| Africa Horn | |
| Somalia: Former warlords to be named for ministerial posts | |
| 2007-05-05 | |
 (SomaliNet) Somalias interim government is planning to include some of the former anti-terror alliance members in the cabinet ministers, unconfirmed reports say on Friday. The reports added that Somalia Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi is planning to reshuffle his cabinet bring in some former warlords in the government.
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| Africa Horn | |
| Somalia: Death toll rises, nine killed eight wounded in Mogadishu | |
| 2007-01-13 | |
 (SomaliNet) Details are emerging on today's deadly confrontation outside of the main presidential residence in the Somalia capital Mogadishu between government forces and militia loyal to former warlords as Somalia president sent his condolences to the relatives of the victims. The death toll rises to nine mostly were militiamen loyal to Mohamed Qanyare Afrah, member of the transitional parliament, medical sources confirmed. Eight more others were wounded in the gun battle. The wounded include civilians, hit by astray bullets.
Dinari said president Yusuf expressed his sorrow over the death of the militiamen sending condolences to their relatives. The president described the event as an accident, which will have no impact on the government tasks. | |
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| Africa Horn | |
| Somali Government To Ally With Warlords Against Islamists | |
| 2006-07-12 | |
| Mogadishu, 12 July (AKI) - The Somali provisional government and some of the so-called 'warlords' will soon form a military alliance against the Islamist militias which control the Somali capital, Mogadishu, and almost all towns, Somali sources told Adnkronos International (AKI) on Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity. The sources explained that the new alliance's chief objective will be to gain control of the military airport of Baledogle, west of Mogadishu - Somalia's only functional airport - and then to take the city of Jowhar, some 90 kilometres north of the capital. According to the sources, the former warlord of Jowahr, Mohammed Deere, will be the main tribal leader taking part to the alliance with the provisional government. Three more warlords - Mohammed Qaniare Afrah, Bashir Rageh and Muse Sudi Yalahow - will be involved in the deal. Deere was welcomed by a minister on Tuesday in Baidoa, the southern provincial town of Baidoa, 200 kilometres from Mogadishu, where the provisional government is based. His whereabouts had been unknown for several weeks. Deere had lost control of Jowahr to the Union of the Islamic Courts (UIC) on 13 June. In contrast to what happened in the capital, in Jowhar, the Islamist group kept its troops outside the city-boundaries and achieved control over the city through negotiations with the chiefs of the local tribes. Jowahr had hosted the headquarters of the provisional government and of the parliament together with Baidoa from 2004 until February this year. In early 2006, to solve a long-running dispute over the location of the parliament's headquarters which had stalled the peace process for years, it was decided the body would meet only in Baidoa, which greatly disappointed Deere. Nowadays, Deere and the provisional government appear to be convinced that the only way to prevent the UIC from becoming the only rulers of Somalia is to join forces and fight together.
On Tuesday, some 500 Somali fighters loyal to the last member of an alliance of warlords in Mogadishu, Abi Hassan Awale Qeydiid, surrendered. The final two-day battle between the Islamists and the warlords in Moghadishu killed almost 100 and injured some 200. The UIC control now nearly 95 percent of Somalia's towns. The UN Security Council is considering a proposal by the British government to lift the arms embargo on Somalia, and allow an African peacekeeping force into the country. | |
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| Africa Horn | |
| Escaped warlords seen in central Somalia | |
| 2006-06-19 | |
 (SomaliNet) Muse Sudi Yalahow and Bashir Rage, the newly escaped warlords, are reported to have been seen in Elbur district of Galgadud region in central Somalia. Residents told local media that former trade minister Muse Sudi and his ally Bashir Rage, a warlord turned businessman reached in Dari village of Elbur district where former minister of national security Mohamed Qanyare and other members of the collapsed coalition of counter terrorism remained. Both warlords Sudi and Rage seemed to have joined their companions since they got isolation in Mogadishu where it is under the control of Islamic courts. No farther details on their presence in there.
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| Africa Horn |
| Somalia: warlords beat feet |
| 2006-06-18 |
| (SomaliNet) Former trade minister Muse Sudi Yalahow and warlord turned businessman Bashir Rage Shirar who both had also given up the membership of the defeated alliance for restoration of peace and counter terrorism (ARPCT) which was believed to have been backed by the US government, are reported to have left their strong residences in north Mogadishu overnight and sailed on a boat from the shore. Both leaders were seen sailing one of the speedy boats from Lido coast in Karan district of north Mogadishu, they carried no weapons, they were alone and it is not known where they have gone, Ubah Abukar, one of the residents told Somalinet on Saturday. There have been conflicting reports on where they were heading to and sailed. Sources close to Muse Sudi and Bashir Rage say they have properly been called by US navy officials in Djibouti and sent them a craft to take them to the US navy base in horn of Africa. It is yet known why the US navy officials called the warlords who were finished in more than three months bloody street battles with Islamic courts union who now controls most of the Somalia capital city Mogadishu and extended its power to central regions in Somalia. Some reports say they might have gone to Addale or Eldher districts of Galgadud region; both districts are alongside the northern coast of Somalia. Before their departure, both warlords did not talk to anyone or informed the people their sailing. Abdulahi Sheekh Hassan, one of the well known Somali politicians who were so close to Sudi and Rage confirmed the reporters the departure of both leaders but declined to comment on their voyage. Mr. Hassan denied that the weapons of Muse Sudi were looted as one of local FM stations in Mogadishu broadcasted on Saturday morning. It is untrue and baseless assertion there have been no looting on the weapons left by Muse Sudi, the weapons are in hands of the elders of his sub-clan Daud of Abgal clan, Hassan said. |
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| Somalia: Anti terror alliance faces collapse | |||||
| 2006-06-15 | |||||
 (SomaliNet) Reliable sources say former trade minister Muse Sudi Yalahow and warlord turned businessman Bashir Rage Shirar in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia announced on Wednesday that they gave up the membership of anti terror alliance after having consultation with intellectuals of their clan.
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| Africa Horn |
| Somalia News in Brief |
| 2006-06-14 |
| Islamists impose curfew on JowharJowhar 14 June. 06 ( Sh.M.Network) - More than 12 people most of them militias have been killed and 20 others wounded in fighting that resulted Islamic militias seize the only Secular stronghold of Jowhar, sources reported. Islamic militias armed heavily with vehicles and machineguns have fiercely defeated rival Anti terror Secular after three and half hour fighting in the suburbs of Jowhar which is the only stronghold remained for the chased warlords. Inside the town people got out of their homes after Islamists militias poured chanting the word!! Alahu Akbar!! God is greatest. Local residents showed great support to the Islamists g giving them water to drink and congratulation to their victory. Shabelle correspondent in Jowhar said. Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, Chairman of Joint Islamic Courts gave his words t o the people in the Town after defeating his rival. Alahu Akbar Alahu Akbar Alahu Akbar sheik Sharif said talking to hundreds of locals who gathered at Jowhar football Stadium. The people in Jowhar have been freed from warlord that dictated people for along time he said adding that this is the glory of Allah. He also told people in jowhar that curfew is imposed at the town beginning 8:00 in the evening local time until down. Militias loyal to Mohamed Dhere who ruled the town fled to northern direction while details are not available about their real casualties. Somali Warlords lose political arena Mogadishu 14 June. 06 ( Sh.M.Network)Muse Sudi Yalahow and Bashir Rage Shirar have been reportedly withdrawn from the failed Anti Terror Secular in Mogadishu today after the last strong hold base for the warlords fall in the Islamic courts, elder said. Husein Sheik Ahmed Kadare a local elder from Abgal Clan, the same Muse Sudi and Bashir Rage descend but not confirmed by them. Dr. Kadare told local radio channels that Muse Sudi and Bashir Rage would not be Anti terror Alliance members any more from now on. We could not reach Muse Sudi and Rage for details. Dr. Kadare is among Mudulood politicians and local traditional elders who strived to stop the fighting in Mogadishu particularly northern frontlines. He said in a meeting by the elders and clan politicians today, they have demanded Sudi and Rage to halt Anti terror membership and simply accepted he added. When we asked them to withdraw from the failed alliance they simply accepted and wont be members any longer he said The statement came amid the latest blow to the warlords after one of the members broadcasted he is out of the Alliance. According to recent failures faced Anti terror Secular, American Supported warlords have lost motives and got out of Somali political arena, analysts said. Somali warlords completely failed to fight Islamists Nairobi 14 June. 06 ( Sh.M.Network) --Anti Terror Alliance members that have been defeated in the Capital fighting are leaving their rest strong hold positions after facing pressures from the Islamists advancing to Jowhar, some 90KMs north of Mogadishu. Reports from middle Shabelle Regions capital Jowhar, the only strong hold position outside Mogadishu for the Anti Terror Alliance members indicate that increasing war tensions around the area led warlords to leave the town last night, heading to El-Bur district of Gal-Gadud region. The members include Mohamed Qanyare Afrah, Bootaan Ise Alin and Abdi Nure Siad who was the last man to be defeated in the Capital. Sources told Shabelle Radio that at least fifteen armed vehicles have been escorting them to the region where previously engulfed Clan fighting. The move came after they received reports indicating imminent attack against Jowhar a resident said in condition of anonymity. The event clearly indicates the final blow to the American Supported Somali warlords who tried to defeat Islamic Courts in Mogadishu after four months of fierce fight that left more 350 dead and thousands wounded. |
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| Africa Horn | ||
| Warlord Says Battle for Mogadishu Not Over | ||
| 2006-06-12 | ||
 MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) - One of the secular warlords who lost control of Somalia's capital to an Islamic militia vowed Sunday that the battle for Mogadishu was not over - an ominous warning for a city devastated by years of bloodshed and anarchy.The threat came a day after Islamic fighters stopped showings of the World Cup soccer tournament, one of the first
The state of the secular alliance and how many weapons it has is not clear. Many members are in hiding after weeks of fighting with the Islamic militia killed at least 330 people, many of them civilians. Its leader was believed to be in Ethiopia seeking reinforcements.
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| Somali Mudulod clans cast doubt on Islamists activities |
| 2006-06-07 |
| (SomaliNet) Intellectuals and politicians of Mudulod clans of Hawiye tribe had intensive meeting overnight on the clan interest deciding to establish an Islamic court independent of the current Islamic courts' union. Reports say. In the meeting, Mudulod officials discussed over the situations increased in the capital and how to form an Islamic court for the clan and separate from the Islamic courts union. The meeting was unusual and attended by former president Ali Mahdi Mohamed, Muse Sudi Yalahow and Bashir Rage Shirar, who are both members of the defeated anti terror alliance, Hussein Sheik Ahmed Kadare, who is well known politician in Somalia. The spokesman of Mudulod clans Hussein Sheik Ahmed Kadare read out to the reporters the articles issued from the meeting saying: The unity of Mudulod clans is untouchable and uninfringeable To form unified leadership by Mudulod clans including councils of defense, tradition, mobilization and economy. That Mudulod see the fighting in the capital spreading to neighboring regions as land expansion by Islamic courts union and that might resume the elapsed civil war, like the four-month fighting which raged between Habar-gidir and Abgal clans, so all groups is being informed to withdraw from Mudulod lands . An appeal for sub-clans of Mudulod in Jawil area in Hiran region to end the hostility and asked for the chief of Hawadle clan chief Abdirahman Chief Khalif to mediate between the rival brothers to end the conflict. To revive the former Islamic court by Mudulod clans in north Mogadishu which would have its former administration and it is independent from the Islamic courts union in Mogadishu. The meeting came after the Islamic courts announced officially they have taken over the control of whole the capital city of Somalia Mogadishu after they defeated and overrun the militia of what they called alliance for evil and Satan. |
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| Africa Horn |
| Efforts to free Kensaney hospital from militia is underway |
| 2006-06-02 |
| Mogadishu, (Somalinet) Self endeavored individuals including traditional elders, politicians and other intellectuals are now involving in efforts to persuade Somali trade minister Muse Sudi Yalahow and also member of anti terror alliance to withdraw his militia from inside Mogadishus main hospital Kensaney in north of the capital which has been in siege for four days. ICRC official in Nairobi said. Pedram Yazdi, the spokesman of international Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) told the local media on Thursday the peace holders who had telephone contacts and meetings with Muses aides, were hopeful that his militia would pull out the hospital. The siege of the Keysaney Hospital has lessened the medical services in the capital city and prompted relatives to move patients away hurriedly. ICRC said in a statement. "International Humanitarian Law prohibits the use of a hospital for the conduct of hostilities," Militia loyal to Muse Sudi occupied the ICRC run Kensaney hospital with their weapons on Monday. Meanwhile an official on behalf of Muse Sudi who contacted to Somalinets office in Mogadishu argued that his militia didnt storm that hospital, but temporarily are ensuring its security. He said the move was to be very cautious of their counter-part which he meant Islamic militiamen who have these days been using war tactics hiding through the civilians. There are militiamen and also battlewagons in the main hospitals in the capital allotted for securing the stability, so our administration has the right to tighten the security in the public service areas according to the tense situation the official who asked not to be identified said. |
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| Four Somalia Government Ministers Resign | |||
| 2006-05-25 | |||
In a severe blow to efforts to establish a functioning government in the Horn of Africa country of Somalia, four elected ministers, all based in the capital Mogadishu, have announced that they are quitting the government.
Yalahow, Qanyare, and their two colleagues are powerful factional leaders in the capital and senior-ranking members of the newly-formed, 11-member anti-terror group, the Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism. The group's aim, they say, is to rid the country of Muslim extremists, who are attempting to turn Somalia into another Afghanistan. But many Somalis say they believe the real reason why the four factional leaders are pulling out of the government is because they are angry over recent comments made by President Yusuf. President Yusuf accused the United States of funding the anti-terror alliance, adding that Washington should be working with interim government leaders to bring stability to Somalia, not giving money to warlords to chase down terrorists. | |||
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| Africa Horn |
| Somalia: Government not recognized by its own ministers |
| 2006-05-21 |
| The trade minister in the Transitional Federal Government, Muse Sudi Yalahow, who is among the mutiny ministers in the anti terror alliance for the fight against Islamic courts, dismissed to comply with the call of Somali prime minister Ali Gedi on ministers in Mogadishu to arrive in Baidoa immediately to join the cabinet sessions. Mr Muse Sudi said his remarks in a press conference held in his headquarter in Mogadishu on Thursday and he noted that he will not give any consideration to the Gedis call on them to come at Baidoa town for seven days. Last week, premier Gedi set seven days deadline for his absent ministers in the cabinet. "I rejected from Ali Gedi to go Jowhar town 90km away from Mogadishu so what about his current call on me to reach Baidoa, 250km southwest of Mogadishu, I once again want to clarify that I dont recognize President Abdulahi Yusuf, speaker of parliament and premier Gedi". Mr. Sudi said. Mr. Sudi was asked the possibility that he will lose his post in the government and said "I dont need any post and I dont recognize any government, what is a government? We fight against the terrorist cells in the capital and we (anti terror alliance) want to stabilize the capital and clear the entire terrorist suspects who had been harbored by Islamic courts." He mentioned they will continue the battle until all terrorist cells come to destruction. When asked why he rejects his ministerial post in the government, Mr. Sudi Yalahow replied with "I am not a minister because the minister is the one who has office to work and has car and I have never received salary from the transitional government." Muse Sudi said the Islamic militiamen must be blamed on the casualties resulted from the recent clashes in the capital in which more than 150 people most of civilians killed and more than 200 others injured and thousands more displaced from their homes. |
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