November 5, 2018 | Daily Monitoring Report
AMISOM Develops Document To Guide Transition And Exit Plan
04 November – Source: AMISOM – 670 Words
The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has developed a document that will provide an effective framework for the gradual transition of security responsibilities to Somalia’s security institutions. The Concept of Operations (CONOPs), which will guide AMISOM’s activities and operations for the 2018-2021 period, marks the final phase of the AU Mission’s transition and eventual exit from Somalia.
The action-oriented document, once approved by the African Union and senior defence officials of troops-contributing countries, will mark yet another milestone in the Mission’s quest for a peaceful and democratic Somalia. Speaking at the closing of the five-day meeting held in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Francisco Madeira, hailed the document and expressed optimism that it will deliver. “We want to produce a document that is workable, a document that is in a position capable of producing the expected results and we are very much optimistic that we will do it,” said the SRCC who is also the head of mission.
The Concept of Operations (CONOPS) 2018 workshop looked at the Mission’s Somalia transition plan vis-à-vis the political and security situation in the country, emerging from decades of civil strife. Participants at the workshop included the Mission’s staff, officials of the Federal Government of Somalia, and representatives of African Union based at the Addis Ababa Headquarters in Ethiopia. The document is AMISOM’s intent regarding plans and aspirations that will culminate in the scheduled 2021 one-man-one vote elections and consequently the transfer, gradually, of the security responsibilities from the Mission to Somali security forces.
Key Headlines
- AMISOM Develops Document To Guide Transition And Exit Plan (AMISOM)
- Senate Warns Against Interference In S. West State Polls (Goobjoog News)
- Two Soldiers Sentenced To Death For Killing Colleagues (252Politics)
- U.S. Military Says Kills 4 Al-Shabaab Militants In Southern Somalia (Xinhua)
- Need For Peaceful Resolution In Tukaraq Among Topics UN Envoy Discussed In Visit To Puntland And Somaliland (UNSOM)
- Criticism On Somalia Leadership Disservice To Progress Reforms (The Star)
NATIONAL MEDIA
Senate Warns Against Interference In S. West State Polls
04 November – Source: Goobjoog News – 207 Words
The Senate has warned against any interference in the upcoming state presidential elections in South West. In a statement on Sunday, the Senate Standing Committee said all political actors must stop any actions which might interfere with the state elections slated for November 17.
The Committee also called on the presidential candidates to abide by the state and the federal constitutions. They separately called on all Somalis and the people of South West, in particular, to provide ample space and support for a free and fair elections. Federal Member States (FMS) are entitled to elect their leaders in a free and fair process, the statement released Sunday afternoon notes.
The statement follows a similar call by UN envoy to Somalia, Nicholas Haysom, during a visit to Baidoa last week. Haysom said credible elections were critical for the stability of the South Western state and the country at large. “We think it’s very important that the elections be held in a credible and acceptable manner in accordance with the rules that they’ve established so that the result is accepted – if the result is not accepted and there is conflict as a result there’ll be a problem, not only for the region but for the country,” warned Haysom.
Two Soldiers Sentenced To Death For Killing Colleagues
05 November – Source: 252Politics – 199 Words
Somali Military Court has on Monday sentenced two members of armed forces to death. Mohamed Hashi Wasuge and Abdirizack Mohamed Jimale were found guilty of killing an officer Said Mohamed Osman on 30th August at military training centre in Mogadishu. Four witnesses testified before the court on how Hashi carried out the murder and tried to escape. He was however disarmed and arrested by other officers.
Abdirizack Mohamed Jimale also carried out a similar offense by murdering Qeys Khalif Salad in Lower Shabelle base on 27th July. The sentenced ex- soldiers have the option of appealing against the ruling if not satisfied with the verdict. Cases of murder among members of armed forces are rampant among Somali security agencies.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
U.S. Military Says Kills 4 Al-Shabaab Militants In Southern Somalia
05 November – Source: Xinhua – 139 Words
The U.S. military said on Sunday that it conducted an airstrike near Araara, in southern Somalia, on Saturday, killing four Al-Shabaab militants. The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the air raid was carried out in cooperation with the Somali government. “We currently access this airstrike killed four terrorists. We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed in this airstrike,” AFRICOM said in a statement.
The U.S. military said the airstrike was conducted after armed militants were maneuvering to attack partner forces during a patrol. “No U.S. service members were present on the ground during this Somali-led operation,” said AFRICOM. U.S. forces, in cooperation with Somali government and African Union peacekeeping mission troops, are conducting operations against al-Shabab in Somalia to degrade the Al-Qaida affiliate ability to recruit, train and plot external terror attacks.
Need For Peaceful Resolution In Tukaraq Among Topics UN Envoy Discussed In Visit To Puntland And Somaliland
04 November – Source: UNSOM – 338 Words
The United Nations envoy to Somalia today wrapped up a two-day visit which took him to Puntland and Somaliland, where he met their leaders and discussed a range of issues – including the need for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the Tukaraq area of the contested Sool region which lies between them. The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Nicholas Haysom, spent Sunday in Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, where he met its President Muse Bihi Abdi.
“I had the opportunity to discuss with the president the recent changes in the region, the challenges facing Somaliland and of course, in that regard, we touched on the conflict in Tukaraq,” he said. “In particular, how that conflict can be managed to avoid any conflagration, any irruption of hostilities in the short term, and a long-term solution for that conflict.” “Here in Somaliland we got a sense of the impact of the changes in the region and what that meant for the challenges facing Somaliland,” Mr. Haysom added. “And, of course, [we got] to discuss the Somaliland-Somalia relations.”
The UN official also met with a group of Somaliland civil society representatives and parliamentarians, who provided him with an overview of challenges and achievements in recent years regarding political, electoral and security issues. On Saturday, Mr. Haysom had been in Garowe, the capital of neighbouring Puntland, where he met with its President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali ‘Gaas.’ As with Somaliland’s leader, the need for maintaining peace in Tukaraq, where forces from Puntland and Somaliland have clashed in recent months, was a topic of discussion.
OPINION, ANALYSIS AND CULTURE
“Those castigating the government of the day may have a reason to do so, but their argument is a big disservice to their assertion that they want a better Somalia. However, while the country has made so much progress under the Farmaajo presidency, challenges still remain.”
Criticism On Somalia Leadership Disservice To Progress, Reforms
03 November – Source: The Star – 762 Words
When President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo ascended to the presidency and took over at Villa Somalia, there was massive celebration across Somalia. For some, the election of the former Prime Minister, who is considered a patriot by many, heralded a new dawn, and the country was on course for greatness. Almost a year and nine months down the line, his government has for many lived to its expectation and is making great strides domestically and on the diplomatic front, despite a litany of challenges.
Presiding over a recent Cabinet meeting, the President was confident that his government still enjoys the support of the Somali people, urging his ministers to make them proud by working for them. In his speech, the President was equivocal that under his leadership, the country will pursue a Somalia-first policy abroad, without yielding to lack of self-esteem in the eyes of the international community. Any engagement, he said, will be based on mutual respect perhaps underlining the principle of reciprocity in international relations.
The recent visit by Foreign Affairs ministers of Ethiopia and Eritrea to Mogadishu is a sign of growing relations and great impetus for regional peace and stability. Somalia is playing an active role in bringing Djibouti to the fold. A region that is at peace with itself is critical to an improved global peace and security. In this regards, it is important for the regional leaders to sustain the momentum. The ministers, who delivered a message of goodwill from their respective leaders, vowed to support and urged the international community to rally support behind the Federal Government of Somalia.
The steady relationship in the region is not just the government foreign policy achievement. In October, Somalia was overwhelmingly elected to serve in the United Nation Human Right Council. Next year, the country will assume the leadership of the Arab Foreign Ministers Council. The council’s session will be held in Mogadishu. This is signal and vote of confidence that Somalia is taking its rightful place in the community of nations and reclaiming its lost glory. All this will not be possible without the national leadership led by Farmaajo.
At home, the government is doing well to address insecurity. It has invested a lot of time and energy in having a well-organised command and the control for the Somali National Security Forces (SNSF), a break from the past where there has been duplication of roles. The President has been a champion of these reforms spending considerable amount of time at the Ministry of Defense headquarters where he has an office. Under Farmaajo’s watch, the insurgents are on the back foot, and the government’s amnesty deal has seen dozens of fighters within the ranks of al Shabaab defect to the government.
TOP TWEETS
@radiogarowe: JUST IN: #Somalia‘s minister of Water and Energy, Abdiazi Lafta-Garen announces his resignation to run for #Southwest regional presidency slated for Nov 17.
@Somalitopnews: Somalia: Senate warns against meddling in upcoming regional elections https://somalitopnews.com/
@omabha: Ban fish from Tanzania and Somalia, traders tell Uhuru http://dlvr.it/QqSx2b #Somalia
@RadioErgo: #SOMALIA: #Warsheikh which is home to#thousands of people has a partially operating health centre and several small clinics but nowhere #equipped to perform#Caesarean sections and other life-saving #procedures 1/4
@RadioErgo: #SOMALIA: According to a local doctor, Aweys Abdikadir Hashi, Warsheikh town has lost #seven #mothers due to #complications in childbirth in less than three months
@hornobserver: Government Accountant Fadumo Osman reports interference, intimidations by Minister of Finance#Beileh after she tried to probe serious corruption cases within Min of Finance #Somalia, amid Somali government in the midst of fighting #Corruption within the government
HarunMaruf: Stop decisions restrictive to freedom of media – rights group tells Somaliland Information Ministerhttp://hrcsomaliland.org/
@Magdashi3: #Somalia: Mukhtar Robow Abu Mansur has been allowed to complete for regional state president elections and become the first candidate who receive eligibility certificate for the candidacy of Nov.17 leadership election for Southwest State.
IMAGE OF THE DAY
Prime Minister, Hassan Ali Khaire chairs the annual national plan for the government agenda with all Cabinet ministers, the state ministers and their assistants.
Photo: @SomaliPM