November 30, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.
President Hassan Sheikh heading to Kenya
30 Nov- Source: Radio Mustaqbal/Shabelle/Raxanreeb Online- 81 words
Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is on Friday heading to Kenyan capital city of Nairobi. The president is expected to meet his Kenyan counterparts Mwai Kibaki and discuss certain issues.
Hassan’s visit is part of series of visits to the east African nations among them Kenya , Ethiopia and Uganda. The Somali Foreign minister Fowziya Haji Adan visited Kenya and met with the Prime Minister of Kenya Raila Odinga.
Key Headlines
- President Hassan Sheikh heading to Kenya (Radio Mustaqbal/Shabelle/Raxanreeb Online)
- Ethiopia Somalia to cooperate on security and economic development (Radio Bar-kulan)
- Security operations conducted in Bay region (Radio Mustaqbal/Gedo Online)
- Bomb blast in Bal’ad injures Two (Shabelle)
- Government signs preliminary deal with Ahlu Sunna (Radio Bar-kulan)
- Kenya Uganda face rights queries in terror fight (Capital news)
- Deputy Chairperson of African Union Commission meets Somali President (modernghana)
- Somali militants known for brutal ways says video shows Kenya army abusing suspected militants(Washington Post/AP)
SOMALI MEDIA
President Hassan Sheikh heading to Kenya
30 Nov- Source: Radio Mustaqbal/Shabelle/Raxanreeb Online- 81 words
Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is on Friday heading to Kenyan capital city of Nairobi. The president is expected to meet his Kenyan counterparts Mwai Kibaki and discuss certain issues.
Hassan’s visit is part of series of visits to the east African nations among them Kenya , Ethiopia and Uganda. The Somali Foreign minister Fowziya Haji Adan visited Kenya and met with the Prime Minister of Kenya Raila Odinga.
Ethiopia, Somalia to cooperate on security and economic development
30 Nov- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 127 words
The governments of Somalia and Ethiopia have agreed to cooperate on economic development and strengthening of security in the region. Somalia’s minister for defence Abdihakin Hajji Mohamoud (Fiqi) who is in the president’s entourage visiting Ethiopia said a ministerial level task force has been set up to work on the economic development of the two countries.
The task force, he said will also help resolve Somalia crisis and their first meeting will be held in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. The minister stated that Ethiopia promised to train top Somali national army officers. A delegation led by president of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is in Ethiopia as part of its official trip to parts of east African countries.
Security operations conducted in Bay region
30 Nov- Source: Gedo Online/Radio Mustaqbal- 97 words
Mahad Abdirahman Adan, the commander of Somali forces in Bay region said that they are conducting operations against few pockets of al Shabaab remaining in the region.
“We started the operation and we will continue till the last al Shabaab member is caught or killed” said the commander while speaking to Mustaqbal radio. Its still unclear the results of the operation while there are no statement from the al Shabaab regarding the operation.
Bomb blast in Bal’ad injures Two
30 Nov- Source: Shabelle/Radio Mustaqbal/Muqdisho News- 111 words
Local residents in Bal’ad town of Middle shabelle region reported that a blast rocked the town Friday, injuring two people. The blast reportedly happened in the town’s center where the Somali forces were conducting security operations. Two Somali soldiers were severely wounded in the blast and were rushed to the district hospital. After the blast, units of the Somali forces arrived the site to reinforce the previous units and investigate the cause. However so far there are no group which claimed the responsibility of the attack.
Al Shabaab arrests civilians in Bardhere
30 Nov- Source: Radio Mustaqbal/Gedo Online- 83 words
Al Shabaab forces in the villages of Bardhere have arrested many civilians in an operation. According to local residents who talked to Mustaqbal Radio, 25 civilians were taken to custody by al Shabaab fighters.
The operation comes few days after al Shabaab military officials urged the residents of Bardhere to forward people who allegedly have ties with the Somali government. There are no further details from al Shabaab as to whereabouts of the civilians.
Somali soldiers battle al Shabaab in Gedo, Lower Shabelle
29 Nov – Source: Mareeg Online/Shabelle/Mustaqbal Radio – 99 words
Heavy battle between Somali government troops backed by Kenyan army serving under AMISOM force and al Shabaab militants broke out Thursday in the southwestern province of Gedo.
Locals say the fighting erupted when Somali forces moved closer to Burdhubo, a rebel-held city near Garbaharey town, the provincial capital of Gedo. Reports said Kenyan warplanes hit positions of al Shabaab in the area.
Lieutenant Col.Aden Hirse Rufle told the media on phone that several training camps and arms caches belonging to the militants were destroyed in the aerial attacks by Kenyan defence forces (KDF).
Meanwhile, al Shabaab fighters attacked a military base of the Somali government troops in Leego district in Lower Shabelle region, resulting the death of two people and the injury of 7 others.
Speaking to Mustaqbal radio , a witness said that the two sides exchanged gunfire for two hours. There are no comments from both the Somali military officials and al Shabaab regarding the fighting and the casualties.
Government signs preliminary deal with Ahlu Sunna
30 Nov- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 137 words
Government authorities in Galgadud region have said a preliminary deal to re-hat and reintegrate Ahlu Sunna militias into the national forces has been signed between the government and the Ahlu Sunna group in central Somalia.
Galgadud regional governor Ahmed Yussuf Hassan said the two sides agreed to reintegrate Ahlu Sunna militias into the government forces.
He said a government delegation will soon visit Galgadud region in order to take further steps reintegrating these militias, adding the government will fully take responsibility of these militias once they are re-hatted.
At least a thousand Ahlu Sunna fighters are now ready to join the national forces and serve the regions as government soldiers, according to Hassan.
Ahlu Sunna administration in central Somalia runs several towns and villages in Galgadud and Hiran regions and is at war with al Shabaab militant group.
Puntland leader receives huge welcome in Bossaso
29 Nov- Source: Garowe Online- 264 words
Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole leading a delegation of Puntland officials visited the commercial capital of Puntland state, Bossaso on Thursday, Garowe Online reports.
President Farole began his road trip to Bossaso visiting the towns of Waiye and Armo on Wednesday. The Puntland leader leading a delegation of military officials, cabinet officials and traditional elders entered the city of Bossaso, capital of Bari region midday Thursday.
Thousands of people crowded the sidewalks of Bossaso’s main road with banners reading “welcome to Bossaso” to embrace President Farole who toured the city and met with officials and citizens to thank them for their warm welcome.
Soldier Opens Fire on a Civilian Bus in Mogadishu,Kills One
29 Nov – Source: Shabelle – 90 words
Witnesses said that a government soldier on Thursday opened fire on a civilian bus traveling at Tarabunka square in Mogadishu, Somali capital, killing a civilian, injuring 2 others.
The incident happened after the driver of the vehicle ignored to pay illegal money demanded by the soldier “A government soldier killed the woman and wounded two others who were on board a bus that was traveling on Tarabunka Street located south of Mogadishu,” a witness said.
Fighting erupts near Hudur
30 Nov- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/RBC/Hiiraan Online- 84 words
A fight between Somali government soldiers and al Shabaab militias that claimed the lives of at least ten people has reportedly erupted in an area near Hudur town, Bakol region.
Bakol governor Mohamed Abdi Mayow told Bar-kulan that the fight occurred after government soldiers launched attacks on al Shabaab militias planning to attack the town.
Mohamed Abdi said they have foiled the militant planned attack, adding that ten militants were killed in the fight. The governor refuted claims that government soldiers suffered casualties during the fight.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Kenya, Uganda face rights queries in terror fight
29 Nov- Source: Capital News- 563 words
Kenya is struggling to counter terrorism which lately has become almost a weekly dose of grenades hurled at people in public places. Not even the churches considered to be the most secure in the presence of God have been spared in the series of attacks linked to terrorism.
Despite these attacks, the fears and shock, Kenya is caught between a rock and a hard place. In a report done by civil society groups, Kenya and Uganda have been accused of disregarding human rights in their heightened efforts to fight terrorism and protect their citizens.
“Counter terrorism tactics and operations in East Africa have led to a variety of human rights violations. Governments in the region have cited the need to fight terrorism as a pretext to crack down on political opposition, human rights defenders, and lawful expressions of dissent,” a report by Open Society Justice Initiative and East African civil society groups asserts.
Heightened concern over rape in Somali camps
29 Nov- Source: Sabahi Online- 789 words
Violence against Somali women is steadily on the rise, especially cases of rape involving internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mogadishu and its outskirts, women’s rights activists say.
On the occasion of the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25th, activists called for increased efforts to curb violence against Somali women.
“Somali women are subjected to various forms of violence that include female genital mutilation, forced marriage and domestic violence, but rape is still the worst kind of aggression that women face,” said Zahra Mohamed of the Somali Women Development Centre. “We have registered 126 rape cases and rape attempts during the past four months alone and this huge increase is worrying.”
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Deputy Chairperson of African Union Commission meets Somali President
30 Nov- Source: modernghana -185 words
The Deputy Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU) Erastus Mwencha, met today, in Addis Ababa, with the new President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The meeting provided an opportunity to review the most recent developments in Somalia, in light of the significant achievements made both on the security and political fronts. The President seized the opportunity to express his Government’s appreciation to the AU and AMISOM, in particular, for the sacrifices made in assisting Somalia overcome the many challenges facing it. He stressed his determination to leave no stone unturned to consolidate the progress made, by ensuring that the Somali Government fully play its role in the stabilization of the country.
On his part, the Deputy Chairperson reiterated AU’s commitment to continue supporting the peace and reconciliation efforts in Somalia. He indicated that the review process of the AMISOM mandate will provide an opportunity to exchange views on how best the AU can continue to support the efforts of the Somali Government towards the promotion of lasting peace, security and reconciliation, based on the priorities set by the Somali authorities.
Somali militants known for brutal ways says video shows Kenya army abusing suspected militants
29 Nov- Source: Washington Post/AP- 148 words
A video that appears to show Kenyan troops beating militant suspects has opened the force to criticism from al Qaeda-linked militants who are known for carrying out harsh punishments like stonings, amputations and beheadings.
An al Shabaab spokesman claimed on Twitter that a video obtained by a Kenyan TV station shows Kenyan troops abusing Muslims. The spokesman said the video shows that Kenyan troops are waging war on Islam.
Kenyan military spokesman Col. Cyrus Oguna said Thursday that investigations are being conducted to find out the identity of the men in the video. Soldiers surround two suspects and beat them with sticks while asking questions about al Shabaab in Swahili, the main language spoken in Kenya.
Pirates Given 21-Year Sentences in Seychelles Court
29 Nov – Source Maritime News – 168 words
Seychelles police have reported that three Somalis that were being held, were tried in court and sentenced to 21 years in prison each for pirate activity. A fourth Somali was sentenced to 14 years. The four Somalis were placed in Seychelles custody on the 28 January this year when they were detained and arrested outside Seychelles territory by a Danish warship, HMS Absalon, after the suspected pirates attacked an Iranian vessel named, Jelbut 40, taking the 14 crew hostage.
The operation conducted by the Danish warship Absalon against pirates off the coast of Somalia freed 14 Iranian and Pakistani hostages, which resulted in investigators working to determine what should happen next, commented the Copenhagen Post.
On 7 January, the Absalon, which was part of a NATO-led anti-piracy operation, pursued a craft it suspected of being a pirate mother ship off the Somali coast in the Indian Ocean. The pirates surrendered after a three-hour standoff, during which time the Absalon fired warning shots and instructed the pirates to surrender.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Tribalism is the cancer that is eating the flesh of the country of Somalia. The community leaders who were supposed to put their differences aside to look after the youth have carried the baggage of tribalism with them from home and have allowed such differences to divide them further, even in their new country. That is why the youth are in the mess they are in after the leadership has failed them.”
Somali leadership has failed its young people
29 Nov- Source: Hiiraan Online-802 Words
The Somali community’s leadership is largely to blame for the youth crisis that is crippling the East African community in Canada. Religion plays a key role in the lives of the Somalis. After all, 99 per cent of Somalis are reported to be Muslims.
Children growing up in a new environment have to deal with the identity crisis — a process every ethnic community goes through in its attempt to adjust to the new environment.
They have to go through the struggle of finding a balance between the culture of their new adopted country and the teachings they receive at home and at the mosque.
“The president has spoken about the security and social obstacles that hamper the country’s return to normalcy and the restoration of the people’s dignity. And at the top of these is the inhuman treatment of women. Therefore, with the nightmare of al Shabaab who kept women in both physical and mental darkness on the wane, one wonders if anyone can empathize with the President’s agony of helplessness and truly hear his appeal for action and change.”
The Somali President has spoken; can anyone hear his agony?
29 Nov- Source: Hiiraan Online-977 Words
In a speech that I consider to be one of the most powerful and most compassionate speeches that any Somali leader has delivered for a long time, Somalia’s new President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud has spoken candidly and explicitly about some of the most serious challenges that his government faces and called for the nation’s collective and urgent attention to tackle these issues in order to restore the dignity of the Somali people and the country’s statehood.
He lamented that Somalia has become a brand name for terrorism, piracy, refugees and failure as a state. “We know that terrorist actions committed by some of our people may only be a small fraction of international terrorism but we unfortunately carry the name. We are much better than to be called terrorists, better than be branded as pirates, better than having the largest refugee camps in the world and better than being known as the most failed state in the world.”
The president talked about how the Somali people have lost their pride in their identity as one can see wealthy business people running away from their homeland to settle in foreign countries just to obtain foreign passports. He described this as the lowest one can reach when someone views his nationality as a shame.
“Somalia hasn’t had a functioning central government for more than 20 years. But journalist Mary Harper says its image as a failed state is misleading. She argues that, even without a central government, businesses and local politics have found a way to flourish. Host Michel Martin talks with Mary Harper about her new book, Getting Somalia Wrong?”
Is The World ‘Getting Somalia Wrong?’
29 Nov- Source: NPR-1846 Words
I’m Michel Martin and this is TELL ME MORE from NPR News. Coming up, a video that’s going viral on the Internet is urging Africans to dig deep to help Norway. We’ll find out what that’s all about in a few minutes.
But, first, we turn to an African country that the world is frequently asked to help. It’s often described as a failed state. It is seen, when it’s seen, mainly as a haven for terrorism, a source of refugees and pirates and a location for one of this country’s most traumatic foreign experiences, the deaths of 19 service members after black hawk helicopters were shot down there.
Of course, we’re talking about Somalia and our next guests say that that picture, while rooted in truth, has a lot missing in it and she’s trying to complete the picture in a new book. It’s called “Getting Somalia Wrong?” Her name is Mary Harper. She’s covered Somalia for the BBC for many years now and she is with us now.
“As ever, the source of the problem is on land, and until Somalia can reach a certain level of stability and prosperity, the spectre of piracy is likely to hover over its coast for years to come.”
Somali piracy: A broken business model?
29 Nov- Source: BBC-468 Words
The business model that has underpinned maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia for the past few years has effectively been broken, according to the Operation Commander of the European Union Naval Force (EU Navfor) in the region, Rear Admiral Duncan Potts.
He told the BBC that a number of factors had led to Somali pirates being “contained and restrained”, and that a combined naval forces raid on one of their land bases back in May had had a profound effect in discouraging pirates from putting to sea. But he warned that progress against piracy was fragile and still reversible. The statistics show a dramatic reduction in pirate attacks off Somalia.
Top tweets
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@BBCAfrica Somali piracy: A broken business model?http://bbc.in/QtbCsM #somalia #piracy
@GrayPage #Somalia: #Pirates in custody of “ROYAL GRACE” threaten to kill crew if ransom cash is not handed over http://bit.ly/WyidA0
@AllanDuncan101 lessons for #somalia and #sudan here. In Burundi, donor-funded tax reform fosters self-sufficiencyhttp://gu.com/p/3c72m/tw via @guardian
@AU_PSD The Deputy Chairperson of the #AUCommission, Erastus Mwencha, met with President Sheikh Mohamud of #Somalia http://bit.ly/118LZkd
Image of the day
Deputy Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Erastus Mwencha, with the new President of Somalia, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on November 29, 2012. Photo: AU