Dealing With Disengaged Fighters: The Case of al-Shabaab

After years of dominating the headlines as Somalia’s public enemy number one, al-Shabaab is in trouble. Last week, the insurgent’s Twitter account was suspended after it was used to disseminate threats to kill Kenyan hostages held by the group. More seriously, al-Shabaab has had a bad eighteen months since its forces withdrew from central Mogadishu in August 2011. Not only are its ideological messages faltering, but its forces have been displaced from several former strongholds, and it is hemorrhaging fighters. Now is the time for the new Somali federal government and African Union (AU) forces to press home their advantage and implement a comprehensive package of measures to encourage more defections and transition so-called “disengaged” fighters to civilian lives.

Unfortunately, a lack of funds is jeopardizing the government’s new plan for dealing with Somalia’s disengaged fighters. Without adequate financial support, efforts to transition former fighters into alternative livelihoods will fail and “disengaging” will prove only temporary as disgruntled individuals turn against the government or to banditry. There is currently an opportunity to deal al-Shabaab a fundamental blow. It would be extremely shortsighted not to make the most of it.

Analysis

Since its core fighters left central Mogadishu in early August 2011, al-Shabaab has been on the defensive. In October and November 2011, its forces were attacked on multiple fronts by Kenyan and Ethiopian troops who advanced from their respective borders. In December 2011, Ethiopian troops supported by some Somali militias captured the town of Belet Weyne in Hiraan province; in February 2012, they pushed al-Shabaab forces out of Baidoa, the capital of Bay region; by May, soldiers in the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) succeeded in chasing almost all al-Shabaab’s fighters from the outskirts of Mogadishu and its environs; and by late September, Kenyan and allied forces captured the key strategic southern port of Kismayo, which had been a central hub for al-Shabaab’s economic and military operations.

As al-Shabaab forces came under increasing military and financial pressure, more and more of their fighters began defecting, so much so that the insurgents reportedly established a 500-strong Amniat (internal security) force to stem defections. Some fighters defected because they feared defeat in battle; others bemoaned al-Shabaab’s lack of revenue after it lost several key towns; while others simply followed their clans when they split from the insurgency. The new federal government of Somalia, AMISOM, and their international supporters must build on this momentum and implement an effective program for dealing with Somalia’s disengaging fighters, thereby striking a fundamental blow to al-Shabaab.

As of mid-January 2013, AMISOM was holding some 250 disengaging fighters while the federal government held approximately 1,500.¹ The category of the “disengaged” include fighters captured in combat, individuals who have voluntarily surrendered, and those who have blended with the local population but are willing to surrender if the circumstances are right. While al-Shabaab remains the government’s principal opponent, the category is open to all armed groups and individuals who have used arms against the state but who renounce violent insurgency, surrender their weapons, and wish to live as civilians. The whole process is made more complicated by the absence of a formal peace agreement, which have usually structured most other cases of postwar disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs around the world.

Initiatives in this area made significant headway in October 2011 when Somali authorities adopted the National Security and Stabilization Plan for 2011-2014 which emphasized the need to develop programs for disengaged fighters. In March 2012, a consultation of international partners, NGOs and technical experts, and the Somali authorities gathered in Mogadishu to determine a framework and set of operating procedures for managing disengaging fighters. In August, the federal government published a National Disengagement Framework which would operate at several levels: international, federal, district, and local community. It involved establishing a network of reception centers (under military authority, both AMISOM and Somali National Security Forces); transition centers (under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior), and local centers (under civilian local government or NGO authorities).

Today, the federal government is working on several pilot schemes involving amnesty programs, weapons buy-back initiatives, and mechanisms to separate child soldiers from their adult counterparts (the former going to UNICEF camps). Several external actors provided assistance for certain dimensions of these activities, including the UN Political Office for Somalia, the UN’s International Organization for Migration, which developed draft standard operating procedures, and the government of Norway, which provided financial support for the treatment and handling of disengaging combatants in several camps in Mogadishu.

The central obstacle, however, remains lack of financial and material resources. In August 2012, for example, the AU lamented the lack of resources to cater for needs of some 3,000 disengaged former fighters.² The situation had not improved by October when Augustine Mahiga, the head of the UN Political Office in Somalia, acknowledged that the plan for dealing with the disengaged “has not yet started for lack of funding.”³ Yet the amount of money involved is not large by international peacebuilding standards. In their August 2012 appeal, the Somali authorities presented a total budget of $19 million to cover outreach activities, reception centers, safe houses, the rehabilitation of transit centers, and long-term reintegration initiatives.

Without the necessary financial support, efforts to transition former fighters into alternative livelihoods will fail, and “disengaging” will prove only temporary as disgruntled individuals turn against the government or to banditry. Given the significant military and political progress that has been made in Somalia over the last year, it would be a major blunder to skimp on this crucial part of the enterprise.

Paul D. Williams is an Associate Professor and Associate Director of the Security Policy Studies program in the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University.

via IPI International Peace Institute

U.S.-Africa Partnership: The Last Four Years and Beyond

U.S.-Africa Partnership: The Last Four Years and Beyond

Al-Shabab Claims Responsibility for Mogadishu Bombing

Below, images taken before and after

update..Suicide bomber attacks Somali PM's office,Italy, AMISOM condemn Mogadishu attack
Somali militant group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in Mogadishu Tuesday that killed at least two people, including the bomber.

The bomber set off his explosives on a street that is near the presidential palace, the prime minister's residence and Somalia's National Security Agency.

A statement on al-Shabab's website says the blast killed seven security agents. Somali officials say the bomber killed himself and one soldier, and that three other soldiers were wounded.

British Ambassador to Somalia Matt Baugh condemned the bombing and voiced support for the Somali government.

“It’s yet another sad and horrific piece of evidence to show that there are those in Somalia who are against peace and stability of this country," he said. "And we stand resolutely with both the federal government of Somalia and the people of Somalia in helping them achieve a more peaceful, more stable country."

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was not in Mogadishu at the time of the blast, while Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon Saaid was reported to be unharmed.

African and Somali government forces have driven al-Shabab from its former strongholds in Somalia but the group still carries out periodic suicide and guerilla attacks. The group said it was behind a suicide attack in September targeting President Mohamud, who escaped harm.

Somalia's information minister said Tuesday's bomber was a former member of the National Security Agency.

A witness told VOA's Somali Service the bomber tried to enter the agency's headquarters, then walked toward the home of the prime minister. The witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said guards told the man to go back but the man detonated his explosives.

Somalia went more than 20 years without a stable central authority until U.N.-backed efforts to form a new government succeeded last year.

A new parliament sworn in six months ago elected Mohamud as president, ending eight years of an ineffective and often chaotic transitional government.

Suicide bomber attacks Somali PM's office,Italy, AMISOM condemn Mogadishu attack

Somali minister say that the suicide bomber was a member of National Security NSS

6 feared dead after suicide bomber detonates explosives outside the Somalia PM's offices in Mogadishu.PM Abdi Farah Shirdon unharmed.

6 feared dead after suicide bomber detonates explosives outside Somali PM's offic. PM Abdi Farah Shirdon unharmed.

 suicide bomber blew himself up outside the Somali prime minister's office known as Villa Somalia on Tuesday, army officials said. Several others were injured in the attack in central Mogadishu, AFP quoted Somali military official Abdukadir Ali as saying. Separate reports said at least one soldier was killed and two wounded after the suicide bombing.

 

The Italian government and the African Union mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have separately condemned the Tuesday suicide attack targeting a compound near the presidential palace that killed at least two people and injuring dozen others.

At least one member of the Somali National Army died and two others were injured when they stopped a suicide bomber from accessing a compound next to the Ethiopian Embassy which is located near Villa Somalia.

In a statement from its ambassador to the Somalia, Andrea Mazzella, Italy strongly condemned the cowardly attack against Villa Somalia by unknown assailants.

“This episode reinforces our belief that the Authorities of the Somali Government are working in the right direction to fight against Al-Shabaab and to re-bring the country to the path of peace and economic development,” reads the statement in part.

Italy said in its statement that it is nowadays increasing its contacts with the Somali authorities with the aim of strengthening its bilateral cooperation in various areas, particularly in security sector, in order to guarantee the stability in the capital and in other critical areas of the country.

“We want to assure our deepest solidarity and closeness to the families of the victims of this shameful attack, and to all the people of Somalia, in this very critical and important turning point in the Somali history,” said the statement from the Italian ambassador to Somalia.

Italy appealed to Somalia forces to support the government’s efforts for peace, reconciliation and stabilization.

“We understand the despair of many Somalis living in poverty, without a job, without dignity, with nothing to eat for themselves and their children, and we would like to address them a warm appeal to continue fighting for a better future, without succumbing to the ideology of those who propose them, alternatively, to destroy their own life and the one of other Somalis,” it added.

In a similar statement, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Somalia, Mohamat Annadif, condemned today’s terrorist attack in the Somali capital and praised the quick action of the Somali forces which prevented loss of civilian life.

“The heroic actions of the dead soldier and his compatriots have saved many Somali lives,” said Annadif, adding that the attack comes at a time when the city has been enjoying its longest period of relative peace in 20 years.

“AMISOM is committed to continuing to support the Somali National Security Forces and to build up their capacity to defend the people of Somalia,” he said.

Annadif offered his heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the dead soldier and his prayers for the quick recovery of the injured.

He noted that security in the capital has markedly improved after AMISOM Police units begun night patrols alongside their Somali counterparts last month.

5 Things Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Can Do to Improve Somalia

1.Cut ties with the Arab League

 

Revolts, sectarian strife, collapsed states, and potentially a new front in the War on Terror in the traditional Maghreb region–these are the images that define the Arab World today. When Somalia joined the Arab League in 1974, the cash-strapped Honourable Somali President Mohamed Siad Barre administration Siad Barre sought to benefit from the fuel subsidies and unconditional grants offered by wealthy member states. That was 1974, when peak oil was taken as a myth, and a time when military strongmen projected confidence in the strength of their states. The Arab World in 2013 is the sight of dwindling resources, frail regimes, and the impending doom of water scarcity. While Somalia has always been a minor basket case in the Arab League, the League will soon be a serious burden to Somalia.

 

2. Sell off natural resources

 

The benefits of sovereignty have still not been fully appreciated by Somali leaders. The country is now a full and legally-empowered member of the United Nations. Even during the violent and uncertain transitional period we witnessed serious interactions between major foreign companies and the Somali government. Within months of the Transitional Federal Government ousting terrorists from the capital Mogadishu in 2007, the Chinese National Offshore Oil Company had struck a deal with the Somali government. But as the first month of 2013 closes, there has not yet been any serious news of President Mohamud courting foreign energy interests. Somalia cannot rely on conditional handouts forever, it must be a priority of this new government to seek independent sources of income.

 

3. Limit the influence of inner circles

 

From advisers to ministerial officers, it seems that everyone in Mohamud’s political circle has been given presidential authority. Late last year, a minor adviser to the president declared that all post-1991 exploration contracts were to be annulled. And just this week, it was announced that the information minister had been bestowed the power to name regional governors for all of Somalia’s 18 provinces. It’s alarming to see that anyone with even a minor acquaintance with President Mohamud inherits his powers.

 

4. Reform the security forces

 

Banditry has reached its highest levels since the 1990s in some of the regions under the Somali government’s control. Even districts just beyond Mogadishu have become havens for renegade security forces. Checkpoints are rampant in every district manned by Somali personnel, and security has deteriorated to the point that AMISOM peacekeepers have had to protect the public from the men sent to protect them.

 

5. Engage in reconciliation efforts

 

Aside from a post-campaign apology made to secession movement  Somaliland,and  shabaab Islamists   Mohamud has not made any effort to reconcile any of Somalia’s major factions or region-states. The current regime in Mogadishu has been characterized by their unwillingness to engage Somali actors, instead opting to ignore the reality on the ground in hopes that it may eventually disappear. The biggest obstacle to reconciliation is the absence of a property return policy in Mogadishu. The president has yet to even address the issue the ongoing criminal occupation of private property, which has prevented thousands from returning to the capital. Already, segments of the population have abandoned Mohamud’s government in favor of fomenting a new political framework which addresses their concerns.

Minnesota Sheriff Reports to Congress on Growing Somalia Gang Threat in Hennepin County

The sheriff of Hennepin County, Minn., told the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security on Wednesday about the threat of Somali gangs in his jurisdiction.

“I have been asked to testify today about the specific emergence of Somali gang-related issues we are having in my county,” Rich Stanek said in his prepared testimony.

Stanek represented the National Sheriffs’ Association at the hearing on “America’s Evolving Gang Threat.” He also serves on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s inter-agency Threat Assessment and Coordination Group and is president of the Major County Sheriffs’ Association.

Stanek said Minnesota is a “designated U.S. Refugee Resettlement Area,” with a Somali population ranging from 80,000 to 125,000 in the state. As a result, Stanek said, while the African population in the U.S. as a whole is about four percent, 18 percent of the Minnesota population is African because of the large Somali presence.

Stanek said he wanted to “state for the record” that most Somalis are “law-abiding citizens” who contribute to the community, but those who have joined gangs are committing crimes across the state.

“Somali gangs are unique in that they are not necessarily based on the narcotics trade as are other traditional gangs,” Stanek said, adding that “turf” is also not a motivating factor in Somali gang criminal activities.

“Gang members will often congregate in certain areas, but commit their criminal acts elsewhere,” Stanek said. “Criminal acts are often done in a wide geographic area that stretches outside of the Twin Cities seven county metro area.

“Their mobility has made them difficult to track,” Stanek said.

Stanek listed five “typical crimes” committed by Somali gang members, including credit card fraud, cell phone and gun store burglaries, and witness intimidation. The fifth type of criminal activity is tied to international terrorism, Stanek said.

“In 2007, the local Somali community started to report that some of the youth in the area had essentially disappeared without warning,” Stanek said. “It was later learned that 20 young men had left Minneapolis to travel to Somalia to receive training and fight as members of al- Shabaab.

“One individual had moved to Minneapolis as a teenager in 1993,” Stanek said. Following a shoplifting arrest, he fell into the violent street gang called the ‘Somali Hot Boyz.’ After a short period of time, he emerged as a recruiter for al-Shabaab, which eventually led him to leave Minneapolis for the Horn of Africa in 2008.

“Later, it was learned this individual was killed in fighting between al-Shabaab and Somali government forces,” Stanek said.

“We are clearly faced with a challenge that requires an innovative approach including new investigative tools and focused resources,” Stanek said.

According to the Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Refugee and Resettlement, refugee programs and resettlement sites exist in 49 states and the District of Columbia and are operated through partnerships between the federal government and faith-based and other non-governmental refugee support organizations in those states and the District.

A spokesperson for the office told CNSNews.com that the United States admits on average about 70,000 refugees a year, with each required to be designated as individuals who face danger in their homeland. Every refugee has to be cleared by the Department of Homeland Security before being allowed to resettle in the United States, the spokesperson said.

A wide range of considerations about where to relocate individuals is considered, including family ties, language and available resources, the spokesperson said. But once they are living in the United States, refugees are free to live anywhere in the country.

Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), chairman of the subcommittee, opened the hearing with statistics on the gang threat in the United States.

“According to the 2011 National Gang Threat Assessment there are approximately 1.4 million gang members belonging to more than 33,000 gangs in the United States,” Sensenbrenner said. “It has been reported that the number of gang members in the U.S. has increased by 40 percent since 2009.”..

We will not bargain with al Shabaab over hostages: Kenya

(Reuters) - Kenyan officials said on Thursday they would not negotiate with al Qaeda-allied Somali militants who have threatened to kill their Kenyan hostages unless Nairobi frees Muslims held on terrorism charges.

On Wednesday al Shabaab released a video of two Kenyan hostages seized a year ago and told Kenya to meet its demands.

Days earlier, the group said it had killed French hostage Denis Allex to avenge France's persecution of Muslims and its military operations against Islamists, including in Mali.

Colonel Cyrus Oguna, spokesman for the Kenyan military which has been battling al Shabaab in Somalia since October 2011, said the hostages shown in the video were not prisoners of war because they were non-combatants.

"The government cannot negotiate with terrorists so that is out. What al Shabaab is doing is a criminal activity that is punishable by any law. They should just release them," Oguna told Reuters.

Titled "KENYA POWS: FINAL MESSAGE", the video showed Mule Yesse Edward, a local administrator, and Fredrick Irungu, who worked for the Kenyan ministry of immigration.

Both were captured last January when the militants crossed the border into Kenya and attacked a police post in Wajir county, killing several police officers.

UGANDA BOMBING

The video also contained a still photograph of four unidentified prisoners whom the video said were also Kenyans. Oguna said no Kenyan soldiers were believed held by al Shabaab.

Thuita Mwangi, permanent secretary at the country's ministry of foreign affairs, said he had not watched the video or read the militants' demands, but reiterated that the government had a policy of not negotiating with militants.

Al Shabaab said Kenya should release all Muslims held on terror charges and secure the release of those Muslims held in Uganda on similar charges.

Kenya has detained several suspects for alleged links with al Shabaab and extradited several to Uganda after a 2010 suicide bombing in Kampala, claimed by al Shabaab, that killed 76 people.

Security analysts describe al Shabaab as a declining force. It no longer controls much territory in Somalia and is not a threat to the Somali government or African Union forces there, they said.

"They can try to use Kenyan hostages for a small degree of tactical leverage as they try to survive against counter-insurgency operations," said Mark Schroeder, Africa-watcher for U.S.-based risk and security consultancy Stratfor.

"But if the wider jihadist world looks at al Shabaab, they would see a defeat compared to the gains others have achieved in Mali, Algeria, Libya, Yemen and beyond."

British Treaty with Somaliland Tribes – The Dhulbahata was part of the Grand Warsangeli Tribe

The British Government have signed protection treaties with six Somaliland tribes: Gadabursi, Eesa,Warsangeli, Habr Gerhajis, Habr Toljaala and Habr-Awal.

All the Articles in the Agreements and the Supplementary Agreements signed with the Somaliland tribes are similar except the Warsangali one.

The only treaty singed by Garad[or traditional leader] representing the all tribe is the Warsangali one. All
the other treaties are singed by elders that may represent their areas or their different sub-clans.

–The Warsangali treaty doesn’t contain the preamble that precedes every treaty which puts the independence

and maintenance of order in the British Government hands. The statement goes as “the maintenance of our

independence , the preservation of order …… ” . The Warsangali treaty is added an extra article [LOOK ARTICLE VI OF THE WARSANGALI TREATY] that none of the other treaties has which indicates that the Warsnagali will assist the British officers and followtheir advice for ” .. duties as my be assigned to them, and further act upon their advice in matters relating to the administration of justice, the development of the resources of the country, the interests of commerce, or in any other matter in relation to peace, order, and good government, and the

general progress of civilization. “

–No tribal area is referred as “COUNTRY” except the
Warsangali territory.

ARTICLES I, II and III are removed from the Warsangali Treaty. ARTICLE III in the Warsnagali Treaty is

similar to ARTICLE II in HABR GERHAJIS and Habr Toljaala Treaty but it is removed the statement ” All

vessels under the British flag shall have free permission to trade at all ports and places within …

“

The conclusion of every agreement, except the WARSANGALI TREATY, indicates that the treaty will be

abided by the elders currently signing and ” their heirs and successors “

“The Dhulbahanta tribe associated themselves with Dervish, English Cavalry, King Osman, but mostly remained in the country of the Warsangeli Tribe, that is why Dhulbahante did not part of the negotiations.”

HERE ARE THE ARTICLES THAT ALL THE OTHER TRIBES HAVE EXCEPT THE WARSANGALI TREATY

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

We, the undersigned Elders of the Gadabursi tribe, are desirous of entering into an Agreement with the

British Government for the maintenance of our independence, the preservation of order, and other

good and sufficient reasons. Now it is hereby agreed and covenanted as follows:-

ART. I. The Gababursi tribe do hereby declare thatthey are pledged and bound never to cede, sell,mortgage, or otherwise give for occupation, save tothe British Government, any portion of the territorypresently inhabited by them, or being under their control.

ART. II. All vessels under the British flag shall havefree permission to trade at all ports and places within the territories of the Gadabursi tribe

ART. III. All British subjects residing in or visiting the territories of the Gadabursi tribe shall enjoy perfect safety and protection, and shall be entitledto travel all over the said limits under the safe-conduct of the Elders of the tribe

………… .

In token of the conclusion of this lawful and honourable bond, Jama Roblay, ……..and Major Frederick Mercer Hunter, Assistant Political Resident at Aden, the former for themselves, their heirs and successors, and the latter on behalf of the British Government, do each and all, in the presence of witnesses, affix their signatures, marks, and seals, at Zaila, on the 11th day of December, 1884, corresponding with the 25th Safar. F. M. Hunter

(the marks of Elders named.) Agreement with the Gadabursi, ZAILA, Dec. 11, 1884 -

____________ _________ _________ _________

We, the undersigned Elders of the Eesa tribe, are Desirous of entering into an Agreement with the British Government for the maintenance of our ndependence, the preservation of order, and other good and sufficient reasons.

Now it is hereby agreed and covenanted as follows:-

ART. I. The Eesa tribe do hereby declare that they are

pledged and bound never to cede, sell, mortgage, or

otherwise give for occupation, save to the British

Government, any portion of the territory presently

inhabited by them, or being under their control.

ART. II. All vessels under the British flag shall have

free permission to trade at all ports and places

within the territories of the Eesa tribe

ART. III. All British subjects residing in or visiting

the territories of the Eesa tribe shall enjoy perfect

safety and protection, and shall be entitled to travel

all over the said limits under the safe-conduct of the

Elders of the tribe

…….

In token of the conclusion of this lawful and

honourable bond, Ali Geridone, ………and Major Frederick Mercer

Hunter, Assistant Political Resident at Aden, the

former for themselves, their heirs and successors, and

the latter on behalf of the British Government, do

each and all, in the presence of witnesses, affix

their signatures, marks, and seals, at Zaila, on the

31st day of December, 1884, corresponding with the

13th Rabu-al-Awal, 1302

F. M. Hunter

Agreement with the Eesa Somal, ZAILA, Dec. 31, 1884 –

____________ _________ _________ _________
We, the undersigned Elders of the Habr Toljaala tribe,
are desirous of entering into an Agreement with the
British Government for the maintenance of our
independence, the preservation of order, and other
good and sufficient reasons.

Now it is hereby agreed and covenanted as follows:-

ART. I. The Habr Toljaala tribe declare that they are
pledged and bound never to cede, sell, mortgage, or
otherwise give for occupation, save to the British
Government, any portion of the territory presently
inhabited by them, or being under their control.

ART. II. All vessels under the British flag shall have
free permission to trade at all ports and places
within the territories of the Habr Toljaala, and the
tribe is bound to render assistance to any vessel,
whether British or belonging to any other nation, that
may be wrecked on the above-mentioned shores, and to
protect the crew, the passengers, and cargo of such
vessels, giving speedy intimation to the Resident at
Aden of the circumstances, for which act of friendship
and good-will a suitable reward will be given by the
British Government.

ART. III. All British subjects residing in or visiting
the territories of the Habr Toljaala shall enjoy
perfect safety and protection, and shall be entitled
to travel all over the said limits under the
safe-conduct of the Elders of the tribe

In token of the conclusion of this lawful and
honourable bond, Dirir Shaikh Don, ….[INSERT THE
NAMES OF THE ELDERS HERE]…..;and Major Frederick
Mercer Hunter, Assistant Political Resident, the
former for themselves, their heirs and successors, and
the latter on behalf of the British Government, do
each and all, in the presence of witnesses, affix
their signatures, marks, and seals, at Aden, on the
26th day of December, 1884, corresponding with the 9th
of Rabu-al-Awal, 1302

F. M. Hunter
(the marks of Elders named.)

Agreement with Habr Toljaala, Aden, December 26,1884

____________ _________ _________ _________
We, the undersigned Elders of the Habr Gerhajis tribe,
are desirous of entering into an Agreement with the
British Government for the maintenance of our
independence, the preservation of order, and other
good and sufficient reasons.

Now it is hereby agreed and covenanted as follows:-

ART. I. The Habr Gerhajis tribe do hereby declare that
they are pledged and bound never to cede, sell,
mortgage, or otherwise give for occupation, save to
the British Government, any portion of the territory
presently inhabited by them, or being under their
control.

ART. II. All vessels under the British flag shall have
free permission to trade at all ports and places
within the territories of the Habr Gerhajis, and the
tribe is bound to render assistance to any vessel,
whether British or belonging to any other nation, that
may be wrecked on the above-mentioned shores, and to
protect the crew, the passengers, and cargo of such
vessels, giving speedy intimation to the Resident at
Aden of the circumstances, for which act of friendship
and good-will a suitable reward will be given by the
British Government.

ART. III. All British subjects residing in or visiting
the territories of the Habra Gerhajis tribe shall
enjoy perfect safety and protection, and shall be
entitled to travel all over the said limits under the
safe-conduct of the Elders of the tribe

In token of the conclusion of this lawful and
honourable bond, Ahmed Ali, ……..and Major Frederick Mercer
Hunter, Assistant Political Resident at Aden, the
former for themselves, their heirs and successors, and
the latter on behalf of the British Government, do
each and all, in the presence of witnesses, affix
their signatures, marks, and seals, at Aden, on the
13th day of December, 1885, corresponding with the
28th of Rabi-al-Awal, 1302

F. M. Hunter
(Signatures of Elders)
Agreement with Habr Gerhajis, Aden, January 13,1885

____________ _________ _________ _________

WHEREAS the garrisons of His Highness the Khedive are
about to be withdrawn from Berbera and Bulhar, and the
Somali Coast generally, we, the undersigned Elders of
the Habr-Awal tribe, are desirous of entering into an
Agreement with the British Government for the
maintenance of our independence, the preservation of
order, and other good and sufficient reasons.

Now it is hereby agreed and covenanted as follows:-

ART. I. The Habr-Awal tribe do hereby declare that
they are pledged and bound never to cede, sell,
mortgage, or otherwise give for occupation, save to
the British Government, any portion of the territory
presently inhabited by them, or being under their
control.

ART. II. All vessels under the British flag shall have
free permission to trade at the ports of Berbera,
Bulhar, and other places in the territories of the
Habr-Awal tribe

ART. III. All British subjects residing in or visiting
the territories of the Habr-Awal shall enjoy perfect
safety and protection, and shall be entitled to travel
all over the said limits under the safe-conduct of the
Elders of the tribe
……

In token of the conclusion of this lawful and
honourable bond, Abdellah Liban, ……..and Major Frederick Mercer
Hunter, the officiating Political Resident of Aden,
the former for themselves, their heirs and successors,
and the latter on behalf of the British Government, do
each and all, in the presence of witnesses, affix
their signatures, marks, and seals, at Berbera, on the
21st day Ramdhan, 1301, corresponding with the 14th
July, 1884

F. M. Hunter, Major,
Officiating Political Resident, Aden.

Agreement with Habr-Awal, Berbera, July 14, 1884
____________ _________ _________ _________

The conclusion of every agreement, except the
WARSANGALI TREATY, indicates that the treaty will be
abided by the elders currently signing and ” their
heirs and successors “
____________ _________ _________ _________

TREATIES, &c., between the Warsangalis (British
Protection; Slave Trade; Wrecks: &c.). – January 27,
1886

THE British Government and the Elders of the
Warsangali tribe who have signed this Agreement being
desirous of maintaining and strengthening the
relations of peace and friendship existing between
them;

The British Government have named and appointed
Major Frederick Mercer Hunter, C.S.I., Political Agent
and Consul for the Somali Coast, to conclude a Treaty
for this purpose.

The said Major F. M. Hunter, C.S.I., Political
Agent and Consul for the Somali Coast, and the said
Elders of the Warsangali, have agreed upon and
concluded the following articles:-

ART. I. The British government, in compliance with the
wish of the undersigned Elders of the Warsangali,
undertakes to extend to them and to the territories
under their authorities and jurisdiction the gracious
favour and protection of Her Majesty the
Queen-Empress.

II. The said Elders of the Warsangali agree and
promise to refrain from entering into any
correspondence, Agreement, or Treaty with any foreign
nation or Power, except with the knowledge and
sanction of Her Majesty’s Government.

III. The Warsnagali are bound to render assistance to
any vessel, whether British or belonging to any other
nation, that may be wrecked on the shores under their
jurisdiction and control , and to protect the crew,
passengers, and cargo of such vessels, giving speedy
intimation to the Resident at Aden of the
circumstances; for which act of friendship and
good-will a suitable reward will be given by the
British Government.

IV. The Traffic in slaves throughout the territories
of the Warsangali shall cease for ever, and the
Commander of any of Her Majesty’s vessels, or any
other British officer duly authorized, shall have the
power of requiring the surrender of any slave, and of
supporting the demand by force of arms by land and
sea.

V. The British Government shall have the power to
appoint an Agent or Agents to reside in the
territories of the Warsangali, and every such Agent
shall be treated with respect and consideration, and
be entitled to have for this protection such guard as
the British Government deem sufficient.

VI. The Warsangali hereby engage to assist all British
officers in the execution of such duties as may be
assigned to them, and further to act upon their advice
in matters relating to the administration of justice,
the development of the resources of the country, the
interests of commerce, or in any other matter in
relation to peace , order, and good government, and
the general progress of civilization.

VII. This Treaty to come into operation from the 27th
day of January, 1886, on which date it was signed at
Bunder Gori by the Undermentioned.

F. M. Hunter

Witness:

J. H. Raintier, Commander, R. N.
Muhammad Mahmud Ali, Gerad of all the Warsangali.
Jama Mahmud, Gerad
Muhammad Ibrahim, ditto.
Omar Ahmed, ditto.
Mahmud Abdullah, ditto.
Yussuf Mahmud, ditto.
Of the Ayal Fatih sub-tribe-
Nur Abdullah.
Isa Adan.
Muhammad Ali Shirwa.
Abdy Nur
Of the Ogais Lebay sub-tribe–
Muhammad Abdy Nalaya.
Mahmud Sagullay.
Abdullah Sagullay.
Muhammad Abdullah

Somalia’s position in intl. community gaining momentum

Somalia’s position in intl. community gaining momentum

Buug Cusub: Xabbaddii Dunida gilgishey, Aaden-low iyo Dhacdadii Walwaal

Buug Cusub: Xabbaddii Dunida gilgishey, Aaden-low iyo Dhacdadii Walwaal

Waxaa qortay Shukri Aaden-low
______________

Wuxuu ku saabsan yahay dhacdo dhab ah (True story) oo dhacday 1934, galabtii magaalada Walwaal xabbadi ka qaraxday. Taas oo sabab u nqotay in Addis Ababa la qabsado, isla markaasna qaxootinimo markisay Boqor Xayle Salaase oo waddanka Ingiriiska (Great Britain) magangelyo u imaan doona.

Dagaalkii 2aad oo qarxaya iyo nin Soomaali ah oo Buuro-leyda Xuduuddada Talyaaniga iyo Yugoslavia ka dhex jabhadaynaya, kadibna ku dhaawacmaya, Ninkaaasi waa Aadan Shire Jaamac (Aadan-low).

Buuggu waa mid naxdin iyo caloolxumo, farxad iyo rayn-rayn isla xambaarsan. Dhacdadu waxay raad qoto dheer ku yeelanaysaa Soomaaliya, Geeska Afrika, Yurub iyo Qaramada Midoobay!

Xabbaddii Dunioda Gilgishey; Aaden-low iyo dhacdadii Walwaal dhowaan ayaa munaasbad weyn oo Daah-fur ah lagu soo bandhigi doonaa magaalada London.

Xabbaddii Dunida Gilgishey: Aaden-low iyo Dhacdadii Walwaal, waa mid ka mid ah kitaabada Soomalidu qortay kuwii ugu xiisaha badnaa.

Buuggaas waxaa laga heli kari doonaa meelaha kutubta Soomaalida lagu iibiyo, waxaana lagu soo dalban karaa Posto, iyadoo isla markaas lagu iibsan karo Online ah.

La xiriir:
Mobile 07506 142 884 ama 07939 393 645
Email: slow18@hotmail.co.uk

President Hassan was met with a Huge Protest during his visit in Minneapolis

Somali president defends police handling of rape case

Somali president defends police handling of rape case

Al Qaeda Is Alive in Africa

Al Qaeda Is Alive in Africa

Remarks With President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud After Their Meeting

Remarks

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State

Treaty Room

Washington, DC

SECRETARY CLINTON: Good afternoon, everyone. It is a great privilege for us to be welcoming President Hassan Sheikh and his delegation here to the State Department. Today’s meeting has been a long time in the making. Four years ago, at the start of the Obama Administration, Somalia was, in many ways, a different country than it is today. The people and leaders of Somalia have fought and sacrificed to bring greater stability, security, and peace to their nation.

There is still a long way to go and many challenges to confront, but we have seen a new foundation for that better future being laid. And today, we are taking an important step toward that future. I am delighted to announce that for the first time since 1991, the United States is recognizing the Government of Somalia.

Now before I talk about what comes next for this partnership, it is worth taking a moment to remember how we got here and how far we have come together. When I entered the State Department in January 2009, al-Shabaab controlled most of Mogadishu and south and central Somalia. It looked at the time like it would even gain more territory. The people of Somalia had already endured many years of violence and isolation, and we wanted to change that. We wanted to work together, not only with the people of Somalia but with governments across the region, the international community, and other likeminded friends.

In early 2009, the final Transitional Federal Government began its work. Somali security forces, supported by the African Union Mission in Somalia, and troops from Uganda and Burundi and now Kenya and Djibouti began to drive al-Shabaab out of cities and towns. Humanitarian aid finally began getting to the people in need. Local governments resumed their work. Commerce and travel began to pick up. Now progress was halting at times, but it was unmistakable. And today, thanks to the extraordinary partnership between the leaders and people of Somalia, with international supporters, al-Shabaab has been driven from Mogadishu and every other major city in Somalia.

While this fight was going on, at the same time, Somalia’s leaders worked to create a functioning democratic government. Now that process, too, was quite challenging. But today, for the first time in two decades, this country has a representative government with a new president, a new parliament, a new prime minister, and a new constitution. Somalia’s leaders are well aware of the work that lies ahead of them, and that it will be hard work. But they have entered into this important mission with a level of commitment that we find admirable.

So Somalia has the chance to write a new chapter. When Assistant Secretary Carson visited Mogadishu in June, the first U.S. Assistant Secretary to do so in more than 20 years, and when Under Secretary Sherman visited a few months ago, they discovered a new sense of optimism and opportunity. Now we want to translate that into lasting progress.

Somalia’s transformation was achieved first and foremost by the people and leaders of Somalia, backed by strong, African-led support. We also want to thank the African Union, which deserves a great deal of credit for Somalia’s success. The United States was proud to support this effort. We provided more than $650 million in assistance to the African Union Mission in Somalia, more than 130 million to Somalia’s security forces. In the past two years, we’ve given nearly $360 million in emergency humanitarian assistance and more than $45 million in development-related assistance to help rebuild Somalia’s economy. And we have provided more than $200 million throughout the Horn of Africa for Somali refugee assistance.

We’ve also concentrated a lot of our diplomacy on supporting democratic progress. And this has been a personal priority for me during my time as Secretary, so I’m very pleased that in my last weeks here, Mr. President, we’re taking this historic step of recognizing the government.

Now, we will continue to work closely, and the President and I had a chance to discuss in detail some of the work that lies ahead and what the government and people of Somalia are asking of the United States now. Our diplomats, our development experts are traveling more frequently there, and I do look forward to the day when we can reestablish a permanent U.S. diplomatic presence in Mogadishu.

We will also continue, as we well know, to face the threat of terrorism and violent extremism. It is not just a problem in Somalia; it is a problem across the region. The terrorists, as we have learned once again in the last days, are not resting, and neither will we. We will be very clear-eyed and realistic about the threat they continue to pose. We have particular concerns about the dangers facing displaced people, especially women, who continue to be vulnerable to violence, rape, and exploitation.

So today is a milestone. It’s not the end of the journey but it’s an important milestone to that end. We respect the sovereignty of Somalia, and as two sovereign nations we will continue to have an open, transparent dialogue about what more we can do to help the people of Somalia realize their own dreams.

The President had a chance to meet President Obama earlier today at the White House, and that was a very strong signal to the people of Somalia of our continuing support and commitment. So as you, Mr. President, and your leaders work to build democratic institutions, protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, respond to humanitarian needs, build the economy, please know that the United States will be a steadfast partner with you every step of the way. Thank you.

PRESIDENT HASSAN SHEIKH: Thank you.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you, sir.

PRESIDENT HASSAN SHEIKH: Thank you, Madam Secretary, for the great words that you expressed on the realities on the ground in Somalia and the future of Somalia and the future of the relationship between Somalia and the United States.

First of all, I would like to thank the Government and the people of the United States of America for the warm welcome accorded to me and to my delegation for the last two days. I am very pleased and honored to come to Washington and to meet Madam Secretary to discuss on bilateral issues and the mutual interests of our two countries. And Somalia is very grateful for the unwavering support from the United States to the people of Somalia. U.S. is a major donor to Somalia, which include humanitarian assistance and help toward security. We both have common interests and common enemy, which we must redouble our efforts to bring peace and stability in Somalia.

Somalia is emerging from a very long, difficult period, and we are now moving away from the chaos, instability, extremism, piracy, an era, to an era of peaceful and development. We are aiming to make a valuable contribution to the region and the world at large.

Today I provided an update of the huge progress made in the areas of security, political development, social services, and establishing reliable and credible governance institutions to Madam Secretary. This is an excellent time to me to visit the U.S.A. and to meet with U.S. leaders here in Washington, as Somalia is entering a new phase which requires from all of us to work hard with a very few to bring peace with a heart and view to bring peace and stability in Somalia.

Today, we had fruitful and frank discussions on many subjects that are of mutual interest to all of us and to the world at large. I am encouraged by the (inaudible) the energy, the willingness of interest shown to me and my country, and I am hopeful that Somalia will reclaim its role in the international landscape and play a more active and useful member of the nations of the world.

We are working for a Somalia that is at peace with itself and with its neighbors, where its citizens can go about their daily lives in safety, provided their families with confidence and gratefulness. Instability, violent extremism, and crime in Somalia are a threat not only to Somalia, but to the region and the world at large. We look to the future with hope, pride, and optimism.

And finally, I wish Madam Secretary all of the best for her future, and we all miss her greatly, and a warm welcome to the new Secretary of State and the new administration that will take over. Somalia will remain grateful to the unwavering support from the United States Government in the last 22 years that Somalia was in a difficult era. We remain and we will remain grateful to that (inaudible). And I say in front of you today thank you, America.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you so much, Mr. President. (Applause.)

MS. NULAND: We’ll take two questions today. We’ll start with CBS News, Margaret Brennan, please.

QUESTION: Madam Secretary, it’s good to have you back at the podium.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you, Margaret. I’m glad to be back.

QUESTION: A question for you. Is there anything you’d like to see the Algerians do differently in response to the hostage situation that’s underway? And more broadly, are there security or policy implications for Westerners, Americans in the region because of what’s happening in Mali?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, Margaret, thanks for asking that very timely question, and let me start off by saying that I spoke with the Algerian Prime Minister Sellal yesterday. I expect to speak with him again this afternoon. Our counterterrorism experts have been in close contact with their Algerian counterparts throughout the last days. And we’ve also been in close consultation with partners around the world, sharing information, working to contribute to the resolution of this hostage situation as quickly as possible.

Now let me say the situation is very fluid. It’s in a remote area of Algeria near the Libyan border. The security of our Americans who are held hostage is our highest priority, but of course we care deeply about the other Algerian and foreign hostages as well. And because of the fluidity and the fact that there is a lot of planning going on, I cannot give you any further details at this time about the current situation on the ground. But I can say that more broadly, what we are seeing in Mali, in Algeria, reflects the broader strategic challenge, first and foremost for the countries in North Africa and for the United States and the broader international community.

Instability in Mali has created the opportunity for a staging base and safe haven for terrorists. And we’ve had success, as you know, in degrading al-Qaida and its affiliates, leadership, and actions in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We’ve seen the great cooperation led by African troops through the UN mission that we were just discussing in Somalia. But let’s make no mistake: There is a continuing effort by the terrorists, whether they call themselves one name or al-Qaida, to try to destroy the stability, the peace and security, of the people of this region.

These are not new concerns. In fact, this has been a top priority for our entire national security team for years. We’ve worked with the Government of Yemen, for example, in their efforts against al-Qaida in the Arabic Peninsula. We’ve worked in something called the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership, which works with 10 countries across the region. So we have been working on these problems, trying to help build capacity, trying to create regional networks to deal with problems in one country that can spill over the border of another, and working to provide American support for the disruption of these terrorist networks.

At the UN General Assembly in September, we made the situation in Mali an international priority with a central focus on working to have an international response. I certainly am among a number of officials in our government who’ve met and worked on this issue over the last weeks. In fact, in October, I flew to Algeria for high-level talks with the President and others in responsible positions in this security area trying to determine what more we could do to strengthen our security ties. In November, I sent Deputy Secretary Burns and a team to Algeria to really get into depth about what more we could be doing. And then in December, we began to reach out more broadly in the ongoing counterterrorism discussions that we have.

Now, I say all of this because I think it’s important that we put this latest incident into the broader context. This incident will be resolved, we hope, with a minimum loss of life. But when you deal with these relentless terrorists, life is not in any way precious to them. But when this incident is finally over, we know we face a continuing, ongoing problem, and we’re going to do everything we can to work together to confront and disrupt al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb.

We’re going to be working with our friends and partners in North Africa. We are supporting the French operation in Mali with intelligence and airlift. We’re working with a half a dozen African countries, as we did with respect to Somalia over so many years, to help them be prepared to send in African troops. In fact, by this weekend, U.S. trainers will be on the continent to offer pre-deployment training and sustainment packages for ECOWAS troops. And we are prepared to fund airlift for those troops into Mali.

This is difficult but essential work. These are some of the most remote places on the planet, very hard to get to, difficult to have much intelligence from. So there is going to be lot of work that has to go into our efforts. But I want to assure the American people that we are committed to this work, just as we were committed to Somalia. There were so many times, Mr. President, over the last four years when some people were ready to throw up their hands and say al-Shabaab made an advance here and this terrible attack in Mogadishu. And we kept persisting, because we believed that with the kind of approach we had taken we would be standing here today with a democratically elected president of Somalia.

So let me just say that this is about our security, but it is also about our interests and our values and the ongoing work of how to counter violent extremism, to provide likeminded people who want to raise their families, have a better future, educate their children, away from extremism and to empower them to stand up against the extremists. And I think it’s something that we will be working on for some time, but I am confident that we will be successful over that time to give the people of these countries, as we have worked to give the people of Somalia, a chance to chart their own future, which is very much reflective of the values and interests of the United States.

MS. NULAND: Last question today, Somalia Service of VOA, Falastine Iman, please.

QUESTION: Thank you. And I have question, one for the Somali President and one for Madam Secretary. For Somali President, how would you describe the U.S.-Somali relationship at this moment?

My other question is: Madam Secretary, sometime ago you announced a dual-track policy, which means dealing Somali Government and regional administrations. Are you still going to pursue these two approaches?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Could you just repeat the end of that? I think I lost a little bit.

QUESTION: You announced dual-track policy, which means dealing with the government and the regional administrations. So are you still going to pursue these two approaches?

PRESIDENT HASSAN SHEIKH: Yeah. Thanks, Falastine. Regarding for Somalia, I think this is a new era, and the United States Government and Somalia serving our relationships in this – the independence of Somalia in 1960s, and the signs and the symbols and the remains of this long-term relationship is still visible in Somalia. The schools built by the Peace Corps in the early 1960s is still functional in Somalia. These schools are still used by different people and different parts of Somalia. And from then onward, the support that the United States Government give to Somalia is still visible in Somalia.

And the last one I was telling is the last 22 years that Somalia was in a difficult times, the United States has always been the country that never left Somalia and have been engaging Somalia with difficult times at different levels, including when the existence of Somali nation was threatened in early ’90s. It was the United States forces that saved more than 300,000 lives of Somalis. Had that intervention not been there, it would have been difficult and different today, the situation in Somalia. So that relationship is there and the commitment and the unwavering support of the United States has always been.

And Somalia is part of the international community and part of the world. Somalia – United States is a role model country for the democracy, for the freedom of people, for the development of human capital. And this model we are going to pursue, of course, as the rest of the world. So the relationship was there in the past. It’s now there. And today, I am here standing in front of you to further improve that relationship in the context of the current realities in Somalia, in the region, and the continent of Africa. So it’s there and it will be there in the future.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much for those very strong words, Mr. President. Today, we are taking a new step in our engagement with the recognition of the government. We believe strongly that the successful conclusion of Somalia’s political transition – with a new president, a prime minister, a parliament, a constitution – marks the beginning of a new era of Somali governance. And therefore one of the reasons we wanted the President to come was to discuss the way forward.

Now, we still have the excellent work by U.S. Special Representative for Somalia Ambassador Swan, who leads a team, as you know, committed to working with the Government and people of Somalia. But our position now is the work that we did to help establish a transitional government, to support the fight against al-Shabaab, to provide humanitarian assistance, is now moving into a new era, as the President said. I believe that our job now is to listen to the Government and people of Somalia, who are now in a position to tell us, as well as other partners around the world, what their plans are, how they hope to achieve them.

So we have moved into a normal sovereign nation-to-sovereign nation position, and we have moved into an era where we’re going to be a good partner, a steadfast partner, to Somalia as Somalia makes the decisions for its own future.

Thank you all very much.

PRN: 2013/0040

Al Shabaab 'Claims' They Killed Hostage Dennis Allex After French Commandos Failed Rescue Attempt

Al Shabaab 'Claims' They Killed Hostage Dennis Allex After French Commandos Failed Rescue Attempt

US to recognise Somali government - Africa - Al Jazeera English

US to recognise Somali government - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Al-Shabaab ineffective due to mistrust of foreigners, al-Amriki says

A letter allegedly written by American-born jihadist Omar Hammami, the al-Qaeda operative known as Abu Mansoor al-Amriki, says al-Shabaab has been increasingly ineffective in Somalia because of its mistrust of foreigners and weak allegiance to the principles of global jihad.

Play Video

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A picture posted to a Twitter account that purports to speak on behalf of Omar Hammami attempts to show that he is still alive, despite rumours to the contrary. [File/Sabahi]

"The brothers from al-Qaeda in Somalia have tried for two decades and failed to change the situation in spite of their tremendous efforts," the document posted with a video on January 7th said. "This is due to the Somali nature that prevents outside interference and prohibits suggestions from others."

"Despite the propaganda from some Somalis that they are on board with global jihad, their past and present actions indicate that all they want is internal work for local purposes," it said. "In spite of the rumours that they follow the al-Qaeda ideology, they are the ones that expelled al-Qaeda from Somalia."

In the January 7th video titled "The Final Appeal", Hammami said his situation in Somalia had deteriorated significantly and asked an unnamed sheikh for help.

Foreign fighters look on

"What Hammami calls a final appeal to a sheikh, whom I believe is [al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri], is in effect the final blow to the group," said retired Kenya Defence Forces Major Bashir Hajji Abdullahi. "It will take something extraordinary to end the palpable tension within the group."

The damage has gone beyond the differences between Hammami and other leaders in the group.

The American-born jihadist has many foreign-born loyalists, and how al-Shabaab leadership deals with Hammami will be an example of what foreign jihadists in Somalia should expect in the future, Abdullahi told Sabahi.

"The message being sent by the Somali fighters to the foreign fighters is that there is only one way of approaching the war," he said.

Hammami loyalists are also emerging on social media to rally around him and criticise al-Shabaab leaders.

For example, an anonymous Twitter user who goes by "Abu M" has been supposedly speaking on behalf of Hammami in recent weeks, criticising al-Shabaab for not being in line with the jihadi agenda.

In a series of abbreviated English sentences posted on Twitter, Abu M's criticism is apparent.

"How can u fight kuf [non-believers] if shabab want to jail u 4 not agreeing," Abu M posted January 13th. A week earlier, Abu M posted: "Muhajiriin [foreign fighters] arent allowed to truly benefit somalia, nor any other land. They can't even help themselves 2 b [self-sufficient]."

In a December 18th post, Abu M challenged the al-Shabaab leadership asking, "Why are muhajirs dying, going to jail, running away, being forced out? Call me a liar and discredit urself."

Discussing the plight of foreign fighters in Somalia, Abu M on January 5th said, "Shabab actively send people to act like apostates. But well known fighters are jailed at the mere notion of [possible apostasy]." A day later, Abu M posted, "[Foreign fighters] are locked up like cattle upon mere whim."

Muslim Youth Centre weighs in

Meanwhile, the Muslim Youth Centre (MYC), a Kenya-based group associated with al-Shabaab, was compelled to join the fray because the organisation had "received numerous queries on the status of Abu Mansour al-Amriki", according to a January 12th press release.

In the statement, MYC urged jihadist fighters to refrain from encouraging disunity "over the issue of Abu Mansoor al-Amriki, but focus on recommitting themselves to jihad in East Africa under the umbrella of [al-Qaeda in East Africa]".

Aiming to deflect other fighters who "seek to emulate" Hammami, the statement went on to say "jihad will never be about the image of one individual but the collective image of the mujahideen".

Moreover, in a Twitter post the same day, MYC said Hammami needs to show regret and return to jihad. "opposin sheikh abu zubeyr [al-Shabaab leader, also known as Ahmed Abdi Godane] is akin 2 siding wit kuffar [non-believers]," MYC said.

Rising concerns

Garissa County Commissioner Mohammed Maalim said the differences playing out in public indicate that the militants have lost focus and lack an agenda. "Al-Shabaab has been portraying itself as a united front, yet its fighters are an amalgam of people with diverse hidden interests," he said.

Some group members seek power, some are in it for money and some joined for an adventure in radicalism, he said, adding that these diverse interests started emerging because "some of the Kenyan youths who joined the group did so out of the promise of money, but when the promises were not met, they returned back home".

"I will not be surprised if Hammami reveals that the differences may have also been heightened by the management of the militants' dwindling finances," he said.

David Ochami, a Mombasa-based journalist who follows militant groups in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa for Kenya's The Standard, said the divisions within al-Shabaab would eventually lead to the formation of splinter groups.

"We saw how Hizbul Islam severed ties with al-Shabaab in September over ideological differences," he said. "The Hammami team will eventually break ties with al-Shabaab, further weakening it."

"The al-Shabaab command may view Hammami as an individual, but his stay in Somalia amassed trust among foreign fighters that will be broken with his departure or killing by al-Shabaab," he said.

Without the support of Hammami, one of the most prolific propagandists the militant group had on board, al-Shabaab is effectively on its death bed, he said. However, the offshoots could pose a bigger threat to security in the region because once foreign jihadists sever ties with Somalis, these breakaway factions could concentrate on taking their war globally, he said.

Al-Amriki videos

The "Final Appeal" video is the third in a series of videos in which Hammami outlines the infighting between al-Shabaab's Somali and foreign factions.

In a video released October 19th titled "An Urgent Message", Hammami called on "the leaders of jihad and virtuous scholars" to intervene and find a fundamental solution to "the bitter situation that currently engulfs the Somali [foreign fighters]".

Hammami said the "friction" between al-Shabaab's local leaders and foreign fighters was an impediment to the militant group taking their terror activities globally.

"Therefore, [I ask you in the name of] Allah [to come to the aid of] your mujahideen brothers, and to rein in the internal strife before it is too late," he said. "Do not abandon us..."

In a video released last March -- one month after al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri announced that the Somali Mujahideen al-Shabaab movement was merging with al-Qaeda -- Hammami said his life was in danger from fellow al-Shabaab members. His whereabouts have since been unknown

Press Statement of the 350th Meeting of Peace and Security Council on the situation in Somalia.

The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 350^th meeting held on 14 January 2013, considered the situation in Somalia and adopted the following decision:

Council,

1. Takes note of the report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the situation in Somalia [PSC/PR/2.(CCCL)], the briefing provided by the Commissioner for Peace and Security, the update by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Head of the AU Review Team, on the progress made so far in the review of the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the mandate of AMISOM, in line with the press statement adopted at its 337th meeting held on 11 October 2012, as well as the statements made by the representative of Somalia, the Commissioner for Political Affairs and the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission for Somalia. Council also takes note of the statements made by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Somalia and the European Union;

2. Welcomes the continued progress being made in Somalia both at the political and military fronts. Council reiterates its support to the efforts of the Somali Government, as well as its appreciation to the Somalia forces and AMISOM for the achievements that continue to be registered on the ground;

3. Reiterates its call to the Member States and the international partners to provide the requisite support for stabilization and post-conflict reconstruction in Somalia and to be guided in their engagement by the priority framework elaborated by the Government of Somalia. Council calls on the Somalis to remain steadfast in their efforts;

4. Commends the Commission for the steps taken towards the review of AMISOM and its mandate. Council welcomes the wide ranging consultations undertaken by the Review Team, under the leadership of Professor Ibrahim Gambari, as well as the emphasis placed on a Commission-wide strategy in support of Somalia;

5. Notes the preliminary findings of the Review Team, and stresses the need for this exercise to lead to the enhancement of the effectiveness of AMISOM and strengthened coordination. In this regard, Council underscores the imperative to address the issue of, and guarantee, assured, sustainable and predictable funding for the next phase of the Mission. Council further stresses that future international initiatives direct their main effort at enabling the Federal Government of Somalia in support of deliver on its ultimate objective of ensuring effective governance, security, rule of law and basic services to its citizens. Council underlines the need for convergence between the AU and the UN review processes and coordinated support by the international community. In this respect, Council encourages the Commission to closely interact with the United Nations and to make inputs as appropriate to the UN process on reconstruction and development in Somalia;

6. Looks forward to the early submission of the report of the Review Team to enable it take the required decisions;

7. Decides to renew the mandate of AMISOM as of 15 January 2013 for an additional period of six months pending the outcomes of the consultations between the AU Commission and the United Nations Secretariat on the future of AMISOM;

8. Urges greater synergy among relevant Departments within the Commission to facilitate comprehensive reconstruction efforts in Somalia.

9. Decides to remain actively seized of the situation and to review it regularly, at least once every three months...via Afric AMISOMan Union Peace and Security Department