dollar tdy, highest it’s been in more than 2 yrs w ripple negtv effect on economy.

@PLProgress Breaking barriers through #Education in #Somalia: Mama Hawa Adan’s excellent work w/ #IDP girls: http://youtu.be/aIfTo6t2B8E #WomensDay #Puntland.

@erikabild #Women are the future of #Somalia & situations of war: Great #video f Mogadishu @guardian @UNHCRSom http://bit.ly/12yLd3v #WomensDay #8mars.

@UNHCRSom Falis hopes to be the first Madame President of #Somalia. We say go for it! http://youtu.be/aIfTo6t2B8E #IWD2013 #Women #NansenAward.

@farhanjimale Somali Minister Mariam Qasim told @BBCSomali the country will have one united curriculum for education system within 12 months. #Somalia.

Follow the conversation →

Image of the day

Image of the day This 1980 International Women’s Day poster depicts Somali women as actively involved in the growth of different sectors. Photo: @Al_maasE.