September 13, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.
UN officials condemn attack on hotel during new president’s press conference
13 Sept – Source: UN News – 244 words
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and his envoy to Somalia strongly condemned today’s attack on a hotel in the capital, Mogadishu, where the country’s new President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, was giving a press conference and which resulted in one death and several injuries. “The Secretary-General is convinced that such acts will not reverse the recent achievements or weaken the determination of the Somali people to achieve peace and security in their country,” the spokesperson said. “He reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to support President Mohamud and the Somali people in their efforts,” he added.
Initial reports indicate that three suicide bombers dressed in Somali uniform attempted to enter the Jazeera Hotel, which reportedly also serves President Mohamud’s temporary residence, while he was speaking to the media and meeting with the Kenyan Foreign Minister, Samuel Ongeri. The insurgents were intercepted by security forces and were killed before they were able to enter the hotel, according to a news release issued by the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS).
A number of Somali security personnel were injured in the attack, and one soldier serving with the UN-backed African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) was killed and three more wounded. “The Secretary-General expresses his sincere condolences to the families of those killed and wishes a rapid recovery for those injured,” his spokesman said. “He pays tribute to AMISOM and Somali security forces, whose courage and determination has helped to deliver crucial progress in Somalia.”
Key Headlines
- Somali President condemns “foiled” suicide attacks pledges to forge ahead (Midnimo Online/Bar-Kulan)
- Somalia’s speaker meets Turkey’s ambassador to Somalia (Radio Risaala)
- Police recruitment exercise kicks off in Galgadud (Bar-Kulan)
- Yemeni coastal forces rescue 69 Somalis after boat capsizes (Yemen Times)
- UN EU urge Somalia support (Daily Nation)
PRESS STATEMENT
UN Special Representative for Somalia statement on attack in Mogadishu
12 Sept – Source: UNPOS – 263 words
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga strongly condemns today’s attack on the Jazeera Hotel in which President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was giving a press conference. The incident came as President Hassan Sheikh was meeting with the Kenyan Foreign Minister, Professor Samuel Ongeri in the presence of international media.
Initial reports indicate that three suicide bombers dressed in Somali uniform attempted to enter the Jazeera Hotel, near Kilometer 4 in Mogadishu. The insurgents were intercepted by security forces and were killed before they were able to enter the hotel. A number of Somali security personnel were injured in the attack and we understand that one AMISOM soldier was killed and three more wounded.
“This atrocious attack comes only two days after a milestone vote where the Somali Parliament overwhelmingly and transparently elected Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as President, giving to Somalia a renewed hope for a better future”, said SRSG Mahiga. “I am relieved that the President and the Kenyan Foreign Minister are unharmed and deeply saddened by the deplorable loss of life”.
SRSG Mahiga sends his condolences to the families of the victims and pays tribute to AMISOM and Somali security forces for their constant courage and determination in safeguarding the political process. “Somalia has achieved tremendous progress over the last few months. Such attempts to push the country back into chaos and violence will not deter the Somali people’s determination to move forward.” This incident reinforces our collective resolve to safeguard the achievements of the Roadmap and to advance the Somali peace process to new heights.
SOMALI MEDIA
Somali President condemns “foiled” suicide attacks, pledges to forge ahead
13 Sept – Source: Midnimo Online/Bar-kulan – 259 words
The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Prof Hassan Sheikh Mahmud, has condemned the explosions by al Shabaab at a hotel where he was residing. He said that such actions will not have an impact on national initiatives by the government for the Somali people. The president, who is now based at the presidential palace, passed his condolences to the families of the killed police officers who were fulfilling their duties at the time of the blast.
He described the explosions as foiled attempts aimed at killing the spirit and morale of the Somali people. “I would like to inform the Somali people that what has occurred today, as well as other major events, will not deter us from our path. Our compass will not alter the set path, pledges we have made and oaths we have taken on the Holy Koran.” The president stated in his speech that al Shabaab’s attack will not alter the transformation and leadership that the country has attained so far.
“I want to reassure the Somali people that today’s incident will not affect our new-found unity and our change in government. We will from now henceforth continue with the positive actions that were previously initiated.” The president called on security officials and the Somali people to work together in ensuring peace which has been brought about by the armed forces and AMISOM (African Union in Somalia).
Somali government condemns the terror of Al Qaeda in Mogadishu
13 Sept – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Jowhar Online – 181 words
The Somali government strongly condemns the attack by suicide bombers at the temporary residence of the newly elected president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday near the Mogadishu International Airport where five people were killed. The government wishes to express its condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in the cowardly attack. Also, we pray for a quick recovery for those who sustained injuries from the attack.
The government alerted the security forces and urged them to remain vigilant as they increase the security of all government officials during the transition. Security remains a top priority for the government as it continues to crack down the terrorist cells within the capital.
The Somali people have rejected the extremist ideology of Al Qaeda’s terrorism and its affiliates, al Shabaab. One day after the historic election of the new president, the Somali people expressed their confidence in the democratic system as well as the direction of the government.
Al Shabaab’s spokesman says the fighting against Somalia’s UN-backed government will continue
13 Sept – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 147 words
Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rage, the spokesman of al Shabaab fighters said the fighting against Somalia’s UN-backed government will continue until the elimination of what he called “Disbelievers’ aggression”. The spokesman claimed responsibility for the suicide explosions that took place at the hotel where the new president of Somalia was meeting with Kenyan foreign affairs Minister Sam Orgeri and pledged that al Shabaab fighters will double the battle against Somalia’s government backed African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
Sultan Qaboos sends congratulations to Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud
13 Sept – Source: Shabelle – 65 words
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud of the Democratic Republic of Somalia on the occasion of being elected as the president of the Republic. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes of success to President Sheikh Mahmoud in leading the people of Somalia to progress and prosperity.
Somalia’s speaker meets Turkey’s ambassador to Somalia
12 Sept- Source: Radio Risaala – 143 words
The parliament’s speaker of Somalia Mohamed Osman Jawaari has discussed how to rebuild Somalia with the Turkish ambassador to Somalia Kamaludin Kaani Thuran during a meeting. Soon after they came out of their meeting, the two dignitaries gave a press conference in which they explained the agenda of their meeting to the public.
The speaker, who spoke first to the media, said that Turkey promised to rebuild and renovate Somalia’s parliament building and other government institutions in the capital; ambassador Kamaludin Kaan Thuran said that his government would keep that promise.
The ambassador also stated that he was very happy with the presidential election that took place in Somalia recently as well as the changes that have come in the country’s leadership. Turkey is playing a major part in the reconstruction and renovation of a number of governmental structures in Mogadishu.
Puntland rejects ABC media criticism of anti-piracy force
13 Sept – Source: Horseed Media – 162 words
The Puntland Government rejects baseless allegations and misleading connotations aiming to criticize the anti-piracy training program in Puntland State of Somalia. In a video and written report entitled “Australian accused of funding private Somali army” published on 6 September 2012 on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) website, the ABC program was provided misleading information by objectionable sources, and the program resulted in misleading public opinion regarding the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF), the Puntland Government’s locally recruited and professional force that deters and disrupts piracy criminal activities on land and at sea.
This misleading and defamatory report’s key source is Mr. Matt Bryden, the former Coordinator of the Somalia Eritrea Monitoring Group (SEMG). During Mr.Bryden’s time as Coordinator, SEMG reports to the U.N. Security Council have been drafted in an unprofessional manner and intentionally biased against the Puntland Government’s consistent anti-piracy activities, as Mr. Bryden is known to favor one region of troubled Somalia at the expense of other Somali regions.
Police recruitment exercise kicks off in Galgadud
13 Sept – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 99 words
A police recruitment exercise kicked off on Thursday in the central Somali town of Dusamareb in order to boost the number of police officers in the region. Speaking to Bar-kulan, Galgadud regional governor Ahmed Yussuf Hassan said the recruits have been drawn from various parts of the region and will be trained to join the Somali police force in the region. Hassan said all the necessary equipment for these officers has been put into place; he also thanked local traders for facilitating the process. The new recruits are expected to enforce the law and provide security in the region.
REGIONAL MEDIA
UN, EU urge Somalia support
13 Source: Daily Nation – 282 words
The United Nations and the European Union have condemned the attack targeting new Somali president Hassan Mohamud and urged the world to support Somalia peace efforts. On Thursday, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Somalia Augustine Mahiga deplored the incident but said it would inspire Somalia and the world to sue for peace. “Somalia has achieved tremendous progress over the last few months. Such attempts to push the country back into chaos and violence will not deter the Somali people’s determination to move forward,” Dr Mahiga said in a statement.
Yemeni coastal forces rescue 69 Somalis after boat capsizes
13 Sept – Source: Yemen Times – 160 words
Yemeni coastal forces rescued 69 Somali refugees when their boat overturned Tuesday near Bir Ali Coast in Shabwa. The operation manager for the coastal forces, Shuja’a Mahdi, said the boat capsized because the refugees were using a small fishing boat to travel from Somalia.
Mahdi said there were 73 people on board; 69 were rescued because their boat was ill-equipped and lacked safety procedures. Mahdi also said coastal forces always save Somalis from drowning because they overload the boats, resulting in catastrophes.
A statement released Tuesday by the Interior Ministry said the increasing waves and the collision of the boat with a rock resulted in the capsizing. Four people drowned and were buried with the knowledge of the U.N. Refugee Agency. Those who survived were transferred to a refugee camp, according to the statement.
EU condemns attack in Mogadishu
12 Sept – Source: KUNA – 155 words
EU High Representative Catherine Ashton condemned today’s attack on the Jazeera Hotel in Mogadishu. “It is an appalling assault against both the new President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, and the recent political progress in Somalia. Monday`s successful and peaceful presidential election was a clear signal of hope and change” she said in a statement.
Somali gov’t decries suicide bomb drama
12 Sept – Source: Daily Nation – 124 words
The Somali government has condemned the attack of suicide bombers at the temporary residence of the new President-Elect, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, on Wednesday. According to a statement from Mogadishu, the attack occurred near the Mogadishu International Airport, “where five people were killed, including several civilians who were at the gate when two suicide bombers stormed the main gate”. The government urged the security forces, and to remain vigilant as they increase the security of all government officials during the transition.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
UN officials condemn attack on hotel during new president’s press conference
13 Sept – Source: UN News – 244 words
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and his envoy to Somalia strongly condemned today’s attack on a hotel in the capital, Mogadishu, where the country’s new President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, was giving a press conference and which resulted in one death and several injuries.
“The Secretary-General is convinced that such acts will not reverse the recent achievements or weaken the determination of the Somali people to achieve peace and security in their country,” the spokesperson said. “He reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to support President Mohamud and the Somali people in their efforts,” he added.
Initial reports indicate that three suicide bombers dressed in Somali uniform attempted to enter the Jazeera Hotel, which reportedly also serves President Mohamud’s temporary residence, while he was speaking to the media and meeting with the Kenyan Foreign Minister, Samuel Ongeri.
The insurgents were intercepted by security forces and were killed before they were able to enter the hotel, according to a news release issued by the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS). A number of Somali security personnel were injured in the attack, and one soldier serving with the UN-backed African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) was killed and three more wounded.
“The Secretary-General expresses his sincere condolences to the families of those killed and wishes a rapid recovery for those injured,” his spokesman said. “He pays tribute to AMISOM and Somali security forces, whose courage and determination has helped to deliver crucial progress in Somalia.”
UN rights expert calls on new Somali authorities to seize chance to build better future
12 Sept- Source: UN News Centre – 420 words
Welcoming the election of Somalia’s new president, an independent United Nations human rights expert today called on the incoming Government and the international community to seize the chance to build a better future for the war-torn Horn of Africa nation.
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was selected as President on Monday, marking the culmination of a series of landmark steps to bring an end to the country’s eight-year political transition. Those other steps, over recent weeks, included the adoption of Somalia’s provisional constitution, the establishment of the New Federal Parliament and the appointment of that body’s Speaker. “This is a great victory for the long-suffering Somali people,” said the UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, Shamsul Bari.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Mohamed Abdi Mohamed, a university lecturer in Mogadishu, said restoring order to Somalia would be a major challenge.The country’s citizens hope the new government can end the years of insecurity and poverty”.
Somalia: Mammoth task ahead for new president
12 Sept – Source: IRIN News – 812 words
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s election as president of Somalia has been heralded as the start of a new era for the troubled Horn of Africa state, which has been mired in conflict for over two decades. Residents of the capital, Mogadishu, say the new president has his work cut out for him.
The President got an early taste of the tough road ahead when he survived an attempted assassination on 12 September. Mohamud and other officials at the city’s Jazeera Hotel – including Kenyan Foreign Minister Samuel Ongeri – were unharmed by the suspected suicide attack, which witnesses say killed the bomber and at least one security guard. Militant Islamist group Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the blast.
“Now we have an educated speaker as well as an educated president, and I hope there will also be a qualified prime minister,” Abdulahi Hassan Mohamed, a 42-year-old doctor, told IRIN. “The president [has done] many good services for the people as a normal citizen – he should build on that.”
Top tweets
@MFATurkey Press Release Regarding the Presidential Elections in Somalia http://bit.ly/PuqZzD.
@UN_Spokesperson #UNSG strongly condemns today’s attack on the Jazeera Hotel in Mogadishu, #Somalia http://bit.ly/SFwbUC .
@UN_DPA #Somalia: Selection of new President brings an end to eight-year political transition. More: http://ow.ly/dDDi7 via @UN_News_Centre.
@KNAAN Congratulations to #Somalia for conducting its first home held elections in more than 2 decades. We welcome President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
@UNPOSomalia #UNSG condemns attack on Jazeera Hotel, reiterates #UNcommitment to support President Mohamud & Somalis. Statement: http://www.un.org/sg/
Image of the day
Newly elected Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (C) leaves the Jazeera Hotel in Mogadishu after a bomb blast outside the venue. Photo: AFP/Hiiraan Online.