On Monday February 27th, 2012, WikiLeaks began publishing The Global Intelligence Files, over five million e-mails from the Texas headquartered “global intelligence” company Stratfor. The e-mails date between July 2004 and late December 2011. They reveal the inner workings of a company that fronts as an intelligence publisher, but provides confidential intelligence services to large corporations, such as Bhopal’s Dow Chemical Co., Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and government agencies, including the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Marines and the US Defence Intelligence Agency. The emails show Stratfor’s web of informers, pay-off structure, payment laundering techniques and psychological methods.
ETH/ETHIOPIA/AFRICA
Released on 2012-10-19 08:00 GMT
ETH/ETHIOPIA/AFRICA
Table of Contents for Ethiopia
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1) Addis Ababa English Press 08-18 May 10The following lists selected reports carried in Ethiopian newspapers 8-18May. To request additional processing, call OSC at (800) 205-8615
, (202)338-6735
; or fax (703) 613-5735
.2) Addis Ababa Amharic Press 19-26 May 103) Somalia Daily Media Highlights 7 Jun 104) Addis Ababa US Embassy Political Section Press Summary 07 June 2010This daily press review is compiled by the Political Section of the USEmbassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Inclusion of media reports in thissummary in no way constitutes an endorsement by the US Government. USEmbassy Political Section Addis Ababa cannot vouch for the veracity oraccuracy of reports contained in this summary5) Ethiopian police reportedly summon editor for ‘defaming’ priest
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1) Back to TopAddis Ababa English Press 08-18 May 10The following lists selected reports carried in Ethiopian newspapers 8-18May. To request additional processing, call OSC at (800) 205-8615
, (202)338-6735
; or fax (703) 613-5735
. – Ethiopia — OSC SummaryMonday June 7, 2010 17:21:01 GMT– Egypt’s response to the signing of an agreement on the equitable sharingof Nile waters by Ethiopia and other upper Nile riparian states AwrambaGovernment Imposes Temporary Restriction on Diplomats —
Ethiopian Awramba newspaper on 14 May, page 1, reported a temporaryrestriction imposed by the government on diplomats living in the capitalcity, Addis Ababa, preventing them from leaving the city withoutpermission from the Ministry Foreign Affairs. The government cited“security in relation to the 23 May Ethiopian nation al elections” as thereason for this restriction, but diplomats and opposition parties reactedsharply, saying the announcement “restricts our freedom” and “it ispurposely designed to restrict movement of election observers during theelections.” (Addis Ababa Awramba, privately-owned Amharic weeklynewspaper) Stakeholders Adopt News Election Procedure —
Ethiopian Awramba newspaper on 14 May, page 1, reported the ratificationof newly amended election reporting ethics by the National Election Boardof Ethiopia. The board adopted the procedure, holding a series of meetingswith stakeholders after repeated criticism of various media groups andstakeholders in the past years. (Addis Ababa Awramba, privately-ownedAmharic weekly newspaper) Journalists on Trial Demand Salaries Until StateProves Case —
Ethiopian Ethio-Channel on Wednesday 12 May reported that two EthiopianTelevision and Radio Agency journalists are facing charges of sel lingsensitive information belonging to their employer to an internationalmedia house. The report said the defendants Haileyesus Worku andAbdulsemed Muhamed had petitioned the court to order the national newsagency to pay their salaries until investigations are completed. (AddisAbaba Ethio-Channel, privately-owned bi-weekly Amharic newspaper) AddisAdmass Parties Claim Dominance in Polls —
Ethiopian Addis Admass newspaper on 14 May, page 3, carried a report onclaims by representatives of various parties on both sides of thepolitical divide. Party representatives talked of their “dominance” andexpectations to win by various opposition parties and the ruling EthiopianPeople’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). EPRDF representative AtoHailemariam Desalegn said: “We will definitely win in Addis. We haveconducted surveys on the interests of the people. We will not expect ahealthy contest in West Shoa, in Gondar and Dese regions.” The UnitedEthiopian Democratic Forum (EUFDP) representative said: “We will win as astrong opposition party. The result will only be uncertain in Addis, evenif the contest will be tough. We will only expect challenges only inOromiya and Tigray regions.” (Addis Ababa Addis Admass, private-ownedAmharic weekly newspaper) Agreement Signed Between Nile Basin Countries,Ethiopia —
Ethiopian Addis Admass newspaper on 14 May reported that four upper Nileriparian states on 3 May signed the agreement on the sharing of the Nilewaters. Despite rejection of the agreement by Sudan and Egypt, which werealso involved in negotiating the agreement for about a decade, Ethiopia,Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania signed the agreement. Other countries likeBurundi and DRC are expected to sign as well. (Addis Ababa Addis Admass,private-owned Amharic weekly newspaper) Addis Lesan Ethiopian GovernmentTo Recognize Only AU, EU as Observers —
Ethiopian Addis Lesan news paper on 14 May, page 1, reported thegovernment’s announcement through a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statementclarifying that only the European Union and the African Union had beenallowed to observe the elections thereby locking out internationalorganizations and the diplomatic missions from participating in theprocess. (Addis Ababa Addis Lesan, privately-owned weekly Amharicnewspaper) Opposition Parties Intensify Campaigns —
Ethiopian Addis Lesan newspaper on 14 May, page 1, reported thatopposition parties had intensified their campaigns ahead of the 23 Maynational elections. “We have an appropriate plan for the country,” aLiberal Democratic Party official was quoted as saying. “If we win theelection, we will resolve the various problems,” the Coalition for Unityand Democracy Party representative said.” (Addis Ababa Addis Lesan,privately-owned weekly Amharic newspape) Ethiopia-Turkey Bilateral TradeIncreases —
Ethio pian Addis Lesan newspaper on 14 May, page 1, carried a report onbilateral trade between Ethiopia and Turkey, which has “increasedenormously in diversity and size as well as in leaps and bounds.” Thereport said the volume of trade was currently 300-500 billion US dollarscompared 100 million dollars in 2005 and 10 million in 2003 and 2004.(Addis Ababa Addis Lesan, privately-owned weekly Amharic newspaper)Business Community Discusses Sub-Standard Chinese Imports —
Ethiopian Addis Lesan newspaper on 14 May, page 1, carried a report on ameeting of the Ethiopian business community and other stakeholders inAddis Ababa to evaluate imported products from China. The report said thatvarious issues were raised at the meeting aimed at identifying substandard imports and how to improve the quality of imports from China aswell as challenges faced within the framework of the trade agreementsigned by the two countries in 2006. (Addis Ababa Addis Lesan, privately-owned weekly Amharic newspaper) Ethiopiam Airlines To Install‘High-Tech’ Equipment —
Ethiopian Addis Lesan newspaper on 14 May, page 1, reported that theEthiopian Airlines had signed an agreement with Inter Global TechnologyCompany for the installation of high-tech equipment. The report said thisdevelopment would help the airline ensure 24-hour information,communication and marketing services as well as electronic ticketing.(Addis Ababa Addis Lesan, privately-owned weekly Amharic newspaper) DeguEritrean Rebels Unite In Order To Join Efforts —
Ethiopian Degu newspaper reported on 14 May, page 5, that Eritrean rebelforces had reached an agreement to unite in their fight against theEritrean Government, which the report said “is considered dictatorial inthe eastern African region.” The report said the harsh politicalenvironment in Eritrea was forcing civilians to flee and join the rebelforces. (Addis Ababa Degu, privately-owned week ly Amharic newspaper)UNHCR Appeals for Refugee Aid —
Ethiopian Degu newspaper on 14 May, page 5, reported that the EthiopianGovernment and the UNCHR had appealed for 13 million US dollars to helpmeet the needs of refugees currently in Ethiopia. The joint report saidthe funds were urgently needed due to the recent surge in the influx ofrefugees from Eritrea and Somalia. (Addis Ababa Degu, privately-ownedweekly Amharic newspaper) Egypt’s Mubarak Plans Visit to Italy OverEthiopian Hydroelectric Power Project —
The Sendek newspaper on 18 May, page 1, reported Egyptian President HosniMubarak was planning a visit to Italy to hold diplomatic talks with theItalian Government. The report said the Egyptian president’s plans tovisit Italy was “a diplomatic move” following the plan by the EU andItalian Government to support Ethiopia in constructing five majorhydroelectric power generation plants along River Nile. Ethiopia, alongwith three other upper riparian states, recently signed an agreement onthe equitable sharing of the Nile waters. (Addis Ababa Sendek,privately-owned weekly Amharic newspaper) Reporter Egypt Plans To ‘ExertDiplomatic Pressure’ Over Nile Agreement —
Ethiopian Reporter newspaper on 18 May, page 1, reported that the EgyptianGovernment was planning to exert “diplomatic pressure” over the recentlysigned agreement between four upper Nile basin countries on the equitablesharing of the Nile waters. Egyptian officials met in Cairo to denouncethe agreement and plan a diplomatic offensive following decisions by theEU and the Italian Government to support Ethiopia’s planned hydro-electricpower projects along the Nile.(Addis Ababa Reporter, privately-ownedweekly Amharic newspaper,p.1) Cairo Meeting Over Nile Accord Ends inDisagreement —
Ethiopian Reporter newspaper on 18 May, page 6, carried a report on aministerial meeting held in Cairo, Egypt, to find a solution t o thedisagreement over the agreement recently signed in Entebbe, Uganda,between four upper Nile riparian states. Egyptian and Sudanese ministerstogether with their counterparts from the four states that supported theagreement met to minimize and resolve contentious issues on the use of theNile waters but the meeting ended in disagreement since Egypt and Sudanheld on to their claim to rights granted to them by previous agreements,preventing upper riparian states from exploiting the Nile water resources.(Addis Ababa Reporter, privately-owned weekly Amharic newspaper) RulingParty Reportedly ‘Forcing’ Citizens’ To Vote EPRDF —
Ethiopian Reporter newspaper on 8 May reported that ruling EthiopianPeople’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) was breeching theelectoral code of conduct that most political parties in Ethiopia hadagreed to bind them. The report said the government was forcing citizensto sign and swear that they would cast their votes for EPRD F on 23 May.Opposition leader Lidetu Ayalew told Reporter newspaper that the EPRDF “iswarning citizens of grave consequences if they did not vote for only theruling party and that anyone who fails to do so will be identified afterthe election through their finger prints and through the computer system.The EPRDF will know who did and who did not and therefore take seriousmeasures against those who fail to keep their promise.” (Addis AbabaReporter, privately-owned weekly Amharic newspaper) Hand Grenade Attack onCampaign Rally Leaves Two Dead, 14 Others Wounded —
Ethiopian Reporter newspaper on 8 May reported a hand grenade attack on acrowd attending an election campaign rally in Oromia Region’s Bale zone ata place called Adaba, killing two people and wounding 14 others. Thereport added Bale Zone administrator, Mr Abdulaziz Mohamed, who was at therally, escaped unharmed and that two suspects were being held in policecustody following the atta ck. (Addis Ababa Reporter, privately-ownedweekly Amharic newspaper) Mesenakeya Eritrean President Esayas AfewerkiPledges Supports for Egypt —
Ethiopian Mesenakeya newspaper on 17 May, page 13, reported that EritreanPresident Isayas Afewerki had expressed support to Egypt over the recentdisagreement between Egypt and other upper Nile riparian countries. Thereport said that during a ceremony to sign various bilateral tradeagreements between Eritrea and Egypt, President Afewerki said thedisagreement between the Nile basin countries would bring chaos and causewar in the region. (Addis Ababa Mesenazeria, privately-owned weeklyAmharic newspaper) Paper Compares Views of Members of Ruling, OppositionParties —
Ethiopian Mesenakeya newspaper on 8 May, page 5, compared views of membersof the ruling party, Ethiopian People Revolutionary Democratic Front(EPRDF), and opposition Ethiopian Democratic Party (EDP) on the EPRDF’sdevelopment record during the past 19 years. The EPRDF representative, MrBereket Simon, praised the government for “the high level of developmentEthiopians have enjoyed during the past 19 years” but Mr Lidetu Ayalew,EDP chairman said: “Ethiopians are living under a government that has madelife very difficult and imposed on its citizens stringent restrictionsthat prevent them from enjoying technology in the 21 century and pullingthem back as the rest of the world advances”. Lidetu compared Ethiopiawith the stateless Somalia and refuting claims that “22 million Ethiopiansare using modern technology” arguing that “the number of Ethiopians usingtoday is less than 0.4 percent”. (Addis Ababa Mesenazeria, privately-ownedweekly Amharic newspaper) Addis Press EU Observers Deployed to Regions —
Ethiopian Addis Press newspaper on 17 May, page 10, reported that 60members of EU Election Observation Delegation had been deployed to variousregions in the countr y. On the meeting held yesterday the head of the EUobserver mission, Thjis Berman, explained the role the group would play inobserving the whole process and mentioned the delegation would release itspreliminary report on 24 May and the final report after 2 months. (AddisAbaba Addis Press, privately-owned weekly Amharic newspaper) OppositionParty Accuses National Electoral Board of Publishing Inappropriate Symbolson Ballot Paper —
Ethiopian Addis Press newspaper reported on 17 May that oppositionEthiopian Democratic Party had accused the National Election Board ofEthiopia of publishing inappropriate information regarding it on theballot paper. (Addis Ababa Addis Press, privately-owned weekly Amharicnewspaper, p.10) Article Views the Balance of Power Between RulingCoalition Parties —
Ethiopian Fitihi newspaper on 8 May, page 5, carried an article on theruling coalition parties, the Ethiopian People Revolutionary DemocraticFront (EPRDF) and the Ti gray Peoples’ Liberation Front (TPLF). Thearticle said that “the TPLF is among the four parties that united to formthe EPRDF in 1989 but according to the terms of the union it is the TPLFthat wields power and not the EPRDF. The article said that “since itsformation 35 years ago, it is now that the TPLF is beginning to let itsintentions be known after carefully and successfully concealing its secretpolitical ambition”. The article said that the party is increasinglydisplaying “its unwillingness to compromise with any other politicalparty, clearly indicating its desire to lead rather than to be led.”(Addis Ababa Fitihi, privately-owned Amharic weekly newspaper)
Material in the World News Connection is generally copyrighted by thesource cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyrightholder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. ofCommerce.
2) Back to TopAddis Ababa Amharic Press 19-26 May 10 – OSC SummaryMonday June 7, 2010 10:44:43 GMTEthiopian Reporter newspaper on May 26 reported that the EgyptianGovernment has transferred the controversial Nile issue from theMinistries of Irrigation and Foreign Affairs to the Ministry of NationalSecurity following its unsuccessful diplomatic efforts against theagreement on equitable sharing of the Nile waters recently by four upperNile riparian states, the Nile Basin Initiative Cooperative FrameworkAgreement. Egypt and Sudan refused to sign the agreement reached betweenupper Nile basin countries after over a decade of negotiations that alsoinvolved the two countries. (Addis Ababa Reporter, privately owned biweekly Amharic newspaper, p. 1) EU Observers Say There Were ‘SeveralSecurity and Political Problems’ During Ethiopian P oll
Ethiopia Reporter newspaper on May 26 reported that the EU electionobserver delegation issued a statement on the fourth Ethiopia nationalelection. The paper quoted the head of the EU delegation, Thjis Berman,addressing journalists during the presentation the delegation’spreliminary report on the elections, saying: “Though the election endedpeacefully, there were several security and political problems.” (AddisAbaba Reporter, privately owned bi weekly Amharic newspaper, p.1) TheEthiopian National Elections Cost an Estimated 189 Million Birr
Ethiopian Reporter newspaper on 23 May reported that the Ethiopianelection board had spent 189 million Ethiopian birr in the fourth nationalelection. The report said that this amount was higher than cost of theprevious elections. It quoted the board as saying that 31.9 people hadbeen registered to vote, 63 political parties and 31 independentcandidates were registered to participate in the elect ion. (Addis AbabaReporter, privately owned bi weekly Amharic newspaper, p.1) ‘Egypt CannotStop Ethiopia from Constructing Dam on the Nile’ – Prime Minister
Ethiopian Reporter newspaper on 23 May reported Ethiopian Prime MinisterMeles Zenawi’s comment on the Nile River issue following Egypt’s warningto Ethiopia after the latter signed, together with four other upper NileRiparian states, the Nile Basin Initiative Cooperative FrameworkAgreement, which Egypt and Sudan refused to sign. The report quoted theEthiopian prime minister as saying his country was able to develop variousdams on the river after Egypt dismissed the agreement recently reached atthe Nile Basin Initiative Council of Ministers meeting held in Sharmal-Shaykh, Egypt. (Addis Ababa Reporter, privately owned bi weekly Amharicnewspaper, p.1) Some 728 Media Houses Register To Cover EthiopianElections
Ethiopian Reporter newspaper on 23 May reported that 728 international andlocal media hou ses have been registered and accredited to report thefourth Ethiopian national elections. The report quoted the NationalElectoral Board as saying that 464 of the registered local media houseswere government-owned while 102 were privately-owned. (Addis AbabaReporter, privately owned bi weekly Amharic newspaper, p.3) EthiopianElectoral Board Warns Parties
Ethiopian Reporter newspaper on 23 May reported that the Ethiopianelectoral board had warned all political parties participating in thefourth Ethiopian general election not to announce results without theboard’s approval. (Addis Ababa Reporter, privately owned bi weekly Amharicnewspaper, p.16) Election Results Lead to Controversy in Tigray Region
Ethiopian Addis Admas newspaper on 25 May reported that election resultsin the Tigray Region have become controversial. The report saidcontroversy arose after the expected
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United–Ethiopian–Democratic–Forces UnitedE thiopian Democratic Forum and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethiopian–Democratic–Unity–Party EthiopianDemocratic Unity Party candidate lost the election to the ruling
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethiopian–People%27s–Revolutionary–Democratic–FrontEthiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front. (Addis Ababa AddisAdmass, privately owned weekly Amharic newspaper, p.1) EU Highlights‘Problems’ in Ethiopian Elections
Ethiopian Sendek newspaper on 26 May reported that EU election observationmission on 25 May highlighted problems in the fourth Ethiopian nationalelection process. This announcement followed the deployment of 170 membersto observe the process in 815 electoral stations. Some of the problems theEU report highlighted included, detention of opposition party candidates,the use of public facilities and media by the ruling party. (Addis AbabaSendek, privately owned weekly Amharic newspaper, p.1) ‘I Bow Down andAccept Your Support ‘ – Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s Victory Speech
Ethiopian Sendek newspaper on 26 May carried a report on Prime MinisterMeles Zenawi’s first appreciation speech to the public at Addis Ababa’sMeskel Square following his reelection. The report quoted Meles as saying:“I bow down and accept your support. The result will not make proud butwill prepare us to take on more responsibility.” This was the primeminister’s first speech following the National Election Board’sannouncement of the ruling
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethiopian–People%27s–Revolutionary–Democratic–FrontEthiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front ‘s victory in the fourthEthiopian national elections. (Addis Ababa Sendek, privately owned weeklyAmharic newspaper, p. 6) Meles Advices Opposition Parties to Take Stock ofCampaigns
Ethiopian Ethio-Channel on 26 May reported Ethiopian Prime Minister MelesZenawi’s speech to the public at Addis Ababa’s Meskel Square f ollowinghis ruling
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethiopian–People%27s–Revolutionary–Democratic–FrontEthiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front ‘s victory in the fourthEthiopian national elections. He was quoted as saying “if the oppositionparties are ready to settle down and finds out what the people didn’t likein their campaigns, there will be a good result for them, because thepublic is a fair judge.” (Addis Ababa Ethio-Channel, privately ownedweekly Amharic newspaper, P. 3) ‘The Hooligan International Human RightWatch’
Ethiopian Ethio-Channel’s editorial on 26 May termed the internationalorganization Human Rights Watch an international hooligan associationfollowing its negative report about the whole Ethiopian national election.The editorial observed that the organization had released a negativereport indicating that “the whole election process was flowed withouthaving observed the process”. (Addis Ababa Ethio-Ch annel, privately ownedweekly Amharic newspaper, P. 2)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United–Ethiopian–Democratic–Forces Opposition Coalition ‘Facing Serious Political Crisis’ After Losing Elections
Ethiopian Ethio-Channel on May 26 reported that the United EthiopianDemocratic Forum was facing a political crisis after the party’sunexpected loss in the fourth Ethiopian national elections. The reportsaid the party had been tipped by many to win the national elections.(Addis Ababa Ethio-Channel, privately owned bi-weekly Amharic newspaper,P. 4) ‘Egypt is Trying To Stop What is Unstoppable’ – Prime Minister MelesZenawi
Ethiopian Ethio-Channel on 22 May reported that Egyptian President HosniMubarak had called Kenyan, DRC and Burundi presidents for talks on theNile. The report quoted Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles saying that “Egyptis trying to stop the unstoppable. Egypt will not stop Ethiopia’s plans tobuild 70 dams and hydroelectric power plants along the Nile in the next 10years. (Addis Ababa Ethio-channel, privately owned bi-weekly Amharicnewspaper, p.3) American Embassy Apologizes to Government Over Information
Ethiopian Ethio-Channel on 22 May reported that the America Embassy inEthiopia had apologized to the Ethiopian Government for releasingunsubstantiated information to various international media. The reportsaid the US Embassy had indicated that “there are fears of insecurityafter the fourth national elections”. (Addis Ababa Ethio-Channel,privately owned bi-weekly Amharic newspaper, p.4) ‘Human Right Watch Can’tForm Government in Ethiopia’ – Government Spokesman
Ethiopian Ethio-Channel on 26 may carried a report on the EthiopianGovernment Communication Office statement denouncing accusations made byHuman Right Watch concerning the fourth Ethiopian national elections. Thegovernment’s reaction followed the report the organization releasedentitled “Government pressure discredited the whole election process”detailing reasons which it did not consider the election free and fair.(Addis Ababa Ethio-Channel, privately owned bi-weekly Amharic newspaper,P. 10) Eritrean Opposition Groups Agree To Unite
Ethiopian Sened newspaper on 22 May reported that eight rebel forces inEritrea that have been fighting the government independently, on 4 Maysigned an agreement to unite against “the dictatorial Eritrean rulingparty. The groups said in a joint statement that the Eritrean people would“not be manipulated by government propaganda on sanctions imposed by theinternational community” and would “continue fighting to overthrow thesystem”. (Addis Ababa Sened, privately owned weekly Amharic newspaper, p.4) Nile Basin ‘Disagreement Takes New Dimension’
Ethiopian Sened newspaper on 22 May reported that the disagreement betweenNile basin countries had taken a new dimension after the lower basinmember states, Egypt and Sudan, rejected the agreement. The agreement wassigned in Entebbe, Uganda on 14 May between Ethiopia, Uganda Rwanda, andTanzania. Other countries, like Burundi and DRC, were also expected tosign the agreement.(Addis Ababa Sened, privately owned weekly Amharicnewspaper, p. 4) ‘Egypt Can’t Stop Ethiopia from Constructing Dam on theNile’ – Prime Minister Meles
Ethiopian Degu newspaper on 22 May carried an interview with PrimeMinister Meles Zenawi in which he commented on Egypt’s current diplomaticmoves to mobilize support for its position on the agreement on theequitable use of Niles waters recently signed by four upper Nile riparianstates. The prime minister is quoted as saying that “the Egyptian positiondoes not go with the times.” (Addis Ababa Degu, privately owned weeklyAmharic newspaper, p. 1) Two Government Media Journalists Arraigned inCourt
Ethiopian Degu newspaper on 22 May reported that two state journ alistshave been arrai gned in court on charges of selling the employer’s videofilms to an international media. The report said that should thejournalists be found guilty they would be sentenced to 10 years in jail.(Addis Ababa Degu, privately owned weekly Amharic newspaper, p. 5)Djibouti Expresses Concern Over Somalia
Ethiopian Degu newspaper on 22 May reported that Djibouti had expressedconcern over the current political situation in Somalia. The report quotedDjibouti President Ismael Omar Guelleh saying that “the current escalationin the fighting in Somalia poses a threat to eastern Africa as a regionand to the Transitional Federal Government”. President Guelleh said thisat a UN meeting in New York, USA, held to discuss peacekeeping and ways ofresolving conflicts in Africa. (Addis Ababa Degu, privately owned weeklyAmharic newspaper, p. 5) Egyptian Economist Criticizes Eritrean Support
Ethiopian Degu newspaper on 22 May reported tha t an Egyptian economisthad criticized Eritrea’s diplomatic support for Egypt’s rejection of anagreement on the equitable use of the Nile waters signed by four upperNile riparian states. The report quoted the economist terming the support“baseless” and added that “Egypt and Ethiopia have maintained goodrelations” and expressed optimism that the two countries would “resolvethe problem through peaceful dialogue.”(Addis Ababa Degu, privately ownedweekly Amharic newspaper, p. 5) Ethiopian Paper Carries Reuters’ Analysisof National Elections
Ethiopian Awramba newspaper on 22 May carried a Reuters News Agencyanalysis of the fourth Ethiopian national elections. The analysis entitled“How will the election be concluded?” gave four possible scenarios of theoutcome. (Addis Ababa Awramba Times, privately owned weekly Amharicnewspaper, p. 8) Ethiopian Paper Highlights International Media Reportingof the National Elections< br>Ethiopian Awramba newspaper on 22 May carried a report on how variousinternational media had reported on the fourth Ethiopian nationalelections. The report mentioned The Economist, Reuters, Washington Times,The London Mail and The Guardian as well as Al-Jazeera as some of theinternational media that had reported on the elections. (Addis AbabaAwramba Times, privately owned weekly Amharic newspaper, p.3) VOABroadcasts Panel Discussion on Ethiopian National Elections
Ethiopian Awramba newspaper on 22 May carried a report on paneldiscussions on the Ethiopian national elections broadcast by VOA, whichhad invited many party leaders from both the ruling and oppositionparties. The report said panelists highlighted achievements in this year’selection as compared to previous elections, including the agreementbetween parties to have parliament amend laws on elections, media andpolitical parties and on the establishment of an electoral board. (AddisAbaba Awram ba Times, privately owned weekly Amharic newspaper, p. 10)Eritreans Celebrate Independence Day
Ethiopian Mesenazeria newspaper on 25 May carried a report on Eritrea’sindependence anniversary. The report said that though the country wasmarking its 19 th year since independence achieved after 30 years ofstruggle, history showed that the county had spent the years quarrellingwith neighboring countries and offering military support to rebel groupsfighting its neighbors and mistreating its citizens. (Addis AbabaMesenazeria, privately owned weekly Amharic newspaper, p. 5) ElectoralBoard Releases Election Figures
Ethiopian Goggle newspaper on 21 May reported that the National ElectoralBoard had released election figures ahead of the fourth nationalelections. The report said the figures released two days to the electionsindicated that 31,926,000 people had registered to vote. The reportedadded th at 2,205 prospective contestants were seeking election to theHouse of Peoples’ Representatives while 4,734 candidates were vying forseats in the regional councils. (Addis Ababa Goggle, privately ownedweekly Amharic newspaper, p. 1) ‘Egyptian Position is not in Tandem Withthe Times’ – Prime Minister Meles Zenawi
Negdras newspaper on 21 May reported that Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’scomments in reaction to Egypt’s rage on the recently signed agreementbetween for Nile basin countries. The prime minister said: “Egyptianposition is not in tandem with the times we are in and it can’t stopEthiopia’s projects on Nile.” (Addis Ababa Negdras, privately owned weeklyAmharic newspaper, p. 1) Ruling Coalition Spent 39 Million Birr onElection Campaigns
Negdras newspaper on May 21 reported that the ruling Ethiopian People’sRevolutionary Democratic Front’s announcement that it had spent 39 millionEthiopian birr on campaigns ahead of the fourth Ethiopian nationalelections. The report said the total amount of money spent by the partycould be up to 500 million Ethiopian birr. (Addis Ababa Goggle, privatelyowned weekly Amharic newspaper, p. 1) EU Short Term Observers Dispatchedto Regions, Ethiopia
Addis Lessan newspaper on 26 May reported that the EU election observationmission had dispatched 60 temporary election observers to various regionsin the country. The newspaper said that at a meeting on 25 May, the headof the EU delegation Thjis Berman explained how the observers wouldparticipate in the whole process and added that the first Result would beannounced on 24 May and the overall result after 2 months. (Addis AbabaAddis Lessan, privately owned bi-weekly Amharic newspaper, p. 1) Egypt’s‘Determined To Win Local and International Support’ on the Nile
Fiteh newspaper on 21 May carried a report on the recent political crisisbetween upper and lower Nile basin countries over the recently signedagreement in Entebbe, Uganda. The report said “Egyptian s are determinedto win local and international diplomatic support knowing Nile is theirbackbone”. It recalled a comment by former Egyptian President Anwar Sadatwho said: “Our life depends 100 percent on the Nile. So it’s our source ofexistence and whoever comes to destroy our source life, we will resist bywar.” (Addis Ababa Fiteh, privately owned weekly Amharic newspaper, p. 5)
Material in the World News Connection is generally copyrighted by thesource cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyrightholder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. ofCommerce.
3) Back to TopSomalia Daily Media Highlights 7 Jun 10 – Somalia — OSC SummaryMonday June 7, 2010 04:58:55 GMTAFP20100605950037 Mogadishu OSC Translation on Sub-S aharan Africa inSomali 04 Jun 10
Text of report by Somali Jowhar website on 4 June
Somali government forces and those of African Union’s Mission in Somalia(Amisom) troops have spent the night in the battle ground in northeasternpart of Mogadishu where yesterday’s fierce fighting broke out having madeprogress in the conflict.
Reports indicate that government forces, and particularly the ones trainedin Uganda are currently at the Mirinayada building and Liido beach whichare parts of Abdiazziz District. The situation this morning is very calmand there is no fighting in these areas. Senior Somali governmentofficials have not spoken on yesterday’s fighting except for armed forcesofficers leading soldiers in the battle ground who said that they havemade major progress.
The spokesman for Al-Shabab, Ali Dheere has said they have attainedvictory in yesterday’s fighting and dismissed reports that some of theareas that they previously controlled have now been captured. Yesterday’sfighting in Mogadishu has so far been the most fierce as both sidescontinued fighting well into the night. More than 30 civilians were killedin the fighting whereas over a hundreds were wounded.
Somalia: Renewed Fighting North of Mogadishu Leaves 21 People Dead, 31Wounded
AFP20100605527005 Boosaaso Radio Horseed in Somali 1130 GMT 03 Jun 10
Fighting that started early this morning and is still continuing hascaused the death of more than 21 people and left 31 others wounded. Ourreporter Muhammad Kaafi Shaykh Abuukar has sent this report fromMogadishu.
(Begin Abuukar recording) The fighting between the Transitional FederalGovernment troops and armed groups opposed to it broke out again in thenorthern parts of Mogadishu. The fighting, in which the warring sides usedheavy and light weapons, caused heavy casualties among civilians. Thefighting started following shelling of residential neighborhoods in thecapital by both sides.
Ali Muuse, who is one of the directors of the Mogadishu AmbulanceServices, told us that they had evacuated more than 57 wounded people,mostly civilians. Ali said that some of the injured were in criticalcondition while others were slightly wounded. He said the wounded people,who were from different parts of Mogadishu, were taken to differenthospitals in the city. Lastly, the clashes in the capital caused mostcasualties among the civilians. (End recording)
(Description of Source: Boosaaso Radio Horseed in Somali – independent)
Islamist group reportedly seizes new areas in Mogadishu, set fire to AUvehicles
GMP20100604950012 Doha Al-Jazirah Satellite Channel Television in Arabic1811 GMT 03 Jun 10
Doha Al-Jazeera Satellite Channel Television in Arabic at 1811 gmt on 3June carries the following announcer-read report:
“Medical sources have said that 16 people were killed and around 50 otherswounde d following a bombing that targeted northern parts of the Somalicapital, Mogadishu. This bombing came following clashes between theAfrican Union (AU) forces and the Mujahidin Youth Movement (MYM) north ofMogadishu, who were able to set fire to an African forces’ vehicle.”
This is followed by an “exclusive” two-minute video report by Umar Mahmud,Al-Jazeera’s correspondent in Mogadishu, who starts by speaking about “newclashes taking place on battlefronts north of Mogadishu, this time betweenthe MYM and the African Union forces, which support the Somaligovernment.”
He adds: “In the areas that were controlled by the MYM gunmen in theirrecent advance, a military armoured vehicle and a bulldozer were seen onfire – both owned by the African Union forces. It seems that the clasheswere very fierce to the extent that the African Union forces could notwithdraw their vehicles and remained silent and did not comment on whathappened .”
He goes on to say: “To some analysts, today’s clashes give rise to adebate on the ability of the African Union forces to maintain peace – thereason why the forces came to Somalia.”
Speaking about “the suffering of the civilians,” Mahmud talks about the“nightmares caused by the artillery shells that follow them wherever theygo in the capital.”
Mahmud concludes by saying: “Mogadishu continues to be the focal point ofa turbulent struggle and a tug of war between two parties, in which eachparty seeks to advance towards the other, in order to control newpositions.”
(Description of Source: Doha Al-Jazirah Satellite Channel Television inArabic — Independent Television station financed by the QatariGovernment)
Somali Insurgents Parade Alleged AU Troops’ Bodies After Mogadishu Battle
AFP20100604517004 Paris AFP (World Service) in English 1311 GMT 04 Jun 10
Mogadishu, June 4, 201 0 (AFP) – Somali insurgents displayed the bodies ofwhat they said were African Union troops Friday following a day of fierceclashes with government troops for control of Mogadishu.
BOTh the Al Qaeda-inspired Shebab and the embattled Western-backedgovernment claimed victory in fighting that left at least 21 civilians andan unknown number of combatants dead.
The capital was more calm after the government offensive launched Thursdayto recapture strategic neighbourhoods of Mogadishu that was turned into abattlefield and virtually emptied of its population.
Independent access to the contested areas was made difficult by themilitary standoff but residents reached by phone said Shebab fightersparaded bodies of soldiers, including from an attack on an armou redvehicle belonging to the African Union mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
“I saw the dead body of a soldier but I could not identify him. There wasalso another one which they said was the c harred body of from thedestroyed troop carrier,” witness Faisal Omar told AFP.
The main spokesman for the Shebab, whose leaders claim allegiance to Osamabin Laden, said the government offensive had been repelled.
“The enemy tried to advance into the areas we control but following thelesson they were taught by our mujahideen (holy warriors), they will nevertry again,” said Sheikh Ali Mohamoud Rage, the main spokesman.
“Today, we can all see the casualties we inflicted on them. We destroyedan armoured vehicle, killing all on board. We also seized a bulldozerbelonging to AMISOM,” Rage told reporters.
African Union troops back government forces in the fight against theinsurgents.
African Union military officials in Mogadishu could not be reached forcomment but several witnesses confirmed the incidents and the Shebabposted pictures on a website affiliated to their movement.
“I was trapped inside my h ouse yesterday during the fighting and I saw anarmoured vehicle with an AU marking burning outside. There was also abulldozer trapped in a ditch,” said local resident Mohamed Hassan.
The bulldozer was believed to be used by AMISOM troops to fill trenchesdug by the Shebab to protect their positions.
A government security official denied their offensive had been thwarted.
“Our forces are holding several neighbourhoods in northern Mogadishu wherethey fought the rebels. The situation is calm today,” Ali Nur said.
On May 21-22, as President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed was in Turkey mustering newsupport for his embattled transitional federal government (TFG), theShebab and its Hezb al-Islam allies launched a devastating attack onMogadishu.
They seized large swathes of the northern Shibis and Bondhereneighbourhoods, moving them within barely more than a stone’s throw of theshrivelling perimetre housing the presidency and other key institutions.
It also gave them a strategic vantage point over Mogadishu port and theability to disrupt supplies to the government and AMISOM.
The AU mission said at the time that the insurgents had crossed “a redline” and that the rebel advance warranted tough reprisals.
(Description of Source: Paris AFP (World Service) in English — world newsservice of the independent French news agency Agence France Presse)
Somalia: Al-Shabaab Mujahidin Take Control of Dhuusamareeb Airport ,Siinaay
AFP20100603353001 Somali Memo in Somali 02 Jun 10
(Unattributed report; “Brigades of Al-Shabaab Mujahidin Take Control ofDhuusamareeb Airport and Siinaay; the Fighting Continues”)
Intense fighting resumed at noon today in Dhuusamareeb, where Al-Shabaaband Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama’a (ASWJ) were competing for control.
Reports just received confirmed that the fighting is in the neighborhoodof Siinaay. Al-Shabaab forces took control of the airport and Galcadoafter a fight with Ahlu Sunnah Waljama’a polytheists.
An eyewitness in the city of Dhuusamareeb confirmed to Somali Memo thatheavy fighting is taking place in parts of the neighborhood of Siinaay.Al-Shabaab forces are coming to the city in large numbers and set up abase at the airport.
An eyewitness explained said: “The fighting is currently going on inSiinaay neighborhood. Al-Shabaab took control of the airport and is alsofighting ASWJ elements in Siinaay. The residents fled the city.”
The fighting shifted to the center of the city of Dhuusamareeb and SomaliMemo is paying money to get verified information from there.
(Description of Source: Somali Memo in Somali; news website that updatesdaily and reports news with a clear bias towards Somali terrorist groupAl-Shabaab; URL:
http://www.somalimemo.net www.somalimemo.net.)
Somalia: Al-Shabaab Radio Claim Heavy Losses on Governm ent Troops
AFP20100605527007 Kismaayo Radio Andalus in Somali 1600 GMT 03 Jun 10
As the crusader and riddah troops (Somali for apostate, reference made tothe African Union peacekeeping forces in Mogadishu and Somali governmenttroops) continued to suffer heavy casualties in today’s fighting, theirburnt military vehicles were displayed to the various local media groupsoperating in the country. Abdulahi Shaykh has sent us details of thatreport from Mogadishu.
(Begin Shaykh recording) Casualty figures among the civilian populationare rising following the heavy shelling in the capital, Mogadishu whichstarted this morning and continued till midday. God is great, God isgreat, Al-Shabaab Mujahidin fighters, who have been engaged in fiercebattle with the crusader and riddah troops for the better part of today,in parts of the city, shouted. Radio Andalus, which was covering theevents, was taken by the Mujahidin to their positions at Lido Beach, where they displayed armored vehicles which, they captured today from thecrusader and riddah troops. The Mujahidin also displayed bodies of theinfidel troops killed in the fighting. Muslim residents in the city andthe Muslims all over the Muslim world were delighted when they saw whathappened to the infidel troops. Residents streamed into Lido Beach area tosee for themselves the blown up vehicles, which belonged to the infideltroops. At least 21 riddah fighters were killed in today’s clashes andmany more sustained serious injuries. The infidel troops also lost sevenof their vehicles which were set ablaze by the Mujahidin. However, manycivilians were killed and scores of others wounded following heavyshelling in parts of the city by Amisom (African Mission in Somalia)troops. So far, the casualty figures among the civilians are not yetclear. (End recording)
(Description of Source: Kismaayo Radio Andalus in Somali — Al-Shabaabowned radio station)
Al-Shabab forms Islamic administration for southern Somali town
AFP20100606950052 Gaalkacyo Radio Gaalkacyo in Somali 1015 GMT 06 Jun 10
Text of report by Somali independent Radio Gaalkacyo on 6 June
(Presenter) Al-Shabab forms administration in Southern Somali town.
(Reporter) The Islamic governorate of Al-Shabab Islamic Movement in Jubbaregions have today formed an Islamic administration at Saakow District ofMiddle Jubba Region, southern Somalia. The group has also reshuffled theformer administration of Bu’ale District (The provincial town of MiddleJubba Region)
The Al-Shabab governor of Lower Jubba Region Shaykh Abukar Ali and otherhigh-ranking officials of Al-Shabab Islamic Movement have gathered at thenomination ceremony. The group appointed Shaykh Muhammad Dhaqane Odowa asthe district commissioner of Saakow while they also nominated Shaykh AliBari Ali Yusuf as the army commander. Several other positions includingthe head of finance of the town were also been named during the ceremony.
Shaykh Abukari Ali, who is the governor of Al-Shabab in Lower Jubbaregion, appealed to residents in the town to collaborate with the newadministration. He further announced that the new administration willimpose Shari’ah law in the region and fulfil their obligations accordingto Islamic teachings. He said Al-Shabab had succeeded in forming districtadministrations in Jubba regions, adding they will continue until theyform an Islamic state. The governor meanwhile, urged residents of southernSomalia to join what he described as a holy war. The move comes at a timewhen fierce fighting between government forces and Islamist groups hascontinued in the country in the last few days.
(Description of Source: Gaalkacyo Radio Gaalkacyo in Somali)
Al-Shabaab Radio Reprts Insurgents Claim Victory in Latest Clashes in Mogadishu
AFP20100605527006 Kismaayo Radio Andalus in Somali 1600 GMT 03 J un 10
There is relative calm in the parts of Mogadishu, where today’s clashesoccurred. Reports indicate that the infidel troops and those of the riddahgroup (apostate group, reference made to the Transitional FederalGovernment of Somalia) sustained heavy casualties in the clashes. HasanHaji, who is at the scene of the battle, has been following today’sclashes and is on the line now from there. Hasan, what is the latest?
(Haji) The enemy attacked us this morning and we successfully repulsedthem. They are now back to their previous positions.
(Announcer Faysal) Well, tell us about the positions of the two sides asof now and if there are militias and armored vehicles captured from theriddah group as well as the casualty figures on their side.
(Haji) Faysal, as a matter of fact, the Mujahidin were already preparedand were in their positions at the time of the attack. In the past, theMujahidin used to withdraw tactically from their posi tions whenever theenemy tanks came closer but that was not the case today. You could see theMujahidin confronting the enemy tanks and inflicting heavy casualties onthem. You saw one of the infidel troops’ tanks blown in the fighting. TheMujahidin also captured a Taw(pick up loaded with weapons) which waspartially burnt but parts of it still intact with the three people onboard dead, including the driver and the one firing rockets from it. TheMujahidin captured another vehicle, a tractor this time, which was notdamaged and left by the enemy troops when it fell into a trap set by theMujahidin for such vehicles and the enemy troops could not rescue it. Thattractor is now in the hands of the Mujahidin commanders and they woulddecide what to do about it. Those who lost their beloved ones like motherswho lost their sons, their brothers ,their husbands or their relatives,this defeat of the enemy would console them and let them forget abouttheir loses. Seeing th e enemy armored vehicles in the hands of theMujahidin, the corpses of their fighters scattered all over the placewould give them solace. The Mujahidin are more steadfast and moreencouraged now. The infidels thought that they (Mujahidin) could not facetheir tanks but today they saw with their own eyes that the Mujahidin canconfront these tanks. Meanwhile, we are getting reports indicating thatthe the riddah leaders at the presidential place are now cursing eachother and blaming each other for the defeat.
(Description of Source: Kismaayo Radio Andalus in Somali — Al-Shabaabowned radio station)
Somalia: Al-Shabaab Official Vows To Fight Until Elimination of Sufi Group
AFP20100606301003 Raxanreeb.com in Somali 06 Jun 10
Shaykh Yusuf Ise Kabo-Kutukade, the Al-Shabaab governor of Gal GaduudRegion, has revealed their (Al-Shabaab) military plan for parts of theregion. The governor said the fighting would go on as long as Ahlu Sunnahwal Jama ‘a forces were present in parts of the country. He saidAl-Shabaab’s plan was to continue the fight until it eliminated the group.
Kabo-Kutukade added that currently Al-Shabaab controlled most Galgaduudtowns, where it set up Islamic administrations for them. He says thatAl-Shabaab intends to extend its control over the rest of the region soon.On aid agencies, Shaykh Kabo-Kutukade said people do not require theirassistance.
The remarks came as Al-Shabaab and Ahlu Sunnah forces clashed in Galgaduudrecently, causing heavy casualties.
(Description of Source: US based independent news website;
http://www.raxanreeb.com/ http://www.raxanreeb.com/ )
Somalia: Moderate Islamic Group Claims To Kill Over 90 Al-ShabaabMilitants
AFP20100604301001 Toronto Hiiraan Online in Somali 04 Jun 10
Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama’a spokesman Shaykh Abdullahi Shaykh Abu Yusuf hasbriefed the media on the latest clashes in Galgadu ud Region BetweenAl-Shaba ab Mujahidin Movement.
The spokesman said they killed more than 90 Al-Shabaab Mujahidin Movementfighters, among them foreigners, and wounded up to 170 others during theclashes, which occurred near Dhuusa Mareeb town. He described the fightingas the heaviest ever witnessed in Galgaduud Region. He added that theyalso captured vehicles laden with military equipment and light arms leftbehind by fleeing Al-Shabaab Mujahidin Movement forces. He did not givedetails of casualties sustained by their (Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama’a) side inthe latest clashes.
Al-Shabaab Mujahidin Movement, through its representative in GalgaduudRegion, Shaykh Yusuf Ise Kabo-Kutukade, claimed victory in the latestfighting.
There has been no independent confirmation of the real situation in areaswhere the clashes occurred.
Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama’a and Al-Shabaab Mujahidin Movement forces arefiercely fighting over control of the Somali central region of Galgaduud.Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama’a has control of most of the region.
(Description of Source: Toronto Hiiraan Online in Somali — IndependentInternet site;
http://www.hiiraan.com/ http://www.hiiraan.com/ )
AU peacekeepers ‘confess’ three soldiers killed in Somali fighting
SAP20100606950064 Mogadishu Radio Simba in Somali 1000 GMT 06 Jun 10
Text of report by privately-owned Somali Radio Simba on 6 June
AU peacekeepers have confessed two of their soldiers were killed, and moreothers wounded in the latest fighting between them and insurgent groups inMogadishu.
“Two of our forces were killed, several others wounded in the recentfighting against insurgent groups in Mogadishu,” AU peacekeepers spokesmanhas said.
He also added that five other soldiers were wounded in the fightingbetween them (AU peacekeeper), insurgent groups in Mogadishu, thespokesman also confirmed that two of their battlewagons were destroyed inthe fighting agai nst insurgent groups in Mogadishu.
However, there are 6,000 AU peacekeepers in Somalia to assist Somalia’stransitional government.
(Description of Source: Mogadishu Radio Simba in Somali)
Somalia: Al-Shabaab Claims Killing AHSWJ Commander in Xeraale, GalguduudRegion
AFP20100603353002 Somali Memo in Somali 03 Jun 10
(Unattributed report: “The Highest Ranking Commander of Xeerale Was KilledOutside Dhuusamareeb; Tanker Truck Was Burned”)
Ahlu Sunnah Waljama’a (AHSWJ) militias have suffered heavy losses in thefighting in Galguduud during the last two days.
Latest reports received from Galguduud say that the situation iscomparatively calm this morning after continued fighting for the last twodays that caused damage to the AHSWJ.
At midnight last night a commander of the polytheist AHSWJ was killed byAl-Shabaab mujahidin in the suburbs of Dhuusamareeb and caused death anddestruction to the group.
A we ll-known AHSWJ member named Isman Talado was found dead this morningin the village of Xeraale in Galguduud region. Isman Talado was thecommander of AHSWJ in Xeraale; he used to act as a holy man and collectedmoney from the women and the ignorant people.
Al-Shabaab mujahidin launched a sudden attack on the polytheist AHSWJforces while they were gathering at a base, and Isman Talada wasslaughtered immediately. He was known for his use of witchcraft andsuperstition.
Al-Shabaab spokesman Shaykh Ali Dhere confirmed the report, adding that atanker truck being used by the polytheists was burned in the fighting.
AHSWJ forces have been weakened in the fighting, so Al-Shabaab brigadesjust need to move forward to the city.
It seems that Al-Shabaab commanders are using a tactical retreat byretreating from the places they attack and then move forward to thecities.
The war plan that Al-Shabaab is using in Dhuusamareeb looks exactly likethe ope rations they used in the fighting in Galacad and Massagawaa, wherethey finally captured Ceeldheer after the militias were weakened.
Temporary administrators placed by Al-Shabaab mujahidin outsideDhuusamareeb are receiving representatives from some communities in thecity, who are requesting Al-Shabaab to let them stay out of the fighting.
Yesterday, Habar Eji community of Ceyr tribe announced that they havewithdrawn from the fighting in Galgaduud since their militias sufferedheavy losses.
(Description of Source: Somali Memo in Somali; news website that updatesdaily and reports news with a clear bias towards Somali terrorist groupAl-Shabaab; URL:
http://www.somalimemo.net www.somalimemo.net.)
Nine killed as clan fighting rages in southern Somalia
SAP20100604950071 Mogadishu Radio Simba in Somali 1000 GMT 04 Jun 10
Text of report by privately-owned Somali Radio Simba on 4 June
(Presenter) There is an upsurge of civi lian casualties in fightingbetween two rival clans in Wanle Weyne District, southern Somalia.
Reports reaching us from Wanle Weyne District confirm that nine peoplehave been killed and more than 10 others have been wounded in thefighting,
Elders and Al-Shabab Islamic Movement administration have reportedlylaunched efforts to mediate between the two clans in Wanle Weyne District,southern Somalia.
The fighting between the two clans in Wanle Weyne District is said to havecaused widespread displacement in area.
(Description of Source: Mogadishu Radio Simba in Somali)
Gunmen shoot dead two people at coffee shop in central Somalia
AFP20100606950054 Gaalkacyo Radio Gaalkacyo in Somali 1015 GMT 05 Jun 10
Text of report by Somali independent Radio Gaalkacyo on 5 June
At least two people were killed and three others were wounded afterunknown gunmen opened gunfire at a tea shop in Gaalkacyo town, centralSomalia. The police commander of Mudug region Muse Abdirahman Hasasi hasconfirmed to Radio Gaalkacyo that the police are pursuing the perpetratorswho carried out the mission. The commander further said they had so fararrested several people who are suspected to be responsible for insecurityin Gaalkacyo town adding that they were being investigated.
On other hand, Mudug regional governor Ahmad Ali Salad, has said that allsoutherners in Puntland-controlled areas must return to their originhomeland. The governor accused those people for bringing violence andinstability in the region. The move comes at a time Puntland and theGalmudug regional administrations have vowed to improve peace in centralSomalia.
(Description of Source: Gaalkacyo Radio Gaalkacyo in Somali)
Somali Islamists say AU troops planning to carry out air raids in capital
AFP20100605950046 Mogadishu OSC Translation on Sub-Saharan Africa inSomali 04 Jun 10
Text of report by Somali Jowhar w ebsite on 4 June
The Hisb al-Islam commander in Banaadir Region Mogadishu and itsenvirons), Ma’alin Hashi, has said there are plans to carry out air raidsin areas that are under their control as Amisom (African Union’s Missionin Somalia) troops have been defeated in the face to face fighting inMogadishu.
Ma’alin Hashi said they have attained victory in yesterday’s fighting inMogadishu which he said the Mujahidins, meaning foreigners fightingalongside them, took a major part.
“There are plans by the enemy to carry out air raids in the city havingfailed on foot confrontation,” said Ma’alin Hashi who added that he willcontinue with the fighting.
Ma’alin Hashi threatened to bring down any plane that comes into theMogadishu’s airspace, adding that the planes meant to carry out this raidin the capital will be flying from Seychelles, among other places.
The statement by Ma’alin Hashi comes at a time when fierce fighting brokeo ut in Mogadishu yesterday in which Amisom troops took part. An armouredvehicle belonging to Amisom troops in Somalia has since been burnt in thefighting.
Islamist Radio Blames Shelling of Mogadishu Market on African Peacekeepers
AFP20100604527005 Baydhabo Radio Andalus in Somali 1000 GMT 03 Jun 10
Bakaara Market was today affected following mortar rounds fired by AMISOM(African Mission in Somalia) in parts of Mogadishu, some of which landedin the market. Nadif Abdulqadir has sent us this report from Mogadishu:
(Begin Abdulqadir recording) The Bakaara Market, which is a center oftrade for the Muslim population in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, wasaffected today following heavy shelling by the infidel AMISOM troops inparts of the capital city such as the Hawlwadaag neighborhood and BakaaraMarket as well as other locations in east of the capital. The shelling,which was heard in the market area earlier today, paralyzed activities andtransp ort in the city, particularly public vehicles used for transportinggoods to and from the market. The market was deserted today with most ofthe traders closing their shops following AMISOM’s heavy shelling of thecity. Many people were seen sheltering under concrete structures, tryingto avoid getting hit in the AMISOM shelling. In the last few hoursambulances were seen arriving at the market to transport the wounded, manyof whom were traders at the market. Although the exact figures of thecasualties in today’s shelling remains unknown, reports from the areaindicate that a number of business premises were destroyed by mortarsfired by AMISOM. Bakaara market is the target of indiscriminate AMISOMshelling when they (AMISOM troops) come under fire from the Mujahidinforces. However, business people at the market expressed concern over thevirtual daily shelling of the market by AMISOM. (End recording)
Somali moderates urge government to ensure security in rec ently capturedareas
AFP20100605950048 Mogadishu OSC Translation on Sub-Saharan Africa inSomali 04 Jun 10
Text of report by Somali Jowhar website on 4 June
The moderate Islamic group Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama’a supreme council hascalled upon the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG) to ensuresecurity in public places adding that they will step up their operationsto restore security in the country.
Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama’a has issued a statement in which they said Somalicivilians have been exhausted from the prolonged fighting in the countryand called upon government forces to ensure security in the areas thatthey have captured from opposition groups.
The religious scholars called upon senior armed forces officials to informthe soldiers about their duty toward the public and the country ingeneral. They also said the rights of the armed forces needed to besafeguarded so that they too do not transgress against the civilian population.
The Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama’a statement discussed yesterday’s fighting inMogadishu in which government forces launched the attacks and welcomed theprogress they made in the fighting.They also called upon the government toensure security in areas that are under its control and confront thegroups that are contributing to insecurity there. The Ahlu Sunnah walJama’a statement concluded by praying for the civilians and asked them torepent for any wrong doing they may have committed.
Somalia: Mogadishu Residents Burn Bodies of AMISOM Troops, Soldiers inCapital
AFP20100606507002 Baydhabo Radio Andalus in Somali 1000 GMT 04 Jun 10
Mogadishu residents today burnt in public some of the infidel troops ofAmisom and the apostate militias (REFERENCE made to the African Unionforces and Somali Government troops) Our reporter Abdulahi Shaykh sentdetails of this report from Mogadishu.
(Begin recording) (Shaykh) The dead bodies of the infidel tr oops andthose of the apostate group were seen today in parts of Mogadishu such asBaar Ubah Junction. The burnt bodies were those of the soldiers killed inyesterday’s fighting in the city. The bodies of these soldiers werealready charred following the destruction of a troop carrier which was setablaze by members of the public during the operation. Members of thepublic, however, gathered the remains of the soldiers and set them ablazeat an open place in the capital. Another soldier of the apostate group,who was killed in Sayidka area of Hodan District, was also burnt by theresidents. Jubilant residents in the city came out in large numbers to seefor themselves the corpses of the infidels. A resident who took part inthe burning of the infidels said:
(Unidentified resident) God willing, the Mujahidin will gain victory. Godwilling, Allah will hasten the defeat of the infidels. We are tellingthose collaborating with the enemy to return to Allah and repe nt fortheir bad deeds. Allah’s victory and help are near.
(Shaykh) Meanwhile, members of the public called for the support of theMujahidin while expressing their joy at the defeat of the infidels in theclashes which occurred in parts of the capital, Mogadishu yesterday. Thebodies of the infidel troops were scattered in the streets of Mogadishu.(End recording).
(Description of Source: Baydhabo Radio Andalus in Somali — Al-Shabaabowned radio station)
Mortars on Somali presidential palace halted as government captures newareas
AFP20100605950035 AllPuntland.com in Somali 05 Jun 10
Text of report by Somali pro-Puntland government website on 5 June
The situation in Mogadishu this morning is a bit calm although the soundof heavy gunfire being exchanged by warring groups in the capital can beheard at times. Warring groups in the capital seemed to have had a properfight yesterday and have refrained from launching major attacks o n eachother this morning.
The Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG) has said they havecaptured a few places among them the Liido Beach near the Somalipresidency which is where opposition groups have been firing mortars from.
The Somali presidency for the first time in many months this morning had abreak from the different types of arms that were fired into its compoundas firearms shot from the Liido Beach used to directly land there. TFGforces have also failed to capture many of the places they had planned tocapture.
The Al-Shabab Movement last night showed pictures of armoured vehiclesbelonging to Amisom (African Union’s Mission in Somalia) troops which theyset a blaze during the bitter fighting in Mogadishu. Opposition groupsalso burnt a number of bullet proof vehicle using bazookas showing theextent of their might.
Meanwhile, residents of northern Mogadishu have fled from their homes andthe neighbourhoods were left empty. Yesterday’s fighting in these areashas affected residents who have not been displaced from their homes inrecent years.
(Description of Source: AllPuntland.com in Somali — Pro-Puntlandgovernment website; URL:
http://www.allpuntland.com http://www.allpuntland.com )
Somali Clan Elders Call for Jihad Against Kenya, Ethiopia
AFP20100604527004 Kismaayo Radio Andalus in Somali 1600 GMT 02 Jun 10
Clan elders in the Islamic administration of Gedo Region have called onresidents in the region to confront and participate in the Jihad againstthe military maneuvers of two Christian states of Ethiopia and Kenya. Ourreporter Abdiqani Muhammad Bayow has that report.
(Begin Bayow recording) In a statement issued recently, clan elders inGedo Region called on various Somali clans in southern regions,particularly Gedo Region, to brace themselves for Jihad against Ethiopiaand Kenya. The elders called for Jihad against these two countries because they were training and backing apostate militias (loyal to theTransitional Federal Government of Somalia) with a view to destabilizingpeaceful regions in the country. The elders also urged the wider Somalisociety to wage war on these countries. Shaykh Aden Muhammad Abdalla,spokesman for the clan elders, called on the clans to prepare for war withthese countries. Shaykh Abdalla, while commenting on the issue said.(Shaykh Abdalla’s comments indistinct) The elders added that thesecountries were conspiring to undermine peace efforts in the country at atime when many people in the country, particularly those living in thesouthern regions, had chosen to follow and practice Islamic Sharia. ShaykhAden called for the spread of the Jihad and urged the Mujahidin forces tofight these countries. Shaykh Aden added that these countries never wantedus to apply the laws of Allah but they instead wanted us to follow manmade constitutions. (Shaykh Aden’s comments indistin ct) Finally theelders welcomed the Islamic administrations controlling many parts of thecountry. (End recording)
(Description of Source: Kismaayo Radio Andalus in Somali — Al-Shabaabowned radio station)
Somali website slams government, AU troops for allegedly denying losses infight
AFP20100605950051 AllPuntland.com in Somali 05 Jun 10
Text of report by Somali pro-Puntland government website on 5 June
African Union’s Mission in Somalia (Amisom) troops have denied that someof their armoured vehicles were burnt down in the recent fighting inMogadishu. Since then, the Movement for the Al-Shabab Mujahidin and theinternational media have shown pictures of the burnt Amisom vehicles.
Al-Shabab forces took some of the journalists to the areas where thefighting took place and showed them vehicles belonging to Amisom troopswhich they set ablaze. Videos of the burning armoured vehicles were alsopublicized by Al-Shabab, portraying Tra nsitional Federal Government ofSomalia (TFG) and Amisom officials in bad light over their persistentdenials that none of Amisom vehicles were burnt in the fighting, andclaims that they have attained victory.
Al-Shabab forces have said they will continue fighting against TFG forcesand those of Amisom troops until shari’ah law is fully implemented in thecountry. The released pictures show Al-Shabab forces setting a blaze up tofour vehicles, three of which are armoured vehicles with guns mounted onthem while the fourth one is the kind used to unblock roads know asCAGO-CAGAF (as published). The pictures also show Al-Shabab fighterscelebrating the vehicles they have set a blaze.
African Union troops in Somalia, who guard important TFG facilities inMogadishu, have been taking part in the recent bitter fighting inMogadishu. This is the second time that vehicles belonging to Amisomtroops have been set on fire.
(Description of Source: AllPuntland.com in Somali — Pro-Puntlandgovernment website; URL:
http://www.allpuntland.com http://www.allpuntland.com )
Somalia: Al-Shabaab Radio Re ports ‘Fierce Fighting’ Near Marereergur
AFP20100604527003 Kismaayo Radio Andalus in Somali 1600 GMT 02 Jun 10
There has been fierce fighting in Marereergur Village, 20 kilometers fromDhuusomareeb town. Our reporter Isma’il Salad has been following thisfighting and sent us this report.
(Begin rSalad recording) There was fierce fighting between Al-ShabaabMujahidin fighters, particularly Galgaduud units, and the idol worshippers(REFERENCE made to Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama’a, a moderate Islamist groupfighting the Al-Shabaab) in Mareergur area. The fighting, which went onfor several hours, dealt a heavy blow to the Mushrikin group (polytheistgroup). The Al-Shabaab administrator in Galgaduud Region Shaykh Yusuf Issealias Kabakutukade told Radio Andalus that they killed approximately 14fighters from the M ushrikin side including their commander. The latestreports coming tonight from Mareergur area indicate that bodies of thedead Mushrikin fighters are scattered in the area. The Mujahidin haveadvanced on toward Dhuusamareeb town, taking their frontline on the roadbetween Mareergur and Dhuusamareeb town. Shaykh Yusuf Isse whilecommenting on the fighting said:
(Shaykh Isse) There has been fighting in this area since yesterdayfollowing an attack launched by the Quburiyin (grave worshippers) on theresidents in the town (passage indistinct) The reports from the scene ofyesterday’s battle indicate that the Mushrikin fighters have fled toDhuusamareeb town and the village of Mareergur is now in the hands of theMujahidin with the corpses of the Musrikin scattered in the area.Meanwhile the Mujahidin clashed again today at sunset with the Mushrikinmilitias in a place called Geed Timir, 5-8 kilometers from Dhuusamareeb,taking over control of the area. The situati on in the area is calm nowthough the sound of heavy weapons exchanged by the sides is being heard inthe town. Reports coming from Dhuusamareeb indicate the Mushrikin militiasare gripped with great fear as the Mujahidin advance on toward the town.(End recording)
(Description of Source: Kismaayo Radio Andalus in Somali — Al-Shabaabowned radio station)
Somalia: Government Forces Reportedly Evict Islamist Fighters From BeledWeyne
AFP20100604507001 Boosaaso Radio Horseed in Somali 1130 GMT 31 May 10
(Corrected version: Adding country name to headline; Interview with RadioHorseed reporter Abdikarim Mahmud Siyad from Beled Weyne town byunidentified Radio Horseed announcer — live)
(Radio Horseed reporter Abdikarim Mahmud Siyad) The situation is now calmfollowing heavy fighting in the early hours of the morning around the airstrip in Beled Weyne town between Hisb al-Islam and recently trainedTransitional Federal Government forces. Th e town is under control ofgovernment forces and Hisb al-Islam have fled to Bulla Berde.
(Unidentified Radio Horseed announcer) Are there any casualties in thewake of the fighting?
(Siyad) From what we know, two passers-by have been killed in the fightingand a woman has also been wounded.
(Announcer) So how did the government forces capture the town since, asyou have told us, the fighting took place on the outskirts of the town.Was there fighting in the town.
(Siyad) The government has been preparing for the fighting the past fewdays. They were based in the outskirts of Beled Weyne town. In the earlymorning they reached Elgal town, 10 kilometres from Beled Weyne town andin the morning they attacked Hisb al-Islam who were in the town. That ishow they came into the town. Later they captured the air strip in BeledWeyne town after hours of fighting and Hisb al-Islam fighters fled thetown.
(Announcer) Tell us the situation and the reaction of the locals over theentry of new forces in the town?
(Siyad) The Transitional Federal Government have not yet set base in thetown for the time being. They are still stationed where the fighting tookplace.
(Ann ouncer) If the government forces did not come to the town as you aresaying, what about the Hisb al-Islam fighters? Have they fled the town?
(Siyad) A large number of them fled the town and took control of a placeoutside Beled Weyne… (words distinct). Only a few Hisb al-Islam fightershave been seen in the town in the past few days especially at the policeheadquarters in Beled Weyne town.
(Description of Source: Boosaaso Radio Horseed in Somali – independent)
Somalia: Hisb al-Islam officer reportedly defects to Al-Shabab
SAP20100604950070 Mogadishu Radio Simba in Somali 1000 GMT 04 Jun 10
Text of report by privately-owned Somali Radio Simba on 4 June
Reports reaching us from Beled Weyne town in Hiiraan Region, centralSomalia, confirm that one of Hisb al-Islam insurgent group’s officers hasdefected to Al- Shabab Islamists in the region.
Abu Sa’id, one of Hisb al-Islam insurgent group’s officers confirmed tomedia that he had joined Al-Shabab Islamic Movement administration. He didnot give further details about his defection to Al-Shabab Islamists inHiiraan Region, central Somalia.
This comes after Hisb al-Islam insurgent group had retaken Beled Weynetown following fighting with government soldiers in area.
(Description of Source: Mogadishu Radio Simba in Somali)
Tension high between Somali Islamists over defection of Hisb al-Islamofficial
AFP20100605950038 Mogadishu OSC Translation on Sub-Saharan Africa inSomali 04 Jun 10
Text of report by Somali Jowhar website on 4 June
Reports reaching us from the town of Jalalaqsi, Hiiraan Region (centralSomalia) says that there is tension between Hisb al-Islam and Al-Shaba bover the control of the town.
Tension between the two groups came after a senior Hisb al-Islam officialjoined Al-Shabab and handed over arms and a number of battle wagons thatwere in his possession. Hisb al-Islam has been enraged by the move inwhich their senior officer in the town defected to Al-Shabab. The grouphas since deployed additional fighters further escalating the tensionbetween the two sides. Negotiations between the two sides of Al-Shabab andHisb al-Islam are now under way.
Reports also indicate that Al-Shabab is currently in control of the majorparts of the town such as the police station and others. Tension betweenthese two sides in Jalalaqsi is also to do with clan issues as some ofHisb al-Islam officials are said to be divided over the matter.
Jalalaqsi was the only town in Hiiraan Region where Hisb al-Islam fullycontrolled. These forces are now said to have returned to Beled Weyne partof which is now controlled by Al-Shabab.
Somalia: Withdrawal from central town was ‘strategy’ – government armyspokesman
AFP20100605950036 Dayniile online in Somali 05 Jun 10
Text of report by Swedish-based Somali Dayniile website on 5 June
Senior commanders of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG)have spoken on their reason for the withdrawal from Beled Weyne (HiiraanRegion in central Somalia) which they captured a few days ago and whetherthey are any planning to carry out retaliation attacks in the town.
The spokesman for Somali government forces in Hiiraan Region, Muhammad NurCagajof, told the media that there were two reasons behind theirwithdrawal from the town, one of which was to remove an illegal road blockmounted by opposition groups blocking aid that was being delivered todisplaced people in the region and to also inflict a major loss uponopposition groups that were their. The spokesman said they have managed toattain both goals and have since w ithdrawn from the town.
The spokesman for Somali government forces said their withdrawal fromBeled Weyne was for strategic reasons having succeeded in their goals forgoing into the town initially. He said government forces have now goneback to their bases in Hiiraan Region where they will be awaiting for moreorders from senior government officials as to whether to go back to BeledWeyne or not.
The spokesman for Somali armed forces also said they have inflicted heavylosses upon Hisb al-Islam forces whom they fought in the area, adding thatthey killed many of their fighters and captured others. He also refrainedfrom commenting on the losses they sustained in their fighting with Hisbal-Islam.
(Description of Source: Dayniile online in Somali — Swedish based, newsoriented website that appears sympathetic to Somali Islamist insurgents;URL:
http://www.daynille.com http://www.daynille.com )
Somalia: Mogadishu Hotel Housing Lawmakers Co mes Under Grenade Attack
AFP20100606301004 Toronto Hiiraan Online in Somali 06 Jun 10
Madina Hotel, which houses Somali members of parliament and is located inMogadishu’s Xamar Jajab District, was attacked with hand grenades lastevening. No one wa s hurt in the attack.
Security guards at the hotel and the attackers exchanged fire. Again,nobody was hurt in the shootout. There is no word yet from the Somaligovernment regarding the attack on the hotel housing lawmakers. No one hasclaimed responsibility for the attack.
Last month, the government director (of women and family affairs) waskilled at the hotel. Xamar Jajab is one of the districts controlled by thegovernment. The government has in the past conducted search operations inthe district after several people, including the district administrator,were killed there.
The attack coincided with the election of first deputy parliament speaker.Second deputy speaker is expected to be pi cked today.
(Description of Source: Toronto Hiiraan Online in Somali — IndependentInternet site;
http://www.hiiraan.com/ http://www.hiiraan.com/ )
Somalia: Rift is reported between Al-Shabab , elders in Bu’aale District
AFP20100606950020 Nairobi Radio Bar-Kulan in Somali 1600 GMT 06 Jun 10
Text of report by UN-backed, Nairobi-based, Somali-language RadioBar-Kulan on 6 June
(Presenter) Sources have confirmed that a meeting between elders andAl-Shabab Islamic Movement administration officials in Bu’aale District,Middle Jubba Region, ended in chaos. Elders in the district organized themeeting to discuss best ways to assist starving people in the southernSomalia region.
During the meeting, elders in Bu’aale District asked Al-Shabab insurgentofficials to allow international and local aid organizations to operate inthe region in order to assist people affected by recent floods and thewar-displaced people who were starving . The reports add that the eldersparticularly appealed to Al-Shabab insurgents to lift the ban on WFP so itcould operate in Jubba regions, southern Somalia.
On the other hand, Al-Shabab Islamic Movement administration officialsrefused to allow aid organization to operate in Bu’aale District. Theysaid that WFP was an intelligence agency that worked for the UnitedNations, as they put it.
One of the elders who was in the meeting, confirmed to Bar-Kulan Radiothat the meeting had ended in disarray.
Four aid organizations which Al-Shabab Islamists had tried to kick out ofMiddle Jubba Region reportedly now operate in region as elders andresidents opposed the move by Islamists to oust them.
(Description of Source: Nairobi Radio Bar-Kulan in Somali)
Somalia: Families Flee Clashes Between Farming, Pastoralist Clans
AFP20100605527004 Boosaaso Radio Horseed in Somali 1130 GMT 03 Jun 10
Families living in villages in Wallaweyne Dis trict, Lower ShabeelleRegion have started fleeing their homes following clashes between farmersand pastoralists in the area, killing some of the fighters and woundingothers. Our reporter, Muhammad Huseyn Amada, has sent this report fromAfgoye District.
(Begin Amada recording) Heavy fighting in Umar Dagaal village, which islocated 75 km east of Wallaweyne District, between two clans has affectedarea residents. Reports coming from the area confirmed that both thefarmers and pastoralists started fleeing from there as a result offighting. The reports also indicated that Omar Dagaal villagers werefleeing toward Wallaweyne District and many other areas in the region.Tension is very high in those areas after the Al-Shabaab administrationimprisoned several clan elders from both tribes. The reports added thatthe Al-Shabaab administration is determined to end the fighting betweenthe two clans that have been living together in Omar Dagaal village. It isvery h ard to predict what will happen next although both sides areregrouping and no one has so far come forward to solve this dispute sinceelders on both sides have been accused of escalating the problem, althoughthe Al-Shabaab administration said they would stop the conflict. However,it is not the first time that clas hes have broken out between the twoclans in the area. It was confirmed that six people died while the numberof the wounded remains unknown. (End recording)
(Description of Source: Boosaaso Radio Horseed in Somali – independent)
Somali religious scholars say Islamists threat on TV station‘unreasonable’
AFP20100606950037 Universal TV in Somali 1700 GMT 06 Jun 10
Text of report by London-based Somali-language Universal TV on 6 June
Prominent Somali religious scholars in Nairobi have said Islamists threatson Universal TV for showing caricatures of the prophet Muhammad in itsnews bulletin on the 29 May is both Un-Islamic and unreasonable. SomaliIslamists threatened to the station over the cartoon despite havingofficially apologised for it.
“No one has the right to bother a Muslim who has made a mistake andacknowledged they are in the wrong. Shedding of their blood cannot belegitimised. Seizing of their property is inexcusable. To continueshutting down the station’s offices even after they have all these effortsto correct the situation is both Un-Islamic and unreasonable,”
“The fact that they have drawn an Arab man with a sword imposing himselfon other religion does not make that character our prophet Muhammad, peacebe upon him.
They can choose to draw a character they intend to use for their insults,however, the character they have drawn and are insulting is not theprophet,” said Shaykh (Muhammad) Umal.
“It is right to defend the prophet, but the prophet should be defeated ina just manner. If a Muslim makes a mistake such as the on e made inshowing that picture on television and repents for it after realising hismistake, then there is nothing more that can be done,”
“It is not right to take the issue to an extreme. The manager of thestation in his BBC interview expressed regret over the issue and tookresponsibility for showing these cartoon which he said was a grave erroron their part. They have apologised for it. The station has also releaseda statement to that effect and posted in their website. That should havebeen satisfactory for all Muslims who love their religion,”
(Description of Source: Universal TV in Somali)
Somalia: UNHCR Expresses Concern Over Ongoing Violence in Mogadishu
AFP20100605599022 New York UN News Centre in English 04 Jun 10
(Unattributed report: “Ongoing Violence in Somali Capital Alarms UN AidAgencies”)
Fighting continues to wrack the Somali capital with another 17,000residents displaced in just the pas t two months, United Nationshumanitarian agencies reported today, voicing concern that children areparticularly suffering from the ongoing violence.
A quarter of the nearly 1400 casualties recorded by three of the mainhospitals in Mogadishu between late March and late last month werechildren under the age of five, UN World Health Organization (WHO)spokesperson Paul Garwood told journalists in Geneva.
Many of the other casualties are women, and at least 31 people have diedfrom their injuries, Mr. Garwood said.
“The fact that children account for so many of the weapon-related injuriesremains a key concern,” he added.
Somalia has not had a functioning national government in two decades andthe current Transitional Federal Government (TFG) is involved in fightingwith Islamist rebels and related insurgent groups. Mogadishu, the capital,remains one of the areas hardest hit by the violence.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that an estimated17,100 residents have been displaced since the start of April. About 6,900have fled the city entirely while the other 10,200 have moved torelatively calmer neighbourhoods.
The continued fighting has led to outbreaks of cholera and acute waterydiarrhoea, and Mr. Garwood said WHO was working with partner organizationsto try to control the outbreaks through the use of medicines. The agencyis also training local surgeons in trauma care.
Last month Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told an international conferenceon Somalia, held in the Turkish city of Istanbul, that the internationalcommunity must act quickly to end the crisis in the Horn of Africa nationor the violence may expand to the country’s neighbours and beyond.
(Description of Source: New York UN News Centre in English — UN onlinenews service; URL:
http://www.un.org/news/ http://www.un.org/news/ )
Somali-Canadian Terror Suspect Detained in US Exp ected Trouble With FBI,CSIS
LAP20100604483003 Toronto The National Post Online in English 03 Jun 10
(Article by Graeme Hamilton and Stewart Bell: “CSIS Was Tracking me:Somali on no-fly List”)
The Somali man whose flight was diverted to Montreal this week because heis on the U.S. no-fly list said on Thursday the FBI questioned him aboutpossible links to a Canadian member of an al-Qaeda-linked militant groupand the Canadian Security Intelligence Service has been tracking hismovements.
In an exclusive interview inside the Plattsburgh, N.Y., jail where he isbeing held, Abdirahman Ali Gaal said he realized he was in trouble twoweeks ago when FBI agents at an airport in Mauritania informed him he wasbanned from flying back to the United States, where he was a legalresident. They asked him about a number of suspected extremists, includinga Canadian allegedly involved in the al-Qaeda-linked Somali groupAl-Shabab. Questioned by the FB I at the U.S. embassy in the Mauritaniancapital of Nouakchott, he denied any connection to the suspects but wastold the only way he could return to the United States was by land or sea.He booked a flight to Mexico City, via Paris, and it was that Aeromexicoplane that was blocked from entering U.S. airspace when U.S. authoritiesbecame aware of Mr. Gaal’s presence on board.
Mr. Gaal, 33, was arrested at Montreal’s Trudeau Airport on Sunday. OnTuesday, Canadian officials drove him to the U.S. border and handed himover to the Department of Homeland Security.
Neither the Canadian nor the U.S. government has explained why hetriggered such drastic measures, but in the interview Mr. Gaal providedsome clues.
He said CSIS officers had questioned his wife in Calgary about hiswhereabouts and activities several times over the past three months, whilehe was in Seattle and in Mauritania. He said he called CSIS to let themknow he had nothing to hide. When he tried to board a plane last month inMauritania, where he had been studying Arabic, FBI agents asked him abouta several men, including Somali-Canadian Mohamed Elmi Ibrahim.
Mr. Ibrahim, nicknamed Canlish, is a 22-year-old University of Torontostudent who left Canada last year and was reportedly killed in Somalia. Aeulogy posted last month on a website linked to Al-Shabab claimed he diedwhile fighting in a “fierce battle.”
He is one of six young Somali-Canadians who left Toronto last year,setting off an investigation into whether they had travelled to Somalia tofight with Al-Shabab. Mr. Gaal said he did not know the men and had onlyattended the Toronto mosque where they sometimes prayed, the Abu HurairaCenter, once.
A seventh Toronto man is being investigated for allegedly training withAl-Shabab. He has since returned to Canada and has declined, through hisfather, to speak to a Post reporter. Former Toronto resident, OmarHammami, is now a senior commander of Al-Shabab.
Canada outlawed Al-Shabab as a terrorist organization in March because ofits campaign of suicide bombings and concerns it was attempting toradicalize and recruit Canadian youths. Somali-Canadian parents are saidto be so concerned they are hiding their children’s passports.
Mr. Gaal said he talks frequently about the war in his homeland inInternet chat groups but has no connection to Al-Shabab. “I ‘m not amember of any group. I’m not an extremist,” he said. “I never usedviolence…. That’s against Islam.”
He acknowledged that he had submitted a bogus refugee claim in Canada in2008, claiming to be fleeing strife in Somalia when in fact he was a legalresident of the United States. The deception was motivated by his desireto stay with his Canadian wife and four children, he said. He said he hada change of heart, told his lawyer the truth and asked him to withdraw theclaim. He said he returne d to Seattle last August, relocating his wifeand children in Calgary on the way.
In the interview, he was desperate for details about the government’s caseagainst him. The Department of Homeland Security has said he is nowinadmissible to the United States and has begun proceedings to have himremoved to Somalia. A major strike against him is his Canadian refugeeclaim, which is co nsidered an act of fraud.
“The problem I had with Canadian immigration, it happened by mistake,” hesaid. “I called my lawyer and told him to stop. Human beings makemistakes.”
He said he had no trouble boarding a flight from New York’s JFK airport onMarch 5, and flew without incident to Mauritania, via Morocco. He said thepurpose of his trip was to study Arabic grammar, so he could improve hisreading of the Koran. He had planned to return on May 20 but was met atthe airport by “two gentlemen from the FBI. They said they had bad news.”He then planned to return to the United States by flying to Mexico Cityand on to the border city of Tijuana, but mid-flight the Aeromexico pilotannounced they were diverting to Montreal to refuel. “I was relaxedbecause I was not a criminal, and I didn’t do anything wrong,” Mr. Gaalsaid. But then the stop took much longer than a simple refuelling, and hewas arrested.
Mr. Gaal was born in Mogadishu in 1976 and lived for 10 years in Seattle.In addition to his Canadian family, he has two children in Seattle from aprevious marriage.
Al-Shabab, which means The Youth, has been fighting to impose Taliban-likerule in Somalia. Several hundred Al-Shabab fighters are foreigners whohave converged in the war-battered East African country to participate inwhat they view as a jihad.
Among them are more than 20 Americans and a handful of Canadians. RCMPCommissioner William Elliott said last October that he was concerned theymight return to Canada “imbued with both extremist ideology and the skillsnecessary to translate it into direct action.”
CSIS called Somalia a “magnet for international terrorists” in its latestannual report to Parliament. Those who travel to Somalia to fight “may bedrawn into global jihad circles, where they are subsequently recruited tocarry out attacks against perceived enemies of Islam.”
(Description of Source: Toronto The National Post Online in English —Website of pro-conservative national daily; URL:
http://www.nationalpost.com/ http://www.nationalpost.com/ )
Kenyan police on ‘high alert’ over possible incursion by Somalia’sAl-Shabab
AFP20100604950025 Nairobi Daily Nation in English 04 Jun 10
Text of report by Kenyan newspaper Daily Nation on 4 June;newspapersubheading
Scores of residents of a Somali town near the Kenyan border are fleeingtheir homes due to fears of a clash between fighters loyal to two militiagroups.
Beled Xaawo town, just two km from the Kenyan border, is controlled by theanti-government group, Al-Shabab.
However, residents say the pro-government Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a militiahas been moving fighters into the area from nearby Dollow town. Somefleeing residents are crossing into Kenya, while others are heading forrefugee camps in Ethiopia.
Although Northeastern provincial commissioner James ole Serian confirmedthat the Somalis were abandoning their homes, he denied that they werecrossing into Ken ya. Mr Serian said the displacement was on Somali soil.
The groups are fighting for control of the strategic town located inSomalia’s Gedo (region).
The tension in the area followed reports that the forces loyal to AhluSunna Wal Jama’a and some from Somalia’s Transitional Federal Governmentare attempting to dislodge Al-Shabab.”We are fleeing the town now as wefear a heavy battle is likely”, said Farah Dodi, a resident of BeledXaawo, on phone.
At least 500 Somali government fighters recently underwent training inneighbouring Ethiopia and there are reports that they could join thebattle in Beled Xaawo.
Rising tension
The rising tension has made local residents in Mandera town (Kenya) tobrace for a possible spillover of the fighting, while police are on highalert to prevent any infiltration.
Al-Shabab has regularly accused Kenya of interfering in the affairs ofSomalia and threatened to attack it. The militia has carried out itsthreats on a number of occasions and last week attacked Dadajabula area inWajir District wounding five people.
(Description of Source: Nairobi Daily Nation in English — independentnewspaper with respected news coverage; Kenya’s largest circulationnewspaper; published by the Nation Media Group)
Ethiopian premier appeals for global support for Somalia
AFP20100605950043 Addis Ababa ENA Online in English 05 Jun 10
Text of report in English by state-owned Ethiopian news agency ENA website
Addis Ababa, June 5, 2010 – Prime Minister Meles Zenawi here on Friday (4June) held talks with Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister Jonas Gahr and aUS delegation on bilateral relations of the countries and issues relatedto the African continent.
Meles, on the occasion, said the relation between Ethiopia and Norway islaid on firm foundation. The premier said the Transitional FederalGovernment of Somalia has been showing change in security and relatedaffairs. However, the premier said the Somali government needs supportfrom the international community.
He said recent election held in Sudan helps to bring about sustainabilityin that country. It is also promising to the activities related toreferendum in South Sudan.
Meles said Ethiopia and Norway are working together on issues related toclimate change, according to a senior government official, who att endedthe discussion.
Gahr, on his part, told journalists after the discussion that Norway andEthiopia have longstanding friendship. The minister said his country willstrengthen efforts to further enhance existing relations between the twocountries. He said he discussed with the premier on economic, politicaland other international affairs.
The minister on the occasion congratulated Meles for the victory of hisparty during the fourth national elections.
The minister said he also held discussion with officials of the AfricanUnion. Gahr said he held similar visit to Uganda and Sudan.
In a related news, the premier held talks with a US delegation led bySenator James Inhofe of Oklahoma. Meles said on the occasion that thepeace agreement of Sudan is significant to the region. He said affairs ofSudan should be left to Sudanese themselves.
Senator Inhofe, on his part, lauded efforts of the country infrastructuresector development. He con gratulated the premier for the success of hisparty in the fourth national elections. The Senator also said his countrywill provide the necessary support to Ethiopia.
(Description of Source: Addis Ababa ENA Online in English — Website ofthe state-controlled Ethiopian News Agency; URL:
http://www.ena.gov.et http://www.ena.gov.et )
Sudanese Report Says Somali Group Rejects Ethiopia’s Meles’ Peace DealPlan
AFP20100605599026 Paris Sudan Tribune Online in English 03 Jun 10
(Unattributed report: “Ethiopia Gov’t Remarks on Peace Deal PlanMisleading-Rebel Group”)
The rebel Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), an ethnic Somaliseparatist group in eastern Ethiopia has dismissed Ethiopia primeminister’s recent remarks which says that the two sides will soon reachinto a political settlement.
In a statement it emailed to Sudan Tribune, The rebel group today saidthat Ethiopian Prime Minister, Melez Zenawi, in his most recent pressconference has said that his government will “soon sign an agreement,”with ONLF.
However, the rebel said that the group didn’t engage in any kind of peacetalks with the Ethiopian government and the claim made by the Ethiopianpremier is fabricated.
“The statement has no basis in reality and is intended to mislead theinternational community in general and foreign oil firms in particular,”the statement read.
“The ONLF has maintained a principled position that any negotiations withAddis Ababa can only take place under the auspices of the internationalcommunity in a neutral venue with a third neutral party mediator.”
The rebels further accused the Ethiopian government of consistentlyrefusing neutral third party mediation under the auspices of theinternational community.
“Melez Zenawi government clearly seeks to create the impression that he ison the verge of reaching a political settlemen t to the Ogaden conflict ina bid to convince oil companies that Ogaden is no longer a war zone anddivert attention from Ethiopia’s recent so-called election.”
ONLF rebels repeatedly accuse Ethiopian government forces of continuedacts of collective punishment an
4) Back to TopAddis Ababa US Embassy Political Section Press Summary 07 June 2010This daily press review is compiled by the Political Section of the USEmbassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Inclusion of media reports in thissummary in no way constitutes an endorsement by the US Government. USEmbassy Political Section Addis Ababa cannot vouch for the veracity oraccuracy of reports contained in this summary – US Embassy PoliticalSectionMonday June 7, 2010 15:18:40 GMTAiga Forum – Senator Inhofe lauded efforts of t he country infrastructuresector development and congratulated premier Meles
Ethio-Channel – America was plotting to establish a puppet government inEthiopia
Ethio-Channel – U.S government hidden agenda exposed
Freedom House – Ethiopia repressive but others are much Worst – FreedomHouse
Fortune – EPRDF aims for Chinese model legitimacy not democracy
Capital – End of an Era
APA – Ethiopia proposes over $5 billion budget for 2010/2011 fiscal year
ERTA – Ministry presents 5-year report to HPR
ENA – House of Federation to Hold Its 2nd Regular Session Monday
ENA – EPRDF Enables Ethiopians to Enjoy Development and PeaceAchievements: Minister
MoFA – A week in the Horn – Election Results: Civility Triumphs overRejectionism
ERTA – PM Meles confers with Norwegian FM
HydroWorld.com – Ethiopia dam blot on China’s record Ethiopia dam blot onChina’s aid record; Project threatens devastating environmen talconsequences, global green group says
Ogaden online – Civilians continue to pay the highest price for theconflict in Ogaden
Ogaden online – A New Initiative to Reinforce the Ogaden Blockade
Sudan Tribune – Eritrean opposition forces create new military front
CNN – N.J. men planned to ‘wage violent jihad,’ feds say
Stratfor.com – Al Shabaab as a Transnational Threat————————————————————- –
Aiga Forum – Pro government website (June 6) Premier Meles held talks witha U.S. delegation led by Senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma. Senator Inhofelauded efforts of the country
http://www.waltainfo.com/index.php?option=com–content&task=view&id=21863&Itemid=52infrastructure sector development and congratulated the premier for thesuccess of his party in the 4th national elections.
Senator Inhofe told PM Meles the US will provide the necessary support toEthiopia. Prime Minister Meles thank the
http://www.waltainfo.com/index.php?option=com–content&task=view&id=21863&Itemid=52Senator
Senator Inhofe and PM Mmeles also discussed on regional issues includingSudan.
PM Meles told the Senator the peace agreement of Sudan is significant tothe region.PM Meles also said affairs of Sudan should be left to Sudanesethemselves.
Ethio-Channel – ‘Private’ Amharic weekly sympathetic to the government(June 6) reported that U.S was plotting to establish a puppet governmentin Ethiopia criticizing the government of narrowing political space andsaying there were irregularities in the national election. The newspaperthat quotes close sources says U.S attempted to establish puppetgovernment using opposition parties. The report says U.S has encouragesoppositions to call for election rerun. The sources say members of theoppositions know the election was conducted in a free, fair and democraticm anner however, due to pressures from US the opposition calls forre-election.
America has interest to establish puppet government in every country thatimplements its policies and strategies the sources said. This trend isstrongly criticized throughout the world. According to the newspaper, U.Sinterferes in the internal affairs of countries that adopt differentpolicies and strategies. Reports revealed that three days ahead of thepolling day U.S called opposition political parties to boycott thenational election.
The sources added that U.S made some efforts to convince oppositions totakeover power through street violence.
Ethio-Channel – ‘Private’ Amharic weekly sympathetic to the government(June 6) reported that three days before the polling day U.S Statedepartment official instructed Forum to boycott the national election.According to the report, after the telephone conversation with the StateDepartment official, the Forum leadership held a meeting whether or not toadopt the instruction given by the State Department. At the meeting one ofthe Forum executive members Seeye Abraha said he accepted requests of theState department. However, Professor Beyene Petros strongly objected theState Department request to withdraw from the election. Professor Beyenewas supported by the majority of the Forum leaders who participated at themeeting. Professor Beyene decided to contest in the election since he wasconfident to win in the election.
The newspaper says the people didn’t vote for Professor Beyene because hecouldn’t work for the public though he had seat at the parliament in theprevious three elections. The report says Professor Beyene was not readyto accept the people’s decision therefore he gave statements to the mediaeven before announcement of final election results.
The newspaper criticizes Professor Beyene’s for calling for election rerunand points out to Beyene that the people of Ethiopia can appoint and electtheir leaders but Forum leaders have confidence on foreign forces ratherthan the public.
The recent statement released by the State Department and Human RightsWatch has hidden agenda. The statement which defames EPRDF administrationis part of the attempt made to establish a puppet government in Ethiopia.
Freedom House (June 6) Freedom House released
http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=70&release=1192 Worst ofthe Worst 2010 : The World’s Most Repressive Societies, its annual reportidentifying the world’s most flagrant human rights abusers, at a sidepanel during the 14th session of the UN Human Rights Council on Friday.This year’s report identifies 17 countries and 3 territories whosecitizens live in extremely oppressive environments, with minimal basicrights and persistent human rights violations.
In its report Freedom House says, “Ethiopia is not an electoral democracy,Academic freedo m is restricted and Prime Minister Meles Zenawi hasaccused universities of being friendly to the opposition, and theiractivities are closely monitored. Growing intolerance of dissent hasdampened private discussion in the country, as even ordinary citizens faceharassment or arrest for speaking out against the government. Freedoms ofassembly and association are limited. Trade union rights are tightlyrestricted. Detainees frequently report being abused or tortured. Thegovernment has tended to favor Tigrayan ethnic interests in economic andpolitical matters. Politics within the EPRDF have been dominated by theTigrayan People’s Liberation Front. Discrimination against other groups,especially the Oromo, has been widespread.”
Despite all these human rights violations documented in the country reportfor Ethiopia, Freedom House still thinks Ethiopia is not so bad comparedto the really nasty ones and gives Ethiopia a “Partly free” grade andspares it from being included in the Worst of the Worst list.
So who are the so called the Worst of the Worst? They include 17 countriesand 3 territories.
The 17 countries are Burma, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, NorthKorea, Somalia, Sudan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Chad, China,Cuba, Guinea, Laos, Saudi Arabia, and Syria.
And the 3 territories are Tibet, South Ossetia and Western Sahara.
All these countries are deemed to be “Not Free” and Ethiopia is considered“Partly Free”.
Fortune (June 6) The ruling Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary DemocraticFront (EPRDF) has now completely discredited its already soft democraticcredentials with the farcical elections of 2010. Although it predictablyreacted with theatrical fury to this suggestion, there is no doubt that atleast the smart guys in the party realize this truth. Democracy has provento be the strongest basis for government legitimacy in most of the world.
In the absence of democracy, what do government base their legitimacy on?
The ruling party has its roots in Marxism-Leninism (ML), which bases itslegitimacy on leading the class struggle rather than ‘bourgeois’democracy. This remains a major credo of the ruling party and probablysufficient in itself for the Revolutionary Democrat ideologues tolegitimize their rule.
In the real world, however, Marxism Leninism has of course lost its charm.A Western flirtation with it in the 1960s ended for all but theideologically blinkered with the crushing of the ‘Prague spring” by theSoviet Union and the revelations of the excesses of the ‘CulturalRevolution” in China.
Only Third World revolutionaries such as the Tigray Peoples LiberationFront (TPLF) and a small cohort of marginalized western leftists continuedto rationalize away these historical lessons. The ongoing marginalizationof Marxism-Leninism in China since the Derg reforms in 1979 , as well asthe collapse of Soviet Marxism in 1989-91, left the few true believerseven more isolated. These major ideological shifts had some impact onEthiopia’s Revolutionary Democrats, who came to power in 1991 with plentyof bows to free markets and democracy.
They did maintain a firm core of semi hidden thought, recentlycharacterized as Melesism. But it has become increasingly lonely fightingthe battle against international imperialism when everyone seems to bejumping on the global economy bandwagon. Legitimacy based onMarxist-Leninist thoughts is just not what it used to be. As China hasmoved into officially becoming a ‘classless’ society and formally andinformally abandoned the ideology of Marxism-Leninism, its leaders havecrafted a new basis for legitimacy. This is based on the two pillars ofprosperity and nationalism. Clearly, the Revolutionary Democrats ofEthiopia have taken a page out of this book, Democracy was okay so long aspeople did not vote against them. The rude awakening of the 2005 electionhugely undermined the commitment of the Revolutionary Democrats to even asemblance of democracy. Subsequent to the elections, the ruling party putits emphasis on economic growth and the provision of social services. Itbased its own legitimacy increasingly on the ability of the ‘developmentalstate’ to deliver roads, schools, and only somewhat exaggerated rates ofgross domestic product (GDP) growth.
As with China, basing legitimacy on economic growth and prosperity puts alot of pressure on the Revolutionary Democrats.
Can they continue to deliver without the rude interruptions of boom andbust based on the inferior standards of banking and telecommunicationscompared to the weakest of their African competitors? When will the demandfor bricks and mortar finally be saturated, followed by an economy shakingbust in the construction industry?
This must be sources of sleepless nights for th e EPRDFites.
China has hedged its legitimacy bets by also building up nationalism. Itsleaders have molded a combination of pride in China’s history (a completereversal of the anti-traditional cultural revolution of the 1960s) with aresurgence of anti-foreigner sentiment. The Chinese government ismobilizing the pride of the people into a crusade to reassert China’straditional position of dominance in the world. The ‘bad guys’ are theJapanese, with constant reminders of the atrocities committed during theSecond World War, and the United States led West, which perpetrated the‘100 years of humiliation’ on China before the communists came to power.
The Revolutionary Democrats have shown a strengthening tendency in thesame direction. After coming to power the establishing ‘ethnicfederalism,” they abjured nationalism as a phony construct of the previousregime’s design to oppress minorities. The war with Eritrea from 1998brought back patriotic mess ages and songs not heard since the overthrowof Derg. The gradual re-emergence of nationalism has now reached newheights with the post-election Meskel Square speech by Meles Zenawi.
Here, is a new level of appeal to Ethiopian nationalism and an attack onforeign devils, in this case epitomized by the ‘evil’ Human Rights Watch(HRW). Many seem to have also missed the subtle use of the ‘Ethiopianpeople’ instead of the ‘Ethiopian peoples’ in the speech, marking apotentially major change in the Revolutionary Democrats’ discourse onnationalism.
Justifying an unjustifiable election becomes much easier when uniting theEthiopian people against evil foreigners. Xenophobia has a long and richhistory in Ethiopia to call on.
With the collapse of the myth of democracy in Ethiopia, combined with therather pitiful state of Marxism-Leninism, prosperity and nationalism arethe way to go for legitimacy of the ruling party. Will it work?
Some African tyra nts have certainly lasted for a very long time on muchmore fragile justifications. Mugabe in Zimbabwe has basically survived onforce alone, combined with justifying oppression of a massive blackopposition movement with anti-white and anti-western propaganda. At leastZimbabwe has served a useful role in Southern Africa, showing itsneighboring states how bad things can get if one abandons democracy andany semblance of sound economic policy.
Like Mugabe, Meles has ‘liberation cred’, both having led their insurgencygroups to power over unpopular tyrannies. Meles has abjured the cultapproach up until now, to his credit, although there is now ‘cult creep’as posters, watches, and other Meles paraphernalia has begun so surface.He is treated as godlike by many of the party rank and file, which will bea strong test of his apparent determination to step down from office atthe end of his term.
Party loyalists can take heart that as long as Meles remains cha irman ofthe ruling party, he will still have the reins in his hands and any newprime minister will surely play Medvedev to his Putin.’
Reliance on force and intimidation has certainly been the approach of theruling party in Ethiopia as well. Having beaten the opposition and theirerstwhile supporters into the ground after 2005, the bombastic claims ofthe ruling party that it won an overwhelming victory in 2010 due to itseconomic success rings entirely hollow. The scale of its ‘victory’ inwinning all but two seats demonstrates the contradiction. It has won avictory of force, fully convincing Ethiopians that the cost of oppositionis pain and exclusion, even death.
Why vote against a ruling party that will refuse to relinquish poweranyway.
The opposition parties have not done themselves any favors, but theirfailings have been a sideshow to the main drama of the ruling party’sintent on using the carrot and stick to marshal the population into line.
But the brute use of force is just not satisfying enough as a base ofpower. The ruling party needs the fig leaf of righteousness and legitimacyto help its leaders sleep at night. The Ethiopian people have been beateninto line, at least for the moment, but that pesky Western community hashad the bad form of not accepting Revolutionary Democracy as a wonderfuladdition to the world landscape. Although they have a hard time admittingit, there is no doubt that the Revolutionary Democratic leaders wouldprefer to be embraced as the darlings of the international community. INthe absence of this, they will have to settle for the existing compromiseof the West continuing to pour in aid money while not bestowing theirunqualified blessing on the Revolutionary Democrats.
What is perhaps more surprising is the willingness of western countries tobe reviled publically by the Revolutionary Democrats and still shore themup. This apparent contradiction nee ds some further explanation.
Whatever the thinking of the Revolutionary Democrats, who seem to placeEthiopia close to the centre of the universe, the view of the rest of theworld is that, however hurtful it is, Ethiopia is a rather marginalplayer. There is a distinct interest in not having another big famine ofthe world’s TV screens, and Ethiopia is indeed a bit player in the ‘war onterror,’ These would be minor factors if the west was heavily concernedabout human rights and democracy in Africa, and strong action could beexpected against Ethiopia’s phony election.
It will not happen. The West has learned how important they are to improveeven the most pariah states in Africa – lessons learnt from Zimbabwe,Sudan, and to some extent Somali and Eritrea.
Why add Ethiopia to a list of ailed experiments in promoting democracy?This is also where Ethiopia’s marginal importance helps. Who cares enough(apart from Diaspora Ethiopians and a few Ethiopi a watching Westerners)to actually take the Revolutionary Democrats on?
It is a lot of work with little prospective reward. The west can retreatinto the pseudo racist position that Ethiopia is another African countrynot ready for democracy. This, of course, is entirely untrue, as theyearning for democracy and change shown by the Ethiopian people in the2005 election demonstrated.
The West and Ethiopia’s Revolutionary Democrats will continue to beentwined in the mutual hypocrisy of criticism (public on the part of theRevolutionary Democrats and private on the part of Western diplomats) andmutual support (privately on the part of the Revolutionary Democrats andpublicly on the part of Western diplomats).
The Revolutionary Democrats will continue to turn to China as anuncritical ally and model for legitimacy without democracy. The West willcontinue to regard the role of China in Africa with ambivalence, on theone hand fearing a rival and on the other exhaustedly wanting to pass thetorch of helping Africa to a new comer. The Chinese honeymoon will nodoubt last for a while, though, and the huge influx of loans and people(but very little aid) will continue.
But the incipient signs of backlash are already visible in the reaction ofAfricans to Chinese traders taking their jobs and to harsh and frequentlyunfair Chinese employers. Hopefully, the Chinese model will inspire Africato be self-sufficient in development, but the Chinese seem much moreinterests in World Bank contracts and resources than in exporting theireconomic system. Unless the Chinese change drastically, theirrapaciousness for natural resources and deep anti-African racism couldultimately make European colonization look like a school picnic.
What is the further for Ethiopia?
The crushing of the democratic experiment will no doubt encourage otherforms of opposition, but there will be no serious armed threat to theRevolutio nary Democrats in the near future, if ever. The prime Minister’spromise of handling over power to a new generation of leaders ispromising. It is high time that the Revolutionary Democrats break with thelast of their ideological commitments to Marxism-Leninism.
Ethiopia needs a strong and unmitigated statement of commitment to thefree market and openness to change as China made in 1979 and India made in1982. The timid, gradualist, and frequently contradictory approach of theRevolutionary Democrats to private sector development and global economyshould be replaced by bold moves to expand the wealth creation role of theprivate sector. This would not only strengthen the basis for economicdevelopment, it would supply badly needed legitimacy for the RevolutionaryDemocrats.
Internationally, Ethiopia can ride on the coattails of Chinese stylelegitimacy. But the success of the Chinese model in the long run remainsuncertain as a basis for the legitimacy of modern state.
Can prosperity and nationalism substitute for peoples’ yearning forparticipation through democracy? Can they rely on prosperity or will thefragilities and contradictions of a domineering state ultimately causeeconomic havoc?
Other countries that have relied, for their legitimacy; on a combinationof economic efficiency and aggressive nationalism have not had a longshelf life. Nationalism tends to get carried away, and it may be asdangerous for China in prompting international adventures as it is forEthiopia with its ethnic sensitivities.
At this point, it may be safe to say ‘as goes china, so goes Ethiopia.” Ifthe Chinese model fails, the current Ethiopia model will not be farbehind.
Capital – Private English weekly (June 6) After the crushing defeat inlast month’s election, a number of heavyweights from the opposition campare retiring from politics.
The main casualty is Hailu Shawel, the leader of AEUP that enjoyedunprecedented success in the 2005 poll before post election turmoil wipedout most of its gains.
Along with Hailu, the veteran leader of OFDM Bulcha Demeksa is alsostepping down with bitter memories of “vindictiveness” in parliament.
Others are sticking around, like Medrek leading figure Merera Gudina andLidetu Ayalew and his Ethiopian Democratic Party. However, with a combinedtotal of one representative in the 547 seat parliament, the previouslyoutspoken opposition figures and their parties face an uphill struggle tomake an impact, despite the P.M’s conciliatory words.
Ethiopia’s opposition fear further diminished influence in the nationspolitics. In the wake of the ruling EPRDF win that left the oppositionwith only a single politician in one of the 547 federal parliament seats,elites have had enough with politics. Hailu shawel steps down
The veteran opposition figure, Hailu Shawel has led the former CUD that in2005 won the capital in a landslide and claimed an overall win.
Hailu who was a parliamentary candidate in the latest electionrepresenting AEUP lost to EPRDF candidate. Hailu said he will accept theresult of the constituency he lost, despite the irregularities thatoccurred. But the overall election he said was flawed and should berepeated.
This week Hailu said he is done with politics and done with election.
“I am tired. I will be better off serving as an advisor.” Hailu commentedto Capital. Hailu, who was once perceived as a hardliner, stunned everyoneby reaching a landmark negotiation deal with EPRDF on the code of Conduct,even upsetting Medrek members.
AEUP did not manage to win a single seat despite being the veteran groupamong the opposition camp with relatively stronger regional outreach andmembership base. MP Bulcha Demeksa bids goodbye
“I never thought the Ethiopian political system would be this wild, thisun fair when I started politics five years ago. This is uncivilizedsystem” Bulcha commented to Capital whn asked why he is giving up. “Ihoped to share my dreams of Ethiopian prosperity. That was impossible. Wewere discouraged.” “I am turning 80, given my age and the nature ofpolitics we have here, I decided that this is the time to give it all up.”Parliament without opposition
“Whether we have 1 MP or 101 MPs, the parliament has always been a singleparty parliament, but now, EPRDF has cleaned out the opposition.” Mereratold Capital.
APA (June 5) The Ethiopian Council of Ministers on Friday endorsed the$5.3 billion proposed budget for the 2010/2011 fiscal year, which is arecord high in Ethiopia’s history.
The proposed budget was prepared and presented to the Council of Ministersby the Ethiopian Ministry of Finance and Economic Development forendorsement, after which it will be presented before parliament f or finalapproval.
The proposed budget gives priority to development, education andsanitation activities to be carried out in the next 12 months, beginningJuly 2010.
Ethiopia’s House of Representative is expected to meet soon to debate andendorse the proposed bill.
ERTA (June 3) Ethiopia’s macro-economic performance during the past fiveyears has alleviated poverty in the country, the Ministry of Finance andEconomic Development (MoFED) said.
It said the nation’s next five-year-plan would give priority to scaling upindustrial development. The Ministry on Thursday presented its five-yearperformance report to the House of People’s Representatives (HPR).
Minister Sufian Ahmed said the Ministry, during the stated period, hasmanaged to improve its structures and working procedures as well as thoseof sectoral offices, enabling the ministry to deliver proper and effectiveeconomic leadership. Thus, the minister said, the national growth ove rthe past 5 years was high and successful. The agricultural sector hasshowed an 8.5 per cent growth, higher than the initial 6.2 per centprediction.
The industrial sector has showed a 9.9 per cent growth, lower than the 12per cent growth initially predicted. Sufian indicated that the powershortage locally and the international financial crisis were major factorsfor the low performance of the industrial sector. The service sector hasshowed a 14.6 per cent annual growth, which is the highest of all sectors.
According to the minister, the agriculture sector contributed 43 per centof the total economic performance, while industry generated 13 per centand service sector 45 per cent. Investment registered a 31.5 per cent riseduring the stated period. He said even though there is a balance-of-tradedeficit, the nation has seen a 21 per cent increase in export trade and a26 per cent rise in import trade.
According to the Minister, government revenue d uring the stated periodwas 147 billion Birr while its expenditure rose to 170 Billion. He saidthe nation has managed to narrow the gap between import and export andlead a settled economy. The Minister also touched up on the major economichurdles the nation faced during the last five years. Inflation and foreigncurrency crunch were the major challenges of the country.
He said Ethiopia has fully controlled inflationary cycles and tookfinancial and policy measures to contain shortage of foreign currency.Members of the parliament noted that the Ministry should give utmostpriority to the industrial sector in addition to its commitment toensuring the continuation of the economic growth.
ENA – State media (June 6) The House of Federation announces that it willhold its 2nd regular meeting here on Monday.
In its statement sent to ENA on Sunday, the House said meeting willdeliberate on its five-year performance report and other issues
It will als o endorse the minutes of the first regular meeting, and therespective recommendations of the two standing committees referred to thecouncil.
The meeting will also dwell on findings of the survey study conducted onbudget utilization of the regional states over the last 13 years as perthe budget subsidy formula of the federal government, it said.
According to the statement, the House is expected to endorse the new Logoof the House Council, which represents more than 75 nations,nationalities, and peoples that formed the federal government of thecountry.
Federation Council has 121 members, out of whom 22 are women. Article 67of the National Constitution stipulates that the council shall holdmeetings at least twice a year, the statement noted.
ENA – State media (June 6) EPRDF has enabled the people in the country toenjoy the achievements of peace, democracy and good governance byembarking up on revolutionary democracy, Transport and Communic ationMinister has said.
Addressing employees of the Ministry who gathered to mark May 28, markingthe downfall of the dictatorial Derg Regime, here on Sunday, the Minister,Diriba Kuma said the party has enabled the country to pursue of the pathof peace, democracy and development since the last 19 years.
He said what makes this year’s May 28 different was that the day wascelebrated after the successful completion of the 4th national elections.
The Minister said the public at large had managed to topple the militaryjunta ending years of suppression.
He said now the people are able to defeat their enemy, poverty.
MoFA – A week in the Horn (June 4) Another chapter in Ethiopia’srenaissance has opened with the successful conclusion of the elections twoweeks ago. With provisional results from virtually all districts nowdeclared by the NEBE, the voters have spoken very loud and clear as towhich party they want to see in power for the comin g five years. Mostimportantly, the peaceful and calm manner in which the election wasconducted was a testament to the growing institutionalization of thedemocratic process in the country. This should be a source of pride andjoy for all stakeholders well aware of the significance of the electoralprocess in further cementing democratic governance and in ensuring rapideconomic development. The conduct of the elections received a good deal ofpraise from both international and domestic observers. Most agreed theelections were free and fair and reflected the true will of Ethiopians.Even the most critical of the observer mission reports made numerouslaudatory remarks about key aspects of the electoral process and themanner in which the election was conducted. Not only was the level ofparticipation impressive, the various institutions that were tasked withthe running of the election, notably, the National Electoral Board ofEthiopia, were found to be competent and well- organized. To the extentthat there were any irregularities, there was little or nothing to affectthe validity and integrity of the entire process.
The election’s successful and peaceful conclusion clearly demonstratedthat Ethiopians have indeed taken their political governance into theirown hands. Mass rallies in various areas after the election demonstratedthat the peoples of Ethiopia were insistent that their votes, theirownership of the process, should be fully respected. Their commitment tothe strengthening of democracy has been clearly displayed in the vehementrejection of any pre- or post-election undemocratic tendencies and thekind of violent behavior manifested in 2005. In this regard, there were anumber of incidents in which supporters of opposition parties which havesometimes been predisposed to violent tactics, assisted security forces infoiling bomb plots, even putting their own lives at risk despite alsovoting against the incumbent. Far from subscribing to violence, thousandsof opposition supporters were willing to cooperate with security officialsin ensuring peaceful elections.
The behavior of most key stakeholders, the political parties themselves,was another indicator of the level of maturity that the democratizationprocess has reached. Even many parties, whose respect for the rules of thegame was previously no more than lukewarm, displayed commendable behavior.Indeed, the great majority of opposition political parties demonstrated areal cooperative spirit both during and after the campaign. Theircommitment and willingness to refer complaints to the joint party councilsestablished under the code of conduct agreed upon by the partiesrepresented a marked departure from previous acrimonious recriminations.This has been a significant contribution to the overall conduct of theelection and will further enhance the democratic process.
In this connection, the recent declaration by more than 14 politicalparties conceding defeat and their message of felicitations to the winningparty was a further indication of respect for the voters. They have shownthe magnanimity to be expected of any party genuinely committed to theideals of the democratic process, focusing more on the process than on theoutcome. And democracy is about process, not about outcome. People vote aparty into or out of office on the basis of which party they believe maybe better prepared to further and protect their interests. These partiesacknowledged that people had indeed voted for the EPRDF on the basis ofits achievements in ensuring growth and development. Others attributed itsvictory to divisions among opposition parties and their lack of anywell-articulated agenda that might win the hearts and the minds of theelectorate. They agreed that whatever irregularities that might haveoccurred did not detract from EPRDF’s victory. They made it clear theywere willing to live with the resul ts. While conceding defeat this timeround, they also vowed to make further efforts to work to win thenecessary support to unseat the incumbent next time, while promising tocooperate with the next government as and when this might be needed.Thisis a most encouraging aspect of the process, but there still are someelements clinging to the idea of rejection, trying to make a last ditcheffort to muddy the waters. Ignoring the fact that the ultimate verdictbelongs to the peoples of Ethiopia, they are making unnecessary attemptsto cast aspersions on the credibility of the elections. Failing to come toterms with the results from the voters, some are making calls for a re-runof elections without even bothering to adduce a modicum of evidence of theirregularities they claim to have in abundance. Professor Beyene Petroshas claimed that because of unspecified but ‘large-scale’ rigging hisparty refused to accept the NEBE’s results. Under the election regulationsall such iss ues should be taken to the NEBE or to the courts. ProfessorBeyene, however, says that while his party was considering taking its caseto the NEBE and/or the courts, he did not believe these bodies werecapable of delivering impartial judgments because, he claimed, they‘belonged’ to the ruling party. This is the usual rejectionist argumentfor which there is no evidence. More bizarre, perhaps, was hischaracterization of the NEBE as being even more partial to the rulingparty than it had been five or ten years ago. His evidence for this wasthat in previous elections senior officials of the Board had visited hiselectoral district but this time they had not done so, and he had lost. Heappears to assume the fairness of the electoral board depends upon his ownsuccess. It might be noted that the European Union Electoral ObserverMission and the African Union Observer Mission as well as otherstakeholders clearly expressed their belief in the competence andprofessionalism of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia in itshandling of its responsibility. This provided further emphasis of theencouraging progress in the strengthening and entrenchment of democraticvalues and institutions in the country.
As we have noted above, Prime Minister Meles has already earlier expressedthe government’s readiness to bring on board any opposition partiesabiding by the rules of the game and the Constitution, irrespective ofwhether or not they won seats in Parliament. The government will involvethe loyal opposition into all matters of national concern, and the EPRDFwill be willing to work with the opposition on the basis of the jointparty councils already in place. This is a gesture born of respect for themillions of Ethiopians who voted for the opposition, and it should beembraced with a genuinely co-operative spirit by all political parties. Itis an important milestone in Ethiopia’s history, underlining the emergenceof a genuine democratic e xercise in which both winners and non-winnersrecognize the need to resolve differences in the interest of the peoplesof Ethiopia. All parties must now realize that the results of the electionclearly demonstrated that the voters have absolutely no use forrejectionism in whatever shape or form. One demonstration of wisdom inpolitics is displaying the courage to reject failed policies andactivities, and acceptance of the need to produce something new. There isnow a very real opportunity for opposition parties to do just that.
ERTA – State media (June 5) Prime Minister Meles Zenawi held talks onFriday with Norwegian Foreign Minister, Mr. Jonas Gahr St re. The twoofficials assessed possibilities of strengthening bilateral relations.They also considered ways of working together towards the prevalence ofpeace in the Sudan.
Meles assured Mr. St re of Ethiopia’s commitment to contributing its sharefor the successful implementation of the Sudanese Comprehensi ve PeaceAgreement. Mr. St re on the occasion congratulated Meles over his EPRDF’slandslide victory in the recent national elections.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, same day, conferred with a USdelegation led by Senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma. Meles briefed Mr.Inhofe of his government’s priorities over the coming years. Mr. Inhofecheered Meles over his party’s reelection in the recent general elections.
HydroWorld.com (June 6) The tale of two dams in Africa – one underconstruction, the other completed – captures two starkly differing sidesto China’s image as a major player in the development of hydropower aroundthe world.
The Gibe 3 Dam in Ethiopia, now under construction by Italian hydropowerdeveloper Salini Costruttori, is the target of international lobbyistsopposed to what they say is the devastating environmental consequences itwill have.
Funding to cover the full US$1.75 billion construction of the project hasnot yet be en secured, and against a background of opposition from localand international lobbyists, both the World Bank and the AfricanDevelopment Bank have withheld funding until an environmental impactreport is received.
Meanwhile, Salini Costruttori is proceeding with the project, with thesupport of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and mainlandpower equipment supplier Dongfang Electric Corporation, who are now alsothe targets of the groups opposing the project.
In contrast to the international ire being raised over Gibe 3, the MeroweDam in Sudan shows China appears to have learned the lesson of takingenvironmental issues into account.
News that ICBC, one of China’s Big Four state banks, will help finance the1,870 MW Gibe 3 in Ethiopia, which will be the largest hydropower projectin Sub-Saharan Africa when completed by 2014, dismayed Peter Bosshard,policy director of International Rivers, an international environmentalNGO. “If ICBC funds the Gibe 3 Dam, this will be a serious setback for theefforts to make China’s overseas dam building more sustainable,” Bosshardsaid.
“The Gibe 3 Dam is one of the most destructive infrastructure projects inrecent years, and the World Bank and other international financialinstitutions have not approved funding for it,” he said.
The dam, which is part of a larger project on the Omo River, threatens thelivelihood of 500,000 indigenous people, says International Rivers,because it could end the river’s natural flood cycle and thus destroyharvests and grazing land.
“China has made impressive progress in reforming its banking sectorthrough its green credit policy. Funding an environmental disaster likethe Gibe 3 Dam would make a mockery of the environmental efforts inChina’s banking sector,” said Johan Frijns, coordinator of BankTrack, anetwork of civil society organisations that tracks banks.
In May, China and Ethiopia signed an agreement on the Gibe 3 dam, whichcovered the supply of equipment by Dongfang, a state-owned enterprise thatis one of China’s largest suppliers of generating equipment.
While the total cost of the Gibe 3 Dam is US$1.75 billion, the contractinvolved in the May agreement was US$495 million, with 85 per cent to befinanced by a loan from ICBC, according to Ethiopian media.
“Dongfang will supply the most important equipment for the Gibe 3 Dam.Together with the Ethiopian government and the financiers, they will shareresponsibility for the project’s social and environmental impact,”Bosshard said.
South China Morning Post was unable to reach Dongfang for comment, butICBC responded in an e-mail: “ICBC has long been attaching greatimportance to environmental protection, and will not finance projects thatfail to reach environmental standards. We will keep a close watch on theprogress and the environmental evaluation of t he project.” ICBC, listedin Hong Kong and Shanghai, adopted the Equator Principles in 2008, whichwas a significant step forward in developing corporate socialresponsibility in China’s banking sector, said Cristelle Maurin, a PhDcandidate in international law at the University of Paris. “There arestill gaps in Chinese banks’ adherence to international standards. Onlyone Chinese bank, ICBC, has signed up for the Equator Principles,” shesaid.
The Equator Principles is an international standard that ensures projectsare financed in a socially responsible and environmentally sound manner.
Outside China, there are 251 dam projects in 57 countries with Chinesefinancing and/or construction, Bosshard said. “China has become by far themost important actor in global dam building.”
Globally, dam construction has generated problems. The World Commission onDams has found that up to 80 million people around the world have beendisplac ed by the construction of reservoirs, many of them impoverished inthe process.
However, John Briscoe, a professor of environmental engineering at HarvardUniversity, sees China playing a positive role in global dam development.
The World Bank’s lending to hydropower projects fell 90 per cent duringthe 1990s, Briscoe wrote in an article on May 24 on the website of ChinaDialogue, an organisation which hosts discussions on environment. Inrecent years, the World Bank financed only two major dams in thedeveloping world, but China now finances over 200 such projects in Africaand Asia, he said.
“This is a great service to the developing world. It would be even greaterif China were to export not only its superb construction capabilities butalso its world-leading capability in the sensitive area of resettlement,”Briscoe said.
In contrast to the controversy surrounding Gibe 3, the Merowe dam,Africa’s largest completed dam, left a positiv e impression of China’strack record on hydropower after an initially poor start, according tosome observers.
Since it was completed in 2008, the Merowe Dam has doubled the powergenerating capacity of Sudan. China Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank), aleading Chinese state-owned lender to overseas Chinese projects, was themain foreign financier of the US$1.2 billion project with US$519 millionof financing.
A joint venture of two Chinese state-owned firms, Sinohydro and ChinaInternational Water and Electric Corporation, built the dam’s concretebody. Sinohydro, China’s biggest dam builder, is preparing to list inShanghai this year.
“I had the chance to visit the Merowe Project in 2005. It was a very badproject. It displaced more than 50,000 people from the fertile Nile valleyinto desolate desert locations,” Bosshard said.
But Exim Bank had agreed to fund the project in 2003, after the Sudanesegovernment failed to attract funding from European, Canadian and Malaysianfinanciers.
“Since 2003, China Exim Bank and Sinohydro have improved theirenvironmental performance. China Exim Bank adopted an environmental policyin 2004 and a more detailed environmental guideline in 2007,” Bosshardsaid.
“I am confident that today, China Exim Bank would not fund a project likethe Merowe Dam again.”
As part of its efforts, China has attempted to reach out to thegrassroots.
“In 2008, I met the Chinese envoy to Sudan, Liu Guijin, in London,” saidAli Askouri, president of the leadership office of Hamdab Dam’s AffectedPeople, a London-based NGO. Hamdab is the other name for the Merowe Dam.
“I raised my concerns over the Merowe Dam with him, and he promised tolook into the matter and work to improve the Chinese companies’performance in regard to the affected communities in Sudan.
“My biggest concern was that the Sudanese government wanted to uproot ourcommunity out of its traditional land. This did not happen, whichrepresented an extremely positive step that helped to ease the tensionconsiderably,” Askouri said.
“I have seen the Chinese seriously looking into improving theirperformance with local communities. Before, the Chinese never discussedenvironmental impact.
“The Chinese are now talking about getting with international bodies toimprove the quality of their work to meet international environmentalstandards, and the affected communities,” Askouri said.
“Exim Bank requires environmental monitoring and management before, duringand after the project implementation. Only projects obtaining approvalfrom recipient countries’ environmental administration will be funded,”said Maurin, who studies the international ventures of Chinese firms.
In 2007, Exim Bank signed a memorandum of understanding with the WorldBank to exchange information on pro ject evaluation procedures which mayhave a positive impact on Exim Bank’s social standards and transparency,Maurin said.
In 2008, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission(Sasac) issued guidelines on corporate social responsibility forstate-owned enterprises.
Since Sinohydro is preparing for its listing on the Shanghai StockExchange, the company has been working to comply with the Shanghaibourse’s corporate social responsibility requirements, Maurin said.
To that end, Sinohydro is preparing an environmental policy incollaboration with international NGOs like International Rivers, Bosshardsaid.
Although the corporate social responsibility of Chinese companies inhydropower projects is improving, “we will not let our guards down”,Bosshard wrote on the International Rivers website.
“There are serious problems in many ongoing projects. Sinohydro hasexpressed an interest in extremely problematic pr ojects such as the Gibe4 Dam in Ethiopia.”
Any dam on the Omo River, including Gibe 4, will hinder the river’snatural flood cycle, Bosshard explained. “We are concerned that Gibe 4would have similar impact on the ecosystems and populations as Gibe 3.”
Exim Bank and Sinohydro did not reply to questions from the South ChinaMorning Post.
Ogaden online – ONLF official website (June 6) Reports reaching the OgadenOnline service desk confirm an increasing trend of new extra judicialkillings, severe forms of torture and lootings of civilian property by theEthiopian (Woyane) militias throughout Ogaden.
In the latest incident of torture and arrest, the (Ethiopian) Woyanemilitias are reported to have arrested and severely tortured many Ogadencivilians between May 15th -June 1st, 2010 in various cities in Ogaden. Sofar the names below, not the complete list, were received from ourreporters on the ground and individuals who requested anonymity, as theyare not authorized to divulge such information to the public.
14/5/10 Dhuxun, Nogob
Maxamud Faarax C/lahi: Killed
Dhimbil Macalim Carab: Killed
Ciid Cabdulahi Macalim Mahad: Killed
Shukriya C/lahi Kaahin: Arrested
16/5/10 Gurdumi, Jarar
Rabiic Good Cabdi: Was killed
24/5/10 Sagag, Nogob,
Cibado Cabdullahi Cagdi: Arrested
Faadumo Cabdi Raage: Arrested
Nimco Cabdi Nur: Arrested
Suleekho Sarhaye: Arrested
25/5/10 Wardheer
Shukri Cabdi Mire: Arrested
25/5/10 Dhagaxbuur
Gurey Dheeg: Arrested
Cbadullahi Faysal Muxumed: Arrested
Qalbi Maxamed Cabdi Badar: Arrested
Raaxo Mahad Cabdi: Arrested
Sabaad Axmed Faarax: Arrested
Xamdi Cabdullahi Cigaal: Arrested
Nuurto Maxamed Nur: Arrested
Ayaan Maxamed Nur: Arrested
Cabdi Axmed cusman: Arrested
Ayaan Cumar Maxamed: Arrested
25/5/10 QabriDa hare
Anfac Axmed Sulub: Arrested
Ridwaan C/rashiid Nur: Arrested
Khadar Asad Jidaal: Arrested
Faarax Siraad Muxumed: Arrested
Axmed Cabdi Digaale: Arrested
Cayni Sayid Cabdi: Arrested
26/5/10 Qabriahare,
Fadumo Lambar Adan: Arrested
Tamaan Mawliid: Arrested
Ruqiya Yusuf Khadiib: Arrested
Ardo Muxumed Amare: Arrested
Khadiija Sheikh Axmed Nur: Arrested
28/5/10 Birqod, Jarar
Faadir Cali Siyaad: Arrested
29/5/10 Dhagaxbuur
Cabdi Kamas Sheikh Ismaciil: Arrested
29/5/10 Jaleelo
Axmed Carab Xabawar: Arrested
Fardowsa Maxamed Cumar: Arrested
C/fatah Sheikh Maxamed: Arrested
Adan Axmed Nur: Arrested
1/6/10 Maraacaato
Cabdi Raaxo Muxumed Cabdi: Arrested
Riish Weli Rashiid: Arrested
Ogaden online – ONLF official website (June 4) Reports reaching the OgadenOnline Service Desk from many parts of Ogaden confirm the Woyane regime’slatest efforts to reinforce the Ogaden.
blockade. As a result of this new initiative intended to harm the Ogadencivilians, it is reported that the price of food tripled or evenquadrupled in some places.It is reported that in places such as QabriDahar a sack of sugar is now being sold in excess of 1500 Ethiopian Birrswhich is about $112 United States Dollar. In a nation where people hadvery little to begin with, not many could afford such a price for anessential food item such as sugar.Ogaden Online reporters throughout theregion indicate that this new reinforcement effort to tighten the Ogadenblockade comes at a very sensitive time for the regime. It follows therecent defeat of the Woyane regime’s militias in a major gas installationcalled Hilala.
Sudan Tribune (June 7) Eight Eritrean political organizations have formeda joint military front that will enable them to launch a massive and wellcoordinated military attacks as a strategy to depose president IssayasAfeworki’s government.
The new joint military front will replace the unsuccessful and independentattacks, says a joint statement of the groups received today by SudanTribune.
Kornelious Osman Agar is chairman of DMLEK, Democratic Movement for theLiberation of Eritrean (KUNAMA), one among the eight organizationsmilitarily jointed. He says the formation of the front is a major stepforward to the whole struggle and a big blow to Asmara, where it’s onlylegal party the people’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) doesn’trecognize the existence of other political forces.
“This is a good will and successful achievement to the ongoing struggleand creation of the joint front by those organizations with military wingsgrants the political leadership a road map on to how to topple theEritrean regime,” Kornelious Osman Agar told Sudan Tribune.
“Now Eritrean political organizations have gone beyond managi ng theirpolitical differences and we are witnessing a conversion to a unitedmilitary joint force.”
“This Converged political military force belongs to eight differentpolitical groups; the nature of the military wing by itself demonstrates abig blow to Issayas government who undermines our existence and unitedstruggle,” He stressed.
Currently, There are some 50, 000 Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia who fledhome in protest to oppression. One-third of these refugees are governmentsoldiers, According to Administration for Refugees and Returnees Affairs(ARRA).
The opposition leader said that the attacks against Eritrean governmentwill involve these refuges residing in Ethiopia.
“We have invited Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia to join us in the struggleto overthrow regime. We are ready to accommodate them but that will fullybe based on their consent;” Kornelious said further hinting time beingapproaching for the launch of the massive strikes.
“We all political organizations assume very efficient and effective unityand when we are ready to scarifies together with same principle and forsame line then we will start to jointly strike, but I believe time tostrike is now.”
Following the 1998-2000 border war which claimed some 70,000 people, AddisAbaba and Asmara have routinely trade accusation of encouraginginstability by supporting each other’s rebels.
Addis Ababa describes Ogaden and Oromo rebels as anti peace agentssupports by Eritrea, While Asmara presents the Afar and other members ofthe opposition Eritrean Democratic Alliance (EDA),coalition of 13 Eritreanpolitical groups, as trouble makers employed by Addis Ababa in its proxywar against Eritrea.
CNN (June 6) Two New Jersey men arrested at a New York airport planned totravel to Somalia to “wage violent jihad,” and also had expressed awillingness to commit violent acts in the United S tates, according toprosecutors and a federal criminal complaint.
Mohamed Mahmoud Alessa, 20, of North Bergen, New Jersey, and CarlosEduardo Almonte, 24, of Elmwood Park, New Jersey, were taken into custodySaturday at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The two intended totake separate flights to Egypt on their way to Somalia “to join designatedforeign terrorist organization al-Shabaab and wage violent jihad,” federalprosecutors said in a statement.
The two are charged with conspiring to kill, maim and kidnap peopleoutside the United States, according to court documents.
Read the criminal complaint against Alessa and Almonte (PDF):
http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/06/06/alessa–mohamed–complaint.pdfhttp://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/06/06/alessa–mohamed–complaint.pdf
The FBI received a tip regarding the men’s activities in October 2006,according to the U.S. Attorney’s office in New Jersey.
The tip, from someone who knew the men, said, “Every time they access theInternet all they look for is all those terrorist videos. … They keepsaying that Americans are their enemies, that everybody other than Islamicfollowers are their enemies … and they all must be killed.”
As part of the investigation, an undercover officer with the New YorkPolice Department’s intelligence unit “recorded numerous meetings andconversation” with the two men, prosecutors said.
During those meetings, they discussed a plan under which they would savethousands of dollars and physically condition themselves through paintballand other training, then acquire military gear and apparel for useoverseas, and buy plane tickets to Egypt with the intent to travel toSomalia.
“The defendants also discussed their obligation to wage violent jihad andat times expressed a willingness to commit acts of violence in the UnitedStates,” prosecutors said.< br>On April 25, for instance, Almonte said “that there would soon onlybe American troops in Somalia, which was good because it would not be asgratifying to kill only Africans,” according to prosecutors.
And in November 2009, Alessa said in part, “We’ll start doing killinghere, if I can’t do it over there,” according to the criminal complaint.In an apparent reference to Maj. Nidal Hasan, charged with the deaths of13 people in a shooting spree at Fort Hood, Texas, Alessa said, “He’s notbetter than me. I’ll do twice what he did.”
In January, the two lifted weights together, and Alessa stated in part“that stronger muscles means bigger muscles which means killing morenon-Muslims,” according to the complaint.
In December, authorities interviewed a member of Almonte’s family, whotold them that when Almonte was interviewed previously outside his home,Alessa was hiding inside the home and in possession of a large knife, andtold Almonte’s family members he would kill the agents if they cameinside.
The two traveled to Jordan together in 2007, the complaint said.
The two men also watched and played for the undercover officer “numerousvideo and audio recordings” promoting jihad, including lectures byfugitive American-born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki and videos showing attacksby al-Shabaab.
In the presence of the undercover officer, Alessa discussed with hisfather buying a plane ticket to Egypt, ostensibly for him to attend schoolthere, according to the criminal complaint. Authorities met Alessa andAlmonte at the airport with arrest warrants Saturday.
The two are scheduled to appear Monday before a U.S. magistrate judge,prosecutors said. If convicted, each faces a maximum sentence of life inprison.
“I was surprised” at Alessa’s arrest, his landlord, Hemant Shah, toldreporters. “It was just yesterday when I talked to him. I said, ‘Hi, Iheard you’re going away.’ He said, ‘Yes, I’m going out.’ I said, ‘For howlong?’ He said, ‘Probably about six months.'”
Earlier, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s office in Newark, NewJersey, Rebekah Carmichael, said the arrests did not relate to “any knownimmediate threat to the public or active plot against the United States.”The FBI and NYPD said the arrests were part of an ongoing operation, andthe FBI said the airport was not at risk.
Asked about the operation, New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kellysaid, “As in gun trafficking and narcotics investigations, the NYPD cannotacknowledge publicly individual undercover police officers who haveinfiltrated suspects. Nonetheless, we are indebted to them.
“Even when individuals plan to support terrorist activity abroad, weremain concerned that once they reach their foreign destinations they maybe redirected against targets back home, as we’ve seen in the past,” Kellysaid. “We are also concerned that should they remain undetected and failin their foreign aspirations that they might strike domestically, as wasdiscussed as a possibility in this case.”
FBI agents also raided two homes in New Jersey, the Newark Star-Ledgernewspaper reported, and the arrests were part of an investigation known asOperation Arabian Knight.
They come a month after Faisal Shahzad, a 30-year-old Pakistani-American,was taken into custody in connection with a botched vehicle bomb attemptin New York’s Times Square on May 1. Shahzad, who faces five counts, couldbe sentenced to life in prison if convicted.
Senior counterterrorism officials said Shahzad also pondered attacks onRockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminal and the World Financial Centerin New York, and Connecticut helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky, going sofar as to case some of the targets.
Three men were picked up in connection with Shahzad during a sweep in theNortheast. They are accused of having been involved in an informalmoney-transfer network that provided cash to Shahzad.
Pakistan has rounded up another 11 people for questioning, though no onehas been charged.
Stratfor.com (June 2) Summary: Two figures from the Somali jihadist groupal Shabaab — Omar Hammami, an American-born commander in the group, andMohammad Ali, a suspected member of the group thought to be trying tocross the U.S.-Mexican border — have drawn attention to the group lately,giving voice to ambitions of transnational militant attacks. Al Shabaab isnot likely to go global itself, but it could well inspire “lone wolf” andgrassroots jihadists to strike the West. Analysis:
Omar Hammami, an American-born commander of the Somali jihadist group alShabaab, was featured in a propaganda video released May 11 calling forjihadists to spread the battle around the world and specifically to “bringAmerica to her knees.” Then on May 27, the U.S. Department of HomelandSecurity issued a terrorism threat alerting local authorities to be on thelookout for Mohammad Ali, a suspected al Shabaab member allegedlyattempting to cross the U.S.-Mexican border. Finally, on May 30 anAeromexico flight from Paris to Mexico City was forced to land in Montrealbecause a man on board, Abdirahman Ali Gaall, was on the U.S. no-fly list.Few other details are available at this time, but it appears so far thatGaall had connections to al Shabaab. This confluence of events hasattracted STRATFOR’s attention to the Somali jihadist group. While alShabaab remains focused on Somalia, it could pose more of a transnationalthreat, inspiring “lone wolf” and grassroots jihadists to hit back at theWest.
In 2008, as foreign jihadists began their flight from Iraq, STRATFOR wrotethat
http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/somalia–implications–al–qaeda–al–shabaab–relationship?fn=2516393091 al Shabaab “had an opportunity to transform Somalia into acentral jihadist theater. Growing its ranks with foreign fighters andenjoying the increasing support of al Qaeda sympathizers, the Somalimilitants could reach the tipping point in their insurgency against theTransitional Federal Government (TFG) in Mogadishu.”
Two years later, al Shabaab is putting up a consistent fight againstWestern-backed forces in central and southern Somalia, making significantgains in southern Somalia and even controlling large portions ofMogadishu, but it has been unable to completely defeat the TFG. The TFG,along with African Union (AU) peacekeeping forces and an array of alliedmilitias, is managing to hold onto the most strategic parts of Mogadishu,namely the seaport. The United States is providing the TFG with arms,training and assistance in an effort to keep al Shabaab at bay.
The United States has pursued a strategy of fighting other regional alQaeda nodes that pose a threat to the United States, such as in Yemen and
http://www.stratfor.com/weekly/20090624–algeria–taking–pulse–aqim?fn=3316393083Algeria, by supporting the local government forces with intelligence,training and supplies (with the occasional overt use of U.S. specialoperations forces or
http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/somalia–united–states–targets–militant–leaders?fn=4116393034air power to hit specific high-value targets). U.S. forces target senioral Shabaab commanders with ties to al Qaeda, while lower-ranking alShabaab fighters are left for local forces. These local forces are reliedon as much as possible to avoid large mobilizations of U.S. troops.
This strategy has largely worked in areas like
http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/20100513–indonesia–dismantling–another–militant–cell?fn=8216393011Indonesia and Algeria, where the governments (for the most part) controlthe territory and can command a competent security force to combat themilitants. However, in Somalia, the TFG is struggling just to survive andcannot fight a serious counterterrorism campaign because it does notcontrol large swathes of Somali territory. The TFG lacks a sufficientlysized and capable military force of its own, plus it is wracked bypolitical infighting that limits its ability to go on the offensiveagainst al Shabaab. Ethiopia withdrew its troops from
http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/20090113–somalia–strategy–behind–ethiopian–pullback?fn=7516393040Somalia in early 2009. The United States still relies on Ethiopia’ssupport for the Somali Islamist militia and TFG ally
http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/20100315–somalia–tfg–makes–deal?fn=8416393021Ahlu Sunnah Waljamaah, and Ethiopian military operations meant to keepjihadists from spreading into Ethiopia. However, the TFG’s incoherencelimits the United States’ ability to pursue its usual strategy of relyingon the l ocal government’s counterterrorism operations to contain amilitant group.
This helps al Shabaab. As long as the United States is willing to maintainthe current level of deterrence, al Shabaab will maintain its capabilityof long-term survival. If Washington does not view al Shabaab as a directand imminent threat to U.S. security, the U.S. response to al Shabaab willbe limited. Striking at the United States (or anywhere outside Somalia)would raise al Shabaab’s profile dramatically, risking increased U.S.involvement. Therefore, STRATFOR does not expect the group’s core leadersto adopt a transnational strategy anytime soon.
However, there exists in Somalia a tradition of violent and anti-Westernjihadist ideology. Indeed, those responsible for the August 1998 bombingsof the U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,while not connected to al Shabaab, did
http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/somalia–al–qaeda–and–al–shabaab?fn=2616393028 have connections to Somalia. Furthermore, as expected, foreignjihadists have moved to Somalia from other theaters such as Iraq, theCaucasus and Pakistan as well as Western countries like the United Statesand Canada, bringing with them a broader jihadist mindset. Theseforeigners can basically be divided into two groups: trained andexperienced militants looking for a fight, and inexperienced ideologuesyearning to get into one. STRATFOR sources say that al Shabaab has a fewhundred foreign fighters — among them many inexperienced ideologues —but only a couple of dozen more experienced foreign commanders. (AlShabaab has an estimated overall force of around 4,000 fighters — bothforeign and local — deployed in groups in southern and central Somaliaand in Mogadishu.)
Hammami — who fights under the nom de guerre Abu Mansour al-Amriki —exemplifies the foreign born commander with aspirations beyond Somalia. Inhis video, he exhorted jihadists worldwide to spread the fight “from Spainto China” and to “bring America to her knees,” saying the “first stop” isAddis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital. These foreign, more jihadist-inspiredfighters are crowding out the more nationalist-oriented and Islamistfighters like thesplinteredhttp://www.stratfor.com/analysis/20100513–brief–splinter–group–forms–somalias–hizbul–islam?fn=7816393015Hizbul Islam, whose focus was primarily on winning Somalia. Al Shabaabalso exhibited an interest in foreign targets when it
http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/20091027–uganda–addressing–al–shabaab–threat?fn=9116393035issued threats against Uganda and Burundi in October 2009. NeighboringKenya constantly receives threats, and al Shabaab has been named as apotential
http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/20100516–security–and–africas–first–world–cup?fn=3716393085threat to the upcoming World Cup in South Africa.
The
http://www.stratfor.com/weekly/20100106–jihadism–2010–threat–continues?fn=5716393045devolution of al Qaeda has meant that the core group of jihadists whoconducted the 9/11 attack does not have the same militant c
5) Back to TopEthiopian police reportedly summon editor for ‘defaming’ priest – OSCTranslation on Sub-Saharan AfricaMonday June 7, 2010 09:02:48 GMTpriest
The police in Ethiopia have summoned a manager and editor-in-chief of aprivate newspaper for “defaming” an administrator of a church in thecapital, Addis Ababa, the private Google newspaper reported on 4June.According to the paper, the manager and editor-in-chief of Negadrasnewspaper, Ayalew Asres, was summoned to the Central Crime Investigations(CCI) in Addis Ababa on 31 May and interrogated for six hours before being released on a surety.Ayalew is charged with reporting that there wasconflict in the church and the church staff had written a letter to theAddis Ababa diocese that the administrator, Melake-Genet Aba (honorific)Hailemariam Mengesha, was not doing what was expected of him.Negadras is aweekly newspaper published every Friday and reports on social, economicand political issues and entertainment.
Material in the World News Connection is generally copyrighted by thesource cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyrightholder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. ofCommerce.