May 16, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Himan and Heeb security forces rescue kidnapped children
16 May- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mustaqbal- 162 words
Himan and Heeb security forces in central Somalia have managed to rescue 18 children abducted from Lower Shabelle region and the Somali capital, Mogadishu respectively.
Himan and Heeb Minister for Social Services, Omar Mohamed Dirie told Bar-kulan that four people, three women and a man believed to be behind the abduction of the children have been arrested.
The security forces seized a vehicle that the alleged kidnappers were travelling with the children in Adado district, Galgadud region. The children, 17 girls and a boy were aged between 6 and 11 years, according to Himan and Heeb officials.
Some of the families of the abducted children in Buulo village in Lower Shabelle region and the capital, Mogadishu reportedly made contacts with Himan and Heeb officials over the abduction of their children.
The children are currently being kept in a children’s home run by Himan and Heeb women while security officials are carrying out investigations into the four suspects.
Key Headlines
- Himan and Heeb security forces rescue kidnapped children (Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mustaqbal)
- President urges Somali youth to harness energy and commitment to rebuild Somalia (OP)
- Land Disputes Commission Formed (Radio Dalsan/Kismaayonews)
- Somali Defense Minister visits Gedo province amid ongoing tensions (Hiiraan Online)
- AMISOM asks Kenya Saudi to Halt Exiling Somalis (Radio Dalsan)
- Somali youth day marked in Mogadishu and other towns of the country (Radio Goobjoog/Radio Mogadishu)
- Kenya fumes as Western security warnings drive tourists out (Standard Media/Reuters)
- SYL Day Celebrations Held in Baidoa (Radio Dalsan)
- Polio vaccination in Galgadud region enters its second day (Radio Bar-kulan)
- Somaliland Delegation Arrives in Washington DC for 18th May Celebrations (Somaliland Sun)
- Somaliland Delegation Of Parliamentarian And National Party (Waddani) Welcomed In Melbourne Australia (Somaliland Informer)
- Teachers medical staff flee Kenyan border town amid fears of al Shabaab attacks (Sabahi Online)
- Somalia: Army court sets date for verdict (Daily Monitor)
- Kenyan terror threat prompts evacuation of UK tourists (BBC)
- Lawyers fight Dutch terror suspects arrest extradition (NL Times)
PRESS STATEMENT
President urges Somali youth to harness energy and commitment to rebuild Somalia
15 May – Source: Office of the Somali President – 349 words
Speaking at a Somali Youth Day celebration this evening, H.E. The President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, called on the young people of Somalia to use their energy, ambition and commitment to build a better Somalia.
Referencing the influence of the Somali Youth League, who in the 1950s were instrumental in ensuring that Somalia’s struggle for independence was successful, H.E. The President said, “Today, on the occasion of Somalia Youth Day, it is good that we acknowledge our history and those men and women who, though not very old, or very experienced, used their courage and energy to pave the way to build the nation we have today.”
H.E. The President described his pride in Somalia’s young people, saying that, “It is truly remarkable to see our youth, who have survived the destructive power of war, study, work and build up their lives against all odds.” He continued that he was encouraged to see young Somalis from the diaspora return to take part in rebuilding Somalia, stating, “What connects our young people- no matter where they are from or where they have lived till now- is their belief in this nation; they share more than a culture and a language, they share the same hopes and aspirations.”
More than 70% of Somalia’s population is under the age of thirty. H.E. The President acknowledged that many challenges remain for Somali youth, but he encouraged them to participate in creating the future they want, and to work with their elected representatives to do so.
“We must work together if we want the best for each other. As a government, we have responsibilities to you, and as young citizens, you have responsibilities to the government: you must participate, you must challenge what you want changed, you must seek for truth and demand hard work and results from the people you have elected to represent you,” said H.E. The President.
H.E. The President urged the crowd celebrating Somali Youth Day to engage with change, create and seize opportunities and play their part in determining the Somalia of the future.
Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed: “Today is a historic day, and it is important that we all remember the fathers of freedom”
15 May – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 325 words
The Prime Minster of the Somali Federal Government His Excellency Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed went to a major celebration to mark the 71st anniversary of the formation of the freedom-seeking organization, the Somali Youth League (SYL). The event was organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and was held in Mogadishu’s Konis Stadium.
During the well-attended celebration, youth groups presented different cultural performances including traditional dances and poetry to celebrate the place of youth in society. One of the previous members of SYL spoke about the history of the group and their role in Somalia’s quest for independence.
H.E Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed described the 71st anniversary of the formation of SYL as an event that signifies the history of the Somali nation and called on the Somali youth to emulate the youth of SYL who left a golden mark on the history of Somalia. He said his government will prioritize youth development since youth are the most vital part of society.
H.E. Prime Minister Ahmed said: “I am happy to celebrate this wonderful event with the Somali people and the youth of Somalia wherever they may be. On this day of May 15, 13 young people came together 71 years ago to lay the foundation for the freedom of our country, and it is a symbol of resilience and national pride.
“I urge all our youth to carry with them that spirit and to be part of our nation’s reconstruction and development. My government is committed to empowering the youth and ensuring they take their rightful place in our society.”
In addition to the Konis Stadium event, the Prime Minister joined a youth celebration taking place in Hiran Province by telephone and congratulated the youth of Hiran on the occasion while encouraging them to stay committed to the efforts to rebuild their communities. Later in the day, the Prime Minister attended a youth roundtable and engaged in fruitful discussions with youth.
SOMALI MEDIA
Himan and Heeb security forces rescue kidnapped children
16 May- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mustaqbal/Hoeseed Media/Rajonews- 162 words
Himan and Heeb security forces in central Somalia have managed to rescue 18 children abducted from Lower Shabelle region and the Somali capital, Mogadishu respectively.
Himan and Heeb Minister for Social Services, Omar Mohamed Dirie told Bar-kulan that four people, three women and a man believed to be behind the abduction of the children have been arrested.
The security forces seized a vehicle that the alleged kidnappers were travelling with the children in Adado district, Galgadud region. The children, 17 girls and a boy were aged between 6 and 11 years, according to Himan and Heeb officials.
Some of the families of the abducted children in Buulo village in Lower Shabelle region and the capital, Mogadishu reportedly made contacts with Himan and Heeb officials over the abduction of their children.
The children are currently being kept in a children’s home run by Himan and Heeb women while security officials are carrying out investigations into the four suspects.
Land Disputes Commission Formed
16 May- Source: Radio Dalsan/Kismaayonews- 152 words
The Governor of Banadir Region who is also the mayor of Mogadishu City, General Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab formed a commission to solve land and property disputes.
A press release from the office of the mayor says this commission will try to handle complaints on lands from the people. Recently, there were increased land disputes in the country. This commission was independently formed in order to bring a durable solution on this matter for the Somali people.
“Every person can rebuild his or her house and can sell his or her property and there is no one who can prevent them to do so. However, disputes should be solved in a just and truthful manner. The court will be based on the findings of the commission and the findings of any other relevant part”. Hon. Muungaab said.
However, the press release did not mention the names of the members of this commission.
Somali Defense Minister visits Gedo province amid ongoing tensions
16 May- Source: Hiiraan Online- 228 words
The Somali Defence Minister Mohamed Sheik Hassan Hamud is in Garbahaarrey city where battles for control of the south-eastern Gedo region have been mounting high for the past several weeks.
Sources close to the minister’s tour to the region indicate that he is currently holding strategic talks with Somali government officials, as well as elders to gather intelligence about the root cause for armed confrontations, which have flared in recent weeks in the town of Beled Hawo.
The minister is later expected to visit Beled Hawo where he will hold talks with local administration, elders and military officials. A renewed fighting in the town killed more than 15 people while dozens more were wounded for the past several weeks.
AMISOM asks Kenya, Saudi to Halt Exiling Somalis
16 May- Source: Radio Dalsan- 97 words
AMISOM Spokesperson, Col.Ali Adan Haamud told the media that they are very concerned of the Somalis being deported from Kenya and Saudi Arabia. He mentioned that these people are suffering from multiple problems and hence need to stay for longer in those countries from which they are being deported. Col. Ali Adan Haamud also said that AMISOM have spoken to the leaders of those countries and requested them to halt the deportation of Somalis from their countries. This followed a time when the authorities in Kenya and Saudi Arabia are deporting many Somalis from their countries.
Somali youth day marked in Mogadishu and other towns of the country
16 May- Source: Radio Goobjoog/Radio Mogadishu- 154 words
A colourful ceremony to mark the 71st Anniversary of the Somali Youth League was held in Mogadishu and the major towns of the republic of Somalia.
The ceremony organized by the ministry of youth and sports was attended by Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, youth groups, women associations, Somali singers and civil society.
Prime minister Abdiweli in his speech explained in details the importance and role of Somali youth to the development and regeneration of the nation, he promised that this government will create more opportunities to the learned jobless Somali youth.
Similar celebrations to mark the day where the top leaders of semi autonomous regional state of Puntland and dignitaries attended was held in Garowe.
The youth league was founded 15th May 1943 played a key part in fighting for the independence of the republic of Southern Somalia colonized by Italy.
SYL Day Celebrations Held in Baidoa
16 May- Source: Radio Dalsan- 104 words
71st Anniversary of the formation of Somali Youth League-SYL celebrations were this afternoon held in Baidoa town. The chairman of Bay Region Youth, Yussuf Sheikh Isaaq, the chairman of Badio Youth Organization, Mohamed Shariif and the Chairperson of Baidoa District Administration, Ibrahim Isaaq Ismail as well as the chairperson of Baidoa Sports, Mr. Hassan Subeyr Haji were among the speakers of the ceremony.
These leaders have explained expertly the formation and the role played by SYL in the struggle for independence in the country. Dalsan Radio reporter in Baidoa reported that there were dramas and lengthy speeches on the struggle of SYL for independence.
Polio vaccination in Galgadud region enters its second day
16 May- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 114 words
A polio vaccination exercise targeting the children under the age of five years enters its second day in various locations and villages in the Somali central region of Galgadud.
The polio vaccination exercises in Galgadud region is being carried out by World Health Organization. WHO regional representative, Abdullahi Mohamed Maalim told Bar-kulan that over 300 personal have been dispatched in various parts in the region and will be targeting over 110 thousand children in the area.
He said that some families are taking their children to vaccination centers while various other teams are reaching out thousands of children on door to door basis. A three-day polio vaccination kicked off in Galgadud region on Wednesday.
Somaliland Delegation Arrives in Washington DC for 18th May Celebrations
15 May – Source: Somaliland Sun – 112 words
A state delegation led by the Presidency Minister Hirsi Ali Hassan & composed of senior Government officials including the 1st Deputy Speaker of the House of Elders (Guurti) Bashe Mohamed Farah, MP Ali Obsiye Diriye (Gabilay) and Lady Saadia, a member of the Erigavo National Road Committee has arrived in Washington DCon Thursday.
Upon arrival the team was received at the airport by Somaliland representative in America Rashid Garuf, the chair of Somaliland Association in Washington DC Hashi Ismail and hundreds of people affiliated to Somaliland.
Awaiting VIP buses parked at the airport drove them to their courtyard before being treated with a delicious luncheon at the request of their host Community.
Somaliland Delegation Of Parliamentarian And National Party (Waddani) Welcomed In Melbourne Australia
15 May – Source: Somaliland Informer – 66 words
Australian Somaliland Community welcomed Somaliland parliamentarian and Somaliland National Party WADANI visiting Australia for the first time to celebrate Somaliland Independence Day 18 MAY with Somaliland communities in Australia. These delegation consisting of two , Hon. Mohamed Haji Ali Hon. Abdirahman and Mohamed Jama (Xoog). The delegation will have a very constructive meetings with Australian Somaliland Community.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Kenya fumes as Western security warnings drive tourists out
16 May- Source: Standard Media/Reuters- 324 words
Kenya rebuked Britain, the United States, France and Australia on Thursday for issuing warnings about travel to the east African country, while hoteliers said at least 400 tourists had checked out of hotels along the Indian Ocean coast. Kenya called the alerts “unfriendly”, saying they would increase panic and play into the hands of those behind the gun and grenade assaults that have hit the capital Nairobi and the coastal resort of Mombasa. Explosions in both cities on the weekend of May 3-4, one of them at a luxury seaside hotel, killed seven people, although no one was hurt in the hotel attack. Kenya blames the blasts on the al Qaeda-linked Somali group al Shabaab.
Teachers, medical staff flee Kenyan border town amid fears of al Shabaab attacks
15 May- Source: Sabahi Online- 487 words
Two Garissa County schools remain closed for the second consecutive week after teachers started fleeing the area after a recent attack targeting police, and the only government-run medical facility has lost nearly all its staff due to security fears.
Suspected al-Shabaab members raided Kulan Administration Police camp near Dadaab Refugee camp on May 8th, Garissa’s Director of Criminal Investigations Department Musa Yego said.
“The attack on security forces bears the hallmark of al Shabaab group,” he told Sabahi, adding that police are yet to establish a motive for the attack. “Police are not ruling anything out, including kidnappings, as the intentions of the group.”
Yego said police officers at the camp managed to repulse the gunmen after about 30 minutes, with only one police officer injured. Several attackers also sustained injuries in the clashes, but all fled the scene.
On Wednesday (May 14th), police found three bodies, suspected to belong to some of the attackers who had been injured, on the outskirts of the town after receiving a tip from herdsmen in the area, he said.
Somalia: Army court sets date for verdict
15 May – Source: Daily Monitor – 157 words
The military court has set May 19 to rule whether three former commanding officers of the Ugandan troops under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) should be allowed to plead afresh or not.
Charged separately over alleged offences in connection with theft of food and fuel, the senior army officers had earlier admitted to the offences.
However, on the day of sentencing, the soldiers through their lawyer Capt Nasser Drago told court they did not understand the charges against them and asked court to allow them plead afresh. Capt Drago asked court to allow each of them to plead afresh to the charges citing rules of natural justice.
The soldiers, Maj Nassur Namara, a former operations commander in charge of training at the Ugandan contingent, Lt Col Eugine Ssebugwawo (Battle Group Commander) and Maj Louis Bagenda yesterday appeared before the General Court Martial chaired by Brig Moses Ddiba Ssentongo and were further remanded pending court decision.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Kenyan terror threat prompts evacuation of UK tourists
16 May – Source: BBC – 110 words
Hundreds of British tourists are being evacuated from Kenya after the Foreign Office warned there was a “high threat” from terrorists in the country.
Tour operators Thomson and First Choice cancelled all flights to Mombasa until October and said holidaymakers would be flown back as a precautionary measure. As many as 500 people are affected, the Telegraph newspaper reported.
The FCO said the main threat came from extremists linked to the militant Islamist al-Shabab group. It advised against all non-essential travel to anywhere within 37 miles (60km) of the Kenyan-Somali border.
Thomson said those already in the country would be flown out either overnight on Thursday or later on Friday.
Somali pirate gets 41 1/2 years for attack on Navy ship
16 May – Source: The Virginian Pilot News – 168 words
A federal judge Wednesday sentenced a Somali pirate to 41-1/2 years in prison after rejecting a prosecutor’s call for a mandatory life term. Mohamed Ali Said, 30, was convicted along with five other Somali men of piracy and related charges in the April 2010 attack on the dock landing ship Ashland. Each faced a mandatory life prison term for the piracy convictions.
Attorneys for Said and the five others argued that mandatory life violates the Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The judge agreed. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Hatch argued that life in prison was appropriate, calling the attack harsh and heinous and adding that Said has shown no remorse or acceptance of responsibility.
“Obviously, the court has a different view of matters,” U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson responded. Said had nothing to say, according to his attorney. Said had previously claimed he was not a pirate and was working as a smuggler when the skiff approached the Ashland off the Somali coast.
Lawyers fight Dutch terror suspects arrest extradition
15 May- Source: NL Times-646 Words
The Rotterdam lawyers of a Somalia born Dutchman who is being held on terrorism charges in Turkey are fighting his extradition to the US. “There is no proof that Ahmed D. is even involved in these types of activities. Whatever the Americans have built the foundation of their case on is completely unclear,” Ahmed’s attorney André Seebregts told NLTimes today. Seebregts’ lawfirm that specializes in human rights violations in terrorism cases, has filed protest against his client’s extradition to the US; a Turkish judge is expected to rule on this on May 22.
Ahmed D. (26), the grandson of former Somali president Siad Barre, was raised in the Netherlands. He came here as a toddler in the 1990s with his parents when his grandfather was ejected from the country. He lived here till he was about 17, after which he moved to England where he studied for aircraft mechanic and then to Egypt with his German wife. In August last year Egyptian authorities arrested him at his apartment; apparently they were searching for his roommate. “He said he does not know much about this roommate and what he was into. And that person had not lived there for at least a year before police raided the apartment,” Seebregts said.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“What our correspondent saw when he checked in on a campaign against al Shabaab”
10 stories from Somalia, in photos: From drones to espresso
15 May- Source: Global Post- 89 Words
GlobalPost’s Tristan McConnell went back to Somalia this month to see how a recent African Union and Somali army offensive against al Shabaab militants has gone, and to find out what’s changed in the capital, Mogadishu.
As a highlights reel, here are 10 photos that tell you something about what’s going on in Somalia today. For more photographs check out Tristan’s Instagram feed, and for more from the trip, see his report on Somali refugees who’ve given up chasing their dreams in Kenya.
“Unlike the pictures of various other nations, the representations of Puntites or Somalis in this early period were depicted on the monuments in sharp resemblances to the Egyptians themselves. Punt was described as land of gold and aromatics, god and ancestors of Huur (falcon) Kings.”
The Ancient Kingdom of Punt and its Factor in Egyptian History
15 May- Source: Wardheernews-493 Words
The Puntite factor in the history of ancient Egypt had existed since the pre-dynastic period, the turn of fourth century millennium BCE. But the definite data about trading missions sent to Punt cover nearly fifteen centuries of 2590-1150 BCE, which contain the greatest periods in the history of dynastic Egypt.
The known information about Punt began with Pharaoh Khufu 2589-2566 BCE, the builder of great pyramids in Giza, near Cairo. His son owned a slave from Punt. It ended with Pharaoh Ramses III, 1182-1151 BCE. Probably as an attempt at spiritual rehabilitation of irrevocably declining Egypt by boosting ritual services and by showing that the old glory is still at hand, Ramses 111 sent an ambitious mission to Punt around 1167 BCE which returned with fresh incense. This was almost the last expedition to Punt. Although the excavations always come up with new information, generally there are about twenty known naval expeditions to Punt.
Top tweets
@OCHASom FACT: Less than 1 in 3 people in #Somalia have access to safe drinking water. Somalia’s humanitarian crisis continues pic.twitter.com/slWoZoLDJ2
@jonsnowC4 Interactive map of @JamalMOsman ‘s amazing refugee journey from Somalia..film too!http://www.channel4.com/news/
@MinisterHashi 71 years ago 2day d #SYL was founded by 13 patriots. Nearly quarter a century later we hv very little 2 show 4 their sacrifices #Somalia.
@WaaberiProject Watch: Barkhad Abdi Goodwill Ambassador for @Adesoafrica talks about Somali Pirate and Contact Group on Piracy… http://fb.me/1dQUwDHpN
@UNSomalia PHOTOS: #UN Envoy to #Somalia Nick Kay (Somalia111) at the @HIPSINSTITUTE in #Mogadishu today:https://flic.kr/s/aHsjY8Ar3C
Image of the day
Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia Nick Kay and Abdirashid Hashi, Deputy Director of the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, at the Institute’s Special Forum on UNSOM held in Mogadishu on 15 May 2014. — in Mogadishu, Somalia. Photo: UNSOM Facebook