October 10, 2016 | Daily Monitoring Report
Somaliland Politicians And Elders Boycott Electoral Process
10 October – Source: Garowe Online – 251 Words
In a meeting held in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, native Somaliland politicians and traditional elders have decided to boycott the ongoing Somalia’s electoral process.In a major blow to the electoral process, clan elders and government official led by Deputy Prime Minister and Federal parliamentarians have denounced seats quota of both Federal Parliament Houses for Somaliland region, describing it “unfair” and that it undermines efforts aimed to unite the country.
Federal MP, Ibrahim Saleban, told the press that they will not participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections for the reasons that seats allocated for Somaliland do not match its status.In a press conference held in the capital Mogadishu, FIEIT Chairman, Omar Mohamed Dhagay, said that a special consideration should be taken for Somaliland clans. On the other hand, Federal MP and Somaliland native, Fawziya Haji Adan, in an interview with VOA, said that she will boycott the parliamentary elections. Adan is a former Federal Foreign Minister and a close ally to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Key Headlines
- Somaliland Politicians And Elders Boycott Electoral Process (Garowe online)
- Fire Destroys Houses In Mogadishu’s Wadajir District (Goobjoog News)
- Elders In Galkayo Agree On A Ceasefire (Jowhar.com)
- President Welcomes The Formation Of HirShabelle Parliament (Jowhar.com)
- Kenya Forcing Refugees Back To Somalia: NGO (AFP /Yahoo News)
- County Urges Shabaab Returnees To Surrender For Rehabilitation (Daily Nation)
- Educating the Horn: Paving A Path To College For Somali Youth (Seattle Globalist)
NATIONAL MEDIA
Fire Destroys Houses In Mogadishu’s Wadajir District
10 October – Source: Goobjoog News – 211 Words
A huge fire broke out on Sunday evening at Siliga neighbourhood in Wadajir district. Business premises as well as residential houses were destroyed in the fire that started at 5pm. According to Mohamed Osman, the cause of the fire could not be determined. “We had just ran to the area when we received a call informing us that a huge fire had erupted in a house just next to a Clinic,” he said. Farhiya Mursal who lives near the scene of the fire, said she heard screams and rushed out of her house and saw thick smoke billowing from the shops. “The whole area was engulfed in smoke,” she said. Fire fighters arrived at the scene minutes after the fire started and extinguished the fire. Mohamed Issa who is firefighter said were it not for quick intervention of the fire fighters, the fire would have caused massive damage to immense property. “We acted very fast and managed to assist in extinguishing the fire whose cause could not be established immediately,” said Mr Issa. Wadajir district commissioner thanked members of the public who rushed to the scene to help put the fire out. “The damage could have been worse were it not for the quick public and fire department response,” he stated.
Elders In Galkayo Agree On A Ceasefire
10 October – Source: Jowhar.com – 109 Words
Elders from the two regions of Puntland and Galmudug are set to finally negotiate a peace deal between the two warring parties in Galkayo that will see the withdrawal of forces from the frontlines following recent clashes that saw lives lost. In a meeting held yesterday, the elders from the two regions agreed to a ceasefire and called on both administrations to work with the. The elders announced that the forces will be withdrawn from the frontline following the recent clashes. They said they will amicably resolve the conflict through peaceful talks .The situation of Galkayo is calm this morning with residents welcoming the agreement reached by the elders.
President Welcomes The Formation Of HirShabelle Parliament
09 October -Source: Jowhar.com – 116 Words
The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has welcomed the formation of the new parliament for the Interim Administration of HirShabeelle. The president said he was happy with the progress made in order to form a federal state for the two regions.“I welcome the success made in the completion of the new federal state for Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions. This is a big encouragement for the federal system that aims to devolve power. And it is my hope that the people of the two regions will benefit from the new dawn, ” said President, Hassan Sheikh. The president also mentioned that the federal government will closely work with the new administration.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Kenya Forcing Refugees Back To Somalia: NGO
10 October – Source: AFP /Yahoo News – 318 Words
Kenya is violating international law by forcing residents of the world’s largest refugee camp to return to Somalia, an aid agency said Monday.Kenya insists the emptying of Dadaab — home to hundreds of thousands of mostly Somali refugees — is being carried out in line with international law but the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said Monday that “the voluntary returns process does not meet international standards”. This means Kenya could be guilty under international law of the forcible return of refugees or asylum seekers.”The pressure to push more than 280,000 registered refugees from Dadaab camp has led to chaotic and disorganised returns,” said NRC secretary-general Jan Egeland.”From what we have seen on the ground, it is no longer voluntary, dignified nor safe.”
The government announced in May that the vast Dadaab camp in north-east Kenya would be shut down, citing security concerns.Authorities have repeatedly alleged that the camp is a breeding ground for Islamic terrorism but has not provided evidence to back the claims. The NRC said that apart from the involuntary nature of the returns, the volatile security situation in Somalia means that refugees going back cannot be guaranteed protection while basic services there are inadequate.”The number of vulnerable Somalis planned for return far outstrips the resources available to support them in Somalia,” said NRC’s Kenya country director Neil Turner.
County Urges Shabaab Returnees To Surrender For Rehabilitation
10 October – Source: Daily Nation – 348 Words
The Lamu County administration has appealed on all returnees who had been recruited to join Al-Shabaab to surrender and register themselves at security offices.Lamu County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri has said his office was aware that hundreds of young men and women had secretly returned to the county.
Addressing journalists at Mokowe Trading Centre on Sunday, Mr Kanyiri said the amnesty period announced by the national government about a year ago was still open and urged them to visit various security offices such as county commissioners’ to be registered and later rehabilitated. He said his office is keeping a close eye on the returnees since they were known to the authorities.He said an undisclosed number came back following the weakening of the terrorist group.Additionally, the commissioner said if the returnees do not present themselves before the amnesty lapse, the government will have them arrested and prosecuted.“Many youth here in Lamu have crossed over to Somalia and joined Al-Shabaab.
I am aware that hundreds of the Al-Shabaab returnees have decided to come back home after they were effectively subdued by Amisom forces in Somalia.”The government is willing and ready to receive and rehabilitate those young men and women only if they will voluntarily surrender and turn themselves in to the authorities. Those who won’t do so will be treated suspiciously,” Mr Kanyiri said. He observed that since the amnesty introduction in April 2015 no single returnee in Lamu has surrendered to local authorities.Nonetheless, he said the county administration is alert and is investigating whether the returnees are genuine about their reformation or are acting as spies.“Some of them retreated because they realized they couldn’t face the Amisom troops there. Some because they discovered the promises made by the militia group were just but a hoax and many more reasons.
OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE
“The “Educating the Horn” campaign aims to encourage and assist Somali youth in pursuing higher education by connecting Somali youth with Somali college students and professionals who can help them on their college applications,”
Educating the Horn: Paving A Path To College For Somali Youth
07 October – Source: Seattle Globalist – 842 Words
I recently took a trip to Minnesota, home of one of the biggest Somali-diaspora communities in the world. American survey data shows that 1 in 3 Somali Americans live in Minnesota.I’ve never been to Somalia, but I would love to think Minneapolis is mini version of what the country can be. I was really inspired by my community and the amazing work they were accomplishing. There were many successful Somali businesses, clinics and Somali charter schools. I visited Karmel Square, a huge Somali mall in Minneapolis, and was amazed with how many different business ventures Somalis had. There is this stereotype that most Somali businesses are the same, but when I went to Karmel, I saw the total opposite.The Somali people in Minnesota were hungry for success, and simply being around them and hearing their ideas, I could feel that spirit.It got me thinking about my own Somali community in Seattle. Although I’m proud of my community, I believe we can grow.
This motivated me to do something to help. I came across a post on Twitter about a literacy campaign that took place in Somalia in the late 1970’s. I started researching and learned that back in the day, Somalia’s literacy rate was as low as three percent. The president at the time, Siyaad Barre, launched a literacy campaign. He sent teachers, students, and professionals to areas in need of help. What I loved the most about this campaign was how passionate Somali people were to learn. This campaign was a success and the literacy rate climbed to over 55 percent. Learning his made me so proud of my country and community, and inspired me to launch a campaign of my own: “Educating the Horn”.Just like literacy back in the 70’s was vital element to success that many people lacked, having a college degree is key to being someone in Seattle in the 21st century.
TOP TWEETS
@LaetitiaBader: UNHCR partner says looming Dadaab camp closure deadline means return of refugees to #Somalia no longer voluntary
@TC_Mogadishu: Turkey delivered another 8500 tons food to Somali people living in Somaliland and Puntland following 11000 tons food assistance to Mogadishu
@Rooble2009: Ex-model defies Islamists to run for Somali presidency http://www.thetimes.co.uk/
@HassanIstiila: Celebrating: World Mental Health Day (10 October) is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy. #WorldMentalHealthDay
@JobFair_: Welcome to Mogadishu’s biggest ever JobFair to be held on 10/11th November at City Palace Hotel #MogJobFair#FursadoAbuur sign up jobfair.so
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IMAGE OF THE DAY
Women Member of Parliament for the newly formed Hirshabelle Administration been sworn in at Jowhar
Photo: @HassanIstiila