October 22, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Jubaland leader accepts to attend Mogadishu Conference
22 Oct – Source: Garowe Online/Universal TV/Kismaayo News – 124 words
Following intense talks in the southern port city of Kismayo, the President of Somalia’s Jubaland Administration has accepted to attend Mogadishu Reconciliation Conference, Garowe Online reports.
Speaking to the media members during Monday joint Press Conference by Jubaland Leader Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) and the Somali Federal Government Interior Minister Abdikarin Hussein Guled, Madobe said that in accordance with Jubba agreement, the first phase of the reconciliation conference will be held in Mogadishu whereas the second phase will take place in the strategic Kismayo port.
“We want to assign a technical committee for the implementation of agreement points including to integrate Barre Hirale Militias into the national army,” said Madobe, adding that the committee will compose of Somalia Federal Government, AMISOM and Jubaland.
Key Headlines
- Jubaland leader accepts to attend Mogadishu Conference (Garowe Online/Universal TV/Kismaayo News)
- Gunmen wound Somali Journalist in Mogadishu (Radio Mustaqbal/Dalsan/Raxanreeb/
Bar-kulan) - Grenade blast kills one in Galkayo (Somali Current)
- UK Muslims warned of militant al Shabaab threat (Walta Info)
- Tension in Tora-torow location in Lower Shabelle region (Radio Mustaqbal)
- Somalia engages in early preparations for Rio 2016 (Somaliweyn/Raxanreeb)
- Somalis in Ugandan living in fear post-Westgate (NTV Uganda)
- Ethiopia hands over 33 illegal immigrants to Somaliland (Erta News)
- IGAD announced the formation of the Horn of Africa Sustainable Fisheries Task Force (IGAD)
- Somalis Fear South African Violence More Than War at Home (Bloomberg)
- French court sentences Somali pirates to nine years in prison (UPI News)
SOMALI MEDIA
Jubaland leader accepts to attend Mogadishu Conference
22 Oct – Source: Garowe Online/Universal TV/Kismaayo News – 124 words
Following intense talks in the southern port city of Kismayo, the President of Somalia’s Jubaland Administration has accepted to attend Mogadishu Reconciliation Conference, Garowe Online reports.
Speaking to the media members during Monday joint Press Conference by Jubaland Leader Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) and the Somali Federal Government Interior Minister Abdikarin Hussein Guled, Madobe said that in accordance with Jubba agreement, the first phase of the reconciliation conference will be held in Mogadishu whereas the second phase will take place in the strategic Kismayo port.
“We want to assign a technical committee for the implementation of agreement points including to integrate Barre Hirale Militias into the national army,” said Madobe, adding that the committee will compose of Somalia Federal Government, AMISOM and Jubaland.
Gunmen wound Somali Journalist in Mogadishu
22 Oct – Source: Radio Mustaqbal/Dalsan/Raxanreeb/
Unidentified gunmen reportedly wounded a Somali journalist in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia on Tuesdaymorning. The Journalist named Mohamed Mohamud known as (Tima-Cade), who is a reporter in Mogadishu for the London-based Universal TV was attacked in Wadajir district by gunmen. Tima-Cade was driving his car from his home in Wadajir district towards his work when the gunmen waylaid him and opened fire, wounding him on the neck and shoulders. The perpetrators escaped from the scene after attack. Good samaritans in Wadajir district took the journalist to Medina hospital where he is being treated.
Journalists and colleagues who visited Mohamed in the hospital told Mustaqbal radio that five bullets struck him. His condition reportedly seems well and he is now doing well as the medical officials expressed. No group has yet claimed the responsibility of the journalist’s attack.
Grenade blast kills one in Galkayo
22 Oct – Source: Somali Current – 81 words
A grenade attack at a local police station in Galkayo town of Somalia’s Mudug region killed one person and wounded two, according to local sources.
Unknown man hurled a grenade at the police station in Horumar neighborhood at around 9pm, causing the death of a woman. Reports say the grenade did not hit the target and making the victims only civilians. No comment on the issue from the local authorities in Puntland, but assassinations and grenade attacks are common in Galkayo.
Somaliland FM meets with his Ethiopian counterpart
22 Oct – Source: Somaliland Informer – 82 words
Somaliland Foreign Minister Mr.Mohamed Biihi Yoonis who is on working visit to Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital met with his host , Mr. Tedhros Adhonom who is also the Deputy PM of Ethiopia on Monday.
The meeting between the two Foreign Ministers is the second since Somaliland’s FM assumed the Foreign Ministry. Their discussion focused on the areas of security, politics and diplomatic bilateral trade between the two governments. The meeting lasted for about an hour.
Tension in Tora-torow location in Lower Shabelle region
22 Oct – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 106 words
Reports from Lower Shabelle region in Southern of Somalia say that tension is high in Tora-torow location after the militant group al Shabaab reportedly begin military movements near the area.
Mustaqbal radio reporter said the militants were seen at the outskirts Tora-torow planning attacks against the bases of government troops in area. The government troops have taken over many parts of Lower Shabelle where al Shabaab has been controlling for the last 3 years.
Somalia engages in early preparations for Rio 2016
21 Oct – Source: Somaliweyn/Radio Dalsan/Horseed Media – 158 words
With more two and a half years to go until the Rio De Janerio 2016 World Olympic Games, Somali National Olympic committee has started preparations for the global event during which Somalia expects to culminate in good stages, according to Somali NOC officials.
The NOC officials made the announcement at the end of executive committee meeting in Mogadishu over the weekend. The Somali NOC executive committee meeting discussed on agendas including the launch of early preparations for the 2016 world Olympic Games and Somalia’s ambitions to score victories in both the Rio global event and the African Youth Olympic Games to be held in Botswana capital Gaborone next year.
The executive committee members listened to a prolonged presentation by Somali NOC secretary General Duran Ahmed Farah who gave details about the recent NOC activities in and outside the country including Somalia’s participation at the recent Islamic Games in Indonesia where Somalia was represented by Taekwondo and Athletics Federations.
Security forces conduct operation in Afgoye district
21 Oct – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 107 words
The security forces of Somali federal government have conducted operation in the last 24 hours in Afgoye district in Lower Shabelle region in Southern of Somalia on Monday.
Report said that the security forces carried out house to house search in the villages of Afgoye district. Several people, mostly teenagers suspected to have links with militants of Shabaab, were arrested.
Somali federal government forces have been conducting operations in the villages of Lower Shabelle region where it was reported that illegal checkpoints by uniformed men have been erected.
Ethiopian Officials Handover 33 Illegal Immigrants to Somaliland Authorities
21 Oct – Source: Somaliland Press/Universal TV – 108 words
More than 33 would be illegal migrant of Somali origins were handed over to Somaliland immigration officials at the Tog Wajaale Border crossing point after being netted by Ethiopian authorities inside their territories on transit to Sudan and finally to the European shores in search for greener pastures.
This is seen as the first major through as a result of effective collaboration between Somaliland-Ethiopian governments which have in recent times started cooperating on the issue after official from both sides started sharing information and coordination and networking in a bid to curb the illegal immigration mafia in Ethiopian territory who play important role in facilitating the trade.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Ethiopia hands over 33 illegal immigrants to Somaliland
22 Oct – Source: Erta News -127 Words
Ethiopian authorities have handed over 33 immigrants without documents to Somaliland officials. The group was apparently trying to pass to Europe through Ethiopia and then Sudan and across the Mediterranean. The illegal immigrants were handed over to Somaliland authorities at the Tog Wajaale border crossing between Ethiopia and Somaliland.
The handover was seen as an encouraging result of the growing cooperation between the Ethiopian government and the authorities in Somaliland on the fight against human trafficking networks in the region.
Somaliland’s Minister for Labor and Social Affairs urged the returnees not to be tempted with the idea of a better life through illegal immigration. The Minister in charge of youth also noted that the Somaliland authorities had now introduced programs which were expected to address the situation.
UK Muslims warned of militant al Shabaab threat
22 Oct – Source: Walta Info – 127 words
British Muslims who speak out against extremism are being warned that they could be targeted by members of the Somali militant group al Shabaab. British Muslim commentator Mohammed Ansar said he was currently under police protection because of what he was told was a “credible threat”.
It comes after al Shabaab militants posted a video online which named Muslims who have criticised jihadists. Scotland Yard said it was investigating the video. ‘Police visit’
The hour-long film, narrated by an unidentified man with a British accent, praises acts of Islamist terrorism. Mr Ansar said he was visited by police and given protection earlier this week. The imam and broadcaster Ajmal Masroor said he had also had a late night visit from two detectives after he was named in the film.
IGAD announced the formation of the Horn of Africa Sustainable Fisheries Task Force
21 Oct – Source: IGAD – 197 words
A recent Illegal Unregulated and Unreported [IUU] Fisheries workshop held in Djibouti by the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development [IGAD] for East Africa and facilitated by the Fish I Africa Organisation and the African Maritime Safety and Security Agency finalised in an unanimous decision from the high level delegates to formalise the development of a task force focused on the advancement of sustainable fisheries for the Horn of Africa sub regions; the delegates were representative of the Somalia Federal Government, Somaliland, Puntland and Djibouti,.
The workshop, which focused on International Law, (led by Shannon Cosentino-Roush), IUU Fisheries (led by Pierre Malan) and Maritime Safety and Security (led by Karen Sumser-Lupson) provided the selected delegates with a background of factual material which they considered during focused breakout sessions.
‘The impacts of illegal, unregulated and unreported fisheries cannot be under estimated’ delegates stated and that ‘IUU fishing occurs in all parts of our waters even within areas under our national jurisdiction; this situation poses a direct and significant threat to effective conservation and management of our natural fish stocks, causing multiple adverse consequences for fisheries and for our citizens who depend on them in the pursuit of their legitimate livelihoods’.
Somalis in Ugandan living in fear post-Westgate
21 Oct – Source: NTV Uganda – 03:42 mins
In the wake of the Westgate Mall attacks in Nairobi Kenya, Somali nationals living in Uganda are living in fear and disgrace.
Although innocent and most of them seeking refuge away from the war torn somalia, they continue to face social stigma and are often related to terror activities. NTV’s Suhail Mugabi visited Kisenyi, a Kampala Suburb that harbours the majority of Somalis.
Tears flow at Westgate memorial
21 Oct – Source: Daily Nation – 117 words
Emotions ran high and tears flowed freely as families of the Westgate terror attack victims held a memorial service at Karura Forest in Nairobi on Tuesday. During the service to mark one month since the attack, the families also planted trees to remember their loved ones. At least 70 people were killed in the raid.
“My hope is that your life will continue in this young tree,” said Mr Charles Njenga as he planted a tree in honour of his son, Crispal Gaitungu, who was shot dead by the terrorists.
Two steps away, Ms Wendy Zhang tucked flowers next to the tree she had planted in honour of her sister-in-law, Zhou Jian, also killed by the attackers.
Saudi Crown Prince sends best wishes to Somalia on 21 Oct Day
20 Oct – Source: Saudi Press Agency – 60 Words
Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, has sent a cable of congratulations to President Hassan Sheikh Mahamud of Somalia on the anniversary of his country’s National Day. In his cable, the Crown Prince wished the President permanent good health and happiness and the government and people of Somalia permanent security and safety.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Gunmen wound Somali reporter
22 Oct – Source: AFP – 193 Words
Gunmen seriously wounded a Somali television journalist in the capital Mogadishu Tuesday, police said, the latest in a string of attacks on reporters in the conflict-wracked country. Mohamed Mohamud Timacad, a reporter with London-based Somali-language Universal TV, was shot several times in the neck and shoulder. The attackers sprayed the reporter’s car with bullets.
“The journalist was shot and seriously wounded… he has been rushed to hospital,” said Mohamed Ilkayare, a police officer who was at the scene of the attack. Timacad was taken to Mogadishu’s Medina hospital, which specialises in trauma surgery. “He was rushed into surgery with several gunshot wounds in the chest and neck,” said Ayan Mohamed, a medical worker at the hospital.
Eighteen media professionals were killed in Somalia in 2012 — the country’s deadliest year on record, according to Reporters Without Borders — and more than 50 have been killed in the last six years. At least six media workers have been killed this year.
Attacks on journalists are often blamed on al Shabaab fighters battling the internationally-backed government, but some are also believed to be linked to a settling of scores within the multiple factions in power.
Somalis Fear South African Violence More Than War at Home
22 Oct – Source: Bloomberg – 1001 Words
Ali Omar Mohamed fled Somalia’s civil war two years ago to seek a better life in South Africa. Now after being robbed at gunpoint and seeing scores of his countrymen murdered in xenophobic violence, he’s ready to leave. Mohammed, a 21-year-old shopkeeper, is part of a growing tide of immigrants who say they prefer returning to a war zone rather than face the hatred and jealousy they are subject to in South Africa where they’re called “the enemy.”
“It’s better to die in your country where your mother and father can see you and not worry so much,” said Mohamed, who sleeps in a small room attached to the shop in the northern Johannesburg shantytown of Diepsloot. “As soon as possible, I’ll go back.”
About 2,000 Somalis, or almost 8 percent of those living in South Africa, have returned home this year as parts of the Horn of Africa country become more stable after African Union troops drove Islamist militants out of the biggest towns, the mission head of Somalia’s embassy in the capital, Pretoria, Mohamed Ali Mire, said in an Oct. 9 interview.
Over the past six months, disputes between Somali shopkeepers and South Africans have deteriorated into looting and burning sprees of dozens of stores in parts of Johannesburg and the coastal city of Port Elizabeth, according to police.
New Twin Cities Museum Is A Home For Somali Art And Culture
21 Oct – Source: AP/Huffington Post – 331 Words
A new museum showcasing Somali art and culture is now open in the Twin Cities. The Somali Artifact and Cultural Museum opened Saturday and features paintings of nomadic life and photos of Somalia’s capital Mogadishu along with traditional rugs, ancient writing tablets and lots of items made from animal skins.
Twin Cities businessman and restaurant owner Osman Ali started says the idea of bringing the artifacts to Minneapolis came out of his desire to teach younger Somalis the story of nomadic life in Somalia. “I came with this idea to create a new base for these people living out of their country to let them study their culture,” Ali said.
He collected many of the items on five trips to Somalia, starting in 2009 when he returned to visit his ailing father. A national gallery once existed in Mogadishu. But years of war led to its destruction. The new Twin Cities museum aims to fill the void. The grand opening Saturday drew a mix on Somalis and non-Somalis who made their way through the museums’s five rooms, each with its own theme.
French court sentences Somali pirates to nine years in prison
21 Oct – Source: UPI News – 126 words
A French court sentenced three Somali pirates to nine years in prison each for the 2009 hijacking of a French yacht, during which the skipper died.
Mohamed Mahamud, Abdelkader Osman Ali and Mahamud Abdi Mohamed were convicted on priacy charges and sentenced Friday, Radio France Internationale reported. During their trial, the defendants alleged that extreme poverty forced them to turn to piracy.
Arnaud Colon de Franciosi, a lawyer for the survivors of the attack, said his clients aren’t out “for vengeance” but said the accused should be held responsible.
Colon de Franciosi also blamed the French government for carrying out an operation that was intended to frighten potential pirates and did not pay enough attention to the hostages’ safety, leading to the death of Florent Lemacon.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“…it is hard to imagine that al Shabaab anticipated and planned for an operation that would last as long as it did. It is also hard to imagine that the attackers expected the well-meaning but tragically shambolic response from the security services.”
Kenya’s shambolic response to West Gate siege
21 Oct – Source: Aljazeera English Blog – 722 Words
It is hard to imagine al Shabaab doing anything other than celebrating their attack on Nairobi’s Westgate shopping mall as an unqualified success. Initially at least, the armed Somali group’s publicly-stated aim was to punish Kenya for sending troops into Somalia two years ago. It wanted to make Kenyans feel the pain and the shock of military action, and in that they succeeded spectacularly.
It now seems likely that they also managed to drag the siege out far longer than they could have hoped for. Security camera footage shows just four al Shabaab gunmen armed only with AK-47 rifles and moving through the mall during the first hours of the attack on the afternoon of Saturday September 21st. They are shooting and killing at random, only occasionally firing at security services trying to contain them.
Later on that evening, the pictures show the men relatively relaxed, praying in a loading area of the Nakumatt Supermarket, at times with their weapons by their sides. Although it is possible that there were other attackers working in parts of the complex that the cameras couldn’t see, the pictures suggest that a small, lightly armed group was responsible for most, if not all of the bloodshed. They also managed to hold off the most elite Kenyan army and police units for almost four days.
A Fascinating Glimpse of Daily Life in Mogadishu
21 Oct- Source: The Atlantic Cities -130 Words
Since Somalia’s 1991 civil war and the political instability it wrought, capital city Mogadishu has struggled to rebuild. But recently, signs of better times have begun to emerge. With al Shabab militants no longer in control, a new, technocratic government has helped plant signs of stability while attracting a substantial new wave of investment from longtime ally Turkey and other members of the Somali diaspora.
But any renewed sense of optimism is kept in check by occasional terrorist attacks, including an Al-Shabab suicide mission at Mogadishu’s UN compound last June and a grenade attack at Bakaara Market last month.
Mogadishu-based photographers Feisal Omar and Omar Faruk have been documenting daily life in Somalia’s capital, their images showing the city’s lively streets and beaches but also physical reminders of a war-torn history:
Top tweets
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@NUSOJ_Somalia #SomaliMediaAward 2013 themes;#gender, #children & #youth, access to basic services &#investigative journalism in #Somalia.
Image of the day
United Nations Special Envoy for Somalia Nicholas Kay, 2nd left, with clan elders in Garowe, Puntland, on 21 October 2013. SRSG was on a two-day visit to Puntland.