May 16, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.
UN warns Somali leaders on deadline
16 May – Source: Independent Online/ Sapa/AFP/AP – 411 words
United Nations heavyweights on Tuesday expressed concern that Somalia’s transitional administration is behind on a timetable to set up a permanent government by August. The United States, Britain, France and Germany all warned Somalia’s president at a Security Council meeting that international support was conditional on reaching key political targets.
With Somali and African forces claiming decisive victories over Islamic rebels, the United Nations has already extended the mandate for the transitional government for one year to August 20. Western nations say the date cannot be extended again.
The Security Council said in a statement that with time running out, the political process is now at a “critical phase”. Council members praised progress made so far, but “expressed concern that some deadlines for the completion of tasks had already been missed”.
The council called on President Sharif Shekh Ahmed and his government to “redouble” efforts to set up a constituent assembly and adopt a constitution by August.
Key Headlines
- Somali president calls on International Community to boost help his country (Shabelle)
- Security Council press statement on Somalia (UN)
- UN warns Somali leaders on deadline (Independent Online/ Sapa/AFP/AP)
- Remarks by Ambassador Susan E. Rice U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations at a Security Council Briefing on Somalia ( Raxanreeb)
- EU opposed to extending mandate of Somali Transitional Institutions (RTT News)
- Al Shabaab issues new order (Daily Nation)
- Five seriously injured in blasts in Mombasa (Coast Week/Xinhua/Daily Nation)
- Hooded thugs kill village elder in Baidoa (Radio Bar-kulan/Shabelle)
PRESS STATEMENT
Security Council press statement on Somalia
15 May – Source: UN – 341 words
The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Agshin Mehdiyev (Azerbaijan): On Tuesday, 15 May, the members of the Security Council received a briefing from Augustine P. Mahiga, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, and President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed of Somalia.
The members of the Security Council noted that the political process in Somalia was at a critical phase, with only three months to go until the end of the transitional period on 20 August. The members of the Security Council welcomed progress so far in the implementation of the road map to end the transition, and reaffirmed their commitment to support the process. They expressed concern that some deadlines for the completion of tasks had already been missed.
The members of the Security Council urged the Transitional Federal Institutions and all other signatories of the road map to redouble their efforts to complete the road map tasks, including the creation of a representative Constituent Assembly, with participation of women and civil society, and the adoption of a Constitution underpinned by respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
They stressed the primary responsibility of the Somali parties to reach agreement on broad-based, inclusive and representative post-transitional arrangements, in line with the Djibouti Agreement, road map and Garowe Principles. The members urged the Transitional Federal Institutions and the road map signatories to abide by their commitments and stressed the importance of a transparent and legitimate political process, including public consultation on the Constitution. Building effective governance through representative and accountable institutions at every level would be key to securing lasting peace and stability in Somalia.
SOMALI MEDIA
Somali president calls on International Community to boost help his country
16 May – Source: Shabelle – 102 words
Somali president Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, asked International Community for a full support during his briefs at the Security Council in New York on Wednesday. Mr. Ahmed called on the International Community to boost their efforts to help his conflict-ridden country through its peace and National Reconciliation process.
On the other hand, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Augustine P. Mahiga, told the Security Council in New York. “We must provide timely logistical and financial support to enable us to complete the implementation of the roadmap before August this year, as well as strengthen International Cooperation and Coordination.”
Remarks by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at a Security Council Briefing on Somalia
16 May – Source: Raxanreeb – 379 words
Thank you, Mr. President, thank you, Special Representative Mahiga, for your briefing, and welcome, President Sharif.
Somalia stands at a critical moment in its history. One year ago, al-Shabaab controlled and terrorized large swaths of Somalia, millions were at risk of starvation, and the country’s leaders focused more on feuding amongst themselves than working to improve the condition of the Somali people. One year ago, in Nairobi, this Council delivered a blunt message to the TFG that it risked losing international support, if it did not get its act together and resolve its differences.
Today, Somalia is in a different and better place. But significant challenges lie ahead. The mandate of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) comes to an end in August 2012. Any delay or backsliding in implementing the transition is totally unacceptable. Somalia and the wider region cannot afford to revert to the endless cycles of violence and suffering that have plagued the country and threatened the region for decades.
There are, encouragingly, signs of promise for the country and its people. For the first time in a generation, Somalia has a solid plan for creating a functional state, and the conditions for its implementation continue to ripen. In the last few months, the TFG as well as other Roadmap signatories and the international community have taken important steps to implement the Roadmap to End the Transition, as defined by the Garowe Principles. A draft constitution has been circulated to the Roadmap signatories. Elders have been selected to appoint delegates to the Constituent Assembly and are meeting now to do so.
Hooded thugs kill village elder in Baidoa
16 May – Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Shabelle – 109 words
Armed gangs last night shot dead a village elder in southwest Somali city of Baidoa, reports say. The gangs reportedly attacked Adan Hayle, near his home in Baidoa’s Bardale neighbourhood. Four hooded gangs armed with pistols carried out the attack and fled the scene of the incident, according eyewitnesses who spoke to Bar-kulan on condition of anonymity.
Government soldiers who arrived at the scene of the incident conducted search operation around the area but no arrests were so far made regarding the incident. No group has claimed responsibility of the attack but suspicion is likely to fall on al Shabaab militants who were ousted from the city few months ago.
Meanwhile, in the capital, Mogadishu, a man was killed last night by gunmen at Jamhuriyah village in Mogadishu’s Karan district, according to locals who spoke with Shabelle Media by phone. Witnesses said the killing followed after the man refused to hand over his cell-phone forcibly to the gunmen and then they shot him killed instantly.
56th Anniversary of Somali Youth League Celebrated
15 May – Source: Radio Mogadishu, Somalia Report – 64 words
Well organized ceremonies commemorating the 69th anniversary of the establishment of Somali Youth League (SYL), the first political party in Somalia, were held in different cities of Somalia on Tuesday. On May 15, 1943, a group of young Somalis established the SYL party, which played a key role in Somalia’s road to independence. The ceremonies were held in Mogadishu, Galkao, Garowe, and Bosaso cities.
Pirates seize Save the Children drivers, cars
15 May – Source: Somalia Report – 293 words
Armed Somali pirates ambushed two Land Cruisers rented to the non-governmental organization Save the Children and Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Agency (HADMA) and seized the two drivers and passengers in Kiiley village, 30 km from Iskushuban (Iscuscuiban), district in Puntland’s Bari region, while they were traveling to the port city of Bosaso on Monday, according to the Puntland officials.
Other reports indicate the incident occurred in Timirshe just north of Isku-Shuban, near the Golis mountains. Timirshe is also the site of the recent movement by the Puntland Marine Police Force. A third source said it occurred in Biki 20kms, northeast of Iskushuban.
Ahmed Mohamed, a police officer in Iskushuban police told Somalia Report that pirates fired on the vehicles, forcing them to stop. After the staff were removed from the vehicles and temporarily held they were freed and transferred to Qardo by commercial bus and are safe. Pirates are still holding the drivers and the vehicles, one of which is reportedly owned by member from a local clan.
In Somaliland, 1100 teachers complete teacher training courses
16 May – Source: Somaliland Press – 161 words
Somaliland’s Vice-President Abdulrahman A. Ismail on Tuesday congratulated 1,100 teachers who concluded teacher training courses in the capital. Teachers from universities, secondary colleges and primary schools took part in the two-year programme working on a range of measures designed to lift teacher quality.
During a reception held in Hargeisa, Mr. Ismail said teachers and educators were at the centre of the educational process and cultural generativist. He thanked everyone who took part in the programme. “Teachers are needed to shoulder the heavy responsibilities of fostering students’ engagement in education and delivering quality education,” he said.
Pointing out that good teachers were at the centre of improving education quality, the Vice-President said they were making changes to the education sector. Mr. Ismail said his government is working to improve the welfare of teachers. He went on to say in 2011 his administration added 2,000 teachers to the education sector while in this year they have recruited 560 teachers so far.
Somali warlord escapes from Ethiopian jail
15 May – Source: Keyd Media/Somali Midnimo – 143 words
Reliable sources confirmed to Keyd Media by phone from El-Wak town in Gedo region that Barre Hirale, Somali warlord accompaned by senior army officers have arrived in town on Tuesday, Keydmedia reports.
The warlord reportedly escaped from a jail in Dolow district, a border town in the southwestern Gedo region of Somalia, just 50 km north of Luuq, which was controlled by Ethiopian troops where they have been keeping him for more than two years.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Five seriously injured in blasts in Mombasa
16 May – Source: Coast Week/Xinhua/Daily Nation – 381 words
At least five people were seriously injured in two grenade attacks in Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa on Tuesday night, police and a humanitarian agency have confirmed.
Regional Police Commander Aggrey Adoli said one of the attacks involved a suspect, who was among the revelers in the Bella Vista club in the central district of Mombasa and threw a grenade, but left a pistol behind. The attack injured four people, who have been rushed to the hospital. The commander made no comment on another attack.
The Kenyan military launched an incursion into southern Somalia in October 2011 in response to kidnapping by al Shabaab, which has since retaliated with grenade attacks, killing at least 15 police officers and more than 30 civilians.
Al Shabaab issues new order
15 May – Source: Daily Nation – 167 words
Orders for men to grow their beards and to trim moustaches have been given by militants loyal to al Shabaab. The radical Islamist group is opposing the Transitional Federal Government in Mudug region in Central Somalia. The fanatical militants also instructed residents to strictly attend prayers at mosques.
“Following calls by muezzin, all men are ordered to join the prayers at mosques,” said a militia leader at Bud-bud area in Mudug region. He added that persons moving around or engaged in businesses would be punished.
Usually, failure to comply with al Shabaab orders attracts flogging of offenders in public. Other offences such as theft, robbery and adultery may be punishable limb amputations or put to death by stoning.
UNSC concerned some deadlines in Somali political roadmap haven’t been met yet
15 May – Source: Kuwait News Agency – 285 Words
The Security Council on Tuesday welcomed the progress achieved so far in the implementation of the Roadmap to end the Transition in Somalia, but expressed concern that some deadlines have not been met yet.
Council President Ambassador Agshin Mehdiyev of Azerbaijan said in a press statement that the council expressed concern that some deadlines for the completion of tasks in Somalia had already been missed, and urged Transitional Federal Institutions and all other signatories of the roadmap to redouble their efforts to complete those tasks.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
UN warns Somali leaders on deadline
16 May – Source: Independent Online/ Sapa/AFP/AP – 411 words
United Nations heavyweights on Tuesday expressed concern that Somalia’s transitional administration is behind on a timetable to set up a permanent government by August. The United States, Britain, France and Germany all warned Somalia’s president at a Security Council meeting that international support was conditional on reaching key political targets.
With Somali and African forces claiming decisive victories over Islamic rebels, the United Nations has already extended the mandate for the transitional government for one year to August 20. Western nations say the date cannot be extended again.
The Security Council said in a statement that with time running out, the political process is now at a “critical phase”. Council members praised progress made so far, but “expressed concern that some deadlines for the completion of tasks had already been missed”.
The council called on President Sharif Shekh Ahmed and his government to “redouble” efforts to set up a constituent assembly and adopt a constitution by August.
EU opposed to extending mandate of Somali Transitional Institutions
15 May – Source: RTT News – 500 words
The European Union stated its opposition to extending the mandate of Somalia’s Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) beyond the the August 20 deadline set by the international community for completing the political transition process in the troubled Horn of Africa nation.
“The EU rejects any further extension of the mandate of the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) in line with the outcome of the International Conference on Somalia in London on 23 February 2012,” said a statement adopted at an EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting held in Brussels on Monday.
Reminding Somalia’s transitional authorities that only three months remained for the expiry of the August 20 deadline set to end the political transition process, the Council urged them to seize this opportunity and to implement their commitments within the set time-frame.
Welcoming the progress made by the interim authorities so far and stressing that the responsibility for the design and delivery of a political solution lies with Somalis themselves, the Council said: “The Garowe Principles agreed by the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), the other signatories of the Kampala Roadmap and civil society, provide a sound basis for that solution.”
The Council noted the importance of the immediate establishment of new institutions and the adoption of a new Constitution by a representative Constituent Assembly in full transparency, saying: “This Constitution, subject to a national referendum in due course, must be underpinned by respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including women’s rights and the rights of persons belonging to minorities.”
The Council welcomed the continued international support for the commitments agreed under the Roadmap and Garowe Processes by the Somali leadership and stressed that EU would continue to monitor the success achieved by Somalia’s transitional authorities in fulfilling their obligations. It added that the progress in implementing those commitments by the interim leadership would guide EU support to the political process in Somalia.
High-seas drama at Somali piracy trial in Italy
15 May – Source: AFP – 756 words
A high-seas drama with Kalashnikov and rocket-propelled grenade fire gripped a Rome courtroom at the trial of alleged Somali pirates Tuesday, as EU forces blasted a pirate base for the first time.
“We’re alive by a miracle,” said an emotional Stefano Mariotti, a crew member on board the Italian-flagged Montecristo cargo ship when it came under attack by pirate speedboats off the coast of Somalia on October 10, 2011.
Mariotti and the 22 other crew members managed to avoid being taken hostage by the pirates by sealing themselves in a special area of the engine room and overriding the pirates’ attempts to steer the ship towards Somalia.
“I sent an SOS signal from our satellite phone. When we saw them loading a second grenade, we ran to the citadel,” said Mariotti, looking at the eight suspected pirates behind bars on the defendants’ benches.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Hundreds of young Somalis completed military training in Uganda last week. The recruits are now bound for home, scheduled to join local armed forces in an ongoing struggle against al Shabaab militants. By yearend, the number of Uganda-trained military is expected to reach 3,000. But will they stay loyal? Or, like others before them, will they become Somalia’s own worst enemy?”
Somali troops: toughen up to stay true to whom?
15 May – Source: Radio Netherlands – 412 Words
Bright sunshine reflects off hundreds of brand-new bayonets. Tied to automatic rifles, the bayonets are held by army recruits. Some 600 from Somalia and 200 from Uganda have just completed a six-month training session as part of a European Union-funded programme. By its conclusion in December, the programme will have run for three years.
“Watch out, we will soon see a group of terrorists appear,” warns an army trainer named Wamara. He stands next to some brick buildings constructed to resemble a market area in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. Indeed, the “terrorists” emerge.
Minutes later, the recruits storm the buildings. They take out some insurgents and arrest others. Then the exercise is over. Here in the green hills of Bihanga, in Uganda’s Western Region, visitors have just witnessed a simulation of the situation in Somalia.
“The international community who has backed the TFG wants results by August, and anyone who tries to stand in front of the process has been given a clear warning, to back off or face repercussions. However a process that will hopefully return Somalia to a country not divided by clans or regions with a functioning government cannot be completed in two weeks.”
Somalia: Why rush such an important constitution?
15 May – Source: Garowe Online – 502 Words
Across Somalia, 135 elders where chosen to pick the National Constituent Assembly (NCA) as defined in the Galkayo principles signed by leaders in March.
However the meeting has been marred by rumors that the elders will have to pick the 825 representatives of the NCA while in the war-torn capital, Mogadishu. If that was hard enough they have to pick the representatives so the proposed constitutional meeting could take place on the 15th of May.
Since May 5 2012, 135 traditional elders based on the 4.5 system have been meeting in Mogadishu to choose the NCA. Since opening day of the conference there have been setbacks and delays. The opening day of the conference was delayed for 7 hours and the second day of the meeting almost did not occur. To top that off, there are still traditional elders that have not attended that meeting as of yet.
“Currently it is clear that the Somali people in general want to kill the so Draft Constitution at birth, and for this reason, the government is attacking its people with refusing to pay the salaries of the parliamentarians and members of the army personnel who should safeguard the peace and the security of the capital Mogadishu. On the streets of Mogadishu, the citizens are outraged and describe the government’s action as blackmail. Local intellectuals and experts predict that it won’t take long before the people fiercely attack the government’s property and the matter could turn into a riot.”
Is Somalia Slipping Into Abyss?
15 May – Source: News Blaze – 741 Words
Bizarre things are happening in Somalia these days that no one has anticipated, but it seems that cannot be avoided unless the mental power works. This country, according to some Western nations, is a threat to the Horn of Africa nations, especially those governments that have boundaries with Somalia. After more than twenty years, Somalia is still known as a failed state and at same time one of the poorest of the modern world. Two decade ago Somalia was able to feed its people without relying on external aid!
Surely the leaders of Somali government have failed politically, economically and socially. Instead of thinking about the future of the people, the politicians have put their weight on how to save their political positions. Therefore the Somali society has become the victim of a wrong policy and incorrect strategy.
Now that the government’s time is almost close to the end, the leaders are trying to save their seats with a new Draft Constitution which seems that most of the Somali people cannot swallow and ingest.
“Terrorists are creative and we take jihadists like al Shabaab to bear such credentials hence the ease with which they have deployed grenade attacks across Kenya and avoided using suicide style bearing heavy explosives to inflict substantial damage. The objective of terror is to inflict fear and uncertainty of security, this is the current doctrine al Shabaab is using against Kenyans, ‘scaring the Kenyans by convincing them they are vulnerable anytime and anywhere’. However, there has been too much European jihadists pro al Shabaab coming to Kenya meaning there has been a shift in style to deploy terror in Kenya.”
Terror Threat in Kenya, Possible Shift in Al Shabaab Target and Style Principal
16 May – Source: Intelligence Briefs – 423 Words
Kenya will most likely suffer a unique type of terror attack in the coming days as current style and plan used by al Shabaab yields less effective results. Al Shabaab terror operatives have consistently used grenades in their efforts dispatching hit-and-run bandits who make their run with getaway cars.
This method is risky and quite easy to track to the terrorists and their contacts. Al Shabaab is aware of this fact hence working hard to deploy a new strategy.
To most intelligence analysts analyzing a potential threat before an attack takes place is like filling a numbers puzzle, but, though difficult, the shifts in the game play is foreseen.
“I think this latest move about a Constitution for Somalia is designed to create the conditions for a new cycle of violence in the country with which to further complicate the situation and start a new conflict among the Somali people. But with al Shabaab already poised to destroying Somalia, who else would want to restart another conflict in the world’s worst failed nation state? This is for everyone’s guess. Whose ideas was it in the first place to bring up this alien and sensitive subject before securing the country and strengthening its institutions?”
The Somali people and the new Draft Somali Constitution
15 May – Source: Wardheer News – 1993 Words
What is a Constitution? I fully understood the word ‘Constitution’ in 1994 while I was setting up a project that was designed to help find employment and training opportunities for the Somali and other immigrant communities in the West London Borough of Hounslow. A UK Voluntary Sector trainer described the word ‘Constitution’ to me as ‘a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organisation is governed’ – Fine words.But in today’s Somalia, what does a Constitution really mean to the ordinary Somalis?
In the past few weeks, the Somali people heard about the word ‘Constitution’ more often than at any time in their painful past history. If you tuned in to the Voice of America Somali Service these days, the presenter has always new guests in the studio or on the phone to interrogate them about the new Draft Somali Constitution.
Top tweets
@geoffreyyork EU raid on Somali pirate base: latest chapter in long history of foreign military intervention in #Somalia http://bit.ly/
@AmbassadorRice Onus is on #Somalia‘s leaders to seize this moment & establish a strong foundation for peace & stability. Somalis deserve nothing less.
@CeynteJr #Shabaab demanded men in #Mudug region to grow giant beard and trim moustaches http://bit.ly/
@RadioPakistan We support the addition of the maritime component to #AMISOM as well as actions of international naval coalition against piracy: Pakistan.
@Africa_Conf #Somalia: graphic showing #US training of #AMISOM troops in #Uganda #Burundi via @
Image of the day
Somali Youth attend celebration marking the 69th anniversary of the establishment of Somali Youth League (SYL) in Mogadishu. Photo: Radio Mogadishu.