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| Un garde armé près d'un camp en Somalie (AFP, Tony Karumba) MOGADISCIO — Un étranger, dont la nationalité n'a pas été précisée, a été enlevé samedi dans le sud de la ville de Galkayo par des miliciens locaux, dans la province somalienne proclamée semi-autonome de Galmudug (centre), ont indiqué des responsables locaux et des témoins. "Nous avons appris qu'un étranger a été enlevé au Galmudug", a déclaré une source sécuritaire locale, Ali Abdulrahman. La confusion régnait cependant sur la nationalité et la profession de la victime, qui aurait été kidnappée sur la route de l'aéroport. Selon M. Abdulrahman, la victime travaille pour une compagnie présente dans la région pour aider le gouvernement local à construire un port. Mais un autre responsable sécuritaire local, Mohamed Jama, a de son côté indiqué qu'il s'agissait d'un journaliste qui se trouvait à Galkayo "pour informer sur les développements dans la région". "Nous enquêtons toujours sur les circonstances de l'incident, mais les premières informations indiquent que sa propre escorte sécuritaire est impliquée dans le kidnapping," a poursuivi M. Jama. "L'administration a mobilisé des douzaines de membres des forces de sécurité pour secourir l'otage," a-t-il ajouté. La victime "était dans une voiture quand deux pick-up remplis d'hommes armés ont arrêté le véhicule et l'ont emmenée", a de son côté indiqué un témoin, Ali Abdul Kadir. "C'était un homme blanc," a-t-il ajouté, sans pouvoir donner plus de détails sur son identité. En octobre, trois employés de l'ONG Danish Demining Group (DDG), une Américaine, un Danois et un Somalien, avaient déjà été enlevés près de l'aéroport de Galkayo. L'employé somalien a depuis été libéré. La ville, à cheval entre les deux régions somaliennes proclamées semi-autonomes du Puntland et de Galmudug, a été le théâtre de violents affrontements entre groupes politiques ou clans rivaux en septembre. La Somalie est sans gouvernement effectif et en état de guerre civile depuis 20 ans. La situation a permis l'éclosion de nombreuses milices, d'insurgés islamistes et de groupes de pirates qui règnent sur de plus ou moins grandes portions du territoire. En septembre, le Galmudug et le Puntland avaient signé une feuille de route destinée à reconstruire la nation, avec le gouvernement de transition somalien (TFG) à Mogadiscio. Les deux Etats semi-autonomes sont opposés aux shebab, des rebelles islamistes qui se revendiquent d'Al-Qaïda, ont juré la perte du TFG et contrôlent une grande partie du territoire somalien plus au sud. Copyright © 2012 AFP |
Somalie: Un étranger enlevé dans le centre du pays
African Union (AU) and government troops launched an offensive against Islamist insurgents
A Somalia government soldier holds his weapon during an encounter with Islamist militia in the northern suburbs of Somalia's capital Mogadishu January 20, 2012. African Union (AU) and government troops launched an offensive against Islamist insurgents in the Somali capital on Friday, seizing rebel bases beyond the city's limits for the first time, the AU force said.
A Ugandan peacekeeper from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) assists his wounded colleague after an encounter with Islamist militia in the northern suburbs of Somalia's capital Mogadishu January 20, 2012.
A Ugandan peacekeeper from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) walks in front of military vehicles during an encounter with Islamist militia in the northern suburbs of Somalia's capital Mogadishu January 20, 2012. African Union (AU) and government troops launched an offensive against Islamist insurgents in the Somali capital on Friday, seizing rebel bases beyond the city's limits for the first time, the AU force said.
African Union (AU)-backed Somali government soldiers take up positions during heavy fighting on January 20 in the Somali capital Mogadishu's Yaqshid district, that pitted AU-backed soldiers against Islamist insurgents. AU-backed Somali government forces launched a fresh offensive Friday to seize holdout Islamist Shebab positions in the war-torn capital.
An African Union (AU) tank takes up a position on January 20 during heavy fighting in the Somali capital Mogadishu's Yaqshid district that pitted AU backed TFG soldiers against islamist insurgents. AU-backed Somali government forces raided Islamist rebel hideouts in Mogadishu Friday with tanks and artillery, sparking a retaliation that killed four government soldiers and officials.
Source: MP.net
Source: MP.net
MOGADISCIO - Somalie: le gouvernement dit consolider ses prises, les shebab menacent
Des soldats du gouvernement de transition somalien (TFG) se préparent à monter au front le 20 janvier 2012 à Mogadiscio. Mohamed Abdiwahab afp.com
MOGADISCIO - Le gouvernement de transition somalien (TFG) a affirmé samedi avoir consolidé ses nouvelles prises à Mogadiscio, au lendemain d'une offensive pour repousser encore davantage de la capitale les insurgés islamistes shebab, qui promettent, eux, de nouveaux combats.
"Nos forces ont consolidé les positions prises hier et la situation est calme ce matin, mais la campagne militaire pour éliminer les éléments violents de Mogadiscio continuera," a affirmé un responsable gouvernemental, Abdulahi Mohamed.
"Il y a encore quelques poches de résistance des terroristes mis en échec, ils ont lancé au moins six contre-attaques désespérées la nuit dernière, mais les soldats du TFG et de l'Amisom (force de l'Union africaine qui soutient le gouvernement) les ont repoussés," a-t-il poursuivi.
Les forces progouvernementales somaliennes ont lancé vendredi une offensive d'ampleur pour conquérir les derniers bastions islamistes du nord de Mogadiscio. Même si ses soldats ougandais et burundais ont déjà effectué des percées au delà des limites de la capitale ces derniers mois, l'Amisom a aussi affirmé à cette occasion avoir, pour la première fois, conquis une position hors de Mogadiscio.
Les shebab, qui se revendiquent d'al-Qaïda et ont juré la perte du fragile gouvernement de transition soutenu par la communauté internationale, avaient été contraints de se retirer de la quasi-totalité de leurs positions à Mogadiscio en août. Ils ont depuis multiplié les actes de guérilla dans la ville, dont ils contrôlent toujours les abords.
Selon Abdulahi Mohamed, six soldats somaliens sont morts depuis vendredi à Mogadiscio et 18 autres ont été blessés. Vendredi, un photographe de l'AFP avait indiqué que trois militaires et un fonctionnaire somaliens avaient été tués dans une embuscade contre un convoi amenant des journalistes sur un site réputé conquis ce jour-là dans l'offensive des forces progouvernementales.
SOMALIA: Amisom Police Train Somali Police Force Commanders
Source: RBC Radio 20/01/2012
Somali Police Force Commandant
The Police Component of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in partnership with the Somali Police Force has launched a capacity building and leadership-training programme in the form of a refresher course tenable at the Brigadier General Kahiye Police Academy in Mogadishu on January 19th 2012.
The training programme is earmarked to develop and enhance knowledge of Ninety-seven (97) Middle management Police Commanders (Lieutenants) including five female Officers which is organized and funded by the Somali Police Force.
The Training and Development Unit of AMISOM Police Component will provide training in the areas of Police Leadership, Public Order Management, Gender, Crime Prevention, Beat and Patrol Management, Use of Force, VIP Protection and Escorts, Human Rights, Community Policing and Discipline reflecting the courses identified by the Somali Police.
Similarly, Somali Police Trainers will also facilitate training on Somali Penal Code, Common Law and general legal obligations amongst others.
Dr Benjamin, Training and Development Coordinator stated that “the course was launched at the right time, after priority areas for 2012 were determined at a consultative meeting on 7th January 2012 between AMISOM Police and Somali Police Force leaders”.
He continued to say that, “We were eager to contribute to the recently launched SPF training because it is in line with our mandate to build the capacity of Somali Police Force to international policing standards, to enable them deliver services to the people“.
He further stressed that “Our contribution to the SPF training will equip Somali police commanders with the skills and knowledge to effectively perform their duties as Police Station Commanders in newly liberated areas of Somalia”.
The Commandant of the General Kahiye Police Academy, Brigadier General Ahmed Dayib Ahmed, who presided over the launching ceremony, commented that; “The SPF has a critical task to protect civilians and maintain law and order across the country. It is against this background that, we would like to further develop our Police Commanders with the pre-requisite management skills to ensure that our Police Force will fill the vacuum in the new liberated areas of Somalia”.
Somali Police Force Commandant
The Police Component of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in partnership with the Somali Police Force has launched a capacity building and leadership-training programme in the form of a refresher course tenable at the Brigadier General Kahiye Police Academy in Mogadishu on January 19th 2012.
The training programme is earmarked to develop and enhance knowledge of Ninety-seven (97) Middle management Police Commanders (Lieutenants) including five female Officers which is organized and funded by the Somali Police Force.
The Training and Development Unit of AMISOM Police Component will provide training in the areas of Police Leadership, Public Order Management, Gender, Crime Prevention, Beat and Patrol Management, Use of Force, VIP Protection and Escorts, Human Rights, Community Policing and Discipline reflecting the courses identified by the Somali Police.
Similarly, Somali Police Trainers will also facilitate training on Somali Penal Code, Common Law and general legal obligations amongst others.
Dr Benjamin, Training and Development Coordinator stated that “the course was launched at the right time, after priority areas for 2012 were determined at a consultative meeting on 7th January 2012 between AMISOM Police and Somali Police Force leaders”.
He continued to say that, “We were eager to contribute to the recently launched SPF training because it is in line with our mandate to build the capacity of Somali Police Force to international policing standards, to enable them deliver services to the people“.
He further stressed that “Our contribution to the SPF training will equip Somali police commanders with the skills and knowledge to effectively perform their duties as Police Station Commanders in newly liberated areas of Somalia”.
The Commandant of the General Kahiye Police Academy, Brigadier General Ahmed Dayib Ahmed, who presided over the launching ceremony, commented that; “The SPF has a critical task to protect civilians and maintain law and order across the country. It is against this background that, we would like to further develop our Police Commanders with the pre-requisite management skills to ensure that our Police Force will fill the vacuum in the new liberated areas of Somalia”.
Somalia’s al-Shabab hit by major Amisom offensive
Source: BBC News 20/01/2012
African Union forces backing the government says they have advanced outside the capital for the first time.
Al-Shabab is under attack on several fronts, with troops from Kenya and Ethiopia also gaining ground recently.
Correspondents says this is the biggest joint offensive by the government and the AU force, Amisom, since August 2011.
Troops from Djibouti have recently arrived in Mogadishu to bolster Amisom’s 12,000 soldiers, while the AU is asking the UN to approve a further 50% increase in troop numbers.
Al-Shabab controls many southern and central areas of the country.
The al-Qaeda linked group made a “tactical withdrawal” from most of the capital last year but has continued to stage suicide attacks in the city.
It confirmed that the pro-government forces had gained territory but vowed to hit back.
Six months of famine
Amisom spokesman Lt Col Paddy Ankunda said pro-government forces had seized the Mogadishu University and Barakat cemetery as they advanced north from the city.
The AP news agency reports that hundreds of people have fled the fighting.
Witnesses say at least four senior government soldiers have been killed in an al-Shabab ambush as they moved into newly captured territory.
The witnesses also say several al-Shabab fighters have died but neither side has confirmed any deaths.
“This is the first time Amisom has been able to secure an area outside the parameters of the city allowing them to defend greater Mogadishu from the exterior,” said Lt Col Ankunda.
BBC East Africa correspondent Will Ross says this operation appears to be a concerted effort to clear the Islamist militants right away from the Somali capital.
But he says this conflict no longer has front lines and, with al-Shabab carrying out suicide bomb attacks, it will still be very difficult to make Mogadishu safe.
On Thursday, six people were killed by a suicide attack in a refugee camp.
The victims included a security guard and a local aid worker, witnesses said.
The bomb exploded just 20 minutes after a team of international journalists had left the Mogadishu camp.
They had gone to the city to see the situation six months after the famine was first declared in parts of the country, following the region’s worst drought in 60 years.
Tens of thousands of people have died, aid workers say.
About 300,000 people have flooded into Mogadishu to seek food and shelter, as al-Shabab has banned most international aid agencies from areas they control.
The UN says a quarter of a million Somalis are still suffering and the crisis was likely to continue for the next six or seven months.
The International Rescue Committee says that the continued insecurity in Somalia is hampering the aid effort.
On Thursday, medical charity MSF closed two of its health centres in the centres in response to the killing of two of its workers in the city last year.
Somalia has been wracked by two decades of conflict and lawlessness.
Pro-government forces have launched a major offensive from the Somali capital, Mogadishu, to seize territory from al-Shabab Islamist militants.
Some 1,000 soldiers backed up by 20 tanks captured three al-Shabab bases, a senior security official said.African Union forces backing the government says they have advanced outside the capital for the first time.
Al-Shabab is under attack on several fronts, with troops from Kenya and Ethiopia also gaining ground recently.
Correspondents says this is the biggest joint offensive by the government and the AU force, Amisom, since August 2011.
Troops from Djibouti have recently arrived in Mogadishu to bolster Amisom’s 12,000 soldiers, while the AU is asking the UN to approve a further 50% increase in troop numbers.
Al-Shabab controls many southern and central areas of the country.
The al-Qaeda linked group made a “tactical withdrawal” from most of the capital last year but has continued to stage suicide attacks in the city.
It confirmed that the pro-government forces had gained territory but vowed to hit back.
Six months of famine
Amisom spokesman Lt Col Paddy Ankunda said pro-government forces had seized the Mogadishu University and Barakat cemetery as they advanced north from the city.
The AP news agency reports that hundreds of people have fled the fighting.
Witnesses say at least four senior government soldiers have been killed in an al-Shabab ambush as they moved into newly captured territory.
The witnesses also say several al-Shabab fighters have died but neither side has confirmed any deaths.
“This is the first time Amisom has been able to secure an area outside the parameters of the city allowing them to defend greater Mogadishu from the exterior,” said Lt Col Ankunda.
BBC East Africa correspondent Will Ross says this operation appears to be a concerted effort to clear the Islamist militants right away from the Somali capital.
But he says this conflict no longer has front lines and, with al-Shabab carrying out suicide bomb attacks, it will still be very difficult to make Mogadishu safe.
On Thursday, six people were killed by a suicide attack in a refugee camp.
The victims included a security guard and a local aid worker, witnesses said.
The bomb exploded just 20 minutes after a team of international journalists had left the Mogadishu camp.
They had gone to the city to see the situation six months after the famine was first declared in parts of the country, following the region’s worst drought in 60 years.
Tens of thousands of people have died, aid workers say.
About 300,000 people have flooded into Mogadishu to seek food and shelter, as al-Shabab has banned most international aid agencies from areas they control.
The UN says a quarter of a million Somalis are still suffering and the crisis was likely to continue for the next six or seven months.
The International Rescue Committee says that the continued insecurity in Somalia is hampering the aid effort.
On Thursday, medical charity MSF closed two of its health centres in the centres in response to the killing of two of its workers in the city last year.
Somalia has been wracked by two decades of conflict and lawlessness.
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