Somalia Report

Puntland Marine Police Forces

The Puntland Minister for Sea Transport and Ports Said Mohamed Raage hosted the delegation, which included members of Puntland ministries including ministry of security, ministry of interior as well as United Nation (UN) agencies such as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), UN Development Program (UNDP) and UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS).

The Puntland Marine Police Force (PMPF) recently established a base in Eyl, and the headquarters are currently under construction. The delegation wen on a tour of the site, and also visited a police station, a local hospital ad other local villages.

“The meeting is well organised, and our aim is to discuss dealing with the increase of piracy in the region, and how the pirates can be eliminated,” said Abdikadir Ali , a Puntland official in their anti-piracy office. Ali told Somalia Report that pirates have undermined the reputation of the region and created insecurity. “We are calling on the pirates to surrender, or else they will face the consequences. We are also urging Galmudug state to fight pirates,” he said.

Puntland has long been the regional frontrunner when it comes to Somalia’s on land counter-piracy operations, and international actors have offered substantial financial support to aid those efforts.

Earlier this month, the administration welcomed a 33-person delegation from Europe, which was seeking to understand more about Puntland’s counter-piracy efforts, and to discuss United Nations Security Council Resolution 2015, which recommends a system whereby pirates jailed abroad can be transferred to Puntland’s prisons. Through the UNODC, the EU has donated $10 million to Puntland’s efforts to modernize and build prisons. Currently, prison conditions are assessed to be below acceptable EU standards, and so it would be deemed a human rights abuse to relocate pirates jailed in other countries to Puntland.

Days prior to the EU delegation visit, Puntland officials held a meeting with a NATO team, during which they agreed to process and imprison pirates detained by NATO counter-piracy forces.

Somalia Report is monitoring the outcomes of the meeting.

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TFG Forces (File Photo)

UPDATE on Wednesday night: Fighters from the al-Shabaab militant group have withdrawn most of their forces from Hudur, according to an al-Shabaab official. “This is a strategic plan. We want the TFG and Ethiopians to come the town and them we will besiege them. A few of us remain the in the town to provide reports,” said Sheikh Mumin Al-Mazul, an al-Shabaab officer.

Fighting broke out between al-Shabaab Islamist fighters and forces from Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) aided by Ethiopian troops on Wednesday afternoon when the allied forces began their advance on Hudur, in Somalia's Bakol region. The TFG and Ethiopian forces secured the outskirts of Hudur and plan to seize the city on Thursday morning.

TFG officials claimed the killed 10 al-Shabaab militants during the fighting.

"We terminated them from the outskirts of Hudur and we destroyed their defenses. God willing, tomorrow morning we will capture the city. We killed ten of them today and the rest have fled. We do not believe there are any al-Shabaab militants in the city. We believe the residents are safe," Colonel Adan Hassan Dodishe, a TFG officer of Bay and Bakol regions, told Somali Report.

Residents, however, told Somalia Report al-Shabaab fighters were still in the city.

"Al-Shabaab is getting ready to defend the city and they have brought many troops here so the TFG and the Ethiopians can't come in," said a resident.

Residents further reported that tensions are high in Hudur and fear fighting will break out at anytime.

The allied forces are now 20km outside Hudur, the only main town in Bakol still under the control of al-Shabaab.

Al-Shabaab officials were not immediately available to comment.

ASWJ Fighters

Thank you Sheikh Dawud for giving us this opportunity to have an exclusive interview with you. Could you please briefly tell us something about ASWJ?

ASWJ is an independent Islamist group who shares a common history with diverse Somali communities and stands to protect the interest of people under our control. Our main aim is restore independence to Somalia and ensure security.

Are there other ASWJ intelligence officers and where do they operate?

There are other ASWJ intelligence officers, and they operate mostly in southern Somalia.

Have you directly participated in the war against al-Shabaab?

No, it is not my duty to go to the frontlines, but I collect information from various parts of the country, my challenge is to understand the battlefield.

Where do you get the information you collect?

I collect the information from those Somali people who are always analyzing and discussing politics, and other citizens.

How long have you been intelligence officer?

I have been an intelligence officer since 2009, and I was promoted to senior officer. This promotion came after hard work, as I brought very sensitive information about the al-Shabaab militants in the Galgadud region.

Where have you taken intelligence training?

I cannot tell you where I was trained, because it is our policy to not spread such information to the media.

As senior intelligence officer, where are you based?

There is no one particular area that I am based, but where I reside and operate is sensitive information that I cannot give you.

What do you do for ASWJ?

As senior intelligence officer, I advise ASWJ commanders in the frontlines as to the most strategic areas for fighting.

Does ASWJ have women intelligence officers?

No, because women cannot go to dangerous places and collect the requested information. We are not even planning to include them.

Does ASWJ recruit children and women to join the fighting against al-Shabaab?

No, we neither train children and women, nor force them to participate in war. Our policy is different from that of the al-Shabaab militia, because they deliberately force underage children to be recruited, which is against both the Islamic Shariah law and human rights codes.

What tangible achievements have you seen?

There a number of achievements I conducted, but most recently on March 20, the al-Shabaab militia captured Dhusamreeb for a while. I gave the strategic plan which facilitated the killing of 48 al-Shabaab fighters and the recapture of Dhusamreeb. I observed that al-Shabab could not maintain control of the town.

TFG forces have captured most of the Bay and Bakool regions, including the recently captured town of Hudur. Would you like to comment?

I can say it is a great achievement for the TFG forces to have captured Hudur and Baidao, and as the ASWJ, we welcome and encourage TFG troops to continue hunting the remaining few weak al-Shabaab militants.

Anything else you would like to say?

I would like to encourage other intelligence officers to double their duties. I also encourage the people under ASWJ control to work with us, so we can restore peace and remove the poisonous militia from the region.

Thank you Sheikh Dawud for your interview.

You are welcome.

Al-Shabaab fighters training near Kismayo

As the allied forces of Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia advance on al-Shabaab strongholds, the Islamist group continues to harass civilians in areas under their control. Forced taxation on pastoralists caused protests near Afgoye in Lower Shabelle region while the forced recruitment of university students, teachers and school officials created tension in Kismayo, the militant group's stronghold in Lower Jubba region, according to Somalia Report research. Businessmen in Marka weren't exempt as al-Shabaab demanded them to pay US$1 million to their jihad.

The Al-Qaeda affiliated insurgent group has been weakened both militarily and financially resulting in the loss of several key towns to the allied forces; in turn, al-Shabaab has put more pressure on civilians to contribute people and money to enhance its war against the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the African Union peacekeeping forces (AMISOM).

Forced Taxation on Farmers

For the first time in three years Somali farmers in the strategic town of Afgoye, 30 kilometers west of the capital, expressed joy after the insurgent group was ousted from there in late May by the allied forces.

The elation didn't last long, however, as several secret meetings between local farmers and senior al-Shabaab officials including the group’s spokesman Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rage reportedly have been held in parts of Lower Shabelle region in order to push local farmers to hand over money and crops to the insurgents.

Ahmed Abdullahi Gure, a local farmer based in Qoryoley in Lower Shabelle south of Afgoye, said they would not obey such commands. He said residents, farmers, herders and camel owners were already paying heavy taxes to al-Shabaab, but the group renewed its efforts to get money from them anyway.

"Each farmer was told to pay 2 million Somali shillings ($100) as soon as possible. We cannot get that money so the only option we had was to oppose their order," Gurre told Somalia Report.

To show their solidarity, more than 60 farmers gathered on their farms in Qorqooley during the last week and discussed how to show a one voice against the orders of the Islamist militia. Some farmers gave up farming while others are worrying about what to do due to the high taxes by al-Shabaab.

Most of those farmers told Somalia Report they produce crops such as maize, sorghum, mangoes, papaw, onions, bananas, apples, tomatoes and watermelon. They normally sell such crops in the markets by exporting them to the neighboring regions like Bay, Bakol and even Banadir region and cannot afford to pay the costs.

Farmers in Qoryoley, outraged at the demand, persisted in protesting against the high taxes by insurgents.

"We organized ourselves as farmers and agreed to ignore al-Shabaab’s orders and we will die protecting our crops and our farms from anyone who wants to take or use our crops without paying money," continued Gurre.

Pastoralists in Lower Shabelle who spoke to Somalia Report expressed frustration about al-Shabaab’s decision to make them pay taxes. Isak Kulow, a local herder, said he doesn’t know about what to do since many cannot contribute.

“Many of our animals died in the recent drought that hit in the region and right now we are facing multiple challenges," said the herder.

Unlike the farmers, the pastoralists are not showing unity to oppose the order and for that, several of them may keen on to deal one-by-one with al-Shabaab officials in charge of collecting livestock from the nomadic people.

"We are not united like the farmers because we are scattered in all villages so we cannot even get a single voice to face against this matter," added Isak.

Al-Shabaab intends to use the money to finance their war against the allied forces. When they are short on funds, it is not unusual to see al-Shabaab taking food and livestock from residents to feed their fighters, according to locals.

Businessmen Ordered to Pay US$1 Million

According to several businessmen who spoke to Somalia Report and asked not be named, high ranging al-Shabaab officials included Shiekh Mohamed Abu Abdala, the group’s governor for Lower Shabelle, called local businessmen and women in the city of Marka earlier last week.

At least 25 business people gathered in Marka where al-Shabaab officials told traders they must take part in the ongoing holy war or pay money to feed the al-Shabaab fighters who are fighting against the enemy of Allah, according the businessmen.

“We were asked to collect nearly one million US dollars. We expressed concerns over this but al-Shabaab officials insisted on their order and we are not sure what we will do to solve this issue. I’m not sure whether or not we will accept their order to pay so much money," said a businessman who asked to remain anonymous.

Forced Recruitment of University Students, Teachers

In a separate incident pressuring civilians, al-Shabaab held a meeting with teachers, students and lecturers of Imam Abdalla University in the port city of Kismayo and demanded the students participate in the war against the TFG and 'her infidels' while they are on their school break (holiday) from school.

“Definitely Kismayo is currently peaceful and there is law and order maintained by our Mujahedeen. People are drinking their milk peacefully, but if the infidels seize Kismayo it will not happen and there will be flames everywhere in the town," said al-Shabaab chairman in Kismayo, Sheikh Mohamed Habeb.

©Somalia Report

Somali Students (File Photo)

“I swear in the name of Allah that Kismayo will be in our hands and we will defend it from any group who want to attacks. We are going to defend the city by all means - direct or indirect. We will not allow any coloniser to occupy our beloved city Kismayo," he added.

The sheikh strongly 'urged' the students and teachers to take up guns and go the front lines in order to defend the city. He said if they refuse the order, al-Shabaab officials will assume the teachers and students are very delighted for the coming of the infidels and their pro-infidel groups and action will be taken by the Mujahedeen.

Students and teachers who were preparing to go a holiday are now facing a difficult choice of fleeing for safety or fighting on the frontlines.

“The militia group used three vehicles with loud speakers to inform the students and teachers who have recently closed the schools and universities to come at Imam Abdalla University compound for an urgent meeting. I was so frightened when I heard the information but when reached the scene I met the reality of long speech of Sheikh Habeb. The officials said it is compulsory for every student and teacher to go the battle field and defend the stronghold city," said a university student who attended the rally. He spoke to Somalia Report on the condition of anonymity after the meeting concluded

It was not only university students but even all secondary and primary students and teachers, lecturers and senior officials of education administration, he added.

“It is absolutely a tremendous shock to the students who are the future generations. We will try and figure out how we will stand against this strict law. As teachers we are believe that students do not need to go to any battlefield; instead, we encourage them to enhance and develop their career in the future. Al-Shabaab is now turning to harassment and are imposing very difficult rules on the people which will result in hostility between al-Shabaab and the people of Kismayo," said a secondary teacher who spoke to Somalia Report on the condition of anonymity.

“Somalia’s hard-line insurgent group recently began to impose harsh rules and people rejected them. People believe that this is an indication of weakness in the power of al-Shabaab," he added.

According to political analysts, the Islamist militants seems now focusing on the local community for economic purposes.

“Al-Shabaab will continue to woo or force locals for both moral and financial support to gain against the AU and Somali government troops, but I think by doing so they will get nothing - let alone rebuild its popularity in the Somali community," a Mogadishu based political Hassan Horseed told Somalia Report.

Our correspondent spoke with Sheikh Mohamed Yusuf (Awlibax), the ASWJ chairman in southern Somalia, as well as Abdullahi Mohamud Mohamed of Ras Kamboni.

©Somalia Report

Kismayo overview

Interview with ASWJ's Sheikh Mohamed Yusuf (Awlibax)

Thank you for giving this exclusive interview to Somalia Report. Please briefly tell us about the political tension in Gedo, Middle and Lower Jubba regions.

The political tension is very high as there are so many political groups who are struggling to see Kismayo fall under their control. As ASWJ we have contributed our part in the process towards eliminating al-Shabaab in Gedo region as well as Lower and Middle Jubba regions by fighting and dying for this country. We have a reputation in the diverse Somalia communities and insha'Allah soon after Kismayo is free from al-Shabaab we will occupy the port city.

Traditional elders reject any political or religious groups without their consent. What is ASWJ's response to this?

We are very sorry to hear that the traditional elders are starting to involve themselves in the current political disputes instead of doing their work which is solving clan conflicts and other basic issues. As ASWJ we cannot accept any traditional elder interfering in our policy and if they insist, we will stand against them. Then we will look a solution to curb that problem if it arises. We are religious leaders who want to guide the people on the right path and we want to see our Somalia people to be one, working together and living peace and harmony.

What will ASWJ do if the TFG captures Kismayo and rejects any other political power in the city?

That is not something to worry about for now. The TFG and the ASWJ alongside with the AMISOM forces, Kenya Defensive Forces (KDF) and the Ras Kamboni militia are supporting each other in capturing the port city. The ASWJ are playing the biggest role in the mission of capturing and freeing the Gedo and Jubba regions. If al-Shabaab withdraws from Kismayo, our forces will take their share in the port city. Generally we are conflicting with the TFG but the ASWJ will get its share in the administration and the control of the town. The TFG cannot do all the task of freeing Kismayo alone and so when the town is freed it cannot reject our involvement in the running for the posts available in the town.

What do you believe is the solution of the current political deadlock and the scramble between different political parties?

The solution is clear, each political party has their own agenda and future plans about the rule of the country. Only the successful political party which their leaders satisfy the needs of the people and is corrupt-free will lead the government. The smaller political parties have to come together in order to have a stronger voice and a better representation in the struggle for power in the country. The bigger groups like the ASWJ will continue representing the majority of the people in order to attain and bring the effective leaders to power. The central government should also clearly state and formulate the rules and regulations pertaining to the conduct, operations and the way they should work in order to end the current political deadlock.

Why the ASWJ are eying Kismayo?

We are eying Kismayo because it is a very strategic place for any group. Our main priority is to liberate the town and end the oppression they subjected on the people. Kismayo being a finance generating source and the main source of income for al-Shabaab and once we secure the town, that will deprive them of resources and will lead to their downfall. Kismayo is an outlet to the outside world and the group gets assistance through the sea and we want to distract that from the group.

Which allied forces are planning to take over Kismayo from al-Shabaab? When?

The allied forces who want to liberate Kismayo are clear and they are not debatable. The major forces who want to capture Kismayo are KDF, TFG, ASWJ and Ras Kamboni militia. Together we are planning to capture the town very soon. We are now cleaning the al-Qaeda linked group from most Gedo region and Lower Juba. Our soldiers are planning to free the remaining town of Gedo, Lower and Middle Juba from the Somali enemies before the end of this year. We want the port city to be the under the control of ASWJ.

Who will be in charge of the city after the fall of al-Shabaab?

Currently we cannot predict who will be in charge of the city since there are many political groups targeting the control of the town once the al-Shabaab moves away from the town. It is our aim to be the group in charge since we have confidence with the people in those regions. The other groups like the newly formed Azania, Harti and the Ras Kamboni militia want to claim the future control of the town but all that will prove futile as we are the proper authority to take charge of the town.

Is the ASWJ a political party or a religious sector?

We are a religious group but it entails the political responsibility of the group. We have both a political role and religious authority now. That is why we have combination of roles but not specifically a religious one. We want to safeguard and protect all of Somalia's communities.

Thank you.

You are welcome.

Interview with Ras Kamboni Official Abdullahi Mohamud Mohamed

To get another perspective, Somalia Report also interviewed Ras Kamboni official Abdullahi Mohamud Mohamed.

Thank you for giving this interview to Somalia Report. Can you briefly tell us how the operation is going?

Our operation in Lower and Middle Jubba regions are going well and our forces are working hard day and night. We have extraordinary tactics and are fighting strategically in order to reach the port city of Kismayo and we expect to be there soon.

What are the main objectives of Ras Kamboni militia group?

Our first main target is to eradicate the Al-Qaeda allied militia of al-Shabaab from Middle and Lower Jubba regions and even southern Somalia. Our second target is to capture Kismayo and establish a semi-autonomous state in the Lower and Middle regions which we believe is the only solution that we can develop the regions socially, economically and politically.

Traditional elders declared war against any group who claims leadership of the regions when al-Shabaab are flushed out. How will it affect your group?

Definitely I believe that the elders have no right to be an obstacle to our group because our warrior forces are fighting against al-Shabaab and ensuring to get rid of them so we cannot accept the elders to threaten they are against any group. Elders know their role and we also know it. It is not appropriate for them to interfere in the political issue going on in the region.

Who will take the control of Kismayo if and when al-Shabaab is defeated?

Before the TFG and KDF were in the regions, we were the only group to fight against al-Shabaab and tried to liberate regions under the control. Now we get support from the TFG and KDF forces and we started working as allied forces so our expectation of seizing Kismayo is high and also ruling towns in the region.

Who will be the head of the state you want to establish?

Ras Kamboni Leader Ahmed Madobe

Shiekh Ahmed Madobe who is currently our top leader will serve that position of leadership and we are satisfied with him. He is a man of integrity who can lead the people in the regions in a better way which we believe everyone will admire.

We heard that ASWJ are also interesting Kismayo. Can you comment on this?

We are actually confused as to why ASWJ are interested in Kismayo as they have neither taken part in the liberation process which is going on in Lower and Middle Jubba regions nor have they suggested their interest previously. ASWJ controls and operates in Gedo and the central regions of Somalia. They do not even hail from the Lower and Middle regions so it is better for them to swallow their saliva and stop interfering in our policy.

Finally what is your suggestion?

First I would like to send my appreciation to the residents of Middle Jubba who supported us in the liberation of the region and are now ready to work with our forces until we gain the main victory which is capturing Kismayo. Secondly, I want to tell my people that there are so many groups with specific interests in the regions who want to create confusion among our people so tell them to be very vigilant and aware what is going on these days.

Thank you, Mr. Abdduhali Mohamud Mohamed.

You are welcome.