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SECURITY UPDATE [This report is the latest update of available security related information in Somalia. Situations may have changed or will change from that of this report. Security decisions and protocols are the responsibility of respective agencies. Security precautions in accordance with organisation procedures are recommended at all times. This summary is distributed for the information and sole benefit of the Somalia NGO Consortium in their provision of humanitarian and development aid to the people of Somalia and Somaliland.] 56 demonstrators arrested in Somaliland following protests against the arrest of a sheikh in Hargeisa. Similar demonstrations held in Erigavo and Burao. Gunman attempts to shoot foreign student in Hargeisa town. Lower Shabelle administration hands over control to the IC. IC forces led by Hassan Turki peacefully take control of Bualle in Middle Juba. 21 killed and 28 wounded in Marehan – Suleiman clan fight over pasture and water in Dhac Dheer village, Galgadud region. DEVELOPMENTS ELSEWHERE: On 28SEP06 while at a press conference in Nairobi the TFG Prime Minister called on the international community to help his government to contain the rise of alleged terror cells in Somalia. He cautioned that unless timely action is taken the Islamists will extend and destabilise the region and by extension the world and it may be too late to contain them. CENTRAL / SOUTH REGION Banadir Region: Mogadishu On 29 SEP. 06 - the chairman of the Islamic Court (IC) Sheikh Shariff while in Mogadishu said that the IC will soon establish an army as the national defence force of the republic. On 01 OCT. 06 - it was reported that IC forces removed several explosive devices and ammunitions buried in trenches near Mogadishu stadium. Lower Shabelle Region: On 29SEP06 the administration in Lower Shabelle removed all checkpoints in the region and on 30SEP06 the Governor Sheikh Mohamed Yusuf Indha’Ade officially handed over the region to Sheikh Shariff Sheikh Ahmed on behalf of the IC. During the handover ceremony Sheikh Shariff said that their first priority would be setting up of a security force. Later they plan to set up a judiciary and finally install an administration. Additional reports indicate that on 01OCT06 checkpoints removed on 29SEP06 resurfaced in the same positions apparently in readiness of the new administration. Assessment: Analysts believe that selecting a governor may present a challenge for the IC since clan dynamics may come into play. The situation is not likely to lead to disturbances. On 29 SEP. 06 - it was reported that gunmen killed two civilians in Marin Gubey and Haway villages of Kunturwarey and Barawa districts. Unconfirmed reports indicated that one died over disputes on grazing fields while the other was killed for revenge. Hiran Region: On 30 SEP.06 - it was reported that the IC captured Jawil and Kalabeyr about 40km to the north of Beletwein and confiscated three technicals from hostile local forces. Additional reports indicate that the IC supporters in Hiran received arms and ammunitions from the IC in Mogadishu and Jowhar. On 30 SEP. 06 - it was reported that the elders of Ujajen sub-clan of the Hawiye said that the capture of Jawil (about 25km north of Beletwein) by the IC was tribally motivated and had nothing to do with peace and security. On 01 OCT. 06 - the IC in Hiran warned motorists and the public against the use of roads that were mined due to military reasons. Reports indicate that the tarmac road from Kalabeyr to the Ethiopian border has been mined. Galgadud Region: On 30 SEP. 06 - it was reported that 21 died and about 28 were wounded as Marehan and Suleiman sub-clans of the Habar Gedir fought over pasture and water in Dhac Dheer village about 70km northwest of Adaado district in Galgadud region. Additional reports indicate that the elders have intervened to mediate but hostilities are still rife. On 02 OCT. 06 - unconfirmed reports indicated that Ethiopian forces had crossed the border into Somalia and were stationed in Galkayo. Bay Region: Baidoa On 28 SEP.06 - three people, including a religious leader, were arrested and several military equipments confiscated by the TFG police in Berdale residence in Baidoa during a TFG crackdown on supporters of the IC. Additional reports indicate that as the TFG released one of the suspects it is engaged in investigating other individuals suspected of being IC representatives. Assessment: Analysts contend that the IC may be organising internal opposition to the TFG in Baidoa as a precursor to an attack on the TFG base. The TFG may take advantage of the situation to crack down on dissent against its administration. This has the potential to produce a backlash from segments of society. On 02 OCT.06 - militiamen controlling checkpoints between Wajid and Kulanjareer village fought with khat dealers. A vehicle ferrying khat from Baidoa was fired upon at a checkpoint wounding one Hadamo clan member. On 03 OCT. 06 another vehicle was shot at and fighting spread to Kulanjareer village. Two people from opposing clans in Wajid and Huddur died. Unconfirmed reports indicate that elements against the Wajid DC are responsible for these incidents in attempts to create tensions between the Hadamo and Jiroon clans. Baidoa & Gedo: On 01 OCT. 06 - it was reported that militia loyal to the TFG Minister for Defense and former JVA Chairman, Barre Hiraale, arrived in Baidoa with three technicals from Bardera in Gedo region. Sources add that the militia under the command of Mr. Fartag returned back to Bardera on 02SEP06 with military supplies. Assessment: Analysts believe that Bare Hiraale has retreated to Bardera only to regroup for an eventual advance to Kismayo. He expects TFG support and it’s believed that this will be forthcoming. Lower and Middle Juba Region: On 27 SEP. 06 - it was reported that both Gobaale and Seraar, formerly the JVA Deputy Chairman and military commander respectively, handed over control of their 18 technicals and militia to the IC in Kismayo. Additional reports indicate that IC spokesman in Kismayo said the militiamen will be trained before they are absorbed into the IC forces. On 29 SEP.06 - it was reported that the IC arrested three journalists and closed a radio station in Kismayo. The IC leaders in Kismayo accused the radio station of broadcasting false information with intent to incite the public to violence. Additional reports indicated that the three reporters were later released. On 04OCT06 the radio station resumed transmissions. On 04 OCT. 06 - it was reported that IC forces with 17 technicals led by Sheikh Hassan Turki entered and peacefully captured Bualle. Additional information indicates that IC forces may advance to Sakow in Middle Juba. NORTHEAST REGION: Puntland No significant security incidents were reported during the period. NORTHWEST REGION: Somaliland On 29 SEP. 06 - it was reported that the Hargeisa Regional Emergency committee arrested 56 demonstrators, 44 women and 12 men, and sentenced them to between 3-6 months in prison. Sources said that the demonstrators were protesting against the torture of Sheikh Mohamed Sh. Ismail. Varying reasons have been provided for his arrest; one that he is one of the suspects linked with terrorists in the Hargeisa Prison and another that he spoke criticising Ethiopia and western governments. On 30 SEP. 06 - a similar demonstration in protest against the torture of Sheikh Mohamed Sheikh Ismail was held Erigavo. Additional reports indicate that a similar demonstration was held in Burao on 03OCT06. Assessment: Analysts believe that un-proportionate response to continued demonstrations against the authorities may lead to public unrest and a rise in tensions. NGO staff are advised to avoid public areas. On 28 SEP. 06 - the Somaliland Ministers for Defence and Interior concluded their trip to Saaxil region. Sources say that they were in the region to discuss security issues with the local administration and the elders. On 02 OCT. 06 - Mahamed Dahir Elmi attempted to shoot a New Zealand student named Anthony Wyborn outside a hotel he was staying at in the centre of Hargeisa town. Fortunately the pistol jammed and locals arrested the gunman. The police are holding the gunman and two other individuals in custody as investigations continue. On 12 OCT. 06 - the Somaliland President issued a press release on the Islamic Courts. He said that his government would take appropriate action if the Islamic Courts attempted to interfere in Somaliland. He also claimed that Islamic Courts were responsible for carrying out the attacks against humanitarian workers in Somaliland. He added that Somaliland would only negotiate with the rest of Somalia once its problems were solved. NOTES 1. The Security Preparedness and Support Program (SPAS) is a conce pt of the Somalia Non-Governmental Organisations 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 organisational procedures. 6. SPAS do not provide security alert levels. The identification and provision of security alert levels/phases/thresholds are the responsibility of each organisation.  Copyright © 2005 Wardheernews.com |