May 12, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Somali piracy in decline, but danger still lurks

12 May – Source: EU Business – 805 words

Off the coast of Somalia, a sailor on board the French ship Sirocco observes two dhows through binoculars, establishing they are both bona fide fishing vessels. If the coast of the autonomous region of Puntland is still home to pirates, they take to the seas a lot less frequently than they used to.

The presence of an international armada and the deterrents put in place by shipping companies have reduced piracy off the Somali coast and in the Gulf of Aden to practically nothing. But the threat is still very present.

According to the European anti-piracy fleet Atalanta, the last capture of a major vessel by pirates dates back to May 2012. Since then several vessels have been attacked or targeted but the pirates have not actually managed to seize any of them.

Key Headlines

More than 40 traditional elders from Southern Somalia visit Somaliland (BBC Somali Service)
Two elders escape assassination attempt in Beled-Hawa (Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Shabelle)
Al Shabaab trains 20 youth deported from Kenya (RBC)
Kismayo commissioner: “IGAD is committed in reconstruction of areas under Juba administration”(Radio Goobjoog/Radio Garowe)
Daynille deputy commissioner resigns (Radio Goobjoog/Radio Dalsan)
Juba security forces launch security crackdown in Kismayo ( Radio Goobjoog)
Somali Government Begins Training for Administrators of Newly Recovered Areas(Somalicurrent/Dhanaan Online)
Galgadud farmers hopeful of higher crop production (Radio Bar-kulan)
Retreating al Shabaab holding people hostage (Gulf Times)
Somaliland National Assembly Speaker Meets with Finnish Minister for International Development(Somaliland Informer)
Two people die as landmine explodes in Wajid (Radio Goobjoog)
Somaliland SOLJA Condemns Government Actions against Freedom of Speech (Somaliland Sun)
Suspected Thika Road bombers revealed to be relatives (Standard Media)
Exclusive: UK Ambassador to Somalia Amb. Neil Wigan (Hiiraan Online)
Somali President in Uganda (New Vision)
Sierra Leone AU troops ‘want out of Somalia’ (Africa Review)
Kenyan senator backs KDF in Somalia (Standard Media)
Al Shabaab claims burning of Ethiopian military car seizing vehicle carrying Khat (Al Shahid)
Kenya Somalia yet to find truce on envoy’s arrest in Usalama Watch (Standard Media)
Somali piracy in decline but danger still lurks (EU Business)
After Westgate Kenya goes to war against al Shabaab (Channel 4)

SOMALI MEDIA

More than 40 traditional elders from Southern Somalia visit Somaliland

12 May – Source: BBC Somali Service/RBC/Radio Dalsan/Kismaayo News – 165 words

Around 45 Somali traditional elders from the country’s south and central regions are currently visiting the northwestern regions of Somalia which is a breakaway region known as Somaliland. The elders landed in Hargeisa late last week and started what they termed as peace tour to several towns including Borame town of Awdal region.

“We came to Somaliland to see the people and to observe the situation of our brothers in these regions of the north,” Elder Mohamed Hassan Had who is leading the group of the elders said. “Our mission is based on traditional means and not political one,” he added.

According to sources in Hargeisa, the visit of the elders is the result of the latest agreement between the Federal Government of Somalia and the breakaway region of Somaliland which states the integration of both societies.

The Turkish-brokered agreement between the Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland administration also called both governments to cease hostility sentiments and create an atmosphere of peace and integration.

Two elders escape assassination attempt in Beled-Hawa

12 May- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Shabelle-134 words

Two community elders have on Sunday night narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in the Somali-Kenya border town of Beled-Hawa, Gedo region. The two elders, Idiris and Herow told Bar-kulan that armed men opened fire on their houses on Sunday night but managed to escape unhurt. The elders said they do not know the motives behind the attack which they say apparently was a blot to kill them. One of the elders in Beled-Hawa who asked to remain anonymous told Bar-kulan that the attack was behind by some elements in the town who oppose the peace and stabilization efforts championed by the two elders. Reports from the town added that one woman was injured in the attack against the elders and is being treated at Beled-Hawa district hospital.

Al Shabaab trains 20 youth deported from Kenya

12 May – Source: RBC – 158 words

The al Qaeda-linked militant group in Somalia al Shabaab opened a military training course for 20 Somali youth who were recently deported from Kenya in its latest swoop against Somalis. According to al Shabab radio in Barawe, the militant officers addressed the 20 youth in Bay region where the training will take place.

Sheikh Fu’ad Mohamed Shongole was among the al Shabaab officials who addressed the young trainees has encouraged them to complete the military training and be prepared to a new war against the Kenyan forces in Somalia. “Today you have an opportunity to revenge of Kenyan Forces in Somalia.” Shongole told the trainees.

This is the first training by al Shabaab in the recent months. The number of youth lured by al Shabaab gradually decreased since 2011 when the group retreated from its bases in Mogadishu. Local analysts claim that al Shabaab has got a golden space to convince the deported youth into their ranks.

Daynille deputy commissioner resigns

12 May – Source: Radio Goobjoog/Radio Dalsan – 106 words

The deputy commissioner of Daynille district in Banadir region Fooley Dhiblaawe Mohamud left his job. While giving exclusive to Goobjoog FM through telephone, Fooley said he not ready to serve as the deputy commissioner any more. He declined to give comment about the exact reasons behind his resignation but stated that he is not capable of holding that responsibility.

The regional governor of Banadir region and mayor of Mogadishu, Muungaab officially appointed both the commissioner and the deputy 5th of this month. This is the second person among the officials of Banadir region to resign since Muungaab took office earlier this year.

Jubba security forces launch security crackdown in Kismayo

12 May- Source: Radio Goobjoog- 118 words

The security forces of Jubba Interim Administration have conducted security operations in the port city of Kismayo the past few hours. Security officials told the media that they arrested many people who use to rob the civilians using artificial pistols and rifles. The officials also confirmed that they seized drugs including Hashish and marijuana and the drug dealers.

Gen. Duale Ali Mire, one of the security officials in Kismayo asked the businessmen to stop selling artificial weapons that mostly threatens the security of the region. He also sent stern warnings to the drug dealers and the criminals in the region. Gen. Duale said that the operations against criminals in the city will continue until the overall security is maintained.

Somali Government Begins Training for Administrators of Newly Recovered Areas

11 May- Source: Somalicurrent/Dhanaan Online- 394 words

The Federal Government of Somalia on 10 May began training local administrators in a move aimed at extending public service delivery in newly recovered areas of the country.

Some 10 towns have been liberated from the control of Al Shabaab in the joint February-April offensive by the Somali National Army (SNA) and AMISOM.

The training, organized by the Ministry of Interior and Federalism, brings together 165 local government, police, intelligence and judicial officers who will undergo intensive sessions on re-establishing the government’s relationship with the people, and improving public service delivery and the rule of the law.

Speaking at the General Kaahiye Police Academy in Mogadishu, where the training will take place, Somalia’s Minister of Interior and Federalism, Abdullahi Godah Barre, described the recent victories against Al Shabaab and the commencement of the training as a watershed moment for stability in Somalia.

“There have been a lot of trainings in this country but this one is different. It is different because after a really long time, we are starting to plan for the towns and villages in the country. Today, it has become possible for us to train the cadets, police commanders, intelligence chiefs, magistrates and District Commissioners who will be representatives of the entire government in those areas,” said the minister.

More than two decades of civil war have decimated government presence and vital public services in towns and villages across the country.

“The trainings that they will be receiving over the next two weeks are in the areas of governance in terms of service delivery, in terms of bringing the state and re-connecting the people to the state, people who have been living under very difficult conditions under Al Shabaab and for whom the relationship with the State has been broken for a very long period,” said Hamadzripi Munyikwa, one of the trainers from the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa. “These trainings are to begin to build some form of state interaction between local communities and the government,” he added.
Somalia’s provisional Constitution, a crucial part of the country’s political reform roadmap, changed the country’s political system from a unitary to a federal system.

The new administrators form the beginnings of the manifestation of this federal system aimed at decentralizing and government services to the grassroots.

Galgadud farmers hopeful of higher crop production

12 May- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 108 words

Somali farmers in many parts of Galgadud region including El-bur, Galharere, El-dher and Gal’ad have expressed high hopes over their crop production next season following the start of the much-awaited rains in the country. Some of the farmers in the area who spoke to Bar-kulan on Monday reported to have received enough rain falls to result the production of profitable crops next year. The farmers however, mentioned that large fertile areas in the region are yet to receive rain. Galgadud farmers are known for their production of essential crops such as maize, legumes and beans as well as watermelon.

Somaliland National Assembly Speaker Meets with Finnish Minister for International Development

11 May – Source: Somaliland Informer – 89 words

The Speaker of the House of Assembly who is also the Chairman of the opposition National Party Hon. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Iro) has met with the Finland Minister for International Development Mr. Pekka Haavisto in the Finnish capital of Helsinki.

The duo talked about how both countries could cooperate so as to draw closer in bilateral relation.Hon Abdirhaman asked the Finnish government to assist Somaliland’s economical development aid. He also requested the Minister to help Somaliland government on her quest to seek International recognition as an independent state.

Two people die as landmine explodes in Wajid

11 May – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 84 words

Two people died and scores wounded after land mine explosion occurred in Wajiddistrict of Bakol region. The wounded people were rushed to the hospitals in the district. The explosion was aimed at government forces in the heart of the town. The security forces opened fire and launched operations in the area. After the explosions the business activities came to stand still as most people stayed indoors. No one has immediately claimed the responsibility of the explosion.

Kismayo commissioner: “IGAD is committed in reconstruction of areas under Jubba administration”

12 May- Source: Radio Goobjoog/Radio Garowe/Kismaayonews- 129 words

The interim administration of Jubba in Southern Somalia stated that IGAD is committed to take part in reconstruction of the areas under the control of interim Jubba administration.

The district commissioner of Kismayo Mohamed Adan Timajilic told the media that they discussed with IGAD delegates many issues including security, reconciliation and promoting social services in the region.

On the other hand the commissioner stated that they contacted Bare Adan Shire aka Bare Hirale, one of the rivals of Juba administration in the outskirts of Kismayo to start peaceful negotiations, but Hirale boycotted. He added that the administration will take immediate decision from him.

IGAD delegates led by IGAD special representative to Somalia Mohamed Abdi Affey arrived in Kismayo and held closed door meeting with top leaders of Juba administration.

Somaliland SOLJA Condemns Government Actions against Freedom of Speech

11 May – Source: Somaliland Sun – 118 words

On May 10 2014 Somaliland authorities have arrested the owner and founder of “Haatuf and Somaliland Times Mr. Yusuf Abdi Gaboobe and the Chief Editor Mr. Ahmed Eggeh.

the two journalists have appeared before a Hargeisa court with heavy guarded by hundreds of policemen and vehicles for the mentioning of the libel case filed by top government officials.

The court also heard the testimonies of the Minister of Interior Hon Ali Mohamed Waran Cade and the Minister of Energy and Mineral Hon Hussein Abdi Dualeh who failed the stand to give evidence in the libel case.

Judge Feisal “Dhago Dhago” the chief magistrate of Hargeisa district courts used Penal Code for their arrest and ignored Somaliland Press Law.

Exclusive: UK Ambassador to Somalia Amb. Neil Wigan

10 May – Source: Hiiraan Online – 12:45 min

“We will help Somali government for the 2016 elections” Exclusive Interview with UK Ambassador to Somalia Ambassador Neil Wigan.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Somali President in Uganda

12 May – Source: New Vision – 76 words

The Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is in Uganda to hold talks with his counterpart President Yoweri Museveni. Sheikh Mohamud was received at Entebbe International Airport by State Minister for Regional Affairs, Asuman Kiyingi as well as some senior security officials.

However, New Vision could not readily establish the issues to be discussed by the two Presidents. Uganda is a leading contributor of a peacekeeping contingent in Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Sierra Leone AU troops ‘want out of Somalia’

11 May – Source: Africa Review – 137 words

The Sierra Leonean government’s effort to put out a brave face of its military involvement in Somalia has run into headwinds following reports that troops are demanding a return home. This follows on the heels of a dispute over the soldiers’ pay last year. According to Sierra Leonean media, the current claims centre around a demand that Freetown observe its practice of rotational deployment. About nine members of the west African country’s 850-strong contingent deployed last year say they have overstayed their one year tour of duty. They claimed that the depression and frustration caused by the hard times experienced in Somalia had led to the death of one of their colleague, independent media reported. Lance Corporal Alusine Yorpoi died at a Nairobi hospital 10 days after admission following an undisclosed illness, the bi-weekly Politico newspaper said.

Kenyan senator backs KDF in Somalia

11 May – Source: Standard Media – 148 words

Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama has broken ranks with CORD leaders’ call on the Government to withdraw the military from Somalia. Speaking during commissioning of a new complex at Mbilini Primary School in Kangundo constituency over the weekend, Mr Muthama said such a move would amount to cowardice. In a rare sign of support to Jubilee government, the outspoken senator said he was fully behind President Uhuru Kenyatta’s resolve to pursue the perpetrators of terror inside Somalia. “Politics aside, I want to declare my support for President Kenyatta’s resolve as the Commander In Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces to dispatch our soldiers to Somalia, and all Kenyans of goodwill should back this noble action,” said Muthama. He described the frequent terror attacks as ‘last kicks of a dying horse’, which must be fought back with resilience and extra vigilance by all Kenyans.

Retreating al Shabaab holding people hostage

11 May – Source: Gulf Times – 760 words

The al Shabaab group is rapidly losing ground to Somali government and African Union forces in their nearly decade-long conflict, but it has no intention of conceding defeat.

The group is developing new tactics such as urging residents to leave towns captured by the government, al Shabaab official who requested anonymity told DPA from the south-central region of Hiiraan by telephone.

“Our fighters are ready to fight the enemy until our last blood is shed,” he vowed.

The group, which stunned the world with an attack against a Nairobi shopping mall that killed nearly 70 people in September, controlled most of southern and central Somalia and parts of Mogadishu in 2009-2010.

But by the following year, it had lost control of key cities, and a new government offensive has now driven it out of 10 towns. The conflict has cost thousands of lives. Al Shabaab’s estimated 5,000 fighters are facing at least 8,000 Somali soldiers and 24,000 AU peacekeepers.

Al Shabaab claims burning of Ethiopian military car, seizing vehicle carrying Khat

11 May – Source: Al Shahid – 135 words

Al Shabaab officials claimed on Monday that they ambushed Ethiopian troops’ convoy and burned one of their vehicles in Bay region, southern Somalia. An official told al Shabaab media that their fighters with heavy weapons attacked the convoy which was travelling the road which links Badoa to Burhakaba town.

Meanwhile, the group claimed seizing a vehicle carrying Khat in the same region after surprise attack.
The claim of the group also indicates the group also seized a Somali soldier who was guarding the car which was carrying the Khat to the troops in the frontline.

Though al Shabaab declared the seizing of the car carrying Khat, Somali federal government told media that military troops in Bay region prevented al Shabaab from looting aid convoy which was aimed to assist some families who live at the suburb of Baidoa town.

Suspected Thika Road bombers revealed to be relatives

09 May – Source: Standard Media – 147 words

Three of the suspects arrested over the twin matatu explosion on Thika Superhighway are relatives from Homa Bay. The fourth suspect identified as Ivy Mweu is the wife to the Kelvin Ochieng, the man police say is the main suspect.

Others are Rose Atieno, his sister and Edwin Odhiambo who is Ochieng’s brother. It is alleged that Ochieng and his collaborators escaped from the scene on a motorbike after causing the blasts that left three people dead and more than 50 injured.

It was not clear whether Ochieng’s three relatives were part of the terror gang that struck on May 4, killing and maiming passengers aboard the buses heading to Mwiki and Githurai 45. All of them were picked from Ochieng’s house in Mwiki on May 7. They were handed over to Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) for more questioning.

Kenya, Somalia yet to find truce on envoy’s arrest in Usalama Watch

10 May- Source: Standard Media- 544 words

Somalia’s state minister for Foreign Affairs, Buri Mohamed Hamza, has expressed concern over the recent arrest of a Somali diplomat, Siyad Mohamud Shire in Nairobi. He, however, hopes the incident would not lead to serious diplomatic strains between the two neighbouring countries. In an exclusive interview with The Standard on Sunday, Hamza called on the Kenyan government to ‘exercise restraint’ in its handling of Somalis living on its soil to help boost ties. “We are saddened by the incident, but hope to overcome this difference,” he said. Since last month, Kenyan security forces have been carrying out security swoops in Nairobi amid security threats. Consequently, nearly 300 Somalis were deported to Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, in a move that angered many ordinary Somalis and put more pressure on the Somali government to retaliate.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somali piracy in decline, but danger still lurks

12 May – Source: EU Business – 805 words

After Westgate, Kenya goes to war against al Shabaab

12 May – Source: Channel 4 – 160 words

Since the Westgate shopping mall attacks, many Kenyans now live in fear. But the government’s anti-terror crackdown has angered many Muslims, some of whom have flocked to al Shabaab.

The worsening security situation in Kenya is very worrying. The al Shabaab assault on the Westgate shopping mall in 2013, which resulted in the deaths of 67 people, grabbed international headlines, but it wasn’t the first.

Grenade attacks and other bombings have become commonplace since the Kenyan army invaded Somalia in 2011. Only last week both Nairobi and Mombasa were struck. The Somali terrorist group was accused by Kenya of being behind both these recent attacks, even though the group has not claimed responsibility.

In response to the attacks, thousands of Somalis in Kenya have been rounded up, imprisoned and some deported to Mogadishu. In response, human rights groups have urged a stop to the crackdown: “Kenyan police and other security agencies should stop arbitrary arrests and detentions, extortion, and other abuses against Somalis”.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Saviours had become dominators after some time. It would be unfortunate to overstay our welcome in Somalia: Let us preserve our reputation as liberators by having a sound road map for getting out while the going is good.”

We need a roadmap to get our gallant soldiers out of Somalia

11 May – Source: Standard Media -1034 words

The pan-Africanist and social democrat that he was, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere stated his belief in the oneness of Africa and the need to defend human rights on the continent in a statement in the mid-60s that made a permanent impression on me as a young high school student.

He said: “Binadamu wote ni sawa na Afrika ni moja.” Meaning; “All human beings are equal and Africa is one.” But he also then made another equally powerful statement which influenced me in like manner. He said: “Mgeni siku moja siku ya pili mpe jembe.” Literally meaning: “A visitor for one day, on the second day gives him a hoe.”

I want to revisit these two statements with reference to our military presence in Somalia. We went into Somalia because we wanted to uproot the al Shabaab from their “home base”. We assumed, rightly or wrongly, that the basic cells of al Shabaab from which they organised attacks into Kenya were in Somalia. Flush them out of there and we shall ensure Kenya is safe from incursions by these terrorists.

“Here comes the nail. Radicalization is not a religious issue. Then what is it? In times like this, Kenyans need evidence built on terra firma not anecdotes.”

Radicalization in Kenya: Myth and Realities

11 May – Source: Somali Current – 1000 words

When a nation is reeling with pain, it expects help from every well-meaning party. In Kenya, both in print and electronic media, many have been giving their thoughts on the best way to deal with the al Shabaab threat and how to counter radicalization amid the remarkable sangfroid Kenyans have displayed.

Certainly, the citizenry must look for ways, both short and long term in addressing the vice. In this endeavour, a heavy burden rests on the shoulders of academics. We expect them to come up with cutting edge research, unbiased analysis and innovative ways in finding solutions many of who have done this with exception.

But there are those with unlimited space and airtime in the media who have given Kenyans biased analysis either deliberately or due to deficiency in knowledge on the subject matter. I hope it is the later.

The narrative being developed in Kenya is that there exist some Quran-wielding psychopaths who want to kill every Christian they can find. The debate has also seen the emergence of jacks of all trade who have ended up becoming masters of none. Failure to respond to these cavalier and haberdashery analysis is to abet academic impunity.

“The new threat to impeach the President highlights how MPs are motivated by all types of interests–all parts political, personal, social, and financial–that do not add up to a concrete vision for sculpting the country’s future.”

Can Somalia’s MPs Actually Impeach The President?

09 May- Source: Somalia Newsroom-675 Words

While aid agencies warn of another catastrophic hunger crisis amid low Gu rains, Somalia’s political cycle is in full swing. Over 100 MPs have signed and presented a petition to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud asking him to resign, citing 14 points of failure.

And by gaining a necessary 1/3 of votes from Somalia’s 275 MPs, parliament has also succeeded in tabling a motion to debate whether the President should be impeached–depending on whether he submits to pressure over his resignation. Importantly, MPs are seeking a resignation of the President rather than impeachment at this juncture.

This is because Article 92 of Somalia’s provisional constitution covering impeachment proceedings appears to require the action of a constitutional court–which currently does not exist–in order to determine the legitimacy of the grounds for discharging the president.

The absence of a constitutional court puts a legal obstacle to carrying out impeachment proceedings, and even MPs disagree on whether the Supreme Court–chaired by Justice Abdullahi Aideed Ilka Hanaf–is legally able to serve in its place.

Top tweets

@Guuleyste #BREAKING: Majority #Somalia MP’s voted in favour of a motion regarding the procurement contract with#Turkish company Favorite as illegal.

‏@SalahOsman0 After 23 Years of Civil War Somali People Starting to Rebuild the Streets, Baladweyn Town of Hiran Region in Somalia. pic.twitter.com/LX6T4yS3j6

@GenoWorldview Across #Somalia only 17% of people have access to any toilet facility! #SomaliaAlert pic.twitter.com/1HUBSYuOHy

‏@SomaliaEU EU flying into a cloudy Kismayo to join IGAD mission to consult SFG and IJA to take forward Addis agreement #Somalia pic.twitter.com/s172Tt0AIx

@stability_fund “The best bed a man can sleep on is peace” –#Somali proverb to start the week. pic.twitter.com/aPbpjGeBJs

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Image of the day

Image of the day A Somali Police officer gestures as he heads for training course. #AMISOM; capacity building key to exit strategy. Photo: @amisomsomalia