September 7, 2012 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Prof. Jawaari: Presidential elections will be free and fair

07 Sept – Source: Bar-kulan – 107 words

The Speaker of the Somali federal parliament, Prof.Mohamed Sheikh Osman says free and fair presidential elections will be held for Somalia come 10th September. Prof. Mohamed Sheikh Osman alias Jawari whispered that they were busy planning a free and fair presidential election that will be historical to solve the two-decade standoff in Somalia. The speaker urged parliamentarians to perform their national duties without favours.

One of these duties will be electing a president that will rebuild the war-torn nation. Prof.Jawari supposed that Somali MPs are not leaders but the servants of the Somalis where he anticipated them to reflect on the need of their people.

Key Headlines

Prof. Jawaari: Presidential elections will be free and fair (Bar-kulan)
Roadside bomb hits AU forces in Mogadishu (Shabelle)
British Ambassador to Somalia statement on presidential elections (British Office for Somalia)
Somalia presidential election on as 25 cleared to run (Africa Riview)
Open letter to Somali Parliamentarians (UNPOS)
Grenade attack in Somalia’s Baidoa kills 1 injures 3 (Shabelle)
Arab League promises to support upcoming Somali government (Bar-kulan)
Somalia presidential election on as 25 cleared to run (Cs Monitor)

PRESS STATEMENT

British Ambassador to Somalia statement on presidential elections

07 Sept – Source: British Office for Somalia – 262 words

The British Ambassador to Somalia, Matt Baugh on Friday issued the following statement on Friday. “This is a moment of real significance for Somalia. It a few days’ time, Somalia’s new Parliament will meet to elect a new President and so end the Transition. This Parliament, formed only a few weeks ago, has rightly assumed responsibility for concluding the Transition, and for taking Somalia forward into a new era. The new Speaker has committed the Parliament to discharging its responsibility with integrity, transparency and credibility. He is proving to be true to his word and deserves our fullest support.

Together with the UN, AU, IGAD and Somalia’s other international partners, the UK is continuing to support this process. I strongly welcome the progress being made. This is an unprecedented opportunity: a Somali process – led, overseen and ultimately decided upon by Somalis. I therefore encourage all Somalia’s MPs to use the secret ballot, free from influence and intimidation, and do one simple thing – vote with their conscience for the person they believe will act in the best interests of their country.

To the individual that wins, my hope is that they will respond inclusively; to those that are unsuccessful, I urge them to respect the decision of Somalia’s Parliament, without violence or dispute. The Somali people have demonstrated their clear expectation this election should be credible and fair. Somalia’s MPs now have an unrivalled opportunity to fulfill that wish: to respect Somalia’s provisional constitution, to listen to the people; to represent their views: Somalia decides.”

Open letter to Somali Parliamentarians

06 Sept – Source: UNPOS – 578 words

My brothers and sisters, As-Salaamu Alaikum,

I write to you as we approach a truly momentous day for all Somalis. After two decades of civil war, a collapsed state and innumerable indignities to the proud Somali people, we are hours away from the election of a new President—the event that will completely end the transitional period and move us towards a phase of political and socio-economic transformation.

It has not been easy getting us to this point. In addition to the privations you have all endured during these past difficult years, the political process and the security situation has not been easy. There have been moments when all seemed lost and we have sometimes been on the brink of despair.

Nevertheless, somehow, the courage, tenacity and determination of the Somali people has overcome these formidable obstacles and brought us to where we are now. From the gathering of the Elders, the National Constituent Assembly, the inauguration of Parliament and to the selection of the Speaker, the process has been inclusive, transparent and participatory.

This approach also contributed to rescuing the situation. The process as a whole and its outcome has been lauded by the majority of Somalis at home and abroad as well as by the whole International Community. The bar has been set very high. This must continue as you, the most qualified and representative Parliament in Somali history, prepare to elect a President who will form a new government which we trust will live up to the standards you have already set.

In these two weeks, you have already demonstrated leadership and ownership of the process on behalf of the Somali people. All the Somalis, the Region and the rest of the International Community are watching during these remaining few days with hope and great anticipation. We should live up to these expectations by electing a President who will give us a government which is as good and credible as your collective leadership in this new Parliament. My brothers and sisters, it is all up to you. You are the highest sovereign authority in the land. You are the custodians of the future which is now in your hands.

In the coming two days you will hear from all the Presidential candidates as they present publicly their visions. Listen to them and make your choice accordingly. We have all heard the rumours of corruption and attempted bribery. The media is full of allegations that all of us engaged in this process have taken money or other inducements to vote for a particular candidate or to try and sway the election one way or another. Wrong or right, the truth will come out one day, but meanwhile, let us move on.

The vote in which you will all participate is entirely secret. No one, but you and God the All Mighty watching you, will know what name you place in the ballot box. You will remain anonymous and immune from retaliation. I implore you to think of the good of your country and vote with a clear conscience.

You should not feel bound by any obligation other than the interests of your country and the Somali people. Choose the candidate who will be honest and effective in leading the country with a vision appropriate for the next four years of transformation and peace-building in Somalia. Your honour and chance is in the secret ballot, do not let this chance slip away on the 10th of September 2012.

SOMALI MEDIA

Prof. Jawaari: Presidential elections will be free and fair

07 Sept – Source: Bar-kulan – 107 words

Roadside bomb hits AU forces in Mogadishu

07 Sept – Source: Shabelle – 122 words

Witnesses said a roadside bomb blast ripped through a military convoy carrying the African Union mission in Somalia (AMISOM) soldiers in Mogadishu on Thursday night. Reports said the explosion which was a remote-controlled landmine destroyed the AU military personnel carrier at Ex-control Bal’ad road, located on the northern suburbs of Mogadishu, causing an unconfirmed casualty. AMISOM forces sealed off the area, halting public traffic for a moment.It is unclear whether the AMISOM detained suspects over the blast which is one of series of attacks in Mogadishu against Somali and AU forces.

Police restored Mudug security, says P.C

06 Sept – Source: Bar-kulan – 91 words

The Provincial Commissioner of Mudug region told Bar-kulan that they have restored the security of the province after police officers from Garowe were brought to parts of Mudug which comes under Puntland administration.

Mudug P.C, Mohamed Yusuf Jama’a alias Tigey said the security of Mudug has improved since they increased the number of boots on the ground. The police officers have reduced innocent killings, robberies and bomb explosions in the entire Mudug region. Meanwhile Mr. Mohamed revealed that he signed a security agreement with Galmudug administration so as to beef up security together.

Grenade attack in Somalia’s Baidoa kills 1, injures 3

07 Sept Source: Shabelle – 127 words

A grenade attack at a house in Somalia’s third largest strategic town of Baidoa has left one dead and three injured late on Thursday night, according to witnesses and police officials. “one person died and 3 people were wounded when a grenade was thrown by unknown attackers into a house in the heart of Baidoa last night about 08:30 pm local time,” said a witness.

Police blamed the explosion on the al Shabaab, with police Chief Mahad Abdirahman saying the group had tried to kill innocent people in the house, but survived the attack. Mr. Abdirahman told the press that the security forces have managed to arrest some of the perpetrators after conducting operations at the scene of the blast.

323 people arrested in one-day operation in Mogadishu

06 Sept – Source: Radio Shabelle/Bar-kulan – 137 words

At least 323 people, most of them teenagers were on Thursday arrested in one-day joint security operation in Mogadishu by Somali security forces, officials said. The mass-arrest operation in Mogadishu has been launched by the national security agency and the police forces of Somalia, searching for suspected al Shabaab members and armed groups that jeopardize peace and stability in the capital.

The operation which started early on Thursday morning continued until the afternoon in Mogadishu’s Hamar-jajab district, where the national security agency and the police forces of Somalia netted 323 suspects. “The objective of the operation was to make sure the security of the capital and to eliminate the remnants of anti-peace elements in Mogadishu.” Col. Khalif Ahmed Ereg, NSA’s Banadir commander told reporters in Mogadishu.

Arab League promises to support upcoming Somali government

06 Sept – Source: Bar-kulan – 103 words

The Arab league has welcomed the new political developments in Somalia after new members of parliament were selected who elected parliamentary speaker who is in turn anticipated to preside over the presidential elections which is due on 10th September. The Arab league has promised to help the war-torn Somali nation to rebuild its structures till the failed state gets strong to stand on its feet. In a press release by Arab foreign ministers meeting in Cairo, the Arab league asked the Somali nation to complete its remaining agendas including the election of a president and enhancement of reconciliation process.

Attacks continue as Kismayo comes under siege for sixth day

06 Sept – Source: Radio Kulmiye/BBC Somali Service – 69 words

The Kenyan navy shelled the Somali port city of Kismayo this week, according to Kenyan military spokesman Colonel Cyrus Oguna. Oguna said the attack was part of the African Union’s plan to capture Kismayo from al Shabaab. Kismayo residents told the BBC Somali Service that the navy attacked the port twice and the airport three times. Residents have been fleeing amid fears that a big battle could take place.

Diarrhea outbreak kills 10 people in Hobyo, Mudug

06 Sept – Source: Bar-kulan – 59 words

10 people have been confirmed to have died of diarrhea outbreak in Hobyo district located in Mudug region. In a press conference, Vice President of Galmudug administration, Abdisamad Nur Guled who was in Galka’yo said medical doctors have been sent to Hobyo to attend to patients suffering from diarrhea.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Somalia presidential election on as 25 cleared to run

07 Sept – Source: Africa Review – 167 words

Twenty-five candidates have met the conditions required to run for Somalia’s landmark presidency, the country’s Parliamentary Election Committee running the anticipated contest has announced. According to committee spokesman Osman Libah Ibrahim, 33 hopefuls had picked up the nomination forms by Thursday’s deadline while 25 were deemed to have met the required threshold.

Somali’s parliament will elect a new President as a number of obstacles including security considerations prevented the holding of a universal vote. The candidates meeting the requirements include incumbent President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, outgoing prime minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, former premier Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo and current MPs Professors Ahmed Ismael Samatar and Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud.

The candidates are expected to address the new Federal Parliament on September 7 and 8 and lay out their respective programmes should any of them be elected President. Sunday, September 9 will be a resting day for both the parliamentarians and candidates with the new 275-member parliament electing a President on Monday September 10.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

In Somalia, battle looms for militants’ last major stronghold

06 Sept – Source: Cs Monitor -118 words

Air and seaborne offensives around Kismayo, the last major stronghold of Somalia’s al Qaeda-linked Islamists, suggest that the start of the long-awaited battle for the city is imminent.

Sustained artillery strikes, launched from Kenyan Navy warships, hit areas north of the city’s port and its airport on Tuesday night, and there were reports of extra Kenyan fighter jets patrolling the sky above.

Earlier the same day, small-arms battles took place in Mido, 50 miles north of Kismayo and the latest in a series of towns wrestled from the militant al Shabaab in recent weeks. But Kismayo is by far the biggest target, still hosting senior Islamist commanders, battle-hardened infantry, and non-Somali Muslims drawn to fight for radical Islam.

Jail terms sought in first German piracy trial in 400 years

06 Sept – Source: Expatica News – 206 words

“The public prosecutor’s office called for sentences of four to 12 years,” court spokesman Conrad Mueller-Horn said, nearly two years into the case in the northern port city of Hamburg. The group was arrested by the Dutch navy some three and a half hours after they allegedly took over the German container ship Taipan some 530 nautical miles (950 kilometres) off the Somali coast in April 2010.

The Taipan’s 15-member crew managed to evade capture by the pirates by taking refuge in a so-called “panic room” hidden within the ship. The defendants have been on trial since November 2010. Under German law, the court can impose sentences of up to 15 years. It is not yet clear when a verdict can be expected. The trial has been marred by complications, not least confusion over the Somalis’ full names and exact ages, estimated to be between 19 and 50.

After a spike at the start of the last decade, successful pirate attacks on commercial vessels sailing off the Horn of Africa have declined. Twenty-eight attacks were recorded in the first half of 2011, three in the second half and five since January, according to recent figures from the European Union Naval Force Somalia, Operation Atalanta.

Native of Somalia welcomed as head of relocation agency

06 Sept – Source: New Hampshire – 457 Words

A native of Somalia who is the new local leader of an agency that helps refugees relocate in New Hampshire wouldn’t disagree with those who find New Englanders difficult to get to know. But Nasir Arush, who came to the city in 2000, says once the ice is broken, relationships become close and deep.

“New Hampshire people, sometimes it’s very hard to get know them, but once they get to know you, the relationship is stronger,” Arush said. “The challenge is how to connect — once you break that, people are more welcoming and are willing to do more than many other communities.”

About 100 civic and community leaders welcomed Arush to his new position as site director for the Manchester office of the International Institute at a reception Thursday night. A good part of his responsibilities involves helping the newest waves of immigrant refugees, chiefly Bhantanese and Iraqis, to acclimate to their new country.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“While it might make sense not to cough up in kidnaps on the UK mainland, where the presence of a proper police force and CCTV everywhere makes it very difficult for a kidnapper to get away with it in the first place, that same logic cannot really apply in the sea off Somalia, where Britannia no longer rules the waves and nor does anyone else. Talking tough on not paying money to foreign vagabonds was all very well back in the days of the British Empire, when the Royal Navy would be deployed for a bit of robust gunboat diplomacy. But without that implicit threat, it’s not much more than bluster.”

Why David Cameron will not stop Somali pirates getting their pieces of eight

06 Sept – Source: Telegraph – 1688 Words

Is it right to pay ransoms to pirates? That’s a question that comes up for discussion in Whitehall next week, when David Cameron’s piracy ransoms task force meets to discuss how to stop the lucrative flow of pieces of eight into Somalia in recent years. Chaired by two civil service mandarins, one from the Foreign Office and one from the Home Office, along with representatives of 14 other seafaring nations, the task force was tasked in February with looking into ways of banning ransom payments altogether, or, failing that, dramatically curbing them. As the PM put it, “they only ensure that crime pays.”

So indeed they do. It’s estimated that Somali pirates have raked in at least a couple of hundred million dollars in the last four years. And while there isn’t much hard proof that it benefits Islamist groups like al Shabaab, it’s clearly not a good idea to have a country where all the richest people – and thereby the main role models for the younger generation – have got where they are today by armed hostage-taking.

Top tweets

@mashanubian UNHCR estimates : 800 people fled Kismayu #Somalia between 30Aug- 6Sept ahead of African troops “final assault” http://bit.ly/Q8Gwmj.

@HMAMattBaugh #Somalia: back to Mog y’day with IGAD, EU and US. Jawari determined to fulfil his pledge to the Somali people: transparent credible election.

@kishkafka #Somalia is one of the few places in the world where you have to pay to run for president; in this case, $10000 http://allafrica.com/stories/201209030050.html.

@farhanjimale Whoever becomes #Somalia‘s new president next week, will face so many big challenges – the security issue being the hardest one!

@UNPOSomalia #UN Envoy Mahiga calls on Parliamentarians to #vote in interest of #Somalia, to choose honest & effective candidate: http://bit.ly/SnFaJX.

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Image of the day

Image of the day Nasir Arush, right, the new head of relocation agency in New Hampshire, talks with Steve Rowe, president for the Endowment for Health in Concord, during a welcome reception for Arush held at the McLane law firm on Thursday in Manchester. Photo: Thomas Roy/Union Leader.