European Union Training Mission Somalia

Transcription

1 European Union Training Mission Somalia PRESS SUMMARY 3 th July 2018 In Media stat virtus

2 Seven injured by road-side bomb in Somalia's Mogadishu 2 July Seven people were wounded by a roadside bomb in Somalia s capital Mogadishu on Monday, the police said, Reuters reported. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Islamist group al Shabaab carries out frequent bombings in their bid to topple the westernbacked government. The bomb had been placed at Mogadishu s Benadir junction, police officer major Abdullahi Hussein told Reuters. The bomb... injured seven pedestrians. There were no vehicles passing there by that time, he said. The injured were taken to hospital, said Abdikadir Abdirahman, director of Amin Ambulances emergency service that transported them. Somalia has been engulfed by violence and lawlessness since the toppling of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in early 1990s. Al Shabaab wants to install its own government based on its strict interpretation of Islamic law. The group s campaign of violence typically targets the military and African Union-mandated peace keeping force AMISOM although the militants are also accused of targeting civilians, something they deny. On Sunday, four civilians died in Mogadishu in mortar attacks that were claimed by al Shabaab EUTM - SOMALIA 1

3 3 Injured In Mogadishu IED Explosion Jul 2, 2018 At least three people were on Monday injured in an IED explosion near Cinema Nasri in Mogadishu s Hodan district, Radio Dalsan reports. The explosion occurred around 7pm at a time when there was a lot of human traffic in the area. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack although in the past simillar attacks have been blamed on militant group Alshabaab EUTM - SOMALIA 2

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5 Eleven Al-Shabaab Fighters Killed In The Outskirts Of Baar Sanguun 02 July 2018 Reports from BarSanguuni area of Lower Juba region indicate that several Al-shabaab fighters were killed following a joint operation conducted by the Somali National Army (SNA) and supported by the American forces. According to army officials of the 43rd battalion, 11 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed by government forces in Muuse Haji village following heavy fighting between government forces and the militia group. Army commanders from the 43rd battalion of the SNA has reported that they conducted a well organized operation against the Al-Shabaab in the area, which was fruitful. Meanwhile, commander of the 58th Division announced that the Al-Shabaab commander of Muuse Haji Village known as Ali Abdullahi Sadaq surrendered to the government forces and was paraded in Barsaguuni location. Allied forces have been conducting operations in recent weeks in Barsanguuni area, and have received aerial support from friendly forces. EUTM - SOMALIA 4

6 A motorcycle driver shot dead in Mogadishu July 2, 2018 A Somali soldier shot dead a motorcycle driver at seypiano junction of Hodan district in Mogadishu Witnesses said the soldiers at the barrier tried to stop the motorcycle driver so as not to pass through, but the driver didn t hear them, but unfortunately, the soldier fired bullets to the motorcycle driver which hit him up and died at the scene. Other motorcycle drivers at the scene briefly demonstrated showing how bad they are feeling when they colleague was killed at the centre of the city by the government soldiers In Mogadishu, the same problems have been encountered several times by the government forces, with the death of two drivers in Mogadishu last month alone of Ramadan. The Federal Government of Somalia has not yet commented on the incident. EUTM - SOMALIA 5

7 Al-Shabab fighters surrender to SNA forces in lower Jubba July 2, 2018 Somalia Nationa army officials in the town of Bar-sanguuni in the Lower Juba region revealed Al-Shabaab members as well as a security guard. One of The al-shabaab was in charge of Hajji Muse area and has been working Al-Shabaab for eight years now. The division 11 army commander of the Somali national army, Abdifatah Ibrahim said, the officer, Ali Abdullahi, surrendered himself to the government forces after the attack of Hajji Muse area. According to division 11 army commander, Abdifatah Ibrahim, a successful operation in Hajji Musa area, was coordinate between government and AMISOM forces following on intelligence tip-off has forced an al-shabaab leader of the area and one of his guards to surrender themselves to the government, the commander said. Ali Abdullahi one of the al-shabab fighters said that he is ready to work with the federal government as he called on the citizens of Lower Jubba to accept him back. Somali government forces backed by AMISOM forces joint operation have forced Al- Shabaab fighters to flee from their main bases in the lower Shabelle as the government and AMISOM forces took over the control of strategic towns in the region. EUTM - SOMALIA 6

8 Somalia condemns mortar attack that left 5 dead in Mogadishu MOGADISHU, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The Somali government on Monday condemned a mortar attack on Sunday in Mogadishu that reportedly left at least five people dead and more than ten others injured. The Ministry of Information also lauded quick response by the Somali security forces and the African Union Mission (AMISOM) troops for their swift response to the incident in Wadajir district. "The Federal Government of Somalia reiterates that acts of terrorism will not deter Somalia from its path of peace and state building, and emphasizes its commitment to building a safe and prosperous future for the Somali people," the ministry said in a statement issued in Mogadishu. "The Federal Government of Somalia expresses its condolences to the families of those victims who lost their lives and wishes the injured speedy recovery," the ministry added. Suspected al-shabab militants fired three rounds of mortar shells targeting the heavily guarded airport but struck a residential neighborhood leaving five family members dead. Witnesses said the mortar shells targeted the AMISOM military command camp in Halane which is located near the airport but the shells did not land in the compound. "The Federal Government of Somalia expresses regret that this evil and cowardly attack was perpetrated on Somalia's Independence Day, a day of celebration for our nation and people," said the ministry. No group claimed responsibility for the attack but extremist group al-shabab often targets high-profile areas of the capital. EUTM - SOMALIA 7

9 AU condemns mortar attack killed 5 people in Mogadishu 2nd July 2018 MOGADISHU The African Union mission in Somalia [AMISOM] has strongly condemned mortar attack by Al Shabaab in Mogadishu, killing at least 5 people. The rockets landed at residential area in Mogadishu on Sunday, while the country was celebrating its 58th independence day, claiming the lives of 5 people including children. The Head of AMISOM, Ambassador Francisco Madeira, commiserated with the families who have lost their loved ones and wishes the injured quick recovery. Madeira says AMISOM will continue working with the federal and state governments in securing Somalia for the betterment of the present and future generations EUTM - SOMALIA 8

10 Somaliland ambassador calls for unity as they fight for recognition July 2, The Ambassador of Somaliland in Uganda, Hamse Haji Dool said it s high time, that the international community recognised Somaliland as an independent state to allow them deal with their problems effectively. We need to strongly unite for the welfare of our nation, peaceful coexistence and defence in a united voice as one wherever we are in the world, Dool said. He praised what he called a flourishing relationship with Uganda that has allowed them settle in peacefully. Majority of Somalis from Somaliland living in Uganda are students studying from different institutions. Others are businessmen who have lived in Uganda for a long time including others who were born here. Somaliland, which is located in the horn of Africa; celebrates two independence days in a year - one in May and the other in June. They gained their independence from the British protectorate of North Ireland on June but were later amalgamated with neighbouring Somalia. However after the fall of long-time dictator Said Barre that saw Somalia plunge into a long civil war that persists to this day, in 1991 Somaliland broke away unliterary declaring independence on May 18. Due to various political and social issues the fruits of the reunion didn t turn out positively, people of Somaliland suffered systematic discrimination, injustice, characterised with massive killings. We couldn t continue with the marriage, Hamse said. He adds that the position to dissolve the reunion and regain their independence, 27 years ago has seen unprecedented levels of improvement in peace and stability, private sector development, human rights infrastructure development among others. The ultimate objective for the past 27 years of the sparsely populated nation of four million people has been getting international recognition and Hemsi says it will remain so until they acquire it. EUTM - SOMALIA 9

11 Citing Environmental Risk, Terror Group Al-Shabaab Bans Plastic Bags July 2, 2018 bags in areas of Somalia under its control, arguing that the waste is bad for the environment. Al-Shabaab's Radio Andalus reported that the terror group's governor in the Jubaland region, Mohammed Abu Abdullah, said discarded plastic bags "pose a serious threat to the wellbeing of humans and animals alike." How the ban would be implemented was not detailed. The group also banned, effective immediately, the logging of indigenous trees. Ironically, as the al-qaeda allies pretend to care about the environment, they've been long funding their nefarious activities through the illegal ivory trade. Al-Qaeda and its allies have previously promoted environmental policy. In November 2016, a special issue of Inspire, published by al-qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula's Al-Malahem Media, slammed the Obama administration for being all talk and no action on climate change and protecting the environment. "The environment has suffered from America s policies. In latest official statistics of International [sic] Health Organization, it mentions that 92% of the world population are breathing polluted air. Moreover, 6.5 million people are dying annually because of air pollution," the magazine said. "One of the main cause of pollution results from American factories, which produce 36.1% of greenhouse gases. Despite that, up to this day America hasn t taken any tangible steps to reduce these harmful gases." EUTM - SOMALIA 10

12 "In addition to this America opposed some laws that were imposed so as to reduce the use of materials that produce greenhouse gases. It is astonishing and deceptive to hear Obama talk about the necessity of acting boldly in combating the danger of greenhouse gases, yet his own state has not responded and dealt adequately in reducing these deadly emissions." In March, the Taliban's Department of Agriculture and Agronomics directed jihadists to start planting trees as soon as the weather allows in order to curry favor with the local populace. The Taliban noted that a "key component of public welfare works for the prosperity of our people and homeland is agriculture and tree plantation, and cited last year's tree decree from Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada that "was widely welcomed by the people and a multitude of trees were planted throughout the country." In that message, Akhundzada called on jihadists and civilians in occupied areas to "plant one or several fruit or non-fruit trees for the beautification of Earth and the benefit of almighty Allah's creations." The Taliban reminded everyone to comply with that decree and asked the "mujahideen to plant trees for the prosperity our homeland so that our nation and people can benefit from the abundant advantages of trees and greenery." EUTM - SOMALIA 11

13 Measles Outbreak Kills Children In Lower Shebelle Somalia 02 July 2018 At least three children have died in a measles outbreak in Raage-ceyle District in the Lower Shebelle region. According to reports, more than 30 children are currently hospitalized after contracting the disease. Omar Ali, a District Commissioner told Goobjoog News that over the last few days, several children have fallen ill and lack of proper health services and centres to treat the affected children in the area has exacerbated the situation. Omar urged the Somali Federal Government and the international organizations to immediately intervene with a view to rescue victims of the measles outbreak in the region. EUTM - SOMALIA 12

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15 Saudi Lifts Ban on Livestock From Somalia Jul 2, 2018 Saudi Arabia has lifted a ban on livestock imports from Somalia, paving the way for export of livestock to the Middle East nation. Saudi Arabia, formerly the biggest buyer of Somali livestock, lifted the two-year ban this week to secure meat supplies from Somalia, according to Somali ministry for Livestock. Saudi Arabia imports 80% of Somalia s livestock, which sail from the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, Mogadishu and other towns. Sheikh Nur Mohamed Hassan, Minister Livestock who spoke to media on Monday said the livestock trade will officially be back in business as Saudi Arabia lifted the ban imposed on livestock from Somalia. Our livestock trade with Saudi Arabia will be resumed soon. This will be an opportunity for the traders as well as the whole country as livestock is the backbone of our economy, Hassan said. Animal exports account for 40 per cent of Somalia s Gross Domestic Product. The Middle East is the main export destination with other Asian countries accounting for very small portions of the trade The Middle Eastern country banned imports in December 2016, saying it had detected disease in the Somali livestock. EUTM - SOMALIA 14

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17 Somalia:Mr. Peter DeClerq and Benadir mayor discussed humanitarian issues 2nd July 2018 Mogadishu 02 July 2018 The Mayor of Mogadishu and Governor of Benadir Region H.E. Abdirahman Omar Osman (Eng Yarisow) held a special meeting with Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia Mr. Peter DeClerq and discussed on wide range of issues facing the region including security, economic and humanitarian situation. With over 500,000 person displaced in Benadir and growth of urban poor. H.E. Mayor Yarisow expressed the urgent need for harmonizing services and scaling up development and investment programs in Benadir Region to improve conditions for vulnerable groups. The Mayor highlighted the importance of enhancing collaboration with UN agencies to improve development programs, aid delivery and effectiveness. Mayor shared the recent launch of IDP policy as historic step for the region which will guide the region s strategic vision on ending displacement by Concerns regarding forced evictions and land tenure issues which have been long standing protection challenges were discussed. Mayor Yarisow expressed his deep concern and said the establishment of evictions committee to prevent forced evictions and improve protection is imminent. Mr. DeClerq affirmed his support for the region and agreed to strengthen the nexus between development, humanitarian, peace and security. Mayor Yarisow discussed the establishment of a Mayoral Committee to address these pressing issues facing IDPs and the urban poor. Mr. DeClerq expressed his interest participate in the committee. Both parties have agreed to engage in continuous dialogue to improve lives for all residents in the region. EUTM - SOMALIA 16

18 Illegal sugar: Economic terrorism Jul. 03, The bulk of the contraband sugar impounded in the country is smuggled through the Somalia border, we can report. According to a June 2017 FDD report, Kenya imports $1.2 billion worth of sugar from Somalia. [FDD is the US-based think tank Foundation for the Defense of Democracy.] The report cites an International Business Times report dated June 4, That, from a country that does not own a single sugar mill. At current world market prices of $349 (Sh35,179 ) per tonne, that is 3.45 million tonnes of sugar. However, at the current domestic price of Sh76,000 a tonne, we import 1.58 million tonnes of sugar a year from Somalia. Local analysts doubt whether Kenya can absorb all this sugar. The demand is about one million tonnes a year. Analysts however say this could be the total value of all contraband from Somalia, including low-volume but high-value goods such as electronics, apparel and textiles. Sugar could form perhaps 10 to 20 per cent of the contraband, which will come to 50, ,000 tonnes. If all contraband from Somalia was sugar only, then all other importers [would] have closed shop, a source said. The millers would also have closed. Regardless of the quantity smuggled into the country, the sugar and other contraband goods are not taxed and do not originate from the preferential countries. The sugar for instance originates from Brazil and is transshipped from Dubai into the Port of Kismayo and other ports in al Shabaab-controlled areas in Somalia, a report says. The contraband, including sugar, is then loaded onto Kenya-registered trucks (or so they appear) and smuggled into Kenya through the Dadaab refugee camp. The report, an analysis EUTM - SOMALIA 17

19 of al Shabaab s sources of finance, says contraband exports, including sugar, are the major source of financing for the terror group. Reuters, in a June 2015 report, said 35 trucks laden with sugar and rice among other contraband enter the Dadaab refugee camp every week an average of five trucks daily. An unknown number also enter Wajir every week, said the Reuters report. The trucks are taxed $1,025 (Sh103,319 ) per truck by al Shabaab. Corrupt Kenyan police officers ask for $600 (Sh60,479 ) per truck to allow them to enter Kenya.[Security and defence forces deny involvement.] Since the Kenya-Somalia border is officially closed to freight and passenger traffic, there are no Customs checks. The contraband therefore finds its way into the market without being taxed in Kenya or being inspected. This explains why the bulk of the sugar so far impounded by government agencies is concentrated in areas near the border with Somalia such as Isiolo, Kitui, Meru and Eastleigh in Nairobi, the little Mogadishu. The UN estimates that al Shabaab makes anything up to $18 million (Sh1.8 billion) a year from contraband taxes. At a rate of $1,500 (Sh151,199 ) a truck, we are talking about 122,000 truck-trips a year. This works out to 334 truck-trips a day. Of course all the contraband does not finds its way to Kenya. Some of it is sold in Somalia. If we work with 10 truck-trips a day, the smugglers make 3,640 trips a year. At $600 (Sh60,479 ) a truck, the corrupt cops make $2.184 million (Sh218.4 million) a year to endanger Kenyan lives. According to health sources, sugar never expires although it is good to use within two years of production. However, unhygienic handling and storage could contaminate it. The sugar in the country is alleged to be contaminated with mercury and copper. This could be as a result of poor handling and storage, especially during transport and repackaging. Dirty sugar is increasingly finding its way into the market, suggesting poor handling at the repackaging stage. For avoidance of doubt, the sugar samples should be taken elsewhere for testing to confirm the level of contamination and the contaminants. EUTM - SOMALIA 18

20 The sugar may not even be toxic to humans, although some reports suggest that weapons could also be hidden in the sugar bags, thus contaminating it. But it is toxic to the economy in three ways; the smugglers do not pay taxes and two, it kills our sugar sector and three, it funds enemy fighters. This is commodity terrorism. The report, Al Shabaab Financial Assessment, by the FDD blames Kenya s high tariff on imported sugar for the rampant smuggling. The high tariffs are magnate for smugglers, who make a killing. The world market price per tonne of sugar is $349 (Sh35,179) per tonne, while the local ex-factory price is $760 (Sh76,607). This gap is an incentive for smugglers to cash in. Without credible border controls and with alleged complicity of KDF as well as the alleged involvement of powerful individuals in government, smuggling of contraband will remain a thorn in the flesh for Kenya. And, al Shabaab will not be effectively neutralised. That is why al Shabaab, which relies heavily on sugar taxes to finance its operations, has Kenya as its dumping ground. Charcoal, its former lifeline, has been drained by restrictions, especially by the interim authorities in Jubbaland, southern Somalia. Contraband barons linked to al Shabaab, says the FDD report, are exempt from paying the tax. But they also finance the terror group by sharing profits, which are transferred through the hawala system. This system leaves no paper trail to identify sources or destinations or even the amounts transferred. Most of the barons, reports say, are based in Kenya among the Somali diaspora. Kenya has thus become the lifeline for al Shabaab, a terror group it is fighting to neutralise in Somalia. The report calls for tough action against the smugglers regardless of their status. Making smuggling expensive in the same way drug trafficking was destroyed is one way of dealing with the vice. And it s urgent, Kenyans say. EUTM - SOMALIA 19

21 Third phase of local government programme in Somaliland to launch at Hargeisa high level meeting Hargeisa 2nd July 2018, - The Vice President of Somaliland Government, Hon. Abdirahman Abdilahii Ismail, will on Monday the 2nd of July host a high-level meeting to review and launch the third phase of the United Nations (UN) Joint Programme on Local Governance in Somaliland. The joint programme, which is led by the GThe government in partnership with the UN, works to improve the lives of Somali people and promote peace through accountable and effective local government. The Joint Programme began in 2008 and has delivered effective local government systems and services throughout Somaliland, with schools, health centers, roads, and marketplaces built and developed through participatory planning with local communities. The third phase will see the Government start to roll out successful systems developed under the first and second phases of the programme to local governments across Somaliland. The programme will also continue to focus on building the capacity of local government to deliver services and to engage with communities. There will be a particular focus on improving urban services, delivering legislation, ensuring gender inclusion, and building better local government taxation and finance systems. The United Nations Joint Programme on Local Governance is implemented by five UN agencies the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN-Habitat, UNICEF and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The programme is supported by funding from Denmark, the European Union, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, USAID, the United Kingdom and the central and local governments of Somaliland. EUTM - SOMALIA 20