Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Planning Travel to Somalia to Join al Shabaab Terrorist Organization in Jihad Combat

Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Planning Travel to Somalia to Join al Shabaab Terrorist Organization in Jihad Combat

U.S. Attorney’s Office July 30, 2012

Northern District of Illinois (312) 353-5300

CHICAGO—A Chicago man pleaded guilty today to planning to travel to Somalia in 2010 to engage in jihadist fighting for a foreign terrorist organization. The defendant, Shaker Masri, pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to al Shabaab, a designated foreign terrorist organization, knowing that it was engaging in terrorism. The guilty plea resolved charges that have been pending since Masri was arrested as he was preparing to leave the country in August 2010.

Masri, 28, a U.S. citizen who lived in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, remains in federal custody while awaiting sentencing, which U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on October 16, 2012. Masri’s plea agreement calls for an agreed sentence of 118 months (nine years, 10 months). Attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The guilty plea was announced by Gary S. Shapiro, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert D. Grant, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The investigation was conducted by the Chicago FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of FBI special agents; Chicago Police officers; and representatives from 20 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

According to the plea agreement, on July 19, 2010, Masri told an associate, who, unbeknownst to Masri at the time, was a government cooperating source, that he had decided to travel abroad to engage in a jihadist conflict as a combatant. Masri told this individual that he had two choices: either travel to Somalia to aid al Shabaab or to Afghanistan to aid al Qaeda, and Masri indicated that he had decided to travel to Somalia. Masri assured the cooperating source (CS) that he was determined to join a jihadist conflict and only needed funds to facilitate his plan. The CS responded that he had money to fund Masri’s proposed travel, but only if he could join Masri in traveling to Somalia to join al Shabaab, and Masri agreed.

Masri admitted that he and the CS met to discuss their proposed travel on multiple occasions over the following two weeks. They discussed the logistics of traveling to Somalia, including prospective routes, dates, how to conceal their departure, the costs of the journey, the necessity of supplies, and the weapons they would need to acquire in Somalia. Masri warned the CS that they had to be careful to avoid drawing any attention to their proposed travel, the plea agreement states.

On July 23 and 28, 2010, Masri and the CS met to discuss their proposed travel. Masri suggested that, to avoid suspicion, they should avoid traveling directly towards East Africa. Rather, Masri suggested that they travel to southern California, where they could cross the U.S. border into Mexico. From Mexico, Masri explained that they could travel to and through a Latin or South American country that did not work with United States’ law enforcement before heading to East Africa. When asked by the CS how they would link up with al Shabaab once in Somalia, Masri assured the CS that the area of southern Somalia where they would be traveling was controlled exclusively by al Shabaab. Masri further assured the CS that, after arriving in Somalia, he expected they would be placed with a faction of al Shabaab’s militia comprised of foreign fighters.

Masri admitted in his plea that he knew that al Shabaab was a militant organization that had engaged in violent terrorist activity. He was also aware that al Shabaab’s leadership had issued statements advocating terrorism, and he further knew that the United States had designated al Shabaab as a foreign terrorist organization. In their July 23 meeting, Masri told the CS that once they embarked on their journey, they would be “wanted” men.

On July 29, 2010, Masri and the CS met at the CS’s home where they used the CS’s computer to purchase airline tickets to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles. Using a debit card provided by the CS, Masri purchased two one-way tickets to travel from Chicago’s Midway Airport to Los Angeles on August 4, 2010

Masri told the CS that before they left, he needed to discard his laptop and purchase a new computer. Masri explained that he needed to destroy his computer because it contained incriminating information, and the CS agreed to help. In the afternoon of August 3, 2010, Masri and the CS met to finalize preparations for their impending journey to Somalia. They went to a liquor store where the CS was to collect a purported debt that could be used to finance their trip. After purportedly obtaining $18,000 in funds from the liquor store, Masri and the CS traveled to a retail store where they purchased a new laptop computer. Masri was arrested as he and the CS exited the store.

The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel Hammerman and Nicole Kim, with assistance from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division...via FBI

PRESSRELEASE: National Constituent Assembly reaches Day 6

PRESSRELEASE:

National Constituent Assembly reaches Day 6

Mogadishu, July 30, 2012. The National Constituent Assembly continues tounfold smoothly as 825 Somali citizens from all walks of life discuss anddebate the draft Somali Constitution.

The formal opening of the National ConstituentAssembly took place on Wednesday, July 25, representing a significant milestonein the path towards a new constitution for the Somali people. On Day 1, thedelegates were addressed by the President, the Speaker and the Prime Ministerof the Transitional Federal Government, amongst other notable personalities andspeakers. Somali musicians and actors were able to contribute their artistictalents as well. The opening ceremony was attended by diplomats includingUnited Nations Special Representative of the Secretary General, Dr. AugustineMahiga and ambassadors from Djibouti, League of Arab States, Turkey, Ethiopia,IGAD, and the African Union, amongst others.

On the second and third days, the delegatesreviewed the rules of procedure, the entire constitutional process and the tasklying ahead of them. Also, the constitution was read by eminent Somalipersonalities.

On Days 4, 5 and 6 of the National ConstituentAssembly, the delegates were separated into 10 thematic breakout groups, madeup of approximately 80 delegates each, to facilitate debate and discussion. Thedelegates have been vigorously debating the provisions of the draftconstitution, in some cases making recommendations of changes to be deliveredto the new parliament.

The National Constituent Assembly willcontinue for another three days – on Day 8, the delegates will vote onadoption. A positive vote from the National Constituent Assembly will turn thedraft into the Provisional Constitution of Somalia. It will remain provisionaluntil the government can organize a national referendum to give each Somali manand woman the opportunity to vote on the Somali constitution.

The National Constituent Assembly has beenvisited on Sunday July 29 by Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, as well asnumerous ministers, who have commended the delegates and all the teams fortheir hard work and dedication and for their contribution to the Somali future.Today, the Norwegian representative to Somalia Jann-Peter Holtedahl addressedthe plenary session, extending his country’s good wishes and highlighting thehistoric nature of this assembly.

--

Diraac Salaad Fagaase

Communication Director, office of the PM

Mobile: +252-616084650

             +252-699270033

Mogadishu, Somalia

SEMG Report Attests That IC is an Accomplice to Somalia’s Strife

The leaked and publicly debated report of Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group (SEMG) of the United Nations has uncovered unimaginable range of predatory activities perpetrated by Somali leaders as well as by large number of foreign actors against Somalia’s peace, stability, sovereignty, unity and self-governance. The deep rooted pervasive corruption and mismanagement of the leaders of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the widespread violations of UN resolutions by States, Private Security Companies (PSCs), and Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs) have been well documented. The SEMG Report attests that the International Community (IC), particularly the United Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the International Contact Group (ICG) are accomplices to Somalia’s strife.

According to the report, TFG has no control over Somalia’s sea, air and land space. AMISOM, Ethiopia, Civil Aviation Caretaker Authority of Somalia, (CACAS), Bancroft Global Development (USA), Pathfinder (SA), Sterling Corporation Services/Saracen International (UAE), numerous PSCs and PMSCs control Somali Nominal Authority. In one year, close to two hundred unidentified flights arrived and left in Puntland and South Central Somalia for unspecified missions. The fundamental conclusion of 2012 SEMG report with regard to Somalia is as follows:

1. Under the Transitional Federal Institutions, the systematic misappropriation, embezzlements and outright theft of taxpayer funds have become a system of governance in Somalia, embodied in the popular phrase “Maxaa igu jira?”(“What’s in it for me?”).

2. Somalia’s prospect for stabilization and effective governance have fallen prey to political and commercial “elite” who appropriate, privatize and criminalize the core functions of the Somali State enriching themselves while perpetuating a political economy of State collapse.

For recollection, the 2011 SEMG report stated that “The principal impediments to security and stabilization in southern Somalia are the Transitional Federal Government Leadership’s lack of vision or cohesion, its endemic corruption and its failure to advance the political process.” Both reports has sufficiently discredited the false depiction by UNPOS, IGAD and ICG that TFG is a responsible and legitimate representative government of Somalia. Worse, the comment of Dr. Augustine Mahiga, head of UNPOS, to the findings of the report conveyed message of indifference and business as usual.The continuation of the Roadmap process for ending the transition under the discredited TFG leaders is inconceivable and without merit.

Corruption and mismanagement of TFG leaders

In 2011, the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Finance, Money and Protection of Public Assetsof the Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP) presented its preliminary findings of missing funds to parliament and media after conducting an investigation of government revenue and expenditure. The investigation has been quickly terminated by the top TFG leaders. For reasons to be examined other time, UNPOS and IGAD purposefully decided to disband the parliament and to establish instead a new Authority composed of six individuals under the fancy name – “Signatories of the Roadmap process.” Prime Minister Prof Abdiweli M. Ali claims to be the brainchild of this deceptive process.

Then, the Director of the Office of Public Finance Management Unit (PFMU) in the Office of Prime Minister Mr. Abdirizak Fartag issued Audit report indicating unaccounted and unrealized amount of $ 278 million dollars in 2009-2010. PM Mohamed Abdullahi “Formajo” under pressure closed down PFMU and fired the Director.

For corroboration, the World Bank [1] (WB) conducted Financial Diagnostic Assessment (FDA) of the Audit Investigative Financial Report of 2009-2010 and issued detailed report dated May 30, 2012. The WB report confirmed that $ 131 million dollars ($ 164 million of estimated collection less $33 million declared by TFG) are uncounted for 2009-2010. The report found that the source of mismanagement originated from the fact that the power to collect and disburse public funds constitutionally invested in the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank, the Accountant General and the Auditor General as institutions was practically exercised by the following officials:

1. Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed President of TFG

2. Sharif Hassan Sh. Adan Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister (Speaker)

3. Abdirizak Osman Hassan “Jurile”” Minister for Post and Telecommunication

4. Abdirahman Haji Adan Ibrahim Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources

5. Abdirashid Mohamed Hashi Minister of Commerce

6. Mohamed Ibrahim Habsade Minister of Ports and Marine Transport

In addition, the 2012 SEMG report identified at least 15 Somali individuals[2]defined as “political and commercial elite” involved in various activities under investigation. The dealings of the group have been branded as cartel-style arrangement for the purpose of personal profit.

As illustrative cases, SEMG concentrated on the investigation of four transactions engaged by the TFG. First, it analyzed, transcribed and endorsed the FDA of the World Bank, which discovered the missing of $ 131 million dollars. Second, it investigated for evidence the mismanagement of $ 5 million dollars ($ 3 million dollar donated by Omani Government to the Somali National Security Agency (SNA), $ 1 million dollar donated by South Sudan Government for special purpose, and $ 1 million dollar paid by SKI Air Logistics after it received Mogadishu Airport Contract). Third, it probed the shady process for printing 5 trillion banknotes in Sudan in defiance of all legal, administrative and technical procedures. And fourth, it described the corrupt handling of the project for issuing new Passport and National Identification Card. The four cases showed how TFG leaders privatized public power, institutions and services.

Surprisingly, in the face of the above mentioned subsequent revelations, TFG leaders never cared to respond satisfactorily to the accusations of rampant corruption by providing comprehensive detailed explanation of the external and domestic revenues through institutional responsibilities. To the contrary, besides sending a letter to the UN Secretary General in which he designated the Coordinator of SEMG as “Persona non grata in Somalia”, the President accused SEMG for anti-Somali agenda. The Speaker denounced the accusations as bias and baseless aimed to undermine his high chance for being elected to the position of President after his past political performance. The Prime Minister praised the report and accepted the allegations against him by agreeing to provide documentation only for the $ 6 million dollars linked to his name.

These split reactions among the three top TFG leaders reaffirmed the central conclusion of the report consisting in the absence of TFG collective responsibility and in the lack of adherence to Public Finance Management rules and practices. Because of the letter, SEMG recommended sanction against President Sheikh Sharif for the obstruction of the enforcement of UN Resolutions.

Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF)

Puntland State has refused to cooperate with SEMG which led to the recommendation of sanction against Puntland Authorities as their act of refusal constituted a potential obstruction of the work of SEMG. Nevertheless, the Report discussed in detail the operations ofSterling Corporate Services (SCS) formerly (Saracen International) which trains, equips and supervises 1,000 Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) with funds provided by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Without proper consultation, the Office of the Prime Minister authorized SCS to select soldiers from Somali National Army (SNA) to join PFMP training at their camp in Bosaso. AMISOM overruled PM’s authorization and stopped the selection process.

There are many entities involved in the support of PMPF [3]. The report points out that SCS and other companies are linked to Mr. Lafras Luitigingh, owner of Saracen International. Recently, Col Oliver North visited Puntland. TFG received from Saracen International the medical center -Villa Somalia Emergency Trauma Centre,establishedin the Presidential compound. The Fund was paid by UAE.

SEMG argues that PMPF represents a profitable enterprise for relatives and close associates of Puntland President who directly controls it contrary to article 94 of Puntland Constitution. Therefore, SEMG considers the external support of PMPF illegal and breach of UN Security Council Resolutions.

Support to TFG and Puntland Intelligence Services

The report brought to light that the TFG National Security Agency (NSA) commands 1,500 strong force well equipped and trained that comes under the direct supervision of the President. The US Government supports NSA and Puntland Intelligence Services (PIS). Also Sudan supports NSA. SEMG is of the opinion that the support of NSA and PIS is in violation of UN Security Council Resolutions.

Violations of Arms Embargo

More than 15 countries and International Organizations are accused of violations against UN Arms Embargo on Somalia. The presence of Ethiopian forces in Somalia is considered as a violation of UN Resolutions.Another violator of UN resolution is the United Nations Mine Action Services (UNMAS) which has contracted a UK based company,Human Recognition Systemto conduct biometric registration including personal details, fingerprints, photograph and DNA, of Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers, aimed at improving payment of stipends.

In Summary

The Parliamentary Committee, the PFMU, the World Bank, and SEMG have graphically presented the pervasive corruption and mismanagement within TFG. But UNPOS and IGAD backed by IC successfully flouted those accusations and stuck with their corrupted TFG leaders to implement a divisive Roadmap process. The Security Council and the IC must re-examine the facts and problems identified in the SEMG report for course correction and new policy prescription that will help peace, security and stability in Somalia. The predatory activities underway in Somalia must be stopped and the focus should be shifted to State building that delivers State functions throughout Somalia.

Mohamud M Uluso

Email: mohamuduluso@gmail.com

Keeping Somalia in Conflict: Somaliland Secessionists, Al Shabaab and Matt Bryden

Over the past couple of decades, every Somalia analysts had nightmares whenever they tried to find solutions for the Somalia conflict. A unique nation, no text books were ever written on situations similar to that of Somalia. As one of the only two countries named after its people in the giant continent of Africa, the frustrated experts often conveniently conclude that Somalis are just hot-headed and turbo-charged people who argue with each other rather than sit around the table and debate when considering matters of national interest.

But as a concerned Somali, it’s unacceptable to me that such energetic and highly enterprising people would be in conflict with each other for that long without the interference of other governments or groups of people or powerful individuals, so I went my separate way to find my own solutions for what’s wrong with the country and its people.

In my researches in the early years of the conflict and occasionally at present, I blamed the Ethiopians for having their own national interest in the Somalia conflict. And increasingly recently I suspected the Saudis and their teachings of Wahabi Islam. Often I would debate with friends and even with myself about the reasons for the Ethiopians or the Saudis wanting to sustain the conflict in Somalia. Both are close to us; one being our immediate neighbour and the other, our favourite destination for Hajj, shopping and work.

This past fortnight however, I took far too closer look at Somalia, Ethiopia and the nearby Saudi Arabian peninsula. And when the bell did not ring in any of these places, I suddenly, like Albert Einstein discovering Matter and Energy, found a single Canadian culprit who strategically positioned himself in the suburbs of Nairobi, Kenya. I made a substantial discovery towards the conflict resolution programmes for Somalia.

I zeroed in my investigation to small group of mainly Western expats in Nairobi. But the person who is partly responsible for much of the chaos and the unrest in Somalia over the past 21 years is none other than Mr Matt Bryden from Toronto, Canada. He worked for the Brussels-based the International Crisis Group before joining the United Nations, and he is married to Ubah (her exact Somali family name unknown at the time of writing) who originally came from North-Western Somalia (Somaliland).

An investigation into the criteria used to process his original application for employment at the UN is currently underway to establish how Mr Bryden was able to secure employment at the United Nations Political Office for Somalia. My initial findings, however, is that the ‘conflict of interest’ procedure was not properly followed. At this point in time, I can’t confirm whether the mistake was an oversight or deliberate disregard of the UN’s recruitment policy.

In fact I have been wondering over the past ten years about what interest Mr. Matt Bryden has in Somalia. I knew all along from his various reports on Somalia that he has some kind of business in trying to keep Somalia in conflict. I have not, however, discovered up until this week exactly what that interest may be. Perhaps I overlooked some crucial but remote details about the man and his activities, just like the United Nations Human Resources Department in New York, if they were ever made aware of the fact that they have outsourced an important contract to a person who has private interests in Somalia.

Matt Bryden at Somaliland SPRI Conference (2005)

With his latest report on Somalia, Mr. Bryden attracted the undivided attention of the entire Somali nation and this time, the knives are out to him. His dirty laundry is there for everyone to see hanging on the ropes outside his house in Nairobi.

Mr. Bryden’s leaked report on Somalia which is doctored several times over offended every Somali person and the Somalis have him cornered as his back is against the wall. He made very serious error of judgement by underestimating the Somali people, their intelligence and their patience.

The incomplete report which is surprisingly sanctioned by the United Nations has laid bare to Mr Bryden’s ulterior motives. It’s obvious to everyone that his high school style essay has been designed to disrupt and derail the final days of the Somali peace process once again and to tarnish the reputation of the entire Somali nation as corrupt society, unable to produce credible people who can take responsibility for their own country. Please note that I am not, by any means, defending any Somali official who may have been involved in corruption activities.

In the report, while Mr. Bryden pointed the finger at individuals in the transitional Somali government and underlined the amounts of cash they allegedly misappropriated, he deliberately omitted the vital data of who actually handed the money over to whom and with which bank or banks handled these monies, making the entire report unworthy of the papers it was written on.

What also baffled the Somali people and the observers of the Somalia conflict is the deliberate exclusion from the poorly written report of a widespread corruption that is taking place in Somaliland. The United Nations Development Programme confirmed in the winter of 2011 (news wire) that 1000 metric-tonne of food aid that was donated by the government of Oman were emptied by Somaliland officials on daylight from warehouses in Hargeisa.

Moreover, a fourth grader knows that when corruption takes place anywhere in the world the facilitators of that corruption would consist of two people or more. And in the case of Somalia, since almost all the monies came from foreign donors and mainly changed hands on the watch of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia in Nairobi where Mr Bryden lives and works, there were no people named in the report other than the Somali officials, shamefully insulting the intelligence of everyone who read his so called the Somalia Report.

According to Mr Bryden’s sources, there are the Arab Sheikhs who Mr. Bryden claims paid substantial amounts of cash to the Somali government officials. But if an Arab Sheikh hands over a suitcase full of cash to a Somali official and asks him or her no questions later, would you consider it as a gift to that particular individual or would you call it a corruption – a corruption by who? And surprisingly enough, as the weak Somali government officials are junior partners to UNPOS when it comes to foreign donations, the report has been selective and does not contain the names of the people who I believe initiated the alleged corruption and who pocketed the most of the misappropriated funds. The world needs to know who these people are.

The UN must appoint a new and credible person immediately and commission fresh investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Bryden’s activities in Somalia and all the monies that are unaccounted for, no matter whether the funds were paid through the United Nations Political Office for Somalia or was given to individuals as cash in hand. Until then Matt Bryden’s so called Monitoring report is implausible and should be considered null and void.

In fact the Monitoring Group’s report falls far too short of international standards as it lacks substance, professionalism, legitimacy and credibility, and should be dismissed by the United Nations. In the light of the facts available so far, the United Nations should demand the tax payer’s money back from Matt Bryden and his organisation. And Mr Bryden must be relieved from his post, and not reappointed in public service capacity to any activity within the Somali Republic. The international community can no longer afford to tolerate any government or lone wolves who represent other privately established institutions to prolong the conflict by working against the efforts to find peace and security in Somalia.

The Somali people are also strongly urging the UN – after the report is reconsidered – to open the way for comprehensive and independent investigation into the suspected Nairobi-based protection racket which is possibly headed by Mr Matt Bryden. And a good starting point would be Mr Bryden’s interest in Somalia and his relationships with the secessionists group in Somaliland. Only then can the fragile Somali peoples’ relationship with the UN be put back on the right truck.

As politically literate society, the Somali people are well aware of who meets who and when in Nairobi’s expatriate circles. When Mr Augustine P Mahiga, the UN Special Rep. for Somalia, for example, called for the diplomatic recognition of Somaliland, my follow up investigation confirmed that he had dinner table conversation in Nairobi with Matt Bryden the week proceeding to his departure for Hargeisa where his statements were made. But the irresponsible remarks put the colonial mission school educated Mahiga in hot waters after the Security Council promptly reprimanded him.

I must underline that the Somali people have the resources – financial and professional personnel – to conduct their own world class investigations, and if Mr Mahiga elects not to recommend the termination of Mr Bryden’s role in Somalia, other people would be implicated. I should also make it clear to everyone, friend or foe, that the Somali people are fully awake in 2012.

Big or small, there is corruption everywhere including Somalia. But we must be on the lookout for the parasitic individuals who are lurking in the dark periphery of the Somalia conflict, and who are actively involved in the attempts to keep Somalia in conflict. We won’t be able to put to good use the recent gains made by the African Union without removing the remaining obstacles to peace and stability in Somalia: Somaliland secessionists, Al Shabaab and people like Matt Bryden.

It’s an open secret, albeit published in some intelligence reports on Somalia, that Somaliland politicians believe that it’s in their best interest to help sustain the anarchy in the rest of Somalia. So when Mr Bryden’s strong relationship with Somaliland is on the public domain, I wonder how an oversight could have taken place in the UN’s recruitment policy on international staffing.

Urgent review of the UN’s hiring procedures should also be made before another ‘white collar warlord’ and international ‘conflict fat cat’ cooks their own books and makes further embarrassment for the world body. It’s time to find out who else, apart from Matt Bryden, is fuelling the conflict in Somalia and giving Al Shabaab the lifeline they badly need. The Somali people need answers as they are running out of time – and patience.

Abdul Ghelleh, former UKLG civil servant

Email: abdulghelleh@gmail.com

Propaganda Report of Monitoring Group Somalia – Who is "Con-Artist" Lobbyist Matthew Bryden (Terror Free Somalia Foundation Fact Check )

Ethiopia's Intellectual Leader Meles Zenawi | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Ethiopia's Intellectual Leader Meles Zenawi | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

The Zenawi Paradox: An Ethiopian Leader's Good and Terrible Legacy - The Atlantic

The Zenawi Paradox: An Ethiopian Leader's Good and Terrible Legacy - The Atlantic

Tacsi Marxuum Amb Jaamac Dirir Guleed

                                  Tacsi    



Innaa lillaahi wa inaa ileyhi raajicuun

July, 21,  Reston, Virginia 2011------Magaca  dhamaann Reer Yusuf Warasme (Reer yusuf ganay) Hooyo Faaduma dheere  Guuleed ( Canada, Sweden and the US) WaxaanTacsi tiiraanyo leh u diraya Abti  Marxuum Amb Jaamac Dirir Guleed oo maanta ku geeriyooday magaalada London ee wadanka Ingiriiska, dhamaan reer cad cad Qaraabada iyo Ummadda Soomaaliyeed Meel walba ay joogaan.

Geeriduwaa xaq, noole walbana waxuumarayaa dhimasho. Waxaana EEBBE uga baryayaa inuu Abti Marxuum Amb Jaamac Dirir Guleed Janadii Fardowsa ka waraabiyo,kitaabkiisana gacanta midig ka siiyo, dhammaan ummadda Soomaaliyeedna Samir iyo IIMAAN ka siiyo.

   
 Abdirahman Y Warsame

-DHAMAAD-

"Ramadaan Kariim"رمضان مبارك Have a Happy Ramadan/UK’s premier reaches out to Muslims in the world as Ramadan begins/Obama Statement Marking Ramadan

The essence of Ramadan is to become humble

Muslims around the world will begin fasting from Friday July 20, 2012 and for a whole month thereafter, however, for some it will begin only if the moon is sighted.

Since the beginning of Islam, there have been debates as to what constitutes moon sighting. Some interpret that there has to be a minion to declare that they have seen it themselves with their own eyes, where some others do not accept the holiday unless they have seen it themselves. In the United States, there is an organization that monitors moon sighting called the Hilal committee. At one time it was acceptable if the moon was sighted elsewhere, but now, each group has to have their own moon sighting.

Politics runs deeply in our communities, be it a temple, synagogue or a church, and mosques are no different. A few scientifically-inclined-Muslims have adopted NASA's calculation, believed to be precise. However, four different traditions are operative concurrently; i) Strictly Calendar, ii) NASA and iii) Sighting with bare eyes and iv) Sighting by others in the community.

The NASA-oriented and the calendar-group misses out the fun, joy and exhilaration of waiting and watching the needle thin moon on the horizon. The whole family gets out on the roof tops, or higher grounds, some even climb electric poles, and a few will drive out where they can see the sky without obstacles, kids would climb up on parent's shoulders, and a few run from place to place shouting in excitement, did you see? It is like the belief in Santa Claus, angels and other myths; each tradition fulfills one's emotional needs and every one becomes sentimental. After all, if celebration does not have the excitement, it is less of a celebration.

America's spirit of freedom touches every soul, no matter what religion or tradition they follow. American Muslims are no different, they prefer to have a pre-set date to start fasting and the celebration called "Eid" (pronounced as 'Eeed'). The idea is for them to take a day off from work or get an optional day off for their children from the schools. Always, the joy multiplies when the family and friends celebrate it together. They prefer not wait for the moon to show up to the bare eyes.

The conflict is the same every where on the earth. Each group subscribes to one of the four systems mentioned above. America is no different; you will find celebrations on one or three different days in any given city. The Sunnis, being the largest group has the greater division within, while the Shias, Ismailis, WD Mohammad, Bohra and Ahmadiyya follow the pre-determined dates. The consensus may be attributable to having central spiritual leadership in all groups except the Sunni. However like the American public wishes to see Republicans and Democrats drop the party lines and focus on what is good for America, the Muslims also wish they could celebrate the Eid on one single day. It ain't going to happen; it is human to disagree.

It is against the spirit of Ramadan to denigrate, diminish and devalue other practices. The essence of Ramadan is to become humble, simple and free from ill-will, anger, meanness and hate.

Let's fill our hearts with goodwill and honor Ramadan by saying "Eid Mubarak" or Happy Eid to every one who celebrates on a different day in the same town. The essence of Ramadan is joy and let's not prick any one's bubble; God has not signed a pact with any one behind others back, let's rejoice the differences of interpretations. If you want to celebrate every day, go to every celebration.

In the spirit of Ramadan, I pray that Ramadan gets into our hearts and minds and make us embrace all factions of Muslims without undermining their tradition and further pray that we treat every human on the earth with dignity, respect and care.

That is indeed the wisdom expressed in Qur'an, Al-Hujurat, Surah 49:13: "O mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. The noblest of you, in sight of God, is the best in conduct. God Knows and is Aware of everything you do."

Ramadan Mubarak!

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on Islam and pluralism
.

President Obama Gives Ramadan Message

UK’s premier reaches out to Muslims in the world as Ramadan begins

Muslim communities in Britain and around the world at the start of the month of Ramadan.In a press release,

Mr Cameron said Ramadan is a time to remind people their duties and responsibilities and the importance of charity.The premier urged Muslims all over the world to put aside thoughts of themselves, and think of others during this month of Ramadan.The Prime Minister noted the terrible scenes of famine and suffering in the Horn of Africa, saying it reminds them of their duties and responsibilities to those beyond their shores .Mr Cameron said the importance of charity at this time is clear and he is proud of many different communities in the United Kingdom continuing to come together to support millions of people who are in desperate need.

Israeli President Peres releases video message wishing Muslim world “a blessed Ramadan.”

President Obama declares situation in Somalia a "national security threat"

President Obama sent a letter, dated 20, 2012 to Congress declaring the situation in Somalia poses "an unusual and extraordinary national security threat to the United States."

The President cited "piracy, escalating violence, and the deterioration of the security situation in Somalia" as reasons for his actions.

“I found that that the deterioration of the security situation and the persistence of violence in Somalia, and acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia, which have repeatedly been the subject of United Nations Security Council resolutions, and violations of the arms embargo imposed by the United Nations Security Council in Resolution 733 of January 23, 1992, and elaborated upon and amended by subsequent resolutions, constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. To address that threat, E.O. 13536 blocks the property and interests in property of persons listed in the Annex to E.O. 13536 or determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to meet criteria specified in E.O. 13536.

 

 2012 Nokia

The letter was delivered to Congress on July 23, 2012 and read into the Congressional Record and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The President has also amended order 13536 in such a ways as to give the President “designation of persons authority” to go after anyone who engages in what he calls “directly or indirectly threaten the peace, security, or stability of Somalia.”
That means people who "threaten the Transitional Federal Institutions or future Somali governing process."
Examples included: People who obstructed the delivery of humanitarian assistance, stolen from the Somali public assets and who finances or renders financial assistance relating to military activities, training, assistance to a designated terrorist organization, such as al-Shaahab.
See video: Al Shabaab http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwCVrkpQD7s
The letter seeks to prohibit the importation into the United States, directly or indirectly, of charcoal from Somalia.
Charcoal is a “significant revenue source” for the al-Shabaab terrorist organization in Somalia, according to the President (see also video: Charcoal exports from Somalia banned - Press TV News http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5ER-nrquo0 ).
The President also seeks authority to cut off all “non local” commerce to al-Shahaab controlled ports (see video: Al-Shabab maintains grip on Somali port city http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7A5Ujp67lg ).
“In view of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2002 of July 29, 2011, persons who engage in non-local commerce via al- Shabaab-controlled ports that constitutes support for a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13536 may be subject to designation pursuant to E.O. 13536, as amended by the order. The order was effective at 2:00 p.m. eastern daylight time on July 20, 2012. I have delegated to the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the authority to take such actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the order. All agencies of the United States Government are directed to take all appropriate measures within their authority to carry out the provisions of the order. I am enclosing a copy of the Executive Order I have issued, signed on this date, July 20, 2012 Barack Obama, The White House.”
As many people are aware President Obama has been engaged in a ongoing shadow war against al-Shabaab in Somalia for some time now.
In January, the President authorized the successful hostage rescue mission, by U.S. Special Operations soldiers of two foreign aid workers American Jessica Buchanan and Poul Thisted of Denmark, who were being held by 9 armed terrorists in Somalia.
This was thought to be the first major direct military intervention in Somalia by the United States since the 1990's (see video: US forces rescue two hostages in Somalia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7O2Y2n2tlg ).
Robert Tilford

Propaganda Report of Monitoring Group Somalia – Who is "Con-Artist" Lobbyist Matthew Bryden (Terror Free Somalia Foundation Fact Check )

Mogadishu (tf.sf)  Former Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo condemned the UN Monitoring Group report .  PM  said that the  report is part of the campaign of Matthew Bryden against sovereignty of Somalia.  “We understand that Bryden’s wife hails from Isaq Clan, and possesses Somaliland passport rather than Somali passport, we know that he reflects the propaganda,..propaganda against prominent Somali  people,Somali  businessmen and Somali politicians. 

its true that Bryden’s wife is a Somalilander and he is a Somaliland secessionist enclave passport holder.

Somali-land an illegal entity being created by a particular clan (Isaaq) in order to serve personal interests, and as a proxy being used by foreign powers (mainly Ethiopia) in order to keep Somalia divided and weak.

 Scam Artists  secessionist enclave lobbyist 

WHO IS MATTHEW BRYDEN?????

Matthew Bryden aka Matt Bryden is a Canadian expert in the horn of Africa region.  He worked with high profile organizations such as the United Nations.  Bryden campaigns fro Somaliland secession.  His wife, Ubah Bryden is from Somaliland.  They have three children, two sons and a daughter.  They reside in Nairobi. He speaks fluent Somali.  He is believed to be a front runner of Somaliland’s secession in order to keep the rest of the country in chaos, and Somaliland eventually becomes sovereign state.  He wrote book about Somaliland.

Matt Bryden was born in 1967.  He is McGill University graduate in 1988.  He is well feared since he is very influential in the international community.  Many people believe that Bryden went deep into the Somali politics.  His reports criticize about Hawiye and Darod individuals, but never mention his in-laws, Isaq, except those who publicly claimed that they are members of Al Shabab.

It is highly possible that Matt Bryden might hunt the journalist who filed this story.

Pess Release: PM Abdiwali A. Gaas denies allegations of corruption

Press Release
Office of the PM
___________________________

Mogadishu-16 th July 2012, - The Office of the Prime Minister of Somalia (OPM) condemns allegations contained in news reports appearing in some of the media on a“leaked Monitoring Group's report” linking The Office of the Prime Minister to alleged corruption and misconduct.

The Office of The Prime Minister maintains that the allegations are absolutely and demonstrably false. This deliberate misinformation is intended to tarnish the good name and integrity of the Prime Minister and also constitutes defamation and libel intended to maliciously harm the hard earned reputation of the Prime Minister.

The following are some egregious statements made in these media reports that may constitute defamation and libel and that if not retracted and apologized for could result in defamation and libel law suit:

1. “Monitoring group report provided evidence how the Prime Minister regularly sends letters to custom authorities requesting tax exemptions for companies or individual that he claims provide service to TFG.”
   
   As a matter of fact SEMG report does not say so. It says as follows: “30. Both the Ministry of Finance and the OAG provide poor quality reporting of TFG expenses. Not all expenses are registered, and the Monitoring Group has obtained evidence demonstrating how the Office of the President and successive Prime Ministers send letters to custom authorities requesting import tax exemptions for individual or companies that have provided services or goods to the TFG.” Prime Minister Abdiwali Gaas categorically denies ever issuing tax exemption letters on behalf of individuals or companies under false pretenses, and cannot speak for successive prime Ministers.
   
   
2. “The report further alleges that another million from the Government of South Sudan is unaccounted and the Prime Minister’s office took its cut. The report alleges that “In early 2012, South Sudan donated, through Price Waterhouse Coopers, US$1 million to support TFG reconciliation efforts in Somalia’s newly liberated areas. A senior TFG official confirmed to the Somalia-Eretria Monitoring Report (SEMG) that the TFG did indeed receive the US$1 million from South Sudan.59 According to internal TFG documents obtained by the SEMG, the PM instructed the Finance Ministry to disburse the funds directly to individual government officials, MPs and political figures, including US$121,700 to his own office.”

The Prime Minister’s office clarifies that the said US$1 million donated to support TFG reconciliation efforts in Somalia’s newly liberated areas was in fact disbursed and spent on reconciliation efforts in newly recovered areas including Gedo, Bay/Bakool, Hiiraan and Central Somalia areas and evidence of such is available. Additional moneys were spent on political outreach to the regions as mandated under the Road Map protocols. The very fact that the SEMG acknowledges that this particular fund was channeled through Price Waterhouse Coopers demonstrates that the Prime Minister conducts government transactions in a transparent manner.

The Prime Ministers’ distinguished and outstanding contribution to Anti-corruption efforts on the national, regional and international levels is well recognized by Somalis and the following lend credit to those efforts.

1. The Prime Minister has spearheaded various reports in uncovering graft including co-operating with The Monitoring Group in the compilation of its report.
   
   
2. The Prime Minister instituted an Anti-Corruption Task Force that is currently operational.
   
   
3. The SEMG reports variously refer the Joint Management Finance Board. It is worth noting that the JMFB is the brain child of the Prime Minister. He championed it during the period he was a Cabinet Minister and helped turn it into a reality during his tenure as Prime Minster.
   
   
4. The Prime Minister has opposed the release of printed moneys in Sudan pending the institution of proper sound monetary policy, a fact corroborated in the SEMG report.

The PMO takes great exception to the careless and irresponsible publication of false reports that can create wrong impressions and perceptions thereby misleading the Somali people. The PMO further notes that the media bear responsibilities of ethical journalism and as such must refrain from acts of defamation and libel that can cause harm to people’s reputation.

We urge media houses to liaise with the Office of the Prime Minister and authenticate stories relating to His office before going to print. We question the motive behind the publication of this “leaked” report before awaiting the conclusion and distribution of the final report and we call for the upholding of professionalism and objectivity in journalism.

H.E Abdiweli Ali Gaas reassures the Somali People and development partners of his personal commitment in ensuring transparent and accountable utilization of donor funds especially at this critical time in the history of Somalia.

Diraac Salaad Fagaase
Communication Director, office of the PM
Mogadishu, Somalia

Deadly fight erupts on the outskirt of Bardera town, Gedo region

At least five people are believed to have been killed and dozen others injured when a fierce fighting between Al-Shabaab militant group and Somali troops backed by their allied Kenyan forces on Tuesday erupted on the outskirt of south-west Somali town of Bardera, Gedo region.The fighting at an area between Fafah-dun and Bardere town, some 80 kilometres from the rebel held Bardera town occurred when the allied troops launched attacks on rebel bases in the area, according to a Somali military officials, Col. Abass Ibrahim Gurey.Speaking to media Gurey claimed they seized an area approximately 40 kilometers from the militant fighters, adding that they are now close to Bardera town.Although Col. Gurey claimed they suffered no deaths, reports say the five killed during the fight are combatants from both sides of the fight.Injured militants were reportedly taken to Bardera town for treatments.Reports from the areas say today’s battle is the heaviest ever to erupt between the rebel fighters and the allied forces in the region since the onslaught against the militant group started mid last year.Kenyan military have been battling Al-Shabaab militants in Lower Juba and Gedo since crossing into Somalia border mid-last October.

Chicago terror suspect’s long road to seeking martyrdom

Al Qaeda luring American Jihadists  update

An American man's efforts to become a suicide bomber for the Somali al Qaeda affiliate will end next week with an expected guilty plea.Shaker Masri, 27, a U.S. citizen and Chicago resident, faced two counts of terror-related charges. He opted to plea in lieu of standing trial on September 13.A close reading of the indictment and other court documents reveal how Masri's plot unfolded.Masri is accused of conspiring to travel to Somalia from July to August 2010, where he intended to join Al-Shabaab and become a suicide bomber.Through audio recordings, intercepted phone calls and physical surveillance, prosecutors collected overwhelming evidence that portrayed him as an unabashed Islamic radical bent on waging jihad and seeking martyrdom.The most damning evidence was secured through a confidential source employed by the FBI since 2007 to assist in counter-terrorism investigations.Court documents show the source, referred to in the indictment as "CS," has been paid between $40,000-$45,000 for services related to terror investigations as of July 2010."CS," an Arabic-speaking male with prior military training, met Masri at a book warehouse in Addison, Illinois. The warehouse was run by the suspect's employer, a nonprofit that provides free Quran translations from Arabic into English.At the insistence of the FBI, a friendship developed between the two, and it was not long before Masri's extremist views to come to light.In July 2010, the two men were discussing temporary employment over lunch when Masri revealed he had something "serious and secret" to discuss. When they left the restaurant, Masri drove "CS" to a park where he insisted they talk outside, leaving their phones behind in the car.It was there that "CS" testified Masri first revealed his intention of committing terrorist acts. The suspect explained he needed to work for a few weeks to purchase a ticket, which would take him to either Afghanistan or Somalia to fight. Iraq was ruled out as too difficult to enter.

Travel routes were planned and scrapped a half a dozen times or so before Masri settled on Somalia, where he would train and fight with al-Muhajiroun, an outfit of Al-Shabaab that comprises foreign fighters. Djibouti was deemed a viable layover as Masri had a close friend, referred to in the indictment as "Individual A" who "knew big people" there."CS" offered to fund Masri's travels on one condition: he would be permitted to accompany him to Somalia.Insisting that "CS" would satisfy "jihad of the soul" for funding his endeavor, he soon relented and agreed to guide his friend as he sought martyrdom. The entire trip, according to Masri, would cost them $7,000-$10,000.Over the next few weeks, Masri and the "CS" met on multiple occasions, watched martyrdom videos and contemplated the safest way to travel without being detected."Individual A" accompanied them on one occasion. Wearing an earring, shaving his beard, and traveling during Ramadan when it was believed Mideast security would be slack, were all part of Masri's plan to avoid raising suspicions.At one such meeting, Masri commented he had personally known Zachary Chesser, a 20-year old man arrested in Virginia in July 2010 for providing material support to Al-Shabaab and attempting to travel to Somalia to fight alongside the al Qaeda affiliate.Intent on keeping a low-profile, Masri planned a "sudden" departure and aimed to avoid the mistakes Chesser made such as contacting Shabaab members in Somalia from the U.S.All the while, investigators were intercepting phone calls between Masri and a woman in Britain, referred to in the indictment as "Individual B," whom the suspect met online and had developed a romantic relationship with.The two discussed marriage and plans to see each other in London. Then things became complicated once "Individual B" became aware of Masri's plans.Speaking in recorded conversations in both English and Arabic, the two also spoke in code to conceal the suspect's intentions, according to government prosecutors."Are you still going to accomplish your dream? Are you still going to study?" Individual B asked.Masri affirmed to which "Individual B" replied, "Do you know, like, how much this will affect me? Do you even realize?" "Individual B" insisted Masri was only thinking of the rewards and benefits he would receive from "studying," and questioned his motives for marriage as she felt he only used her for her "contacts."Plans to travel through London to see "Individual B" on the way to Somalia were abandoned and the two exchanged final phone calls where they said their final goodbyes.Shortly after, Masri and "CS" confirmed travel plans to fly from Chicago to Los Angeles, and would drive to Mexico where they intended to make martyrdom videos in preparation for their final destiny.Posing as international businessmen in the gold trading business, for which "CS" had a license for, the two would then fly to Amman, Jordan with a layover in Dubai.It would be in Amman where Masri would say his final farewell to his brother. When asked how they planned to get from Jordan to Somalia, Masri replied he was not sure and that they would "put their faith in God."Clearly, Masri lacked the high-level contacts that would safely facilitate his journey to East Africa. But what he lacked in contacts, he made up for in enthusiasm and commitment to extremist views.When asked what to expect in Somalia, Masri predicted "CS" would be assigned to weapons training because of his past military experience.As for himself, Masri expected to play a scholarly role but explained his goal in becoming a suicide bomber."I will not stay idle. I wish to know how the explosive belt is made. I will wear one and I will not take it off," Masri said.On July 29, 2010, "CS" picked up Masri and the men returned to "CS'" house.There, they purchased two one-way flights from Chicago to Los Angeles. Masri was arrested on August 4, 2010, the same day their flight was booked.He was indicted on September 29, 2010 for attempting to provide material support to a terrorist group along with concealing the source of material intended to be used in preparation for and carrying out an attack with a weapon of mass destruction. He faces up to 15 years in prison for each count...via cnn

Ethiopia prime minister a no-show at African Union summit, raising questions about his health

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopia’s longtime ruler and most powerful figure, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, is not attending an African Union summit that opened Sunday in Ethiopia, which further fueled speculation that he might be seriously ill.About three dozen African heads of state and government gathered in Addis Ababa on Sunday, but Meles did not attend the meeting — a first since he assumed office in 1991.

Meles was expected to open the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) meeting on Saturday. But Senegalese President Macky Sall opened the gathering instead, telling participants that Meles was unable to be present due “to health conditions.” Sall wished Meles “good health.”The most recent images of Meles aired by state-run Ethiopian Television showed him noticeably thinner. Opposition websites are claiming that Meles is being treated for a serious illness.The government declined to comment on the matter.Ethiopia’s parliament was set to hear from Meles last week when the country’s lawmakers were scheduled to approve Ethiopia’s current fiscal budget, which began July 8, but Meles did not address parliament.Meles in 2010 promised to step down by 2015. Hailemariam Desalegn was named deputy prime minister. He is also the country’s foreign minister. The Washington Post

EXCLUSIVE-Eritrea reduces support for al Shabaab-UN report

ADDIS ABABA, July 16 (Reuters) - Eritrea has reduced its support for the al Qaeda-allied al Shabaab militant group in Somalia under international pressure, but still violates U.N. Security Council resolutions and remains a destabilising influence, a U.N. report says.

The U.N. Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea, which investigates violations of an arms embargo on both nations, said in a report to the Council, seen by Reuters, that it had found no evidence of direct Eritrean support for al Shabaab in the last year.

The Council imposed the embargo on the tiny east African state of Eritrea in 2009 over concerns its government was providing finance and weapons to al Shabaab - charges Asmara denied. The Monitoring Group now says that support has evaporated.

This was "a symptom of growing friction between the authorities in Asmara and al Shabaab's leadership" as well as the "result of enhanced international scrutiny, which has made direct support ... a much riskier undertaking than in the past", said the report, which is scheduled to be published this week.

"Although it is possible that the Eritrean authorities have continued to provide financial and other forms of assistance to (Somali) armed opposition groups, without their activities being detected, it is the Monitoring Group's assessment that any such assistance is negligible," the report said.

Instead, the panel presented evidence that Asmara deployed Ethiopian rebel groups via Somalia, sold weapons to smuggling rings in Sudan that do business with Palestinian arms dealers, and imported spare parts for its air force.

The report also alleged that ethnic Afar rebels responsible for the killing of five European tourists in eastern Ethiopia in January were hosted and trained in Eritrea, though there was no evidence the Red Sea state had a direct role in the killings.

It said the escape last year of Djiboutian prisoners of war held in Eritrea proved Asmara had violated a U.N. resolution calling on it to disclose information on their whereabouts after their capture following a border clash in 2008."Eritrea has failed to comply with Security Council resolutions and remains a destabilizing influence across much of the region," the report said.The Red Sea state has previously rejected these allegations and has called for the replacement of the panel's members over what it calls their bias in favour of its arch-foe Ethiopia. Eritrean envoys to the AU declined to comment specifically on the latest U.N. report.

Al Shabaab has controlled much of southern Somalia since 2007, imposing a strict version of Islamic law in areas under its control. But over the last year it has been forced out of the Somali capital Mogadishu and other parts of the south by the coordinated military operations of U.N.-backed African troops.

"TOO EARLY TO LIFT SANCTIONS"

Last year, the Monitoring Group alleged Eritrea was behind a failed plot to bomb an African Union summit in Ethiopia, had bankrolled known members of al Shabaab in Kenya and had been involved in the smuggling of weapons through Sudan and Egypt.

As a result, the Council prolonged the arms embargo and assets freeze on Eritrea, in addition to a travel ban on some officials, amid an escalation in operations against al Shabaab by AU, Kenyan and Ethiopian troops and their Somali allies.

Matthew Bryden, the Monitoring Group's coordinator, told Reuters that Eritrea was lobbying its allies at the Security Council to push for a removal of the arms embargo, but he said other Council members were reluctant to do this.

"We're trying to make the case that any improvement in Eritrea's conduct is the result of sanctions, and that it's too early to lift them because of the other violations they have committed," Bryden said.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Treasury Department issued sanctions against Colonels Tewolde Habte Negash and Teame Abraham Goitom, two senior Eritrean military officers Washington says have worked closely with al Shabaab in the past.

Diplomats at the U.N. say the U.S. move against the two officers, who have not been subject to full Security Council sanctions, suggests that Eritrea will face sustained pressure from the United States and its allies in the Council.

Eritrean officials routinely deny involvement in Somalia and say the Council embargo decision was based on "fabricated lies" made up by the U.S. government and its ally Ethiopia.

In a letter obtained by Reuters in December, Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh accused the U.N. panel of bias and urged the Council's chair to establish an "independent, impartial and credible body".

TAXES, TRAFFICKING AND GOLD REVENUES

European and North American governments have also been concerned about Eritrea's use of revenues from the taxation of Eritrean citizens in the diaspora, from human trafficking of refugees through Sudan and Egypt, and from gold mining.

The Monitoring Group reported that both the British and German governments had taken action to prevent taxes being collected from diaspora Eritreans in their territories, in which Eritrean government agents often use coercion.

"Individuals who refuse to make payment may have their inheritance rights voided, their family members may be penalized, and they may be subject to detention or denial of an exit visa if they return to Eritrea," it said.

Asmara denies coercing its citizens, but insists it has the right to encourage its diaspora to contribute to the national budget, including for defence.

The report said Eritrean officials involved in the smuggling of weapons through Sudan and Egypt were also part of a people trafficking network that delivered tens of thousands of Eritrean refugees to Israel between 2009 and 2011.

Refugees interviewed in Israel said they were smuggled through Sudan by ethnic Rashaida gangs which the Monitoring Group says work with General Tekle Kiflai, the commander of Eritrea's western military zone.

Asmara says its fleeing nationals, often escaping unlimited military conscription, were being lured to leave the country by sustained American "propaganda".

The panel also urged the U.N. Security Council to consider measures to regulate Eritrea's opaque gold mining sector, which it said has generated hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Monitoring Group recommended that the Council either ask Eritrea to publish its revenues from gold mining or demand that private gold companies publish all payments to Asmara or pay into a monitored escrow account.

Shabaab Bomb Blast Kills A former Hawiye Jihadist, Now Lawmaker in Mogadishu. MP Mohamud Abdi Garwayne Killed, 5 Wounded

A car bomb killed a Somali lawmaker in Mogadishu’s Hamarweyne district on Monday morning and wounded five others, including three of his bodyguards and two civilians, according to government and al-Shabaab officials who spoke to Jihad Sympathizer Mohamad adow . .Credible sources in the Somali Security Forces told Terror Free Somalia that the bomb was concealed and fixed inside the car and not a suicide attack as earlier reported."The death toll remains at one person: A former Hawiye Jihadist MP Mohamud Abdi Garwayne," said government official Warsame Godah.The victim was a former Islamist and member of the former Islamic Courts Union before he joined the current Transitional Federal Government (TFG) led by President Sharif Sheik Ahmed.

He served as a former minister for trade and industry and was a close friend of the president, according to TFG officials who spoke HAWIYE Jihadist Reporter Sympathizer Mohamad adow .Initial reports by witnesses suggested that the attack was carried out by suicide bomber, but a senior al-Shabaab official who declined to be named told Terror Free Somalia  they masterminded what he described as 'a high profile mission that enabled the death of the lawmaker.'"It was not a suicide attack but that should be a clear message to other TFG officials and their foreign supporters that al-Shabaab fighters are still active in Mogadishu although the enemy is claiming we were forced to flee the capital," said the al-Shabaab official.

Witnesses, however, believed it was a suicide attack.“I was here when the car went past at a high rate of speed, passing all the vehicles, but I was did not assume he was a suicide bomber. When the blast hit, I went down at once. When I raised my head, I saw everyone running around me and shouting. I saw three civilians, including a young lady, who were wounded in the attack," said eyewitness Sahra Mo’alim.

Shortly after the incident security forces reached on the scene and blocked the roads, firing gunshots in the air.The hardline al-Shabaab militant group has been carrying out number of suicide attacks in Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia’s southern regions against Somali and African Union troops.Earlier on Sunday the interior minister of the transitional government, Abdi Samad Moalim, vowed to increase security in the city.

“As we are approaching the holy month of Ramadan, security should be highly tightened all around the country to avoid of further violent attacks by the terrorist groups. We have to be a vigilant," said Abdi Samad.In the past, al-Shabaab has increased their suicide and guerrilla attacks during Ramadan.H/T Kismaayo24