November 6, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Uganda: Army names officers suspended over abuse
06 Nov- Source: Monitor- 339 words
Army officers, including two brigadiers suspended for reported sexual exploitation of vulnerable women in Somalia, have been named. The UPDF suspended at least 15 officers who previously commanded the Ugandan contingent of the Amisom troops in Somalia battling the al-Shabaab terrorists.
However, a human rights report recently implicated soldiers of taking advantage of the vulnerability of Somali women to induce them into sexual relationships using items such as food, among others.
Lt Col Paddy Ankunda, the army spokesperson, confirmed that investigations were ongoing, saying the inquest would go beyond sexual exploitation of women.
Key Headlines
- Somali President travels Addis Ababa (Radio Dalsan/Al Shahid)
- Somali interior minister in Doha for Arab league human rights meeting (Radio Mogadishu)
- Diarrhoea outbreak in Kismayo (Radio Ergo)
- Benadir regional court sentences death penalty on murder (Radio Mogadishu/Radio RBC/)
- Buur-hakaba administration kills armed men who set roadblocks (Radio Goobjoog)
- Lasanod farmers lose crops to pests (Radio Ergo)
- The leader of South West Somalia-three regions due to be elected (Radio Goobjoog)
- Army names officers suspended over abuse (Monitor)
- RCO Secretary General arrives in Somalia to inaugurate projects ( Bahrain News Agency)
- Violence at Kakuma refugee camp leaves 8 dead (Sabahi Online)
- Sweet path to success: improving economic livelihoods for Somali women (www.gov.uk)
- Asylum seeker jailed for €112000 social welfare fraud (www.independent.ie)
- Freed sailors to get bravery award today (Times of India )
- Kenyan Christians close to Somali border under attack; ask ‘Will it ever end?’ (Christiantoday.com )
PRESS STATEMENT
AMISOM holds a sensitization workshop on issues related to child protection in Sector 5
05 Nov – Source: AMISOM – 254 Words
The AMISOM Gender, Protection, and Human Rights Unit held a sensitization workshop on issues related to child protection in Sector 5, with a particular focus on the role of the mission in strengthening internal and external mechanisms for child protection in armed conflict.
Ms. Kaoutar Kaddouri, AMISOM Women and Child Protection Officer also met with the Sector Commander Col. Habaruga Jean, and discussed issues related to child protection.
A child protection focal point officer was also nominated for the Burundian contingent.
The focal point officer will be charged with collaborating with all the mission’s components to identify children in need of support and coordinate with child protection partners such as United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), authorities, and operational partners such as NGOs who take care of child protection needs.
The officer is also charged with establishment of an alert system to transmit through the command channel issues of violations against children, including the recruitment or use of children by armed forces or armed groups, the killing or maiming of children, Sexual violence, attacks on schools and hospitals, abductions of children and the denial of humanitarian access.
Ms. Kaoutar’s also held an interactive working group discussion where she has explained the crucial role of the military in promoting the protection of children in their areas of operation and in preventing violations, exploitation and abuse. The presentation was also an opportunity to explain the Security Council resolutions required for peacekeeping missions to undertake several activities for the promotion of child protection in armed conflict.
SOMALI MEDIA
Somali President travels to Addis Ababa
06 Nov- Source: Radio Dalsan/Al Shahid- 132 words
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has traveled to Addis Ababa Ethiopia on Thursday where he will attend meetings with some African leaders.
The meeting will be attended by African leaders and the main agenda will be the civil war in South Sudan, the sources said.
Some of the sources say he will have separate meetings with the participating leaders so that they can discuss with him on the rift between him and the PM, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed.
Ethiopia has great influence on Somali politics and is possible that the president was invited there for consultations about minimizing the rift which broke out when the PM made reshuffle.
Somali interior minister in Doha for Arab league human rights meeting
06 Nov- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Bar-kulan – 87 words
Somali interior minister Abdullahi Godah is in Qatari capital Doha to attend on behalf of his country, the Arab league human rights conference.
Mr. Godah is expected to address the meeting by updating the delegates about human rights and security development in Somalia.
Somali interior minister is also set to meet other representatives from Arab league members to discuss bilateral ties.
The two day conference was opened by Qatari Prime Minister Abdullah Bin Naasir Bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
Benadir regional court sentences murderer to death penalty
06 Nov- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio RBC/Mareeg Media – 153 words
The Benadir regional court has given a death penalty on a man who slaughtered another man in Karan district using a well sharpened knife last month, RBC Radio reports.
Benadir regional court judge Hashi Elmi Nur who ruled the verdict during the Wednesday’s court session has mentioned that the court found sufficient testimonials. “With the testimonials of the murderer against himself and the eyewitnesses who have their account to the court, the Benadir regional court has sentenced a death penalty on Mr Said Hassan for killing the late victim.” Mr Nur said. Meanwhile the court on Wednesday heard other cases including robbery and injuries as some of the cases were postponed for further investigations an testimonials.
The leader of South West Somalia-three regions due to be elected
06 Nov- Source: Radio Goobjoog – 179 words
The technical committee facilitating the formation of South West Somalia state said that the process of creating the regional state is at its final stages and the delegates are ready to elect the leader.
The vice chairman of the technical committee Siyad Sheik Omar stated that the constitution of the regional state was completed and waits approval. He added all the delegates from the three regions Bay, Bakol and Lower Shabelle regions are in the conference to elect the new leader of South West Somalia-three regions.
On the other hand, Mr. Siyad confirmed that many politicians who were supporting Madoobe Nunow Mohamed, the leader of South Somalia-six regions are now taking part the conference. The other side led by Madobe Nunow Mohamed said they will not compromise nor change their stand adding that their administration has full confidence and operates as per the will of the people. The few months Baidoa has witnessed series of protests that has raised the tensions between the two administrations in the town.
Diarrhoea outbreak in Kismayo
06 Nov- Source: Radio Ergo – 222 words
More than 200 patients have been treated in hospital for diarrhoeal disease over the past month, according to local medical officers.
The director of Kismayo general hospital, Dr Abdisamad Abikar, said the patients had come in from parts of the town and surrounding areas, although no deaths had been reported. He said 200 were hospitalized during October.
A further 11 people, among them eight children, had been admitted t ohospital in the past two weeks with suspected acute watery diarrhoea. “We are in the hot season when diarrhoea is common. Many people get infected by the disease after drinking unclean water. Most of them are children,” Dr Abdisamad said.
Among those in the hospital were Shaiya Mallow, whose one-year old son had been admitted with severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Kismayo district commissioner, Mohamed Ibrahim Yussuf (Timo-jili), said the administration had been recently working on improving sanitation and had established several waste disposal sites in parts of the town. He urged residents not to throw rubbish on the streets.
Dr Abdisamad urged residents to pay attention to basic hygiene. “I see in the market places food being sold in the open air – it is not good to consume such foods. Parents should always keep charge of hygiene of their children, such as frequent hand-washing. Children with weak immunity are prone to diarrhoea,” he said.
Buur-hakaba administration kills armed men who set roadblocks
06 Nov- Source: Radio Goobjoog- 154 words
The administration of Buur-hakaba district of Bay region states that the security forces have launched security operations to arrest armed men who set illegal roadblocks in the region.
The security officials confirmed that they killed some of the armed men who were harassing passengers and drivers along Mogadishu-Baidoa highway.
The deputy commissioner of Buur-hakaba district Hussein Mankaalow told Goobjoog FM that the armed men were killed after they tried to confront the security forces conducting the crackdown in the area.
Mr. Mankaalow noted that the operations against illegal roadblocks will continue until the overall security of the district and the surrounding areas will be tightened adding that his administration will not tolerate the threats posed by illegal checkpoints. Roadblocks interrupts people’s daily lives because the armed men at the checkpoints demand a lot of money which the drivers cannot afford to pay.
Lasanod farmers lose crops to pests
06 Nov – Source: Radio Ergo – 278 words
Farmers in Waqdari settlement, 4 km south of Lasanod town say agricultural production has severely declined due to plagues of insects and crop diseases. Local farmers told Radio Ergo that pests like aphids and diseases had been destroying their crops of vegetables and fruits for several years.
Farhiya Ibrahim, a farmer, said she had been forced to give up planting after an unknown disease continually damaged her crops over a period of seven years. “We depend on farming for living, but now we have stopped because every now and then our crops are damaged by plant diseases which we don’t know how to deal with,” said Farhiya, who is a mother of six children.
“We don’t have the expertise to deal with the disease nor to identify what it is. We have generators, water and good farming land, but we are fed up dealing with this disease! There are many farmers who have abandoned planting because of it,” she added.
Khadija Mohamud, another farmer, is facing similar problems and is now planning to sell her piece of land. She said despite the high investment she makes in the farm, her return is too little.
Mohamed Abdullahi, also a farmer, called on agricultural experts to help them overcome the problems. “We have stopped growing tomatoes and lemons, which we used to depend on, due to the deadly plant disease. Tomato plants dry up and the flowers fall off without making fruits. We don’t know if the problem arises from the farmland or the seeds we used for planting in the first place,” he complained. Local farmers say they do not have access to any pesticides to protect their crops.
Galmudug officials reach Hobyo to monitor the needs of people
06 Nov – Source: Radio goobjoog – 116 Words
A delegation from Galmudug regional state in Central Somalia visited Hobyo district to access the problems the residents in the district face.
Galmudug transport minister Abdi Hussein Awale leading the delegates who visited Hobyo has monitored the different needs of the people living in the coastal town.
Speaking to the media outlets in Hobyo, Mr. Awale said the Hobyo airports needs immediate repair to speed up the social services to the community. He stated that the administration of Galmudug is planning to initiate the refurbishment of the airport soon.
Hobyo district in Mudug region along Indian of Ocean is an old city, with many population mostly fisher men.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Army names officers suspended over abuse
06 Nov- Source: Monitor- 339 words
Army officers, including two brigadiers suspended for reported sexual exploitation of vulnerable women in Somalia, have been named. The UPDF suspended at least 15 officers who previously commanded the Ugandan contingent of the Amisom troops in Somalia battling the al-Shabaab terrorists.
However, a human rights report recently implicated soldiers of taking advantage of the vulnerability of Somali women to induce them into sexual relationships using items such as food, among others. Lt Col Paddy Ankunda, the army spokesperson, confirmed that investigations were ongoing, saying the inquest would go beyond sexual exploitation of women.
RCO Secretary General arrives in Somalia to inaugurate projects
05 Nov- Source: Bahrain News Agency- 156 words
In line with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Royal Charity Organisation (RCO) Honorary President, and under the patronage of RCO Board of Trustees Chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, RCO Secretary General Dr. Mustafa Al Sayed arrived in Somalia to inaugurate Bahrain’s projects there.
He was welcomed by Minister of Culture and Higher Education Dr. Duale Adam Mohammed, Health Minister Dr. Ali Harir, Advisor to the Somali President Dr. Taher Ghili and senior officials.
Bahrain’s development projects in Somalia in the post-drought wave witnessed by the country include Bahrain Specialised Hospital, Bahrain Scientific Complex-Mogadishu National University and ten water wells across the country. 4000 Somali patients who were suffering from vision problems had also their sight treated. Bahrain also sent relief consignments to Somalia during the drought period including more than 2 tonnes of relief, medical and food staff.
Violence at Kakuma refugee camp leaves 8 dead
05 Nov- Source: Sabahi Online – 185 words
Violence at Kakuma camp in north-western Kenya has claimed the lives of eight refugees in the past week, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said Tuesday November 4th.
The violence began October 28th when the attempted rape of a young girl sparked clashes between rival groups of youth from South Sudan. Four people were killed in the fighting and Kenyan security forces intervened to bring the situation under control.
Clashes broke out again at the weekend when a child was hit by a motorcycle and the Burundian driver was attacked and sustained several machete wounds. On Monday, clashes continued, and four people were killed.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Sweet path to success: improving economic livelihoods for Somali women
06 Nov- Source:www.gov.uk – 609 words
A UK aid funded programme is helping disadvantaged women and youth by providing vocational training on life skills.
“This training has given me confidence in myself and my skills to go out and make a living on my own,” says 22-year-old Hawa Osman. “The programme has given me access to skills and training that was previously unavailable to me,” she adds.
Hawa and 27-year-old Farhiya Mohamed, participated in hospitality training courses offered by the Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in Garowe, the regional capital of Puntland. The training, which is supported by the UK aid funded Sustainable Employment and Economic Development (SEED) programme, provided them with the knowledge to prepare various kinds of confectionery and sweets.
Asylum seeker jailed for €112,000 social welfare fraud
06 Nov- Source:www.independent.ie- 187 words
AN African asylum seeker who stole over €100,000 in jobseekers’ and rent allowances over a five-year period has been jailed for three years Elmuatasim Mohammed (45), a Somali national who was granted asylum in Ireland, admitted to stealing a total of €112,000 from 2007 to 2012.
Judge Sean O’Donnabhain jailed Mohammed for three years after saying he was a very intelligent man who, after being granted asylum, focused his attention on how to best exploit the Irish social welfare allowance regime. “He has amassed in excess of €112,000 from the Irish State, which he now has no way of paying back,” he added.
Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard that Mohammed, who has addresses in Cork, Waterford and Antrim, had also obtained a false Dutch identity in the name of Bartave in an attempt to get his wife to Ireland.
She was killed in Somalia before he was able to arrange for her to be brought to Ireland and Mohammed subsequently married another woman and used the Bartave identity to bring her to Ireland. He claimed allowances in Waterford and Cork before he was caught.
Freed sailors to get bravery award today
06 Nov – Source: Times of India – 325 Words
Wednesday saw the seven Indian sailors recently freed from the captivity of Somali pirates being counselled by psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty and his assistant Dr Samrine. The doctors advised them to look forward in life.
After four years of sleeping in jungles and drinking contaminated harvested rainwater, the seafarers on Monday reunited with their families and spent time with them at a hotel. Joint director general of shipping Deepak Shetty said the sailors were counselled with and without family members. “Incrementally, formal de-briefing sessions with these seafarers, individually and collectively, are also proposed to be organized. They are scheduled to return to their respective destinations later this week,” said Shetty
The seafarers will be felicitated with bravery awards at a function on Thursday by the director general of shipping and the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) in presence of their family members and other agencies. “They have fought odds and not lost hope. They survived for days without food,” said a source.
Kenyan Christians close to Somali border under attack; ask ‘Will it ever end?’
05 Nov – Source: Christiantoday.com – 372 Words
Christians in eastern Kenya are on high alert after a wave of attacks by Somali Muslims. One pastor in the Garissa area who cannot be named for security reasons told Open Doors that Christians are scared of attacks and as a result, are staying away from church.
Open Doors said the town of Garissa, which is around 50 miles away from the border with Somalia, has been the scene of several attacks and “has been nearly overrun by Somali Muslims”.
A recent hand grenade attack on a kiosk in Bula Punda, which injured eight people, has left locals feeling nervous about their security. Four of the injured have since been released from hospital. The other four are still being treated for shrapnel wounds. One suspect has been arrested by authorities in connection with the attack.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Somali government must come up with ways to strengthen its capacity and that begins with the formation of centralised financial management agency.”
Transparency International report on Somalia questionable
06 Nov- Source: Daily Monitor- 889 words
Early this year, I gave a lecture at the University of Mogadishu, Somalia to 4th year business students on Audit and Internal Controls. Going by the questions from the students, it was clear that the Transparency International’s (TI) 2013 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), was among their top concerns. The CPI, which ranks countries according to the perception of corruption, placed Somalia at the bottom of the index in 2013 for the seventh year running as the world’s most corrupt country.
Although the report brought much-needed attention to corruption, the response from donors have been unhelpful to Somalia as they re-directed their funding to UN agencies and NGOs, thereby depriving the Somali government of development resources.
Corruption, according to the TI, is the “abuse of entrusted power for private gain. TI measured the perception of corruption by using 13 data sources for its 2013 CPI report to capture and assess perceptions of corruption from citizens, business people and country experts. Much of the information focus on the experts’ assessment of the country’s governance and policy making; transparency in public expenditure; and the strength of its public institutions to fight corruption.
“Absenteeism becomes the order of the day whenever menstrual periods show up and this is exacerbated by the social stigma from their male counterparts in school. Due to absenteeism, girls lose on average 25% of their annual school time resulting into poor performance and repeating classes, lowering their self-esteem plus morale for education and they eventually drop out of school completely.”
How do sanitary kits boost up the quality of girls education in Somalia?
06 Nov- Source: – 1713 words
Sanitation is dignity. We come from a culture where we have never had sanitary kit samples or well designed packages. Menstruation was a personal and private matter and you were to seek your own solutions. Now we have factories developing kits for us. Now we have a choice. Having a choice is empowerment
The EU-funded Waxbarashada Waa Iftiin (WWI) Education project in Puntland, Somalia strives to contribute to the achievement of one of the goals of education; gender equity towards empowerment. This is in line with Education for All (EFA) and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). WWI aims to address issues affecting girls education in Somalia so as to enhance girls’ participation in education by ensuring that more girls enroll in school and that those enrolled stay in school to complete a full cycle of education. The provision of sanitary kits to girls and training them on life skills and health issues is one way through which the project envisages to achieve this.
WWI is the first project of its kind in Puntland to ever massively disseminate reusable hygienic sanitary kits to school girls on a well-organized large scale reaching out to all the regions in Puntland. Over 2000 school girls have been trained on hygiene, health and hygiene matters care/hygiene and sanitary towels. Between November of 2013 and January of 2014 the Gender Unit of the MoE Puntland in close collaboration with the CARE-led WWI team have visited over 20 schools throughout Puntland where they conducted a 2-day training in each school on life skills, health and sanitation.
“In Somaliland, close to 2500 women die each year in childbirth.”
Badra’s Story
04 Nov – Source: Medical Aid Films – Video – 4:14
Medical Aid Films’ work training nurses and midwives in Somaliland through the use of film. In Somaliland, close to 2500 women die each year in childbirth. Working with the Somaliland Nursing and Midwifery Association, we aim to train health workers like Badra on life saving topics such as neo-natal resuscitation, management of post-partum haemorrage, and identifying warning signs in pregnancy. Our films are free to use, and are currently distributed to over 1000 partners worldwide.
Top tweets
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@robynleekriel VIDEO >> How former @MSF hospital in#Somalia has managed to stay open w almost zero budget.#exclusive via @eNCAnews http://www.enca.com/africa/
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@Hamza_Africa JUST IN: Unknown gunmen seize a Sheikh from a Mosque in Dharkanley district before executing him outside the mosque. #Mogadishu #Somalia
Image of the day
Traders cut and fillet fish inside Mogadishu’s fish market in the Xamar Weyne district of the Somali capital.Photo :AMISOM