Somalia honors former Parliament Speaker Prof. Jawari with state funeral

Somali people paid their last respects to the former Speaker of the Somali Parliament, Prof. Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari, in a state funeral prayer in Mogadishu on Saturday.

Political leaders, including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Barre, attended the prayer.

Prof. Jawari, whose death was announced last Friday, was 79. Somalia's current leaders praised him as a respected statesman who worked for the Somali government for 60 years.

In his tribute, President Mohamud called Prof. Jawari a man who played a historic role in developing the government and building institutions in Somalia. 

"He served his country in various capacities and was one of the leaders who dedicated their life and wealth to rebuilding the government," President Mohamud said.

Who is Prof. Jawari?

Prof. Mohamed Sheikh Osman was born in Afgoye district in the Lower Shabelle region in 1945. 

He grew up in Bur Hakaba district in the Bay region and studied law at Somali National University.

Between 1979 and 1985, he served as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. From 1973 to 1979, he served as Director General and Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

Prof. Jawari eventually became Minister of Transport, Labor and Labor in the government led by former President Mohamed Siad Barre. 

He was also a member of parliament during the military government.

When the government collapsed, Prof. Jawari went to Norway and lived there for a while. In Norway, he worked in development and education.

When reconciliation efforts to form a government in Somalia began, he was among those who returned to help establish the Somali government. He became the chairman of the Independent Commission, which drafted the latest constitution, and served as a senior adviser to the Constitution Commission for a long time.

In 2012, Prof. Jawari became the Speaker of the Federal Parliament of Somalia, the first parliament elected in the country and chosen by traditional elders. In 2017, he became the House of the People Speaker again but resigned after a political conflict with the government.

He was recently part of a committee appointed by President Hassan Sheikh to defend Somalia's independence and territorial unity amid diplomatic tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.

Prof. Jawari also lectured university students, encouraging them to focus on the country's development. He was well-versed in Somali language and culture and fluent in Somali, Italian, English, Arabic, and Norwegian.

In 2022, social media reports falsely claimed that Prof. Jawari had passed away, but his relatives later denied the news.

Prof. Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari died at 79, leaving behind nine children—five daughters and four sons.

 Somali government denies negotiating with al-Shabab amidst military pause

Somali government has denied social media reports that it is negotiating with the al-Qaeda-affiliated armed group al-Shabab, a few months after military operations against the group stopped.

National Security Adviser Hussein Moallim Mohamud on X

National Security Adviser Hussein Moallim Mohamud wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the government is not in talks with al-Shabab. 
He reiterated that President Mohamud has set clear conditions for any potential negotiations.

"They must sever any links with global terror groups and accept Somalia's territorial integrity. 
They must be willing to pursue their political agenda peacefully," the adviser said.

The somali government war against Al-Shabaab

Two years ago, the Somali government declared a 'total war' against al-Shabab. 
The operations began when local people in the Hiiraan region organized themselves against the group. 
The government later joined the fight and took over the operation's lead.

Despite setbacks the joint forces face, some elite figures and security experts have called for talks with al-Shabab. 
President Mohamud, speaking recently at the Oslo Forum, emphasized that the endgame with al-Shabab will ultimately involve dialogue. 
His remarks have sparked reactions from politicians and security commentators.

Since 2007, al-Shabab has been fighting the Somali government and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), a multidimensional mission authorized by the African Union and mandated by the United Nations Security Council.

 Nine soldiers detained in Mogadishu for violating live ammunition ban

Police in Mogadishu have arrested nine members of the army who fired celebratory live ammunition on the Independence Day anniversary on Tuesday night.

The Banadir Regional Police Command stated that the arrested soldiers were accused of violating a directive that banned people, including army forces, from firing live bullets to celebrate Independence Week.

"An investigation is underway, as there are casualties resulting from the illegal shots fired last night. Security agencies are also looking for several other soldiers and their relatives," the Banadir regional police said in a brief statement on Wednesday.

Somalia's Independence Week started on Tuesday night after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, along with other government officials and thousands of citizens, raised the flag in a colorful event in Mogadishu.

Somalia's southern provinces gained independence from Italy in 1960 after years of struggle. The northern regions, now Somaliland, achieved independence from Britain on June 26, 1960, and four days later, on July 1, united with the South to form the Republic of Somalia.

 

Somali police arrest man for alleged murder of mother and nephew in Mogadishu.

Somali police have arrested Mohamed Hassan Ali Dhiblawe, who is accused of killing his mother and nephew in the Denyiile district of Mogadishu.

The police identified the victims as Murayo Mohamud Siyad, and Yusuf Mohamud Siyad.

The accused man allegedly used a knife in the murders.

The reason behind the killings is not yet known.

“Police forces at Deyniile Police Station apprehended the man around 6:40 pm on 24.06.2024. His mental health condition is being examined to determine the reason for killing his relatives,” a police statement said.

In 2023, a court in Kismayo town executed 37-year-old Hassan Abdullahi Abdi Shire, who was found guilty of fatally stabbing his mother, Halimo Hassan Omar.

  Al-Shabaab hideouts targeted by Somalia government forces in Galgaduud

 Somalia's federal government forces, supported by local residents, conducted a major operation targeting Al-Shabaab hideouts in the Galgaduud region, recovering a significant amount of weapons and inflicting casualties on the militant group.

The attack took place in the forested areas between the towns of Galcad and Masagaway. According to Abdinur Yusuf Qadaye, commander of the 86th unit of the 77th Brigade, the troops entered a remote area known to be used by Al-Shabaab to organize attacks.

"There was a strong attack on the Khawarij, and we recovered a significant amount of weapons from the dead and injured Khawarij. We are still in the jungle," Qadaye said.

The operation is part of a series of actions by government forces, who frequently carry out operations against Al-Shabaab with the assistance of residents and international allies. These efforts aim to dismantle the militant group's strongholds and reduce their capacity to launch attacks.

A leader of Al-Shabaab was killed in the Lower Shabelle region.

Eagle commando forces killed a leader of Al-Shabaab group "named Saqr Abdikadir Shabello, known as Saqr Musso, and held various positions in the group" , in a planned operation in Shaam Garre, one of the areas under Awdheegle district in the Lower Shabelle region.

It was said that the soldiers entered his house in Sham Garre area and killed him, according to the National Media, the Commander of the 1st Division of the Gorgor Abdisalan Jama Hassan.

Statement by the Commander of the First Army. 

"This man who was killed by the army was the head of Al-Shabaab mines in Barire and Owdheegle areas, but he was in charge of espionage for Al-Shabaab. vehicles and motorbikes were carrying people," said the commander of the 1st army unit, Gorgor Abdisalan Jama Hassan.

Finally, commander Abdisalan said that planned operations of this kind will be continued by the Eagle army while eliminating the Al-Shabaab group.

 

Somali government cracks down on unlicensed vehicles in Mogadishu.

In a move to enhance security, the Somali government banned all vehicles without license plates from the streets of Mogadishu on Wednesday, effective immediately.

"The Somali Police Force informs residents of the capital and its surroundings that, as of today, June 19, 2024, vehicles without license plates are not allowed on the roads of the capital," the statement from the general division of the police in Banadir region said.

The ban responds to the increasing number of unmarked vehicles on Mogadishu's streets, many of which are used by soldiers, officers, and government personnel. These unlicensed vehicles have been a significant security concern, contributing to the city's instability.

Recently, stricter measures have been implemented in Mogadishu, exceeding the current order from the General Division of the Police in the Banadir region. These measures include inspecting all vehicles and restricting the transportation of heavy weapons within the capital's streets.

 

Somalia becomes a member of the Security Council today

Somalia, Denmark, Greece, Pakistan and Panama are expected to receive seats in the United Nations Security Council on Thursday, after a secret vote at the General Assembly meeting.

The world's 193 members are set to vote to elect five countries to serve on the Security Council for a two-year term.

These five members will join the five permanent members who have a veto in the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and France and the five countries elected last year Algeria, Guyana, South Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia.

The Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

The five countries expected to win the Security Council seats on Thursday, have previously been in the Pakistan Security Council seven times, Panama five times, Denmark four times, Greece twice and Somalia once.

 Puntland security forces arrest 3 ISIS suspects

 Security forces of the Puntland regional government in the city of Bosaso conducted a security operation that led to the arrest of three suspected members of the Islamic State (IS).

Puntland security forces said they were conducting serious investigations into the three suspects and would make the results public.

According to a statement issued by the forces, the operation aims to track down the people responsible for collecting and extorting money from businessmen in the city.

Security forces issued a serious warning to businessmen in the city of Bosaso and warned them against paying money or linking to the Islamic State terrorist organization.

 Every checkpoint in Mogadishu equipped with bomb detection dogs.

The Somali Police Force will deploy bomb detection dogs at every checkpoint in Mogadishu to enhance security and prevent explosives, according to spokesperson Abdifitah Adan Hassan.

Hassan announced Saturday that the dogs are specifically trained to sniff out explosives, providing an additional layer of security that traditional methods might miss. 
He assured the public that the dogs pose no threat, emphasizing their role in ensuring safety. 
He also noted that Somalis have long used dogs to protect their fields and homes.

"Dogs are indispensable in Mogadishu. By 2025, we hope every checkpoint will have a dog on duty, ensuring smooth traffic flow and thorough investigation of any suspicious individuals," Hassan said.

The decision follows a recent trial run of dogs inspecting public transportation at checkpoints in Mogadishu. 
While some residents have expressed concern about the dogs touching their belongings during inspections, police say the dogs are essential for security.

 

Minister of Public Security: Somalia is ready to take over security tasks from African forces.

Somalia's Internal Security Minister, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail 'Fartaag', announced today that Somali armed forces are prepared to take over security responsibilities as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) completes its withdrawal by the end of the year.

Minister Fartaag assured the public of the national forces' readiness, stating, "If ATMIS leaves, our replacement forces are ready. There is no doubt that our security forces can take over. We are prepared. Our national forces and heroes are ready to collaborate in maintaining the country's security once ATMIS departs."

ATMIS plans to withdraw 4,000 troops within the next month, following previous withdrawals from key regions, including Hiiraan, Middle Shabelle, Lower Shabelle, Bay, Bakool, and Jubbaland. The minister highlighted that Somali forces have already taken over presidential security responsibilities. ATMIS has previously pledged to ensure a smooth transition of security responsibilities to the Somali Security Forces by December 2024. 

The potential security vacuum that could be exploited by al-Shabaab

Despite this optimism, there are significant concerns about the potential security vacuum that could be exploited by Al-Shabaab, a militant group aiming to overthrow the Somali government. Al-Shabaab, estimated to have between 7,000 and 12,000 fighters, has shown resilience and the ability to recruit new members, including children.

In recent months, Al-Shabaab has increased attacks, targeting security forces and civilians. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) reported a surge in violence, with significant fatalities in regions such as Lower Shabelle and Mudug, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by the group.

International and regional stakeholders' concern over ATMIS withdrawal

International and regional stakeholders have expressed concerns about the ATMIS withdrawal. Leaders from troop-contributing countries, including Uganda and Kenya, have called for a reassessment of the withdrawal timeline, emphasizing the importance of aligning the drawdown with on-the-ground security conditions to prevent a resurgence of militant activity.

The UN independent human rights expert on Somalia, Isha Dyfan, urged Somali authorities to intensify efforts to protect civilians and address human rights violations. Dyfan called for concrete actions against officials who violate citizens' rights and stressed the need to strengthen the capacity to investigate and prosecute cases of sexual and gender-based violence.

The federal government, supported by international partners, continues to build its security forces to manage the nation's complex security challenges. The African Union, in collaboration with the United Nations and other stakeholders, is developing a comprehensive post-ATMIS plan to maintain momentum in Somalia's security efforts and avoid a security vacuum, aiming to support Somalia in achieving long-term stability and peace.