By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
A senior top Al-Shabaab commander was gunned down at close range at Somalia’s southern port of Kismayo on Saturday the 19th, sources say. Reports say that Sheikh Daud Ali Hassan was reportedly shot several times on the head and the chest by unidentified gunmen within the region regarded by many as an Al-Shabaab stronghold. Hizbul Islam denied having a hand in the killing, but said it would step up attacks on Dhobley after a raid on Friday night in which it said it killed a number of Al-Shabaab militants.
But the Al-Qaeda affiliated group said that it treats the incident as a planned assassination. Al-Shabbab has arrested many suspects in connection with the incident and the investigation is still ongoing. Hassan had led the Al-Shabaab fighters in the war against their rival groups in the border town of Dhobley, near Kenya.
Al-Shabaab (The Youth) and Hizbul Islam (Party of Islam) have been involved in bloody conflict over the control of southern regions including the port city of Kismayo. Despite their conflict, the two groups are jointly involved in the fight against the embattled Western-backed Somali government and African Union troops in the restive capital, Mogadishu.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Eritrea Denies Supporting Militant Groups in Somalia
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
The government of Eritrea has quickly reacted to criticism from the United Nations that it is assisting the Somali militant group of Al-Shabbab and other insurgent groups that has been opposed to the transitional federal government allied to former UIC commander and current President of Somalia Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. Late last year the United Nations imposed an arms embargo and other sanctions to Isaias Afewerki’s regime. The resolution was backed by 13 votes to 15. China abstained while Libya, the only Arab council member, voted against. The country suspended its membership of the African Union in protest at the call for sanctions in April.
In a report that is before the United Nations security general and is to be debated within this week, there are claims that Eritrea has deliberately continued supporting the extremists in the horn of Africa nation mostly in 2009. However in a counter attack on Monday, Eritrea’s Foreign Ministry described the allegation as “concocted, baseless and unfounded”, adding: “It is indisputable that Eritrea had not and would never extend any support to Somali armed groups. “The government of Eritrea challenges those quarters indulging in utterly baseless allegations through fabricating and disseminating naked lies in the name of the U.N.”
Eritrea repeated its call for hard evidence to be presented publicly and demanded an independent platform allowing it to respond. The UN has frequently expressed concern about the flow of arms in to Somalia, where hardliners Islamists of Al-Shabbab and Hizbul-Islam are battling with government forces for control of the capital Mogadishu. Somalia has been subject to a UN arms embargo for many years, but weapons are still freely available in the Mogadishu weapons market. Somalia has been without a functional government since 1991 after Mogadishu warlords toppled Siad Bare’s regime that has left the country in catastrophe.
The government of Eritrea has quickly reacted to criticism from the United Nations that it is assisting the Somali militant group of Al-Shabbab and other insurgent groups that has been opposed to the transitional federal government allied to former UIC commander and current President of Somalia Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. Late last year the United Nations imposed an arms embargo and other sanctions to Isaias Afewerki’s regime. The resolution was backed by 13 votes to 15. China abstained while Libya, the only Arab council member, voted against. The country suspended its membership of the African Union in protest at the call for sanctions in April.
In a report that is before the United Nations security general and is to be debated within this week, there are claims that Eritrea has deliberately continued supporting the extremists in the horn of Africa nation mostly in 2009. However in a counter attack on Monday, Eritrea’s Foreign Ministry described the allegation as “concocted, baseless and unfounded”, adding: “It is indisputable that Eritrea had not and would never extend any support to Somali armed groups. “The government of Eritrea challenges those quarters indulging in utterly baseless allegations through fabricating and disseminating naked lies in the name of the U.N.”
Eritrea repeated its call for hard evidence to be presented publicly and demanded an independent platform allowing it to respond. The UN has frequently expressed concern about the flow of arms in to Somalia, where hardliners Islamists of Al-Shabbab and Hizbul-Islam are battling with government forces for control of the capital Mogadishu. Somalia has been subject to a UN arms embargo for many years, but weapons are still freely available in the Mogadishu weapons market. Somalia has been without a functional government since 1991 after Mogadishu warlords toppled Siad Bare’s regime that has left the country in catastrophe.
More Than 50 People Killed in Somalia Fighting
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
Heavy fighting continued to rock Somalia capital of Mogadishu for the third day running, the fighting is between the Somalia insurgent group of Al-Shabab and the transitional federal government troops allied to sheikh sheriff sheikh Ahmed administration. The total number of deaths reported as at now stand at 50 and the casualties has reached 100 and more are still being reported. Witnesses sat that heavy shelling and gunfire between Al-Shabab and government forces in the north of the capital.
The war started in Wardigley district near the Somalia capital Mogadishu, sources say. Other towns that have witnessed the heavy fighting include Hawl-wadag, Wardigley, Hodan and most of the areas were the mortars targeted were the different sections of Bakara market. The UN estimates that 3.7 million Somalis, approximately half of the country’s population are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Somalia has been without a functional government since former President Siad Bare was toppled by Mogadishu warlords.
Heavy fighting continued to rock Somalia capital of Mogadishu for the third day running, the fighting is between the Somalia insurgent group of Al-Shabab and the transitional federal government troops allied to sheikh sheriff sheikh Ahmed administration. The total number of deaths reported as at now stand at 50 and the casualties has reached 100 and more are still being reported. Witnesses sat that heavy shelling and gunfire between Al-Shabab and government forces in the north of the capital.
The war started in Wardigley district near the Somalia capital Mogadishu, sources say. Other towns that have witnessed the heavy fighting include Hawl-wadag, Wardigley, Hodan and most of the areas were the mortars targeted were the different sections of Bakara market. The UN estimates that 3.7 million Somalis, approximately half of the country’s population are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Somalia has been without a functional government since former President Siad Bare was toppled by Mogadishu warlords.
E.U. to Train 2,000 Somali Troops
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
The European Union will start training 2000 Somali troops in Uganda in May, a senior French army official said on Friday. Brigadier General Thierry Caspar-Fille-Lambie of the Djibouti based French forces said that the troops will be trained with the necessary military skills and know how to help in bringing the war torn Somalia back to its feet once again. The troops are to undergo military training in the Bihanga in western Uganda for six months. “As France was one of the countries stressing the need for the involvement of EU in training Somalia forces, around 30 French trainers shall be part of that mission,” said Lambie at the closing ceremony of four-week French operational training of 1,700Ugandan troops to be deployed in the lawless country in May for peacekeeping mission.
“The EU troops shall work in close collaboration with UPDF to train the Somali troops,” said Rene Forceville, the French Ambassador to Uganda. Lt. Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, the commander of Uganda Land Forces said the best way to help pacify the Horn of Africa country is by training and equipping their troops. “We together with EU troops shall train them with the necessary skills to manage their own security,” said Wamala. The EU earlier this month agreed to set up a military mission in Uganda aimed at training up to 2,000 Somali troops, which will complement other training missions and bring the total number of
better- trained Somali soldiers to 6,000.
The mission led by Spain will closely coordinate with the African Union, the U.S. and the United Nations as well as with Somalia’s transitional government. Uganda and Burundi are currently the only countries contributing some 4,300 troops to the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia. Somalia has been without a functional government and civil strife since the overthrow of Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.
The European Union will start training 2000 Somali troops in Uganda in May, a senior French army official said on Friday. Brigadier General Thierry Caspar-Fille-Lambie of the Djibouti based French forces said that the troops will be trained with the necessary military skills and know how to help in bringing the war torn Somalia back to its feet once again. The troops are to undergo military training in the Bihanga in western Uganda for six months. “As France was one of the countries stressing the need for the involvement of EU in training Somalia forces, around 30 French trainers shall be part of that mission,” said Lambie at the closing ceremony of four-week French operational training of 1,700Ugandan troops to be deployed in the lawless country in May for peacekeeping mission.
“The EU troops shall work in close collaboration with UPDF to train the Somali troops,” said Rene Forceville, the French Ambassador to Uganda. Lt. Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, the commander of Uganda Land Forces said the best way to help pacify the Horn of Africa country is by training and equipping their troops. “We together with EU troops shall train them with the necessary skills to manage their own security,” said Wamala. The EU earlier this month agreed to set up a military mission in Uganda aimed at training up to 2,000 Somali troops, which will complement other training missions and bring the total number of
better- trained Somali soldiers to 6,000.
The mission led by Spain will closely coordinate with the African Union, the U.S. and the United Nations as well as with Somalia’s transitional government. Uganda and Burundi are currently the only countries contributing some 4,300 troops to the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia. Somalia has been without a functional government and civil strife since the overthrow of Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.
Taiwanese Fishing Trawler Freed by Somali Pirates
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
Somali pirates have on Thursday released a Taiwanese fishing trawler with its 12 crew members after the owners paid an estimated 220,000 US dollars, sources say. Ching Feng 168 with its Taiwanese captain Lin Hsin-sheng with his son and ten other mainland Chinese crew on April 20, demanding one million US dollars ransom. Sources say that the ship owner paid the money that was used by the crew members for their survival. The ship owner paid thousands of US dollars in September to cover the ‘living expenses’ of the crew, and in October persuaded the pirates to lower the ransom to 220,000 US dollars.
After the trawler was released, a US naval ship escorted it to Kenya to repair the ship’s equipment which had been smashed by the pirates. It’s the longest ship to be held hostage by the ransom hunting pirates in the pirate infested Gulf of Aden, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes hijacking commercial ships despite the presence of a multinational naval force.
Somali pirates have on Thursday released a Taiwanese fishing trawler with its 12 crew members after the owners paid an estimated 220,000 US dollars, sources say. Ching Feng 168 with its Taiwanese captain Lin Hsin-sheng with his son and ten other mainland Chinese crew on April 20, demanding one million US dollars ransom. Sources say that the ship owner paid the money that was used by the crew members for their survival. The ship owner paid thousands of US dollars in September to cover the ‘living expenses’ of the crew, and in October persuaded the pirates to lower the ransom to 220,000 US dollars.
After the trawler was released, a US naval ship escorted it to Kenya to repair the ship’s equipment which had been smashed by the pirates. It’s the longest ship to be held hostage by the ransom hunting pirates in the pirate infested Gulf of Aden, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes hijacking commercial ships despite the presence of a multinational naval force.
Somali Pirates Free UK-Owned Wheat Bulk Ship
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
Somali pirates have on Wednesday released a UK-Owned Wheat Bulk Ship after it was seized on 22nd October 2009. A multi million ransom was said to have been paid according to a marine biologist from the central Somali coast. MV AL KHALIQ was seized on 22 Oct 2009, approximately 180 miles west of Seychelles. The crew consisted of twenty four Indian sailors and two Burmese nationals. Sources say that an estimated $3.1 million was paid to the pirates by the British ship owner.
The vessel with over 35,000 metric tons of wheat grain for Mombasa, Kenya has now sailed free from the Somali coast near Harardere with all crew on board apparently being fine, given the circumstances. The ship, however, had to be refuelled to reach Mombasa, where she is expected in around 5 day’s time. MT APLHA PINA was sent with fuel from Mombasa and is now escorting the vessel to the Kenyan port. The Gulf of Aden, off the northern coast of Somalia, has the highest risk of piracy in the world. About 25,000 ships use the channel south of Yemen, between the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. Piracy has become a serious problem in the Gulf of Aden and the International Community is stepping up efforts to deal with the sudden surge. Undeterred by foreign naval missions, ransom-hunting pirates continued to launch more attacks on vessel and mainly in the Indian Ocean.
Somali pirates have on Wednesday released a UK-Owned Wheat Bulk Ship after it was seized on 22nd October 2009. A multi million ransom was said to have been paid according to a marine biologist from the central Somali coast. MV AL KHALIQ was seized on 22 Oct 2009, approximately 180 miles west of Seychelles. The crew consisted of twenty four Indian sailors and two Burmese nationals. Sources say that an estimated $3.1 million was paid to the pirates by the British ship owner.
The vessel with over 35,000 metric tons of wheat grain for Mombasa, Kenya has now sailed free from the Somali coast near Harardere with all crew on board apparently being fine, given the circumstances. The ship, however, had to be refuelled to reach Mombasa, where she is expected in around 5 day’s time. MT APLHA PINA was sent with fuel from Mombasa and is now escorting the vessel to the Kenyan port. The Gulf of Aden, off the northern coast of Somalia, has the highest risk of piracy in the world. About 25,000 ships use the channel south of Yemen, between the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. Piracy has become a serious problem in the Gulf of Aden and the International Community is stepping up efforts to deal with the sudden surge. Undeterred by foreign naval missions, ransom-hunting pirates continued to launch more attacks on vessel and mainly in the Indian Ocean.
Focus on Eritrea as Somalia and Ethiopia Appeal for Action
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
African leaders have condemned Eritrea for what they termed as “unfolding destabilizing nature” in the East African region. African Union leaders in their final day in Addis Ababa, said that the Afewerki’s regime is still busy with its negative activities in destabilizing regional peace and security. The governments of Djibouti and Somalia yesterday told the AU summit that, despite the imposed sanction on Eritrea, the Red Sea nation in defiance to the UN resolution, has continued to send insurgents via their territories.
The two countries urged the international community to establish strong organization for the enforcement of the sanctions to block the defiant acts of the Eritrean government. Just a day before the AU summit kicked off in Ethiopia, Eritrea had already warned that its issues were not to be discussed there and asked the AU to respect it as a member. “Should Ethiopia refuse to agree, Eritrea calls on the AU to stop holding further summits in Addis Ababa” Eritrean government statement said. The statement accused rival Ethiopia of obstructing Eritrea’s rights to take part in AU summits and other AU meetings that are held in Addis Ababa.
The sanctions have also laid travel ban and an asset freeze to Eritrean military and government officials. Last December, the UN Security Council imposed an arms embargo on Eritrea for illegally supplying arms to the suspected Al-Qaeda linked Islamist insurgent of Al-Shabaab, who are battling the internationally recognized transitional government of Somalia.
African leaders have condemned Eritrea for what they termed as “unfolding destabilizing nature” in the East African region. African Union leaders in their final day in Addis Ababa, said that the Afewerki’s regime is still busy with its negative activities in destabilizing regional peace and security. The governments of Djibouti and Somalia yesterday told the AU summit that, despite the imposed sanction on Eritrea, the Red Sea nation in defiance to the UN resolution, has continued to send insurgents via their territories.
The two countries urged the international community to establish strong organization for the enforcement of the sanctions to block the defiant acts of the Eritrean government. Just a day before the AU summit kicked off in Ethiopia, Eritrea had already warned that its issues were not to be discussed there and asked the AU to respect it as a member. “Should Ethiopia refuse to agree, Eritrea calls on the AU to stop holding further summits in Addis Ababa” Eritrean government statement said. The statement accused rival Ethiopia of obstructing Eritrea’s rights to take part in AU summits and other AU meetings that are held in Addis Ababa.
The sanctions have also laid travel ban and an asset freeze to Eritrean military and government officials. Last December, the UN Security Council imposed an arms embargo on Eritrea for illegally supplying arms to the suspected Al-Qaeda linked Islamist insurgent of Al-Shabaab, who are battling the internationally recognized transitional government of Somalia.
Somali Pirates Hijack North Korean-flagged Ship
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
Somali pirates have once again struck, this time hijacking a North Korean cargo ship on Wednesday with an unknown number of crew on board, the European Union Naval Force said. The 4,800-ton ship is owned by Libya’s White Sea Shipping and it is not clear how many crew members were on board or where they came from. The attack comes two days after pirates released a Greek-owned vessel and its crew months after hijacking it off Somalia.
Commander Anders Kallin of the EU Naval Force said that MV Rim was seized outside the patrol base of the EU Naval Force. The Horn of Africa nation is the perfect breeding ground for pirate’s base because the U.N.-backed transitional federal government is too busy fighting two Islamist insurgent groups to patrol its shores or go after pirates on land. The presence of warships from the European Union, the United States, China, Japan, Russia, India and other nations has reduced the number of attacks on merchant and leisure ships in the Gulf of Aden.
As many as 30 ships are patrolling the gulf at any one given time, naval officials said, and patrol missions was not being reduced over the holidays. Due to the tight security conducted by the western naval forces the pirates have resulted to moving to the Eastern and southern coast as of Somalia where patrol are virtually non existence. The Gulf of Aden, off the northern coast of Somalia, has the highest risk of piracy in the world. About 25,000 ships use the channel south of Yemen, between the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea.
Somali pirates have once again struck, this time hijacking a North Korean cargo ship on Wednesday with an unknown number of crew on board, the European Union Naval Force said. The 4,800-ton ship is owned by Libya’s White Sea Shipping and it is not clear how many crew members were on board or where they came from. The attack comes two days after pirates released a Greek-owned vessel and its crew months after hijacking it off Somalia.
Commander Anders Kallin of the EU Naval Force said that MV Rim was seized outside the patrol base of the EU Naval Force. The Horn of Africa nation is the perfect breeding ground for pirate’s base because the U.N.-backed transitional federal government is too busy fighting two Islamist insurgent groups to patrol its shores or go after pirates on land. The presence of warships from the European Union, the United States, China, Japan, Russia, India and other nations has reduced the number of attacks on merchant and leisure ships in the Gulf of Aden.
As many as 30 ships are patrolling the gulf at any one given time, naval officials said, and patrol missions was not being reduced over the holidays. Due to the tight security conducted by the western naval forces the pirates have resulted to moving to the Eastern and southern coast as of Somalia where patrol are virtually non existence. The Gulf of Aden, off the northern coast of Somalia, has the highest risk of piracy in the world. About 25,000 ships use the channel south of Yemen, between the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea.
Somali Pirates Free Greek Cargo Vessel
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
Somali pirates have on Monday released a Greek owned cargo vessel with its 22 crew members after they received the agreed ransom, Greek officials said. The Marshall Islands-flagged MV Filitisa and its crew of three Greek officers and 19 Filipinos were seized in the Indian Ocean on November 10. “The ransom for the Greek ship was received this afternoon and the pirates who were holding the ship have left it,” said Abdi Yare, a pirate leader, from the nearby coastal town of Harardhere. “But they have left some colleagues on board to give them time to vanish with the money,” he explained.
Some witnesses in the area had reported the presence of helicopters, presumably from a nearby warship belonging to an international anti-piracy naval mission, circling above the MV Filitisa. “The ship will be free once the money is properly secured but the security of those who received the ransom should be assured by their friends, who will stay onboard until sometime in the evening,” Yare added. Meanwhile, the Greek Coast Guard in a statement said MV Filista was heading towards the Kenyan port of Mombasa after being released by he pirates.
The MV Filitsa was seized some 500 nautical miles northeast of the Seychelles as it was sailing from the United Arab Emirates to the South African port of Durban. Somalia waters have become a breeding ground for pirates who hijack ships and demand a ransom in exchange, this is a s a result of instability experienced in Somalia since 1991 after Mogadishu warlords toppled Siad Bare’s regime.
Somali pirates have on Monday released a Greek owned cargo vessel with its 22 crew members after they received the agreed ransom, Greek officials said. The Marshall Islands-flagged MV Filitisa and its crew of three Greek officers and 19 Filipinos were seized in the Indian Ocean on November 10. “The ransom for the Greek ship was received this afternoon and the pirates who were holding the ship have left it,” said Abdi Yare, a pirate leader, from the nearby coastal town of Harardhere. “But they have left some colleagues on board to give them time to vanish with the money,” he explained.
Some witnesses in the area had reported the presence of helicopters, presumably from a nearby warship belonging to an international anti-piracy naval mission, circling above the MV Filitisa. “The ship will be free once the money is properly secured but the security of those who received the ransom should be assured by their friends, who will stay onboard until sometime in the evening,” Yare added. Meanwhile, the Greek Coast Guard in a statement said MV Filista was heading towards the Kenyan port of Mombasa after being released by he pirates.
The MV Filitsa was seized some 500 nautical miles northeast of the Seychelles as it was sailing from the United Arab Emirates to the South African port of Durban. Somalia waters have become a breeding ground for pirates who hijack ships and demand a ransom in exchange, this is a s a result of instability experienced in Somalia since 1991 after Mogadishu warlords toppled Siad Bare’s regime.
Ousted Prime Minister Sadiq Al-Mahdi to Vie For Presidency in Sudan
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
Ousted Sudanese Prime Minister Sadiq Al-Mahdi has declared his interest in the upcoming April polls. Mr. Sadiq Al-Mahdi was elected in 1986 but was later ousted through a coup in 1989. Sadiq will go to the polls against current President Omar El Bashir who is facing criminal charges by the international criminal court for the deaths that took place in Darfur. But his administration has strongly denied those charges. The Darfur conflict led to the death of more than 300, 000 people and forced over two million people from their homes. The elections come as part of the 2005 peace deal that ended a two-decade civil war between north and south Sudan.
Sadiq promised to settle the Darfur conflict and “dismantle totalitarianism” in Sudan. The Sudanese parliament ratified a key law in December setting up the planned 2011 referendum on southern independence after northern and southern leaders overcame a dispute that had threatened to derail the peace deal. Parliament also passed a law for a referendum in the disputed oil-rich region of Abyei on the border between north and south Sudan to let residents decide if they want to remain part of the north or join the south.
Ousted Sudanese Prime Minister Sadiq Al-Mahdi has declared his interest in the upcoming April polls. Mr. Sadiq Al-Mahdi was elected in 1986 but was later ousted through a coup in 1989. Sadiq will go to the polls against current President Omar El Bashir who is facing criminal charges by the international criminal court for the deaths that took place in Darfur. But his administration has strongly denied those charges. The Darfur conflict led to the death of more than 300, 000 people and forced over two million people from their homes. The elections come as part of the 2005 peace deal that ended a two-decade civil war between north and south Sudan.
Sadiq promised to settle the Darfur conflict and “dismantle totalitarianism” in Sudan. The Sudanese parliament ratified a key law in December setting up the planned 2011 referendum on southern independence after northern and southern leaders overcame a dispute that had threatened to derail the peace deal. Parliament also passed a law for a referendum in the disputed oil-rich region of Abyei on the border between north and south Sudan to let residents decide if they want to remain part of the north or join the south.
Kenya Commits to Peace in Southern Sudan
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
Kenyan president has committed to seeing peace and post conflict rehabilitation of Southern Sudan. Kibaki said that Kenya would support capacity building to hasten development of Southern Sudan and attainment of political stability in the country. The Kenyan president said this as he met with Lt. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit who is Sudan’s first vice president who had paid him a courtesy call at his offices. During the meeting which was also attended by Kenya’s Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice President Kiir appraised President Kibaki on the progress in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) which was signed in January 2005.
Vice President Kiir expressed appreciation for the role Kenya has continued to play during the entire peace process in Southern Sudan through immense support of various forms. President Kibaki reassured the Southern Sudan delegation that Kenya and the African Union would remain actively engaged in the successful implementation of the CPA due to the far reaching implications to the region’s security. He further urged parties to the peace agreement to remain committed to observing the principles of the CPA and to prepare adequately for the forthcoming elections scheduled for April 2010.
President Kibaki further congratulated the people of Sudan for holding celebrations to mark the 5th Anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The President said that the government was gearing towards rehabilitating infrastructure especially major link roads through the Nadapal border point, construction of a modern sea port in Lamu and a rail linking Southern Sudan to Ethiopia. He reiterated that Kenya was committed to enhanced security along the two countries common border through regular cross border meetings and other forms of security cooperation.
Kenyan president has committed to seeing peace and post conflict rehabilitation of Southern Sudan. Kibaki said that Kenya would support capacity building to hasten development of Southern Sudan and attainment of political stability in the country. The Kenyan president said this as he met with Lt. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit who is Sudan’s first vice president who had paid him a courtesy call at his offices. During the meeting which was also attended by Kenya’s Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice President Kiir appraised President Kibaki on the progress in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) which was signed in January 2005.
Vice President Kiir expressed appreciation for the role Kenya has continued to play during the entire peace process in Southern Sudan through immense support of various forms. President Kibaki reassured the Southern Sudan delegation that Kenya and the African Union would remain actively engaged in the successful implementation of the CPA due to the far reaching implications to the region’s security. He further urged parties to the peace agreement to remain committed to observing the principles of the CPA and to prepare adequately for the forthcoming elections scheduled for April 2010.
President Kibaki further congratulated the people of Sudan for holding celebrations to mark the 5th Anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The President said that the government was gearing towards rehabilitating infrastructure especially major link roads through the Nadapal border point, construction of a modern sea port in Lamu and a rail linking Southern Sudan to Ethiopia. He reiterated that Kenya was committed to enhanced security along the two countries common border through regular cross border meetings and other forms of security cooperation.
Lack of Funds Leads to Closure of Somali Embassies Abroad
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
A statement from Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry says that insufficient funding has forced the fragile UN backed Transitional Federal Government to close all its embassies and recall most of its embassy staffs. The cabinet and the TFG President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed reached the decision and said the embassies to be affected are those in Europe and America. In a statement that was sent to all the embassy staffs, the government said “Lack of funds has forced Somalia to close all its embassies in the world and the workers are informed to return to the country,”
The embassies to be shut down are those in Kenya, France, Belgium, Germany, Tanzania, Indonesia, Zambia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, USA, and many others that are regarded as full of activity. “The Foreign Affairs Ministry will carry out work reform. The embassies will be reopened once the funding is available,” the statement added. “The embassies that will be closed are those undertaking a lot of work and the action will undermine the government’s plans of spreading its wings throughout the world”.
The action comes as the Italian government promised to reopen its embassy in the war-torn country. Critics say that the rampant corruption and embezzlement of the funds is affecting the operations of most of the Somali embassies. The critics also add that the government was working on underfunding.
A statement from Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry says that insufficient funding has forced the fragile UN backed Transitional Federal Government to close all its embassies and recall most of its embassy staffs. The cabinet and the TFG President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed reached the decision and said the embassies to be affected are those in Europe and America. In a statement that was sent to all the embassy staffs, the government said “Lack of funds has forced Somalia to close all its embassies in the world and the workers are informed to return to the country,”
The embassies to be shut down are those in Kenya, France, Belgium, Germany, Tanzania, Indonesia, Zambia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, USA, and many others that are regarded as full of activity. “The Foreign Affairs Ministry will carry out work reform. The embassies will be reopened once the funding is available,” the statement added. “The embassies that will be closed are those undertaking a lot of work and the action will undermine the government’s plans of spreading its wings throughout the world”.
The action comes as the Italian government promised to reopen its embassy in the war-torn country. Critics say that the rampant corruption and embezzlement of the funds is affecting the operations of most of the Somali embassies. The critics also add that the government was working on underfunding.
Four Somali Pirates Die Over Ransom Squabble
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
Intense fighting erupted in the Harardhere town of Somalia as some pirates began fighting over the ransom that was delivered to them resulting in the death of four Somali pirates, sources say. A record high of $US7 million was given to the pirates to secure the release of VLCC Maran Centaurs, a Greek-flagged super tanker, one of the largest ships ever hijacked, had been freed, and that was carrying two million barrels of crude oil.
With such a huge amount of money, tension was bound to arise an argument arose over the ransom resulting in the death of four pirates. “The situation is calm this morning but there is still tension between the pirates. Three of them, including a senior pirate leader, were killed so far and three others were injured” local elder Moalim Abdalla Hassan said yesterday. Somali news agency Shabelle media quoted him saying “We are trying to mediate between them because they are disturbing our peace. A civilian was killed in the crossfire and the residents are very concerned about this feud,””I think there will not be trust between them any more since they killed each other. Three pirates have died already since yesterday and if there is no swift mediation, more will die, including civilians,” said a local grocer in Harardhere Mr Nile. Mr Nile added that they feared for their security since the tension between the pirates was still high and that their war might involve the use of heavy weapons.
The operators of the Maran Centaurs, the second largest vessel ever captured by Somali pirates, confirmed the super tanker and its crew of 28 had been freed yesterday and were heading for the South African port of Durban. A $3m ransom was paid for the release of another oil tanker, the Sirius Star, in January 2009. Similar ransoms have been paid subsequently for the release of merchant vessels.
Intense fighting erupted in the Harardhere town of Somalia as some pirates began fighting over the ransom that was delivered to them resulting in the death of four Somali pirates, sources say. A record high of $US7 million was given to the pirates to secure the release of VLCC Maran Centaurs, a Greek-flagged super tanker, one of the largest ships ever hijacked, had been freed, and that was carrying two million barrels of crude oil.
With such a huge amount of money, tension was bound to arise an argument arose over the ransom resulting in the death of four pirates. “The situation is calm this morning but there is still tension between the pirates. Three of them, including a senior pirate leader, were killed so far and three others were injured” local elder Moalim Abdalla Hassan said yesterday. Somali news agency Shabelle media quoted him saying “We are trying to mediate between them because they are disturbing our peace. A civilian was killed in the crossfire and the residents are very concerned about this feud,””I think there will not be trust between them any more since they killed each other. Three pirates have died already since yesterday and if there is no swift mediation, more will die, including civilians,” said a local grocer in Harardhere Mr Nile. Mr Nile added that they feared for their security since the tension between the pirates was still high and that their war might involve the use of heavy weapons.
The operators of the Maran Centaurs, the second largest vessel ever captured by Somali pirates, confirmed the super tanker and its crew of 28 had been freed yesterday and were heading for the South African port of Durban. A $3m ransom was paid for the release of another oil tanker, the Sirius Star, in January 2009. Similar ransoms have been paid subsequently for the release of merchant vessels.
Misunderstanding as TFG and AU Troops Clash in Mogadishu
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
There has been a confrontation between the transitional government troops and that of African Union peace keeping force AMISOM at Aden Adde international airport in the Somali capital of Mogadishu. Reports reaching us indicate that the attacks came after a Ugandan soldier who was staffing the airport suspected a military vehicle, which was mounted with a heavy gun resulting in heavy gun battle injuring Somali government soldiers. It is unclear the number of casualties that reached the AU troops and there is no comment from both sides about todays fighting so far.
Witnesses say that the fighting between the two sides continued for a while adding that they knew nothing about the real casualties of their conflict. It is the first such confrontation between the transitional government and African Union troops AMISOM since their arrival of AMISOM in Mogadishu
There has been a confrontation between the transitional government troops and that of African Union peace keeping force AMISOM at Aden Adde international airport in the Somali capital of Mogadishu. Reports reaching us indicate that the attacks came after a Ugandan soldier who was staffing the airport suspected a military vehicle, which was mounted with a heavy gun resulting in heavy gun battle injuring Somali government soldiers. It is unclear the number of casualties that reached the AU troops and there is no comment from both sides about todays fighting so far.
Witnesses say that the fighting between the two sides continued for a while adding that they knew nothing about the real casualties of their conflict. It is the first such confrontation between the transitional government and African Union troops AMISOM since their arrival of AMISOM in Mogadishu
Misunderstanding as TFG and AU Troops Clash in Mogadishu
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
There has been a confrontation between the transitional government troops and that of African Union peace keeping force AMISOM at Aden Adde international airport in the Somali capital of Mogadishu. Reports reaching us indicate that the attacks came after a Ugandan soldier who was staffing the airport suspected a military vehicle, which was mounted with a heavy gun resulting in heavy gun battle injuring Somali government soldiers. It is unclear the number of casualties that reached the AU troops and there is no comment from both sides about todays fighting so far.
Witnesses say that the fighting between the two sides continued for a while adding that they knew nothing about the real casualties of their conflict. It is the first such confrontation between the transitional government and African Union troops AMISOM since their arrival of AMISOM in Mogadishu
There has been a confrontation between the transitional government troops and that of African Union peace keeping force AMISOM at Aden Adde international airport in the Somali capital of Mogadishu. Reports reaching us indicate that the attacks came after a Ugandan soldier who was staffing the airport suspected a military vehicle, which was mounted with a heavy gun resulting in heavy gun battle injuring Somali government soldiers. It is unclear the number of casualties that reached the AU troops and there is no comment from both sides about todays fighting so far.
Witnesses say that the fighting between the two sides continued for a while adding that they knew nothing about the real casualties of their conflict. It is the first such confrontation between the transitional government and African Union troops AMISOM since their arrival of AMISOM in Mogadishu
Al-Shabaab Linked to Mayhem in Kenya
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
The Kenyan government now says members of Somalia’s militant Al-Shabaab group were involved in Friday afternoon’s protest, which left at least five people dead. Kenya’s Internal Security Minister, George Saitoti said there were people waving placards belonging to the group and they may have taken advantage of the situation to cause mayhem. He also said that an inquiry would be set up “to thoroughly investigate the violence and stern action taken against those involved.” He added, “We know that there are elements sympathetic to the Al-Shabaab and there may be some of them around here. We were watching very carefully since we knew that they wanted to create problems, but our own people were on the alert and did the best they could. Those elements had planned much bigger mayhem than what you saw yesterday,” Prof Saitoti pointed out.
On Tuesday, January 12, the chairperson of the Muslim for Human Rights lobby group applied for a permit at the Central Police Station to hold a demonstration against the government’s decision to deport Jamaican Muslim cleric Sheikh Abdullah Al-Faisal. Prof Saitoti said that Intelligence information received had indicated that people sympathetic to Al-Shabaab, forcing the police to outlaw it, would infiltrate the demonstration. He termed it unfortunate that the advice was not heeded and said that this led to the degeneration of the whole situation.
Among those who were killed were two victims who were taken to a clinic near the Jamia Mosque while three others died on the way to hospital. Motorists passing through the riot zone took four other people who were stabbed during the demonstration to hospital. Police confirmed they had arrested several suspects but declined to comment about the casualties. As the riot degenerated, police appeared to withdraw after they seemed overpowered forcing angry members of the public to stone the demonstrators. Several vehicles parked along the Street near Jamia Mosque were extensively damaged.
On Saturday, Prof Saitoti held a meeting with Muslim leaders where it was agreed unanimously that Al-Faisal should be deported as soon as possible from Kenya. “The man must leave this country as soon as possible. It is a matter of great insult that a foreigner would come to this country and be the source of terrible misunderstanding among Kenyans and lead to destruction of property and injury of people,” he stated. “Sheikh Al-Faisal entered the country on a tourist visa but attracted the attention of government officials when he started preaching messages of hatred.” He described the cleric as an undesirable element after being jailed in the United Kingdom for five years for preaching racial hatred and religious intolerance. “After serving a five year sentence up to 2007, he was subsequently deported to Jamaica. The preacher is on an international watch list of prohibited persons,” Prof Saitoti pointed out that Al-Faisal has even been banned from preaching in his own country of origin.
The Kenyan government now says members of Somalia’s militant Al-Shabaab group were involved in Friday afternoon’s protest, which left at least five people dead. Kenya’s Internal Security Minister, George Saitoti said there were people waving placards belonging to the group and they may have taken advantage of the situation to cause mayhem. He also said that an inquiry would be set up “to thoroughly investigate the violence and stern action taken against those involved.” He added, “We know that there are elements sympathetic to the Al-Shabaab and there may be some of them around here. We were watching very carefully since we knew that they wanted to create problems, but our own people were on the alert and did the best they could. Those elements had planned much bigger mayhem than what you saw yesterday,” Prof Saitoti pointed out.
On Tuesday, January 12, the chairperson of the Muslim for Human Rights lobby group applied for a permit at the Central Police Station to hold a demonstration against the government’s decision to deport Jamaican Muslim cleric Sheikh Abdullah Al-Faisal. Prof Saitoti said that Intelligence information received had indicated that people sympathetic to Al-Shabaab, forcing the police to outlaw it, would infiltrate the demonstration. He termed it unfortunate that the advice was not heeded and said that this led to the degeneration of the whole situation.
Among those who were killed were two victims who were taken to a clinic near the Jamia Mosque while three others died on the way to hospital. Motorists passing through the riot zone took four other people who were stabbed during the demonstration to hospital. Police confirmed they had arrested several suspects but declined to comment about the casualties. As the riot degenerated, police appeared to withdraw after they seemed overpowered forcing angry members of the public to stone the demonstrators. Several vehicles parked along the Street near Jamia Mosque were extensively damaged.
On Saturday, Prof Saitoti held a meeting with Muslim leaders where it was agreed unanimously that Al-Faisal should be deported as soon as possible from Kenya. “The man must leave this country as soon as possible. It is a matter of great insult that a foreigner would come to this country and be the source of terrible misunderstanding among Kenyans and lead to destruction of property and injury of people,” he stated. “Sheikh Al-Faisal entered the country on a tourist visa but attracted the attention of government officials when he started preaching messages of hatred.” He described the cleric as an undesirable element after being jailed in the United Kingdom for five years for preaching racial hatred and religious intolerance. “After serving a five year sentence up to 2007, he was subsequently deported to Jamaica. The preacher is on an international watch list of prohibited persons,” Prof Saitoti pointed out that Al-Faisal has even been banned from preaching in his own country of origin.
Bashir To Vie For Presidency
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
Sudan’s President Omar El Bashir has been nominated to vie for the presidential elections in April, an election that will be the first ever democratic ballot in Africa’s largest country Sudan. A statement from the Sudan Embassy in Nairobi said: “The Head of the National Authority for Election Campaign Abdul Rahman Sowar Al-Dahab said that the Government of National Unity parties proposed Al-Bashir for nomination as presidential candidate, explaining that 31,102 citizens from 25 states have backed him for the presidency.” The National Elections Commission said Field Marshal Bashir received the support of more than 31,000 voters to vie for the presidency.
Mr Al-Dahab said Mr Bashir was unanimously elected as he had the interests of all Sudanese people at heart and that was crucial for national unity and reunification. Bashir who is facing charges from the International Criminal Court for Human Rights abuses, has the support of among others, the Vice President Ali Osman Mohammed Taha. Political parties supporting Mr Bashir said the nomination is meant to complete the national and historical role he has been playing, and that he stands as a symbol of national unity, “a safety valve for the attainment of the higher national objectives set by the agreements and plans related to the completion of the peace process and democratic transformation.”
Besides, the document stressed: “Al Bashir stands out as a common denominator who has implemented what his national duties, his historical and constitutional responsibilities dictated with regard to the execution of the stipulations of the peace accords and of the strategic plans.” The document, the National Accord Document for the Nomination of Omar al Bashir, has stressed that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in 2005 and the subsequent agreements such as the Darfur Peace Agreement, the Cairo Accord, the Eastern Sudan agreement, stand as historical pillars in the course of the modern Sudanese history.
The document also said Mr Bashir was pursuing the aspirations of all people in Sudan including an end to the war and bloodletting that have impeded the development process in the country. Others are, participation in running the affairs of the country in a just and fair manner, the division of wealth and sharing of power in a way that would remove any social, political and cultural grievances, exerting more efforts and speeding up steps for the implementation of plans of action agreed upon in line with Interim Constitution with the view to effect democratic transformation and make the desired social peace that will lead to political stability in reality.
The document also said that these elements constitute the ground for the country’s overture on the world and removal of all siege and all criticisms that have been impeding largely the country’s chances of merger with the international economy. Mr Bashir has since stepped down as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces in readiness for the elections.
Sudan’s President Omar El Bashir has been nominated to vie for the presidential elections in April, an election that will be the first ever democratic ballot in Africa’s largest country Sudan. A statement from the Sudan Embassy in Nairobi said: “The Head of the National Authority for Election Campaign Abdul Rahman Sowar Al-Dahab said that the Government of National Unity parties proposed Al-Bashir for nomination as presidential candidate, explaining that 31,102 citizens from 25 states have backed him for the presidency.” The National Elections Commission said Field Marshal Bashir received the support of more than 31,000 voters to vie for the presidency.
Mr Al-Dahab said Mr Bashir was unanimously elected as he had the interests of all Sudanese people at heart and that was crucial for national unity and reunification. Bashir who is facing charges from the International Criminal Court for Human Rights abuses, has the support of among others, the Vice President Ali Osman Mohammed Taha. Political parties supporting Mr Bashir said the nomination is meant to complete the national and historical role he has been playing, and that he stands as a symbol of national unity, “a safety valve for the attainment of the higher national objectives set by the agreements and plans related to the completion of the peace process and democratic transformation.”
Besides, the document stressed: “Al Bashir stands out as a common denominator who has implemented what his national duties, his historical and constitutional responsibilities dictated with regard to the execution of the stipulations of the peace accords and of the strategic plans.” The document, the National Accord Document for the Nomination of Omar al Bashir, has stressed that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in 2005 and the subsequent agreements such as the Darfur Peace Agreement, the Cairo Accord, the Eastern Sudan agreement, stand as historical pillars in the course of the modern Sudanese history.
The document also said Mr Bashir was pursuing the aspirations of all people in Sudan including an end to the war and bloodletting that have impeded the development process in the country. Others are, participation in running the affairs of the country in a just and fair manner, the division of wealth and sharing of power in a way that would remove any social, political and cultural grievances, exerting more efforts and speeding up steps for the implementation of plans of action agreed upon in line with Interim Constitution with the view to effect democratic transformation and make the desired social peace that will lead to political stability in reality.
The document also said that these elements constitute the ground for the country’s overture on the world and removal of all siege and all criticisms that have been impeding largely the country’s chances of merger with the international economy. Mr Bashir has since stepped down as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces in readiness for the elections.
25 Children Wounded in Mogadishu Inferno
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
An inferno has hit Wadajir district in the Somali capital Mogadishu wounding twenty five children and leaving 170 huts completely burnt to the ground, sources say. Witnesses also say that the fire occurred as a woman was cooking tea in her house and apparently left the stove that she was using unattended and that’s when the fire started and spread to the other houses. The injured children were rushed to hospital where medical staffs made frantic efforts to attend to those that were seriously wounded
Residents rushed and managed to set off the blaze but a victim say that all their belongings including the relief food they received also burnt in the Tuesday morning incident. This is a devastating blow to those families who rely solely on food aid for their survival. In December last year a similar incident shook the capital but that time it was at a petrol station and that incident left dozens of casualties and severe loss of property.
An inferno has hit Wadajir district in the Somali capital Mogadishu wounding twenty five children and leaving 170 huts completely burnt to the ground, sources say. Witnesses also say that the fire occurred as a woman was cooking tea in her house and apparently left the stove that she was using unattended and that’s when the fire started and spread to the other houses. The injured children were rushed to hospital where medical staffs made frantic efforts to attend to those that were seriously wounded
Residents rushed and managed to set off the blaze but a victim say that all their belongings including the relief food they received also burnt in the Tuesday morning incident. This is a devastating blow to those families who rely solely on food aid for their survival. In December last year a similar incident shook the capital but that time it was at a petrol station and that incident left dozens of casualties and severe loss of property.
Turmoil in Somalia as Terror Groups Engage Each Other in Fighting
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
Fighting between Islamic fighters of Hezbul Islam organisation and the Waljama’a clerics is currently going on in Beledweyne, sources say. Witnesses say that Ahlu Sunnah Waljama’a clerics attacked the military base of their rivals Hezbul Islam who are currently controlling the town. Heavy fighting is currently going on and both leaders of the two warring faction on both sides claiming victory.
No casualties have been reported but area residents fear that they might be displaced due to the dispute as to who should control the town. This is not the first time terror groups have engaged each other in fighting for control of strategic areas. Recently, Al-Shabaab the Al-Qaeda proxy in the area, was in fighting with Hezbul Islam over the control of a major port. This is a running story and more information will come through later.
Fighting between Islamic fighters of Hezbul Islam organisation and the Waljama’a clerics is currently going on in Beledweyne, sources say. Witnesses say that Ahlu Sunnah Waljama’a clerics attacked the military base of their rivals Hezbul Islam who are currently controlling the town. Heavy fighting is currently going on and both leaders of the two warring faction on both sides claiming victory.
No casualties have been reported but area residents fear that they might be displaced due to the dispute as to who should control the town. This is not the first time terror groups have engaged each other in fighting for control of strategic areas. Recently, Al-Shabaab the Al-Qaeda proxy in the area, was in fighting with Hezbul Islam over the control of a major port. This is a running story and more information will come through later.
Somali MP Found Dead in a Mogadishu Toilet
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
The body of a Somali member of parliament was today found in a hotel in the capital Mogadishu. Mohamed Hussein Rai’s body was found lying around the presidential palace in the Muna hotel that is in the middle of the capital. Mohamed Hussein Rai has served as an MP for some time now and was known to be a diligent legislator working very hard to help his constituents. The death comes as a shock to many Somali legislators who see him as a fine politician.
Somalia’s deputy speaker Professor Mohamed Omar Dalha confirmed the death of the MP on both radio and TV broadcast. “The time of our colleague has ended and there is no other more information about his death. I am sending my deep condolence to the family and relatives of the deceased legislator Mr. Mohamed Hussein Rai. May Allah rest his life into paradise,” said Prof. M. Dalha. The death of the MP is the first to be reported since the beginning of 2010.
The body of a Somali member of parliament was today found in a hotel in the capital Mogadishu. Mohamed Hussein Rai’s body was found lying around the presidential palace in the Muna hotel that is in the middle of the capital. Mohamed Hussein Rai has served as an MP for some time now and was known to be a diligent legislator working very hard to help his constituents. The death comes as a shock to many Somali legislators who see him as a fine politician.
Somalia’s deputy speaker Professor Mohamed Omar Dalha confirmed the death of the MP on both radio and TV broadcast. “The time of our colleague has ended and there is no other more information about his death. I am sending my deep condolence to the family and relatives of the deceased legislator Mr. Mohamed Hussein Rai. May Allah rest his life into paradise,” said Prof. M. Dalha. The death of the MP is the first to be reported since the beginning of 2010.
Swedish Cartoonist Receives Threats From Somalia
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
A Swedish artist who angered Muslims in 2007 for his caricature of the Holy Prophet Mohammed said on Monday that he had received two threatening phone calls from Somalia. Lars Vilks said a man who spoke poor Swedish asked him if he saw the attempt on another cartoonist in Denmark Kurt Westergaard’s who was almost killed by a Somali man. Late Friday a Somali-born man armed with an axe, and a knife, broke into Westergaard’s home in western Denmark, but arrested by police alerted by the cartoonist who sought refuge in a specially secured room.
The cartoon sparked outrage worldwide in 2006 as Muslims marched unto the streets to condemn it as an infringement on their religion. The Swedish artist received several threats in 2007 and a bounty of 100,000 dollars was placed on his head by an Iraq-based insurgency group after the caricature was published.
A Swedish artist who angered Muslims in 2007 for his caricature of the Holy Prophet Mohammed said on Monday that he had received two threatening phone calls from Somalia. Lars Vilks said a man who spoke poor Swedish asked him if he saw the attempt on another cartoonist in Denmark Kurt Westergaard’s who was almost killed by a Somali man. Late Friday a Somali-born man armed with an axe, and a knife, broke into Westergaard’s home in western Denmark, but arrested by police alerted by the cartoonist who sought refuge in a specially secured room.
The cartoon sparked outrage worldwide in 2006 as Muslims marched unto the streets to condemn it as an infringement on their religion. The Swedish artist received several threats in 2007 and a bounty of 100,000 dollars was placed on his head by an Iraq-based insurgency group after the caricature was published.
3 Turkish Sailors Aboard Tanker Hijacked by Somali Pirates
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
Three Turkish sailors were among the 26-crew members who were aboard the British–flagged tanker that was hijacked by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden, Turkish officials confirmed on Tuesday. The semi-official Anatolia news agency was quoted saying that the 8000-ton St James Park was en route to Spain from Thailand. Officials say that an Israeli company operates the flagged ship but the pirates have not made any demands yet to the Israeli Company for a ransom.
The Gulf of Aden, off the northern coast of Somalia, has the highest risk of piracy in the world. About 25,000 ships use the channel south of Yemen, between the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. Piracy has become a serious problem in the Gulf of Aden and the International Community is stepping up efforts to deal with the sudden surge as recently shown by the Chinese government when it expressed its intentions to establish a naval base in the area.
Three Turkish sailors were among the 26-crew members who were aboard the British–flagged tanker that was hijacked by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden, Turkish officials confirmed on Tuesday. The semi-official Anatolia news agency was quoted saying that the 8000-ton St James Park was en route to Spain from Thailand. Officials say that an Israeli company operates the flagged ship but the pirates have not made any demands yet to the Israeli Company for a ransom.
The Gulf of Aden, off the northern coast of Somalia, has the highest risk of piracy in the world. About 25,000 ships use the channel south of Yemen, between the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. Piracy has become a serious problem in the Gulf of Aden and the International Community is stepping up efforts to deal with the sudden surge as recently shown by the Chinese government when it expressed its intentions to establish a naval base in the area.
30 Dead as Calm Returns to Central Somalia
http://www.newstimeafrica.com/archives/9958
By Abdulaziz Billow
Calm returned yesterday in Dusomareb town in Central Somalia after heavy fighting between the rival sides erupted in the town leaving 30 people dead. Deadly fighting erupted between forces loyal to the Islamist clerics of Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a and the Harakat Al-Shabaab Mujahdieen faction, sources say. This is the second time the two factions have engaged in war over the control of the town.
However Al –Shabaab’s spokesperson Sheik Ali Mohammud Raghe (Sheikh Ali Dere) said that they have officially taken over the control of the town. Reports say that most of the people who were displaced during the clashes have returned to their homes as calm returned today. It has been estimated that 50 people were killed mainly civilians in both the clashes. There were no comments from the spokesperson of Ahlu sunnah Waljama’a over the two day war but locals say that Ahlu sunnah Waljama’a clerics had imposed a night curfew but the situation was back to normal as businesses have opened and vehicles are back on the road.
By Abdulaziz Billow
Calm returned yesterday in Dusomareb town in Central Somalia after heavy fighting between the rival sides erupted in the town leaving 30 people dead. Deadly fighting erupted between forces loyal to the Islamist clerics of Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a and the Harakat Al-Shabaab Mujahdieen faction, sources say. This is the second time the two factions have engaged in war over the control of the town.
However Al –Shabaab’s spokesperson Sheik Ali Mohammud Raghe (Sheikh Ali Dere) said that they have officially taken over the control of the town. Reports say that most of the people who were displaced during the clashes have returned to their homes as calm returned today. It has been estimated that 50 people were killed mainly civilians in both the clashes. There were no comments from the spokesperson of Ahlu sunnah Waljama’a over the two day war but locals say that Ahlu sunnah Waljama’a clerics had imposed a night curfew but the situation was back to normal as businesses have opened and vehicles are back on the road.
Increased Security Check at U.S. List of Shame Countries
http://www.newstimeafrica.com/archives/9953
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
All passengers flying from Sudan to the United States through the East African Nation are subjected to enhanced screening techniques such as body scans and pat-downs as a mandatory procedure to be enforced by airlines and aviation authorities worldwide. “We would target countries on US list of state sponsors of terrorism that is currently comprised of Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria”, said the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Other countries on the same list include Somalia, Yemen, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq as well as Lebanon.
The security ban comes barely a week after a failed attempt by a Nigerian man to bomb a Detroit-bound U.S. airliner on Christmas Day and whom the US claim was trained in a Yemen based Al Qaeda terrorist network The TSA said those techniques include full-body pat-downs, carry-on bag searches, full-body scanning and explosive detection technology. The TSA said those techniques include full-body pat-downs, carry-on bag searches, full-body scanning and explosive detection technology.
All passengers are screened electronically for weapons and bombs regardless, and the new rules that include random enhancements appear more agreeable to airlines, which chaffed at broad requirements imposed after the Dec. 25 incident. The Republicans and other Diplomats strongly attacked the Obama Administration concerning the failed attempt by a Nigerian born Abdul Farouk Abdulmutallab who is currently in custody in the US.
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
All passengers flying from Sudan to the United States through the East African Nation are subjected to enhanced screening techniques such as body scans and pat-downs as a mandatory procedure to be enforced by airlines and aviation authorities worldwide. “We would target countries on US list of state sponsors of terrorism that is currently comprised of Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria”, said the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Other countries on the same list include Somalia, Yemen, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq as well as Lebanon.
The security ban comes barely a week after a failed attempt by a Nigerian man to bomb a Detroit-bound U.S. airliner on Christmas Day and whom the US claim was trained in a Yemen based Al Qaeda terrorist network The TSA said those techniques include full-body pat-downs, carry-on bag searches, full-body scanning and explosive detection technology. The TSA said those techniques include full-body pat-downs, carry-on bag searches, full-body scanning and explosive detection technology.
All passengers are screened electronically for weapons and bombs regardless, and the new rules that include random enhancements appear more agreeable to airlines, which chaffed at broad requirements imposed after the Dec. 25 incident. The Republicans and other Diplomats strongly attacked the Obama Administration concerning the failed attempt by a Nigerian born Abdul Farouk Abdulmutallab who is currently in custody in the US.
Somali Pirates Hijack Singaporean Chemical Tanker
http://www.newstimeafrica.com/archives/9903
By Abdulaziz Billow
Somali pirates have on Friday hijacked a Singaporean flagged chemical tanker in the Gulf of Aden. According to a statement from the European Union Naval Force EUNAVFOR, the tanker M/V PRAMONI with 24 crew members was en route to Kandla in India when it came under attack in the Gulf of Aden. The crew consists of 17 Indonesians, 5 Chinese, 1 Nigerian and a Vietnamese.
The hijacking comes as China proposes to establish a naval base in the region in a move that will strengthen Chinese military presence in the African continent. Last week, pirates hijacked three vessels including a Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier Navios Apollon and a British flagged chemical tanker St. James Park. Somali pirates have caused havoc in the Gulf of Aden, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes hijacking commercial ships despite the presence of a multinational naval force.
By Abdulaziz Billow
Somali pirates have on Friday hijacked a Singaporean flagged chemical tanker in the Gulf of Aden. According to a statement from the European Union Naval Force EUNAVFOR, the tanker M/V PRAMONI with 24 crew members was en route to Kandla in India when it came under attack in the Gulf of Aden. The crew consists of 17 Indonesians, 5 Chinese, 1 Nigerian and a Vietnamese.
The hijacking comes as China proposes to establish a naval base in the region in a move that will strengthen Chinese military presence in the African continent. Last week, pirates hijacked three vessels including a Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier Navios Apollon and a British flagged chemical tanker St. James Park. Somali pirates have caused havoc in the Gulf of Aden, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes hijacking commercial ships despite the presence of a multinational naval force.
Burundian Journalist arrested over provocative article
Burundian Journalist arrested over provocative article
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
Burundi security officials have arrested a journalist over an inflammatory article he wrote doubting the country’s security capability and readiness in case of an attack. Jean Claude Kavumbagu who runs the online news agency Net Press in the capital Bujumbura, was arrested on Saturday for writing an article that was associated with the attacks that happened in Kampala a week ago. He wrote in a July 12 article: “If Somali Islamists had to try something in Burundi, it would be easy since our defence and security forces are much better in looting and killing innocent people than defending the nation.”
Jean Claude is not new to the Burundi law enforcers since he has been previously arrested a couple of times over his criticism of the government. Al Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda proxy in the horn of African country has waged an all-out war on Burundi and Uganda since they are the only two nations that have troops in the volatile bullet riddled nation.
On 11th July 2010, twin explosions hit the Ugandan capital of Kampala at a rugby pitch and at an Ethiopian hotel leaving 76 people dead and scores injured. Radical militant group of Al Shabaab immediately claimed responsibility of the attacks. Somalia has been without a functional government since 1991 after warlords toppled Siad Bare’s regime.
By Abdulaziz Billow Ali
Burundi security officials have arrested a journalist over an inflammatory article he wrote doubting the country’s security capability and readiness in case of an attack. Jean Claude Kavumbagu who runs the online news agency Net Press in the capital Bujumbura, was arrested on Saturday for writing an article that was associated with the attacks that happened in Kampala a week ago. He wrote in a July 12 article: “If Somali Islamists had to try something in Burundi, it would be easy since our defence and security forces are much better in looting and killing innocent people than defending the nation.”
Jean Claude is not new to the Burundi law enforcers since he has been previously arrested a couple of times over his criticism of the government. Al Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda proxy in the horn of African country has waged an all-out war on Burundi and Uganda since they are the only two nations that have troops in the volatile bullet riddled nation.
On 11th July 2010, twin explosions hit the Ugandan capital of Kampala at a rugby pitch and at an Ethiopian hotel leaving 76 people dead and scores injured. Radical militant group of Al Shabaab immediately claimed responsibility of the attacks. Somalia has been without a functional government since 1991 after warlords toppled Siad Bare’s regime.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Eritrea on the spot again over it’s support of Somali militant groups.
The government of Eritrea has quickly reacted to criticism and aiding the from the United Nations that it is assisting the Somali militant group of Al-Shabbab and other insurgent groups that has been opposed to the transitional federal government allied to former UIC commander and current President of Somalia Sheikh sharif sheikh Ahmed.
Late last year the United Nations imposed an arms embargo and other sanctions to Isaiah’s Afewerki’s regime.
The resolution was backed by 13 votes to 15. China abstained while Libya, the only Arab council member, voted against.
The country suspended its membership of the African Union in protest at the call for sanctions in April.
In a report that is before the United Nations security general and is to be debated within this week added that Eritrea has deliberately continued in supporting the extremists in the horn of Africa nation mostly in 2009.
However in a counter attack on Monday, Eritrea's Foreign Ministry described the allegation as "concocted, baseless and unfounded", adding: "It is indisputable that Eritrea had not and would never extend any support to Somali armed groups.
"The government of Eritrea challenges those quarters indulging in utterly baseless allegations through fabricating and disseminating naked lies in the name of the U.N."
Eritrea repeated its call for hard evidence to be presented publicly and demanded an independent platform allowing it to respond.
The UN has frequently expressed concern about the flow of arms in to Somalia, where hardliners Islamists of Al-Shabbab and Hizbul-Islam are battling with government forces for control of the capital Mogadishu.
Somalia has been subject to a UN arms embargo for many years, but weapons are still freely available in the Mogadishu weapons market.
Somalia has been without a functional government since 1991 after Mogadishu warlords toppled Siad Bare’s regime that has left the country in catastrophe.
Late last year the United Nations imposed an arms embargo and other sanctions to Isaiah’s Afewerki’s regime.
The resolution was backed by 13 votes to 15. China abstained while Libya, the only Arab council member, voted against.
The country suspended its membership of the African Union in protest at the call for sanctions in April.
In a report that is before the United Nations security general and is to be debated within this week added that Eritrea has deliberately continued in supporting the extremists in the horn of Africa nation mostly in 2009.
However in a counter attack on Monday, Eritrea's Foreign Ministry described the allegation as "concocted, baseless and unfounded", adding: "It is indisputable that Eritrea had not and would never extend any support to Somali armed groups.
"The government of Eritrea challenges those quarters indulging in utterly baseless allegations through fabricating and disseminating naked lies in the name of the U.N."
Eritrea repeated its call for hard evidence to be presented publicly and demanded an independent platform allowing it to respond.
The UN has frequently expressed concern about the flow of arms in to Somalia, where hardliners Islamists of Al-Shabbab and Hizbul-Islam are battling with government forces for control of the capital Mogadishu.
Somalia has been subject to a UN arms embargo for many years, but weapons are still freely available in the Mogadishu weapons market.
Somalia has been without a functional government since 1991 after Mogadishu warlords toppled Siad Bare’s regime that has left the country in catastrophe.
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