November 20, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Somali Government officials condemn murder of journalist who is laid to rest in Galkayo today

20 Nov- Source: Radio Garowe/Dalsan Radio/Radio Bar-kulan/Radio RBC – 154 words

Somalia’s Minister of Information Mustaf Dhuhulow has strongly condemned the assassination of freelance journalist Abdirizak Ali Abdi (Silver) in the northern part of Galkacyo town in the central Somalia region of Mudug on Tuesday night, RBC Radio reports.

Puntland Government in northern Somalia has also condemned the cold blooded murder of Abdirizak Ali Abdi. Speaking on Puntland-based independent station, Radio Garowe during Wednesday interview, Information Minister Abdiweli Hirsi Abdulle (Indhoguran) said he vehemently condemns the killing of the journalist. “Security agencies will bring the perpetrators to the justice very soon,” added Indhoguran.”We are very sorry for the assassination and at the same time condemn that brutal act in the strongest possible words”. He also sent his condolence to the bereaved families and friends of late Silver.

Meanwhile, National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and Media Association of Puntland (MAP) called on Puntland Government to take immediate action, and capture the journalist killers. Masked gunmen shot and killed late Silver at a café near Hero Darawish complex and fled the scene of the crime.

Adbirizak Ali Abdi was buried on late Wednesday in Galkayo. The burial was attended by Puntland government officials, journalists from many parts of Mudug Region and members of the public. The journalists were very sorry about the killing of the journalist and they requested from the security apparatus in Mudug Region to trace the murderers and bring before court of justice.

Also different right groups, leaders and journalist associations have condemned the killing of the journalist. Among the journalist associations who condemned the barbaric act is the Somali Independent Media Houses Association (SIMHA). SIMHA strongly condemned the brutal killing. According to his last facebook chat with friend, the journalist feared for his life stating that he felt his life was in danger.

Key Headlines

Somali traffic police net tinted windows vehicles in operation (Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu)
Modobe Nunow agrees to open talks with Sharif’s administration in Baidoa (Radio Goobjoog)
Somali Government officials condemn murder of journalist who is laid to rest in Galkayo today (Radio Garowe/Dalsan Radio)
Afgoye transport association welcome the removal illegal checkpoints (Radio Mogadishu/Radio Goobjoog)
Health ministry plans sanitation campaigns (Radio Ergo)
Heavy rain floods Mogadishu roads and IDP camps (Radio Goobjoog)
Women signing up to study at university in Lasanod (Radio Ergo)
Ten political parties unite to form umbrella (Radio Dalsan)
Amisom’s success shows Africa’s solution is working (Daily Monitor)
UN delays refunds for Kenyan troops fighting in Somalia (Business Daily)
Hiiraan region appeals for help after flooding (Sabahi Online)
Interview with Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Somali president (France 24)
The UN gave millions to Somalia. Where did it go? (Fox News)
Support Somalia to build “sustainable security” (UN Radio)
Actor who played Somali pirate in Captain Phillips battered man until he suffered brain

PRESS STATEMENT

Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman’s closing remarks at ministerial high level partnership forum on Somalia

19 Nov – Source: UNSOM – 268 words

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

This has been a rich day of discussions. I will not attempt to summarize all our deliberations, but let me review the salient points. First, I welcome the agreement we have heard on the need for an arrangement to ensure political unity, continuity and stability.

We welcome the process initiated by IGAD to facilitate dialogue to this end. We have agreed to come together within 6 months, to evaluate progress on the political process, implementation of Vision 2016, and security. Recognizing the recent military gains, we have reaffirmed our commitment to the conclusions of the London Security Event.

We have also reaffirmed the importance of stabilization activities, both governance and peace dividends; and highlighted the need to link the process of establishing local administrations to the state formation process. We have agreed on the need to redouble our respective efforts on financial accountability and transparency, and to implement together the principles of the New Deal.

We have renewed our partnership and revalidated the Compact as the path and process whereby we work jointly for a peaceful, united and prosperous Somalia. Finally, we finish our work today conscious of the urgency of delivering for the citizens of Somalia – on political unity, on stability, on security, on prosperity.

The past year has seen advances in our partnership, but activities in all areas need to be stepped up. Now is the time to show results. We cannot afford delays. Ultimately, the people of Somalia will be our judge; we must be ready to stand before them.

High Level Partnership Forum endorses a Communiqué

19 Nov – Source: UNSOM – 1, 526 words

The first annual Ministerial High Level Partnership Forum was held in Copenhagen 19-20 November, co-chaired by HE Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of the Federal Government of Somalia, and the United Nations, and hosted by the Government of Denmark. [Communiqué]

2. Fifty-six delegations gathered to review progress made since the Brussels Conference in September 2013, where the New Deal Somali Compact was endorsed, acknowledge challenges encountered in 2014, and identify priorities for 2015.

3. The endorsement of the New Deal Somali Compact marked a new phase in the political relationship between Somalia and the international community. The New Deal Compact binds together the Federal Government’s commitment to working towards stability and the unity of Somalia with the international community’s commitment to provide support.

4. We welcome the Somali Compact progress report, including the Somaliland Special Arrangement annual report, as a first step towards tracking and reporting of implementation of the Somali Compact. We will continue to use the principles of New Deal Engagement in Fragile States based on mutual accountability between Somali government institutions and its international partners, as the basis for ensuring a nationally-led and nationally-owned approach to development. We encourage the Federal Government to continue their efforts to operationalise the Somali Compact with the effective involvement of the sub-regional and regional administrations.

5. We emphasise that the Somali people need to see the tangible results and deliverables, at the local level of the Somali Compact. To support this we commit to improve the effectiveness of the PSG working groups and the allocation of a dedicated amount of the resources under each Peace and Statebuilding Goals (PSGs) to help further strengthening the link between central and local administration, in order to enhance further development. We recognise that the establishment of the New Deal financing architecture has advanced, including through the establishment of the UN and World Bank administered funding windows and that aid flows have increased. We look forward to the quick establishment of the remaining funding windows, administered by the AfDB and IMF.

International community welcomes newly-elected President of Somalia’s Interim South West Administration

19 Nov- Source: UNSOM- 213 words

The United Nations, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the European Union (EU) and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) welcomed the formation of the Interim South West Administration (ISWA) in Somalia and the subsequent election of Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan as the new President of the ISWA.

“We welcome the election of Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan as the new President. At the same time, we underline the importance of dialogue and inclusivity and urge the new leader to reach out “We welcome the election of Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan as the new President. At the same time, we underline the importance of dialogue and inclusivity and urge the new leader to reach to all constituents of the ISWA and, to reach consensus on addressing the many challenges ahead. The establishment of the Interim South West Administration paves the way to focus our minds on providing services for the people and building a functioning administration.” “In conclusion, we join international partners in urging the Federal Government of Somalia and the new Administration of the ISWA to work towards peace and state formation. We reiterate the commitment of the international community to supporting the authorities in ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in Somalia”.

Opening Remarks by USG for Political Affairs at the Ministerial HLPF on Somalia

19 Nov- Source: UNSOM- 782 words

Your Excellency, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Government of Somalia, Your Excellency, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Prime Minister of Denmark, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am honored to be with you today. I thank our generous hosts, the Government of Denmark, and all of you for your commitment to Somalia.

I bring you the greetings of the Secretary-General, who visited Mogadishu last month together with the President of the World Bank and many of the regional partners here – another sign of our broadening and deepening international engagement in Somalia. Excellencies, In my career of over 30 years in international affairs, I have never known a year like 2014. In the Middle East, in Ukraine, in West Africa, we have seen relentless crises, conflict and human suffering.

Somalia has stood out as different – a bright spot, a positive narrative in the making. Of course this does not mean plain sailing. In speaking to the Security Council last month, our Special Representative Nick Kay called it a country “waking from a terrible nightmare”. Some of Somalia’s old shadows still haunt us. And the waking world has its own challenges. But in this forum, together, we can face the challenges frankly as partners – with our eyes open, and focused on the day ahead.

President’s keynote speech, HLPF Copenhagen 19 November 2014

19 Nov- Source: Office of the President- 2212 words

If you search for books on Somalia, you’ll come across a slew of titles featuring phrases like ‘the world’s most dangerous place’, ‘outlaw state’, and ‘failed’ and ‘fragile’. For decades, Somalia was synonymous with pirates, terrorists, and complete lawlessness. But this Somalia exists no longer. It is a Somalia of yesterday, and is most definitely not the Somalia of tomorrow.

September 2012 marked a milestone for Somalia with the establishment of a new federal government, built through national consensus, and unanimously recognised by the international community. It signalled a new era of pursuing peace, stability and prosperity for ALL Somalis.
The issues we faced on appointment were legion. No institutions, no capacity, no financial resources, no legislation- nothing that anyone would recognise as delineating a ‘state’. The country was divided; with no clear path to unification and Al-Shabaab, and militia groups controlled most of the country. There was a stark lack of resources and only very basic institutional and government structures. The task ahead of us was daunting, and expectations were high.

Over the past two years we have focused on building a foundation and laying down the groundwork for stabilisation and ensuing reform. This has been guided by the New Deal Somali Compact, endorsed in Brussels in 2013. The Somali Compact is testament to the partnership between Somalia and the international community, based on mutual accountability and shared risk between the Federal Government and international development partners.

The Somali Compact highlights the importance of Somali-owned and -led planning based on establishing joint priorities, reached through dialogue, and sustained through reconciliation. In line with the Compact’s five Peace and State building Goals, the Federal Government – in partnership with the international community and civil society and the Somali public – have laid the basic building blocks of state reform, developed legal frameworks, governance structures, formalised Somalia’s presence in the international community, strengthened our relationship with neighbouring countries, re-structured key institutions, established forums for dialogue, developed the path for political reform and put in place the architecture for linking international support to our priorities through the New Deal Somali Compact.

We have built more than 50km of roads with solar street lights, provided health services in different regions, rehabilitated airport and ports, established youth recreational centres, provided greater access to justice, and strengthened industries for agriculture and fisheries in different corners of Somalia. The public education sector was revived – for the first time in over two decades – we addressed the sad reality that at least one generation of Somalis have never gone to school; we have put public schooling in place, enrolling an additional 78,000 new children, and revived a lost generation through vocational education centres.

We have made progress in public financial management, putting in place greater accountability measures, controls and governance structures. Progress made against the five PSGs has been detailed in the 2014 New Deal Progress Report, which we released in the lead-up to the Meeting. We can be heartened that such distinct progress has been made in positively moving the country from failed state to a nascent, functioning state.

As we look toward the next two years, we must urgently deliver on priority legislation, the establishment of commissions, and ensure the public consultations that will enable us to achieve the three intertwined strands of Vision 2016. We must enlarge our focus on delivering improvements that impact the lives of Somalis. This means we must ensure the roll-out of stabilisation initiatives that connect the government to citizens, defeat al-Shabaab, root out corruption, build mechanisms to capture revenue that is then used to provide schools for our children, create jobs for our young people, ensure healthcare for our families. We must extract and use Somalia’s ample natural resources for the good of all, and ensure the right environment for the private sector to flourish. To do this we require technical assistance in resource management, and we are in discussions with potential international partners, including the Government of Norway.

Somalia is at a critical juncture in its efforts to achieve security and stability. This past year has seen a rise in terrorist groups and activities around the world. Today, the reach of terrorists is not confined to just one country; it is a global issue, with global action required. More than any other fragile state today, Somalia has significantly advanced in its fight against terror. The Somali National Army jointly with AMISOM, has launched two consecutive major operations, and we are now in control of most of southern and central regions of Somalia.

Terrorism is not defeated through military means alone. It poses a far greater ideological threat that undermines the legitimacy of our government. We are winning the war but we must also win the peace. We can only have peace by building a government that can be trusted to deliver the services Somalis need, and that protects and advances the welfare of our people.

The key to maintaining sustainable peace and stability is the formation of a unified and federal Somalia. Vision 2016 is central to this goal. It outlines the framework for federalism through reconciliation, adoption of a revised constitution and the path to democratic elections in 2016. Building a nation is not something that happens overnight. Look at the great democracies of our modern world and consider their long, turbulent gestations. Nation-building activities typically confront highly difficult conditions, and Somalia is no different.

In order for there to be stable peace, Somalia must normalise the expectation that individuals and groups have equality before the law, that the Government is operating in their best interests, and that individuals and groups will settle their differences through non-violent means. Somalia has set up camp firmly in the grounds of democracy. We are investing in the rule of law to reduce human rights violations; we are establishing a market economy free from corruption, and imbuing a culture -led from the top- with tolerance and respect.

In our efforts to radically transform major aspects of state, society, and the economy in a few short years, we cannot deny that we subject our fragile society to tremendous pressure for the achievement of this transformation. Ladies and Gentlemen, Somalia is in the business of promoting real, not faux (foe) transformation. We are building a deliberative, inclusive and accountable state. But we are not just interested in the degree of state, but also the kind of state.

The challenge in Somalia is to create legitimate institutions and processes. Their effectiveness depends on it. The willingness of individuals to comply with the government’s decisions depends on whether they think the government is legitimate. We are seeing the beginnings of an effective state in Somalia: basic services such as education, health and protecting people’s security are beginning. Our ‘degree’ of statehood is clearly improving, by the day, by the week, by the month and by the year.

However, we must be sure that improvements in the degree of state also help to improve the ‘kind’ of state we are creating in Somalia. For as long as we have basic services and public goods delivered primarily through third-party actors: be they international or national NGOs, the visibility of the government is reduced. For as long as the funding supporting these activities is bypassing country systems, the capacity of the government is reduced.

For as long as the reporting of these activities is exists independently of the government, the planning ability of the government is hampered. As we have now witnessed in other post-conflict countries, legitimacy is not an automatic by-product of well-meant and well-funded international intervention. I said earlier that we are not just interested in the ‘degree’ of state, but also the ‘kind’ of state we are creating.

Legitimacy is created through accountability, ownership and sustainability of delivery of the expectations of society. We must acknowledge a set of tensions that exist today in Somalia, between the production of the state, and its legitimacy, and between short-term ticking of goals with long-term sustainability.

As we move into delivery mode, particularly in regard to Vision 2016, it is essential that the partnership we work within does not just develop the degree of state, but also the kind of inclusive, democratic and accountable state that best serves the interests of its people. The Constitution, federalism and preparing for national elections in Somalia must be safely carried in the hands of Somalis, with the support of international partners. This may mean that sometimes, pace may be slower than anyone would like, but we are running the long race in Somalia. This requires stamina, purpose and commitment, rather than short-term speed that would mean we fall before the finish line.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have come to Copenhagen with a desire to be frank, to look at our achievements, but also to look at the challenges and gaps. And so, in the spirit of this, I would like to propose today, that we must re-examine our commitment to Somali-led, Somali-owned. Nowhere is this more important than in relation to the Partnership Principles, which are the foundation piece of the ‘new’ deal. These principles provide a kind of safety net that allows both the Federal Government and our international partners to assume some level of risk, knowing that we are committed to the same goals, based on mutual accountability.

The Partnership Principles must be fully implemented. I am encouraged by the work just beginning which will help us monitor our adherence to these principles. It is heartening that the process of alignments to Somali Compact priorities has begun. International partners have gradually commenced working within the Somali Development and Reconstruction framework. This is a significant step in ensuring that activities are planned transparently, in full cooperation with state entities to ensure transparency, complementarity, and avoid duplication in the development sector.

Importantly, the work that has begun on establishing benchmarks for the use of country systems must be concluded as quickly as possible. In the spirit of mutual accountability, we acknowledge that further work is required to strengthen transparency and accountability. In closing, let me reflect briefly on the current political circumstance in Somalia. There can be no denial that the last few weeks have seen a degree of political uncertainty in Somalia. This uncertainty has been, in many circles, re-labelled as a ‘constraint’ and an impediment to progress.

I want to be clear that no one wants progress more than I do. The list of priorities is not shrinking. We have much to do, and I know that we have little time. Going forward, federal institutions, including the Parliament, the Council of Ministers, Government ministries, and leaders- be they national or local, elected or traditional – must work together, in the spirit of unity for the good of Somalia. This is not the time for delay.

We have a huge agenda in front of us. We have not failed on the side of ambition, and we must not fail to deliver on our ambition. This will require leadership and vision. Reconciliation must not lead to compromise, and continuity should not be confused with progress. As President of Somalia, I pledge that I will accept nothing less than competence and integrity moving forward the agenda of Somalia. The Federal Government is committed to inclusivity and is taking concrete steps to engage Somali people, including women and minority groups in the political process of nation-building. Our success requires the support of our international partners, but most of all it demands the ownership and commitment of the Somali people.

The next two years will be focused on activity execution: delivering on the three state-building priorities: federalism, review and adoption of a new Federal Constitution and delivering credible national elections in 2016. National unity cannot be delivered through external intervention; processes may be supported by our international partners, but ultimately, to ensure credibility, national unity must grow out of national leadership and commitment which we all are pursuing.

As we move through the agenda today and tomorrow, we will hear from my colleagues in the Federal Government and our international partners about progress against the Peace and State-building Goals and next steps. We ask today that these plans are grounded in creating a state that is self-sustaining, suitable to Somalia and accountable to the Somalis we serve. I recognise and extend my gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers, ministries, agencies and Government staff for their hard work and dedication and request their continued efforts in terms of implementing their roles. These are the institutions that Somalia is looking to seeing deliver.

I acknowledge the commitment and sacrifice of our Somali defence institutions and grieve the loss of our soldiers and security staff who have died in the pursuit of peace. We acknowledge the wounding and death that our AMISOM colleagues have suffered. We welcome and acknowledge the staunch support of our international partners and look forward to their continuing engagement.

As we continue towards democratisation, this is not time for scepticism. We have laid out our plans and we need to stand together to execute and deliver. I can assure you that we will not relax. We will focus on moving forward in the next few months in the achievement of Vision 2016. Thank you

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali traffic police net tinted windows vehicles in operation

20 Nov – Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu – 127 words

Somali traffic police have netted 14 tinted window vehicles in security operation in the capital Mogadishu. Vehicles with tinted windows were earlier banded in the city due to security reasons. Somali police traffic commandant general Ali Hirsi Barre has confirmed to the media 14 vehicles are in police custody for the offence.

He said vehicles with tinted windows are threat to the security of the capital and urged members of the public to abide by the law. Vehicles with tinted windows are believed to be used by armed group Al Shabaab to carry out hit and run attacks against government officials. Similar orders were enforced by Kenyan police in Nairobi earlier banning all public vehicles with tinted windows.

Modobe Nunow agrees to open talks with Sharif’s administration in Baidoa

20 Nov – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 143 words

Madobee Nuunow, the leader of South West Somalia state- six regions has agreed to negotiate with South West state of three regions led by Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden. According to Abdikadir Ajuuk giving exclusive interview to Goobjoog FM confirmed the initiative and also refused to change his stand and decisions of forming six regional state.

On the other hand, Nunow confirmed that he opened talks with Officials from the interim administration of Juba in Southern Somalia. On 17th November this year Sharif Hasan Sheikh Adan was elected as a president of administration South West -three regions. Baidoa hosts three presidents at the moment, Madobe Nunow as a leader of South West state of six regions, Sharif Hasan Sheikh Adan and Ali Mohamed Yusuf both for South West state of three regions respectively.

Somali Government officials condemn murder of journalist who is laid to rest in Galkayo today

20 Nov- Source: Radio Garowe/Dalsan Radio/Radio Bar-kulan/Radio RBC – 154 words

Afgoye transport association welcome the removal illegal checkpoints

20 Nov – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Goobjoog – 130 words

The committee of transport association in Afgoye district welcomed the federal government’s efforts to remove the illegal checkpoints along Mogadishu-Afgoye highway. Hussein Elmi among the committee told Goobjoog FM that the security of road is quite good compared to the previous weeks after a number of roadblocks were removed and motorists pass the road without disturbance.

The motorists and passengers were asked to pay money by armed group who set the illegal checkpoints Mr Elmi stated that removing the illegal roadblocks was an urgent requirement because it affected the owners of the public transport, passengers and residents. The removal of checkpoints from the roads of Mogadishu-Afgoye highway allows people to move freely throughout the area without being interfered by the armed groups.

Health ministry plans sanitation campaigns

20 Nov – Source: Radio Ergo – 157 words

The Somali health ministry in collaboration with several UN agencies is planning a sanitation awareness campaign to reduce the spread of disease. In an interview with Radio Ergo, Dr Yassin Abdi Jama, a senior official from the health ministry, said 60 per cent of diseases like diarrhoea and cholera would be preventable if sanitation were improved. “There is a diarrhoea outbreak in our country every year, which kills many children. In order to reduce this problem, we have decided to focus on increasing sanitation awareness campaigns. It is unfortunate to see a whole community dying because of lack of proper sanitation,” Yassin said.

“In 2013, the number of polio victims was high, with South-central Somali regions having the highest cases of infection. This is because of the massive displacement in those regions that causes poor sanitation, arising from shortage of latrines in IDP camps,” he noted. The campaigns are to focus on IDP camps, schools and communities living near rivers. Dr Yassin called on local communities to avoid drinking contaminated water, and to improve garbage disposal systems in their areas. “Every Somali family is supposed to participate in the improvement of sanitation.”

Heavy rain floods Mogadishu roads and IDP camps

20 Nov- Source: Radio Goobjoog/Radio Dalsan- 83 words

Heavy rain in Mogadishu and its surroundings has interfered with public transportation. The major roads of the city were flooded as vehicles were forced to use smaller roads in the city’s neighbourhoods. Thousands of internally displaced people in the capital and its suburb living in small huts made of cardboards and old rugs that cannot withstand the heavy downpour were also affected. Some IDPs express fear that if the rains continue the situation of more IDPs will worsen.

Women signing up to study at university in Lasanod

20 Nov – Source: Radio Ergo – 307 words

Nugal University in Lasanod has reported a significant rise in the number of female students enrolling for degree courses. According to the university registrar, Abdallah Ahmed Mohamed, there were 64 women admitted for courses in 2011-12, 151 the following year, and 205 for the academic year 2013-14.

The university has sought to enable women to study by offering a timetable that allows them to conduct their normal household duties, to avoid a conflict between such duties and their studies. This has impressed many parents. “They have realized the importance of sending their daughters to school. They are doing so after seeing many educated women who have started working in the area,” the registrar said.

Last year, 15 of the best performing students at Nugal University, including seven women, went on to get jobs with the International Organization for Migration. Halima Salah Hassan, a mother of three, is among the female students at the university where she is pursuing a degree course in social development and leadership. Her three daughters are also students at the university. “Girls are the pillar of the community today. During the civil war, it was women who saved the country. I call on female high school leavers who are at home and maybe planning to migrate, to change their minds and sign up for higher education, so as to become the leaders of tomorrow,” she said.

Halima said her daughters do part-time jobs, despite their busy schedules, to pay their way. She emphasized the importance of educating girls and women. Fathi Mohamud, a fourth year computer science student, said there were more female students in his class than men. “Most of my previous classmates were female, and they were far better than us in class performance. We used to approach some of them for help with subjects we didn’t understand well,” Fathi said.

Ten political parties unite to form umbrella

20 Nov – Source: Radio Dalsan – 190 words

In an event held in Mogadishu, 10 political parties have united. The event was attended by many leaders some of them serving the federal government of Somalia. Their umbrella party is called Committee of Somalia’s United Political Parties. They selected Veteran Politician Abdullahi Sheikh Hassan as their chairperson. In a speech he delivered at the event, Mr. Abdullahi Sheikh Hassan said the ten political parties were working on this unification for months. He added that they were eventually successful in forming their umbrella of political parties.

“These political parties were existing already. This umbrella they formed today is what is new after realising that they are of the same attitude towards the status quo of the country and the goals that are being aspired in future.” Mr. Abdullahi said. Currently, political parties in Somalia do not have major role as elections through political parties are not done in the country. In Somalia, there are no one man one vote elections yet. But, these parties may be preparing for the one man one vote elections which are due to be held in the country in 2016.

REGIONAL MEDIA

UN delays refunds for Kenyan troops fighting in Somalia

20 Nov – Source: Business Daily – 354 Words

The UN has once again delayed refunds for Kenyan troops fighting Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia. The Treasury says the UN failed to remit the targeted Sh2.03 billion in the three months to September. Kenya is expecting Sh6.1 billion from the international community for the operation.

The government has complained in the past about the slow pace of the refunds, which has put it under budgetary pressure. The Business Daily failed to get a comment from Henry Rotich, the Treasury Secretary, on the reasons behind the delay. In the past delay in reimbursement of the money has been linked to the UN’s insistence on proper verification of Kenya’s claims. In October 2011, the country formally sent 4,660 soldiers to Somalia after incessant attacks and kidnappings by Al-Shabaab militants within its territory.

Hiiraan region appeals for help after flooding

19 Nov – Source: Sabahi Online – 644 Words

More than 8,000 families who were displaced when the Shabelle River overflowed its banks mid-October are still in urgent need of assistance, Hiran region officials told Sabahi. Many people who live in and around towns along the river — in Beledweyne, Bulo Burde and Jalalaqsi in particular — lost their homes and this year’s crop yield in the flood, said Hiran Governor Abdifatah Hassan Afrah, noting that floodwater is still standing in some areas.

Flooding has been a regular occurrence along the Shabelle River, one of two rivers that pass through Somalia, and has caused massive problems for residents in Hiran. “Even though many villages suffered damage, most of the damage occurred in Beledweyne and the surrounding areas,” Afrah told Sabahi. “Most of the houses that flooded in Beledweyne were destroyed since they were huts inhabited by poor people,” he said. “The toilets were all destroyed and the sewers broke. The farmland that would have produced this year’s crops was also destroyed.”

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Interview with Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

20 Nov – Source: France 24 – 11:55 Minutes

Somali troops backed by African Union forces have carried out a successful military campaign against al-Shabaab’s strongholds in the country. But in recent days, the armed group has claimed responsibility for two explosions in Mogadishu, showing it still poses a threat to Somalia’s security. In an interview with France 24, Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says that car bombings targeting restaurants and busy streets show that Al-Shabaab has been weakened. “They have no capability to attack the security forces so they attack ordinary citizens”, he points out.

The UN gave millions to Somalia. Where did it go?

19 Nov- Source: Fox News- 1490 words

The United Nations for years handed out tens of millions of dollars to non-government organizations involved in humanitarian work in strife-battered Somalia with “no assurance” that the money was used for the intended purposes,” according to a report by the U.N.’s own internal auditing watchdog. In fact, they concluded, “there was no effective financial monitoring” of the work.

According to the watchdogs, any subcontractors used by the NGOs to help carry out their work were not listed in U.N. agreements, meaning that the U.N. may lack any legal right to find out whether the money it handed over went for the proper purposes. And atop all that, the U.N.’s chief humanitarian coordinator, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, lacked any appropriate guidelines for handing out the money in the first place. So instead it handed over more than 80 percent of its project funding in advance of any work done, on a quick-impact emergency basis, a method that the auditors said should be ended “immediately” — but which apparently is continuing into next year.

Support Somalia to build “sustainable security”

19 Nov – Source: UN Radio – 1490 words

The international community has been urged to continue supporting Somalia to build what’s been described by a senior UN official as “sustainable security.” The UN’s political affairs chief, Jeffrey Feltman made the comment at the High-Level Partnership Forum for Somalia, which opened in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Wednesday.

The Horn of Africa country has endured more than two decades of political instability and a series of droughts that has left it dependent on international support. The UN Spokesperson is Stéphane Dujarric. “Talking about Somalia’s political instability, Mr Feltman warned that the country cannot afford to repeat the pattern of division and paralysis that has led to ten Prime Ministers in a dozen years.

He urged the President and all Somali leaders to ensure that the current crisis is resolved rapidly, and in a way that ensures political stability through 2016.” (22″) The Forum is aimed at creating a more secure future for all Somali people through a process known as the New Deal Somali Compact. The Compact promotes political reconciliation and focuses on establishing peace, security, justice and sustainable development throughout the country.

Actor who played Somali pirate in Captain Phillips battered man until he suffered brain haemorrhage

19 Nov – Source: Daily Mirror – 514 Words

An actor who played a Somali pirate in a Hollywood blockbuster led a gang who battered a man so severely he suffered a brain haemorrhage. Mohammed Abdi had a minor role in the 2013 Tom Hanks movie Captain Phillips – an action film the sentencing judge said he had seen ‘more than once’. But away from the cameras Abdi was part of a hotheaded mob who ambushed rivals as they were coming out of takeaways, the Manchester Evening News reported. In the first attack, the victim was on his way out of Kansas Fried Chicken at Wilmslow Road, Rusholme, when his attackers, led by Abdi, pulled up in a Nissan Micra and set upon him. The man was kicked into unconsciousness and suffered a fractured cheekbone, before being bundled into a car, driven off, and released after an hour.

Prosecutor Katy Jones said Abdi had previously been involved in a fraud case with the victim, and called him a ‘grass’ before the attack, at 6am, March 2, 2013. The victim, who suffered a brain haemorrhage afterwards, told police he had been ‘paraded’ through the streets while unconscious, although this has not been proven. At 10am on August 17 this year, Abdi also took part in a gang assault on a man suspected of insulting his friend in the McFresh bakery at Claremont Road, Moss Side. The victim was cut to the arm after Abdi attacked him with a bottle in front of horrified staff and customers.

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“The horrific attacks in Kampala in 2010 and Nairobi in 2013 are examples of what awaits us if the enemy is not only vanquished on the battlefield, but also through the strengthening of political structures and fostering of socio-economic revival.”

Amisom’s success shows Africa’s solution is working

20 Nov – Source: Daily Monitor – 805 Words

The symbolism of my visit to Uganda, so early in my tenure, is not lost on me. I recently spent time in the ‘Pearl of Africa’ on the first of several visits I will be making around the continent, to share and highlight the numerous and very significant strides that the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) has made in Somalia, even as we enter the final weeks of the year. Uganda was the first country to answer Somalia’s call by deploying forces to help our brothers and sisters in the Horn of Africa back in 2007. These brave forces are now working alongside the other Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) and Police Contributing Countries (PCCs) of Burundi, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Ghana. The situation in Somalia was an African problem and Amisom is Africa’s working solution.

Together we have facilitated the liberation of millions of Somali people from al-Shabaab’s tyrannical rule, and given them a precious opportunity to experience the kind of freedom and prosperity that they have not had in generations. Early this year, we received fresh impetus on the military side with the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2124, which allows us to have a maximum of 22,126 boots on the ground. This increased capacity, allowed our peacekeepers to move from the defensive posture they had earlier adopted, and launch fresh operations.

“Yet the girls flourished in the face of all the challenges. When we boys were busy going to the cinema, playing football or even chewing miraa/khat, the girls had their heads buried in books. Some of the few who had the chance to go to school obtained good grades that got them scholarships.”

Somali women shine despite cultural hurdles

20 Nov – Source: Sahan Journal – 966 Words

One morning last week, Muna Sheikh and I sat at a restaurant in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area waiting to place our order when a waiter suddenly came at us shouting, “Why don’t you sit at the Women’s Section?” I was baffled. There was no point to the waiters incivility: the Women’s Section was mucky and men were not strictly forbidden from sitting in there, beating the purpose of keeping the sexes separate. So why did the waiter want to shove the girl into a dark, grubby room in the restaurant? Did being a woman mean she needed to be cloistered? This unsettled me for the rest of the day.

In the same week, on a stroll through Eastleigh, I met 20-year-old Halima who sells tea by the cup at Seventh Street. A long jilbab (full veil) swathed her body, falling almost to her toes. Her smile caught my eye. But behind Halima’s smile was a great sadness. She had lost her mother a few days before; she had given birth to a child whose father had divorced her only eight months earlier. Halima also had to take care of her 11 siblings. Her father had long died and she was too poor to attend his burial in Mandera. Halima’s woes didn’t end there. She is a Kenyan citizen, from Mandera County, with no identity card. During the crackdown on Somali refugees in Eastleigh in April this year, she was confined in Kasarani Stadium for days until she paid 20,000 Kenyan shillings (220 dollars) for her release.

“The intensity of the conflict is an indication that a range of stakeholders see the process of building Somalia’s judiciary as more than window-dressing for donors; this is a genuine political and ideological battle over one of the country’s most important institutions.”

The Pitfalls of Power-sharing in Somalia

19 Nov – Source: Chathamhouse.org – 735 Words

Somalia’s leaders and international donors are gathered in Copenhagen for the High Level Partnership Forum meeting on 19-20 November, where they are intending to trumpet security achievements made in the last year and reinforce momentum for the federal government of Somalia’s Vision 2016 agenda – which includes the formation of member states, reform and adoption of the 2012 draft constitution, and establishment of electoral institutions ahead of the polls.

However, political wrangling in Mogadishu is overshadowing the Copenhagen meeting, with the looming prospect of Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, in place only since February, becoming the second premier to lose a no-confidence motion in parliament since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took office two years ago. Such an outcome would likely usher in a period of weeks – perhaps months – of negotiations over his replacement and the formation of a new cabinet.

Top tweets

@amisomsomalia Children in #Somalia can now dream big & write the next chapter for this beautiful country.#UniversalChildrensDay

@AntoniaMulvey Over 36,000 forcibly evicted in #Somaliabetween January and end of October 2014, report@UNHCRSom – housing and land solutions are needed.

@OCHASom “Only with support of #Somalia Gov in facilitating#humanitarian access will aid workers be able to better deliver assistance” @UNLazzarini

‏@Aynte “The pitfalls of power sharing in #Somalia” by@africaupdate

w.chathamhouse.org//node/16294#

@dailynation UN delays refunds for Kenyan troops fighting in Somalia http://ow.ly/EywHX

‏@apo_source International community welcomes newly-elected President of Somalia’s Interim South West Administrationhttp://wp.me/p69kk-uZB

@cassandranelson Today we begin with optimism + determination. With the right support #Somalia can achieve aspirations for peace + stability says @somalia111

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Image of the day

Murdered Journalist Abdirisak Ali Abdi was buried in Galkacyo. Photo: Radio RBC