November 24, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Somalia’s Parliament session ends in chaos

24 Nov- Source: Radio Goobjoog/Radio Mustaqbal/Radio Risaala/Radio Dalsan – 215 words

The session of Somali parliament turned chaotic after the members of federal parliament against the motion shredded the attendance register and disabled the loud speakers in the hall to disrupt the session. The agenda of today’s session was the distribution of the no confidence motion against Somali premier Abdiweli Sheikh, two previous sessions ended fruitless after members against the motion blocked the distribution.

Before the arrival of the speaker some copies of the no confidence motion was distributed to members of parliament, the MPs against the motion tore up their copies. The speaker of the federal parliament Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari entered the hall, at once the MPs started shouting and screaming. Mr. Jawari announced that the session is open and walked out of the hall immediately, he returned straight to his office. Most of the MPs on their side walked out the hall.

Some of the MPs contacted by Goobjoog FM state that no motion distributed in the parliament today claiming that according to the internal of procedures of the parliament the agenda has to be read first followed by the distribution of the motion noting something of that sort has not happened. The next move cannot be predicted and the members of two camps are planning to hold separate meetings in the capital.

Key Headlines

Somalia’s Parliament session ends in chaos (Radio Goobjoog/Radio Mustaqbal/Radio Risaala/Radio Dalsan)
We will respect the law Sharif Hassan (Radio Bar-kulan)
Strong earthquake struck Wajale district (Radio Goobjoog)
Al shabaab suspects arrested in Baidoa (Radio Dalsan- 90 words)
Bosaso prisoners offered skills training (Radio Ergo- 220 words)
Prime Minister Abdiweli expresses his condolences to Kenya‏ (Radio RBC – 126 words)
Heavy rains displace thousands in Bardere (Radio Ergo- 262 words)
US UN condemn Mandera attack (Daily Nation)
Security beefed up in Mandera (Citizen News)
Police knew of impending terror attack says NIS officer (Star Kenya)
Leaders turn heat on State over rising terror attacks (Standard Media)
Kenya hits back at Shabab (Times Live)
Speaker: Iran ready to provide technical professional training to Somalia (Fars News Agency)
Somali Australians fear end of small money transfers (Special Broadcasting Service)

PRESS STATEMENT

Statement from Office of The President

22 Nov- Source: Office of the President- 152 words

The President of Federal Republic of Somalia H.E Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has strongly condemned the terrorist attack that targeted bus passengers in Kenya’s north. Gunmen ambushed a bus from Mandera that was heading to Nairobi, killing at least 20 passengers and hijacking a dozen more. The President extends his deep condolences to the families of the victims as well as to the Government and people of Kenya and demands the quick release of those who were hijacked.

“This act demonstrates terrorists’ blatant disregard for life. Somalia and Kenya stand together in the fight against al-Shabaab. As a strong and enduring partner, we will continue to support the Kenyan people in their efforts to defeat terrorism,” the President states. The Somali government supports Kenya’s efforts to bring all those involved in planning and executing this attack to justice and stands ready to provide any support to Kenyan authorities investigating this tragic attack.

“Progress will continue, with a priority on Vision 2016, for the good of Somalia”

22 Nov – Source: Office of the President – 449 words

The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, HE Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the ‘one Somalia’ delegation yesterday returned to Mogadishu after attending the High Level Partnership Forum in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Reflecting on the two-day meeting which was called to affirm progress against the milestones set out in the New Deal Somali Compact, acknowledge challenges and discuss next steps together with Somalia’s international partners, the President commented, “I thank the Government of Denmark for hosting the HLPF Copenhagen, and the United Nations for co-chairing the Meeting. I am enormously energised by the discussions we have had. I thank the 59 delegations that travelled to Copenhagen to join us and reaffirm their commitment to the Somali Compact.

“We have much ahead of us. Political progress will continue, and pick up pace. There is still significant work remaining to complete key tasks and cement emerging activities.” Over the next year, the Federal Government will prioritise tasks that are critical to ensuring a smooth and timely realisation of political objectives outlined in Vision 2016: a revised and endorsed Constitution, a federal system, and democratic elections. Government and Parliament will focus in the coming months on ensuring no further delays to ensuring the establishment of the key institutions and processes to ensure the achievement of Vision 2016 and pave the way to long-term peace, stability and reconciliation,

Freeing the remainder of Somalia from terrorist and militant groups is critical, and ensuring that stabilisation activities follow in close succession to liberation will be instrumental in connecting citizens to the government and enabling local governance initiatives take root in different corners of Somalia. Development progress is essential to ensure that security and stabilisation gains are translated into long-term, tangible benefits for Somalis, across Somalia. The President acknowledged the contribution of AMISOM, which is working together with the Somali National Army to secure the peace of Somalia. The President paid tribute to the friends of Somalia who gathered at the Meeting, expressing his gratitude for funding and technical support, and welcomed concern for Somalia’s future.

“Whilst we may sometimes differ on the small details, I think it is true to say that we all agree on the big issue that is at the heart of this meeting: that success in Somalia will be ultimately be measured by the impact on the life of Somali people. “On behalf of Somalia, I reaffirm our choice of peace. We reaffirm that reconciliation- the path that we have chosen – will be won through dialogue, through inclusive politics, through clearly defined roles and responsibilities, through a commitment to timely delivery on priority activities, and through creating a shared vision of what Somalia can be in the future,” the President concluded.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somalia’s Parliament session ends in chaos

24 Nov- Source: Radio Goobjoog/Radio Mustaqbal/Radio Risaala/Radio Dalsan – 215 words

We will respect the law, Sharif Hassan

24 Nov- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 83 words

The newly elected President of the South Western regional state of Somalia has promised to unite the people of the state and lead them towards justice. Speaking in Baidoa Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan has said he will form quality government to spearhead the development agenda of the region as soon as possible. Former national assembly speaker called upon rival politicians to unite for the sake of the people saying his administration will embark reconciliation process to bring together warring communities in the area.

Strong earthquake struck Wajale district

24 Nov – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 91 Words

Strong earthquake has struck Wajale district on Sunday, a border town linking Somalia and Ethiopia. Though the magnitude of the earthquake is not known it has destroyed some roads in and out of Wajale district according to reliable sources, no other casualties reported. The locals in Wajale district fearing the earthquake that struck the town the late hours of the night walked out of the buildings with their valuable belongings. The administration of the breakaway state of Somaliland is yet to comment about this incident.

Al shabaab suspects arrested in Baidoa

24 Nov- Source: Radio Dalsan- 90 words

There is heavy operation going on Baido town the headquarter of Bay region targeting individuals suspected of al-shabab. The commander of the security of the town Abdulqadir abdi Mohamed told Radio Dalsan that there is operation in which they are targeting al-shabab suspects. He said since the town was busy hosting the formation of the three state administration and the six administration al-shabab infiltrated the town. He said over 30 suspects are arrested from different parts of the town and they will be brought before the law.

Bosaso prisoners offered skills training

23 Nov – Source: Radio Ergo – 220 words

More than 100 prisoners in Bosaso Central Prison are being offered vocational training to prepare them for life after their release. The prison chief Shire Mohamed Jama told Radio Ergo’s local reporter that three female prisoners were among the inmates undergoing training over the next four months.

The ICRC-funded programme is aimed at reforming prisoners and equipping them with skills for self-reliance before they are released back into society. The courses on offer including farming skills, tailoring, construction and carpentry. Abdikadir Mohamud, 25, who is serving a five year jail sentence for manning an illegal a roadblock to extort money, told Radio Ergo he was happy learning carpentry.

“I knew nothing five years ago apart from how to rob at gunpoint and kill people, but today my life is reformed and I have new skills to work with,” Abdikadir said. Gareen Mohamed, a mother of five, was sentenced to a 27-month jail term for stealing gold. She was delighted and excited about learning tailoring for her remaining three months in jail. “I have served two years, and will serve the remaining three months of my sentence. I am now learning how to sew, and I am very happy, because I never assumed one could learn while in prison!” This is the second training held for prisoners in Bosaso Central Prison.

Heavy rains displace thousands in Bardere

23 Nov – Source: Radio Ergo – 262 words
Torrential rains that battered Bardere for more than 10 hours left 2,500 families homeless as swept through their village. The rains started early Thursday, causing residents of Bulo-Kurman, Bulo-kulow and Marwa villages on the south of the town to flee their homes.

Abdullahi Mohamed Hussein, a local elder, told Radio Ergo that he had not seen such flooding since 1997, when the El Nino hit the town. He said the floods were caused by a seasonally dry river bed that ran through the town that had not been properly maintained. “In the time of the previous government, they used to remove sand and clean it before the rainy seasons. But now people throw garbage into it and there are plantations growing around it.”

He said the floods worsened the already tough conditions facing the district. “There has been no humanitarian assistance arriving in this town for a long time. I call on all well-wishers to come to our assistance and repair for us toilets and damaged houses.” Habiba Muhumad Isse, 50, is a mother of five. She told Radio Ergo’s local reporter that she lost her house in the floods and she was now staying at a relative’s house.

Radio Ergo’s local reporter is among those affected by the floods. He said his house was destroyed and he and his family was now staying with relatives. Most of the affected families have camped on open high ground at Sarinley, which is four km north of Bardere in Gedo region. They complain of lack of shelter, food and clean water.

Prime Minister Abdiweli expresses his condolences to Kenya‏

23 Nov- Source: Radio RBC – 126 words

The Prime Minister of Somalia Abdiweli Shiekh Ahmed Has sent condolences to the families of the victims of yesterday’s attack. “My heart goes out to our Kenyan brothers and sisters on this tragic day,” said H.E. Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed. “My Government and I offer our sincerest condolences and support to the people of Kenya. We share your grief, but also your determination not to be intimidated by these terrorist and criminal acts.” “Our thoughts are with the people and government of Kenya and Kenyan Military troops operating as part of AMISOM at this difficult time. Somalia and Kenya share a common commitment against terrorist tugs that is rooted in our will to ensure security and stability on the region,” said H.E. Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed.

REGIONAL MEDIA

US, UN condemn Mandera attack

24 Nov – Source: Daily Nation – 109 words

The United States and the United Nations have condemned Saturday’s attack on a Nairobi-bound bus by Al-Shabaab militants that left 28 people dead. A statement issued Saturday by the National Security Council spokesperson Bernadette Meehan termed the attack as ” horrific”.

“The United States condemns in the strongest terms today’s horrific attack in Kenya by the terrorist group Al-Shabaab against innocent civilians,” she said in Washington. “The United States stands with our Kenyan partners in the effort to counter the threat of terrorism and affirms our ongoing commitment to working with all Kenyans to combat these atrocities,” the statement read. The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also condemned the attack.

Al-Shabab denies Kenya reprisal over bus raid

24 Nov – Source: Aljazeera English – 540 words

Somalia’s rebel group, al-Shabab, has denied claims by Kenyan authorities that more than 100 of their fighters, who allegedly masterminded an attack on a bus in northern Kenya, were killed by Kenyan forces. Deputy President William Ruto, said on Sunday that his country’s armed forces carried out a cross-border attack in which they targeted the perpetrators of Saturday’s attack in which 28 bus passengers were killed near the town of Mandera.

“Two successful operations in the hideouts of the perpetrators of Mandera executions were swiftly carried out across the border. Our retaliatory action left in its trail more than a hundred fatalities.” Ruto said in an address to the nation outside his office in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. “It also destroyed four technicals [pickup trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns] and the camp from which this crime was planned.” Ruto added.

Security Beefed Up In Mandera

23 Nov – Source: Citizen News – 121 words

Security has been beefed up in Mandera County following the shootings by suspected to be Al Shabaab militants that left 28 people dead as they were travelling in a bus to Nairobi. The military started a major security operation to hunt down Al-Shabaab suspects who killed the Kenyans who were heading to Nairobi from Mandera.

Mandera County Commissioner Alex Nkoyo confirmed that a base belonging to the Somali terror group was bombed on Saturday by Kenya Defense Force officers. Police have assured buses plying the Mandera-Rhamu-Elwak route of security. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the dawn attack in a statement on Saturday saying that it was revenge for the raids that were carried out by Kenyan security forces on mosques in Mombasa.

Police knew of impending terror attack, says NIS officer

24 Nov – Source: Star – 279 words

The National Intelligence Service informed the police and the Kenya Defence Forces in Mandera and Nairobi about an imminent terror attack by al Shabaab but did not act. According to an intelligence officer based in Mandera, the security agencies were informed that at least 15 heavily armed insurgent had crossed into the country using three pickups mid November.

The officer who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals from his seniors said the police were also told of an active terror cell in Omar Jilaow area near Arabia village between Mandera town and Elwak, the spot where 28 Kenyans were brutally murdered on Saturday morning. He said the terrorists are believed to have come from Gedo,Somalia, a region bordering Kenya at the northern tip of Mandera county. This region is often known as “no man’s land” as people move goods in and out of both countries freely.

Leaders turn heat on State over rising terror attacks

23 Nov – Source: Standard Media – 651 Words

Furious leaders from Northern Kenya yesterday took on the Jubilee Government over runaway insecurity in Wajir, Mandera and Garissa counties. Addressing a news conference at Serena Hotel in Nairobi following yesterday’s attack in Mandera on a Nairobi-bound bus that left 28 dead, the leaders faulted the security agencies over increased terror activities in the region.

The leaders, who included National Assembly Majority Leader Adan Duale, Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohammed, President Uhuru Kenyatta’s advisor Abdukadir Mohammed, three senators and three governors, warned that the attack was geared towards causing tension, religious conflict and disunity among Kenyans. The leaders urged President Kenyatta to raise the fight against the group within the country by intensifying patrols and pledged to fully back the stringent measures put in place to curb insecurity.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Kenya hits back at Shabab

24 Nov – Source: Times Live – 370 Words

Kenya said yesterday its troops had killed dozens of al-Shabab Islamists in raids inside Somalia after the execution of 28 non-Muslim people on a Kenyan bus. There was no independent confirmation of the strikes in response to Saturday’s attack by the al-Qaeda-linked group near Mandera, close to the Kenya-Somali border. Nairobi claimed there were 100 dead in Saturday’s operation. Kenyan Vice-President William Ruto said troops carried out two successful operations, causing “more than 100 fatalities” as well as destroying four trucks carrying weaponry and smashing the camp where the attack was planned.

Shabab fighters executed the passengers after seizing a bus carrying about 60 people in what they said was revenge for police raids on mosques in Mombasa. The bus, headed for the capital Nairobi, was ambushed shortly after departing from Mandera in the deadliest attack in months. Passengers were ordered off the vehicle and separated by the gunmen into Muslims and non-Muslims. The groups made up of dozens of militants then forced the non-Muslims to reboard the bus and tried to drive off with them. But the vehicle got stuck, so they executed their prisoners before escaping back into Somalia. Police have closed four mosques in Mombasa, a largely Muslim city unlike much of Kenya where Christians make up 80% of the population, on the grounds they had come under the influence of hardliners. “Any place of worship that wilfully hosts terror platforms disqualifies itself from the sanctity of a place of worship,” Ruto said.

Speaker: Iran ready to provide technical, professional training to Somalia

23 Nov – Source: Fars News Agency – 231 Words

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani in a meeting with Somali Parliament Speaker Mohamed Osman Jawari voiced Tehran’s readiness to provide technical and professional assistance to the Somali government. “Iran can help Somalia in technical and professional training,” Larijani said during the meeting on the sidelines of his visit to Djibouti on Saturday. The Iranian parliament speaker reiterated that Iran is considering long-term relations with the Somali government. Larijani pointed to the presence of Iranian warships in the high seas, and said, “Iran is ready to cooperate with Somalia to fight international pirates in the region.”

The Somali parliament speaker, for his part, pointed to the status quo of Somalia-Iran relations, and said, “I invite you (Iranian parliament speaker) to visit Somalia in a bid to strengthen the historical bonds between the two countries as well as economic and political relations.” Larijani visited Djibouti in the Horn of Africa at the official invitation of his Djiboutian counterpart and attended the inaugural ceremony of the new building of the Djibouti Parliament. Iran is an observing member of the African Union (AU) and has shown an active presence in previous AU summit meetings. The country is considered as one of the AU’s strategic partners along with India, Japan, China, several South American states and Turkey, while Tehran is also believed to be prioritizing promotion of its economic and political ties with the African states.

Somali Australians fear end of small money transfers

23 Nov – Source: Special Broadcasting Service – 956 Words

Millions of migrants in Australia are hoping for a last minute reprieve from Westpac Bank to prevent the closure of its small money transfer services. Westpac is the last major bank in Australia to provide the services, but it plans to stop them on Monday. One of the communities to be hit hardest if the decision goes ahead is Australia’s Somali community.

Millions of migrants in Australia affected by closure. The World Bank estimates Australians send money to more than 157 countries. The newly formed Australian Remittance and Currency Providers Association estimates 6.5 million Australians with family or friends overseas rely on money transfer services. The association has been formed to raise awareness about the impact Westpac’s decision could have on migrant communities.

It represents more than 5,000 registered money transfer organisations that, together, handle more than 80 million transfers into and out of Australia each year. The association says the transfers are worth more than $30 billion.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

President Kibaki and his co-principal Raila ordered the deployments of Kenyan troops in October 2011 to pursue and track down the al Shabaab militants.

Get terrorism out of houses of worship

24 Nov – Source: Star – 812 Words

In the past few months, the Jubilee government has been struggling to contain the rising cases of insecurity associated with radicalisation of Muslim youths. Though this problem started to rear its ugly head during the reign of President Mwai Kibaki and Prime minister Raila Odinga, the new administration has been burning themidnight oil and sparing no effort in ensuring peace and normalcy was restored in affected regions.

However, the situation on the ground shows that the efforts are yet to bear fruits, though there is no let up on the part of the government. The law enforcers have so far arrested and charged hundreds of radicalised youths linked to terrorism activities that have in the recent past left many people dead or maimed and led to destruction of property worth billions of shillings.

President Hassan has been defiant in his response to international criticism and pressure. In a Nov. 3rd press release, he acknowledged the international community’s support to Somalia, detailed the government’s past achievements and its goals ahead of 2016 elections, and urged the world to “respect Somalia’s sovereign right”.

Changing Prime Minister once a year will not benefit Somalia’s future

21 Nov – Source: Africanarguments.org – 1038 Words

Somalia’s Federal Parliament was closed on Nov. 11th and 15th after a group of MPs disrupted proceedings by shouting, banging on tables, and some waving protest signs that read “No Cash for Votes” and “Somali Democracy in Action”. The MPs are deeply divided over a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister, Dr. Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, who has been in office less than a year. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his Cabinet allies, including 14 ministers that signed a Nov. 13th letter calling for Dr. Ahmed’s resignation, support the motion.

The Prime Minister says he is ready to accept any Minister’s resignation and defends his Oct. 25th decision, which ignited the current political feud after President Hassan rejected the Cabinet re-shuffle. The political divide continues to widen, polarize the country and weaken its fledgling institutions. It has also triggered a litany of public statements by the U.N., E.U., U.S., and U.K., warning that the political standoff undermines recent progress and plans for 2016 elections. The AP reports that the U.S. has threatened aid cuts and has already cancelled participation at the High-Level Partnership Forum for Somalia, to be held in Copenhagen, Nov. 19-20, 2014.

Top tweets

@amisomsomalia This act demonstrates terrorists’ blatant disregard for life. Somalia & Kenya stand together in the fight against al-Shabaab. #Mandera

@amisomsomalia First-ever beach volleyball in Somalia. Sport has power to draw people together. Soomaaliya ha noolaato. Via @Modahir

@Goobjoognews #Somalia media crews are camping outside parliament building, security is tight

@SahanJournal Today, Somalia’s parliament is expected to debate a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed.

@ActForSomalia Somalia & its people’s interests in security,development and prosperity is more important than any one regions stubbornness.#HLPFCopenhagen

@HumanityNews Somalia: Changing PM Once a Year Will Not Benefit Nation’s Future http://dlvr.it/7ccd3H

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Image of the day

First-ever beach volleyball in Somalia. Sport has power to draw people together Photo:AMISOM