May 20, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Arab Parliament President meets Somali President
19 May – Source: Emirates News Agency – 186 words
President of the Arab Parliament Ahmed Mohammed Al Jarwan has met Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, during his three-day visit to the Horn of Africa country, Somalia.
During the meeting, the Somali President expressed his gratitude regarding the support being received by Somalia from the Arab Parliament, especially in the economic and political areas. President Mahmoud commended the Arab Parliament for addressing the Somali issues at the Arab and international levels, citing the UAE’s continuous support to Somalia.
The Arab Parliament President thanked the Somali President and people for noble attitude and hospitality, stressing that the Arab Parliament was established to safeguard the Arab people interests, including Somalia which comes on the top of priorities of the Arab Parliament.
Key Headlines
- Arab Parliament President meets Somali President (Emirates News Agency)
- SNISA dismisses allegations of blocking MPs to meet (Bar-kulan)
- Speaker of the Arab Parliament concludes Mogadishu visit (Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/Bar-kulan)
- Somali Government soldier killed in Mogadishu (Radio Mustaqbal)
- Terror suspect killed in night of gun battle (Daily Nation/Citizen TV)
- Somalia to take over control of airspace by year end (Press TV)
- Puntland police receive gender violence training (Garowe Online)
- AU’s PRC holding 26th Ordinary Session (Walta Information Center)
- Ghana to support peace efforts in Somalia (Ghana Web)
- Jubbaland Presidents meet IGAD delegation in Kismayo (Radio Mustaqbal)
PRESS RELEASE
Ugandan soldiers of Battle Group 9+ serving under the African Union Mission complete their tour of duty
20 May – Source: AMISOM – 191 words
Ugandan soldiers from Battle Group 9+, under the command of Colonel Stephen Mugerwa, yesterday completed their 13 month tour of duty and began to return home.
The soldiers were awarded AU peacekeeping medals in a farewell ceremony held at Mogadishu International Airport and attended by Brigadier General Michael Ondoga, Ugandan Contingent Commander, and senior AMISOM officials.
Battle Group 9+, which is made up of reservist soldiers, first deployed to Somalia in April 2012, succeeded in pushing out from Mogadishu and increasing the Area of Government Operation by 120kms from Maslah to Jowhar and Huriwa to Port Elman.
The relative peace and security that was established by Battle Group 9+ through its area of operations, created the conditions for infrastructure and economic development. This stability and security saw local people begin to return to their homes from internally displaced camps (IDPs), the extension of free medical treatment, beginning of road repairs, provision of clean drinking water and the return of large scale farming.
Battle Group 11+, under the command of Colonel Hassan Kimbowa, has replaced the outgoing Battle Group 9+ and will build on the security gains that their compatriots have achieved.
SOMALI MEDIA
SNISA dismisses allegations of blocking MPs to meet
20 May – Source: Bar-kulan – 178 words
Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (SNISA) has on Sunday dismissed allegations of blocking some 110 members of the Somali Federal government from meet in one of Mogadishu’s hotels.
Director of the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency Gen. Bashir Mohamed Jama (Bashir Gobe) distanced these allegations from the country’s intelligence security agency, saying that the NISA is not involved in that step of preventing some members of the Parliament to hold a meeting in Mogadishu.
Gen. Bashir Gobe said that the Deputy of the National Intelligence Agency is to ensure the security of government officials and civilians, indicating that they are very much disappointed about these baseless allegations.
The director added that he went the hotel where the members of the Parliament where to hold a meeting, and carried out investigations on matter but he wouldn’t get enough evidence on the allegations. At least 110 lawmakers who last week asked the Somali Federal Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon to face confidence vote in the Parliament were reportedly prevented from holding a meeting in one of Mogadishu hotels.
Speaker of the Arab Parliament concludes Mogadishu visit
20 May – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/Bar-kulan – 100 words
A delegation led by Speaker of the Arab Parliament Ahmed Mohamed Al Jarwan has concluded on Sundayvisit to the Somali capital, Mogadishu, which lasted for two days. The delegation of the Arab Parliament met with senior Somali government officials and members of the Somali parliament.
Earlier, the President of Arab Parliament delivered a speech before the Somali Parliament. He conveyed the regards and wishes of the Arab Parliament members to Somali people.
In a statement to reporters, the Arab Parliament Speaker Ahmed Mohamed Al Jarwan – Before leaving Mogadishu – praised the Somali government’s efforts to get Somalia out of its suffering. This is the first visit of its kind by the head of the Arab Parliament to the Somali capital Mogadishu.
Heavy bombardments near the presidential palace in Mogadishu
20 May – Source: Shabelle – 45 words
News from War-digley district in Mogadishu report that heavy bombardments was heard at the surrounding of the presidential palace in Mogadishu last night. The casualties resulting from the bombardment is not yet clear as sources confirm that almost ten rockets were fired during the bombardment.
Somali Government soldier killed in Mogadishu
20 May – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 155 words
Unknown armed men have killed a Somali government soldier on Sunday in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, Mustaqbal radio reported. Unidentified men armed with pistols have shot dead the soldier in Bakara Market in the capital as eyewitnesses confirmed to Mustaqbal radio.
The perpetrators escaped from the scene before the government troops arrived. The government forces have conducted immediate operation inside of the market, but nobody was reported to have been arrested for the killing. No group also claimed the responsibility of this killing.
Top Army Commander: we have successfully removed some road blocks
20 May – Source: Shabelle – 72 words
General Abdullahi Osman Agey the second in command of the army forces who addressed Shabelle media in Mogadishu said that they have successfully removed the roadblocks in the lower Shabelle region.
The commander said that the roadblocks belonged to the Somali army force and others belonged to some militiamen who had arms. The commander informed Shabelle that they have arrested some of the government troops and they will be taken for rehabilitation.
Jubbaland Presidents meet IGAD delegation in Kismayo
19 May – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 187 words
Our Correspondent in Kismayo Abdirisak Jijele reports that the Presidents of Jubaland have met with delegation from the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD). IGAD delegation were inm talks with Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) and Barre Hirale who claimed the presidency for Jubaland.
The delegation, led by IGAD General Secretary Mahboub Maalim, plans to hold different meetings with Jubaland leaders and community elders in Kismayo as to get full details on the situation in Kismayo.
In April 2013, IGAD issued a communiqué on Somalia and called for an IGAD-led “confidence-building mission” to Kismayo. IGAD delegation has held a three-way meeting with Jubaland leaders including President Madobe, Vice President Abdullahi Sheikh Abdullahi Fartaag, community elders, and a Federal Government delegation currently visited Kismayo. according to our correspondent.
Puntland police receive gender violence training
19 May – Source: Garowe Online – 122 words
A training initiative on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) began on Sunday for Puntland police in the administrative capital Garowe, Garowe Online reports. Puntland Ministry for Women and Family Affairs is hosting the eight-day training initiative for 30 officers from Puntland Police Force and CID, according to ministry officials. UNDP, UNFPA, and Muslim Aid are jointly funding the training initiative, organizers said.
Mr. Abdirahman Hassan Mohamed, head of Muslim Aid NGO in Puntland, addressed the opening ceremony, saying: “Somali women have been victims of gender-based violence and so it is a must that we cooperate to prevent such crimes.”
Puntland Ministry of Security’s Director-General, Mr. Awad Hussein Ali, said that “gender-based violence occurs throughout Somalia, and Puntland has relatively small number of GBV cases”.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Terror suspect killed in night of gun battle
19 May – Source: Daily Nation/Citizen TV – 401 words
The man who hurled grenades that injured six police officers during a 12-hour confrontation in Nairobi’s Githurai Kimbo on Sunday was a wanted terrorist.
Police said Felix Nyangaga Otuko, who was shot dead together with his wife, was the main suspect in the 2011 terror attack at Mwaura’s Pub, off Tom Mboya Street in Nairobi. They further said he was an accomplice of al Shabaab member Elgiva Bwire, who is serving a life term after pleading guilty to terror charges.
AU’s PRC holding 26th Ordinary Session
19 May – Source: Walta Information Centre – 377 words
The 26th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee of the African Union went underwayon Sunday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa.
“Fifty years ago much of Africa was still under the yoke of colonialism and apartheid,” said Ambassador Kongit Sinegiorgis, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the African Union and UNECA and Chairperson of the PRC, in her opening remarks. “Today, it is gratifying that our continent has been liberated from all forms of subjugation.” The major task ahead of Africans is to achieve the socio-economic emancipation of the continent, Ambassador Kongit states.
Conflict resolution efforts have yielded encouraging results in many parts of the continent as shown by the tremendous progress recorded in Somalia, the agreement reached between Sudan and south Sudan in the post cessation relations and the ongoing initiatives to promote good neighborliness and cooperation for hared prosperity in the great lakes region.
Arab Parliament President meets Somali President
19 May – Source: Emirates News Agency – 186 words
President of the Arab Parliament Ahmed Mohammed Al Jarwan has met Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, during his three-day visit to the Horn of Africa country, Somalia.
During the meeting, the Somali President expressed his gratitude regarding the support being received by Somalia from the Arab Parliament, especially in the economic and political areas. President Mahmoud commended the Arab Parliament for addressing the Somali issues at the Arab and international levels, citing the UAE’s continuous support to Somalia.
The Arab Parliament President thanked the Somali President and people for noble attitude and hospitality, stressing that the Arab Parliament was established to safeguard the Arab people interests, including Somalia which comes on the top of priorities of the Arab Parliament.
Somalia counts on telecoms sector for revival of economy
18 May – Source: East African – 401 words
It may be two steps forward and one step back, but Somalia is beginning to pick itself up off the ground after years of civil war. But still, in the absence of regulation, a telecoms sector has developed.
In the absence of tax and regulation, the mobile sector has flourished and penetration is just under a quarter of the population, with around 2.3 million subscribers at the end of 2012. There are five main players in the mobile market: Hormuud Telecom (HorTel), Somafone, Telesom, Nationlink and Telecom Somalia.
Date set for first Somalia investment conference
19 May – Source: Daily Nation – 266 words
A major investment conference for Somalia is slated for Nairobi next month. The First Somalia Oil and Gas, Investments, Security and Infrastructure Conference is set for June 17.
It will precede the East African Petroleum conference that is also going to be held in Nairobi from June 18 to June 20.
A statement from Amsas Consulting marketing and public relations manager D. Farah said Somalia’s prime minister will explore prospects, opportunities, strategic challenges and the way ahead for investments into Somalia. The conference is to be opened by Inter-Governmental Authority on Development executive secretary general Mahboud Maalim.
Mogadishu fights law on federal states
18 May – Source: Standard – 495 words
Mogadishu is unhappy with the Darod-led administration in Puntland in the northeast, so allowing the clan to dominate another regional state in the south will be a major setback.
Puntland was the first to congratulate Madobe and encouraged other communities in south-central Somalia “to establish States in a similar consultative and open process in order to compete the Federal Republic of Somalia.”
Puntland said: “Spoilers wish to keep Somalia embroiled in a vicious cycle of violence, lawlessness and political instability, and the Jubaland process has sent a clear signal of the Somali people’s true aspirations for peace, security, democracy, and unity in a Federal Republic.”
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Ghana to support peace efforts in Somalia
20 May – Source: Ghana Web – 340 words
President John Dramani Mahama has affirmed Ghana’s commitment to support efforts at restoring peace and security in Somalia. He said he would make the issue of peace in Somalia an important agenda at the next African Union (AU) Summit in Ethiopia later this month.
President Mahama gave the assurance yesterday when the Vice-President of Kenya, Mr. William Samoei Ruto, delivered a special message to him at the Golden Jubilee Lounge of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
Somalia, officially the Federal Republic of Somalia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It shares borders with Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, the Gulf of Aden to the north and Kenya to the east.
Somalia to take over control of airspace by year end
20 May – Source: Press TV – 224 words
Somali Information Minister Abdullahi Elmoge Hirsi and Peter Noad from the International Civil Aviation Organization have signed an agreement that will see the country take over the control of its airspace by the end of this year.
One hundred airspace personnel are also scheduled to be transferred to the capital Mogadishu for management duties, while another batch will travel to Kenya for training.
After the collapse of Somalia’s central government in the 1991 civil war, the United Nations Development Program and the International Civil Aviation Organization founded a civil aviation caretaker authority for Somalia in Kenya’s capital Nairobi. The organization was charged with collecting over-flight revenues on behalf of Somalia.
Somali reaction mixed to terrorism sentences
20 May – Source: Twin Cities – 242 words
Wide-ranging sentences handed down in the year long federal investigation into recruiting and financing for the terrorist group al Shabaab have kindled a mix of outrage, confusion and relief among members of Minnesota’s large Somali community.
Some say the 10- and 20-year prison sentences for two Minnesota women who sent money to the group were too harsh, especially since two men who traveled to Somalia and joined al Shabaab got three years.
The attorney for one man sentenced to 20 years in prison has already filed a notice of appeal; more are expected. But others say justice has been served, and authorities said the nine penalties doled out last week show that those who support terrorism will be held accountable.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Suppression at sea needs to be combined with better onshore government and deterrence, both sorely lacking. Safe havens, such as Kenya and the Seychelles, have worked hard to drive pirates out or into prisons; yet war-torn Somalia is still an ideal cover.”
What happened to Somalia’s pirates?
19 May – Source: The Economist – 488 Words
ON MAY 10th pirate-busters celebrated the fact that one year had passed since a ship was successfully seized by Somali hijackers. Pirates have been attacking vessels passing the Horn of Africa since at least 2005, when they received a $315,000 ransom for Feisty Gas, a ship owned by a company in Hong Kong. Since then, payments have risen continuously, reaching a high last year of $9.5m for the Smyrni, a Greek tanker, and her crew of 26. But since its capture on May 10th 2012, the pirates have not hijacked any more vessels. Why are the pirates at bay?
Though the spoils are rising, pirate attacks have been falling off. Just 75 attacks took place in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia in 2012, down from more than 200 in 2011. Currently, 71 sailors are being held hostage by pirates, according to the International Maritime Bureau, a body that monitors crime at sea; in early 2011, the figure was 758.
Estimates for how much Somali piracy has cost the world economy range from $7 billion to $18 billion, the latest estimate by the World Bank. One theory is that the pirates have spent the past few months stock-taking, clearing their stock of hostages and ships before restarting their campaign. Another possibility is that their business model is shifting towards kidnapping foreign aid-workers and tourists on land.
Somaliland: Colours of uncertainty
19 May – Source: Hiiraan Online – 527 words
The self declared independent state of Somaliland on May 18th 2013 celebrated 22 years of self government and peace. This is an enormous achievement for a small region in a war torn, volatile part of the world. The celebration is well deserved but Somaliland as a whole needs to pause for breathe and think of what future it wants and how to achieve this. While the peace in Somaliland has strengthened, poverty and division have increased as is obvious in society today.
The rich are richer and the poor are poorer and continue to be trampled on. On the back of the recent international support for Somalia’s peace and security, many regions want to break away from Somaliland. This blatant division within this region is something that needs to be taken seriously otherwise Somaliland can easily become a one tribe nation.
The poem also highlights how the pain of underdevelopment is felt by those who live the reality while those in the Diaspora still romanticise a place and a process that no longer affects them directly. The poem warns that, if nothing is done about the above mentioned problems, there may no longer be another May 18 Party after this.
Top tweets
@UNDP A new #Somalia works hard to rise from ashes of war – video: http://on.undp.org/kUFOU #ResilienceSunday.
@UKinSomalia Submit questions to @MarkJSimmondsusing the hashtag #askFCO for his Twitter Q&A today on#Somalia & @G8 at 16.30 UK time. @HMAMattBaugh.
@Hamza_Africa Unknown number of youths arrested in#Wardigley district of #Mogadishu today following last night’s mortar attacks on Villa Somalia #Somalia.
@lhammondsoas Last wk: Jubbaland presidentS, challenge to PM, airspace crisis. What will this week bring? #Somalia#neveradullmoment.
@UNICManama Progress in #Somalia: 500,000+ children in previously inaccessible ar.
Image of the day
Military hardware belonging to the Somaliland forces is displayed during a parade to mark the 22nd anniversary of Somaliland’s self-declared independence from the larger Somalia, in Hargeisa May 18, 2013. Photo: Reuters.