October 29, 2019 | Daily Monitoring Report

AMISOM Daily Monitoring Report

October 29, 2019 | Daily Monitoring Report.
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Daily Media Monitoring
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President Farmajo Appeals Urgent Help For Flood Victims

29 October – Source: Halbeeg – 198 Words

Somali President, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, has appealed to all Somalis to unite in providing urgent help to their brethren affected by the severe flooding in Hiiraan, Bakol and Gedo regions. Speaking during a meeting with the emergency committee to spearhead the rescue operations, President Farmajo said his government will double the ongoing efforts to save the lives and properties of citizens affected by the calamity. The emergency committee put in place by the office of the Prime Minister, which is composed of members of the cabinet, briefed the Head of State on the ongoing emergency services to provide help. The President thanked continued efforts by the various groups including the business community in the country, towards supporting victims of the flooding. The Head of State directed all civil servants to provide a share of their monthly salary in order to provide basic services to the affected families in the three regions. Various groups, mainly non-governmental organisations, are coordinating with government agencies on the ground since the disaster occurred three days ago. Ongoing torrential rains across the country led to the bursting of the River Shabelle’s banks resulting in the destruction of property, mainly farmland mostly in Hiiraan region.

Key Headlines

  • President Farmajo Appeals Urgent Help For Flood Victims (Halbeeg)
  • Two Bodies Found 8 Still Missing In Beletweyne Boat Tragedy (Goobjoog)
  • Federal Gov’t And Galmudug Chief Minister Meet Over Troops Deployment (Goobjoog)
  • Prime Minister Welcomes United Nations Special Representative For Children And Armed Conflict (Jowhar)
  • Uganda To Train Somalia National Army As UPDF Prepares To Return Home (PML Daily)
  • OCHA Somalia Flash Update #2 Humanitarian Impact Of Flooding (OCHA)
  • More Than A Restaurant: Des Moines’ Africana Halal Restaurant Brings Cultures Together (Des Moines Register)

NATIONAL MEDIA

Two Bodies Found, 8 Still Missing In Beletweyne Boat Tragedy

29 October – Source: Goobjoog – 146 Words

Two bodies out of the ten people who were missing when a boat capsized in Beletweyne yesterday have been recovered. Goobjoog News correspondent in the town reports divers located the bodies of the two – one of whom was identified as a local business while the other was not immediately identified owing to facial injuries. By Monday evening, ten people were still missing, among them the advisor of HirShabelle president. Dahabo Ahmed. The bodies have now been transported to the mainland. Hiiraan Mayor, Saafiya Hassan Sheikh, who herself was in the ill-fated boat but survived, told reporters that rescue efforts by last evening did not bear fruit. The boat is reported to have been transporting about 20 people when it capsized in the floodwaters in Beletweyne town. The team, which included Hiiraan regional administrators were spearheading relief efforts following the flooding which has displaced thousands of people.


Federal Gov’t And Galmudug Chief Minister Meet Over Troops Deployment

29 October – Source: Goobjoog – Words

Federal Interior Minister, Mohamed Sabriye, met with Galmudug Chief Minister Sheikh Shakir in Dhusamareb on Monday. Sources said the two discussed security matters in the town ahead of the expected presidential and parliamentary elections. The two, sources told Goobjoog News, agreed to withdraw Alhu Sunna troops to their camps. The Federal Government recently deployed soldiers to Dhusamareb. It is not clear if the issue of the elections was addressed during the meeting. Both the Federal Government and Alhu Sunna have formed separate technical teams. Elections for a new parliament and president in Galmudug are expected soon but the dates are yet to be set. 


Prime Minister Welcomes United Nations Special Representative For Children And Armed Conflict

28 October – Source: Jowhar – 132 Words

The Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), Hon. Hassan Ali Khaire, welcomed the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba. de Potgieter. The meeting between the Prime Minister and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the children and armed conflict as terrorism looga looga prevent the recruitment of child soldiers, in order to protect the future of children. Virginia Gamba thanked the Prime Minister for the warm welcome of the government’s reforms and contributed to the promotion of children’s rights. Prime Minister, Hassan Ali Khaire assured Virginia Gamba that the government is committed to a peaceful country and has made significant strides in the stabilisation of the country, which will bring children and all communities together in lasting peace.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Uganda To Train Somalia National Army As UPDF Prepares To Return Home

28 October – Source: PML Daily – 194 Words

The Minister of State for Defence – General Duties, Hon Col (Rtd) Charles Okello Engola, and Hon Hassan Ali Mohamed, the State Minister of Defence of Federal Government of Somalia have on Monday 28 October 2019 held a meeting aimed at improving bilateral relations in defence matters. The two ministers met in Somalia’s capital – Mogadishu, where they discussed the prevailing security situation in the region and commended their two countries forces for working together within the framework of AMISOM, to bring lasting stability to Somalia. The two ministers further took note of the existing cordial relationship between their two governments noting that the sacrifices made to bring peace to Somalia since the deployment of UPDF in 2007 will never be in vain. They also discussed and agreed on the need to initiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) through which Uganda can offer additional support, especially towards building the capacity of the Somalia National Army. They both pledged to continue encouraging and supporting their forces to keep the tempo and spirit of degrading the Al-Shabaab to enable the people to live in peace. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Ambassador Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Nathan Mugisha.


OCHA Somalia Flash Update #2 Humanitarian Impact Of Flooding

28 October – Source: OCHA – 1078 Words

Situation Overview
Moderate to heavy Deyr seasonal rains, which started early in many parts of Somalia, continued to be received across the country. The Ethiopian Highlands, where the Juba and Shabelle rivers originate, also received moderate to heavy rains over recent weeks, according to FAO-managed Somalia Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM). Consequently, entire reaches of the Juba and Shabelle rivers have seen high water levels over the last few weeks resulting in flooding in Hirshabelle, Jubaland and South West states. Flash flooding was also reported in Banadir region, Jowhar in Hirshabelle and Ceel Cade and Jamame in Jubaland, with some locations in South West State inundated. Moderate to heavy rains are projected for this week in the central and southern parts of Somalia as well as parts of the Ethiopian highlands. According to SWALIM, the current high river levels, and ongoing riverine flooding along the Juba and Shabelle are expected to worsen. Flash floods may also be experienced in low-lying areas where moderate rains are expected. However, the forecast indicates a reduction of rainfall activities in the northern parts of the country.

Humanitarian impact and needs
An estimated 182 000 people have been displaced thus far due to flooding, according to UNHCR-Protection Return Monitoring Network (PRMN). Farmland, infrastructure and roads have been destroyed, and livelihoods disrupted in some of the worst-hit areas. In Hirshabelle State, the Shabelle River levels in Belet Weyne town and surrounding areas reached bankfull on 26 October 2019, leading to spillage which has submerged the town. Three people, including two children under the age of 10 years, were reported to have drowned. Latest reports received in the morning of 28 October indicated that a boat carrying 20 people capsized in the river in Belet Weyne town. The number of casualties is not yet known as search and rescue for the missing people continues, aided by a helicopter provided by UNSOS at the request of government authorities. An estimated 164 000 people have been displaced, the majority of whom are in Ceel Jaale, according to PRMN. More than 85 percent of the town inundated by 27 October. The road that connects Belet Weyne town and Ceel Jaale – where displaced communities are being relocated – is only passable by heavy trucks. The worst affected areas in Belet Weyne town include Kooshin and Xaawo Taako.

In Jowhar and Mahaday Weyne of Hirshabelle State, flooding has damaged large areas of crop land. River levels in Jowhar are expected to rise in the coming days when the current flood wave in Belet Weyne is transmitted downstream. Nearly 40 river breakage points that were identified and reported by SWALIM in September 2019 are likely to escalate the flooding situation. In Jubaland State, where an estimated 5 300 people have been displaced, the Juba river levels in Baardheere, Dollow, Luuq, and Buale remained high since mid-October causing flooding in the upper reaches. Bardheere town is the worst affected, with parts of the town inundated. Considering the rainfall forecast, any slight increase in the river levels is likely to cause flooding along the entire reach. In Jamame, Jiimey and Sanguuni villages, an unknown number of people living along the Juba river were also displaced by flooding, some of whom moved to Singlayr village.

On 26 October, in South West State, local authorities and humanitarian partners informed OCHA, that heavy rains in Berdale district town of Bay and over flow from the Juba River has caused flash flooding affecting an estimated 30 000 people, including 12 000 children. Most of the affected persons have been forced to flee to higher ground in the town after flood waters inundated their homes. Those affected are reportedly in desperate need of clean water, food, temporary latrines and shelter among other immediate needs. The ongoing rains have already disrupted services by limiting movement, which is also affecting the delivery of supplies to local markets due to impassable roads. Flash flooding in parts of Bay has affected public transport into and out of Baidoa due to impassable roads. Over 30 trucks loaded with commercial goods destined for surrounding districts are now stranded in the town following the ongoing rains. In the Banadir region where some 3 000 people have been displaced, local authorities and IDP leaders reported the destruction of 170 shelters and 210 latrines in Kahda district by heavy rains. Over 20 IDP settlements were left without latrines after flash floods caused by heavy rains. There are concerns that waste from the destroyed latrines may have leaked into flood water, heightening fears of diseases such as AWD/Cholera……

OPINION, ANALYSIS AND CULTURE  

“Since the restaurant opened about a year ago, the African Halal Restaurant has been a meeting place for Somalis in the community and beyond. “There’s been a large growth of Somalis in Des Moines, so there was a need in the community,” Omar said. “It’s so communal; it’s a place for everyone to come together. In Somali culture, you go to the masjid, cafes and restaurants.”

More Than A Restaurant: Des Moines’ Africana Halal Restaurant Brings Cultures Together

28 October – Source: Des Moines Register – 933 Words

With no menus or decor and a set price of $10 for every meal, the Africana Halal Restaurant is a wildly different concept for many Des Moines residents. But for me, and others who hail from African and Middle Eastern communities, the Somali restaurant feels like home. “There’s a saying in Somali culture: If you go to a Somali restaurant, you don’t order — the waiter tells you what you’re eating,” Abshir Omar, 28, the Somali-born owner of the restaurant, said. It makes sense, considering the place does not have one menu in sight. The restaurant itself, located on the north side of Des Moines, is a small building with green walls, plain black tables and chairs, and that’s pretty much it — aside from a Quran I see from time to time on one of the restaurant’s tables.

At first, I almost didn’t think the place was open. I walked in one afternoon and asked. “Yes, of course,” an older Somali woman, Omar’s mother, said to me. “What do you want to eat? We have everything, chicken, lamb, goat, rice, spaghetti, vegetables. Just tell me.” The woman, Dahabo Hassan, had a gold crown on one of her teeth and she was wearing her traditional Somali Dirac in brown, yellow, and black tones. I remember thinking two things: First, this woman means business, and I’m here for it. I could tell she’s worked hard her whole life to get to where she is now, like my own immigrant mother has; and secondly, they have a place like this in Des Moines? It reminded me of restaurants I’d go to during my visits to Palestine every summer growing up; in some quaint, family-owned restaurants, you just order. No need for menus. “I think that experience of coming in, bartering, negotiating — it’s a fun experience,” Omar said. “It’s a conversation. Basically, you tell us what you want and we make it happen.” Just like home, I thought to myself. With a huge smile on my face, I said “Mashallah, lamb please.”

Diverse flavors and huge portions
I sat down. Around me were Somalis speaking their native tongue, which made me even more happy to be there and provided a sense of authenticity to the restaurant’s environment. By the time my food came, my mouth hurt from smiling so much. My meal was huge —  it could easily feed two people. But I came hungry; the food tasted so delicious and flavorful, I ate every bite. The lamb on the bone and rice itself was a large portion, and on top of that my meal was served with a green hot sauce, a side salad and a banana to soften the spices, a Somali tradition. “If Somali restaurants run out of bananas, all hell breaks loose,” Omar said. The spices were incredible. My lamb and rice didn’t taste exactly like the spices I was used to in Palestinian culture; of course, every culture has its own unique mixes and uses of spices, and I was glad it was a change of palate. I felt so thankful to have experienced a new culture and its food. Omar told me that in Somali culture they traditionally use a plethora of spices, such as fenugreek, coriander, cumin, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, bay leaf, black seed, turmeric, and ginger. These spices came to life in my meal and left me feeling warm, grateful and stuffed…….

Top tweets

@MoHADM_Somalia: In his openings remark H.E @MoHADM_Minister told #CHF participants that the responsibility to act concerns all actors; #FGS, #FMS, #UN, #NGOs and the entire #Somalipeople.

@BFSDastuurka: 3rd day of the retreat is underway. Max Planck experts present their views regarding the devolution of powers in the Federal Republic of Somalia on the Proposed submissions by OC and ICRIC. https://dastuurka-bfs.so

@MoH_Somalia: The second day of the Workshop on Finalization of NAPHS. Minister Fawzia Abikar Nur gave to thank all who prepared the meeting and the various ministries and agencies involved. The Director of Public Health, Dr. Ahmed Adam, who led the plan discussed the importance of NAPHS .

@DurableNational: Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister launched the Durable Solutions Secretariat in Somalia. This Secretariat will lead, coordinate, provide technical expertise, high level strategic guidance and oversight on finding sustainable solutions to displacement through whole-of-gov approach.

@SaidAbdullahiDe: It was a pleasure to meet with the SRSG James Swan @UNSomalia in Garowe. We discussed political developments & security in Somalia & how PL can take a mediating role between JL and FGS. The UN is a key partner to Somalia.

@SaidAbdullahiDe: China’s ambassador for Somalia, Mr. Qin Jian, visited GoP in Garowe. We discussed economic development & investment in Puntland. China’s CCECC will support the reconstruction of road connection between Garowe & Bosaso.

@MoPICJubaland: @MoPICJubaland staff who visited the flood-affected areas near Kismayo together with officials from Mayor’s office report that half of Gobwein village is covered by the river floods. Bulogudud is also adversely affected. Cash crops are gone and farm structures destroyed.

@UNDPSomalia: Women are becoming more visible as #PeaceBuilders in #Somalia, and are calling for more women in leadership positions to advance peace and reconciliation. Read more on #WomenInPower in this blog by UNDP colleagues http://bit.ly/2TKh5mt @UN_Women

@unicefsomalia: To save babies’ lives, the solutions are simple. Quality, affordable healthcare. This little one was born safely in Gambool Health Centre, #Somalia. The Centre is supported by @unicefsomalia w/ funding from @BMZ_Bund @KfWpress @GermanyinSOM #ForEveryChild, a healthy start

@Saferworld: In our latest blog, @HamzeMatan looks at how @Saferworld and partners have been addressing tensions by supporting communities in #Mogadishu, #Kismayo and #Baidoa to address their safety needs through police advisory committees led by the people:

@HornExpert: Attending the Country Humanitarian Forum(CHF) in Mogadishu. In attendance are Humanitarian agencies, Donors and Government institutions. The main topic of discussion is floodings in Baladweyne and Berdale in #Hirshabelle #Southwest respectively. Let’s hope for the best. #Somalia

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Image of the day

Image of the day

The team led by the state minister for defence, Col Charles Okello Engola, visited a level II hospital in Mogadishu which is manned by UPDF doctors and nurses.

PHOTO:  New Vision

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The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of AMISOM, and neither does their inclusion in the bulletin/website constitute an endorsement by AMISOM.