September 11, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Conference to combat maritime piracy kicks off in Dubai

11 Sept- Source: Gulf Today- 802 words

Much has been done to tackle the problems caused by maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia, but more needs to done to build the capacity of Somalia and its neighbours to control their own shores and patrol their own waters, the UAE Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said on Tuesday.

He made his remarks in a statement issued ahead of a two-day international conference on Counter Piracy, organised by the UAE Foreign Ministry in partnership with local port operators, which opens in Dubai on Wednesday.

The text of the statement follows: “Despite a marked decline in pirate attacks launched from the coast of Somalia over the last two years, maritime piracy remains a threat to regional security and global commerce. Representatives from around the globe are therefore gathering in Dubai from Sept.11-12, to discuss ways of strengthening the response of the international community to deal with this challenge.

Key Headlines

First Somali Police forces to operate in Middle Shabelle region (Radio Dalsan)
UN envoy applauds on the first anniversary of Somalia’s Federal Government (Raxanreeb/UNSOM)
Conference to combat maritime piracy kicks off in Dubai (Gulf Today)
Somali speaker due to meet Jubba delegation (Radio Bar-kulan)
Beletweyne IDPs say they are forgotten (Radio Ergo)
Head of Mogadishu central prison arrested (Radio Dalsan)
Statement by President of Puntland State of Somalia (Horseed Media)
Puntland to open maritime training schools (Garowe Online)
Somaliland president Silanyo awarded as Golis Graduate Guul Group Intern (Somaliland Sun)
IDPs and locals suffer water shortage in Elbarde (Radio Ergo)
UAE hopes to build capacity for Somalia (Khaleej Times)
Sudan FM to take part at International Conference On Somalia (Sudan News Agency)
Al Shabaab suspect charged in Nyahururu (Star)
No improvement for Somali government (eNCA)
Somalia’s al Shabaab back on Twitter after suspension (Newstrackindia / ANI)
Championing renewable energy use in humanitarian response (Relief web/ Norwegian Refugee Council)

SOMALI MEDIA

First Somali Police forces to operate in Middle Shabelle region

11 Sept – Source: Radio Dalsan – 117 words

Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has promised that the first Somali Police Forces will operate in the Middle Shabelle region where the service of the police has not been functioning since the collapse of the late Somali government.

After paying one day visit to Jowhar, the regional capital of Middle Shabelle president Mohamud said it was very obliged on him to respond for the calls from locals and the interior minister.

“The people of the region in Middle Shabelle want urgent functioning police forces and I have fully approved the proposal which we will put into effective soon,” the president said. The president’s pledge came on the first anniversary of his election on September 10th last year.

Somali speaker due to meet Jubba delegation

11 Sept- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 202 words

Somali Parliament speaker Mohamed Osman Jawari is due to meet with officials of the Jubba interim administration in Mogadishu, according to the JIA spokesman Abdinasir Serar.

In an interview with Bar-kulan, JIA spokesman said the Somali speaker will hear suggestions from the JIA delegation on how to deepen ties between Somali government and Jubba Interim administration.

Jubba administration spokesman stated that they are ready to complete the agreement reached by the two sides in the Ethiopian capital.

Mr Serar further added that Jubba delegation met with various elders and politicians in Mogadishu, agreeing to go back to Kismayo and complete the creation of an inclusive Jubba interim administration in line with Addis Ababa accord.

The delegation from Jubba interim administration led by the Ahmed Mohamed Islan (Ahmed Madobe), the JIA leader are also expected to meet international community envoys in the Somali capital today.

Jubba administration Ahmed Madobe who arrived in Mogadishu on 7th September has also held talks with the Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

UN envoy applauds on the first anniversary of Somalia’s Federal Government

11 Sept – Source: Raxanreeb/UNSOM – 133 words

As Somalia Federal Government marks the first anniversary of its election on September 10th last year, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia Nicholas Kay has congratulated the president, government and people of Somalia on the first anniversary of the Federal Government.

Mr Kay who took office in June this year, almost eight months after the election of president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, said that this September too will be a landmark for Somalia in setting up a new framework for international support: the New Deal Compact. I look forward to another year of Somalia rising.

“Much progress has been made, but much remains to be done, especially to tackle continuing threats to security. Increased efforts, including by the international community, will be needed.” Kay said in a statement from his office.

Beletweyne IDPs say they are forgotten

11 Sept- Source: Radio Ergo- 335 words

Displaced families living on the outskirts of Beletweyne, Hiran region, say they are finding difficulties in getting enough food. Hawa Ali, one of the 180 families living in the camp of Towfiq on the western edge of the town, said she can’t feed her children anymore because of the growing food scarcity in the camp.

“We have been living here for more than five years and never received any food aid,” Ali told Radio Ergo’s local reporter. “We are the forgotten IDPs!” Thousands of displaced Somalis live in more than 15 camps around Beletweyne, the regional capital of Hiran. The town lies some 200 miles north of Mogadishu. Most fled from their original homes in Mogadishu, Bay and Bakool regions, and other parts of Hiran, due to conflicts and natural disasters such as floods, drought and famine.

The most recent influx of IDPs came from Hudur in the neighbouring Bakool region, after the Ethiopian forces left and al-Shabaab took over the town. “We came here to get close to the government and aid agencies because we hoped they could help us,” said Barey Adan Qeyre. She has been living in the Doonleey camp in Beletweyne since fleeing Hudur nine months ago. Aid agencies have no access to Hudur.

Some of the displaced in Beletweyne have been there for around ten years. They include 600 families in Doonleey camp. During the period that al-Shabab controlled the town, from the end of 2008 to the end of 2011, the IDPs received no food aid or other assistance from the outside. But since the town is now under the control of Somali government and AU peace-keeping forces, they are wondering why they are not getting help from the UN agencies and NGOs.

“We want them to come and help us,” said Hawo Ali. “We are appealing to both the administration and aid agencies to bring us food,” said another displaced mother Qeyre. Radio Ergo’s reporter, however, said that there are several aid agencies already operating in the region.

Head of Mogadishu central prison arrested

11 Sept- Source: Radio Dalsan- 128 words

Somali government security forces have detained the head of the Mogadishu Central Prison Colonel Mohamed Hussein Ahmed. According to police sources Colonel Ahmed has been arrested early this week after he allegedly ordered the release of convicted al Shabaab members from the central prison. The sources added that one of those released from the cell was convicted murderer and an al Shabaab member.

The move came months after the former Central Prison Head has fled from the country following allegations of corruption and releasing al Shabab convicted murderers from the prison.

Statement by President of Puntland State of Somalia

10 Sept – Source: Horseed Media – 150 words

His Excellency the UAE Foreign Minister, Chairman of DP World, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports Company, Honorable Ministers, Ambassadors and Diplomats from around the World, Members of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, Members of the Kampala Process, Representatives from the Private Sector, Distinguished Guests, Ladies andGentlemen:

Our sincere appreciations go to the people and Government of the United Arab Emirates for hosting this international conference, and also to the conference’s co-organizers DP World and Abu Dhabi Ports Company. Additionally, I wish to emphasize my sincere thanks to the UAE Government for actively supporting counter-piracy operations in Somalia and in Puntland State, in particular.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wish to share my deep sympathy with the families and friends of hostages and victims of Somali piracy and with the global shipping industry in general, which has faced unprecedented challenges due to Somalia-based maritime piracy attacks.

Puntland to open maritime training schools

10 Sept – Source: Garowe Online – 134 words

Puntland’s Minister of Fisheries Mohamed Farah Adan unveiled that Puntland Government in northern Somalia is planning to open maritime training schools in two coastal towns, Garowe Online reports.

“A plan is underway to open two marine schools in Qaw and Eyl coastal towns,” Mr. Adan said in an interview with Garowe Online on Tuesday.”It aims to boost Puntland’s fisheries industry and to improve the skills of ministry staffers and local fishermen”.

Speaking about the achievements of his ministry, he noted that the government paved a way greater utilization of marine resources and provided alternative livelihood for coastal youth who had been part of pirates, “Mastering many difficulties is not simple, Ministry of Fisheries alongside FAO will inaugurate new fish market with modern refrigerators in Bossaso,” Mr. Adan added referring to the upcoming plans.

Somaliland president Silanyo awarded as Golis Graduate Guul Group Intern

10 Sep – Source: Somaliland Sun – 88 words

The president of Somaliland Ahmed Mahmud has been awarded a honourary PhD by Golis University at a function in Hargeisa where the country’s youngest and shortest graduate also received his bachelor degree.

The event which took place at the Mansoor hotel saw 20 years old Master Daud Haruun Ibrahim became the youngest and shortest student to graduate from a local university thus make history by receiving a Bachelors degree in Management Sciences Information Technology during the graduation of the sixth batch of graduates from Golis University.

IDPs and locals suffer water shortage in Elbarde

10 Sept- Source: Radio Ergo- 170 words

A water shortage is affecting hundreds of displaced families and local inhabitants in Elbarde, a town of some 5,000 residents in Bakool region on the Somali-Ethiopian border. Most of the water points and wells have dried up as the district has received no rainfall for three years.

One of the town’s two free public water wells situated 5km from the town was destroyed in recent conflict between the Somali government forces and al-Shabaab fighters. The only remaining well has started charging money for the first time to residents.

More than 2,000 IDP families from Hudur, Bakol’s regional capital, are among the worst-affected by the water crisis. They are mainly women and children who fled after al-Shabaab captured Hudur.

“We don’t have water, food or shelter. We have nothing!” complained Mishey Mohamed Mohamud, a middle aged woman with four children in her care in one of the IDP camps in the town. Residents appealed to the authorities and aid agencies to help residents and IDPs in repairing the town’s water sources

REGIONAL MEDIA

Conference to combat maritime piracy kicks off in Dubai

11 Sept- Source: Gulf Today- 802 words

UAE hopes to build capacity for Somalia

11 Sept – Source: Khaleej Times – 164 words

While the international community and navies have succeeded in bringing down Somali maritime piracy, problems on land remain. Al Shabab militants are striking at will as shown by their attempt on the life of the president of that country last week and the killing of 15 innocents recently.

The fledgling government of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud requires long-term support to rebuild the nation still struggling to find its feet after decades of civil war.

A good start was made at last year’s conference where, led by the efforts of the UAE, the leaders of Somalia and breakaway Somaliland agreed to begin stalled negotiations after 20 years. At the third counter-piracy conference starting in Dubai today, the UAE and other regional countries hope to build capacity and foster long-term development in the Horn of Africa.

Sudan FM to take part at International Conference On Somalia

10 Sept- Source: Sudan News Agency-160 Words

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Ahmed Karti, is due to lead the Sudan delegation for participating at the international conference on Somalia, scheduled to be organized by the European Commission next Monday in the Belgian capital, Brussels.

The conference would be addressed by the High Representative of the European Union for the Political and Security Affairs, Catherine Ashton, the Somali President and the Chairman of the European Council.

The spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abu-Bakr Al-Siddig, said in statement to SUNA that the conference is due to discuss through three working sittings issues related to the Somali political system, construction of the somali political and economic institiutions and and the issue of national security. He added that there would be pledges from the donors countries for the interest of Somalia.

Al Shabaab suspect charged in Nyahururu

10 Sept- Source: Star (Kenya)- 326 words

A suspected al Shabaab member was charged in court. Samuel Wainaina Wanjiru was arrested on Saturdayat Matwiku village in Nyahururu district. Nyahururu magistrate Denis Mikoyan said the suspect should not take a plea because investigations are not complete.

The police said they brought him to court to comply with the law. According to the law, every suspect must be presented in court before 24 hours elapse from the time of arrest.

Laikipia West police boss Bernard Kwarat, in a sworn affidavit, said investigations indicate Wanjiru went to Somalia for training with the al Shabaab between January 2011 and February 2013. “Among the towns he visited are Bulahawa, Baidoa and Dolo,” he said.

Somalia lays out ambitious plan for political future

10 Sept- Source: Sabahi Online-898 Words

Somalia’s national conference set important goals for the country’s political future, but stability and the path towards democracy will continue to be an uphill battle, analysts say. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud convened the “Vision 2016 Conference” last week at the Hotel Jazeera in Mogadishu with more than 200 delegates in attendance.The delegates addressed five main themes for Somalia’s political future: constitutional development, review, oversight and implementation; models of federalism; good governance and reform; the electoral process and party politics; and political outreach, public engagement, reconciliation and justice.The five-day conference which concluded Friday (September 6th) was held as a precursor to the New Deal conference in Brussels on September 16th.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

No improvement for Somali government

11 Sept- Source: eNCA-210 Words

Somalia’s displaced people are still struggling despite a government being set up a year ago. More than one million people have been displaced in Somalia by 22 years of conflict and recent droughts. About 370,000 people have taken shelter in the capital Mogadishu. Many say they have little to celebrate as living conditions in the camps have not improved.

“I moved here with my parents. We don’t have basic food or water every day. I don’t know why we stay here. We have nothing,” said a displaced Somali. “We came to Mogadishu three years ago. We received some aid in the first year, but later we received nothing. We don’t see any improvements, or even worse.”

Basic needs like education and security have proven challenging for the government. Mohame, Hinna Centre officer said: “Actually many challenges face these vulnerable people who are gathered in 77 areas.”

Somalia’s al Shabaab back on Twitter after suspension

11 Sept- Source: newstrackindia / ANI- 136 words

The Twitter account of Somali militant group al Shabaab has been reportedly restored after it was suspended by the microblogging site for the second time this year. The al Qaeda linked extremists, who are fighting the internationally-backed government in Mogadishu, sent an email message confirming that @HSM_Press was their new English-language account.

Al Shabaab welcomed followers and accused ‘disbelievers’ of wanting to extinguish ‘Allah’s Light with their mouths’, News24 reports. The group’s account was suspended last week, following their claims of having ambushed the convoy of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who was unhurt and the group posted that the next time he won’t be as lucky.

Twitter’s policy states that accounts can be suspended if users publish threats of violence and also if they use Twitter for unlawful purposes or illegal activities

Championing renewable energy use in humanitarian response

10 Sept- Source: Relief web/ Norwegian Refugee Council- 684 words

A solar-powered system has been set up in Mogadishu with a capacity to pump at least 90,000 litres of water a day. The solar-powered system consists of a submersible pump complete with controlling devices and delivers a maximum of 9.6 cubic metres of water an hour. The pump is powered by 102 solar panels, mounted on locally fabricated steel structures, providing a total of 9.6 kilowatts.

As a result there has been a significant increase in the reliability of water provision to the local communities of Zona-K camp for internally displaced persons, which is home for more than 9,000 displaced families.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“As I boarded the plane to Nairobi, I felt a curious pang in my heart. It was as if the sweltering tide, the breathtaking landscape, the generous people, the whispering wind all called to me, glorious and loud, “Return! It is your time.”

Somalia Reflections

10 Sept- Source: Hiiraan Online-591 Words

I visited Mogadishu this summer. I saw the land of my father and my father’s father, the breathtaking landscape that gave birth to my mother’s people. And in that time, greeted by the Indian Ocean and the stubborn remains of a breathtaking landscape, I felt a reluctant homecoming. And throughout my stay I was cloaked in a fragmented yet vivid sense of belonging.

I’m not entirely sure what I expected but walking into a region ravaged by conflict spanning just over two decades, I think I anticipated a palpable sense of brokenness. I might have envisioned downturned eyes and defeated shoulders. There was probably even space in my incomplete expectations for the darkened landscape of a post-apocalyptic region, illustrated so despairingly in the articles I’ve read. Much to my surprise, however, souls were not shattered. And although I looked, hope was not present either. In its place was something like a disconcerting acceptance, a quiet, throbbing despondence that rushes into hopes forgotten void.

Just beyond the rubble, and between the bullet-wounded buildings I saw a will to survive. Not only to survive in the literal sense, although this I observed this as well, I saw a desire to fully live. Having visited during the month of Ramadan, I was told again and again that I should stay after Ramadan. Since the city quieted down during the day due to the fast, people seemed frustrated that they couldn’t show me all that their city had to offer. I saw a generosity of spirit I have never experienced and I was taken aback. And I was welcomed. And I was at home.

“While they were the perpetuators of the violence towards me, they were also somehow the victims of the violence of the country itself. From that perspective, it’s not such a stretch to imagine you could feel something like compassion towards those individuals and the situation as a whole.”

How Amanda Lindhout survived her darkest days

10 Sept- Source: CBC Blog-317 Words

You likely learned of Amanda Lindhout’s harrowing ordeal in Somalia from headlines and news reports. The then 27-year-old freelance reporter was kidnapped in August 2008, along with Australian photojournalist Nigel Brennan and their Somali translator and driver.

She spent 15 months shackled and locked in a shed, facing torture and abuse at the hands of her captors.

But nowadays one cannot speak of the cruelty Lindhout endured without also describing the compassion she has spread since her release.

Not only did Lindhout continue to travel despite her kidnapping, she has made it her mission to leave the world better than she found it — from making amends with anyone she’d wronged in her personal life to starting the non-profit Global Enrichment Foundation.

Top tweets

@UNSomalia #UN Envoy for #Somalia Nicholas Kay statement on the first anniversary of the Federal Government:http://bit.ly/14EgcMW @somalia111 @UN_DPA

@NaleyeAbdi #Somalia: Security officials in #Bay & #Bakoolregions meet to discuss in depth on ways tackling increasing instability in the regions.

@Brigitte_khair President: “Important for the International Community to help #Somalia address the root causes of Piracy”#Dubai ‘Countering Piracy’ event

@PelleB Abdirashid Duale the CEO of Dahabshiil: We are equal under UK law with Western Union. But we are not equal to the banks. #somalia

@eu_eeas Interested in the #EU & #Somalia? Follow the EU Special Envoy to Somalia Michele Cervone on Twitter@SomaliaEU #SomaliaNewDeal

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Image of the day

Image of the day Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressing the Counter-Piracy Conference in Dubai. Photo: @UlgenElif