Report Number: 47/ 05
Reporting Period:  17 NOV – 23 NOV 2005

CENTRAL / SOUTH REGION

Political

On 20NOV05 it was reported that the Oil tanker, MT San Carlo, held by pirates in Somali waters for a month was released. The tanker was en route to South Africa from UAE when it was hijacked near Harardhere, Mudug region. Reports indicated that there were 24 crewmembers on board MT San Carlo. It was reported in the media that an undisclosed ransom was paid for the release but this has not been corroborated.

Assessment: Piracy in Somali waters looks set to continue until International efforts to combat the threat are realized. It is reported that a new group of pirates, with four heavily armed boats and a tug boat, are in the process of relocating to Hobyo, Mudug region, to mount similar operations.

On 22NOV05 it was reported that the TFG delegation, led by the PM, arrived in Nairobi on their return from Brussels. Reports indicate that the TFG delegation got a significant pledge of approximately ten million Euros for security and rehabilitation from the EU. It is suggested that major international support still hinges on performance on the ground. Additional reports indicated that the PM met the Italian Foreign Undersecretary, Alfredo Mantica, who advised the PM that dialogue within the TFI was the best measure to overcome differences and conflicts.

A four-day seminar, co-hosted by the World Bank and UNDP Somalia, on Joint Need Assessments (JNA) began in Nairobi. Reports indicate that some members of the TFG Cabinet and the PM are in attendance.

Middle Shabelle Region – Jowhar

It was reported that Ethiopian Foreign Ministry officials, led by Ambassador Suleiman Dedefo, held three days of discussion with TFG officials in Jowhar. The first Ethio-Somalia Joint Experts Committee meeting was aimed at working on the terms of an agreement between the two parties. A technical committee consisting of members from both parties deliberated for three days before endorsing a “Draft, General Framework Agreement” that covers political, economic, social and other fields to be signed at Ministerial level in the near future.

On 20NOV05 it was reported that a session of TFI members in Jowhar, chaired by the first deputy speaker, Professor Mohamed Omar Dhalha, welcomed the statement by the Mogadishu group calling for direct negotiation to resolve the rift between them. Dhalha is reported to have signaled that Somali driven negotiation were essential to mend and resolve differences between the parties. Additional reports indicate that Professor Dhalha appointed a nine-member committee to work out on the technical aspect and advise on the best way to begin negotiations. The membership includes ministers, state ministers, deputy ministers and members of parliament.

Assessment: Analysts argue that the offer by the Mogadishu camp was made as a result of the International Community’s engagement with the Jowhar group. It is feared that the move from both groups is a strategy to win the hearts and the minds of the International Community rather than a serious bid to resolve the rift within the TFI.

Banadir – Mogadishu and Lower Shabelle Regions

During the reporting period it was reported that two arch rivals, Minister Muse Suddi Yalahow and businessman Bashir Raage met face to face for the first time in Mogadishu. Reports indicate that the Minister of Religious affairs, Omar Mohamed Mohamud “Filish” and other influential personalities attended the meeting. Both groups have reportedly agreed to overcome fighting that caused the rift. The parties are reported to have agreed to work jointly on peace and prosperity for the Mundulood clan. They are also reported to have agreed to bring the Waesle sub-clan of the Abgaal on board in order to overcome the existing rift within the Mundulood.

On 20NOV05 it was reported that the Minister of National Security, Mohamed Qanyare Afrah, voiced reservations over the call for direct negotiation with the Jowhar camp. Reports indicate that this was sparked by the arrival of the Ethiopian delegation in Jowhar. Minister Qanyare indicated that the TFG camp in Jowhar betrayed the Somalis by agreeing to the Ethiopian demands to cross into Somalia as and when they desire and to have unlimited access to one of the seaports in the southern part of Somalia. Qanyare also argued that the venue for talks between the camps has to be free of arms and stated that he will not accept an assurance of security. For this reason he has indicated that he take his militia to any proposed venue for talks.

Bay and Bakool Regions

On 21NOV05 it was reported that efforts by ministers, led by the Minister of Justice, Sheikh Madoobe, in Bakool region to establish an administration for Wajid district was rejected by members of the Jiroon clan. Reports also indicate that they also made a similar attempt in Huddur, which was also rejected. The Jiroon community argued that they already have an administration and that the Ministers aim to create an administration partial to their agenda and that of the Jowhar camp.

 Incidents Reported:

On 18NOV05 it was reported that Ethiopian security forces crossed the Somali border and raided Ba`adweyne, approximately 16 kms north of Beletwein. They are reported to have handcuffed five Somali men before taking them to Ethiopia. Reports indicate that the incident was sparked by an incident on 17NOV05 in which a vehicle destined for Abaaley was ambushed leaving one woman wounded. Further reports indicate that the men were released after intervention by tribal elders and administrative officials from Beletwein on 19NOV05.

On 19NOV05 it was reported that former senior military officer, Col. Ahmed Nur from Biyamaal sub-clan (Dir clan) was killed in Al-baraka estate of Hodan district (Mogadishu).

On 19NOV05 it was reported that three men were arrested in Baidoa, Bay region, for defamation. The men, reportedly members of the radical group, Al-Takfiir, were apparently preaching practices contrary to the teachings of Islam. If found guilty they could be deported from Baidoa.

On 20NOV05 it was reported that one militiaman was killed in reprisal after a non-combatant was killed on 19NOV05 in the Habala-Barbaar, Kooban area near the disputed location of Idale, Bay region. Mediators from the Mirifle clan brokered a deal that held for two months that declared joint action against any group found in violation of the deal.

Assessment: The killings points to the resumption of the recurrent Yantar – Hubeer conflict in Idale.

On 21NOV05 it was reported that a fire destroyed IDP houses in the Hamar-Jadiid district, Mogadishu, killing four (three children and an old, blind man). Some Banadir businessmen mobilized resources to support the affected families. The fire is reported to have been started by Militia working for businessmen who want to acquire the land.

On 21NOV05 it was reported that three men from the Jareer clan were kidnapped in Mogadishu on 19NOV05. One of them was thrown from the kidnapper’s vehicle, shot and abandoned where he was found and taken to hospital. The other two were found with their throats slit along the Factory road. The Islamic Court Militia from Sinai arrested two women, who gave the men food just prior to their abduction. This is the third killing of a member of the Jareer clan in the past 5 days.

On 22NOV05 it was reported that three men in a minibus were arrested at a checkpoint on the road from Jowhar to Mogadishu. Security sources in Jowhar indicated that they acted on a tip off. The three were captured with explosives including antitank mines, hand-grenades and rifle grenades. They were reportedly destined for Mir-Tuugo, Lower Shabelle region. It is reported that the incident arose from a dispute between members of the Agoon-Yar sub-clan and the Mohamed Dhere administration over the payment of taxes. The head of the Jowhar Administration security forces indicated that the group wanted to create “fear and havoc” in the region.

SOMALI – KENYAN BORDER REGION

Incidents

It was reported that armed militiamen raided and took control of the Bardhere intermediate school. Reports indicate that there were no casualties generated by the attacker’s indiscriminate shooting. The standoff was resolved after intervention by the community elders. The incident is reported to have been sparked by the dismissal of an attacker’s wife one month ago.

On 17NOV05 it was reported that armed militiamen raided a petrol station in Mandera and hijacked a Toyota Land cruiser belonging to a Kenyan businessman. Kenyan officials in Mandera alerted their Somali counterparts in Belet-Hawo, who pursued and captured the vehicle without incident.

NORTH EAST REGION: Puntland

Political

On 17NOV05 it was reported that members of the Puntland house of representatives held a session to hear the case of the dismissal of the Attorney General by the Puntland Cabinet on grounds of protecting criminals and long absences from his office. The Attorney General is reported to have stated that the move was unconstitutional as it was the role of the House of Representatives to dismiss him and not the cabinet. It is reported that the Supreme Court Judge agreed with the decision by the Cabinet. The President of Puntland reportedly requested that the case be postponed for ten days, until his return to the region, which was apparently accepted.

Incidents reported

On 17NOV05 it was reported that the Bosasso Police conducted an operation to arrest criminals responsible for harassing and stealing property from Ethiopian nationals. Reports indicate that ten youths were arrested, including two foreigners; an Italian with a Somali mother and an Iraqi. The criminals were sentenced to jail terms ranging from one year and less.

Assessment: Cases of criminal acts perpetrated by youths in Bosasso, Galkayo and Garowe are on the increase. It has been suggested that insecurity throughout Puntland is partially caused by late payment of the security forces.

NORTH WEST REGION: Somaliland

Incidents reported

On 17NOV05 it was reported that a vehicle transporting mourners en route to a funeral struck a landmine near Burao, Togdheer. It is reported that the road left the main road to avoid the many vehicles traveling on the same route.

Assessment: Deming in the area of Burao only began in September and the area is known to be mined. Areas to avoid include former military barracks, some main roads and the Ethio-Somaliland border.

On 18NOV05 it was reported that the Somaliland Fisheries Association in Maydh district held a press conference complaining of attacks by foreign fishing vessels in the Somaliland waters.

On 19NOV05 it was reported that the Somaliland Police Commissioner held a press conference to explain the recent sentences of fifteen men in the Hargeisa regional court. The Commissioner indicated that those sentenced were the ones involved in the killings of the expatriates in Sheikh, Borame and the road between Hargeisa and Barbera. Additional reporting indicated that the group involved in the attempt to disrupt the elections on 23SEP05 will be taken to court as well.

On 19NOV05, it was reported that the Somaliland police arrested two suspects involved in the theft of a mobile phone from an expatriate. Reports indicate that the mobile was recovered and return to its rightful owner. Additional reporting indicated that five suspects were arrested in connection with the destruction of the low cost buildings funded by the NRC in Hargeisa (Refer NGO-SPAS report no. 45).

NOTES

1. The Security Preparedness and Support Program (SPAS) is a concept of the Somalia Non-Governmental Organizations Consortium whose only concern is the safe provision of humanitarian and development Aid to the people of Somaliland and Somalia, therefore SPAS is an NGO project dedicated to the safety and security of the Somali NGO Consortium members.
2. SPAS is non-governmental. The SPAS Security Report is for the use by the Somalia NGO Consortium. The aim is to provide neutral and transparent information to facilitate security decision-making by Consortium members. SPAS assume no responsibility for report accuracy, reliability or verification unless stated.
3. This report is the latest update on available security related information in Somalia and Somaliland. Situations may have changed and / or will change.
4. SPAS recommend that the NGO community use all best and available sources of information.
5. Security decision-making and protocols are the responsibility of subscribing NGOs. Security precautions are recommended at all times in accordance with respective organizational procedures.
6. SPAS do not provide security alert levels. The identification and provision of security alert levels/phases/thresholds are the responsibility of each organization.
7. This report is distributed for the information and benefit of the Somalia NGO Consortium.

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