October 23, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Al Shabaab threatens Britain
23 Oct – Source: IOL News/AFP/Times Live – 166 words
Somalia’s Islamist al-Shabaab militia on Monday warned Britain it would “pay the heftiest price” for its “war against Islam” and the extradition of radical cleric Abu Hamza to the United States. In a series of 11 posts written by al Shabaab’s Press Office on its Twitter page, the radical group threatened to inflict on Britain its worst-ever attack.
“The nightmare that surreptitiously looms on British shores is bound to eclipse the horrors of 7/7 and 21/7 combined,” said one message. The London bombings on July 7, 2005, were a series of co-ordinated suicide attacks on the city’s public transport which killed 52 civilians and the four bombers.
Two weeks later, four attempted bomb attacks disrupted part of the city’s public transport system. Another message read: “Britain will pay the heftiest price for its brazen role in the war against Islam and endless brutality against innocent Muslims.” The al Qaeda-linked group also vowed to “go to every possible length to attain the freedom of imprisoned Muslim scholars”.
Key Headlines
- Residents of central Somalia reportedly spot NATO soldiers (Jowhar Online)
- Al Shabaab vows to attack UK (Raxanreeb/ Radio Kulmiye/ Somali Memo/Risaala/Hiiraan Online)
- 4 UPDF soldiers killed in Somalia (Daily Monitor)
- Elders secure release of woman held by al Shabaab (Bar-kulan)
- US Pledges More Aid to Horn of Africa (VOA News)
- AMISOM wants navy too (Star News)
SOMALI MEDIA
Residents of central Somalia reportedly spot NATO soldiers
23 Oct – Source: Jowhar Online – 87 words
Reports from central Somalia say NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) soldiers have been spotted in Ceel Buur district of Galgudud Region. Residents say the foreign forces came on a warship and were said to be looking for pirates who have set up bases in Hobyo, Ceel Buur and Harardere.
Hundreds of pirates and their helpers fled the area after receiving information on the presence of the foreign troops in the locality. NATO forces have recently helped release a ship from pirates, killing a pirate.
Al Shabaab vows to attack UK
23 Oct – Source: Raxanreeb/ Radio Kulmiye/ Somali Memo/Risaala/Hiiraan Online – 275 words
Somalia’s al Shabaab insurgents have vowed to carry out the most vigorous efforts and employ all necessary measures to attack Britain for extraditing detained Islamist cleric Sheikh abu Hamza in UK, al Shabab’s twitter account announced on Tuesday.
“We remind the British government that we’re a nation that doesn’t tolerate oppression & their actions will be repaid in retaliatory measure” a message on the group’s twitter account read.
In a series of eleven posts written by al Shabaab’s Press Office on its Twitter page, the group threatened to inflict on Britain its worst-ever attack while they pledge the U.S based Muslims to volunteer attacking UK. “It is time especially for the Muslims in the United States to make their stand, for such a level of vulnerability is painfully insufferable” the twitter account added.
Elders secure release of woman held by al Shabaab
23 Oct – Source: Bar-kulan – 103 words
Local elders in central Somali town of Bula-burde have reportedly managed to secure the release of a woman allegedly kidnapped by al Shabaab militant group in the region two weeks ago.
The woman, Hulbo Awale, was allegedly taken hostage by l Shabaab militants while on her way to Mogadishu to seek treatment after her doctors in Beledweyne hospital referred her to Mogadishu.
Locals said the woman was in comma due to unspecified illness when militants took her away from the vehicle she was travelling in. The militant group accused Awale for being a spy for the Somali forces in the region, a charge she denied.
Puntland President attends defense force graduation
22 Oct – Source: Garowe Online – 111 words
Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole attended a graduation ceremony, for a Puntland military class outside the capital, Garowe on Monday, Garowe Online reports.
President Farole led a delegation of top government officials including Vice President Abdisamad Ali Shire, General of Puntland Defense Forces Gen. Saeed Mohamed Hersi, Interior Minister Ahmed Jama Ilkajir and many other government officials.
The Puntland defense forces that included women, displayed some of their acquired skills to the Puntland officials and media. President Farole addressed the graduating class and the other defense forces to continue honoring Puntland and Somalia. “I commend your dedication to completing this training and I expect that you will work for your country and people,” said President Farole.
35 arrested near Somalia border with Djibouti
23 Oct – Source: Bar-kulan – 108 words
Somaliland forces have arrested 35 alleged immigrants and human traffickers at Barisle near the border with Djibouti. Somaliland military boss Ismail Awale told Bar-kulan said their forces conducted an operation along the Somali-Djibouti border and arrested these people who were probably trying to illegally cross to Arab countries in search of better life.
He said the immigrants who are now held in a base in Lowya-Ade came from southern Somalia and parts of Ethiopia. The arrest comes weeks after similar arrest was made by Police in Puntland administered northern Galkayo town. Police intercepted 30 illegal immigrants heading to Bosaso probably wanting to cross to Yemen for better life.
Mogadishu residents complain over government forces harassment
22 Oct – Source: Raxanreeb – 119 words
There are widespread complaints raised by the residents in Mogadishu over Somali government forces deliberate attacks as they patrol despite government officials denying accusations. The grievance and complaints come from all residents in parts of the capital and they claim that government forces do intentionally harass them.
Most complaints come from women living in the different parts of the capital, arguing that the government soldiers attack and rape them intentionally. A woman who declined to be named told Raxanreeb, that government forces have committed crimes against humanity and she is mistreated by the troops a day she was in her village.
Sudan University offers scholarship to Somali students
22 Oct – Source: Bar-kulan – 121 words
A Sudanese University has offered scholarship to 325 Somali students from all regions of Somalia and ethnic Somali inhabited regions in neighbouring countries like Djibouti, Kenya and Ethiopia. The University, International University of Africa in Khartoum, will fully cover the students’ education, accommodation and other expenses including medical cover during their four year course in the institution.
The students were offered to pursue different faculties including medicine, engineering and economics as part of the Sudanese government strategy to develop education in Somalia and boost scholarship for Somali students.
International University of Africa is jointly funded by the Sudanese government, the Arab League and other Islamic organisations to boost education in Muslim countries across the globe.
Former Rebel Leader Assumes Office
22 Oct – Source: Somaliland Press – 131 words
Former SSC commander Dr. Saleban Essa Ahmed (Halgatosiye), in a colourful ceremony on Monday, officially assumed the mantle at the Ministry of Resettlement and Rural Development after being appointed to the Cabinet post two weeks ago by President Silanyo.
During the ceremony the Director General at the Ministry of Resettlement Mr. Ali Biikolo elaborated on the important role the ministry plays in the development of the Nation in which he said, the Ministry of Resettlement is mainly focused on creating an enabling environment by facilitating, monitoring and providing regulatory guidelines for re–integration of resettled communities.
This includes sustainable livelihood opportunities for affected families and further improving the infrastructure facilities to meet needs for socio-economic recovery by those resettled in conflict affected areas, added the Mr. Biikolo.
REGIONAL MEDIA
4 UPDF soldiers killed in Somalia
23 Oct – Source: Daily Monitor – 251 words
Four Ugandan soldiers serving on the African Union’s mission in Somalia were on Thursday killed in an ambush by suspected al Shabaab fighters. The attack on the soldiers, whose unit was part of a force advancing towards Baidoa, is the first serious incident directly targeting the peacekeepers since the beginning of the ‘Operation Free Shabelle’ in August. Baidoa is about 200kms from Mogadishu.
Operation Free Shabelle marked the beginning of the second phase of the war against the al Shabaab, taking the frontline outside Mogadishu. Ugandan troops are said to have moved over 100km from the Somali capital.
Sources said the AU peacekeepers were attacked in Baldogule by the insurgents who had retreated from the area following a UPDF attack on the town.
Clinton announced USD 58 mln in assistance for the Horn of Africa
23 Oct – Source: KUNA – 262 words
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced late on Monday additional assistance of USD 58 million for the Horn of Africa. “The United States continue to be concerned by the crises in the Horn of Africa.Although the famine in Somalia ended earlier this year, more than two million people in that country still urgently need humanitarian aid”, said Clinton in a statement.
AMISOM wants navy too
23 Oct – Source: Star News – 89 words
The African Mission in Somalia has asked the United Nations Security Council to integrate the Kenya Navy into its operations. AMISOM has not integrated the Kenya airforce and Kenya Navy into their operations. The two KDF factions have played a critical role in the liberation of large parts of Somalia from the al Shabaab in the last year.
The request, formally placed by the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Representative for Somalia Augustine Mahiga, will bring significant financial benefits to KDF. KDF spokesman Cyrus Oguna yesterday confirmed the request.
Suspect on terror watch list surrenders in Mombasa
22 Oct – Source: Capital News – 443 words
One of the four terror suspects whose photograph was released by the police on Sunday has surrendered to the police in Mombasa. Hassan Omondi Owiti presented himself at the Provincial Police headquarters in Mombasa on Monday morning where he recorded a statement.
“He surrendered this (Monday) morning and is now under arrest,” Coast Provincial Police chief Aggrey Adoli said. “We have handed him over to the anti terrorism officers who have been looking for him,” he added. Owiti who spoke to journalists before he was taken in for questioning maintained his innocence.
“I am innocent; I think it is a case of mistaken identity and that is why I came here to see why they want me,” he said before he was quizzed and subsequently ferried to Nairobi for further interrogation. His photograph was circulated on Sunday alongside those of three other wanted men described by the police as dangerous terrorists plotting attacks in Nairobi and Mombasa.
Three other terror suspects still at large include Shaban Namusenda Makotse, Yassin Olunga Ndungu and Ali Masadiq. Kenyan Police said that there was sufficient evidence showing that the four had been trained in Somalia and have links with the al Shabaab militia group.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Al Shabaab threatens Britain
23 Oct – Source: IOL News/AFP/Times Live – 166 words
Somalia’s Islamist al-Shabaab militia on Monday warned Britain it would “pay the heftiest price” for its “war against Islam” and the extradition of radical cleric Abu Hamza to the United States. In a series of 11 posts written by al Shabaab’s Press Office on its Twitter page, the radical group threatened to inflict on Britain its worst-ever attack.
“The nightmare that surreptitiously looms on British shores is bound to eclipse the horrors of 7/7 and 21/7 combined,” said one message. The London bombings on July 7, 2005, were a series of co-ordinated suicide attacks on the city’s public transport which killed 52 civilians and the four bombers.
Two weeks later, four attempted bomb attacks disrupted part of the city’s public transport system. Another message read: “Britain will pay the heftiest price for its brazen role in the war against Islam and endless brutality against innocent Muslims.” The al Qaeda-linked group also vowed to “go to every possible length to attain the freedom of imprisoned Muslim scholars”.
US Pledges More Aid To Horn of Africa
23 Oct – Source: VOA News – 125 words
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the United States will give $58 million in aid to countries in the Horn of Africa. In a statement Monday, Clinton said the humanitarian situation in the region is fragile, with more than 9 million people in need of assistance because of conflict, flooding, drought and economic problems.
She said that although the famine in Somalia has ended, more than 2 million people in that country still need humanitarian aid. Years of conflict in Somalia coupled with prolonged drought has left 1 million Somalis living in the region as refugees.
More than half of those refugees live in neighboring Kenya. U.N. agencies have asked for more than $1 billion this year to meet Somalia’s humanitarian needs.
Somali pirates holding 11 foreign vessels for ransoms: IMB
22 Oct – Source: Xinhua – 800 words
Somali pirates are still holding 11 foreign vessels for ransom with 167 crew members as hostages as of Sept. 30 as the number of ships signaling attacks by Somali pirates has fallen to its lowest since 2009, a global maritime organization said on Monday.
A report from the International Chamber of Commerce International Maritime Bureau (IMB) released on Monday said 21 kidnapped crew members are being held on land and more than 20 hostages have now been held for over 30 months.
“It’s good news that hijackings are down, but there can be no room for complacency: these waters are still extremely high-risk and the naval presence must be maintained,” said Captain Pottengal Mukundan, IMB Director said in a statement sent to Xinhua. Before the capture of Kismayo, the Horn of Africa nation’s coastline was considered one of the world’s most dangerous stretches of water because of piracy.
We are ready: Bringing Somalia’s recovery online
22 Oct – Source: BBC – 1281 words
At The Village Restaurant, a popular open-air hangout for Mogadishu’s returning diaspora community, a charcoal-powered Italian espresso machine brews Somalia’s best cappuccino. Wi-fi internet beams throughout the cafe, as patrons check email, download music videos, and keep tabs on Somalia’s latest news.
As Mogadishu shifts from two decades of civil war to a quivering democracy, opportunities for business – from hotels to off-grid espresso makers to cafes like the Village – are flourishing. And so too are the opportunities for bringing them online.
Perched between the tattered ruins of a flattened landscape, the glow of wireless receiver antennas has gradually replaced the orange glow of stray bullets, bringing a new era of global connectivity and freedom of information to the city’s estimated one million residents.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Because of the work and sacrifices by the United Nations, the African Union and other key stakeholders, and most of all because of the Somali people’s struggles, Somalia has a chance for a decent future.”
Somalia’s new chance at a peaceful future
23 Oct – Source: Washington Post – 784 Words
Walking through Mogadishu recently, I couldn’t help but marvel. The streets teemed with people going about their daily lives. Construction boomed on virtually every block, fueled by investments from the Somali diaspora (and, perhaps, from pirates’ ill-gotten gains). Police officers in crisp white shirts directed traffic — a phenomenon associated with a return to normality in many post-conflict areas — and workers repaired electrical lines.
Spend an hour talking to Hassan Sheik Mohamud, the longtime educator and civil activist recently elected president, and you begin to believe that Somalia is on the path to a brighter future. Many may recall the 1991 overthrow and subsequent assassination of Somalia’s former president, Mohamed Siad Barre, which plunged the country into civil war and then anarchy. The United States and the United Nations deployed forces to help bring some stability and stem a famine.
These efforts brought rapid improvement in the humanitarian situation but also the “Black Hawk Down” incident of October 1993, when 18 U.S. soldiers were killed. Less remembered are the hundreds of Somalis and 160 U.N. peacekeepers who also died during the Somali conflict. The United States and the United Nations decided to withdraw their forces, leaving Somalis to confront the future on their own.
“When asked what the international community can do to support the end of foreign domination in Somalia, Mr. Menkhaus said, “Somalia is going to need considerable external support for the foreseeable future… If the assistance that is offered comes in the package of lots of conditionality and lots of demands and lots of top-down orders from the international donors, it is going to go down badly, and it is not going to work. So we need to find a way to provide the maximum support that Somalis need, while giving the Somalis maximum ownership of this recovery process.”
Interview with Professor Ken Menkhaus, Specialist on Somalia and the Horn of Africa
22 Oct – Source: Global Observery – 1931 Words
“Al Shabaab is in trouble,” said Ken Menkhaus, Professor of Political Science at Davidson College and a specialist on Somalia and the Horn of Africa. “It has been pushed out of almost all of the urban areas that it once controlled, including the very important seaport of Kismayo, which was a major source of its revenue.”
Mr. Menkhaus said that the real challenge for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) is shifting “from war fighting against al Shabaab to peacekeeping in areas that it has liberated. It is going to need to provide an environment that is secure, so that people feel as safe or safer than they did than when al Shabaab controlled it.” He said that “AMISOM is certainly stretched right now” and a lot of new challenges are going to be “more political than military.”
Security remains the most obvious challenge in Somalia. “[The government] has to start to gain control over the many security forces that are nominally hatted as part of the government, which in fact are autonomous from the government and do not answer to a chain of command,” Mr. Menkhaus said. “Until it does that, it’s in a very precarious position. It also is going to have to start generating revenues–it currently does not have money.”
Top tweets
@KalanThinks There is hope for #tech in #mogadishu #somalia. My recent piece for @bbcbusiness @SebLindstrom @natemook @Ilwad_Elman http://bbc.in/SfdDYp.
@Lattif Is West Africa & #Indonesia the New Piracy Frontier As #Somalia #Piracy Attacks Falls to Six-Year Low? http://buswk.co/RRLQuP @Kmohamed.
@OPride Concerned about the crisis in the #HornofAfrica, the Obama administration announces $58mil in assistance for #Somalia http://1.usa.gov/TbL3Iv.
@AwaleHowle #Somalia: #EU soldiers are training 551 #Somali recruits who landed in #Uganda in July. The mission’s 4 training course http://bit.ly/RhRo2I.
@africathinker How beautiful is this?Somali boys watch waves break along the rocks on the shores of #Mogadishu. #Somalia pic.twitter.com/05zwodfS.
Image of the day
The Police Training and Development Unit of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) conducts a two-week training programme in criminal investigation at General Kaahiye Police Academy in Mogadishu, for 160 Somali police officers. Photo: UN.