May 26, 2015 | Daily Monitoring Report
Somaliland Govt, Opposition At Loggerheads Over Term Extension
26 May – Source: Garowe Online – 281 Words
The presidential term dispute between Somaliland opposition parties and ruling Kulmiye party has heated up after Vice President pulled out of trilateral talks in the capital, Hargeisa, Garowe Online reports. At a joint press conference, Justice and Welfare Party (UCID) leader Faisal Ali Warabe and Wadani chairman and Parliament speaker Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) accused government of reluctance, warning of potential collapse of talks. The absence of Somaliland Vice President Abdirahman Saylici from talks venue infuriated opposition parties demanding for review of a year and ten month presidential term extension.
“If without consensus, 26th of June is reached, we will not recognize the government. We won’t recognize the extension by House of Elders, “threatened UCID party leader.“We will hold national conference to form inclusive [interim] government which then will organize elections,” added the leader of Somaliland’s Justice and Welfare Party. On his side, Irro indicated during the news conference that opposition made many concessions but government reacts irresponsibly. A week-old negotiation that brought together two main opposition parties and ruling Kulmiye party has yet to yield major breakthrough.The talks hit brick wall over a decision to extend President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud (Siilaanyo)’s term in office by a year and ten months.
Opposition is calling for the suspension of term extension by Guurti [Traditional forum] while the government insists on respect for presidential term extension.On May 11, Somaliland House of Elders extended the sitting President’s term in office for 22 months, sparking mass protests in the second largest city, Burao and opposition criticisms. UN envoy to Somalia Ambassador Nicholas Kay said he is concerned about the term extension in a tweet in reaction at House of Elders decision.
Key Headlines
- Somaliland Govt Opposition At Loggerheads Over Term Extension (Garowe Online)
- Jubbaland Receives Delivery of Rare Military Hardware from UAE (Goobjoog News)
- The President: “I Thank Our African Brothers For Supporting Us And I Hope That Somalia Will Soon Be Playing Its Full Role In The Continent” (Radio Dalsan)
- Puntland President Hints At Shakeup Over Incompetence (Garowe Online)
- Senior Somali Kenyan Politician In Hot Water After Failing To Submit Al-Shabaab List (Somali Current)
- Al-Shabaab Executes 4 For Spying For Kenya And Ethiopia (Wacaal News)
- Al-Shabaab Militants Kill 20 Kenyan Policemen in Northeast (Bloomberg)
- Al-Shabaab Takes Control Of Strategic Town In Southern Somalia (Xinhua)
- Somalia’s New International Bank Brings More Debit Cards to War-Torn Country (All Africa/Radio France International)
NATIONAL MEDIA
Jubbaland Receives Delivery Of Rare Military Hardware from UAE
26 May – Source: Goobjoog News – 93 Words
The Jubbaland regional administration has received the delivery of rare military hardware donated by United Arab Emirates. The consignment was received by Jubbaland president Ahmed Mohamed Islam Aka Madobe who thanked the UAE for their sincere support, he said this kind of support would empower the Somali army and would do away the need for peacekeepers to fight Al-Shabab. The military vehicles included 5 bullet proof Caspirs, 18 4WDs, 8 trucks meant to ferry troops, and 4 ambulances. Jubbaland has previously received military aid from UAE but it was less significant than now.
The President: “I Thank Our African Brothers For Supporting Us, And I Hope That Somalia Will Soon Be Playing Its Full Role In The Continent”
26 May – Source: Radio Dalsan – 255 Words
HE Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia attended the African Union Day celebrations in Mogadishu. The ceremony was attended by diplomats,
commanders of the Somali National Army and the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) and other dignitaries. The President addressed several issues regarding the role of the African Union (AU) in Somalia and other efforts the AU was actively involved in across the continent.
“I draw attention to and congratulate all African countries on this occasion. Somalia will not forget the support of African countries. Today, with the help of our African brothers and sisters, the international community and the United Nations (UN), Somalia knows where it came from and where it is heading to. I am sure without that support we would not have made it this far. AU’s support will be part of Somalia’s history forever,” the President said.
The President also talked about the African vision of 2063, in which all African countries are required to promote and empower the full inclusion and participation of women in all walks of life. He said that the Federal Government was actively empowering women, including the appointment of women to high positions within the Council of Ministers. He added that efforts are underway to enhance women’s participation in politics, the economy, security and all other national activities.The President also reiterated the commitment of his government to ensure the political transformation of Somalia through Vision 2016, so that all Somalis will have a peaceful and unified country to call home.
Puntland President Hints At Shakeup Over Incompetence
26 May – Source: Garowe Online – 379 Words
The President of Somalia’s Puntland Government Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has hinted at shakeup amid allegations of administrative drawbacks and security lapse on Monday, Garowe Online reports. In an interview with VOA Somali Service, Puntland President acknowledged the existence of widespread criticism, and pledged that he will take steps to propose solutions to any problems:” If a person proves ineffective in job, he will be sacked and replaced with more competent one”. On insecurity in the Gulf of Aden port city of Bossaso, Ali denied that security situation is in greater perils, saying it is far better than previous times. ‘Galkayo part of Puntland’ When asked about a consultative conference that has been set to be staged in Galkayo, Puntland leader once again reiterated that Galkayo is part of Puntland and ruled out any change in the schedule of the gathering.
“Galkayo is part of Puntland. We can confront anybody who aims to stir violence, “said Ali referring to remarks by Galmudug authorities. Speaking about the Yemen refugee influx, he urged international aid agencies and donors to assist Puntland in the reception of people fleeing from Yemen on daily basis. For the second time in a week, Puntland President called on Somalia’s Federal Government not to mishandle assistances meant for supporting Yemeni refugees. Meanwhile in Bossaso, multiple independence sources tell GO that Ali is planning to fire Bari Governor Abdisamad Mohamed Galan, Bari regional police commander Abdihakin Yusuf Hussein and Bossaso Mayor Hassan Abdalle Hassan. Yusuf Waeys Dhedo who comes from the same clan as Galan is likely to be cherry-picked for the post. Former Presidential Security Unit (PSU) head Omar Abdullahi Farole is also being held up as successor of Hussein whom Abdirahman Muslim, who was killed by Al-Shabaab suicide bomber preceded. Moreover, during Monday’s interview Puntland leader warned of further division as MPs in Somalia’s Federal Parliament have tabled a motion against the newly-formed Jubaland regional assembly. Four days ago, Ali arrived in Bossaso, Puntland’s most populous city,making stopover in Qardo in advance. Al Shabaab stepped up terror attacks in the Gulf of Aden port city, with security checkpoints and police compounds being largely targeted with grenade attacks and pre-planned raids.
Senior Somali Kenyan Politician In Hot Water After Failing To Submit Al-Shabaab List
25 May – Source: Somali Current – 140 Words
Garissa Member of parliament and National Assembly Leader of Majority Aden Bare Dualle has come under fire for failing to provide the list of Al Shabaab financiers and sympathizers. Early last month, Dualle and Northern Eastern leaders promised to submit full list of Al-Shabaab sympathizers and Financiers in one month. The Kenyan opposition, CORD accused Dualle of lacking sincerity in the fight against terrorism and asked him to produce the list. “Let no one cheat us that our security is strong. Dualle should give us the list he promised “, said Kakamega Senator, Bony Khalwale. The opposition also faulted Northern leaders of failing to share intelligence with security apparatus. Dualle is not new to controversy . Early this year, he has controversially said Kenya is ready to negotiate with Al-Shabaab for the sake of peace. A statement, he later bluntly denied.
Al-Shabaab Executes 4 For Spying For Kenya And Ethiopia
26 May – Source: Wacaal News – 105 Words
Al-Shabaab militants shot dead in the public four people they accused of spying for their enemies in Diinsoor, Bay region. The four were allegedly found guilty of the offences by the court of the militants. They faced charges of spying for Kenya and Ethiopia. The militant’s judge read the charge sheet in the area before announcing the men will be executed. Reports indicate two of the men were members of the militia. The men were identified as Ali Muse Ali, 26, Hassan Adawe Mohamed, 24, Okash Ali Hajir, 39 and Nur Ali Soyaal. It is not the first time the group carries out such executions.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Al-Shabaab Militants Kill 20 Kenyan Policemen In Northeast
26 May – Source: Bloomberg – 165 Words
Suspected Al-Shabaab militants ambushed a police convoy in northeastern Kenya’s Garissa county, killing 20 officers, two local officials said. Assailants used rocket-propelled grenades in the Monday night attack near Kenya’s border with Somalia, Fafi sub-county Commissioner Geoffrey Taragon said by phone. Three other people were injured and four vehicles were burned, Taragon said. Mahat Osman, a local politician who was among leaders who visited the scene, said he saw as many as 20 bodies. Both officials said the al-Qaeda-linked militant group was responsible. The ambush comes less than two months after an Al-Shabaab raid on the county’s Garissa University College left at least 147 people dead. That was the deadliest attack on Kenya since al-Qaeda bombed the U.S. Embassy in 1998.
Al-Shabaab Takes Control Of Strategic Town In Southern Somalia
25 May – Source: Xinhua – 244 Words
lslamist militants Al-Shabaab seized the control of a strategic town in the southern Somali region of lower Shabelle on Sunday night after government forces vacated the town, witnesses and residents said on Monday. According to residents in Janaale town, the militants had taken over the control of the town without firing a single shot after Somali government forces vacated the town.
The residents said the Somali forces abandoned the town on Sunday afternoon, in fear of possible Al-Shabaab attacks, but shortly after their retreat, heavily armed Al-Shabaab fighters came in and begun erecting their black flag in the town. Sirado Sheikh, a resident at the town, said she saw masked Al- Shabaab fighters in the town as they were heading to the police station under the control of Somali forces’ earlier.
Another resident, Aw Nuure said there was a panic in the town last night as residents were shocked by the sudden retreat of the Somali army but “luckily there was not single a shot”. The Janaale is a strategically rich town in the Lower Shabelle region, which has a vast area of productive farmland.
OPINION, ANALYSIS & CULTURE
“Three years ago the locale of the bank was a bullet-charred trench used by Somali government forces to protect themselves from Al-Shabaab attacks, but now lights twinkle in the tower, adding a touch of glamour to the building. Premier Bank director Mahad Ahmed told the audience during the ceremony that his bank offers comprehensive one-stop financial solutions to customers, including both private and government institutions, corporate clients, small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals in the country.”
Somalia’s New International Bank Brings More Debit Cards to War-Torn Country
25 May -Source: All Africa/ Radio France International
A new international bank has been launched in Mogadishu, the latest sign of life in the city after more than two decades of civil war which engulfed its bright lights. Such an idea would have been out of the question without the fragile tranquility that culminated in the absence of Al-Shabaab after the militants withdrew from Mogadishu three years ago, when the African Union peacekeeping force offensive weakened their grip on power. A colourful ceremony celebrating the official ribbon cutting of Premier Bank has been held in its six-story building near Mogadishu’s K4 junction with senior government officials including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in attendance.
TOP TWEETS
@amisomsomalia: AU Day commemoration is underway in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. #AfricaDay #Somalia
@MinisterDini: Minister Dini and Ambassador @FCONeilWigan of UK have signed deal to support the rebuilding efforts of#SNA.
@Aynte : An act of sheer kindness: #Somalia businessman to send ship to evacuate refugees from #Yemenhttp://goobjoog.com/english/?
@Lattif : Interesting study on the impact of war on Somali men.http://bit.ly/1FMzXCi I #Somalia
@Somalia: Women’s empowerment & development. #SomaliaMinister for Women & Human Rights addresses today’s#AfricaDay2015 event
IMAGE OF THE DAY
Traditional dancers perform entertainment during celebrations to mark AU Day held in Mogadishu.
Photo: AMISOM