September 1, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Somali warlord agrees to talks, boosts government peace efforts

01 Sept- Source: Reuters-539 Words

A Somali clan leader who fought for years to retake a strategic southern port city he once controlled has laid down arms and joined talks, bolstering government efforts to show it can restore order to a chaotic nation. The fate of the city of Kismayu and the surrounding region of Jubbaland is seen as a test of Mogadishu’s skill in building a federal system of government and pacifying a nation fought over for more than two decades by warlords and Islamist rebels.

Dozens of people were killed in clashes last year when Barre Hirale’s forces battled to regain control of Kismayu from the Ras Kamboni militia loyal to Ahmed Madobe, who had been chosen in May by a regional assembly to preside over Jubbaland.

Hirale and Madobe have for years fought to control the port, which generates valuable revenues from taxes, charcoal exports and levies on arms and other illegal imports. The African Union force AMISOM, which has been involved in reconciliation efforts, said Hirale and nearly 100 members of his militia gave up their weapons on Saturday after discussions with clan elders and Somali federal government delegations.

Key Headlines

Governor Sidii: the joint forces are advancing to Sablale and Barawe (Radio Goobjoog)
Somali president condemns al Shabaab attack on Jiliow prison (Radio Bar-kulan)
Al Shabaab fighters who attacked intelligence prison used stolen security forces uniforms- Minister(Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/RBC)
Somali soldier kills two fellow soldiers in Beled-hawa town (Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Star)
Middle Shebelle administration prepares to deliver support to liberated areas (Radio Goobjoog)
Allied forces seize several villages in Middle Shabelle region (Radio Bar-kulan/Dalsan)
Parliament Speaker delegation in Baidoa for talks (Radio Goobjoog/UniversalTV/Jowhar/Hiiraan Online)
Somaliland: Wind Brings Light to the Highlands of Sheik (SomalilandPress)
Joint forces seize Kunturwaarey town (Radio Mogadishu/Goobjoog/Kulmiye/Risaala/Dalsan)
AMISOM captures key town in major operation (Daily Monitor)
Somali warlord agrees to talks boosts government peace efforts(Reuters)
UN govt. issue fresh drought warnings in Somalia (Press TV)

PRESS RELEASE

HE President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Strongly Condemns Attack on NISA Facility in Mogadishu

01 Sept – Source: Office of the President of Somalia – 432 words

Speaking in Ankara, Turkey, while attending the inauguration of the President of Turkey, HE the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud strongly condemned today’s attack by al Shabaab on the NISA Facility in Mogadishu.

“Just before midday today, 31 August 2014, 7 members of al Shabaab attacked the National Intelligence & Security Agency (NISA) Godka Jilicow facility in central Mogadishu, breaching the wall of the prison with explosives and then forcing their way into the complex using small arms.

Due to the prompt actions of the personnel on duty in the complex at the time of the incident and their rapid reinforcement by other elements of the Somali security forces, (supported by AMISOM troops), the attack was quickly halted and all the al Shabaab members killed.

It is with regret that I note that 3 members of the security forces and 2 civilians were also killed during the incident. I send my sincere condolences to the families of those who died and offer our deepest gratitude to the members of the security forces who gave up their lives.

“As a result of the recent security surge in Mogadishu and the continuing success of Operation Indian Ocean, al Shabaab are now desperately short of men. We can only presume that this prompted such a desperate attempt to free some of their imprisoned personnel.

At the same time, al Shabaab knows the conventional fight over territory is nearly over for them so it seeks instead to distract from its losses of men and ground by trying to grab media headlines through attention-seeking but consistently unsuccessful attacks such as this one.

“I have ordered a full, public enquiry into the incident. We will learn the lessons of this attack, further improving our procedures as required in order to limit the opportunities for the terrorists. At the same time, stop and search operations in Mogadishu and Operation Indian Ocean will continue unabated.

“It gives me no pleasure to say it, but al Shabaab will attempt more attacks of this nature. They have no other options left. But the security forces, with the assistance of AMISOM and the support of the international community, are continually developing their capacity to defeat and even pre-empt these attacks.

“I end by reminding you, the citizens of Somalia, that you too have a role to play in securing the nation. Report criminal activities and any suspicious activity to the security forces, even if it is your son or your brother. It is your duty as a Somali and it is only with your help that we will rid ourselves of al Shabaab.”

SOMALI MEDIA

Governor Sidii: the joint forces are advancing to Sablale and Barawe

01 Sept- Source: Radio Goobjoog-102 Words

The governor of Lower Shabelle region Mohamed Noor Sidii stated that the joint forces have pushed al Shabaab out of many areas in the region. Mr. sidii reiterated that the forces are now heading to Sablale and Baraawe districts, stronghold bases of al Shabaab in the region.

The governor underlined that government forces and AMISOM troops have taken over most areas from al Shabaab without resistance. The governor finally said that the forces will not rest until al Shabaab will be pushed out of the region. Federal government forces and African union peacekeeping troops have captured Bulo-Marer and Kurtunwaarey districts in Lower Shabelle region.

Somali president condemns al Shabaab attack on Jiliow prison

01 Sept- Source: Radio Bar-Kulan-223 Words

Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has strongly condemned yesterday’s attack on Godka Jiliow prison run by Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency in Mogadishu. 7 al Shabaab fighters attacked the National Intelligence & Security Agency’s Godka Jiliow facility in central Mogadishu, breaching the wall of the prison with explosives and then forcing their way into the complex using small arms.

The president praised the swift action of the security forces and the rapid reinforcement by other security elements including Somali national army and the African Union forces in Somalia. “Due to the prompt actions of the personnel on duty in the complex at the time of the incident and their rapid reinforcement by other elements of the Somali security forces, (supported by AMISOM troops), the attack was quickly halted and all the al Shabaab members killed, the president said.

He noted the loss of three security forces and two civilians to yesterday’s attack and sent his condolences to the family and friends of those who died on the attack. “It is with regret that I note that 3 members of the security forces and 2 civilians were also killed during the incident. I send my sincere condolences to the families of those who died and offer our deepest gratitude to the members of the security forces who gave up their lives,” he said.

Al Shabaab fighters who attacked intelligence prison used stolen security forces uniforms- Minister

01 Sept – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/RBC – 171 words

The Minister of Information praised security forces’ bravery in halting an attack on the Godka Jilicow detention centre in Mogadishu. The minister said in a press conference that on Sunday around 11:40 am [local time] terrorists attempted to force their way into a government detention centre in Mogadishu.

Seven al Shabaab members (5 wearing stolen security forces uniforms) approached the centre in two vehicles and immediately started their attack. All seven al Shabaab were killed within 45 minutes of the attack beginning.

“The terrorists aimed to force their way in the centre and free their comrades who were being held in the centre. Regrettably, three members of the security forces as well as two innocent passersby were also killed in the incident. The Federal Government of Somalia sends sincere condolences to their families.” The Minister said.

The Minister of Information concluded his remarks, saying “The Federal Government of Somalia praises the bravery of security forces at the detention centre that foiled the attack from al Shabaab and killed all 7 attackers.

Somali soldier kills two fellow soldiers in Beled-hawa town

01 Sept- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Star- 119 words

Two soldiers from Somali government forces in Beled-hawa town, Gedo region have died after they were shot dead by a fellow Somali soldier according security officials in the town. Chief security officer of Beled-hawa town, Ismail Kofi told Bar-kulan that the assailant escaped from the scene after killing the two soldiers adding that the motives behind the shooting are unknown.

He added that the government forces in the area have launched a manhunt operation to bring the perpetrator to justice. Beled-hawa town which borders Kenya and Somalia has witnessed similar cases in recent times, the last one being a month ago when a soldier killed two civilians in the town.

Middle Shebelle administration prepares to deliver support to liberated areas

01 Sept- Source: Radio Goobjoog-119 Words

The administration of middle Shabelle region is preparing to deliver emergency support the areas captured by the allied forces in the region. The spokesman of middle Shabelle region Daud Haji Iro said that the government forces have maintained the overall security of the captured areas.

Mr. Daud stated that the forces will advance to the remaining areas under the control of al Shabaab in middle Shabelle region so as to support the families affected by the conflicts and drought. The administration sent appeal to aid agencies to deliver emergency assistance to middle Shabelle residents

Since Indian operation started in Southern Somalia over four areas were liberated from al Shabaab, many families who fled from their houses are in desperate humanitarian conditions.

Allied forces seize several villages in Middle Shabelle region

01 Sept-Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Dalsan- 184 words

Somali government forces backed by African Union troops in Somalia Sunday seized new territories in Middle Shabelle region as the operation against al Shabaab militant group widens to many fronts.

Ali Jiliow, a senior military officer from Somali government forces in Middle Shabelle region told Bar-kulan that the allied forces seized Dhin-garas and several other villages north of Jowhar, the provincial capital of Middle Shabelle region.

The military officer added that the allied forces also shelled Kiliga Shinaha village which was one of al Shabaab strongholds in Middle Shabelle region. He vowed that the military operation against al Shabaab militant group will continue until the militants are driven out of the region.

The capture of Dhin-garas and other villages in Middle Shabelle region is part of a military offensive dubbed Operation Indian Ocean jointly carried out by Somali government and AMISOM forces which is aimed at driving al Shabaab militant group out of the country.

The operation has so far proven successful after the allied forces seized several villages and small towns from the militant group in Middle Shabelle, Hiran and Lower Shabelle regions.

Parliament Speaker, delegation en route to Baidoa for talks

01 Sept- Source: Radio Goobjoog/UniversalTV/Jowhar/Hiiraan Online-160 Words

The security of Baidoa, the headquarters of Bay region was tightened as delegation led by federal parliament speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari is en route to the town. Government forces and Ethiopian troops are patrolling the major streets of Baidoa and the airport.

Mr. Jawari is accompanied by members of federal parliament and the former speaker of transitional federal parliament Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan. The officials are expected to mediate the tensions between the administrations of South West Somalia- six and three regions and establish a unified administration of three regions.

Last week at least one person died and dozens wounded after government forces opened life bullets on crowds of protestors against the visit of Prime minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, later PM’s trip to the town was delayed. The federal government of Somalia has recognized South West Somalia administration comprising of three regions and formed a technical committee to facilitate the establishment of the regional state.

Somaliland: Wind Brings Light to the Highlands of Sheik

01 Sept- Source: SomalilandPress-467 Words

The Minister of Energy and Minerals Honorable Hussein Abdi Dualeh today inaugurated yet another wind farm which will now provide 24 hours electricity power to residents of Sheik as part of the current government to shift from the fossil based sources of energy to clean and renewable energy-based microgrid system in all Somaliland×³s urban centers.

The $800,000 Dollar state of the art wind farm is a privately venture owned by Beder local electricity this as the company decided to move away from the ever increasing and continuously unpredictable fluctuating diesel prices to more cheap supply alternative energy solutions such as wind power which will have higher returns for consumers and providers than using diesel would.

Hon Hussein Abdi Dualeh added, “I feel honored to be among the good people of Sheik here today as you’re aware, I was among those privileged students who had the opportunity to had being educated in Sheik secondary School and that’s why I feel happy to see Sheik progress; I also laud Beder electricity company for investing in the future of this town and I hope such investment will pave way for cheaper electricity power for our citizens.

“We have already introduced 8 similar projects across the country, all which will be based on alternative energy solutions such as wind power for increased and improved clean and cheap energy supply for sustainable economic development such as this wind,” he said.

Joint forces seize Kunturwaarey town

31 Aug – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Goobjoog/Kulmiye/Risaala/Dalsan- 81 words

Federal government forces and African union peacekeeping troops have taken over Kunturwaarey town in Lower Shabelle region. There was no confrontation as al Shabaab left Kunturwaarey before the joint forces reached the town.

The forces have launched operations to maintain the security of the town, a witness who spoke on a condition of anonymity told the media that forces have started demining operations within the town. Kunturwaarey town is located 20 Kilometres West of Bula Marer district which was captured yesterday.

Somali Football Federation elects new leadership

31 Aug- Source: Radio Bar-kulan-203 Words

Former Secretary General of Somali Football Federation Mr. Abdikani Said Arab has been unanimously elected to lead the Somali Football Federation for the next four years. Mr Arab and the former president Ali Said Guled Roble were the two candidates running for the federation’s leadership, but before voting began the former president told the congress he resigned from his candidacy and then the stakeholders voted for the only running candidate.

The electoral committee announced the result as Mr Arab was voted by all stakeholders including 25 clubs, the referees’ association, the coaches’ association and the players’ association. Ali Abdi Mohamed has been elected as senior vice president after all stakeholders unanimously elected him, while Abdullahi Sheik who got 23 votes became the 2nd vice president after defeating former vice president Abdullahi Abow Hussein who got only 4 votes.

The congress then started to vote for the executive committee members where seven candidates were competing for six available posts. Below are the six elected executive committee members.
1 Yahye Mohamed Abokar
2 Abdirashid Hussein Addow
3 Osman Jama Dira’
4 Mustaf Elmi Afrah
5 Hassan Moalim Yusuf
6 Hirey Ahmed Rooble
The new leadership will run the football federation in the next four years.

Somaliland: NEC speaks about decision of the president to disband the commission

31 Aug – Source: Somaliland Informer – 138 words

The Chairman of country’s National Electoral Commission Mr. Ahmed Hirsi Gele has spoken of the decision made by President Silanyo in which he disbanded the commission which its time has expired.

The chairman has reiterated that it is not appropriate for the current government not to disband the commission once the country is preparing for the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections which are slated to take place in the country in mid 2015 which is drawing nearer.

He revealed that they will continue to serve until a new commission is formed that will replace them.
NEC has been in office for five years and according to the country’s national constitution that the president reserves the right to appoint three, the elders appoint two and the other two are named by the two oppositional political parties.

Situation is Calm in Bulamareer Despite Clashes

31 Aug- Source: Radio Dalsan- 146 words

The situation of Bulamareer where clashes between government forces backed by AMISOM and al Shabaab took place is calm. On Saturday, AMISOM and the government troops attacked Bulamareer and Golweyn and ran over them. This morning, the allied forces started investigations in those areas especially in Bulamareer town. The allied forces are in search of any al Shabaab militants who remained in the town together with illegally possessed firearms.

As many people fled the town because of the clashes of yesterday, the allied forces are asking those remained many questions so that they can confirm they are not members of al Shabaab. Even though the government army officials didn’t speak about the impact of the clashes, witnesses say there were many negative impacts of the fighting which can be felt. Some 20 civilians were wounded in the crossfire. Some of them were brought to Mogadishu for treatment.

REGIONAL MEDIA

AMISOM captures key town in major operation

01 Sept – Source: Daily Monitor – 138 words

African Union forces from the Ugandan contingent and Somali National Army on Saturday captured Bulo Barer, a strategic town, in a major offensive targeting al Shabaab held ports and towns, African Union has said.

The attack codenamed “Operation Indian Ocean”, launched last week, also led to the capture of other two small towns of Goolweyn and Jerlio. The operation intends to deny the insurgents access to the sea which they have been using to ship in guns.

“During the early morning operation, al Shabaab militants mounted resistance against Somali Forces supported by AMISOM but they were overrun. The forces are currently consolidating the town,” a statement by AMISOM reads.

Located 115 km southwest of Mogadishu, Bulo Marer has been under the militants and is a getaway to the port city of Baraawe and was used as a tax collection centre.

Al Shabaab attacks Somalia’s intelligence HQ

31 Aug – Source: Al Jazeera/Al Arabiya – 171 words

The Somali armed group al Shabaab has launched an attack on the country’s intelligence headquarters in central Mogadishu, setting off a bomb and opening fire on the complex, police and witnesses said. The car bomb explosion, was followed by a fierce exchange of gunfire killing at least seven rebel fighters, officials saidon Sunday.

There were no details on casualties among the security forces. A spokesperson of the armed group confirmed with Al Jazeera that its fighters were involved in the attack and that they had entered the building. Ahmed Hussein, a senior police officer, confirmed the attack, and added that the facility included underground cells.

“It seems their target was to cause a mess here and thus free their militant colleagues held in the underground cells, but that will not happen,” Nur told Reuters news agency. That compound is near the national intelligence site, and it was also attacked using what has become a familiar tactic: a vehicle tries to blast its way through perimeter security and gunmen charge in afterwards.

African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) captures Bulo-Mareer town Al Shabaab militants

31 Aug- Source: KTN Kenya-01:39mins

The Somali national army together with the African union mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have captured Bulo-Mareer town which served as a major route for the al Shabaab group south of Somalia capital Mogadishu. Speaking after the operation brigadier. Gen. Dick Olum, from the AMISOM said the town provided steady income for the al Shabaab group through extortion and forceful taxation of residents and travelers. Al Shabaab are said to have resisted by firing back to the AMISOM led troops before burning tyres in the town. With the capture of Bulo-Mareer town, the Somali national army and the AMISOM troop are now targeting Barawe town. The operation launched by the SNA and AMISOM troops seeks to liberate more territory from the al Shabaab insurgents.

Somalia famine: ‘We only have days to live’

30 Aug- Source: Al Jazeera English-1030 Words

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has no doubt about who is to blame for the suffering from the latest drought to hit the Horn of Africa country.

“Al Shabaab have restricted the movement of goods and people so people are isolated and cannot receive aid or even the normal trade,” President Mohamud told Al Jazeera in an exclusive interview. “The routes are blocked. So that created [the conditions] for people to go hungry.

“But that is not going to stop us. The interior ministry today sent a food convoy to the Gedo and Bakool regions of the country – with a security escort. The issue of drought is a very serious one.”

However, as government and rebel fighters battle over territory and access routes, tonnes of food meant for the tens of thousands of starving people in southern Somalia remains locked in massive warehouses in Mogadishu, the Somali capital.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somali warlord agrees to talks, boosts government peace efforts

01 Sept- Source: Reuters-539 Words

UN, GOVT. ISSUE FRESH DROUGHT WARNINGS IN SOMALIA

01 Sept- Source: Press TV-272 Words

The United Nations and the Somali government have issued fresh drought warnings in southern parts of the African state. The southern Somali town of Baidoa is one of the regions in danger and the humanitarian crisis is threatening to cause deaths and displacement.

For the past seven months, hundreds of people have left their homes in the Bakool region of southern Somalia to take shelter at a camp in Baidoa. Most of them walked all the way to the camp from the town of Hudur, which was captured six months ago by Ethiopian troops from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

“It’s seventh month now since we came to this camp, we have received no help at all; we have no food, no canned water and no proper shelter. Rain and wind continue to affect us here in this camp,” a displaced woman told Press TV.

Farming is the lifeline for people in Bakool, but drought and famine have displaced more than half a million people and claimed the lives of approximately a quarter of a million others. The displaced people at the camp in Baidoa accuse the government and aid agencies of negligence.

Somalia forces foil al Shabaab attack on high security prison

31 Aug – Source: AP – 158 words

Somali security forces said Sunday they had killed at least four al Shabaab militants, ending a coordinated car bomb and gun attack against the national intelligence headquarters and a detention facility in the capital Mogadishu.

“The attack was foiled and all of the attackers are dead. The situation is now under control and I can see the dead bodies of four of the attackers. Two security officials were also wounded in the attack,” Somali police official Mohamed Abudle said.

Godka Jilacow prison, the scene of the Sunday morning attack, is a key interrogation center for Somalia’s intelligence agency and many suspected militants are believed to be held there. Eyewitnesses said soldiers in speeding pick-up cars rushed to the prison and troops took positions around the facility.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“In general, the budget is the most important document that illustrates the priority activities of the federal government and the resources allocated for implementing those priorities. Thus, the fiscal budget is an economic, political, and technical document that serves to check the economic and efficient use of public resources for the authorized purposes. It is a tool to account the federal government’s performance, accountability, and transparency.”

Somalia: Fiscal Budget and Federal Government legitimacy

31 Aug- Source: Hiiraan Online-1088 Words

Recently, I came across a document titled “Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) – Appropriation Act for the 2014 Budget,” consisting of Act No 00005 and financial statement. The theme (goals) of the Budget document is “enhancing State capacity for peace, justice, Economic Recovery Program (ERP) and Public financial Management.” Assuming the document is genuine, I’ll summarize below its essential information. In the meantime, it is important to note that the budget, which is based on revenues from Mogadishu Port, Airport, and Bakaraha Market, reflects the curbed legitimacy of the Federal Government.

On August 25, the media reported that the Business Community in Mogadishu Bakaraha Market refused to pay additional exorbitant tax after payment of high custom duty, fees, and other hidden costs at Mogadishu Port and roadblocks. Many Mogadishu residents frequently complain about payments of variety of levies and extortions to operate their businesses or repair damaged buildings.

“AU and government forces attempt to strangle al Shabaab’s access to money and weapons with new operation on coastline.”

Somalia: cutting through the sinews of war

31 Aug – Source: Al Jazeera – 406 words

The codename is ‘Operation Indian Ocean’. The mission is to strangle al Shabaab finances by capturing seaside towns under its control, such as Barawe. Authorities say the al Qaeda-linked group uses the towns to imports weapons and trade. Al Shabaab is nothing without them, says the Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohammed. But this mission was never going to be a surprise dawn attack by Somali government forces and their African Union allies.

If anything, it has been purposefully signposted: “We are coming, leave.” Indeed, the army has been moving towards rebel-held towns in the Lower and Middle Shabelle provinces for weeks – enough time for al Shabaab to relocate their fighters and weapons. I have been with AU troops for several days in Jowhar, the capital of Middle Shabelle and a few kilometres from al Shabaab lines. We have, so far, seen more dust storms than battles.

Soldiers tell me al Shabaab are fighting with everything – the group recently broke the banks of the Shabelle river to flood the roads and render them impassable for the AU force’s armoured vehicles. This war will not be settled with a hammer blow. The winners will perhaps be those who can keep the money flowing, and al-Shabab knows this also. The group has blockaded most of the towns its fighters lost earlier this year, cutting off supply routes for anyone left behind.

Top tweets

@UNLazzarini .@IOM_Somalia opens health post for 2.5k former #IDPs in #Hargeisa.Next step towards new life:http://bit.ly/1AMjdXt pic.twitter.com/D3c17FP6Sp

@UNSomalia .@Somalia111 meets with Federal MPs from#Puntland to discuss resumption of relations with Federal Govt of #Somalia pic.twitter.com/nZktMTbL4M

@evolvingprimate #PHOTOS Somali Security Services secure Banadir Intel HQ during Sunday’s attack by Al Shabab in Mogadishu pic.twitter.com/ls70qWTJx2

‏@harunmaruf Big achievement by the Somali Govt and IGAD as old foes (Madobe and Hirale) shake hands. Photo by@DhanaanMedia pic.twitter.com/MioUrvasMz

@BeilehMofa Our armed forces are strengthening& growing in confidence. We are indebted. @amisomsomalia @Somalia111 @UNSomalia

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Image of the day

Image of the day Residents of Buulomareer meet the Governor of Lower Shabelle, #AMISOM & SNA, one day after the town was liberated. Photo: @amisomsomalia