October 2, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Puntland administration gives 30 days amnesty to Al-shabab members

02 Oct- Source: Radio Goobjoog/Hiiraan Online/Qurbejoog Online – 165 words

The semi autonomous regional state of Puntland has publicized an amnesty to the members of Al- Shabab immediately after the seizure of Galgala mountains.

Puntland president Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas briefing the media in Garowe on Wednesday said his administration will give the brain washed Al- Shabab members 30 days to surrender and get amnesty from their bad acts. President Gaas stated that Puntland forces are eager to put a stop to insecurity caused by insurgents against the lives, properties and the future of Puntland people. He reiterated that Puntland forces will continue the fight against Al-shabab until the insecurity in the region is diminished.

Earlier last month, the federal government of Somalia has announced 45 day amnesty to members of Al -Shabab members including the brainwashed youth and the top leaders after US warplanes killed Al-shabab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane in Lower Shabelle region.

Key Headlines

Puntland administration gives 30 days amnesty to Al-shabab members
Joint forces advance to capture Barawe district
Somali Prime Minister concerned about areas overrun by Government Troops
Three die of thirst and hunger in Lower Jubba region (Radio Bar-kulan)
Kenya: Interior Cabinet Secretary’s call over refugees (Star- Kenya)
Mohamud bomb plot: Unwavering commitment to terrorism plan earned 30-year sentence judge says
Somalia attends 2014 world cup analysing conference
Somaliland aviation minister meets with State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia
Measles outbreak in Hagar as water crisis bites in Lower Juba
China seeks to extend troop deployment to UAE Somalia
Building boom lifts Somalia’s economy
Minneapolis community fights recruiters for jihad
Family of missing girl feared to be going to Syria make emotional appeal

SOMALI MEDIA

Puntland administration gives 30 days amnesty to Al-shabab members

02 Oct- Source: Radio Goobjoog/Hiiraan Online/Qurbejoog Online – 165 words

The semi autonomous regional state of Puntland has publicized an amnesty to the members of Al- Shabab immediately after the seizure of Galgala mountains.

Three die of thirst and hunger in Lower Jubba region

02 Oct- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 129 words

At least three people were said to have died of thirst and hunger in Dif and Degelemaa villages near Afmadow district of Lower Jubba region in the last two days.

Mohamed Abdi Suraa, one of the traditional elders in the area confirmed to Bar-Kulan the death of the three, one of which was an elderly man. He said there is a severe water scarcity in many parts of Lower Jubba region which affected both humans and animals equally. Families in the most severely affected areas are said to be pastoralist communities.

Interim Jubba Administration leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe has recently allocated $50,000 U.S dollars to assist the drought hit families in many parts of Jubba and Gedo regions.

Puntland President: We have now fully eliminated Al-shabab from Gal-gala

02 Oct- Source: BBC Somali Service/ Radio RBC/Radio Garowe/ – 176 words

Puntland military forces have flashed out Al-shabab militants from Gal-gala Mountains in Bari region after carrying out heavy onslaught on the fighters at dawn on Wednesday.

Somalia’s north eastern government of Puntland troops have taken control of the main bases of the Al-qaida Linked militants Al-shabab in Gal-gala mountains in Bari region which led the forces to flash the militants out of the region.

Al-shabab, the Somali terrorist network that vies to impose strict Islamic Law in Somalia, had stationed in Gal-gala mountains years back and had instigated planned assassinations on Puntland government officials, prominent Muslim clerics and community leaders in Puntland’s main towns.

The president of Puntland, Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas speaking in a press conference held today in Puntland presidential Palace has stated that government’s forces have flushed out the Islamist militants in Gal-gala Mountains of Bari region where the militants fighters had plotted guerilla tactic attacks in Puntland region.

President Gaas has offered 30-day amnesty to the militants, calling the misguided fighters of Al-shabab to take advantage of the amnesty.

Joint forces advance to capture Barawe district

02 Oct- Source: Radio Goobjoog – 164 words

Somali Federal government forces together with African Union peacekeeping troops have captured new areas under Barawe district in Lower Shabelle region.

The joint forces have advanced from Bulo-Marer district, one of the newly seized areas in the region after the second phase of operation Indian ocean launched.

Reports from the area states that Al-shabab withdrew from the captured areas before the joint forces reached the locations.

The governor of Lower Shabelle region Abdikadir Mohamed Noor Sidii told Goobjoog FM that SNA and AMISOM troops have advanced towards Barawe district adding that the forces will soon enter the town.

Barawe district has been a stronghold of Al-shabab since they were pushed out from the major cities of the country including Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. Over the last few days, the joint forces have captured Rage-Celle and Adale district in Middle Shabelle region.

Somali Prime Minister Concerned about areas overrun by Government Troops

02 Oct- Source: Radio Dalsan- 198 words

The prime minister of the federal government of Somalia Abdiwali Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed expressed concern about the living conditions of people in parts of the country which government and AMISOM forces recently took over from Alshabaab.

The premier said people are living in difficult conditions there. He gave the example of places he recently visited such as Teyeglow in Bakool Region. He also gave the example of Marka and Qoryoley in Lower Shabelle. He said in all the areas he visited, there is shortage in basic services. He said there is acute humanitarian problem as people face conflicts and droughts. The inhabitants of those areas are agro-pastoralists. However, they have not farmed in the recent past due to severe shortage of rainfall. “There is problem there. There is hunger in the places where I visited,” the premier said.

The Prime Minister’s words come on the heels of a recent UN warning that many people in Somalia are in need of food aid as the government and charities struggle to cope with the situation.

Somalia attends 2014 world cup analysing conference

02 Oct- Source: Radio RBC/Al Shahid/ Somali Current Online- 245 words

The technical director of Somali Football Federation Awil Ismail Mohamed and the Ocean stars’ Head Coach George Sammwagere have attended FIFA/CAF conference for analysing the 2014 FIFA world cup and which was held in the Egyptian capital of Cairo from 30 September-1st of October.

Technical directors and national team coaches from CAF-member nations attended the conference organized by the world Football’s governing body FIFA in collaboration with the confederation of African Football (CAF).

“It was a very important event during which all participants exchanged ideas and experiences about technicality, logistics and what has been learned from how the 2014 FIFA world cup was organized” said SFF technical director Awil Ismail Mohamed who along with National team coach George Sammwagere represented Somalia in the top profile gathering.

He said that his delegation gathered very useful experience on techniques and logistics from the meeting which he said will help technical development in Somalia.

FIFA director of member associations Mr. Thiery Regennas who addressed at the event praised Africa’s performance at the 2014 FIFA world Cup in Brazil.

He said that Algeria and Nigeria’s romping through the group stage was something very historical. FIFA executive committee member Mr. Hany Abo Rida also spoke at the opening of the conference and said that such event was very salient for the future of the game.

FIFA and CAF have been organizing such world cup analysing conference since 2002 and this was the fourth such conference.

IDPs from Bakool arrive in Hiiraan

02 Oct- Source: Radio Dalsan- 284 Words

Many families from the drought hit areas of Tiyeglow in Bakool Region arrived in the neighbouring Hiiraan Region. This comes at a time when many parts in the country including parts of Hiiraan where the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) fled to for assistance are facing severe food shortage due to lack of rain. Leaders in Hiiraan have expressed concern about the living conditions of those IDPs. However, some assistance was provided to the IDPs by the administrators in that region.

Elsewhere, the prime minister of the federal government of Somalia Abdiwali Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed is very concerned about the living conditions of people in parts of the country which recently the government forces and AMISOM took over from Alshabaab.

Ahlu Suna divided over the formation of Central Somalia regional state

02 Oct- Source: Radio Goobjoog- 157 words

The technical committee facilitating the establishment of the proposed central Somalia regional stated that they are looking into details a rift between the administration of Ahlu Suna Wal Jama’a in Central Somalia on the formation of Mudug and Galgadud regions.

The spokesman of the committee, Sheikh Omar Ali Rooble speaking to Goobjoog FM said the committee will reach all the areas in Mudug and Galgadud regions.

The Spokesman stated that the establishment of Central Somalia region was announced by the federal government and supported by international community adding that the committee will sit and listen to the concerns of anyone against the formation of the regional state.

The Members of the technical committee for the creation of central Somalia regional state arrived in Adado townon Wednesday. The technical committee met and held talks with Himan & Heeb administration, elders and civil society groups.

Measles outbreak in Hagar as water crisis bites in Lower Juba

02 Oct- Source: Radio Ergo- 429 words

A severe water shortage is exacting a heavy toll on human health in a rural part of Lower Juba, where 10 children are reported to have died from measles among a pastoralist community weakened by the drought.
The measles outbreak was reported to Radio Ergo by a local listener, Abdullahi Hassan Nur, in Hagar village, who sent a message to the Ergo newsroom using the Freedom Fone.

Hagar is 55 km southwest of Afmadow district, Lower Juba region. Radio Ergo’s Fowzia Omar called Nur back from Nairobi and interviewed him by phone. Nur, a pastoralist himself, began by describing the current situation in the area.

Nur: There is a severe water shortage in the area because we didn’t receive the Gu’ seasonal rains this year. Water pans where we used to fetch water have dried up, and as a result the situation is getting worse by the day.

Ergo: Where do you now get water from?
Nur: We buy the water we use. A barrel of water is selling at 100,000 Somali shillings.
Ergo: Where is water brought from to your village?
Nur: It is brought from Afmadow district.
Ergo: How long have you been experiencing this water shortage?
Nur: Since after the end of Ramadan [late July]. Livestock was moved to Kismayo area in search of water and pasture. The villagers are also experiencing health problems as we don’t have even a single clinic centre here.
Ergo: How many people live in Hagar now?
Nur: 5,600 people, who are mostly pastoralists.
Ergo: Are there any pastoralists whose animals have died?
Nur: Not yet. Pastoralists moved their livestock to areas where they could get water and pasture. But the remaining animals in the village are weak and thin. They don’t produce enough milk.
Ergo: Have any pastoralist families from rural areas arrived in your village?
Nur: Yes. About 200 families arrived in recent weeks, and they now live with their relatives.
Ergo: How is their living situation?
Nur: Their living situation is very bad. People are helping one another during this difficult period of time.
Ergo: What are your most urgent needs that need to be attended to?
Nur: Water, and health services.
Ergo: Is there any disease outbreak in the area?
Nur: Yes. There is a measles outbreak in the area. 10 children have so far died of the disease since last month [September]. We give the sick ones goat milk for treatment since we don’t have any health centre to take them to.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Suspect in Pangani blast case freed for lack of evidence

02 Oct- Source: Daily Nation- 160 words

Ahmed Dugal, the owner of a saloon car that exploded during the April blast Pangani Police Station in Nairobi has been acquitted of terrorism-related charges for lack of evidence. The prosecution failed to link him to the terror suspect who was strapped with an explosive and who died when the car exploded during the April 23incident. Mr Ali had been charged with sheltering one of the terrorists who died in the explosion and offering his car for use in carrying out the attack. Two weeks ago, investigators acknowledged that they had failed to establish a connection between Mr Dugal and Mr Hajir Abdow Kassim, who blew himself up in the car. Chief Investigator Cyrus Ikade admitted that the owner of the car presented himself to anti-terrorism police officers after the incident.

Building boom lifts Somalia’s economy

02 Oct – Source: Aljazeera.com – 68 Words

In Somalia, a period of relative peace has brought the economy to life, with the capital experiencing a construction boom. Mogadishu’s once bustling central business district, which was left in ruins for years, is once again on the rise. The economic revival is already attracting Somali professionals, who have returned after years working and living abroad. Al Jazeera’s Mohammed Adow reports from Mogadishu.

Kenya: Interior Cabinet Secretary’s call over refugees

02 Oct- Source: Star- Kenya- 203 words

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku has urged the international community to help in the safe and voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees. Lenku said extremists have infiltrated refugee camps in Kenya, making it unsafe. “We must not allow those with ill-intentions to take advantage of the displaced to propagate violent extremism,” he said. “Kenya, has suffered attacks from terrorists. The government will not debate nor compromise on border security.” Lenku urged the international community to “move beyond rhetoric and honour their pledges”. “Time has come for the international community and development partners to move beyond the rhetoric and honour their pledges,” he said.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Minneapolis community fights recruiters for jihad

02 Oct- Source: AP- 889 words

Every evening after work, Abdirizak Bihi strolls through neighborhood parks where young Somalis shoot hoops and play soccer. He tells jokes, urges them to clean up their trash and even grabs the basketball to take a few shots.

It may seem like fun, but Bihi’s eyes are scanning the playgrounds and ball courts of Minneapolis for something sinister – anyone who might try to recruit these kids to join a jihad overseas. If Bihi doesn’t show up for his personal patrol for five, six or seven days, “somehow the word gets out, and they’re back,” he said.

Community members and law enforcement officials are on a mission to stamp out terror recruiting in Minneapolis, home to the largest Somali population in the United States. A handful of people from the community have left to join militant groups in Syria within the last year, according to authorities.

Mohamud bomb plot: Unwavering commitment to terrorism plan earned 30-year sentence, judge says

02 Oct – Source: The Oregonlive.com/Hiiraan.com – 819 Words

Undercover FBI agents used praise and religious appeals to encourage a young and vulnerable Mohamed Osman Mohamud to pursue a terrorist plot, a federal judge said Wednesday.

But the young Somali American never wavered in his commitment to bomb the annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony in downtown Portland, dreaming of the thousands who would be killed or maimed. On that November night in 2010, the then 19-year-old twice pressed the numbers that he thought would detonate a bomb.

And for those reasons, Senior U.S. District Judge Garr M. King handed Mohamud a 30-year-long prison termWednesday in federal court in Portland, sending a message to anyone considering a similar act. “He wanted everyone to leave either dead or injured,” King said. “This sentence needs to be long enough to deter other potential terrorists.”

China seeks to extend troop deployment to UAE, Somalia

02 Oct- Source: YTN News- 0: 34 sec

The China government has decided to extend the deployment of armed forces in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Somalia for another year. The missions of the anti-piracy Cheonghae Unit sent to Somalia and the Akh Unit, which trains the UAE’s special forces, are due to expire at the end of this year.

Rebuilding of Mogadishu Airport, Seaport Underway

01 Oct- Source: VOA- 306 words

With an improvement in security, the Somali government is taking advantage of relative calm and rebuilding the country’s major source of revenues – namely the airport and seaport, with major assistance from Turkey.

This once volatile and bullet-riddled capital, Mogadishu, is being revitalized at a swift pace.

One of the government’s priorities is to upgrade the transit hubs – crippled by two decades of civil strife. With Turkish funding and assistance, the sole international airport in Mogadishu is being revamped with completion expected in 2015. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says the Aden Abdulle Osman facility will be world class.

Family of missing girl feared to be going to Syria make emotional appeal

01 Oct- Source: The Guardian .com- 542words

The family of a British 15-year-old girl feared to be travelling to Syria have made a deeply emotional appeal for her to return and rejected the notion put forward by the police that she has been radicalised. Yusra Hussien’s mother, dinner lady Safiya Hussien, tearfully begged her daughter to get in touch, telling her: “Yusra, I am your mum, I love you, please come back. Please, please, please we miss you. The house is not the same since when you left … My heart is torn and I want you home as soon as possible.”

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

Award-Winning Somali Piracy Drama-Thriller ‘Fishing without Nets’ Opens in New York This Friday (Details + New Trailer)

01 Oct- Source: blogs.indiewire- 451 words

After acquiring the film earlier this year, after its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, where it attracted plenty of critical acclaim, including winning the festival’s prestigious Directing Award: U.S. Dramatic, VICE – the global youth media company and content creation studio – will open Cutter Hodierne’s “Fishing Without Nets” thisFriday, October 3, at the Cinema Village in New York, which will be followed by a nationwide expansion.
It’s also playing at The Cinefamily in Los Angeles.

The film will be available on VOD from October 28 if it doesn’t play at a theater near you.

The acclaimed feature, shot in East Africa with Kenyan actors of Somali descent, Hodierne’s “Fishing Without Nets” tells the story of a young Somali lured into the world of piracy to support his family, tackling the very well publicized “Somali Pirates” phenomenon, but specifically from the Somali point of view – something that other films on the subject rarely make an effort to acknowledge, let alone conscientiously incorporate – making this one that much more worth paying attention to.

Top tweets

@Rooble2009 #Somaliland: President Silaanyo rules out possibility of #Somalia reunification http://unpo.org/article/17571

‏@Guuleyste 14h14 #Somalia govt forces backed by AMISOM peacekeeping troops close in on the final Al Shabaab bastion of#Barawe. “End is near 4 them” officail

@SmartFish_IOC #Somalia cracks down on illegal fishing – #AlJazeera news… http://fb.me/1BvEja68i

@AhmadAlhendawi “Economic growth & vocational training go hand-in-hand. Need more coordination b/w education & employment” @USAID rep #Somalia donor meeting

@Daudoo Mortar rounds targets govt troops base in “Warshada Barafunka”, Huriwa district last night, At least 2 wounded. Reports. #Mogadishu #Somalia

‏@MOALIMUU #Somalia A young Somali American was sentenced to 30 years in prison for plotting to detonate a bomb in Portland’s downtown square

@Eye_on_Somalia #allAfrica Gunmen Kill Somali Cleric in Beledweyne: [Sabahi]Unidentified gunmen killed Somali cleric …http://bit.ly/1rLu2GA #somalia

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Image of the day

Somalis gather in the main square of Kurtunwaarey to celebrate its liberation from al-Shabaab by #AMISOM forces. Photo: AMISOM