Category Archives: Terrorism

GRENADE EXPLOSION IN REMERA ON 3RD JANUARY 2012

From: AKR|Association of Kenyans Living in Rwanda

Dear Fellow Kenyan,

We wish to express our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who died and wish quick recovery to the injured following a grenade attack last evening in Remera.

If you are aware of any Kenyan who might have been affected, urgently contact the Kenya High Commission (252583334) or the AKR Chairman (0788-713619).

Regards,
Carol

Kenya Scores diplomatic double against Al-Shabaan terrorists in Somali as it secured approval and support of two key important regional bodies

Writes Leo Odera Omolo

KENYA has scored doubles by winning the support of two key regional bodies for its military operations in Somalia to flush out the Islamist terrorist Al-Shabaab militants.

It secured the backing and approval if the Intergovernmental Agency on Development {IGAD}, a regional organization which groups Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, Southern Sudan, Djibouti and now the suspended Eritrea.

Nairobi has also won the support and approval of the five-nation member countries of the East African Community {EAC}. The community groups together Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.

The EAC is schedule to hold its extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers and Heads of State Summit in Bujumbura Burundi next Wednesday and top on the agenda for discussion will feature he war in Somalia.

Already the EAC Secretary General Dr. Richard Sezibera from Rwanda has hinted the community support from Kenya. Individual member states have also expressed their support for Kenya, and most important of all being the neighboring Uganda and Burundi which have contributed close to 9,000 troops serving in the AU peacekeepers under the unified force called AMISOM.

An urgently convened summit of the regional presidents held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa at the weekend unanimously endorsed Kenya’s military operation in Somalia code named “Operation Linda Nchi”.

The IGAD leaders pitched for regional solidarity and enhanced coordination between Kenya Defense Forces, AMISOM and TFG to defeat Al-Shabaab and restore stability I the Horn of Africa’s devastated country.

The regional leaders who in attendance at the Summit chaired by the Ethiopia Prime Minister Meles Zenawi were Presidents Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia, President Ismael Omar Gulled of Djibouti and President Shariff Sheikh Ahmed for Somalia.

In a final communiqué released to the media after the 19th extraordinary IGAD Summit, the regional leaders stressed the need for the organization and the African Union {AU}to galvanize international support for the onion g military operation. The Summit further called on the Transitional Government of Somalia and endorsement of national security to expedite the finalization and endorsement of national security and stability process.

The summit expressed concern that Kenya carried the heaviest refugee burden and called on the international community to develop modalities for burden sharing.

The Summit further urged humanitarian agencies to relocate to the secure parts of Somalia to stem the influx of refugee into the neighboring countries, and further called o the UN Security Council t revise its resolution 2020 extending for 12 months authorization for countries cooperating with TFG to use necessary means to combat piracy and armed robbery.

At the same time the Secretary General of the East African Community Dr Richard Sezibera in a statement issued in Bujumbura, Burundi where the Council of Ministers of the bloc are meting together with the members of the East African Legislative Assembly a head of the Summit slated for next Wednesday, said that the partner states f the EAC were clear on their support for Kenya’s military operation “Linda Inchi” meant t flush out the al-qaeda backed Al-Shabaab terrorists in Somalia.

“Somali will be to on the agenda of the Council of Ministers and Heads of State Summit slate for next Wednesday, will seek to provide a long lasting solution on the Somalia conflict.”.

On the possibility of the entry of Southern Sudan into the EAC, Dr Sezibera said the lingering state f insecurity in Africa’s youngest nation should be n obstacle.

He made these remarks on sideline of the 24th ordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers. He said Southern Sudan is just coming of conflict and there are residual problems with countries emerging from conflicts. ”We have Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. EAC has lots of wisdom borne out of experience with which it can assist South Sudan become stable.”

On recent ban by Tanzania on maize exports to Kenya, the Secretary General said the issue had already been resolved. “Tanzania has lifted the ban on maize exports to Kenya while Kenya on its part is working to do the same.

“The East African Community Customs

In the battle front, Kenya has so far lost ten men with one missing in action an the Al-Shabaab appeared to have resorted not to challenge the mighty Kenya military forces on conventional war, but have resorted to urban guerrilla tactics which is similar to the fashion used by Vietnamese during the Indochina War of 1960s of hitting enemy target in strategic places behind the line. It has strike once in Garrisa Town near the Kenya Somali border when its agent attacked a police station killing one police man and escaped with his G3 rifle and by waylaying land mines on strategic roots aimed t Kenya’s military vehicles movements.

Ends

Kenya: Tips On How To Survive A Hand Grenade Attack

from AKR|Association of Kenyans Living in Rwanda

Dear Fellow Kenyan,

Tips On How To Survive A Hand Grenade Attack

If a terrorist throws a hand grenade down in front of you don’t run. You will be killed by flying shrapnel piercing vital organs or your head. Seek shelter behind a chair or table in the two to four seconds before the grenade goes off.

If there is no cover, fall face down with your feet facing the coming explosion. Pull your elbows into your sides to protect vital organs and cover your ears. This will change you from a five or six foot tall standing target into a tiny six inch box on the ground. The blast may miss you entirely or flying shrapnel may hit the soles of your shoes. At worst you can lose your feet – but you will survive. If you didn’t see the Grenade coming too bad. However, look over your shoulder and take precaution at all times while in public places.

Let us join the rest of Kenyans in prayers and supplication for peace and victory over our enemies. I suggest that we request for special prayers in our various places of worship dedicated to our forces on the battle field, this coming Sunday (13th November 2011).

Kenya: President Obama’s Kenyan family home has been placed under tight police security watch as fears persist of possible attack by Somali terrorists

Writes Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City

FOLLOWING the recent military incursion into Southern Somalia territory to flush out the armed Islamist extremists members of the Al-Qaeda backed Al-Shaab militias; the rural country hoe home at Nyang’oma, Alego Kogelo in Siaya County has been placed under tight police security watch.

Visitors to the home of the 88-year old Mama Sarah Obama, the step grand mother of the US President Barack Obama from now onward will have to get security clearance from the local District Commissioner’s office based in Siaya town abut 10 kilometers to the west.

The Obamas rural home is located about 80 kilometers west of Kisumu City. The home has recently been the center of visitors and tourist attraction n the region ever since Mama Sarah Obama grand son won the US presidency of the United States a couple of years ago,

The local police chief Stepen Cheteka confirmed at the weekend that Mama Sarah is among he crucial areas now placed under police close watch against possible attack by Al-Shabaab terrorist network.

A visit made by this writer at the weekend revealed that security has been enhanced in and around Siaya district with police put on alert to watch over the Kogelo village home where President Obama’s Kenyan family members live for fear that Somali terrorist might target Mama Sarah Obama and members of her immediate family.

The Officer Commanding Police Division {OCPD] Cheteka confirmed that security have been beefed and are on high alert to watch on strangers around Nyang’oma Kogelo village.

The OCPD pointed out that the police cannot rule out the possibility that that Al-Shabaab can attack the Kogelo village home of the Obamas.”That is the reason why police officer will remain on high alert,” he added.

President Obama’s younger brother Said Obama was quoted by the local media houses last week as having made it clear that the family has so far not received any threat and that they were living the normal life like any other villagers around,” he said adding that there is cause of alarm..

Local observers, however, maintained that the issue has been overblown out of proportion and that there was no risk security around Siaya district and Kogelo village in particular.

Of course fear persist I many parts of Kenyan that Al-Shabaab terrorist group in Somalia has widely spread network with agents everywhere inside Kenya and such attacks cannot be ruled out and simply dismissed as phantom.

Towns In most Western Kenya regions security have been tightened around important government installations and institutions, and even in private enterprises such as supermarket, hotels, country buses and all places of social amenities.

Visitors to major hotels in Nakuru, Eldoret, Kericho and Kisumu have to pass through the electronic devices security check-ups before being ushered into the facilities.

Ends

USA: The color of terrorism

from Yona Maro

The results of Kimberly Powell’s (2011) research on media coverage of terrorist attacks in the United States since 9/11 suggest that the act of terror is mostly used to describe “Muslims/Arabs/Islam working together in organized terrorist cells against a ‘Christian America,’ while domestic terrorism is cast as a minor threat that occurs in isolated incidents by troubled individuals.”

Anti-Islam extremist Anders Behring Breivik’s case emphasized the tendency of Western media to use prejudiced language when it comes to covering politically motivated violence committed by Muslims. Breivik’s attack was widely dubbed an “act of terror” in the mainstream media… that is, until Breivik himself was identified. As authors of the blog Foreign Policy Watch Matt Eckel and Jeb Koogler describe, the Western press responded by “largely avoiding the term ‘terrorist’ when speaking of the blond, blue-eyed, Christian attacker…”
http://www.ejc.net/magazine/article/the_color_of_terrorism/


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http://worldngojobs.blogspot.com/ Nafasi za Kazi Kimataifa “>http://www.ejc.net/magazine/article/the_color_of_terrorism/


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To The 100 Suicide Bombers Left In Nigeria

from Yona Maro

By Abiola Olaifa

I was born to a Christian father and a Muslim mother. My mum later converted to Christianity as our cultural belief is that any religion practised by the head of the house, is the religion for the family. My mum’s conversion to Christianity was without any troubles from her kinfolk since it was believed that we serve same God. I have relations, friends and neighbours who are Muslims, we all co-habit and live in peace in the same neighbourhood, my mum’s Islamic background gave me a good knowledge of Islam and I can easily recite some of the quranic quotes. I did not for once doubt this religion as a religion of peace. We all live together in harmony, believing that we are serving the same God, but in different ways.

At Christmas, our Muslim friends and family visits my home, we have one or two Sheeps ready to go for the big Christmas celebration, we all eat, danced and partied together. Same is the case when it is time for the Muslim’s Sallah festival, we all gather in my Uncles, who already have their Rams ready for the slaughter, these are always exciting moments for us. We also enjoyed playing with and using the Rams for fights before they are slaughtered and these are great moment of excitement for us kids. We do not see ourselves as being religious enemies or opposite or unequal before God in whatsoever way. We were happy together and we often attend one Islamic lectures or the other in my uncle’s home from the Alfa’s that visit for prayers on weekends, this are equally very happy moments for us as we are sure that we will have some food to eat at the end of the prayer session.

The recent event is throwing this happy inter-religious relationship into the winds, not only I’m I getting worried about the latest developments, I am equally saddened by the appalling and heartless killings going on in Nigeria at the moment through suicide bombings. I have not been able to fathom the immediate reason for this, except accepting this as a sure sign of the end times. Does it mean that those practising Islam before are doing it the wrong way or a new version of Quran has just been invented which is very hostile to the opposite religion? If the Quran is still same one used by the Alfa’s in my uncle’s home, then we are in for a new inconceivable disaster.

The spokesperson for Boko Haram, the Islamic extremist group recently claimed responsibility for the bombing of UN Building in Abuja, in a phone call to BBC. He claimed further that there are more than 100 recruits ready to carry out more suicide attacks in Nigeria, just after the country was thrown into panic on the 26th of August 2011. It broke my heart to hear that this act is being perpetrated because of God and the need to Islamise Nigeria. This group reason that killing innocent people is a sure way to achieve their aim of winning people to Islam. I beckon on these newly recruited bombers to be wary of the effect of these heinous attacks on our world and the psychic of the people, no one with his right senses will change to Islam if you continue with these activities. Violence has never been and will never be the right way.

I am confident that these killings are not for God, but purely to make political statement. It could not have been for God if you must shed human blood for sacrifice to the same God, who they ironically say also wants to save the world. I have believed based on teachings from the Alfa’s visiting my Uncle, my mother and personal discovery that God should be some humble-spirit, interested in saving the world and a comfort to those in trouble and that we pray to about our problems and he helps us through it. I am now beginning to have a change of mind, if these killers are saying they are committing all this crime in the name God and that God will make them martyrs if they are able to kill so much people, then this God must be different from the God I have previously known. This is a serious and dangerous consternation to my long held belief about Islam and I am absolutely startled.

I have many questions going on in my head that I sure need answers to; what do you aim to achieve by killing those you choose to convert. If the reason you give is to change the unbelievers to accept Islam, how would a dead person accept Islam? Must violence be the way to make your voice heard? Has God instructed you to carry out these unlawful killings or is this politically motivated? If this God makes you a Martyr as you claim, would you be happy by how many people your sect lands in hell through sudden death, since they have no time to repent of their sins. Why must you create so much fear and panic to the world to impress your views on others?

I am of the opinion that if God has ordered this killing as this suicide bombers claim and the same God is happy with what they are doing, then I do not want to be associated with this God. He must be a God with no human face and I dissociate myself from such heartless God. Also if you are perpetrating these evil acts out of the need to be made a martyr and have a place in Al-Jannah as you claim, then it’s a big shame, I equally do not want to be associated with such a materialistic religion.

I have a personal message for the over 100 suicide bombers still left in Nigeria as claimed by Boko Haram, who are ready to attack at any moment. Please stop and think for once, your next victims may be your brother or sister. Do not be deceived, you have no mansion and beautiful bride waiting for you in heaven, but hell. Sit back and think before you strike. It is not fair on the already volatile planet, there is so much panic and pain, and what joy do you get in that. I have spoken to many Muslims and confident that this killing is not Islamic, let us all hold tight and pray for these religious asinine to stop this unnecessary killings, they are not heroes at all as they believe, but criminals. The world now live in fear because of these extremist groups, let us pray for this evil acts to stop and for the perpetrators to be caught and brought to justice. Let us pray for the repose of the soul of the dead and for the peace of the world.


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http://worldngojobs.blogspot.com/ Nafasi za Kazi Kimataifa

Eritrea & Uganda: PRESIDENT AFWERKI CONCLUDES THREE DAYS STATE VISIT TO UGANDA DURING WHICH TIME HE HELD SERIOUS TALKS WITH PRESIDENT MUSEENI.

Reports Leo Odera Omolo

Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki has concluded his 3-day State visit to Uganda.

The Eritrean head of state has recently came under scathing criticism by regional leaders over his alleged logistic support for Al-Qaeda backed al-shaban Islamist terrorist in Somalia.

Afwerli’s visit to Uganda has some significantly positive political dimension after the recent meeting of Igad held in Addis Ababa expressed concern over his alleged indulgence in terrorist activities in Somalia.

Among those regional leader who had expressed concern was President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, who is considered to be a moderate and reserved in his handling of crucial diplomtic issues.

Afwerki did not attend the Igad consultative meeting, though Eritrea is a member

President Afewerki, who was in the country at the invitation of President Yoweri Museveni, held bilateral talks with his host during which the two leaders discussed bilateral issues between Uganda and Eritrea centering on regional peace and security, trade and bilateral cooperation, among others.

The Eritrean leader also visited a number of industrial establishments in Kampala that included Quality Chemicals which manufactures anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs), the Dairy Corporation and Roofings Limited that specializes in the manufacture of building and roofing materials.

President Afewerki was seen off at State House Entebbe by President Museveni.

Others were minister of Foreign Affairs, Sam Kutesa, state minister for Regional Co-operation, Asumani Kiyingi and senior Government and Security officials.

ends

Kenya & Nigeria: Terror attacks kill 10 in Nigeria

from Yona Maro

(AFP) Ten people were killed in two separate overnight attacks outside the volatile Nigerian city of Jos, a local official said, leading angry residents to block roads leading to the area on Monday. Local council chairman Emmanuel Lomang alleged that four identity cards and a cap belonging to soldiers were found at the scene of the killings, fueling rumours that troops may have been involved.

Both the military and police declined immediate comment.

“Seven people were killed at Heipang while three were killed at Foron,” near Jos, the restive capital of Plateau State, Lomang told AFP.

He said both incidents happened around 12:30 am when the attackers opened fire on their victims after storming the two villages.

Angry residents have blocked roads leading to the area, an AFP reporter saw.

Jos and the surrounding region has been hit by waves of clashes between Christian and Muslim ethnic groups that have left hundreds dead in recent years.

The region lies in Nigeria’s so-called Middle Belt between the mainly Muslim north and predominately Christian south of Africa’s most populous nation.

Last week, at least two people were hacked to death while four others were seriously wounded in a village near Jos.

In Maiduguri, A man was shot dead by Nigerian police on Monday in a failed attempt to bomb police headquarters in the northeastern city of Maiduguri, a day before a report on Islamist sect attacks in the region is submitted to President Goodluck Jonathan. Police said they believed the man planned to detonate remotely seven gas cylinders and cans of gunpowder and petrol that were packed into the car.

“The man … gained entrance by ramming into the gate of the police headquarters and drove straight towards the main building before he was gunned down inside his car,” local police spokesman, Abubaker Kabru, said.


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Uganda invites Afwewrki for talks of the alleged his support for terrorists in Somalia

MUSEVENI HAS INVITED THE ERITREAN HEAD OF STATE AFWERKI FOR DISCUSSIONS OVER CLAIMS BY REGIONAL LEADERS ABOUT HIS ALLEGED LOGISTIC SUPPORT FOR TERRORISTS

Writes Leo Odera Omolo

News emerging from the Ugandan capital, Kampala says that Uganda has invited Eritrea’s leader, President Isaias Afewerki, accused by the West of stoking Somalia’s Islamist rebellion and destabilising the East African region, to a state visit next week, State House said.

Eritrea rejoined the East African bloc IGAD last month, four years after it walked out on the body in protest at arch-foe Ethiopia’s invasion of Somalia to oust an Islamist administration the United States said had ties to al Qaeda.

“Eritrea is one of the strategically vital countries to the stability of the region, especially in the Horn of Africa and the wider global agenda,” State House said in a statement late on Thursday.

A U.N. Monitoring Group report on Somalia and Eritrea said in late July that Asmara was bankrolling al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militants in Somalia. Al Shabaab claimed they were behind a twin suicide bomb attack on the Ugandan capital, Kampala, last year.

Horn of Africa experts say that Isaias has become increasingly diplomatically isolated. Leader of one of the world’s most secretive states, Isaias makes few state visits.

The U.N. has imposed an arms embargo on Eritrea, as well as a travel ban and an asset freeze on Eritrean political and military leaders who it says are violating an arms embargo on Somalia.

Asmara denies the charges, and accuses the United States and neighbouring Ethiopia of “irresponsible interference”.

Ends

WORLD: TERRORISTS AND THE INTERNET

Colleagues Home & Abroad Regional News
from ouko joachim omolo

BY FR JOACHIM OMOLO OUKO, AJ
LIKONI-MOMBASA
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011
TAKE-2

Our take one on the danger of online services looked at how your personal information could be hacked online. Today is exactly 13 years since the terrorists attacked the American embassy in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam Tanzania. I am reporting from Likoni-Mombasa where I am for special assignment.

Likoni is one of the insecure regions in the coast-it is where in 1997, many people were killed and hundred others displaced during the Moi dictatorial regime that saw many innocent Kenyans killed since 1991.The Mombasa-Likoni clashes were believed to have been started by the governing party Kanu. In Tanzania, 11 people died and 85 were injured.

Just like some experts online could hack your personal information online, terrorists increasingly are using the Internet as a means of communication both with each other and the rest of the world. By now, nearly everyone has seen at least some images from propaganda videos published on terrorist sites and rebroadcast on the world’s news networks.

One fact remains that the Internet is a powerful tool for terrorists, who use online message boards and chat rooms to share information, coordinate attacks, spread propaganda and raise funds. Terrorist websites can also serve as virtual training grounds, offering tutorials on building bombs, firing surface-to-air missiles.

Another fact is that terrorists have developed sophisticated encryption tools and creative techniques that make the Internet an efficient and relatively secure means of correspondence. These include steganography, a technique used to hide messages in graphic files, and “dead dropping”: transmitting information through saved email drafts in an online email account accessible to anyone with the password.

Terrorists attacking British bases in Basra for example were using aerial footage displayed by the Google Earth internet tool to pinpoint their attacks. The satellite photographs showed in detail the buildings inside the bases and vulnerable areas such as tented accommodation, lavatory blocks and where lightly armoured Land Rovers were parked.

Google Earth allows users to zoom in on almost any location in the world to such close range that cars can be recognised. The site even provides latitude and longitude co-ordinates for buildings.

It explains why shortly before the Norway attack, in which at least 87 people died, Anders Behring Breivik, posted a manifesto on the Internet that includes his lengthy operational diary.

According to the document he was a lone wolf attacker who conducted his assault specifically against the Labor Party’s current and future leadership. Breivik targeted the Labor Party because of his belief that the party is Marxist-oriented and is responsible for encouraging multiculturalism, Muslim immigration into Norway and, acting with other similar European governments, the coming destruction of European culture.

Anders Behring Breivik sent his manifesto to recipients he addressed as “West European patriots” shortly before carrying out his double terrorist attack in Norway on July 22, and requested them to distribute the document to others. The Czech server ekonom.cz obtained a list of the email addresses from the Belgian far-right MP, Tanguy Veys — one of the few people who has admitted receiving the manifesto from Breivik.

Breivik’s manifesto also includes digressions on George Orwell, John Stuart Mill, John Locke, Thomas Jefferson, Mark Twain, and William James. Toward the end of his manifesto, Breivik argues that “democratic change” is an illusion and that the only answer is “armed resistance.” He predicts that “more moderate” political efforts will be “persecuted” and that attempts at “peaceful reform will be crushed,” leaving violence as the only alternative.

These technological tools terrorists use can help turn the tables on unknown plotters because they are designed to focus on the how. Even though they will likely never replace human observation and experience, but they can serve as valuable aids to human perception.

It explains why an Indian Court has been called to ban Google Earth amid suggestions the online satellite imaging was used to help plan the terror attacks that killed more than 170 people in Mumbai.

Google Earth is a virtual globe, map and geographical information program that was originally called EarthViewer 3D, and was created by Keyhole, Inc, a company acquired by Google in 2004. It maps the Earth by the superimposition of images obtained from satellite imagery, aerial photogrpphy and GIS globe.

Google Earth can also be used to view areas subjected to widespread disasters if Google supplies up-to-date images. For example after the January 12 20 10 Haiti earthquake images were made available.

Google Earth can also function as a “hub” of knowledge, pertaining to your location. By enabling certain options, one can see the location of gas stations, restaurants, museums, and other public establishments in their area. Google Earth can also dot the map with links to images, You Tube videos, and Wikipedia articles relevant to the area being viewed.

Yet there is no way we can do away with online services given that they have become one of the most significant global transformations in the world within multiple spheres: the social, the cultural, and the economical.

In today’s flat world messages are sent and received via email in a fraction of a second, search engines fetch unbounded resources, businesses use outsourcing and off-shoring services from distant countries.

Yet still, since the inception of the Internet to public mass consumption in 1994, it gradually turned into a facilitator of traditional forms of terror, the militant ones, those shedding blood, of guns, bombs and suicide attacks, with hundredths of innocent civilians dead for no reason.

People for Peace in Africa (PPA)
P O Box 14877
Nairobi
00800, Westlands
Kenya

Tel 254-20-4441372
Website: www.peopleforpeaceafrica.org

Reports on terrorism trends & patterns, over 4 decades, several regions

from Yona Maro
subject Patterns in Terrorism in North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia: 2007-2010

This report draws on an extensive modeling effort by Andrew C. Gagel. It provides a statistical trend of the US count of terrorist actions by terrorist organization in each region and country, along with maps of the number and density of terrorist acts. These trends and developments are summarized in a short overview for each sub region.

The data on North Africa do not yet reflect the sudden wave of instability and unrest sweeping through the region. The data that are available, however, do reflect a sharp drop in the overall level of violent terrorism in the region, driven largely by the success of the Algerian regime in defeating extremist movements in the that country.

http://csis.org/files/publication/110629_MENA_Central_Asia_China_Terrorism_2007_2010.pdf

from Yona Maro
subject Terror Trends: 40 Years’ Data on International and Domestic Terrorism

A decade after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, looking back is as important as looking forward in order to learn from the past and to examine the current and future threats facing the U.S. This survey aggregates international data on global and domestic terrorism from the past 40 years. Combined with new intelligence, this data can better inform U.S. counterterrorism decisions and continue the process of delineating enhanced homeland security policies for the future. From 1969 to 2009, almost 5,600 people lost their lives and more than 16,300 people suffered injuries due to international terrorism directed at the United States. The onus is now on the President and Congress to ensure that the U.S. continues to hone and sharpen its counterterrorism capabilities and adapt them to evolving 21st-century threats.

http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/documents/THF_TerrorTrends_40YearsDataonInternationalandDomesticTerrorism.pdf


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USA: Osama bin Laden

forwarded by : Judy Miriga

http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com

– – – – – – – – – – –

From: The White House
Subject: Osama bin Laden

Monday, May 2, 2011

Good afternoon,

Last night, President Obama announced that the United States has killed Osama bin Laden, leader of al Qaeda and a terrorist responsible for the murders of thousands of innocent people. He made clear that even though Osama bin Laden has been brought to justice, Americans should remember the spirit of unity in the days after 9/11 as we continue to secure our nation and work for a safe and prosperous future.

If you haven’t yet seen President Obama’s remarks, you can watch them here and read the full transcript below:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/05/02/osama-bin-laden-dead?utm_source=email113&utm_medium=image&utm_campaign=binladen

Full Transcript of the President’s Remarks on Osama bin Laden

Good evening. Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.

It was nearly 10 years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history. The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory — hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky; the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground; black smoke billowing up from the Pentagon; the wreckage of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction.

And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world. The empty seat at the dinner table. Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father. Parents who would never know the feeling of their child’s embrace. Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts.

On September 11, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together. We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood. We reaffirmed our ties to each other, and our love of community and country. On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family.

We were also united in our resolve to protect our nation and to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice. We quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda — an organization headed by Osama bin Laden, which had openly declared war on the United States and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe. And so we went to war against al Qaeda to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies.

Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we’ve made great strides in that effort. We’ve disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense. In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government, which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support. And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists, including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot.

Yet Osama bin Laden avoided capture and escaped across the Afghan border into Pakistan. Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world.

And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda, even as we continued our broader efforts to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat his network.

Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden. It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground. I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan. And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action, and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice.

Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.

For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda’s leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies. The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda.

Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must –- and we will — remain vigilant at home and abroad.

As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not –- and never will be -– at war with Islam. I’ve made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against Islam. Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.

Over the years, I’ve repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was. That is what we’ve done. But it’s important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding. Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people.

Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts. They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations. And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates.

The American people did not choose this fight. It came to our shores, and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens. After nearly 10 years of service, struggle, and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war. These efforts weigh on me every time I, as Commander-in-Chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one, or look into the eyes of a service member who’s been gravely wounded.

So Americans understand the costs of war. Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies. We will be true to the values that make us who we are. And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda’s terror: Justice has been done.

Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. The American people do not see their work, nor know their names. But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice.

We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day.

Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores.

And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11. I know that it has, at times, frayed. Yet today’s achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people.

The cause of securing our country is not complete. But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether it’s the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place.

Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you. May God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.

World: Osama might be dead but Osamalets are at large

From: Tedd Kamau

The death of Osama bin Laden has swept the entire planet with joy at least to the Americans.

While that may be ‘good news’ it goes without saying that his recruits are at large. It reminds me of situation where you kill the mother snake but the eggs are all over with some still yet to hatch.

Though justice has been done, it may be too early to celebrate don’t you think…

World: High Theater in the W.O.T. [*]

from: octimotor

Inet discussion boards, public radio this morning Eastern Daylight time in USA, and the news trailers (MSN) upon signing out of an email service, are filled with coverage about the US special forces raid which Loudly! heralded the demise of Osama bin Laden. The radio coverage featured the audio clip in which US Pres. Obama said, in essence, ‘Justice has now been rendered’.

I suspect, too, the mortuary images will be making the rounds. They did before, in another prior similar, but by no means as high profile, situation. Life magazine carried the photos of the local army troops, clients of the USA intelligence community agencies, posing with the deceased remains of Che’ Gravara – – a leftist political revolutionary chieftain in one of the Latin American insurgencies of the 1960’s.

All in all, here we have well orchestrated Public Theatre in the realm of international relations (and perhaps social engineering). Some speculations have even pondered whether the bin Laden character had multiple copies, and had perhaps one already been deceased as of several years ago from various medical problems. Scripted, it might be, for some public opinion and foreign relations effects. Passage of time will be required to judge the eventual impact.

In this morning’s reported reactions, some of them sounded interesting, and potentially positive. There had been some purported public expressions from folks gathering in Washington DC, and NY City, to give voice to their joyful reaction to the news. Emotional reactions in the US national and international markets were reported, as leaning toward greater confidence – – Gold prices declining with US-Dollar strength increasing, oil prices lowering.

-om-

[*] W.O.T stands for “war on terrorism”

– – – – – – – – – –

From Ghazi Air Base in Pakistan, the modified MH-60 helicopters made their way to the garrison suburb of Abbottabad, about 30 miles from the center of Islamabad.

[ . . . ]

After bursts of fire over 40 minutes, 22 people were killed or captured. One of the dead was Osama bin Laden, done in by a double tap — boom, boom — to the left side of his face. His body was aboard the choppers that made the trip back. One had experienced mechanical failure and was destroyed by U.S. forces, military and White House officials tell NationalJournal.

[ . . . ]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42858824/ns/world_news-death_of_bin_laden//?GT1=43001

The article, “The secret team that killed bin Laden,” first appeared in the National Journal, said MSN.

Packistan & USA: Bin Laden’s death will be the beginning of Peace to the World

Folks,

Congratulations to Obama Administration along with the U.S. security Armed Personnel who put their lives at risk to save the world from EXTREME TERRORISM behaviors and influences.

Bin Ladens death has given us hope to focus in a renewed better plan for the future.

Bin Ladens death must give people of the world a good reason to nurture Peace, Love and Unity under Global Mutual cooperation….. that the kind of Acts of Terrorism and Extremism, have no place in this Beautiful World where majority of Human Kind are after Unity and peaceful coexistence, in Love and in Sharing…… in order to improve lives for better………not for worse……..

The Global Unity for common good of all, is all what every human being is after…… …..We all care so much for our security and freedom, that Bin Laden Ideologies and lifestyle is a tale tale of a complete wasteful energy that which breeds hate, generates fear and consumes Peace……….something all people of the world must stand together against…….

We cannot afford to leave a wasteful lifestyle…….therefore, Osama Bin Laden’s death, gave the world a reason to appreciate life and see the world in a different perspective……and to join together to protect Human Peace and happiness at all cost…….and to condemn acts violence and against acts of Terrorists and extreme fear-factor behaviors…..those such of intimidating and living a selfish ego, without human value, dignity and empathy, provoking and denying humanity to enjoy fullness of life in Unity and in Love ……… to sustain a well balanced livelihood to be enjoyed by all in a fair manner ….

We must all live to excesses reality basics for humanity through respecting Human Rights Dignity and realize that, human Life, whether rich or poor is meaningful and Precious, and to leave in harmony we need each other to be able to achieve our fundamental purposes to make this world a wonderful place to live in……..where selfishness, inhumanity with extreme poverty is not the way to a healthy good life but an open door to lamentation, despair and destruction.

May God Help us all to learn to Love each other in the Unity of Sharing and caring……away from selfishness and extremism……

Cheers Everybody…..

Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com

USA & World: USA Africa Dialogue Series – The Techy Story Of The Bin Laden Operation

Forwarded by Yona Maro

Monday, May 2, 2011 4:04:00 AM EDT

Man unknowingly liveblogs Bin Laden operation

CAIRO (AP) — A computer programmer, startled by a helicopter clattering above his quiet Pakistani town in the early hours of the morning Monday, did what any social-media addict would do: he began sending messages to the social networking site Twitter.

With his tweets, 33-year-old Sohaib Athar, who moved to the sleepy town of Abbottabad to escape the big city, became in his own words “the guy who liveblogged the Osama raid without knowing it.”

Soon the sole helicopter multiplied into several and gunfire and explosions rocked the air above the town, and Athar’s tweets quickly garnered 14,000 followers as he unwittingly described the U.S. operation to kill one of the world’s most wanted militants.

His first tweet was innocuous: “Helicopter hovering above Abbottabad at 1AM (is a rare event).”

The noise alarmed Athar, who had moved to the upscale area of Abbottabad to get away from city life after his wife and child were badly injured in a car accident in the sprawling city of Lahore, according to his blog in July.

Nestled in the mountains around 60 miles (95 kilometers) northeast of the capital, Abbottabad is a quiet, leafy town featuring a military academy, the barracks for three army regiments and even its own golf course.

As the operation to kill Osama Bin Laden unfolded, Athar “liveblogged” what he was hearing in real time, describing windows rattling as bombs exploded.

He questioned whose helicopters might be flying overhead. “The few people online at this time of the night are saying one of the copters was not Pakistani,” he tweeted.

Athar then said one of the aircraft appeared to have been shot down. Two more helicopters rushed in, he reported.

Throughout the battle, he related the rumors swirling through town: it was a training accident. Somebody was killed. The aircraft might be a drone. The army was conducting door-to-door searches in the surrounding area. The sound of an airplane could be heard overhead.

Athar did not respond to media requests for comment — he explained in another tweet that a filter he set up to stop his e-mail box from flooding could be culling out requests for interviews.

Soon, however, the rumbling of international events far beyond the confines of this quiet upscale suburb began to dawn on Athar, and he realized what he might be witnessing.

“I think the helicopter crash in Abbottabad, Pakistan and the President Obama breaking news address are connected,” he tweeted.

Eight hours and about 35 tweets later, the confirmation came: “Osama Bin Laden killed in Abbottabad, Pakistan,” Athar reported. “There goes the neighborhood.”

Quatar: Terrorism is lucrative business

From: abu Ayman

Emir of Qatar says war on terrorism could become lucrative business

Qatar’s Emir has voiced concerns that the war on terrorism could become a lucrative business for both companies and mercenaries.

By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief

Manama: Qatar’s Emir has voiced concerns that the war on terrorism could become a lucrative business for both companies and mercenaries.

“What we fear is for the war on terrorism could turn into [a series of] commercial transactions and financial contracts with armies of mercenaries who kill outside international [law]. These are all very dangerous things,” Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani said.

He added in his address to the General Debate of the 65th Session of the UN General Assembly: “In this first decade, we faced major challenges. We should ensure that war is not the way to deal with them.

“Rather, we should come to terms with ourselves, with this era and with its concomitant progress to turn the new decade, and decades that follow, into a [time] in which major challenges are addressed with more in-depth understanding and knowledge.”

The Qatari leader refuted the claim that terrorism could be attributed to the Islamic religion.

“We recognise the existence of certain practices that certainly fall within the purview of terrorism, but in this regard we emphasise two issues,” he said.

“First, we disagree with the attribution of this so-called terrorism to the Islamic religion, because this, in addition to being incorrect, is a historical injustice that is refuted by evidence from recent history. In the 20th century, including the second half thereof, gratuitous violent actions occurred in the United States of America, Europe and Asia, but nobody said that this terrorism was American, European or Asian. Rather, this violence was attributed to its underlying political, economic, social and even ideological causes, without attributing it to a particular religion, country or idea.”

He also stressed the need for innovative tactics in dealing with the war and expressed his dislike for the term ‘war on terror’.

“But what we have seen and suffered from in the first decade of this century, and which was called the ‘war on terror’, was a phenomenon foreign to international politics. It has plunged us into a kind of war with no limits, nor end, nor logic, nor legal or moral conditions. Some of this is still happening and although we note that the current United States administration has discontinued the use of the term ‘war on terror’, we are still looking forward to clearer and bolder initiatives.”

The Qatari Emir said that waging wars was no solution to terrorism.

“This treatment has not achieved security, peace or prosperity. On the contrary, it has spread destruction everywhere, deprived millions of people from their livelihoods, spread fear, and caused the killing and displacing of millions, as well as economic and financial crises that have shaken the stability of the world and undermined the efforts made in dialogue among cultures. We feel that the situation in which we ended up after the beginnings of an intriguing century and its first decade, should not be allowed to continue and its ramifications should not be left to deteriorate unchecked.”


Follow Me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/robertalai

Uganda has detained top Al-qaeda commander among the bomb suspects

Reports Leo Odera Omolo

THE second-in-command of the East Africa al-Qaeda terrorist cell, Omar Awadh Omar, is among the twin bomb suspects charged and remanded to Luzira Prisons, according to new intelligence information.
.

The government owned NEWVISION has reported inits latest online news postings

OmarAwadh Omar was charged in court last week alongside a Muslim human rights activist, Al Amin Kimathi, for the murder of 79 people in the July 11 twin bomb blasts in Kampala.

It emerged yesterday that Awadh, a Kenyan citizen, is high in the hierarchy of the terror cell and is second to the region’s al-Qaeda boss Harun Fazul, according to The Nairobi Star, a Kenyan newspaper.

Details filtering in indicate that Awadh coordinated the horrid July attacks at the Ethiopian Village Restaurant in Kabalagala and at the Kyadondo Rugby Club in Lugogo, which also left more than 50 people injured.

Both Awadh and Al Amin were charged in court after being arrested in a city hotel on September 15. They were arrested alongside Mbugua Mureithi, a Kenyan defence lawyer, who was later released and flown back to Kenya.

Kenyan intelligence and police sources point at Awadh, also known as Abu Sahal, as the top logistician of the East African al-Qaeda cell and the al-Shabaab terrorists in Somalia.

After the twin attacks in Kampala, the two were reportedly planning a similar attack in Kenya, sources said.

Sources intimated that the planning of the Kampala attack dates back to 2008. This followed the killing by the US of Saleh Nabhan, the then number two to Fazul. The network then started the mission, dispatching several key players to Somalia for training and indoctrination.

Regional intelligence sources say Awadh, a second-hand car dealer, recruits youth from Kenya and neighbouring countries into the terror cells, which have spread their activities to Uganda and Tanzania.

The details lend credence to remarks by Police chief Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura in August that the cell was operating bases in the country and recruiting from countries in the region.

Sources added that Awadh facilitates the travel and training of the recruits in Somalia, usually coordinated by a cell in Nairobi.

According to the network structure, Omar Badrudin (head of al-Qaeda intelligence) and Bilal el Berjawi report directly to Fazul. Below Omar is Hussein Hassan Agade, Jabir, Mohammed Ali and Hahim Mohammed Suleiman, alias Abu Zeinab (the head of the Nairobi cell).

About 34 suspects, including Hassan Agade, have been charged with the killings. The arrest of Awadh and Agade means that Uganda now has two top commanders of the terror cells of al-Shabaab and al-Qaeda.

How the Kampala twin bombing was planned

July 6, 2010: JABIR travels to Uganda for the final arrangements, which include the final assembling of bombs in vests and bags. He also teaches a Somali boy how to fix detonators and to test to confirm if they are operational.

Jabir advises Issa Luyima to find someone who will execute the mission in the third target, since they are short of a third suicide bomber. It is than that Issa brings Hassan Luyima on board. Issa tells Edris Nsubuga and Hassan Luyima that the mission will be executed on July 11 during the second half of the World Cup finals as the places would be most crowded.

JULY 8, 2010: Jabir leaves Uganda using Gateway bus. It is suspected that during this time, Jabir gave Issa an unknown amount of money for the upkeep of the suicide bombers, purchase of the two extra handsets and to vacate the safe house.

JULY 9, 2010: Hassan Luyima, Issa Luyima and Edris Nsubuga visit the three targets to assess the level of security alertness.

JULY 10, 2010: Issa Luyima takes Hassan Luyima to a safe house and introduces him to the suicide bombers as the brothers who will execute the mission. Issa gives Hassan money to purchase two extra handsets, transport, food for the shaheeds and for clearing the safe house.

Issa, Hassan and suicide bombers pray together before Issa leaves for town where he meets with Edris. Issa informs Edris that he has left instructions with Hassan.

He informs Edris that Kakasule (a suicide bomber said to be a Kenyan) spoke some English and would be working with him. He gives Edris a copy of the key to safe house and stating that he was leaving because he needed an alibi for what was about to take place.

In the evening, Hassan takes Edris to the safe house for introduction to the suicide bombers. Hassan informs Edris that he has changed the initial plan of escorting the bombers. He tells Edris that he would go with the Somali, while Hassan will accompany Kakasule.

July 11, 2010: Issa arrives in Nairobi and holds a meeting with Jabir who was with Mohammed. He briefs Jabir that the bombers are fine and that everything is on course. Jabir tells him that Mugisha was still in custody and it was his duty to ensure his release. Issa leaves for Mombasa at about 1300 hours and puts up at his mother in law’s house in Tononoka.

1100 hours: In Uganda, Edris meets with Hassan at Kenjoy restaurant and purchases food for the bombers.

1800 hours: Edris and the suicide bombers hold prayers and later the Somali suicide bomber starts testing the trigger mechanisms of the bombs to be detonated by Hassan and Edris.

2115 hours: Hassan and Kakasule, using a boda boda, head to Ice link discotheque and Ethiopian Village restaurant respectively. Shortly afterwards, Edris and the Somali suicide bomber proceed to Lugogo Rugby Club

2200 hours: At the Rugby Club, Edris heads to the bar where he leaves the bag with the bomb on top of a metallic cable roller used as a table. Edris then leaves the bar, while the Somali boy sits in the midst of the crowd pretending to watch the ongoing game.

2200 hours: Hassan drops Kakasule off at Ethiopian village and restaurant. Kakasule walked to the restaurant where he sat down to watch the game.

2215 hours: Kakasule detonates the suicide vest killing about 11 people.

2230 hours: Hassan places the bag with the bomb next to a flower pot at Ice Link discotheque. He tries placing a call but the bomb fails to detonate. Hassan takes a boda boda to his home and disposed off the two handsets in his pit latrine.

2315 hours: The Somali boy detonates himself killing about 58 people at the Rugby club.

2317 hours: Edris places a call to the detonating device igniting the second explosion. After the explosion Edris boards a boda boda and heads for his house where he dismantled the phone that was used as a trigger and throws it in a pit latrine.

0020 hours: Issa sends a message text to Edris asking if the team he was routing for had won. Edris confirmed the same, an indication that everything went on as earlier planned.

July 12, 2010: Mission successful. Planning for twin bombings in Kenya begins. Omar Awadh Omar, alias Abu Sahal briefed by Jabir who then is allowed to escape to Somalia. Kenyan suspects of the cells are refused to escape to Somalia as only the Somali suspect Jabir is allowed by al Qaeda to go back.

Ends

Uganda: Police are to vett all the public gathering including wedings

Reports Leo Odera Omolo

THE Police have issued new guidelines for public gatherings and events in Kampala. Under the new guidelines issued yesterday, wedding receptions will only go ahead after getting clearance from the Inspector General of Police (IGP),the NEWVISION online has reported this morning.

Kampala metropolitan Police commander Andrew Sorowen yesterday announced the new measures for gatherings of more than five people in the city and its suburbs. The measures cover Kampala Metropolitan area, which includes the city, Entebbe, Wakiso and Mukono districts and parts of Mpigi and Luwero districts.

He said the measures, which he described as “reminders”, take immediate effect.

“We are sounding a warning. No gathering of more than five people, even if it is in your compound, should be held without clearance from the Inspector General of Police. People intending to hold wedding parties, music galas, football matches and road processions should notify the IGP first,” said Sorowen.

“We want to ensure safety of our people. If 32 million Ugandans use their eyes and ears, there will be no space for terrorists in Uganda,” he said.
He told New Vision separately that the same measures affect funerals, vigils, last funeral rites (nyimbe) and bibanda, (local makeshift video halls).

He told the press at the Kampala Central Police Station that the Force would “block” gatherings that are not cleared by the IGP.

“It can’t be your human rights to wake up one day and decide to organise a rally. Yet when innocent people die from terrorist bombs, the Government is blamed for not providing security to its citizens. It is our role as police to ensure that citizens of this country are safe,” he said.

Sorowen noted that those intending to organise such events must do so in writing and hand-deliver the notification individually to avoid unnecessary delays.

“Get this right. We are not saying you should get permission from the Inspector General of Police but notify him. He is the only one who can ensure that enough security is deployed to guarantee safety of the people during such events,” he explained.

Sorowen said gatherings would not be allowed in markets.

He also noted that organisers should submit to the Police proof that the venue intended for such gatherings is cleared by the owners.

“The organisers should notify the Police a week in advance and indicate the venue, date, day and number of people expected at such gatherings,” he said.

Sorowen said the same applies to funerals and vigils. “Places like funerals attract very many people. Terrorists can use this chance to cause more mayhem. The vehicles also need protection from vandalism,” he added.

Sorowen asked district and divisional Police commanders to ensure that the bibanda (makeshift entertainment structures) have adequate security measures.

“Those who can’t afford the security gadgets, should hire bouncers or ask the Police to provide security,” he said.

He warned that local authorities that license the bibanda should ensure that they have security safeguards.

The Police have proposed enactment of the Public Order Management Bill which provides for management of public gatherings. But human rights activists and the opposition have criticised it, saying it is an attempt to restrict political demonstrations and assemblies of a similar nature.

But Police chief, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, told journalists last week that the proposed law is meant to ensure that the rights of non-protesters and protesters are safeguarded ahead of the general elections. “What people require is clearance and not permission,” said Kayihura.

The proposed Bill, if passed, would give powers to the Inspector General of Police to “regulate the conduct of public meetings.

Ends