November 16, 2015 | Daily Monitoring Report
Somali Women Seek Larger Role In 2016 Electoral Process
16 November – Source: Garowe Online – 202 Words
As nation-wide consultations regarding format for transition in 2016 has kicked off, Somali women are calling for a larger political role in the electoral process. Women groups that held a meeting in Puntland capital, Garowe demanded that 30 percent quota allotted should be fully implemented during upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections. In a statement sent to Garowe Online, Puntland Women Development and Family Affairs Ministry suggested that the model could be district-based electoral system in a step towards stronger political legitimacy unlike in 2012 elections.
Women called on government, islamic scholars and international agencies to encourage push for more inclusive system in which more women would enjoy broader rights. Perceived as stumbling block, traditional leaders are expected to do more to make voices of Somali women heard. On Sunday, Southwest State and Galmudug administrations also launched symposiums on electoral transition for 2016. Puntland and Jubaland have embarked on regional level consultations focusing on electoral process on Monday. In August, Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud officially announced that popular vote proved dim due to security challenges.
Key Headlines
- Somali Women Seek Larger Role In 2016 Electoral Process (Garowe Online)
- Somalia To Investigate Death Of Mine Action Officer Killed In Belet-Weyn (Goobjoog News)
- Security Meeting Held In Marko City (Shabelle News)
- Thirteen Die In Clash Between Soldiers In Daynile (Goobjoog News)
- KDF Not Selling Sugar And Charcoal – Duale (The Star)
- AMISOM Donates Office Equipment To Somali Police (AMISOM)
- 2016 Blueprint: Pilot Elections Based On District Model (Hiiraan Online)
NATIONAL MEDIA
Somalia To Investigate Death Of Mine Action Officer Killed In Belet-Weyn
16 November – Source: Goobjoog News – 161 Words
Somalia’s ministry for security has said the government will launch an investigation into the case of Mahdi Hussein, a field officer with Mine Action Service who was allegedly killed by government soldiers in Belet-Weyn town on Sunday. Minister Abdirisaq Omar Mohamed speaking to the media said government will seek to know the circumstances surrounding the death of the officer.“We have appointed a committee which will launch thorough investigation into the case and the government will put more efforts to bring justice to those who killed the officer,” said the minister.
He also said the government arrested two soldiers linked to the killing of Mahdi Hussein. Tension has flared up in Belet-Weyn on Sunday after armed men from the late UN officer’s clan blocked major roads and closed businesses, demanding the town’s administration to hand over the murderers. Conflicting reports are accusing Hiiraan Governor Abdifatah Hassan Afrah to be behind the killing after he had reportedly personal arguments with the late official.
Security Meeting Held In Marko City
16 November – Source: Shabelle News – 126 Words
A well-organized security meeting was held in the southern port city of Marko, 110Kms south of Mogadishu, which seeks to curb the instability and recurrent tribal clashes, an official said on Sunday. Military commanders from the African Union mission in Somalia (AMISOM), civil society members and local administration officials took part in the meeting, according to Marko administrator Hassan Omar Mo’alin. “Sunday’s meeting discussed on security of Marko and how local residents could work with the police in order to get sustainable peace and stability,” said Marko district commissioner while speaking to Radio Shabelle. Marko city has seen several deadly attacks, and killings in the past few weeks as SNA and AMISOM are controlling the whole town after pushing Al-Shabaab militants out of it in mid 2012.
Thirteen Die In Clash Between Soldiers In Daynile
16 November – Source: Goobjoog News – 121 Words
At least 13 people have been killed following a clash between government soldiers in Daynile district, government officials have confirmed. Speaking to Goobjoog News, area District Commissioner Ahmed Noor said he had established that seven people had been killed when the soldiers clashed at a camp in the former national university near X-control. “I can confirm to you that seven people have been killed. The soldiers clashed after one of them tried to force his way into the camp where people were queuing for food rations,” said Noor. Noor said majority of the casualties were women. Another source, an intelligence officer whose identity we cannot disclose said he had counted 13 bodies, seven of them women and the others security forces.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
KDF Not Selling Sugar And Charcoal – Duale
16 November – Source: The Star – 174 Words
National Assembly majority leader Aden Duale has absolved the Kenya Defence Forces of claims they are involved in sugar and charcoal smuggling in Somalia. He accused the opposition of being behind the misleading report. Duale said the report has been instigated politically because Kenya is not the only country with soldiers in Somalia. He was reacting to the ‘Black and White: Kenya’s Criminal Racket in Somalia’ report released last week by Journalists for Justice.
It accused KDF’s top brass of complicity in the illegal trade, which also funds Al-Shabaab terrorists. “KDF is in Somalia because of our national interest. We went there to fix issues related to our national security and take care of our borders and our people,” Duale said. “Until we dismantle Al-Shabaab, we will not withdraw KDF whether you say they sell charcoal or sugar. It doesn’t matter how much you besmirch them. He spoke on Saturday when he presided over a fundraiser at Mivukoni Secondary School in Kyuso, Kitui county. Duale represented Deputy President William Ruto.
AMISOM Donates Office Equipment To Somali Police
15 November – Source: AMISOM – 266 Words
The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has donated office equipment to the Somali Police Force (SPF) for use in maintaining law and order in Mogadishu’s Hodan district. The items, donated by the Mission’s police component, included a desktop computer, a printer and stationery were handed to Major Hussein Mohamed Abdi, the Hodan Division Police Commander. Cecilia Harriet, the team leader of AMISOM Police said; “We work jointly with the Somali Police and we are optimistic that the computer and printer among other stationery handed over to them will make the work easier.”
AMISOM has a mandate to train the Somali Police Force, and also mentor its officers, to help build the required capacity that can enable it perform policing functions according to international security standards. IP Edwin Mugera, the AMISOM Police Public Information Officer, said the Somali Police Force in Hodan district, had shown commitment towards the joint Police’s programmes and activities which aim to build capacity of SPF. In the past, Somali police in Hodan Divisional headquarters have jointly carried out community policing initiatives with AMISOM police and encouraged area residents to inform security agencies about suspected criminal activities.
OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE
“The common theme and recurring argument rallied against the 4.5 option is that it seems to embolden backward thinking, a lack of innovation, and an unequal distribution of power. Somalia has utilized the 4.5 model for over a decade and always produced the same outcome. Naturally, 4.5 produces poor-quality MP’s who in return elect low-quality Presidents who are unlikely going to attract capable ministers.”
2016 Blueprint: Pilot Elections Based On District Model
15 November – Source: Hiiraan Online – 1,305 Words
With August 2016 approaching and the current Somalia leadership having proven incapable to deliver elections for the Somali people in 2016, the most frequently asked question remains:“What is going to happen in 2016?” The question begs for much more substantive discussion than the cosmetic answer offered by the current Federal Government (FG) leadership.
We’re only nine months away from August 2016, and yet there is no election model entrenched in the political system, nor institutions sophisticated enough to withstand the potential mayhem that often emerge from ‘microwaved’ elections. It is outright negligence, but the rumor has it that the current Somalia leadership seemed to knowingly ignore this pressing problem of needing to lay the foundation for open and transparent elections in hopes of residual power.Now, from where I sit, if elections equate ‘power transfer’ with some type of pilot elections there may be a slight chance of success. Nonetheless, I would caution the risk of a piecemeal approach that too often prompts political tensions and could lead to an outcome of fiasco proportions.
TOP TWEETS
@Talliye: Djibouti commander Dhimbil states “SNA lacks proper weapons and military vehicles. If that’s resolved they can take out Al Shabaab” #Somalia
@radiogarowe: #Somalia: First Art Fair in #Puntland spurs on fresh hope http://bit.ly/1WVa1OX
@ferigom69: De-escalation from armed guarding? views from the CEO – Dryad Maritime | @scoopit http://sco.lt/91GNCz #piracy #Somalia #PMSC
@xogtawararka: #Braking: #Somali militia apostates publically executed 11 civilian People near Ex-control Afgoye in#Mogadishu witnesses #Somalia
@Abdi_AlSheikh : World Bank sees growth in Somalia picking on stability – The Star http://dlvr.it/ClhS6t #Somalia
@monobarre: National Consultation Forum For 2016 Elections, Envent occurring now, @samirasawlani #Somalia # Puntland # Bossaso
@lasoco: Ireland holds off Somalia 1-1 to edge closer to an All-Nations Cup quarter … – Herald Sun http://j.mp/1MLT4js #Somalia
IMAGE OF THE DAY
Stakeholders convene to discuss models for electoral transition in 2016 at the parliament hall in Garowe.
Photo: @SomaliaJunkie