European Union Training Mission

Somalia

PRESS SUMMARY

9th August 2018

“In ‘Media’ stat virtus”

SUMMARY

TITLE PAGE

Five killed as IED hits AMISOM military convoy in Mogadishu 2

Somalia's Al-Shabaab Militants Capture Two Towns in South 3

Somali special forces recapture fresh areas from Al-Shabaab 4

Al-Shabaab Commander Surrenders To Somali Government In

Mogadishu

5

Al-Shabaab Arrests Locals For Opposing Child Recruitment 6

HirShabelle President Meets With AMISOM Force Commander 7

A New Prison Opened In Mogadishu 8

Al-Shabaab serve as double agents in govt-former Security spokesman

9

Malaysia Sending Troops to Somalia on Aid Mission 10

Health Crises In Wajid District In Bay Region 12

Somalia President's Desperate Attempt to Sabotage Somaliland

Election

13

Somali Prime Minister meets Sudanese President, discuss bilateral relations

15

Somalia Listed as Worst Country for Maternal Health 16 One person killed, three injured in KDF airstrikes in Gedo 18

Kenya to open consulates in 'Hergesa', Baidoa, Kismayu, Garowe 19

AU in Somalia distances itself from comments on US magazine 20

Which way for Somalia in Saudi-Canada row? 21

Suspected al Shabaab militants kill five soldiers in Kenya's Lamu: county official

22

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Five killed as IED hits AMISOM military convoy in Mogadishu

August 8, 2018

A roadside bomb blast struck a military convoy

carrying African Union [AU] peacekeepers in

Mogadishu, the Somalia capital on Wednesday

morning, witnesses and police said.

A witness, speaking on condition of anonymity

confirmed to Radio Shabelle that an Improvised explosive device [IED] ripped through the

AU convoy at SOS junction.

In the aftermath of the explosion, the African Union soldiers opened fire randomly at a

nearby crow, killing at least 5 civilians and wounding many more others, said the witness.

There was no immediate statement from AMISOM – African Union Mission in Somalia

regarding the alleged killing of the Somali innocent civilians by the peacekeepers.

Al-Shabaab has claimed the credit of the bomb attack on AMISOM convoy.

http://radioshabelle.com/five-killed-as-ied-hits-amisom-military-convoy-in-mogadishu/

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Somalia's Al-Shabaab Militants Capture Two Towns in South

8/8/2018

Al-Shabaab fighters armed with machine-guns and rocket-propelled grenades attacked two

towns in Somalia's Lower Shabelle region, culminating in the capture of the two neighboring

districts of Awdhegle and Mubarak, witnesses and combatants said. The militants raided

checkpoints manned by Somali forces shortly before dawn, Da'ud Qaylow, a resident of

Awdhegle, said by phone. Ali Sharif, an officer with the Somali army, said the rebel forces

attacked their positions in Awdhegle when most soldiers were asleep. An unidentified al-

Shabaab commander told Radio Andalus, a Somali broadcaster that supports the militants,

that they killed at least 10 government troops.'Within a short period of time, the militants

managed to corner us and finally captured the whole town when our forces ran for their

lives,' Sharif said. The fighting spread to nearby Mubarak, where the rebels also overran the

army, he said.

The al-Qaeda-linked group has been in retreat in the Horn of Africa nation since its fighters

were forced to withdraw from the capital, Mogadishu, in August 2011 after a series of

military defeats. Al-Shabaab still controls swathes of territory and stages deadly gun and

bomb attacks. Hassan Mohamed, another officer with the army, said the militants beheaded

three injured soldiers who were unable to flee.

https://menafn.com/1097268707/Somalias-AlShabaab-Militants-Capture-Two-Towns-in-South

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Somali special forces recapture fresh areas from Al-Shabaab

August 8, 2018

Somali elite troops have retaken control of

Al-Shabaab bases following an operation in

Middle Shabelle region, officials said on

Tuesday.

Muse Nur Shueyb, the deputy district

commissioner of Bal’ad district on security

affairs told the state-owned media that the troops raided seized villages under the control

Al-Shabaab.

He stated that the forces engaged Al-Shabaab in brief gun battle during the liberation

of Daniga, Barwaqo, Garas-weyn and Walamoy villages, all located outside Bal’ad town.

The Somali forces have also destroyed Al-Shabaab bases, according to the deputy DC.

Al-Shabaab which wants to overthrow the Western-backed Somali government based in

Mogadishu as it wages fighting Somali and AMISOM forces since 2007.

http://radioshabelle.com/somali-special-forces-recapture-fresh-areas-from-al-shabaab/

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Al-Shabaab Commander Surrenders To Somali Government In Mogadishu

07 August 2018

Mid-level Al-Shabaab commander defected to Somali government on Tuesday amid

operations against the group escalated in the recent days. Abdirahman Hussein Wardhere

(Bilal) has been fighting alongside the group’s fighters for the last twelve years.

Speaking to the media, in Mogadishu after he was paraded by the Somali government, Bilal

said he decided to dessert Al-Shabab. “I had been Al-Shabaab member for twelve years,

taking advantage of amnesty that Somali President Farmajo offered to Al-Shabaab fighters,

I am willing to give myself up and decided to leave Al-Shabaab,” he said. Somali President

Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo had several times offered Al-Shabaab fighters amnesty.

Government officials state that only negotiation can end Somalia’s 28 years old civil war –

especially given the ragged state of the military.

Al-Shabaab, which lost control of many towns in the country, carries out deadly attacks in

and outside the capital. Somali forces supported by AU and U.S. troops have intensified

operations to annihilate Al-Shabaab fighters from South and Central Somalia. The forces

destroyed Al-Shabaab bases in Middle Shabelle region on Tuesdayafter covert operations.

Military officials said several Al-Shabaab fighters were killed in the dawn raid recaptu

http://somaliamediamonitoring.org/august-8-2018-daily-monitoring-report/

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Al-Shabaab Arrests Locals For Opposing Child Recruitment

07 August 2018

Al-Shabaab fighters have reportedly arrested five locals in Harardheer town refusing to allow

children to be recruited. Recently, the group has been recruiting more children to fight in

their ranks. Al-Shabaab fighters stormed houses of local residents in and outside Harardheer,

and five locals are charged with disobeying the orders.

Al-Shabaab recently ordered elders, teachers of religious schools in communities in rural

areas of Galgaduud and Mudug region, to provide hundreds of children or face retaliatory

attacks. Local journalists in the region said, the five were accused of sending their children

away from Al-Shabaab controlled areas.

Five people including two women were arrested in Harardhere town. They were accused of

facilitating the escape of their children from areas under Al-Shabaab control. This move

comes in less than three days, after locals and Al-Shabaab fighters in Mudug region clashed,

when the group started their recruitment campaigns. The clashes claimed lives of over seven

people on both sides. Over the past decade, Al-Shabaab leaders have recruited thousands

of children who have been indoctrinated and deploy them to various battles.

http://somaliamediamonitoring.org/august-8-2018-morning-headlines/

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HirShabelle President Meets With AMISOM Force Commander

08 August 2018

HirShabelle President Mohamed Abdi Ware has received a delegation led by the AMISOM

Force Commander, Lt. General Jim Beesigye Owoyesigire at the Presidential Palace in

Jowhar. The meeting between the HirShabelle President and the AMISOM leaders, primarily

focused on the overall security in HirShabelle and plans to resume a military offensive aimed

at re-opening the main supplies routes blockaded by Al-Shabaab group.

General Jim Beesigye briefed President Ware on AMISOM’s latest activities in the country,

their role in stabilizing the country in supporting the Somali National Army and its plans to

resume offensives in HirShabelle. The meeting also discussed the importance of preparing

the Somali security forces to take over security responsibilities from AMISOM.

President Ware stressed the need to resume military operations against Al-Shabaab in an

attempt to curb Al-Shabaab’s menace in the region. He thanked AMISOM for its support to

the Somali people and its government, and its determination to restore peace and stability

and defeat Al-Shabaab. Al-Shabaab has in recent past doubled its attacks in parts of

HirShabelle, a move that crippled the movement of transport across the region.

http://somaliamediamonitoring.org/august-8-2018-daily-monitoring-report/

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A New Prison Opened In Mogadishu

07 August 2018

The Somali government has established a modern built prison in Mogadishu to confine

criminals and offenders, according to Bashir Mohamed Jama, Commander of the prison

guards. The new correctional facility, MBCC at the Ex-control Afgoye neighbourhood in

Mogadishu, becomes the second prison in the capital, besides the Central Prison, which

currently is the only correctional facility to rehabilitate prisoners. The city’s second prison

before the eruption of the civil war was transformed to a health centre known as Keysaney

Hospital.

Officials from the Judiciary Sector toured the newly opened prison. Baashe Yusuf Ahmed,

Chief Justice, praised the custodial corps, and urged them to double their efforts in

enhancing justice and reforming prisoners. Multiple security challenges facing the country

such as terrorism means that the capital city, should have enough prisoners for offenders to

serve their jail sentences.

http://somaliamediamonitoring.org/august-8-2018-morning-headlines/

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Al-Shabaab serve as double agents in govt-former Security spokesman

August 8, 2018

Al-Shabaab militants work within the Somali government as double agents, a former Security

spokesman has sensationally claimed.

In an interview with the respected US magazine Foreign Policy, Abdulaziz Ali Ibrahim who

served as spokesman for Internal Security ministry until last month warned the infiltration

had created serious problems in the war against Al-Shabaab. Ibrahim resigned last month

following an Al-Shabaab attack on the Interior and Security headquarters in Mogadishu. “I

have no doubt that al-Shabab have infiltrated the Federal Government of Somalia as double

agents,” Abdulaziz Ali Ibrahim said.

The admission which if it holds true casts a spell on the joint Somali government and

international community’s efforts in stabilizing Somalia adds to concerns raised in the past

on how Al-Shabaab fighters have been able to acquire police uniforms. In several attacks

including last month’s deadly bombing at the Interior Ministry, the militants were clad in

uniforms similar to the ones by Somali security forces enabling them elude several

checkpoints.

Other sources interviewed by the magazine claimed Al-Shabaab was becoming a hit squad

for members of government and even those of the international community to eliminate

their enemies.

“According to the Defense Ministry advisor (who is not named), the magazine said, “It’s an

open secret that members of the government—and even members of the international

community—will hire al-Shabaab to kill or intimidate their political rivals.” Interior Ministry

promised to issue a rejoinder following a request from Goobjoog News for response.

http://goobjoog.com/english/al-shabaab-serve-as-double-agents-in-govt-former-security-

spokesman/

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Malaysia Sending Troops to Somalia on Aid Mission

8/8/2018

Malaysia is sending troops to Somalia as part of the humanitarian mission to avert famine

and save the lives of thousands of people, Somali government officials and diplomats said

on Saturday.

'I can confirm the report and the details will be given when the delegation led by Somali

Deputy Prime Minister Mohamed Omar Arte, which has been visiting Malaysia, returns to

the country,' Somalia's information minister, Mohamed Abdi Hayir Mareye, told VOA Somali.

Addressing the media in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Defense Minister Datuk Seri

Hishammuddin said his country will send three officers and 17 personnel from the Armed

Forces Medical Core to Somalia.

'The infantry unit, consisting of an officer and 10 personnel, will provide security for the

delegation. The food and medical supplies will be flown to Somalia by a Hercules C-130

aircraft,' the minister said. The minister said the troops, along with assets, will be mobilized

from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Malaysia stationed a small number of troops to help in the

evacuation of Malaysians in Yemen. But many consider them as part of Riyadh's military

coalition to battle the Houthi militia in Yemen.

A Somali diplomat in the delegation, who asked not to be named because he was not

authorized to speak about the issue, said the decision was reached on Tuesday following a

meeting between Somalia Deputy Prime Minister Arteh and senior Malaysian officials,

including the defense minister. 'During the meeting, the Somali delegates appealed to

Malaysia for assistance in providing aid and the security of the access roads, and Malaysia

immediately responded to the request,' the diplomat said. 'Malaysia will also ask its allies in

the Gulf and Asia to assist Somalia.'

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Security help - Somalia's parliament has asked nations in the region to work together to help

the country secure humanitarian aid access to reach 6.2 million people affected by the

current drought in the aid-dependent Horn of Africa nation.

In an extraordinary session held Saturday in Mogadishu, lawmakers, endorsed a resolution

on the drought. Somalia's Information minister Mareye said the resolution puts the country

into an emergency state in order to respond to the drought that threatens to turn into a full-

blown famine.

'The resolution asks the African Union Mission in Somalia and the troop-contributing

countries, especially neighboring countries to help the Somali National Army to secure the

major roads leading to the drought-stricken areas,' Mareye said. 'It puts the country into an

emergency state.' The parliamentary resolution comes as a high-level delegation — led by

the newly elected African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad —

was visiting Mogadishu. In the city's presidential palace, Mahamat discussed the drought

and security with Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and Prime Minister Hassan

Ali Kheyre.

Fear of aid corruption - Somali officials coordinating the drought response worry that aid

supplies could be stolen, and they also are concerned al-Shabab still poses a threat to many

areas in south and central Somalia. 'There is a fear that the aid falls into the wrong hand,

especially the areas where the government has no authority. And another fear is about

security, and both are delaying any aid meant to the needy people in the areas,' a

government source told VOA.

Al-Shabab, which has been trying to overthrow the Somali government for nearly a decade,

has impeded access to areas hit by famine, making it dangerous or impossible for aid workers

to reach those in need. Poorly equipped and mostly unpaid Somali National Army forces,

backed by African Union (AU) forces, seized territory previously controlled al-Shabab, but

both AMISOM and Somali troops say more soldiers are needed to secure rural areas and

major roads between towns, where the militants often carry out guerrilla style hit and run

attacks.

https://menafn.com/1097268716/Malaysia-Sending-Troops-to-Somalia-on-Aid-Mission

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Health Crises In Wajid District In Bay Region

07 August 2018

Residents in Wajid district of Bay region in Southern Somalia, have expressed their concern

over the lack of health services in their district. The community living in Wajid district are

facing lack of social services like health centres and other basic facilities to support life.

Abdirashid Mohamed, one of the doctors in Wajid told reporters, “that the need for medical

attention in the district is so crucial and highly needed, that several people have died

because of insufficient medical assistance.” “Sometimes pregnant women face risk as they

have no access to get the medical needs in their area while are giving birth,” said Abdirashid.

Doctor Abdirashid has called on the Somali Federal Government and humanitarian agencies

to immediately address the health crises situation in Wajid district, and to facilitate the

implementation of these centres. Wajid district is a stronghold of the Al-Shabaab strategic

towns in the Bay region and that has led to a lack of resources, including health and

education that the community needs.

http://somaliamediamonitoring.org/august-8-2018-morning-headlines/

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Somalia President's Desperate Attempt to Sabotage Somaliland Election

8/8/2018

Somaliland National Election Commission (NEC) is performing voter registration process in

eastern regions, Sool and Sanaag, where citizens will receive election cards to elect

parliament and president. NEC implemented biometric based election system where citizen

will be fingerprinted, in order to avoid vote rigging. NEC completed voter registration in

western regions of Somaliland.

There are more than 80,000 voters registered for the election, as it is the highest turnout in

the history of Somaliland elections. The people of eastern regions realized that theory of

United Somalia failed, and Somaliland is their future.

However, this democratic process unfortunately angered the leaders of Somalia including

the nominated President Mohamed Farmajo, who organized activities against the voter

registration process in eastern regions by authorizing illegal armed activities by the Northern

Regional Administration of Somalia (self-named as PUNTLAND). Farmajo authorized such

illegal activities during his recent visit to PUNTLAND.

PUNTLAND sent and sponsored armed militia into Somaliland international border to

obstruct the voter registration process in Sool and Sanaag regions. Somalia claims the

ownership of Sool and Sanaag (eastern regions of Somaliland) based on tribal bases.

Somaliland National Army (SNA) is on high alert against such infiltration and securing the

voter registration centers.

The international community should take the lead of pressurizing the administration in

Mogadishu to stop such illegal activities, and support the democratic process in Somaliland,

where people express their will freely unlike the regime in Mogadishu who is under the

protection of the African Union.

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If international community neglects such illegal intrusion, the consequence will be a full-

scale war between Somaliland and Somalia, which could harm the regional stability.

Somalia should learn from Somaliland in democracy, peace and state building instead of

disturbing the progress in Somaliland. After declaration of Somaliland in 1991, Somaliland

disarmed thousands militias, built democratic state, restored peace and all forms of Social

Service without outside support, in other hand, Somalia is unable restore peace and create

decent life to its citizens for more than 26 years with assistance of international community.

It is important to highlight that Somaliland conducted four free and fair elections including

presidential, municipality and parliament. Total of four presidents ruled Somaliland through

elections, and peaceful power transfer unlike rest of the region.

The government of Somaliland is currently sponsoring all the expenses of the election along

with the United Kingdom (UK) who supports the elections technically. USA, UK, EU, AU, Arab

League and Civil Societies applauded the free elections in Somaliland.

https://menafn.com/1097268714/Somalia-Presidents-Desperate-Attempt-to-Sabotage-

Somaliland-Election

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Somali Prime Minister meets Sudanese President, discuss bilateral relations

Khartoum, August 7, 2018 – Somali Prime

Minister H. E. Hassan Ali Khaire on Tuesday met

with the Sudanese President, H. E Omar Al Bashir

a day after attending the South Sudanese

ceasefire and power-sharing agreement signing

ceremony in Khartoum, Sudan. H. E. Hassan Ali Khaire congratulated President Albashir for

the tremendous courage they have shown to bring about peace and stability in South Sudan,

adding the agreement that was signed, witnessed by leaders in the region, is a testimony to

what we call as ‘African solutions to African problems’. “The World has now seen that

solutions are best found within the region, and [by] those who understand the contextual

challenges we face in our region,” the Prime Minister highlighted. The PM thanked the

President, the government and the people of Sudan for their continuing support to the

people of Somalia, and in particular underscored provision of scholarships to more than

seven thousands Somali students across different universities in Sudan and acknowledged

that thousands who graduated from same universities over the last two decades are now

contributing in rebuilding Somalia. On Monday, the Prime Minister visited the International

Africa University, which hosts the largest number of students from Somalia and met with

representatives from the students. H. E. Khaire noted the warm ties between the two

countries over the years and added, that this cooperation and partnership is not just

between our governments, but also between our people. H. E. Hassan Khaire, said he had

long and productive discussions with the President Albashir on a number of key issues,

including security, economic growth and development, investment and ways to strengthen

the cooperation in the region and how Somalia can play a critical role based on Somalia’s

resources and experience. “This was a very productive meeting…. and I am very grateful for

the warm hospitality,” concluded the Prime Minister.

http://www.qaranimo.com/news/2018/08/07/somali-prime-minister-meets-sudanese-

president-discuss-bilateral-relations/

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Somalia Listed as Worst Country for Maternal Health

8/8/2018

The British aid group Save the Children ranks Somalia as the worst country on Earth for being

a mother. The ranking is based on statistics for maternal health, child mortality, education

and women's income in Somalia.

Nearly 25 years of instability has seen Somalia's health institutions collapse but the

government and international partners hope to soon change this narrative.

Fadumo Abdulkadir lost her child shortly before birth. She is among the millions of women

in Somalia who remain at great risk during childbirth.

In its latest report, "State of World Mothers," the aid group Save The Children has ranked

Somalia at the bottom among the countries surveyed.

According to the United Nations Children's Agency UNICEF, maternal mortality rates for

Somalia are among the highest in the world. One out of every ten Somali children dies before

seeing its first birthday.

Somalia's Deputy Minister of Health, Osman Mohamed Abdi, said the government hopes to

change the situation.

'Somalia is among the worst countries in the world for a mother. But the Ministry of Health

with support from international partners like UNFPA will work hard to ensure that help is

delivered to Somali mothers at the regional, district and village level," said Abdi.

It is believed that one out of every 12 women in Somalia dies due to pregnancy-related

causes. Only nine percent of pregnant women in the country have access to skilled birth

attendants.

The U.N. says the world has a massive midwife shortage, and says this is particularly

dangerous for countries in crisis.

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Recently, 23 new midwives graduated in Mogadishu at a ceremony that coincided with the

International Day of the Midwife.

Both the Somali government and U.N. agencies see this as a positive step even though it

does not come anywhere close to meeting the country's needs.

These new graduates will be deployed across the country to help women during childbirth

and attend to their complications before and after the delivery. Grace Kyeyune is with the

United Nations Population Fund.

'These 23 can only serve 2,300 women. But there are more women needing their support

than before. We don't want to get to a situation whereby we are saying it's always too late.

We know very well how many women are dying right now as we speak here because of

giving life," said Kyeyune.

Conflict and poverty in Somalia have forced many of the country's displaced women to give

birth in makeshift camps.

With limited assistance during pregnancy and birth, there are likely to be more cases of

death in childbirth. But Somali authorities say they're determined to take action to improve

the situation.

https://menafn.com/1097268755/Somalia-Listed-as-Worst-Country-for-Maternal-Health

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One person killed, three injured in KDF airstrikes in Gedo

August 8, 2018

Kenya Defence Forces fighter jets launched major air strikes against Al Shabaab camps in the

outskirts of El Wak in Gedo region southern Somalia Wednesday.

Locals said the strikes led to civilian casualties and forced some families to flee their homes

for safety.

“The strikes hit Tuulan-qurac village early this morning killing one of the elders in the village

while three others were injured among them a mother and her child,” Mahad Hassan an

elder told Goobjoog News.

An estimated six families of the small village have fled from their homes since the KDF target

the area in the last few days, the residents said adding the Kenyan forces conduct similar

strikes twice a month.

The militant camps targeted by KDF airstrikes have been used to mount attacks on the

Somali National Army and AMISOM troops near the Kenya-Somalia border.

Gedo residents have in the past complained that some of the strikes have targeted civilians

and livestock.

The Kenyan forces were also accused of rape and extra-judicial killings in Gedo region last

week.

http://goobjoog.com/english/somalia-kdf-airstrikes-launch-in-elwak-gedo-region-somalia/

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Kenya to open consulates in 'Hergesa', Baidoa, Kismayu, Garowe

8/8/2018

The government of Kenya through its embassy in Somalia will open consulates in different

parts of the country. This, according to Kenya Ambassador to Somalia Lucas Tumbo, will

help the government keep track of all Kenyans living there. 'On arrival here last year, we

embarked on a registration exercise of all Kenyans and we now have a database. So far, we

have registered 20,000 Kenyans, with 3,500 of them working in formal sectors,' said Tumbo

during an interview in his office in Mogadishu. He added they are currently working on a

website where all the details will be uploaded He said liaison offices will be opened starting

July, with areas like Kismayu, Hergesa, Baidoa and Garowe given priority. 'These offices will

provide consular services to Kenyans living within those regions,' he said. He also confirmed

that they have managed to resolve cases where some Kenyans' contracts had been breached

by employers. 'We have had more than 20 such cases between Kenyans and employers here

which we have already solved,' he said, encouraging others who have issues to contact the

embassy. 'Full consular services are currently being offered here,' he added. Tumbo

encouraged Kenyans to go work in Somalia since there are opportunities and the security

situation has improved. The Kenya Embassy in Somalia was operating from Nairobi until July

last year, when it was relocated to Mogadishu. The embassy is currently hosted within a

camp in the vicinity of Aden Abdulle Airport in Mogadishu town. Tumbo confirmed that they

are in the process of building an embassy which they expect to be complete by August. 'It is

already under construction across the airport runway,' he said. The building which initially

hosted the Kenyan Embassy was bombed by al Shabaab last year.

https://menafn.com/1097268710/Kenya-to-open-consulates-in-Hergesa-Baidoa-Kismayu-

Garowe

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AU in Somalia distances itself from comments on US magazine

August 8, 2018

The African Union force in Somalia, Amisom has distanced itself from comments attributed

to its senior military personnel expressing frustrations at the pace of rebuilding the Somali

National Army. In a series of tweets Wednesday, Amisom said the comments by the Ugandan

colonel serving under Amisom as quoted by the respected US magazine Foreign Policy did

not reflect the views of the continental mission.

“The commentary and statements made by the people quoted in the story do not in any way

reflect the views and position of AMISOM,” Amisom said. The Mission added it was

committed to executing its role and mandate in Somalia.

“AMISOM totally disassociates itself from this publication in its entirety. AMISOM remains

committed to supporting the government of Somalia in rebuilding national security

institutions and commends the progress made so far.”

In the article published Tuesday, sources quoted described the efforts towards rebuilding

the Somali National Army a non-starter. “Somalia is like cleaning a pig,” one Ugandan

AMISOM colonel told Foreign Policy. “You clean it, and it gets dirty,” the article read in part.

Somalia, the Colonel said was like Afghanistan only experiencing relative stability thanks to

presence of international forces. “If the coalition in Afghanistan left, he argued, the Taliban

would easily take the country back. The same was true for Somalia.” But in its response,

Amisom said it would continue its work as mandated.

“AMISOM will continue to execute its mandate in line with the Communique of the 782

Meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council of 27th June 2018 and the UN Security Council

Resolution 2431 of 30th July 2018.”

http://goobjoog.com/english/au-in-somalia-distances-itself-from-comments-on-us-

magazine/

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Which way for Somalia in Saudi-Canada row?

August 8, 2018

Somalia has weighed in into the Saudi-Arabia-Canada diplomatic row declaring its support

for the Saudi Kingdom contrary to its neutrality stance on foreign diplomatic tussles. In a

statement Wednesday, Foreign Affairs ministry said its stand was unequivocal in support of

Saudi Arabia in a dispute which has seen the latter recall 7,000 of its students on scholarhsip

programme in Canada.

“The Federal Republic of Somalia makes clear that it supports its brotherly Saudi Arabia’s

decision against Foreign interference in its internal affairs,” the statement read in part. Both

Canada and Saudi Arabia provide bilateral support to Somalia through budget injection and

humanitarian aid. According to a statement in the Canadian High Commission to Kenya

website, trade between Somalia and Canada totaled $6.7 million in 2017. Canada provided

$29 million to address conflict- and drought-related humanitarian needs in Somalia in 2017

and announced an additional $18 million humanitarian support in April for 2018.

Saudi Arabia on the other hand is a major donor to Somalia mainly through direct budget

injection. In the 2018 National Budget, Somali government factored in a $32 million injection

from Saudi Arabia. Somalia declared it would observe a neutral stance following the onset

of the Gulf Crisis last June but the Federal Government found itself isolated after most of

the Federal Member States declared allegiance to the Saudi-UAE axis. The move by

Mogadishu irked Riyadh and its close ally United Arab Emirates both of which decided to

hold back their purses for Somalia national budget in 2017. What started as a Twitter post

by Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland urging Riyadh’s release of an activist

has spiraled into a full diplomatic row with Saudi Arabia expelling Canada’s ambassador in

Riyadh and severing diplomatic ties. Somalia becomes one of the few countries if any to

declare a stance in the ongoing row between Saudi Arabia and Canada.

http://goobjoog.com/english/which-way-for-somalia-in-saudi-canada-row/

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Suspected al Shabaab militants kill five soldiers in Kenya's Lamu: county

official

MOMBASA (Reuters) - Five Kenyan soldiers were killed in an attack claimed by the Somali

group al Shaabab in Lamu County on Kenya’s north coast on Wednesday, a senior official

said. The local government official in the county, who asked not to be named, said the attack

occurred between the areas of Majengo and Bodhei. He said five soldiers were killed after

their truck ran over an improvised explosive device.

“We heard a blast. Shortly after, KDF (Kenya Defence Forces) choppers were patrolling in the

air,” the official told Reuters.

Kenya Defence Forces spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Paul Njuguna told Reuters that six

soldiers were injured, two critically, in the explosion but none were killed.

It was not immediately clear why the accounts of the KDF and the county official differed.

Abdiasis Abu Musab, al Shabaab’s spokesman for military operations, said the group was

behind the attack on the KDF convoy, and put the number of those killed at nine. Kenyan

officials say the group often exaggerates casualty figures.

The al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab aims to topple Somalia’s U.N.-backed government and

impose its own strict interpretation of Islam. They have intensified attacks in Kenya since it

sent troops into Somalia in 2011. The group has launched several attacks, including ones in

which they have beheaded people, in the past year in the coastal county. Kenyan security

officials say the militants have used the Boni forest straddling the Kenya-Somalia border as

a hideout and base for attacks.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-kenya-security/suspected-al-shabaab-militants-kill-five-

soldiers-in-kenyas-lamu-county-official-

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_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FworldNews+%28Reuters+World+

News%29&&rpc=401

EUTM - SOMALIA 09/08/2018

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