This just came across my virtual desk and I thought it was interesting. First of all, the story is completely in German and I had to do some hunting around for a translation. If any of my German readers would like to confirm the content on the original post, that would be cool. But I think we get the picture with this translation.
Now for the point of this post. It would be great to get some confirmation on this from the EU or the UN or even the VOA which is pretty quick to confirm the yes or no on stuff like this. Until I hear some official confirmation out there, I will hold any commentary. (we get a lot of companies claiming contracts in Somalia, and most are just talk) Interesting stuff if true. If anyone from Asgaard GSG would like to confirm this and provide a little more detail, I would gladly put up a edit. –Matt
Edit: 5/23/2010 – I had a fantastic response by the readership as you can see below, and here is the latest. Asgaard GSG has made a public statement on this article and you can read that below in the comments.
——————————————————————-
German mercenaries for Civil War in Somalia
By Franz Feyder
May 22, 2010
More than 100 former Bundeswehr soldiers will soon intervene in the civil war in Somalia, according to information from NDR Info and tagesschau.de. A German company has signed a contract with a Somali politician. Experts warn of a “bloodbath”.
Until now, firms like Blackwater, Armor Group or Aegis are synonyms for modern mercenaries. German companies do not really play any role in the global market of privatized war. But now the German “Asgaard German Security Group” wants to compete against the big ones: at the end of last year the company, based in Telgte near Münster, made a contract with a Somali politician who does not recognize the internationally accepted transitional government. More than 100 men will be sent by Asgaard to the Horn of Africa, to bring Galadid Abdinur Ahmed Darman to power.
Protection under “Vollbewaffnung”
“The contract includes extensive and exclusive tasks and areas of competence: from strategic consulting and planning for security to operational implementation and execution of all measures necessary to ensure safety and restore peace,” it said in a Asgaard Press Release of last year’s end. CEO Thomas Kaltegärtner, a former sergeant major of the army, said to NDR Info and tagesschau.de that it is about militarily Personal Security Detail, property security and convey protection in the high-risk country Somalia. “In the event of cases, that is if an attack on the patrol, the convoy is taking place, this team responds immediatly. It has been taught.”
Kaltegärtner further explained that the contract had a term of five years and he will fulfill the contract with former army soldiers: “We are a German company, with German employees – 99.9 percent.” In total Kaltegärtner expects a man’s strength in “clear 3-digit range.” A first team had already traveled to Somalia.
The Asgaard-men shall support Darman and train its military. The 57-year-old describes himself as “elected President of the Republic of Somalia” who wants to bring peace and stability to the country. At the same time speaks Darman from the internationally accepted transitional government of any legitimacy.
Germans to fight alongside Darman’s troops
Darman confirmed the contract with Asgaard and stressed the importance of the Germans for his plans. There is a wide range of tasks: security, development of our forces and our operations. We are fighting a war, as there is urban warfare. They should train our military. At the same time they will help us in the fight against piracy. And they receive orders to fight as well. They will fight together with our units. “
Experts warn
Annette Weber of the SWP and Dustin Dehèz of the Düsseldorf Institute for Foreign and Security Policy emphasized that Darman had been played no real part in the Somali politics. But at the same time they warned of an impending danger. ‘When a new armed player joins the game, it has certainly no peaceful impact “, said Weber.
Her colleague Dehéz said that in the capital Mogadishu Darman will meet alone three armed groups and the peacekeeping force of African Union (AMISON), which support the transitional government. “If the possibility exists that Darman is actually seeking a military confrontation, with e.g. AMISON, it would certainly lead to a bloodbath,” said Dehéz.
Germans on two different sides
What makes the contract between Asgaard and Darman particularly volatile is that the European Union trains Somali security forces of the transnational government in Uganda. 13 Bundeswehr soldiers are participating in the mission “EUTM” as well. For Weber it is clear, “if a German company forms a Somali militia, and supports them, then that is certainly against the interests of Germany.”
But the Foreign Office will have known nothing of the contract. “The Foreign Office is not aware concerning the activities of the company Asgaard German Security Group,” said a spokesman for Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle. There would be no cooperation. The Federal Ministry of Defence announced that it has no contractual relations or have maintained relations with Asgaard. But the issue of ex-military soldiers in war zones on behalf of security companies will haunt the Federal Government in the future.
Story here.
Asgaard German Security Group website here.
Matt,
This has got to be a publicity/PR Stunt as it is wrong on so many levels, I cannot begin to even address them all.
The way I read this they are going to OVERTHROW the currently international recognized and supported TFG Somalia Government?
They are going to have to go through quite a bit of AMISOM Armor and soldiers to do so.
Usually old school Mercs who were hired to overthrow governments are usually contracted secretly, they dont make press releases about it. And what else is wrong with this picture? A German Foreign Office representitive saying he knows nothing about it? Gee, it would seem NATO and the U.S. would have some serious words with Germany to allow such an event.
And who are they working for? A Somali warlord you say? Wow, if this is for real, which I am calling BS on, it has some real potential for a severe cluster_uck.
Comment by Jeff Shippy — Saturday, May 22, 2010 @ 2:23 PM
I hope this is not for real.
Grat blog by the way.
Comment by Clumsy Bastard — Saturday, May 22, 2010 @ 5:14 PM
The above link is for the official Asgaard Press Statement dated May 22. in response to the german TV report on Asgaard's Operators allegedly being involved in Somalia.
If you have trouble translating – let me know.
cheers
Dave
Comment by David — Saturday, May 22, 2010 @ 5:32 PM
I guess that could be classed as the essence of Asgaard's one page statement:
"Wir stellen fest, dass sich keine deutschen Staatsbürger auf
Veranlassung von Asgaard in Somalia befinden oder dort
tätig sind. "
"We clearly state that there are currently NO german citizens located or operational in Somalia at the instigation of Asgaard."
Comment by David — Saturday, May 22, 2010 @ 5:37 PM
Hello Matt!
Let me know if you want me to translate that PDF for you. Basically it is the official Press Statement from Asgaard dated May 22. in response to the TV Report claiming the company's PMC Operators being involved in Somalia.
cheers
David
Comment by David — Saturday, May 22, 2010 @ 5:28 PM
http://www.asgaard-gsg.de/ASGAARD_PR-Mitteilung_2…
Comment by David — Saturday, May 22, 2010 @ 5:30 PM
Hi Matt,
I've been following this story since December 2009. Don't give much credit to it, it's just a publicity stunt … like the CSS Global contract.
However, AMISOM HQ in Mogadishu, UNSOA and UNOPS HQ in Nairobi, as well as the Mission Command of the EUTM have been informed yesterday, just in case.
Gruß,
Jäger
PS: Outstanding blog, keep it up!
Comment by jaeger1980 — Sunday, May 23, 2010 @ 12:52 AM
Wow, excellent response guys and thank you for the translation and research efforts. The FJ readership does it again, and I will put up the edit.
Comment by headjundi — Sunday, May 23, 2010 @ 2:53 AM
This is the May 23, 2010 press release from Asgaard. This is translated using Google Translator. They are saying they do have a contract with Dr. Darman. This is from the link David provided, which is also off of their website.
———————
Asgaard
German Security Group
Opinion on the current
Reporting
To the reporting of the ARD and the news
"Tagesschau" of 22 u. 23 May 2010, and other
Reports from German and foreign news-
agencies and the media, we take position as follows:
The Asgaard German Security Group is a private,
military security companies. The service
focal range comprises the movement of people, property and
Convoy protection, even in global crisis and conflict-affected areas.
It is true that the GSG Asgaard with Dr Darman one
Contract for security services in Somalia
are carried out, has been completed. Once this with
Approval of the UN included the state business again
has Asgaard GSG is the training, equipment and
Supply of firefighting, public health and
Civil, police and the military take over.
Further, on an object and Asgaard GSG
Personal protection group for the Somali government.
We make it explicitly clear that we are working closely with the
German government to work together and
any way against their interests to act. It
There are currently no German citizen on
Instigation of Asgaard GSG Somalia.
For detailed questions we are happy to provide
Comment by headjundi — Sunday, May 23, 2010 @ 7:29 AM
Here is their other press release about this.
————–
Asgaard receives exclusive contract
Security in Somalia
German management
Telgte (drs / as). In Somalia there is a new hope
Security and peace. The President of the Republic of Somalia,
Dr. Ahmad Galadid Abdinur Darman signed, now the
exclusive contract with the Asgaard – GERMAN SECURITY
GROUP (GSG), comprehensive security services
includes.
The contract includes extensive and exclusive tasks
and areas of expertise: from strategic consulting and
Planning for security to operational implementation and
Implementation of all measures that are necessary to
Security and peace restored. Also includes
especially the different training – and
Training measures for the major tasks
. Enjoin
A particular focus is on any action to
Combating crime and piracy.
President Dr. Ahmad Galadid Abdinur Darman, who now
of the United States, selected representatives of the Arab world
as well as a democratically elected World Security Partner
President of the Republic of Somalia has been recognized since 2003, sets
much emphasis on "German Quality Security" and is proud to
with an excellent partner Asgaard GSG
have found that his ideas and competently
reliably implement.
"I confirm to you that the Asgaard-GERMAN SECURITY
GROUP and its subsidiaries as future
expert advisers and representatives of the Somali President
and the government of the Somali military and Home
Security is responsible. "
Another recent and particularly focus on the
Security of the president, his advisors and ministers
and the Government members, diplomats and
government-related organizations at home and abroad.
When the representatives are responsible for security in Somalia
The Germans thus contact and service provider
for domestic, but especially for foreign
Economy. Even in the medium term are to foreign investors
and companies find protection and safety.
Comment by headjundi — Sunday, May 23, 2010 @ 7:38 AM
Guys,
I am a German security contractor, been working in the international business since 2002. I am also Admin of a German contractor forum. We know that bunch of clowns since 2006.
They now got some media attention, but I would be more than surprised if they ever appear with a team in any conflict or post conflicht zone. A bunch of wannabees who try start a PMC without the right personnel, knowledge and experience.
Just a waste of time.
Greets from the Cape!
stay safe, wherever you are!
cheers
Joe
Comment by Joe — Monday, May 24, 2010 @ 8:42 AM
…sorry forgot:
This franz feyder is a former Officer from the German Army who works as a Journalist. A self-declared Mercenary and Military expert who wrote a book about Germans in the high risk security business. A waste of time and money is that. The guy has no idea and writes a load of bs. You can ignore that guy as well.
Sorry, forgot to add that to my first post.
Cheers
Joe
Comment by Joe — Monday, May 24, 2010 @ 8:52 AM
Thanks for the information Joe.
Comment by headjundi — Monday, May 24, 2010 @ 4:15 PM
05/25/2010 12:23 PM
'Shadow Foreign Policy'
Somali Warlord Hires German Mercenaries to Provide Security Services
Politicians have reacted angrily to reports that a German firm has signed a deal with a Somali warlord to provide security services. Former members of German special forces and an elite police unit could soon be working as bodyguards and trainers in the lawless country.
For years, German politicians and pundits have been taking the moral high ground over the activities of the American private security contractor Blackwater, now known as Xe Services, in places such as Iraq. "The US government has allowed private security firms to develop into an omnipresent, uncontrollable apparatus in the war zones of this world," wrote one German newspaper back in 2007.
That moral outrage is now looking distinctly shabby in the light of revelations that a German security company is planning to supply mercenaries to a Somali warlord. On Monday, Thomas Kaltegärtner, CEO of Asgaard German Security Group, confirmed a report by the German public broadcaster ARD that his company plans to send former German soldiers to Somalia.
In a December 2009 press release, Asgaard announced it had signed an "exclusive agreement on security services" with Abdinur Ahmed Darman. Darman, a Somali warlord who styles himself as the country's president, does not recognize the legitimacy of the United Nations-backed transitional government of Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. The agreement, the company said, would cover "all necessary measures to reintroduce security and peace to Somalia." The country has not had a functioning central government since 1991.
According to Kaltegärtner, himself a former Bundeswehr soldier, Asgaard employees would provide security for Darman and train police and military forces. He stressed, however, that combat operations were not planned. He said that over 100 mercenaries could be involved in operations. Although negotiations were not yet complete, it was possible that Asgaard employees would be operating in Somalia in the near future, Kaltegärtner told Berlin's Tagesspiegel newspaper. Kaltegärtner also told the newspaper that his company employed former members of the German army's special forces, the KSK, and Germany's elite GSG-9 police force.
Privatizing State Violence
Several German politicians have reacted angrily to the news that former soldiers could soon be in action on the Horn of Africa. "In my opinion, this is not acceptable," Rainer Arnold, the defense expert of the center-left Social Democrats, told the Tuesday edition of the Frankfurter Rundschau newspaper. He called for new legislation to "clearly limit" such operations, adding: "One cannot privatize state violence."
Speaking to the same newspaper, Green Party politician Omid Nouripour accused the German government of not doing enough in the past to regulate private security firms. Paul Schäfer of the far-left Left Party and Rainer Stinner of the liberal Free Democratic Party, which governs in coalition with Merkel's conservatives, also criticized the deal, with Schäfer talking of a "shadow foreign policy."
Observers warn that German employees of the firm could be killed or targeted for kidnapping in Somalia. The Islamist Al-Shabab militia, which controls several regions of the country and parts of the capital Mogadishu, has allied itself with Al-Qaida, which wants Germany to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan. The Islamist groups would be pleased to get their hands on German hostages, experts say.
"If a German firm were to train and support a Somali militia, that would certainly go against Germany's interests," said Annette Weber from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) in remarks to ARD. The German Foreign Ministry and Defense Ministry now want to look into what Asgaard is planning to do in Somalia, according to the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
The company itself tried to play down the significance of the operation. "We want to work closely together with the German government and will in no way act against its interests," Asgaard said in a statement published on its website on Sunday. "There are currently no German citizens working on behalf of Asgaard in Somalia." The company stressed that it would only begin its operations in Somalia once Darman "once again assumes control of state affairs with the approval of the UN."
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,…
Comment by headjundi — Tuesday, May 25, 2010 @ 12:00 AM
Here is an article about this at VOA. Usually VOA parrots the US government opinion on such matters, hence Voice Of America. The theme of the article is that this is mostly a joke, or and Darman is a con man.
http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/africa/east/…
Comment by headjundi — Wednesday, May 26, 2010 @ 2:37 PM