AMISOM Daily Media Monitoring

May 20, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.

admin — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:27:57 +0000

Arab Parliament President meets Somali President

19 May – Source: Emirates News Agency – 186 words

President of the Arab Parliament Ahmed Mohammed Al Jarwan has met Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, during his three-day visit to the Horn of Africa country, Somalia.

During the meeting, the Somali President expressed his gratitude regarding the support being received by Somalia from the Arab Parliament, especially in the economic and political areas. President Mahmoud commended the Arab Parliament for addressing the Somali issues at the Arab and international levels, citing the UAE’s continuous support to Somalia.

The Arab Parliament President thanked the Somali President and people for noble attitude and hospitality, stressing that the Arab Parliament was established to safeguard the Arab people interests, including Somalia which comes on the top of priorities of the Arab Parliament.

Key Headlines

Arab Parliament President meets Somali President (Emirates News Agency)
SNISA dismisses allegations of blocking MPs to meet (Bar-kulan)
Speaker of the Arab Parliament concludes Mogadishu visit (Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/Bar-kulan)
Somali Government soldier killed in Mogadishu (Radio Mustaqbal)
Terror suspect killed in night of gun battle (Daily Nation/Citizen TV)
Somalia to take over control of airspace by year end (Press TV)
Puntland police receive gender violence training (Garowe Online)
AU’s PRC holding 26th Ordinary Session (Walta Information Center)
Ghana to support peace efforts in Somalia (Ghana Web)
Jubbaland Presidents meet IGAD delegation in Kismayo (Radio Mustaqbal)

PRESS RELEASE

Ugandan soldiers of Battle Group 9+ serving under the African Union Mission complete their tour of duty

20 May – Source: AMISOM – 191 words

Ugandan soldiers from Battle Group 9+, under the command of Colonel Stephen Mugerwa, yesterday completed their 13 month tour of duty and began to return home.

The soldiers were awarded AU peacekeeping medals in a farewell ceremony held at Mogadishu International Airport and attended by Brigadier General Michael Ondoga, Ugandan Contingent Commander, and senior AMISOM officials.

Battle Group 9+, which is made up of reservist soldiers, first deployed to Somalia in April 2012, succeeded in pushing out from Mogadishu and increasing the Area of Government Operation by 120kms from Maslah to Jowhar and Huriwa to Port Elman.

The relative peace and security that was established by Battle Group 9+ through its area of operations, created the conditions for infrastructure and economic development. This stability and security saw local people begin to return to their homes from internally displaced camps (IDPs), the extension of free medical treatment, beginning of road repairs, provision of clean drinking water and the return of large scale farming.

Battle Group 11+, under the command of Colonel Hassan Kimbowa, has replaced the outgoing Battle Group 9+ and will build on the security gains that their compatriots have achieved.

SOMALI MEDIA

SNISA dismisses allegations of blocking MPs to meet

20 May – Source: Bar-kulan – 178 words

Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (SNISA) has on Sunday dismissed allegations of blocking some 110 members of the Somali Federal government from meet in one of Mogadishu’s hotels.

Director of the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency Gen. Bashir Mohamed Jama (Bashir Gobe) distanced these allegations from the country’s intelligence security agency, saying that the NISA is not involved in that step of preventing some members of the Parliament to hold a meeting in Mogadishu.

Gen. Bashir Gobe said that the Deputy of the National Intelligence Agency is to ensure the security of government officials and civilians, indicating that they are very much disappointed about these baseless allegations.

The director added that he went the hotel where the members of the Parliament where to hold a meeting, and carried out investigations on matter but he wouldn’t get enough evidence on the allegations. At least 110 lawmakers who last week asked the Somali Federal Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon to face confidence vote in the Parliament were reportedly prevented from holding a meeting in one of Mogadishu hotels.

Speaker of the Arab Parliament concludes Mogadishu visit

20 May – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/Bar-kulan – 100 words

A delegation led by Speaker of the Arab Parliament Ahmed Mohamed Al Jarwan has concluded on Sundayvisit to the Somali capital, Mogadishu, which lasted for two days. The delegation of the Arab Parliament met with senior Somali government officials and members of the Somali parliament.

Earlier, the President of Arab Parliament delivered a speech before the Somali Parliament. He conveyed the regards and wishes of the Arab Parliament members to Somali people.

In a statement to reporters, the Arab Parliament Speaker Ahmed Mohamed Al Jarwan – Before leaving Mogadishu – praised the Somali government’s efforts to get Somalia out of its suffering. This is the first visit of its kind by the head of the Arab Parliament to the Somali capital Mogadishu.

Heavy bombardments near the presidential palace in Mogadishu

20 May – Source: Shabelle – 45 words

News from War-digley district in Mogadishu report that heavy bombardments was heard at the surrounding of the presidential palace in Mogadishu last night. The casualties resulting from the bombardment is not yet clear as sources confirm that almost ten rockets were fired during the bombardment.

Somali Government soldier killed in Mogadishu

20 May – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 155 words

Unknown armed men have killed a Somali government soldier on Sunday in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, Mustaqbal radio reported. Unidentified men armed with pistols have shot dead the soldier in Bakara Market in the capital as eyewitnesses confirmed to Mustaqbal radio.

The perpetrators escaped from the scene before the government troops arrived. The government forces have conducted immediate operation inside of the market, but nobody was reported to have been arrested for the killing. No group also claimed the responsibility of this killing.

Top Army Commander: we have successfully removed some road blocks

20 May – Source: Shabelle – 72 words

General Abdullahi Osman Agey the second in command of the army forces who addressed Shabelle media in Mogadishu said that they have successfully removed the roadblocks in the lower Shabelle region.

The commander said that the roadblocks belonged to the Somali army force and others belonged to some militiamen who had arms. The commander informed Shabelle that they have arrested some of the government troops and they will be taken for rehabilitation.

Jubbaland Presidents meet IGAD delegation in Kismayo

19 May – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 187 words

Our Correspondent in Kismayo Abdirisak Jijele reports that the Presidents of Jubaland have met with delegation from the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD). IGAD delegation were inm talks with Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) and Barre Hirale who claimed the presidency for Jubaland.

The delegation, led by IGAD General Secretary Mahboub Maalim, plans to hold different meetings with Jubaland leaders and community elders in Kismayo as to get full details on the situation in Kismayo.

In April 2013, IGAD issued a communiqué on Somalia and called for an IGAD-led “confidence-building mission” to Kismayo. IGAD delegation has held a three-way meeting with Jubaland leaders including President Madobe, Vice President Abdullahi Sheikh Abdullahi Fartaag, community elders, and a Federal Government delegation currently visited Kismayo. according to our correspondent.

Puntland police receive gender violence training

19 May – Source: Garowe Online – 122 words

A training initiative on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) began on Sunday for Puntland police in the administrative capital Garowe, Garowe Online reports. Puntland Ministry for Women and Family Affairs is hosting the eight-day training initiative for 30 officers from Puntland Police Force and CID, according to ministry officials. UNDP, UNFPA, and Muslim Aid are jointly funding the training initiative, organizers said.

Mr. Abdirahman Hassan Mohamed, head of Muslim Aid NGO in Puntland, addressed the opening ceremony, saying: “Somali women have been victims of gender-based violence and so it is a must that we cooperate to prevent such crimes.”

Puntland Ministry of Security’s Director-General, Mr. Awad Hussein Ali, said that “gender-based violence occurs throughout Somalia, and Puntland has relatively small number of GBV cases”.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Terror suspect killed in night of gun battle

19 May – Source: Daily Nation/Citizen TV – 401 words

The man who hurled grenades that injured six police officers during a 12-hour confrontation in Nairobi’s Githurai Kimbo on Sunday was a wanted terrorist.

Police said Felix Nyangaga Otuko, who was shot dead together with his wife, was the main suspect in the 2011 terror attack at Mwaura’s Pub, off Tom Mboya Street in Nairobi. They further said he was an accomplice of al Shabaab member Elgiva Bwire, who is serving a life term after pleading guilty to terror charges.

AU’s PRC holding 26th Ordinary Session

19 May – Source: Walta Information Centre – 377 words

The 26th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee of the African Union went underwayon Sunday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa.

“Fifty years ago much of Africa was still under the yoke of colonialism and apartheid,” said Ambassador Kongit Sinegiorgis, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the African Union and UNECA and Chairperson of the PRC, in her opening remarks. “Today, it is gratifying that our continent has been liberated from all forms of subjugation.” The major task ahead of Africans is to achieve the socio-economic emancipation of the continent, Ambassador Kongit states.

Conflict resolution efforts have yielded encouraging results in many parts of the continent as shown by the tremendous progress recorded in Somalia, the agreement reached between Sudan and south Sudan in the post cessation relations and the ongoing initiatives to promote good neighborliness and cooperation for hared prosperity in the great lakes region.

Arab Parliament President meets Somali President

19 May – Source: Emirates News Agency – 186 words

President of the Arab Parliament Ahmed Mohammed Al Jarwan has met Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, during his three-day visit to the Horn of Africa country, Somalia.

Somalia counts on telecoms sector for revival of economy

18 May – Source: East African – 401 words

It may be two steps forward and one step back, but Somalia is beginning to pick itself up off the ground after years of civil war. But still, in the absence of regulation, a telecoms sector has developed.

In the absence of tax and regulation, the mobile sector has flourished and penetration is just under a quarter of the population, with around 2.3 million subscribers at the end of 2012. There are five main players in the mobile market: Hormuud Telecom (HorTel), Somafone, Telesom, Nationlink and Telecom Somalia.

Date set for first Somalia investment conference

19 May – Source: Daily Nation – 266 words

A major investment conference for Somalia is slated for Nairobi next month. The First Somalia Oil and Gas, Investments, Security and Infrastructure Conference is set for June 17.

It will precede the East African Petroleum conference that is also going to be held in Nairobi from June 18 to June 20.

A statement from Amsas Consulting marketing and public relations manager D. Farah said Somalia’s prime minister will explore prospects, opportunities, strategic challenges and the way ahead for investments into Somalia. The conference is to be opened by Inter-Governmental Authority on Development executive secretary general Mahboud Maalim.

Mogadishu fights law on federal states

18 May – Source: Standard – 495 words

Mogadishu is unhappy with the Darod-led administration in Puntland in the northeast, so allowing the clan to dominate another regional state in the south will be a major setback.

Puntland was the first to congratulate Madobe and encouraged other communities in south-central Somalia “to establish States in a similar consultative and open process in order to compete the Federal Republic of Somalia.”

Puntland said: “Spoilers wish to keep Somalia embroiled in a vicious cycle of violence, lawlessness and political instability, and the Jubaland process has sent a clear signal of the Somali people’s true aspirations for peace, security, democracy, and unity in a Federal Republic.”

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Ghana to support peace efforts in Somalia

20 May – Source: Ghana Web – 340 words

President John Dramani Mahama has affirmed Ghana’s commitment to support efforts at restoring peace and security in Somalia. He said he would make the issue of peace in Somalia an important agenda at the next African Union (AU) Summit in Ethiopia later this month.

President Mahama gave the assurance yesterday when the Vice-President of Kenya, Mr. William Samoei Ruto, delivered a special message to him at the Golden Jubilee Lounge of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

Somalia, officially the Federal Republic of Somalia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It shares borders with Ethiopia to the west, Djibouti to the northwest, the Gulf of Aden to the north and Kenya to the east.

Somalia to take over control of airspace by year end

20 May – Source: Press TV – 224 words

Somali Information Minister Abdullahi Elmoge Hirsi and Peter Noad from the International Civil Aviation Organization have signed an agreement that will see the country take over the control of its airspace by the end of this year.

One hundred airspace personnel are also scheduled to be transferred to the capital Mogadishu for management duties, while another batch will travel to Kenya for training.

After the collapse of Somalia’s central government in the 1991 civil war, the United Nations Development Program and the International Civil Aviation Organization founded a civil aviation caretaker authority for Somalia in Kenya’s capital Nairobi. The organization was charged with collecting over-flight revenues on behalf of Somalia.

Somali reaction mixed to terrorism sentences

20 May – Source: Twin Cities – 242 words

Wide-ranging sentences handed down in the year long federal investigation into recruiting and financing for the terrorist group al Shabaab have kindled a mix of outrage, confusion and relief among members of Minnesota’s large Somali community.

Some say the 10- and 20-year prison sentences for two Minnesota women who sent money to the group were too harsh, especially since two men who traveled to Somalia and joined al Shabaab got three years.

The attorney for one man sentenced to 20 years in prison has already filed a notice of appeal; more are expected. But others say justice has been served, and authorities said the nine penalties doled out last week show that those who support terrorism will be held accountable.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“Suppression at sea needs to be combined with better onshore government and deterrence, both sorely lacking. Safe havens, such as Kenya and the Seychelles, have worked hard to drive pirates out or into prisons; yet war-torn Somalia is still an ideal cover.”

What happened to Somalia’s pirates?

19 May – Source: The Economist – 488 Words

ON MAY 10th pirate-busters celebrated the fact that one year had passed since a ship was successfully seized by Somali hijackers. Pirates have been attacking vessels passing the Horn of Africa since at least 2005, when they received a $315,000 ransom for Feisty Gas, a ship owned by a company in Hong Kong. Since then, payments have risen continuously, reaching a high last year of $9.5m for the Smyrni, a Greek tanker, and her crew of 26. But since its capture on May 10th 2012, the pirates have not hijacked any more vessels. Why are the pirates at bay?

Though the spoils are rising, pirate attacks have been falling off. Just 75 attacks took place in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia in 2012, down from more than 200 in 2011. Currently, 71 sailors are being held hostage by pirates, according to the International Maritime Bureau, a body that monitors crime at sea; in early 2011, the figure was 758.

Estimates for how much Somali piracy has cost the world economy range from $7 billion to $18 billion, the latest estimate by the World Bank. One theory is that the pirates have spent the past few months stock-taking, clearing their stock of hostages and ships before restarting their campaign. Another possibility is that their business model is shifting towards kidnapping foreign aid-workers and tourists on land.

Somaliland: Colours of uncertainty

19 May – Source: Hiiraan Online – 527 words

The self declared independent state of Somaliland on May 18th 2013 celebrated 22 years of self government and peace. This is an enormous achievement for a small region in a war torn, volatile part of the world. The celebration is well deserved but Somaliland as a whole needs to pause for breathe and think of what future it wants and how to achieve this. While the peace in Somaliland has strengthened, poverty and division have increased as is obvious in society today.

The rich are richer and the poor are poorer and continue to be trampled on. On the back of the recent international support for Somalia’s peace and security, many regions want to break away from Somaliland. This blatant division within this region is something that needs to be taken seriously otherwise Somaliland can easily become a one tribe nation.

The poem also highlights how the pain of underdevelopment is felt by those who live the reality while those in the Diaspora still romanticise a place and a process that no longer affects them directly. The poem warns that, if nothing is done about the above mentioned problems, there may no longer be another May 18 Party after this.

Top tweets

‏@UNDP A new #Somalia works hard to rise from ashes of war – video: http://on.undp.org/kUFOU #ResilienceSunday.

@UKinSomalia Submit questions to @MarkJSimmondsusing the hashtag #askFCO for his Twitter Q&A today on#Somalia & @G8 at 16.30 UK time. @HMAMattBaugh.

@Hamza_Africa Unknown number of youths arrested in#Wardigley district of #Mogadishu today following last night’s mortar attacks on Villa Somalia #Somalia.

@lhammondsoas Last wk: Jubbaland presidentS, challenge to PM, airspace crisis. What will this week bring? #Somalia #neveradullmoment.

@UNICManama Progress in #Somalia: 500,000+ children in previously inaccessible ar.

Follow the conversation →

Image of the day

Military hardware belonging to the Somaliland forces is displayed during a parade to mark the 22nd anniversary of Somaliland’s self-declared independence from the larger Somalia, in Hargeisa May 18, 2013. Photo: Reuters.

May 20, 2013 | Morning Headlines.

admin — Mon, 20 May 2013 07:18:56 +0000

Somaliland marks 22 years of independence

18 May – Source: Al Jazeera/SLNTV- 178 words

People in Somaliland are marking 22 years of self-declared independence from Somalia, but they are still waiting for the world to recognise their region as a country. Celebrations were held in the capital, Hargeisa, on Saturday, with people holding rallies, waving flags from their vehicles and staging shows in various stadiums. Somaliland, which is more tribally homogeneous than the rest of Somalia, has been striving for international recognition since it broke away in 1991. Ahmed Mahamoud Silanyo, the region’s president, told Al Jazeera on Friday that, despite Somalia’s calls to be united with the region, Somaliland is determined to retain its independence.

Key Headlines

Somalia president addresses Somaliland separatism Jubaland formation (Garowe Online/Radio Mogadishu)
Somalia’s Foreign Minister returns home after attending conference (Radio Shabelle/SNTV/Radio Mogadishu)
Somaliland shuts its borders for security (Bar-kulan)
IGAD fact-finding delegation meets Somali prime minister in Mogadishu (RBC)
Jubaland President Madobe nominates Gen. Fartaag as his deputy (Garowe Online/Kismaayo News)
Two soldiers wounded in Jowhar grenade attack (Bar-kulan)
Ruto lobbies for more AU troops in Somalia (Capital FM)
Somali prime minister to face confidence vote in parliament (Reuters)
Somaliland marks 22 years of independence (Al jazeera/SLNTV)

SOMALI MEDIA

Somalia president addresses Somaliland separatism, Jubaland formation

19 May – Source: Garowe Online/Radio Mogadishu/SNTV – 100 words

The president of Somalia’s federal government Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed major national issues including Somaliland separatism while speaking at the opening ceremony of a new center for orphans in Mogadishu. President Hassan’s comments on Somaliland coincided with May 18, as the separatist region in northwestern Somalia celebrated 22 years since unilaterally declaring independence from Somalia in 1991. “Somali unity is a must and I call upon our brothers in Somaliland to swallow their ambition [for independent nationhood],” said President Hassan, at the opening ceremony of the new orphan center named Anadol and built by Turkish aid agencies.

Somalia’s Foreign Minister returns home after attending conference

19 May – Source: Radio Shabelle/SNTV/Radio Mogadishu – 73 words

Fowzia Yusuf Haji Adan, Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister addressed the media at the Aden Adde international airport in Mogadishu after returning home from abroad where she attended the London conference that addressed Somalia on May 7th . She also spent few nights in Kenya where she was holding diplomatic meetings with officials from foreign countries.

Ahlu Sunna says it killed al Shabaab leaders in Gedo

18 May – Source: Bar-kulan – 118 words

The Moderate Islamists of Ahlu-Sunna Wal Jama’a in Gedo region said that it has killed at least 12 al Shabaab militant, among two leaders in the battle that happened on the outskirts of Tulo-Barwaqo village in Gedo region on Thursday. Ahlu-Sunna Wal Jama’a spokesman in Gedo region Sheikh Mohamed Hussein Ishaq (l Qaddi) told Bar-kulan that one of the top leader that had been killed in the battle was a foreigner, stating that the other man was a Somali national whom they have beheaded and dumped his head for him not to be recognized. The spokesman added that they have secured new areas from the al Qaeda-linked militant as they advance to capture more area from the insurgents.

Somali Youth Celebrate Europe Day in Mogadishu

19 May – Source: Hiiraan Online – 199 words

The first ever Europe Day in Mogadishu was celebrated on 15th May 2012. The celebration brought together Somali government officials, Civil Society and international partners, led by the European Union Special Envoy, Ambassador Michele Cervoned’Urso. All parties to the celebration noted the significance and the symbolism of the event-Europe Day marked the day that Europe decided to join forces to prevent further conflict by ‘making war not only unthinkable, but materially impossible’. The EU Special Envoy pointed out that the day was quite relevant to the effort of all partners in rebuilding the new Somalia. He reiterated that EU and the other partners were ready and willing to work with the Somali government on Somali soil to reconstruct Somalia.

Somaliland shuts its borders for security

17 May – Source: Bar-kulan – 107 words

The breakaway region of Somaliland has declared that it has closed its borders from Friday to Saturday afternoon to tighten the security in the area ahead of the administration’s 22th anniversary since Somaliland administration’s claim to have separated from the rest of Somalia. Somaliland Internal affairs minister Mohamed Arale Nur Dur who held a media briefing in Burco, the capital of Togdheer region in north eastern Somalia said that the administration’s borders are closed from Friday morning to Saturday afternoon. Dur added that the movement of population and also transpiration has been stopped during the final preparations of the marking of Somaliland’s 22th anniversary.

IGAD fact-finding delegation meets Somali prime minister in Mogadishu

17 May – Source: Raxanreeb – 114 words

A fact-finding delegation from regional bloc, Intergovernmental Authority on Development IGAD- comprising officials from the seven-member states has arrived in Mogadishu on Thursday as they met with Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon, RBC Radio reports. Information Minister of Somalia Federal Government Abdullahi Elmoge Hersi said the delegation held a closed door meeting with the prime minister as they discussed several issues. “The prime minister explained the position of the government towards Jubbaland crisis as he mentioned the way to form regional administrations through national reconciliation process,” Minister Hersi told reporters in Mogadishu. He added that they have also listened to some comments from members if civil society and traditional elders from Jubbaland clans in Mogadishu.

Aweys blames al Shabaab chief for ‘targeting foreign fighters’

17 May – Source: Halgan Online/Garowe Online/Somali Channel TV – 188 words

In an audio recording distributed to Somali media on Friday, high-ranking al Shabaab member Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys has blamed al Shabaab chief Ahmed Abdi Godane for “targeting foreign fighters” and for “unilateral decisions” that led to the militant group losing territory to Somali government forces aided by AMISOM peacekeepers. Sheikh Aweys, who was leader of the Islamic Courts Union in 2006 that led to al Shabaab splinter group, said in the audio statement that Mr. Godane “rejected” a proposal to set up new leadership for al Shabaab militant group. Aweys blamed Godane for “targeting, arresting, killing, and hunting down foreign fighters” who fought alongside al Shabaab militants since 2007. “Godane has made unilateral decisions that led to al Shabaab losing control over territory in south-central Somalia,” said Sheikh Aweys.

Two soldiers wounded in Jowhar grenade attack

18 May – Source: Bar-kulan – 78 words

Two Somali government soldiers have been wounded in Hanti-Wadag office in Jowhar district of middle Shabelle region in southern Somalia after hand grenade was hurled in the office premises. Confirming the incident, Jowhar district police boss Khalif Abdulle Carfaye told Bar-kulan that the two wounded soldiers were taken to Jowhar district general hospital where they are undergoing treatment. The police boss added that security agencies are at the scene of the incident where investigation is underway.

Jubaland President Madobe nominates Gen. Fartaag as his deputy

17 May – Source: Garowe Online/ Kismaayo News/ Dhanaan Online – 106 words

The newly elected president of Jubaland state in southern Somalia has nominated Gen. Abdullahi Ismail Fartaag as the state’s new Vice President in accordance with the adopted State Charter. Jubaland President Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) nominated Gen. Fartaag after consultations with community elders, politicians and intellectuals, according to sources in Kismayo. Gen. Fartaag took the oath of office Friday afternoon in Kismayo in front of community elders and other sectors of Jubaland society, witnesses reported. Speaking to the media, Gen. Fartaag said the Jubaland election of Ahmed Madobe as the new state’s first president was “right and legitimate”.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Kenya government walks a tightrope in Somalia as Kismayo gets new leader

18 May – Source: Standard Media – 132 words

Somalia’s clan elders have created a new mini-state and elected a Kenyan ally as its leader, a move likely to anger Mogadishu and sour ties between the two neighbouring countries. Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has reportedly welcomed the development, strongly rejected by the Somali Government.
“The Somali Federal Government regrets the way the people in Jubas and Kismayo are being misled,” read a statement from the office of the Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon. Nairobi and Mogadishu have been at loggerheads over how to manage regions liberated last year by KDF and AMISOM. And Igad has been pushing for a local driven administration, which Mogadishu has strongly resisted arguing it has the prerogative to name governors. Mogadishu has tried to frustrate Igad efforts to set up the pro-Kenya administration of Jubaland that will be headquartered in Kismayo town.

Ruto lobbies for more AU troops in Somalia

17 May – Source: Capital FM – 153 words

Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto has called on the African Union to increase its military presence in Somalia in order to ensure regional stability. Speaking as he represented President Uhuru Kenyatta on a tour of four African nations, the deputy president said the political instability in Somalia has led to the proliferation of small arms and increased terrorist attacks from the al Shabaab within Kenya’s borders. “We need to stabilise Somalia fully because the continued absence of a stable government is piling a lot pressure on Kenya,” Ruto stressed at a meeting with President Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo Brazzaville and President Ali Bongo of Gabon. A stable Somalia, Ruto added, would also enable the large number of Somali refugees Kenya is currently hosting to return home and allow the Kenyan government to focus on threats to security from within its borders.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somali prime minister to face confidence vote in parliament

18 May – Source: Reuters – 164 words

Somalia’s prime minister is expected to face a vote of confidence next week, lawmakers said on Friday, and backers of the challenge said they were frustrated with the pace of political reform. Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon Saaid heads a fledgling government Western capitals say is the best the strife torn country has had for decades, determined to improve security, impose the rule of law and end corruption. A vote against the prime minister could threaten the delicate recovery of a nation Western powers have long seen as a launchpad for militant Islam across east Africa and beyond, analysts said. One said Saaid was likely to survive. “(The government) vowed to tackle many things in the first six months but they have achieved nothing,” said legislator Dahir Amiin. “The ministers just sit on their seats, they do not know what is going on.” Other lawmakers confirmed the motion had been filed and said a debate in the 275-seat chamber was expected on May 22.

Somaliland marks 22 years of independence

18 May – Source: Al Jazeera/SLNTV/Horncable TV/Universal – 178 words

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“Danger lurks as the average person in Kismayo—the epicenter of rapidly gathering political tsunami—belongs to one of these three categories: either being intoxicated with euphoria, dejected by frustration or incapacitated by fear. Meanwhile, those contending for power are positioning themselves for the worst case scenario.”

Somalia And The Slippery Slope Of ‘Jubbaland’

19 May- Source: Eurasia Review/International-1188 Words

If the latest development in Somalia gives you the feeling of being trapped in the Twilight Zone—somewhere between relative security and renewed bloodshed—you are not alone. Due to the array of competing internal and external interest groups and the federal government’s lack of clear grand strategy or capacity to assert its authority, the formation of “Jubbaland State” is proving as highly volatile as some have predicted. Jubbaland is a microcosm of the Somali political conundrum. Not that it is only second to Mogadishu in terms clan-based violence, it has all the highly flammable political elements necessary to detrimentally undermine the current government, and, God-forbid, reignite the 1991 civil war all over again.

“Post-transition Somalia fits in the mantra of “Africa rising,” the new optimism buoyed by the return of peace and discovery of oil and strategic mineral resources. Mogadishu’s new rulers should not blow this chance.”

With emerging peace and stability, the scramble for Somalia is on

18 May- Source: The East African-2404 Words

Three years after the overthrow of Somali military dictator Siad Barre in 1991, Robert D. Kaplan published his highly influential essay in the Atlantic Monthly(February 1994), warning of “The Coming Anarchy” and relating a sad tale of how scarcity, crime, tribalism, disease and overpopulation were rapidly destroying the social fabric of the planet. Africa was on the threshold of Afro-pessimism, exacerbated by the withering away of the Somali state, the genocide in Rwanda, public disorder, poverty, disease, death and destruction. Two decades on, Africa is rising and Afro-optimism is in the air. Somalia is inching towards a new order, hopefully ushering in peace, stability, economic recovery and progress.

May 17, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.

admin — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:08:25 +0000

Somali government worried over Kismayo situation

17 May – Source: Bar-kulan/SNTV/Universal TV/Horn Cable TV – 176 words

Minister of Internal Affairs and Security of Somali Federal government Abdikarim Hussein Guled declared that the government is worried over the administration that had been announced in the port city of Kismayo, the Lower Jubba region capital might ignite war between the residents of Jubba regions.

Abdikarim Hussein Guled Internal Affairs Security Minister held a news conference in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, said that what the Somali government has warned over months ago what has happened in Kismayo. The minister added that this corresponding announcement of self-declared administrations in Kismayo might bring vendetta among the local residents in Jubba and Gedo regions, adding that al Shabaab might take full advantage of the situation.

Abdikarim added that the Somali Federal government has made enough efforts to put off tension on Jubbaland administration establishment for the last four months, yesterday’s high delegation of both members of the Somali Parliament and members of the cabinet ministers was the last effort by the government end the prolonged dispute on the Jubbaland administration establishment but individuals immediately announced a self-declared administration in Kismayo.

Key Headlines

Somali government worried over Kismayo situation (Bar-kulan/SNTV/Universal TV/Horn Cable TV)
Somalia: Parliament suggests forming special guards for MPs (Raxanreeb)
Guri-El Council of elders condemn elder Artan killing (Radio Bar-kulan)
Somalia’s Jubaland gains support as federal gov’t rejects outcome (Garowe Online)
13 al Shabaab militants killed in ambush on Somali National Army (Sabahi Online)
Ethiopia Playing at Being Good Neighbours (IPS News)
Somalia floods displace thousands (Al Jazeera)

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali government worried over Kismayo situation

17 May – Source: Bar-kulan/SNTV/Universal TV/Horn Cable TV – 176 words

The minister added that this corresponding announcement of self-declared administrations in Kismayo might bring vendetta among the local residents in Jubba and Gedo regions, adding that al Shabaab might take full advantage of the situation.

Somalia: Parliament suggests forming special guards for MPs

17 May – Source: Raxanreeb – 111 words

The Speaker of Somalia Federal Parliament Mohamed Osman Jawari has said that they have suggested formation of special guards to provide security for Somali parliamentarians following constant complaints from the Members of the Parliament, RBC Radio reports.

“We have proposed to assign special police unit under the interior ministry to provide security service to the parliamentarians.” the speaker told Members of the parliament during Thursday’s session.

He said forming special security guards will close previous complaints from the legislators towards the negligence of their security. “The special police unit will be trained with the rules of the parliament as well as the respect of the parliament member.” the Speaker added.

Guri-El Council of elders condemn elder Artan killing

17 May – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 123 words

The chairman of Guri-El and Dhusamareb Council of Elders in Galgadud region in central Somalia Elmi Hirsi Arab has strongly condemned the killing of the late Council of Elders’ spokesman Artan Sheikhdon who was shot dead in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, on Wednesday.

Speaking to Bar-kulan, the chairman of the Council of Elders said that they are strongly condemning whoever was behind the killing of elder Artan.

He added that Artan’s killing will not derail elders from serving the people, urging the Somali Federal government to ensure the safety of the traditional elders. Elder Artan Sheikhdon was killed after explosive materials were planted in his car, and blew up in Hodan district in Mogadishu.

Somalia’s Jubaland gains support, as federal gov’t rejects outcome

16 May – Source: Garowe Online – 142 words

Somalis abroad and at home have been expressing their support for the new Jubaland state President elect Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed (Madobe) as a Somali Federal Government (SFG) Minister rejected the elections, Garowe Online reports.

Somalis from Puntland, southern Somalia, Somaliland and ones living abroad have sent their congratulations to the newly elected President of Jubaland state, Sheikh Madobe, who won the elections held in the port city of Kismayo in a landslide victory on Wednesday. He won 480 votes out of the 500 delegates, who were tasked with the state formation process of Jubaland – backed by IGAD – that has been ongoing since 2011.

Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole held a press conference welcoming the election of Sheikh Madobe. President Farole requested that the presidential candidates welcome the outcome and that the elections were in line with the Provisional Federal Constitution.

Results of first Somali football fans survey announced

15 May – Source: Gool FM – 293 words

Over 7,000 Somali fans have given their opinions on the league, club and player they follow most over the past six months in the first Somali Football Fans Survey.

As the first of its kind in the history of Somalia, the survey was carried out by Gool Foundation through its subsidiary Gool FM, Somalia’s first and only sports radio station, which was launched on May 15th, 2012, on the National Youth Day.

Using radio phone-in programs, printed questionnaires, and Facebook comments, the poll asked the fans the league they follow most, and their favorite club and player. English Premier League, Manchester United, and Lionel Messi topped the overall vote.

Hargeisa livestock Market after rehabilitation (Video)

16 May – Source: Somaliland Informer/BBC – 3:43 min

Video about the opening of the new Hargeisa livestock market after its rehabilitation . the project was funded by the United Kingdom through Seed programme.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Somalia floods displace thousands

17 May – Source: Al jazeera – 01:30 min

Tens of thousands of people in southern Somalia have been displaced by torrential rain. People are desperate for assistance as large parts of the Central Shabelle region is inundated. Al Jazeera’s Bhanu Bhatnagar reports.

13 al Shabaab militants killed in ambush on Somali National Army

16 May – Source: Sabahi Online – 92 words

The Somali National Army killed 13 al-Shabaab militants Tuesday (May 14th), rebuffing an al Shabaab attack on the outskirts of Farwaley and Ara As in the Gedo region. The clashes erupted after al Shabaab fighters launched a surprise attack on Somali government troops moving through the area.

Deputy Commissioner of Beled Hawo Sheikh Addow confirmed the attack, but did not say whether the government troops suffered casualties. Calm has since been restored to the area, which is under Somali federal government control, he said.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Ethiopia Playing at Being Good Neighbours

17 May – Source IPS News – 1051 words

Despite comments by Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn suggesting the pending withdrawal of his country’s troops from Somalia, many experts have voiced doubts that Ethiopia will pull out of Somalia before it is capable of handling its security without assistance.

“Ethiopia has a big interest in Somalia and will remain, keeping its eyes wide open there for some time,” Abel Abate, from the state-funded think tank the Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and Development, told IPS.

Aid worker details dramatic rescue

16 May – Source: CNN – 01:41 min

American aid worker Jessica Buchanan talks to Anderson Cooper about being rescued from 93 days captivity in Somalia.

Sexual crimes a crisis in Somalia

16 May – Source: CNN – 04: 48 min

Fionnuala Sweeney speaks with the U.N.’s Zainab Bangura about what can be done to prevent sexual violence in Somalia.

Oil Majors Weigh Up Risks of Beginning Operations in Somalia

16 May – Source: Oil Price - 297 words

In 2011-12 African forces, backed by the US, drove al Shabaab, the main militant force in Somalia with strong ties to al Qaeda, out of Mogadishu, and seized many of its urban strongholds around the country.

Since that time militant forces have stuck to rural Somalia, waging a guerrilla war of hit and run attacks, and suicide bombings.

Considering moving into this warzone are global oil companies, desperate to explore for potential oil and gas deposits and continue the success of the East African oil boom.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“If anyone still believed we were not giving enough attention to this fast growing Continent, the evidence of the past fortnight should have put them right.”

Africa in London

17 May – Source: FCO Blog – 467 Words

This has been a fortnight of focus on Africa in London. It started with the Somalia Conference on 7 May in Lancaster House, following up the Somalia Conference of a year ago. The difference was that this time the Government of Somalia co-chaired the event and the agenda concentrated on its priorities. Feedback from those attending was hugely positive and substantial additional support to Somalia was promised by the International Community. Many useful bilateral visits took place in the margins of the main event.

Security – in the face of the continuing threat from al Shabaab – was high on people’s minds. But a longer-term perspective was being taken too. So it was logical to hold a Somalia commercial event on 8 May to look at how to underpin improvements in the country in a sustainable way.

In parallel, the first ever trade and investment mission (in either direction) from Djibouti was engaging with no less than 180 UK companies. Though not a traditional market for us, the companies were deeply interested in the prospects offered by a huge planned expansion in Djibouti’s port and free zone provision; the liberalisation of the financial sector; the renewable energy opportunities; and developments in other key sectors.

The Future of Governance in Somalia

17 May – Source: CSIS-01h: 23 mins: – 12secs

Hassan Sheikh Mahamud was elected president by Somalia’s newly formed parliament in September 2012, becoming the first permanent Somali president since 1991.

He now faces the daunting task of rebuilding a nation torn by decades of conflict and restoring the legitimacy of the state and its institutions in the eyes of the Somali people. With the al Shabaab insurgency in retreat and regional partners fully engaged, many observers see a rare opportunity for Somalia to turn a page on its chaotic past.

Please join the CSIS Africa Program as we host President Hassan Sheikh for a discussion of Somalia’s progress and prospects in the coming year.

Top tweets

@UNICEFpolio #Somalia just had its first case of #polio since 2007. Read about why we should all be concerned: http://ow.ly/l6OXd #endpolio.

@africaupdate Interesting reaction to the Jane’s piece, & worth a read: #Somalia: IHS Jane’s spin on Jubbaland trap http://bit.ly/10ID0Dw HT @AmbShinn.

@UKinSomalia .@MarkJSimmonds will answer your questions on #Somalia and the @G8 live via twitter on Monday 20 May: http://tinyurl.com/bzmgqw2.

@MattBryden Speaker Jawari: Special police unit will be trained and deployed to protect #Somali MPs http://goo.gl/aYoQM.

@Payitforward87 The saddest thing now is that Shabab is not the main problem in #Somalia, but the political issues between regions. #somali.

Follow the conversation →

Image of the day

Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, centre, receives credentials from the new South Korean ambassador to Somalia, Kim Chan Woo. Photo: Raxanreeb Online.

May 17, 2013 | Morning Headlines.

admin — Fri, 17 May 2013 07:11:23 +0000

Cabinet holds meeting in Mogadishu

16 May- Source: Raxanreeb/Jowhar Online/Radio Mogadishu/SNTV- 116 words

The council of ministers of Somalia Federal Government have on Thursday approved two suggestion plan from the interior and the justice ministers. The new counter-terrorism bill was submitted by the interior and national security ministry together with the justice ministry which after discussions the cabinet fully endorsed it. The law will soon go to parliament for approval.

Key Headlines

Somali president receives credentials from S.Korean ambassador (Radio Mogadishu)
Public outcry over illegal checkpoints (Radio Ergo)
Six alleged militants arrested in Jowhar (Radio Bar-kulan)
Cabinet holds meeting in Mogadishu (Raxanreeb/Jowhar Online)
Uganda hosts regional forces (New Vision)
Government rejects Kismayo election (RBC/Shabelle)
Leadership Dispute Threatens Stability Peace in Jubaland (VOA)

PRESS STATEMENT

South Korea restores diplomatic relations with Somalia

16 May- Source: Office of Prime Minister-125 Words

The South Korean Ambassador, H.E. Kim Chan-Woo, presented his credentials to H.E. Hassan Sh. Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, in Mogadishu today.

The Deputy Foreign Minister, Jamaal Mohamed Baarow was also in attendance.

The newly appointed Ambassador was received in Villa Somalia, where the President briefed him on his Government’s policy priorities of security, judicial reform, public financial management, and social development. “Security is our absolute priority and we’ve made major achievements towards a safer Somalia, however, more needs to be done”, said President Hassan.

“No country ever came back from such civil strife without the support of the International Community. The Government of Somalia will be at your disposal and we are committed to improving our bilateral relations with South Korea.”

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali president receives credentials from S.Korean ambassador

16 May- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Bar-kulan/Shabelle/Radio Mustaqbal-102 words

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday received the credentials of newly appointed ambassador from South Korea, Kim Chan Woo at the Somali capital, Mogadishu, the latest in a string of diplomats accredited to the Horn of Africa country. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stated that this will restore the bilateral relationship between the two countries, adding that he is very hopeful of enlarging the co-operation between the two sides. A meeting which took hours at the Villa Somalia, Somalia’s presidential palace, between Somali president and the newly appointed ambassador was focused on the restoration of the close relation between the two counties.

Public outcry over illegal checkpoints

16 May- Source: Radio Ergo- 225 words

Transporters using the road between Lower Shabelle region and Mogadishu have started a strike in protest against the illegal checkpoints being manned by soldiers in government uniform. Drivers say they are forced to pay bribes at these checkpoints. If they refuse, the soldiers usually turn to the passengers and have often been abusive and even assaulted and sexually harassed women passengers. The checkpoints have been mounted from Siinka Deer to the Lafole locality, at a point called Shanta (the Five), and after that all the way to Afgoye, according to drivers.

Cabinet holds meeting in Mogadishu

16 May- Source: Raxanreeb/Jowhar Online/Radio Mogadishu/SNTV- 116 words

Six alleged militants arrested in Jowhar

16 May- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 102 words

Security forces in Jowhar town, the middle Shabelle region capital on Wednesday arrested six alleged militants who were believed to be behind an explosion that occurred in the town Wednesday. Confirming the incident, middle Shabelle administration spokesman Daud Hajji said that the six were arrested in an operation carried out by the security forces in the town. Daud added that the six suspects are arrested at Jowhar central station as further investigations are underway. Wednesday’s explosion is reported to be the second explosion in the town for less than a week, as no group has yet claimed the responsibility of the attack.

Government rejects Kismayo election

16 May- Source: Raxanreeb/Shabelle- 201 words

Somalia Federal Government has on Thursday rejected Kismayo local election which elders and locals elected Ras kamboni Brigade commander Ahmed Mohamed Islam aka Ahmed Madoobe as the new president of Jubbaland state of Somalia, RBC Radio reports. The government has also rejected Col. Barre Hiiraale, former warlord in Somalia who claimed as the new elect president of the state shortly after Madoobe’s election. “The government is very upset on the ongoing motives which directs the future of the people of Jubbaland to the wrong way and the declared two presidents in Kismayo.” A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said on Thursday.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Uganda hosts regional forces

16 May- Source: New Vision- 220 words

Uganda is hosting Eastern Africa standby Force training exercise for rapid intervention, peace and sability at Gadaffi Garrison in Jinja. A total of 1292 troops and civilians from ten different African countries are expected to attend the field training exercise. The Eastern Africa Stand by Force (EASF) is a regional organisation whose mandate is to enhance regional peace and security. It is one of the five regional multi-dimensional components of the African Standby Force consisting of the military, police and civilians. Africa countries such Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Eretria, Djibouti, Somalia, Comoros Seychelles and Uganda have agreed to have a regional standby force during a security meeting in Seychelles in 2011.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Man who lied in Somali terrorism case gets 2 years

16 May- Source: AP- 337 words

A man who admitted he lied before a grand jury investigating why young Somali men were leaving Minnesota to join a terrorist group in their homeland was sentenced Thursday to two years in prison. Adarus Abdulle Ali pleaded guilty in 2009 to one count of perjury. He admitted he lied when he said he didn’t know two men who had returned to Somalia to join al Shabaab.

Leadership Dispute Threatens Stability, Peace in Jubaland

16 May- Source: VOA- 520 words

The Somali port city of Kismayo is in political crisis as two former warlords are both claiming to be president of the newly created Jubaland region of southern Somalia. Fears are growing that the rivalry could lead to an outbreak of violence. The Somali government still maintains it doesn’t recognize the two leaders. The political division in southern Somalia still continues after more than six months of negotiations to elect local authorities to govern the regions of Gedo, Middle and Lower Juba. On Wednesday, 495 delegates meeting in Kismayo elected Ras Kamboni militia leader Ahmed Madobe as the president of Jubaland, over four other candidates.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“The Somali problem though requires a home-based solution and by home-based I mean a solution that births and comes from Somalia itself. The skepticism I have seen ensue from any bid that seeks to patch up Somalia and her problems is enormous that is why the international community and neighbouring countries like Kenya must not be manifestly involved in proffering solutions for the Horn of Africa country but rather provide institutional support and strengthening for Somalia to get herself out of the dust by herself.”

Somalia: Let this state take care of itself

16 May- Source: African Liberty-755 Words

The say you do not choose who your neighbors are, there is no doubt however that Somalia is as a bad as a neighbor can get. As a young boy I remember seeing on a black and white TV the grotesque images of Dan Eldon, Antony Macharia and Hos Maina, three Kenyan photojournalists being flown from Somalia in body bags. I have associated Somalia with dread ever since that time and for the quarter decade that I have been around Somalia indeed has been a dreadful country. Earlier this week the figures coming out of Somalia suggested nearly 260,000 people died between October 2010 and April 2012. The figures are mind boggling, a big red blot on the world’s humanitarian community. If you are looking for a failed state, Somalia is as failed a state as you would get.

May 16, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.

admin — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:50:06 +0000

Somalia: More than 90 MPs table a motion against cabinet

16 May – Source: Raxanreeb/Hiiraan Online – 186 words

At least 97 Members of Somali Federal Parliament have tabled the first motion against the cabinet on Wednesday calling for the vote of no confidence, RBC Radio reports. The Deputy Speaker of Somalia Federal Parliament, Mahad Cawad Cabdalla who read the motion from the MPs said that the legislators who brought the motion followed the right path to table such motion and that the chair of the parliament accepted it.

“So according to article 75th of the constitution, the parliament will hold a session about the motion within five days from the day of the submission.” The deputy speaker of the parliament said in Wednesday’s parliament gathering in Mogadishu.

MP Abdirashid Xiddig who was one of the legislators tabled the motion said they were expecting the prime minister and his cabinet to come to the parliament in the coming week to ask for the vote of confidence.”

Key Headlines

Somalia: More than 90 MPs table a motion against cabinet (Raxanreeb/Hiiraan Online)
People displaced by floods in Jowhar return to their homes (Radio Ergo)
Barre Hirale claims Jubbaland presidency (Bar-kulan/Shabelle/VOA Somali Service)
Minn. Women to be sentenced in Somali terror case (AP)
EU to step up security involvement in Somalia (New Vision)
Puntland Congratulates Jubaland People and the New President-elect (Horseed Media/Bar-kulan)
Former Islamist warlord elected president of Somali region (Reuters/AFP)

SOMALI MEDIA

Somalia: More than 90 MPs table a motion against cabinet

16 May – Source: Raxanreeb/Hiiraan Online – 186 words

People displaced by floods in Jowhar return to their homes

16 May – Source: Radio Ergo – 223 words

People displaced by the floods along Shabelle River in Jowhar, Middle Shabelle region, are beginning to return to their homes. The local administration assisted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP), INTERSOS, SAACID group and Hormud telecommunications company and other local businesses, worked together to drain the Badda As, Horseed, Fanole, Halane neighbourhoods of flood water. Villages of Gashanle and Daymosamo were also cleared.

The regional commissioner of Lower Shabelle, Abdi Jinow Alasow, said they were in the process of establishing the exact number of families that were able to return to their homes. These people had fled their homes to seek shelter in neighbourhoods in the region not affected by the floods. One of them, Mumino Mudey, said they need help in repairing their flood-ruined shelters, and with basic food commodities and mosquito nets.

Dr. Ali Mohamed (Ali Wadad), a doctor in Jowhar town, expressed his dissatisfaction with the way flood water were dealt with, decrying the risk of outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Some 80% of Jowhar town and its neighbouring villages have been affected by floods this April, forcing thousands of families to flee their homes, according to the regional commissioner.

Barre Hirale claims Jubbaland presidency

16 May – Sourcee: Bar-kulan/Shabelle/VOA Somali Service – 173 words

A Somali warlord who spoke to the media on Wednesday night claimed to be the elected president of Jubbaland administration in the next four years term. Speaking to the Somali VOA Service, Barre Aden Shire (Barre Hirale) said that he is aware of the other conference in which Ahmed Mohamed Islam aka Ahmed Madobe was elected as the president of Jubbaland but insisted he is the official and lawful president of the Jubbaland administration.

Barre added that he will launch reconciliation for the Jubbaland people and will closely work with everyone that hails from these regions.

Barre Hirale’s claims as the newly elected president of Jubbaland administration comes hours after Ahmed Madobe, a prominent Ras-Kamboni Brigade leader was declared as the elected president of Jubbaland administration in a landslide election where some 500 delegates from Gedo and Jubba regions gathered.

Armed group robbed civilians at Afgoi corridor

16 May – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 145 words

Civilians traveling in the way between Mogadishu and Afgoye were robbed by unknown armed men who also tortured them. The people,including women who were robbed, told Mustaqbal radio that armed men were dressed in government troops uniform

Three armed men stopped the min-bus and subsequently drove it to the bush where they robbed the passengers. The unknown men then took money and other valuables from the passengers before torturing them, as the victims confirmed to Mustaqbal radio.

Even though the Somali security officials reiterated that they will hunt the robbers and maintain the security of that way, robbery is rampant in the area.

Puntland Congratulates Jubaland People and the New President-elect

15 May – Source: Horseed Media/Bar-kulan – 128 words

The people and Government of Puntland State of Somalia warmly welcome the election of the new President of Jubaland State of Somalia, His Excellency Ahmed Mohamed Islam, who was elected by a majority of community delegates at the Jubaland Constitutional Conference in Kismayo.

Puntland congratulates the people of Jubaland State and the new President Elect, on organizing a community-led consultative conference, adopting a new State Charter, and electing a new President today. Puntland also congratulates the other Presidential Candidates and calls on them to respect the election results.

Puntland reaffirms that the Jubaland State formation process is fully in accordance with the Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC) of Somalia, and Puntland calls upon the Somali Federal Government, IGAD, and the wider international community to recognize and cooperate with Jubaland State.

Prominent Elder killed in Galgadud region

15 May – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 106 words

The finance officer of Ahlu Sunna For Adado District in Galgadud district in Central of Somalia Abdiweli Aden Mohamed told the media that armed group killed a prominent peace-seeker.

The prominent peace-seeker was killed by the unidentified armed men at an area in between Gelinsor and Adaado district. Mohamed said they have sent forces to the place, but there were no people seized for the killing case, he added.

The Ahlu Sunna official confirmed the elder was killed because of revenge. No group yet claimed the responsibility.

Shortage of fresh produce hits Dadaab refugee camps

15 May – Source: Radio Ergo – 281 words

Residents of Dadaab refugee camps are experiencing a shortage of fresh vegetables and other essential produce, as heavy rains have caused flooding across Garissa district and led to price hikes.

Maryan Abdullahi Aden, a vegetable vendor in Hagadera camp, spoke to Radio Ergo’s reproter about the big price changes in the vegetable trade. The price of a kilogram of onions has tripled from KES 40 to KES 120; 1kg of tomatoes has gone up from KES 45 to KES 130, potatoes from KES 30 to KES 40, and a sack of bananas from KES 1,100 to KES 1,500.

“Even the normally daily supply trucks are only coming once or twice a week. Garissa farmers say that their farms were flooded and crops washed away, so the prices went up because of demand. We in the refugee camps can’t afford vegetables at such prices,” Maryan said. Abduqadir Mohamed Ahmed, another vegetable trader in Hagadera, said they received a small amount of produce at extremely high prices, too high for the poor people living in the refugee camps.

Halima Daud, a refugee, said: “For a week now, my family has not eaten any vegetables; we were forced to eat yellow beans instead because we could not afford vegetables.”

REGIONAL MEDIA

EU to step up security involvement in Somalia

16 May – Source: New Vision – 196 words

The European Union is to move military training of Somali soldiers from Uganda to Mogadishu in a show of confidence in Somalia’s growing stability after two decades of turmoil, the EU special envoy to Somalia said on Wednesday.

Western donor countries have been unwilling to deploy soldiers inside the Horn of Africa state, but instead fund the African Union’s AMISOM peacekeeping troops, which have driven Islamist al Shabaab rebels out of Mogadishu and many other strongholds in central and southern Somalia.

The success of Amisom, made up mostly of Uganda, Burundi and Kenya soldiers, has encouraged Western countries to look beyond the scars left by the deaths of U.S. and U.N. soldiers during Somalia’s violent disintegration into civil war in the early 1990s, and increase their engagement.

The EU’s training mission, separate from Amisom, has trained some 3,000 Somali soldiers and officers in Uganda since 2010. Michele Cervone d’Urso, the EU envoy, said having up to 80 European military staff in Mogadishu was a “game changer”. The EU military experts will focus on providing strategic advice to Somali Defence Ministry staff while also teaching Somali trainers, who will then train their own forces.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Minn. Women to be sentenced in Somali terror case

16 May – Source: AP – 138 words

Two Minnesota women convicted of conspiring to send money to the terrorist group al Shabaab in Somalia are to be sentenced in federal court. Amina Farah Ali and Hawa Mohamed Hassan are the last of nine defendants sentenced this week in federal investigations into recruiting and financing for al Shabaab.

Authorities say the women went door-to-door and raised money in the name of charity, but routed funds to al Shabaab. Their attorneys say the women are humanitarians who gave money to orphans and a group working to push foreign troops out of Somalia.

Prosecutors say Ali should get at least 20 years in prison on multiple terror-related counts when sentenced Thursday. They say Hassan should get at least 15 years for one terror-related count and two counts of lying to the FBI.

Former Islamist warlord elected president of Somali region

15 May – Source: Reuters/AFP – 315 words

A former Islamist warlord was declared president of Somalia’s southern region on Wednesday, something likely to upset the government in Mogadishu as it tries to assert its authority.

Although Ahmed Madobe, leader of powerful Ras Kamboni Brigade, fought against the al Qaeda-linked militants that tried to seize control of the country, he is not viewed favourably by the central government.

Hours after the constitutional assembly in the volatile Jubaland region elected Madobe president, a rival warlord who is widely seen to be backed by Mogadishu, Barre Hirale, declared himself to be the president.

Oilmen ready for risky push into Somalia

15 May – Source: UPI – 717 words

Foreign companies are getting ready to undertake the risky business of exploring for oil in war-torn Somalia, a quest that could trigger new conflict as the Western-backed government struggles to stop die-hard Islamist insurgents.

“The world’s leading oil companies are increasingly accepting that their quest for new reserves will take them into challenging new territory,” the Financial Times observed this week.

“In regions such as the arctic, the problems are technical. Around the Horn of Africa, companies must calculate whether political and security risks will put too heavy a burden on their production costs.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“What’s behind the recent decline in maritime piracy attacks off the Horn of Africa? Sonia Rothwell believes that military operations on land and at sea are starting to have the desired effect, as are more controversial measures developed by private companies.”

Somali Piracy: Gone for Good?

16 May – Source: ISN – 1490 Words

Following its peak between 2005 and 2011, maritime piracy off the Horn of Africa now appears to be abating. The efforts of 40 countries, numerous coalitions and the controversial adoption by some ships of armed guards have contributed to the gradual decrease of both successful and attempted hijackings. But this suggests a far simpler solution to the threat than is the reality. What, for example, are the reasons behind the fall? And with the rise in instances of piracy and robbery in the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa, has the threat simply moved elsewhere?

Money to be Made

Despite the fact that piracy around the Horn of Africa comprises one of the world’s busiest trade routes, the Gulf of Aden, very few studies have attempted to estimate its impact on the global economy. A recently-released report by the World Bank seeks to change that. According to its figures, Somali piracy cost the global economy an estimated $18bn for the year 2010. The report also notes “that piracy imposes a distortion on trade that has a high absolute cost.

When the shortest shipping route between two countries is through piracy-infected waters, the additional cost of trade between them is equivalent to an increase of 0.75 to 1.49 percentage points (with a mean estimate of about 1.1) in total ad valorem trade costs.”

But for a poor region largely devoid of structure beyond clan networks, jobs and steady income, the business model for piracy is an attractive one. Somali pirate attacks are long-term investments in that the crews and their backers are prepared to hold out for many months for ransom demands to be met. The outlay is relatively inexpensive at around $80,000 but the ransoms can be lucrative (although payments to financial backers and to communities who tolerate pirate activity can significantly eat into profits, meaning the pirate foot-soldiers may not actually make much money from the risks they take). From such a simple premise, much money has been made. Again, the recent World Bank report estimates that the average ransom in 2011 and 2012 was $4.9m.

“Somali women parliamentarians today, and hopefully more so in the future, have an opportunity to guide the country towards a right and just direction that will benefit all citizens; a direction that will not be buckled down with tired cultural segregation and subordination.”

Somali women parliamentarians: the predicament of finding a voice

15 May – Source: Hiiraan Online – 1726 Words

Parliamentary democracy is described as a political system based on the idea that parliament is supreme or “sovereign”. This means that parliamentary democracy is one in which the people choose representatives at regular elections and are responsible for the following: the formation of government, the passage of legislation by majority vote of the parliament, the scrutiny and monitoring of the executive government and the public service and other authorities and institutions created by parliament. Most importantly, this scrutiny extends to monitoring the expenditure of public money.

The general belief is that Somalia has never had a free parliamentarian election; in fact Somalia did have its first and the last civilian parliamentary public election in 1960 following the country’s independence. Somali Youth League (SYL) won the majority of the seats by 69 of the 123 seats.

Inaugurated in August 2012, the Federal Parliament of Somalia and in particular its Lower House composed of 275 clan-based representatives included only fourteen percent (14%) female parliamentarians ended the Transitional Road Map. In September, the same year, Parliament elected a new President of Somalia and adopted the Somali Provisional Constitution. On October 2012, the President nominated the new Prime Minister and in November 2012, Parliament formally endorsed the Council of Ministers as selected by the Prime Minister.

Understandably the country has undertaken a historical process of change and has moved forward towards peace and stability after decades of violent conflict that ravaged the country and resulted in widespread suffering to its people. Rebuilding Somalia’s withered institutions with a stable government and a parliament representing the will of its citizens will take a lot more effort and strength, and it is the key to building the country into a peaceful and prosperous nation.

“The 15th May was the sole day of our fathers of independence in the whole year and I am really disappointed by the behaviour of our leaders who are messing around with something else and forgetting the importance of this day”.

Fathers of independence forgotten in Somalia

15 May – Source: Hiiraan Online – 885 Words

The subdivision of what was once called as ‘the great Somalia’ or SOOMAALI WEYN, which has now descended into small clan-based semiautonomous states, is mainly attributed to the loss of the memorial services that Somali people used to observe each year with the arrival of the Somali youth day the 15th May which was on Wednesday not remembered as used to be, although small congregations have been observed in some places, but that doesn’t really match how to commemorate such prestigious day.

To the record of my remembrance for the past 16 years I have been a mature, Somali people across the country or elsewhere around the world used to share ideas and suggestions on how to make pre-arrival preparations for the memorial services of the day which used to be held in and outside the country.

That was always taking place even at least two or three months, before the arrival of 15th May, the foundation day of Somali Youth council SYC in 143, which later changed into Somali Youth League SYL. But no colourful events have been seen this year, whilst no one can predict what has been wrong with the millions of Somalis around the globe.

Top tweets

@OCHASom Humanitarian Coordinator for #Somalia updates us on the current humanitarian situation in Somalia http://youtu.be/HaCBI7gbN-A #UNLazzarini.

@viewstatus WHO launched Alert and an investigation of the detection of a wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in #Mogadishu http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_05_11/en/index.html … #Somalia.

@UKinNZ Miohamud Mohamed, Somali Community Wellington, comments on the Somali Confernce held in London http://ow.ly/l4x2i #Somalia.

@HodanLioness Happy 70th anniversary to one of the most prominent and awe-inspiring political party in #Somalia: the Somali Youth League (SYL).

‏@Draz_DJ Lovely day in #Mogadishu, #Somalia! Hopefully soon enough this will be a common sight along these gorgeous beeches pic.twitter.com/rAJYjogh8k.

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Image of the day

Somalia’s Defense Minister Abdihakin Haji Fiqi pins an accolade onto Commander for European Union Training Mission in Somalia, Brig Gen Gerald Aherne during a welcoming ceremony for the mission in Mogadishu on 15 May, 2013. Photo: EEAS Flickr.

May 16, 2013 | Morning Headlines.

admin — Thu, 16 May 2013 06:41:50 +0000

Somalia: Ahmed Madobe elected first president of Jubaland in landslide victory

15 May – Source: Garowe Online/Shabelle/Bar-kulan/Hiiraan Online/Dhanaan Online/RBC – 116 words

Some 500 delegates the Jubaland state formation conference in Kismayo have elected Sheikh Ahmed “Madobe” Mohamed Islam as the first president of Jubaland State of Somalia, even as Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon appointed a task force for Jubaland. Local communities allocated amongst themselves the 500 delegates to represent the various communities and districts of Lower Jubba, Middle Jubba and Gedo regions that have united to form Jubaland. The Jubaland state formation process has been underway since early 2011. Wednesday’s election at Kismayo University campus featured speeches by presidential candidates, including Sheikh Ahmed Madobe, Hilowle Aden Mohamed, and Mohamed Nur Shambar.

Key Headlines

European Union Mission to train Somali forces in Somalia (OPM)
13 killed in Gedo fighting (Bar-kulan)
Somalia: Ahmed Madobe elected first president of Jubaland in landslide victory (Garowe Online/Shabelle/Bar-kulan/Hiiraan Online)
Armed robbers raid Dahabshil branch in Mogadishu (Bar-kulan)
Explosion in Mogadishu (Shabelle)
KDF war ally wins Jubaland top seat (Daily Nation)
UN flights banned as Somalia Somaliland battle for control of airspace (Africa Review)
Denmark: No forced returns to ‘volatile’ situation in Somalia (Amnesty International)
John Baird appoints Canada’s first ambassador to Somalia in more than 20 years (Ottawa Citizen/Edmonton Journal)

PRESS STATEMENT

European Union Mission to train Somali forces in Somalia

15 May – Source: Office of the President of Somalia – 306 words

The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, today welcomed the deployment of the European Union Training Mission (EUTM) to Somalia, calling it a “paradigm shift in relations” between the EU and Somalia.

For the last three years the EUTM has trained over 3,000 Somali troops at a base in Uganda, and today the full training operation opened in Mogadishu, where the Third Mandate will continue to support the training and mentoring of Somali security forces. By the end of 2013 all EUTM training will be conducted in Somalia.

The President said: “Our partnership with the European Union is of immense value and has proved that recruitment from across the clans, disciplined training and effective deployment of good soldiers is totally achievable.

“Thanks in large part to the EU, we are beginning to see the development of a Somali National Army (SNA) that is diverse in origin as well as structure, and a force that is accountable, inclusive, proportionate and sustainable, and with a respect for the chain of command, the rule of law and human rights.
The President also underlined the critical shortage of arms and equipment that restricts Somalia’s security capacity “Security is the priority concern to everyone and indeed an essential prerequisite for further progress in all spheres of government and development.

But our forces today lack critical capability, and suffer a critical shortage of equipment and supplies that restrict our capacity to protect ourselves. “Therefore I emphasize the need for adequate and sustained training and resourcing for our armed forces and I am very grateful to the EU in leading this support.

“I wholeheartedly welcome the European Training Mission (EUTM) to Mogadishu and our Minister of Defence, the Force Commander and other military officials will work hand-in-hand with you to further develop structures, policy and processes that will produce a self-sustaining Somali force for the future.”

SOMALI MEDIA

13 killed in Gedo fighting

15 May – Source: Bar-kulan – 103 words

At least 13 people have been killed and several others wounded following a fierce fighting between Somali Federal government forces and al Shabaab rebel group on Tuesday night in the outskirts of Farwaley and Cara-Cas areas in Gedo region. The clash erupted after armed rebel fighters loyal to al Shabaab launched an overnight attack on Somali government troops passing a nearby area. Confirming the incident, the Deputy Commissioner of Beled-Hawa district Sheikh Addow told Bar-kulan that government troops resisted the attack by the al Qaeda-allied militant, killing 13 of militias that carried away the attack, the deputy commissioner didn’t comment on the causality on their side.

Somalia: Ahmed Madobe elected first president of Jubaland in landslide victory

15 May – Source: Garowe Online/Shabelle/Bar-kulan/Hiiraan Online – 116 words

Armed robbers raid Dahabshil branch in Mogadishu

15 May – Source: Bar-kulan – 92 words

The Somali Federal government troops have arrested a group of armed men who attempted to rob Dahabshil Money Transfer Company’s branch in Bakara market in the Somali capital, Mogadishu on Wednesday. Five heavily armed men are reported to have entered the Dahabshil building in the early Wednesday. One of the bandits was shot dead by the Somali government troops while five other had been arrested during the operation as one government soldier was also injured. Senior government officials said the arrested five were taken to the police station for further interrogations.

Explosion in Mogadishu

15 May – Source: Shabelle – 139 words

An explosion occurred Wednesday at the KPP junction in Mogadishu. The explosion which was targeted on Abdi Liman Sharmake, the brother of the deceased Ali Liman sharmake who was the director of Horn Afrika radio escaped with injuries. It is believed that explosive devices were attached to his car by unknown men. One person is confirmed dead and Mr. Abdi Liman has escaped with injuries. After the explosion, government troops arrived at the scene who conducted a search operation at the nearby suburbs. Mr. Abdi Liman who is a Kuwaiti resident arrived at the country recently and it is not known why he was the target. His deceased brother suffered a similar fate where unknown men attached explosive devices in his car after the funeral of a journalist by the name Mahad Ahmed Elmi.

REGIONAL MEDIA

KDF war ally wins Jubaland top seat

15 May- Source: Daily Nation- 241 words

Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam, who was the leader of the Ras Kamboni Brigade— a paramilitary group in Kismayu— has been elected President of the new Jubaland State of Somalia. A General Fartag from Gedo region was elected Vice President. Sheikh Islam, popularly known as Sheikh Ahmed Madobe, was elected by a majority of community delegates at the Jubaland Constitutional Conference in Kismayu.

UN flights banned as Somalia, Somaliland battle for control of airspace

15 May – Source: Africa Review – 146 words

The breakaway region of Somaliland has banned all UN flights from its airports following a spat with the Mogadishu-based federal government of Somalia. The self-declared republic located in north-western Somalia is protesting Sunday’s move by Mogadishu to assume full control of Somali’s entire airspace, including that of Somaliland. It is the first time the Somalia is taking control of its airspace following two decades of anarchy triggered by the collapse of the central government in 1991. On Tuesday, Mohamud Hashi Abdi, Somaliland’s Civil Aviation minister, issued the ban against UN agencies alleging that UNDP and the Nairobi-based Civil Aviation Caretaker Authority of Somalia (CACAS) had violated a previous agreement between Somalia, UNDP and the Somaliland administration. “We had already signed an agreement which allows an independent panel to control the airspace,” Minister Hashi told the media at Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital, some 1,500km northwest of Mogadishu.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Denmark: No forced returns to ‘volatile’ situation in Somalia

15 May – Source: Amnesty International – 130 words

Forcibly returning people to a volatile security situation in Somalia would violate international law, Amnesty International said as the Danish Refugee Board is due to consider returning five Somali asylum seekers. The Danish hearings on Thursday and Friday come after at least two other European states – Norway and the Netherlands – have already ended suspensions on forcibly returning people to the Somali capital Mogadishu. The Dutch and Norwegian decisions – in December 2012 and February 2013, respectively – cited improved security in the capital as the reason for the change. But the European Court of Human Rights and Dutch courts have suspended the deportation of four Somali nationals from the Netherlands since then, while the security situation remains poor in Mogadishu, and extremely dire in other parts of Somalia.

John Baird appoints Canada’s first ambassador to Somalia in more than 20 years

15 May – Source: Ottawa Citizen/Edmonton Journal – 101 words

A longtime Canadian diplomat will become the country’s first ambassador to Somalia in more than two decades. The announcement of David Angell’s appointment marks a restart of diplomatic relations between Canada and the east African country. Canada hasn’t had an ambassador accredited to Somalia since 1990 but had signalled it wanted to rekindle relations following presidential elections in the country last year. Angell was appointed Canada’s ambassador to Kenya last fall and he’ll continue to live in Nairobi while carrying out his new duties. His appointment was formally announced Tuesday by Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird during a visit to Kenya.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“The Somali people are no longer socially homogenous as the feeling of them and us between the locals and the Diaspora has heightened in the fight for power and resources. Any returnee, businessmen, failed asylum seekers as well as criminals, are not welcome by the locals. It is no longer their country.”

Somalia is not safe to return anyone to….yet

15 May- Source: Hiiraan Online-2448 Words

Oh how lovely it is to see loved up youngsters dancing and swimming in Liido Beach in the now suddenly peaceful Somalia. Or the smoking of shisha at night in some of the fancy urban spots of a city that was once described as the most unsafe and volatile in world. Even more heartwarming is that the Western government like the USA, Netherlands and Great Britain have so much faith in the new found peace, security and government capabilities in maintaining these that they want to deport failed asylum seekers and Somali criminals with some form of residency in these developed countries to their nation of origin.

May 15, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.

admin — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:41:03 +0000

PM mandates joint committee to resolve Jubbaland reconciliation

15 May – Source: Raxanreeb/Radio Mogadishu/Bar-kulan/Horseed Media/Jowhar Online – 263 words

Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon has appointed a 16 members-joint committee assigned to resolve the disputes on Jubbaland administration formation and reconciliation process, RBC Radio reports. The joint committee comprises of the Interior Ministry and the National Security and members of Somali Federal Parliament.

“Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon has issued a decree today in which he has named a joint committee from the cabinet and the parliament comprising 16 members to address the reconciliation process of Jubbas regions.” A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.

“This committee will soon head to Kismayo town and will be chaired by the Deputy Interior Minister and National Security Abdi Guhad Jamac Ahmed [better known as Oday].” The statement added.

Key Headlines

PM mandates joint committee to resolve Jubbaland reconciliation (Raxanreeb/Radio Mogadishu/Bar-kulan/Horseed Media/Jowhar Online)
Somalia: ‘92 MPs sign motion’ against Prime Minister Shirdon (Garowe Online)
Somalia’s Defense Ministry Pleads for help to rebuild national Army ( Radio Shabelle/BBC Somali Service)
Drs. Maryan Qasim: UN promised to help us improve health care in Somalia (Shabelle)
Canada restores diplomatic ties with Somalia (AFP)
Four jailed in Minnesota over al Shabaab recruitment (Standard Media/Daily Nation)
Refugees continue to move back to Somalia at slow pace (Raxanreeb)
Somalia taking steps to re-open embassies (Sabahi Online)

SOMALI MEDIA

PM mandates joint committee to resolve Jubbaland reconciliation

15 May – Source: Raxanreeb/Radio Mogadishu/Bar-kulan/Horseed Media/Jowhar Online – 263 words

“This committee will soon head to Kismayo town and will be chaired by the Deputy Interior Minister and National Security Abdi Guhad Jamac Ahmed [better known as Oday].” The statement added.

Somalia’s Defense Ministry Pleads for help to rebuild national Army

15 May – Source: Radio Shabelle/BBC Somali Service – 146 words

During an interview with BBC Somali Service in London, Deputy Defense Minister Abdi Rahman Kulmiye revealed strategic plans drafted by his ministry to restore security in the country. Mr. Abdirahman said that his ministry has put down new plans that were intended to restore discipline and integrity in the national force that disintegrated 21 years ago after the central Somali government collapsed.

The Deputy Defense Minister added that the arms embargo imposed on the country for years has been lifted and therefore requested the international community to help in donating arms and restoring back its army force.

“In order for us (government) to defeat al Shabaab we need Arms and an organized armed force. We are already building our army but no force can operate without weapons so we are pleading with the international community to help us in acquiring arms” stated the minister.

Drs. Maryan Qasim: UN promised to help us improve health care in Somalia

15 May – Source: Shabelle – 108 words

Drs. Maryan Qasim, the Minister for Development and Public Services after meeting world health organization (WHO) officials said that they addressed enhancing health care in the country.

The UN delegation led by Qulam Rabani who is the head of WHO Africa met with the minister in the capital, Mogadishu. The minister said that she convinced the delegation how the United Nations can take part in improving health care in the country.

She added that her ministry and WHO agreed on a plan that will enable them implement the agreed projects that were expected to start soon. Drs. Maryan said that she expected massive improvements in the countries health care system.

Refugees continue to move back to Somalia at slow pace

15 May – Source: Raxanreeb – 364 words

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR said that the population movement tracking in Somalia indicates that in April, about 2,100 refugees left Kenya for Somalia. Some 2,340 people crossed the border in March. In all, about 16,000 people were recorded crossing from Kenya into Somalia in the first four months of 2013.

Those interviewed by UNHCR and partners said they returned due to the improving security situation in Somalia with the majority moving to Dobley, Diff, Baardheere and Kismayo in Lower Juba and Ceel Waaq in Gedo. Those moving also cited insecurity and inadequate humanitarian support in the camps in Kenya as reasons to leave. Others sought to resume seasonal work.

Preliminary figures from a verification exercise conducted by UNHCR in Dadaab refugee camps in northern Kenya showed a 20 per cent drop in the number of people from 470,000 to 390,000. UNHCR said that while this can be explained by a more accurate count, physical evidence of empty plots suggest that refugees have also left the camp.

Somalia: ‘92 MPs sign motion’ against Prime Minister Shirdon

15 May – Source: Garowe Online – 119 words

Reports from Mogadishu say that some 92 Somali MPs have signed a motion against Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon, Garowe Online reports. Parliamentary sources tell Garowe Online that the motion was handed over to parliament’s leadership in Mogadishu on Tuesday. The motion has not yet been formally presented for a vote in parliament however, the sources added.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who appointed Shirdon as Prime Minister in October 2012, was “not pleased” with the confidence motion against the Prime Minister.

But inside sources say that, in a meeting with Prime Minister Shirdon in Mogadishu, President Hassan reportedly complained that “some 25 MPs from Shirdon’s own Darod community had signed the motion” alongside Somali MPs from other communities.

Insecurity impacts on humanitarian work in Somalia, UNOCHA says

14 May – Source: Raxanreeb – 147 words

Despite improvements, humanitarian access remains tenuous in Somalia, United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Activities says. On 5 May, an attack in Mogadishu killed at least 12 people. The incident led to the closure of main roads in the capital, hampering movement of aid workers and supplies, particularly to people in settlements.

Two attacks in Mogadishu on 14 April killed at least 30 people and wounded dozens of others. UNOCHA said a humanitarian mission to Beledweyne in Hiiraan on 22 April was postponed after clan militia fired at a commercial plane as it approached Galkayo airport in Mudug, from where the mission was scheduled to begin.

On 1 May, aid workers were temporarily relocated from Kismayo, Lower Juba, after mortars landed in the northern part of the Kismayo airport. While such attacks are often not directed at the aid workers, they hamper planning of humanitarian operations.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Four jailed in Minnesota over al Shabaab recruitment

15 May – Source: Standard/Daily Nation – 291 words

Four men have been given prison sentences in the US state of Minnesota in connection with the recruitment of fighters for a Somali militant group.

Abdifatah Isse, Salah Ahmed and Ahmed Mahamud were jailed for three years by a federal judge after pleading guilty to providing material support to al Shabaab, a designated terrorist group. Omar Mohamed was given 12 years for conspiracy to provide material support.

Somalia taking steps to re-open embassies

14 May – Source: Sabahi Online – 140 words

Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation is working to re-open embassies and diplomatic missions that have been closed since 1991, in an effort to align foreign relations with the new Somali federal government.

The ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mohamed Sharif Mohamud said Somalia has plans to soon re-open embassies around the world, namely the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Algeria and Iraq.

With the election of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in September 2012 and improving security conditions in Somalia, countries have started re-opening their embassies in Mogadishu as well, including the United Kingdom, Egypt, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates and Iran. Most other countries with diplomatic relations with Somalia have missions based in Nairobi.

The ministry will also replace some ambassadors with appointments that are better aligned with the government’s economic and human development policies, Mohamud said.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Four jailed in Minnesota over al Shabaab recruitment

15 May – Source: BBC – 217 words

Four men have been given prison sentences in the US state of Minnesota in connection with the recruitment of fighters for a Somali militant group.

Abdifatah Isse, Salah Ahmed and Ahmed Mahamud were jailed for three years by a federal judge after pleading guilty to providing material support to al Shabaab, a designated terrorist group.

Omer Mohamed was given 12 years for conspiracy to provide material support. Prosecutors had recommended reduced sentences because the men co-operated.

Canada restores diplomatic ties with Somalia

14 May – Source: AFP – 223 words

Canada announced Tuesday it is restoring diplomatic relations with Somalia, more than two decades after severing ties with the strife-torn African nation.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird made the announcement after meeting here with Augustine Mahiga, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Somalia.

The government said in a statement that David Angell, Canada’s High Commissioner in Kenya, now will also be accredited as ambassador to Somalia. The Canadian government ended diplomatic relations with Mogadishu in 1990.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“Indeed, how to foster and secure ‘Somali ownership’ was a key theme in many speeches made in London last week. While the debate may be familiar, though, the context most certainly is not. For in the case of Somalia, it is not simply ‘Western’ donors negotiating ownership with African aid recipients but Africans negotiating it with other Africans.”

African donors and Somali ownership: The elephant at the Somalia Conference

14 May – Source: Id Birmingham blog – 1118 Words

And so it ends. After months of preparation, fretting over guest lists, measuring flags and re-drafting seating arrangements, the Somalia Conference is over. The final communiqué has been issued, the speeches uploaded to YouTube and the attendees prepped for the next leg of the reconstruction roadshow.

Representatives of Somalia’s new administration can look forward to high-level discussions in Tokyo, Nairobi, Brussels and Istanbul – not to mention in New York and Addis Ababa – over the coming months where plans to rebuild the devastated former state will be fleshed-out in consultation with regional and international partners. What can be said, then, of last week’s event in London?

A milestone on the path to Somalia’s rebirth or a day of prepared statements and hotel rooms? A conference that will set in motion a renewed commitment to re-assembling a shattered country or, like last year’s London Somalia Conference, one that will be remembered as little more than yet another inconsequential Somalia summit?

The answers to these questions will, naturally, come with time and cannot be found in the measured but vague statements released from the conference over the course of last Tuesday’s deliberations. Needless to say, though, that any successes in Somalia will come from a combination of two things: the level of commitment by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s weak government (in power since last autumn) to win the ‘hearts and minds’ of Somalis outside militarized Mogadishu and the extent to which international actors (including regional African states) are willing to support it in its effort to do so.

“….a child born in Somalia is 35 times less likely to survive their first day than a child in Sweden or Singapore. It would be easy to say that this is a ‘developing country problem’.”

Sub-Sahara Africa leads in infant deaths

14 May – Source: Daily Nation – 501 Words

Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Sierra Leone and Somalia have some of the highest newborn death rates in the world. The Birth Day Risk Index in the annual State of the World’s Mothers report shows that sub-Saharan Africa remains by far the most dangerous region to be born.

Globally, one million babies die each year on the day they enter the world — or two every minute — making the first day by far the riskiest day of a person’s life in almost every country. The report identified key factors contributing to these high levels of newborn deaths in Africa.

These include high rates of premature birth — Malawi has the highest rate of babies born early — as well as many babies born too small. More than a third of babies in Mauritania are underweight. Other factors include the poor health of mothers, early marriage before girls’ bodies have properly matured, low rates of contraceptive usage and healthcare.

Top tweets

@shephardm Canada establishes diplomatic relations with #Somalia: http://bit.ly/19p503b . Ottawa has been largely absent despite Canada’s huge diaspora.

@UNDPSomalia #Somalia Human Development Report on youth empowerment launch by @SomaliPM today! 42% of Somalis are aged 14-29: http://www.so.undp.org/shdr/.

@Guuleyste High level 16-member committee named by Somali govt 2 lead “negotiations & reconciliation” in admin setup in Juba regions in south #Somalia.

@africarenewal #WHO has issued a polio surveillance alert for all of #Somalia, northern #Kenya and eastern #Ethiopia. http://ow.ly/l1o54.

@HurstPublishers OUT TODAY – Al-Shabaab in #Somalia: The History and Ideology of a Militant Islamist Group - http://bit.ly/16wD8gz pic.twitter.com/j2jBCt87uX.

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Image of the day

Somalia’s Prime Minister, Abdi Farah Shirdon Saaid, addresses the audience at the New Deal conference in Mogadishu, Somalia, on May 14. Photo: AU/UN IST Flickr.

May 15, 2013 | Morning Headlines.

admin — Wed, 15 May 2013 07:03:14 +0000

Somaliland administration bans UN flights

14 May- Source: Raxanreeb/Qarannews/Bar-kulan/Somali Channel- 350 words

A breakaway administration in Somalia’s Northern region of Somaliland has banned on Tuesday UN flights from its airports following anger at Somalia Federal Government’s take over itsairspace control declared on Monday, RBC Radio reports. Somaliland Civil Aviation Minister Mohamud Hashi Abdi issued the order against UN agencies alleging that UNDP and Civil Aviation Caretaker Authority of Somalia (CACAS) based in Nairobi violated previous agreement between Somalia government, UNDP and the Somaliland administration.

Key Headlines

Somali Government gives green light to the New Deal process launched in Mogadishu (OPM)
Somaliland administration bans UN flights (Raxanreeb/Qarannews/Bar-kulan/Somali Channel)
Government vows to eliminate illegal roadblocks ( Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu)
Roadside bomb explodes outskirt of Mogadishu (Mareeg Online/ Shabelle/Radio Bar-kulan)
UNDP starts development projects at Bay region (Radio Shabelle)
Kenya security crackdown scares away livestock owners in Garissa (Radio Ergo)
$2.6m parachuted as ransom money to pirates (Emirates247/AFP)
Social media campaign countering Somali extremist (ABC News)
Two Sentenced in US for Supporting al Shabaab (VOA)

PRESS STATEMENT

Somali Government gives green light to the New Deal process launched in Mogadishu

14 May- Source: Office of the Somali Prime Minister- 398 words

His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon today gave the green light to the implementation of the New Deal process for Somalia on behalf of the Federal Government.

Somalia embraced the New Deal process put forward by the G7+ group of 19 conflict-affected countries at a launch event attended by representatives of the EU, AU, UN, UNDP, and a wide range of diplomats and donors. The process brings together government, civil society and leading donors to bring structure to the aid and support Somalia receives. Aid effectiveness is crucial in fragile countries like Somalia, which is recovering from a long standing conflict.

“We are committed to collaborative and effective engagement with the international community and country-level stakeholders,” said the Prime Minister at the launch event. “This will ensure sufficient representation of all individuals and organizations who can influence the New Deal implementation for Somalia. The New Deal process for Somalia has already been agreed by the Council of Ministers, the Parliament, international partners and local stakeholders including civil society, the media and the private sector, and we have given it the final green light today.”

Prime Minister stated that the government will begin the process by establishing a taskforce to assess the causes and features of fragility and conflict. In this phase of work, fragility and resilience indicators will be identified to ensure that government can measure progress against peace-building and State-building priorities.

“The government will undertake the first phase of the New Deal principle, which is a comprehensive fragility assessment. Each country is different, and many areas of the reforms described in the process are already underway in Somalia. We have already initiated the National Security and Stabilization Plan (NSSP) and reforms on Justice, Security, and Public Financial Management, which are key components of the New Deal principles.”

Prime Minister underlined the importance of long-term and flexible support by international partners despite the challenges they face in structuring the aid plan. He also pointed out that aid fragmentation compromises long-term aid effectiveness and that it is necessary to have “one vision and one plan” for Somalia.

“Somalia needs continued commitment from international partners and significant political support for an extended period of time. In this regard, we are advocating for a compact that focuses on a relatively small number of issues that can be achieved within the timeframe of the agreement,” Prime Minster said in his speech.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somaliland administration bans UN flights

14 May- Source: Raxanreeb/Qarannews/Bar-kulan/Somali Channel- 350 words

Government vows to eliminate illegal roadblocks

14 May- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu- 108 words

Somalia security officials have vowed on Monday that they will eliminate the illegal roadblocks that were set up by men dressed in the government forces uniform who extort money from motorists on the main highways between the capital, Mogadishu and some parts of the Lower Shabelle and Middle Shabelle regions. The Somali national army chief Abdirizak Khalif Elmi said that they will deploy Special Forces to deal with the rapidly increasing cases of road blocks set up by bandits dressed in Somali government troops’ uniform. This comes just days after truck drivers went on strike because of roadblocks in the main highway that links Shabelle region districts.

Roadside bomb explodes outskirt of Mogadishu

14 May- Source: Mareeg Online/ Shabelle/Radio Bar-kulan- 110 words

Two landmine aimed at federal government troops exploded near the ministry of defense offices in Mogadishu. A witness confirmed that the first explosion went off at a checkpoint near the ministry offices. He added that after the explosion, government troops arrived at the scene in large numbers, minutes later, another landmine explosions went off simultaneously causing some casualties. However, there are no statements released by the government about the explosions. Government troops have secured the area and have closed the industrial road that passes along the defense ministry.

UNDP starts development projects at Bay region

14 May- Source: Radio Shabelle- 94 words

The interim administration of Bay region has confirmed that the United Nations development programme agency has started development projects in the south central Somalia region. Governor of Bay region Abdi Adan said the projects will benefit locals who live in the region. The governor added that the projects are expected to kick off and his administration will cooperate with the UN branch so that locals would benefit from the projects. This comes after United Nations delegations visited the region on Monday.

Somalia: IOM assists Kenyans stranded in Bosaso to return home

14 May- Source: Horseed Media/ Universal TV- 225 words

Six Kenyan migrants workers stranded in Bosaso are due home on 15 May 2013 after they were rescued by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The six fishermen were abandoned by their employer at the port of Bosaso, Puntland in November last year. The fishermen, who were part of ten Kenyan crew members employed in a fishing vessel, left the port of Mombasa on 8 November 2102 aboard “F/V Royce I” for a ten day fishing expedition along the Indian Ocean and eventually docked at the Port of Kismayo.

Kenya security crackdown scares away livestock owners in Garissa

14 May- Source: Radio Ergo- 121 words

The gu’ rains are still falling all over the country making for plentiful pasture and water. It is generally a good time for livestock keepers and their animals all over Somalia and the region. However, in Northeastern Kenya, trading has been very slow with fewer animals available. Garissa livestock market is one of the largest in East Africa. It has been affected by the insecurity issues prevailing over the past few weeks. Security measures by the government have resulted in scaring away the pastoralists, who would normally bring a good number of their animals for sale. Muhumed Nasif, a livestock trader in Garissa, said he was stopped for questioning twice by armed security officers on his way from Fafi to Garissa.

REGIONAL MEDIA

$2.6m parachuted as ransom money to pirates

14 May- Source: Emirates247/AFP-353 words

The Saudi owner of an Algerian cargo ship whose crew was held by Somali pirates for 10 months admitted paying $2.6 million to free them in November 2011, an Algerian paper reported on Tuesday. The ‘MV Blida’, carrying 17 Algerians, six Ukrainians, two Filipinos, one Jordanian and one Indonesian, was captured by a gang of heavily armed pirates on January 1, 2011, on its way from Oman to Tanzania.Two of hostages were released for health reasons in October that year, with the rest freed the following month when a bag full of cash was parachuted from a plane.

Somalia roots for central system of governance

14 May- Source: Standard- 223 words

Somalia is pushing ahead with the formation of a central government against attempts by Kenya and Ethiopia to have a devolved system. According to IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly, the move threatens to derail the peace process in the horn of Africa as clans in the Jubba region — considered the country’s economic nerve centre — say the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) will have broken its promise to set up Jubbaland as an autonomous state in Somalia.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Social media campaign countering Somali extremist

14 May- Source: ABC News- 625 words

A new social media campaign has been launched to counter messages of extremism within the Australian Somali community. Religious leaders and youth workers have teamed up with the Community Relations Commission to send a positive message to young people who are struggling with a sense of belonging. Malik Osman, 24, who came to Australia when he was three, is leading the podcast project.

Two Sentenced in US for Supporting al Shabaab

14 May- Source: VOA- 210 words

A U.S. federal court has handed down prison terms for two men convicted of supporting Somali militant group al Shabaab. Forty-six-year-old Mahamud Sharif Omar was sentenced Tuesday to spend at least 20 years in prison on two separate jail terms to be served concurrently. Twenty-eight-year-old Kamal Said Hassan was sentenced to spend at least 10 years behind bars, also on two concurrent prison terms. Both men are residents of Minneapolis, a Midwestern U.S. city with a large Somali immigrant population.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“And it should be said that this happened in Somalia, but it was not Somalia that did this to us. These were gangsters. … It could have happened anywhere in the world. Now, it ended up happening in a place where the administrations don’t have a lot of power and so on, but this has not made us … have any bad feelings toward Somalia or definitely not Somalis.”

In Somalia, Surviving A Kidnapping Against ‘Impossible Odds’

14 May- Source: NPR-2189 Words

In 2011, Jessica Buchanan was an aid worker in northern Somalia, helping to raise awareness about how to avoid land mines. The north was the relatively safe section of the country; that October, she traveled to the more dangerous southern region for a training. The night before she left, she texted her husband, Erik Landemalm, also an aid worker in Somalia. She asked him a question: “If I get kidnapped on this trip, will you come and get me?”

May 14, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.

admin — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:28:50 +0000

Al Shabaab raids joint troops in Gof-Gadud

14 May – Source: Bar-kulan/Hiiraan Online – 143 words

At least 5 people were reported to have been killed and 10 others injured in heavy clashes between al Shabaab militant and Somali government troops backed by AMISOM forces on Monday in God-Gadud village, located at south-west Baidoa, capital of Bay region. Five killed, among them two civilians, while nine of the wounded ten are reported to be civilians as well.

Reports add that the clashes occurred after fighters of the al Qaeda-allied militant of al Shabaab ambushed bases of the Somali Federal Government troops and AU peacekeeping forces in Gof-Gadud village of Bay region.

Speaking to Bar-kulan, Somali government commander in Gof-Gadud Mohamud Mohamed Jirey stated that the joint troops of the Somali government troops and AMISOM forces resisted al Shabaab raid. This is not the first time al Shabaab militant attacks Gof-Gadud bases of the Somali government troops and AU peacekeeping forces in Gof-Gadud village.

Key Headlines

Al Shabaab raids joint troops in Gof-Gadud (Bar-kulan/Hiiraan Online)
Two people killed in Garowe Puntland (Radio Daljir/Al Shahid/Jowhar Online)
Germany arrests alleged Somali pirate accountant (AP)
Secure and stable situation reported from Lower Shebelle as AMISOM and Government troops conduct Operations (Radio Mustaqbal)
AMISOM convenes consultative meeting with Somalis in diaspora (Hiiraan Online)
Families fault State over KDF soldiers’ payout (Standard Media)
Al Shabaab says it killed over 3000 AMISOM forces in Mogadishu (Radio Mustaqbal/Radio Dalsan/Hiiraan Online/Raxanreeb)
Minnesota youths were sent to fight in Somalia (Star Tribune)
Floods in Somalia kill 7 displace thousands (Press TV)
Kenya to revive police reservists in Garissa to fight al Shabaab (Sabahi Online)

SOMALI MEDIA

Al Shabaab raids joint troops in Gof-Gadud

14 May – Source: Bar-kulan/Hiiraan Online – 143 words

Two people killed in Garowe , Puntland

14 May – Source: Radio Daljir/Al Shahid/Jowhar Online – 84 words

Two unidentified gunmen assassinated two civilians last night in Garowe, capital of Puntland state. Witnesses said the men armed with pistols shot dead civilians in Garowe town last night. The witnesses added that the gunmen fled immediately before Puntland security forces arrived at the scene. Reprts from Garowe confirmed that the security forces arrested number of people suspected in the incident.

Secure and stable situation reported from Lower Shebelle as AMISOM and Government troops conduct Operations

14 May – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 173 words

Somalia’s government forces backed by African Union Mission in Somalia(AMISOM) have conducted military operation in the last days in parts of Lower Shebelle region as the drivers expressed concerns over men dressed in uniform of Somali troops who waylay their vehicles.

The governor of Lower Shebelle region Abdikadir Nor Sidi said that the government forces and AMISOM conducted the joint operation targeted on the trouble-makers and robbers on the main roads in the region.

Mr. Sidi said the government forces are committed to maintain the security of the region and will also hunt those who commit crimes against the civilians. The road linking Mogadishu to Marka is reported to be safe and secure.

New health centre opened in Jowle IDP camps, Garowe

14 May – Source: Radio Ergo – 262 words

International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Puntland Ministry of Health have jointly opened the first health centre serving more than 7,000 internally displaced persons in camps at Jowle, just outside Garowe. Hussein Hassan, an IOM spokesperson, said: “We saw there was a great need for a health facility to provide essential primary health care in the camps. The centre will be run by seven health workers from the health ministry. This is part of a plan to reach all IDP centres in Puntland with health services.”

The health centre has an emergency section and a mother and children health care unit. Mohamed Abdiqani, chairman of Shabelle camp at Jowle, welcomed the new centre. “This is a good start, a development which we all wholeheartedly welcome, as we will no longer have to see mothers in labour and sick children having to be transported to town for medical attention, at times late in the night, and where transport means are hard to come by,” he said.

Saynab Ugas Yasin, the deputy minister of health, officially opened the new health centre, promising modern equipment and services for all IDPs. She urged the health workers to serve the people with sincerity, devotion, and as humanely as possible.

Al Shabaab says it killed over 3000 AMISOM forces in Mogadishu

14 May – Source: Radio Mustaqbal/Radio Dalsan/Hiiraan Online/Raxanreeb – 299 words

Al Shabaab, the anti-government element in Somalia, said it had killed over 300 soldiers in the capital during battles against AMISOM backing Somalia’s government troops. The spokesman of al Shabaab for the operation Sheikh Abdi-Aziz Abu Mus’ab speaking to their radio said that al Shabaab fighters killed over 3000 which UN reported in this week.

“We heard the number of UN, but it is far from the truth, we killed over that number of AMISOM troops during the battles against them in Mogadishu,” said the spokesman. The price paid by Uganda and other countries trying to pacify Somalia came into focus again last week, as the United Nations said that up to 3,000 peacekeepers had been killed in six years.

U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson told a news conference in New York that countries like Uganda, which has the largest contingent of soldiers, and Burundi, had paid heavily trying to control a country largely in the hands of Islamist al Shabaab terrorists. Uganda has about 7,000 troops in the Horn of Africa country.

AMISOM convenes consultative meeting with Somalis in diaspora

13 May – Source: Hiiraan Online – 316 words

A consultative meeting organized by AMISOM was held in London to enhance participation of the Somali diaspora in the reconstruction process of the country. James Gadin who organized this meeting said the aim of the conference is to engage with Somalis in London to listen their views and recommendations and provide more information about the country’s current situation.

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif opened the meeting and explained to to participants the role of AMISOM and the developments made since they started operating in Somalia.

He called all Somalis in the diaspora to play a positive role in the country and engage to the country’s rebuilding process. Participants raised questions, why AMISOM did not succeed to liberate all areas under al Shabaab control.

Somaliland VP meets with UK embassy officials in Ethiopia

13 May – Source: Somaliland Informer – 159 words

Somaliland Vice President Abdirahman Abdilahi Ismail who is currently in Addis Abab, Ethiopian capital city has held talks with UK embassy officials in Ethiopia on Monday.

The UK embassy officials in Addis Ababa were headed by Chris Allan, Deputy Head Mission and were accompanied by second secretary of the embassy. The two sides held deep and lengthy discussions that centered on deepening and strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

The VP thanked the UK government for the unwavering support that it provides to Somaliland. He pointed out that the two countries have long standing ties that existed for ages. The UK embassy officials said that UK remains ready to stand by the people of Somaliland and has hailed the talks that started for Somalia and Somaliland.

Refugees from Dadaab descend on Elwaq, Gedo region

13 May – Source: Radio Ergo – 221 words

Authorities in Gedo’s Elwaq district say 670 people have returned home to the area from the refugee camps in Dadaab, north eastern Kenya, since the start of the gu’ rains two months ago.

Elwaq assistant district commissioner, Sahel Malim Aden, told Radio Ergo that the movement home has stepped up, as nine vehicles carrying more than 240 families had arrived since the beginning of May. The returning families cited difficult conditions and insecurity as the main reasons for leaving Dadaab.

Amina Mahad, returning from Ifo camp, confirmed that insecurity had pushed her family to return to Gedo: “We were in Ifo refugee camp for the past three years, a family of nine, and we were initially among those displaced by drought and famine from this region. Widespread rape and insecurity are among the things which made us leave the refugee camp now,” she said. Amina said their main problems were lack of shelter, food, and medical treatment. She said they had not received any aid since returning to Gedo.

Somaliland opposition leader blamed for meeting with Somali President

13 May – Source: Raxanreeb/Universal TV/Somali Channel – 175 words

Somaliland Information Minister Abib Diriye has blamed senior opposition leader for holding secret meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud last week in UK, RBC Radio reports. Feysal Ali Warabe, the chairman of UCID, the biggest opposition party in Somaliland, a breakaway northern Somalia region has reportedly met with Somalia’s Federal Government ministers in Birmingham, UK during last week after the conclusion of the international conference on Somalia future hosted by the UK Prime Minister David Cameron.

“We condemn and see s unfortunate meeting between Feysal Ali Warabe and Somali government officials, such meeting is against the independence of Somaliland.” said the region’s information minister Abib Diriye in a press conference in Hargeisa on Monday.

The minister noted that they did not know the motive behind such meeting in UK while he said Somaliland has made clear its position towards joining Somalia and its political process. Somaliland, which declared its breakaway from Somalia in 1991 boycotted to attend the London conference in Somalia which the world leaders pledged billion of dollars to rebuild post-war Somalia.

Xagla-Tosiye dismiss resignation allegations

13 May – Source: Bar-kulan – 111 words

Somaliland Minister of Resettlement and Rehabilitation Saleban Isse Ahmed (Xagla-Tosiye) has dismissed allegations suggesting his resignation from the ministry.

Speaking to reporters in Hargeysa on his return from Djibouti, Xagla-tosiye said that he has been in to Djibouti for work supposes and some of the news reported by the Somaliland media regarding my resignation is baseless.

Saleban Isse Ahmed, Somaliland Minister of Resettlement and Rehabilitation also stated that there is no dispute between him and Somaliland president Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo. Some of the Somaliland media stations in Hargeysa had been reporting that the dispute between the minister and Somaliland president has emerged and he is on the verge to resign.

Council of Ministers pass Puntland Constitutional Court Law

13 May – Source: Garowe Online – 131 words

The Council of Ministers in Puntland government of northern Somalia passed the state’s first-ever law establishing the Constitutional Court, in a move that advances the ongoing democratization process in Puntland, Garowe Online reports.

The Council of Ministers convened for their weekly Monday meeting, with Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole chairing the meeting at State House in Garowe, capital of Puntland. The government’s legal team presented the Constitutional Court Law, with the Ministers discussing the new law, government sources tell Garowe Online.

The new Constitutional Court will consist of the five Supreme Court judges, who are presently in office, combined with four new qualified judges selected from civil society in Puntland. Once the Constitutional Court Law is passed, the new judges will appointed within 30 days, according to the new draft law.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Families fault State over KDF soldiers’ payout

14 May – Source: Standard Media – 284 words

Families of soldiers who died in the line of duty during the recent Operation Linda Nchi in Somalia claim the Government has ‘forgotten’ them. They say the compensation for their loved ones killed in action during the operation by the Kenya Defence Forces has taken too long, despite assurance from senior military officials that they would be assisted to move on with lives.

Kenya to revive police reservists in Garissa to fight al Shabaab

13 May – Source: Sabahi Online – 734 words

The Kenyan government is planning to revive the Kenya Police Reserve (KPR), a programme to train and arm a civilian corps, to help fight al Shabaab militants from within the local community in Garissa.

Garissa has borne the brunt of al Shabaab’s attacks in Kenya after the Kenya Defence Forces sent troops into Somalia in October 2011. Led by Police Inspector General David Kimaiyo and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Mutea Iringo, the National Advisory Security Committee has been investigating a series of such attacks in April.

During a meeting on April 20th, the committee recommended engaging citizens in urban Garissa for anti-terrorism operations. The KPR was formed in 1948 to assist the police in maintaining law and order across Kenya.

Piracy declines off Somali coast

13 May – Source: Al Jazeera – 02:33 min

For years, Somali pirates used to hold shipping to ransom. Companies were forced to run convoys through the Gulf of Aden, and into the Indian ocean. But it has now been one year since they last hijacked a ship off the Horn of Africa, and the Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon thinks a solution to the piracy problem has been found. Al Jazeera’s Peter Greste reports from off the coast of Mogadishu.

Al Shabaab recruiting youth online

12 May – Source: Star News – 110 words

The Somali and Kenyan youth have been cautioned against being recruited to the al Shabbab terror group through the social media. Speaking at a social media forum that brought together Kenya and Somali youth at Laico Regency Hotel in Nairobi yesterday, Somali Ambasador to Senegal Mohamed Hussein Owliyo and Somali’s former director of National Security Intelligence Ahmed Moalim said terror groups like al Shabbab have shifted to recruiting youth through social media.

“They can send you a friend request on Facebook, follow you on twitter and get to know more about you. The information you post on twitter or Facebook is never safe,” Owliyo said.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Floods in Somalia kill 7, displace thousands

14 May – Source: Press TV – 230 words

Floods in many parts of Somalia have claimed the lives of seven children and displaced thousands others according to figures released by the UN humanitarian office for Somalia (OCHA).

The UN has listed the towns of Baidoa, Jowhar, Miido areas of southern Somalia as the worst affected by the recent floods. Other areas which have also been affected include Wanlaweyn in Lower Shabelle, Hudun district in Sool and Dharoor in Sanaag as well as Abudwaq in the Galgadud region of central Somalia.

Safety concern posed by stagnant water in some of the affected regions was also raised. The UN warned of major health risks, including increased incidents of cholera, diarrhoea and malaria.

Minnesota youths were sent to fight in Somalia

13 May – Source: Star Tribune – 543 words

Two men were sent to prison Monday for their key roles in what prosecutors said was a terrorist “pipeline” to send young men to fight in the Somali civil war. Muhamud Said Omar, 46, a janitor at a Minneapolis mosque, who was convicted in 2012 of aiding foreign terrorism, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors had asked for 50 years.

Kamal Said Hassan, 28, also of Minneapolis, who pleaded guilty in 2009 to aiding terrorism and lying to the FBI, was sentenced to 10 years. He could have received up to 38 years, but prosecutors cited his extensive cooperation which helped them win other convictions.

The sentences cap a federal investigation lasting more than four years. Authorities sought to shut down a recruiting effort that lured more than 20 young men to Somalia, several of whom died fighting or in suicide bombings.

Germany arrests alleged Somali pirate accountant

13 May – Source: AP – 158 words

German police arrested a man who allegedly acted as an accountant for Somali pirates blamed for the hijacking of an oil tanker in 2010, authorities said Monday. The man, who was identified only by the initial ‘M’, was arrested Wednesday at a center for asylum seekers in the central city of Giessen, Lower Saxony state police said in a statement.

“According to initial investigations he was responsible for the seized ship’s food supply as well as the bookkeeping, which formed the basis for distributing the ransom money to the pirates involved,” police said, adding that the man had made a partial confession.

A court has ordered him held pending an indictment on charges of kidnapping and serious bodily harm, which can carry a prison sentence of five to 15 years. Police said the man’s fingerprints were found on the Marida Marguerite, a German-operated tanker carrying $10 million worth of fuel when it was hijacked in early May 2010.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“Somalia needs aid, support, and lots of both. To build a strong and secure Somalia, donors must treat Somalia as a viable and developing state, not as a charity case.”

Donors must invest in Somalia’s future

14 May – Source: The National – 376 Words

Somalia has long been synonymous with suffering. A combination of civil war and famine has, over the last few decades, displaced more than a million people and robbed generations of a healthy future. Women have paid a disproportionate price – sexually assaulted in horrific numbers. But there have been many other victims as well. Finally, after being seemingly forgotten by the international community, Somalia is once again at the top of the global development agenda. And the UAE is helping to keep it there.

The UAE is among the 50 countries and organisations that gathered in Somalia Conference 2013 held in London in support for the government as it works to reform and build political stability. Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, the UAE Minister of Development and International Co-operation, announced the country’s pledge of Dh183 million for peacekeeping missions. This came after a recent agreement with the UK to provide Dh11.6 million in funding to help Somalia fight sexual violence.

There are many questions that need to be asked here. For one, how well equipped is the Somali government to administer this tranche of cash? Can the administration of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud efficiently use it to improve security, bolster the economy, get people working, protect women and rebuild a shattered nation?

“Conventional wisdom in Mogadishu towards the London Conference was that Somalia’s problems have now become a global concern and its future agenda are now taken seriously into major Western cities.”

Can Britain fix Somalia?

13 May – Source: African Arguments – 862 Words

Last week, Somalia’s donors and international partners came together in London to lay down the foundations of post-transitional government in the country. The London gathering, which brought together over 50 heads of state and hundreds of international organizations, marked a new and unprecedented level of involvement by the international community in the country.

In his opening remarks, Prime Minister David Cameron said in the clearest terms that Somalia matters to UK (and the international community at large) as young Somali minds remain at risk of being poisoned by the propaganda of al Shabaab, going on to export terrorism and extremism beyond Somalia’s borders.

He adds “anyone who thinks this isn’t a priority…I’d say look what we’ve done in the past and look where it has got us – terrorism and mass migration”. He went on to say “we made that mistake not in the Horn of Africa, but Afghanistan”. The UK has two primary national interests in Somalia: that the country never becomes a haven for terrorists operating against UK interests and that the perpetual chaos does not precipitate another wave of mass migration to the UK.

In pursuit of these two interests it has reopened its embassy in Mogadishu – the first Western embassy to relocate there since the civil war, has hosted two major conferences on Somalia in London in the past year and pledged millions of dollars to the reconstruction of the country.

More importantly, the new UNSRG is a veteran British diplomat and will spearhead one the biggest UN-integrated missions in the country. The strategic objective for this mission is, according to the resolution, to help Somalia build on political gains made over the past year and support the government’s core policy priorities.

Top tweets

@OCHASom 500K children reached with vaccines in southern #Somalia 4 the 1st time in 4 yrs. 500K remain not vaccinated http://bit.ly/18HjNIW @WHOsom.

@KatrinaManson #Galmudug President Qeybdiid signed away an oil block: “We are not feeling any guilt for this kind of thing” #Somalia http://on.ft.com/12ptVCv.

@stephenmachua East Africa bore the economic and social burden in restoration of stability of #Somalia Says @UKenyatta in #AfricaLeadershipDialogues.

@JuniorDirie #Somalia International trade will be an effective one soon as Piracy declines off Somali coast http://aje.me/15ADGTb via @AJEnglish.

‏@UNPOSomalia #UNSG: #UNSOM will support efforts of the #Somali Government to strengthen police, justice & corrections http://bit.ly/13UnKqt @UN_DPA.

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Image of the day

Over 200 kilos of unexploded ordnances (UXOs), captured from al-Shabaab militants, are destroyed outside of Mogadishu at a safe location. Photo: Daily Nation.

May 14, 2013 | Morning Headlines.

admin — Tue, 14 May 2013 07:00:58 +0000

Somali gov’t to take control of Somalia airspace end of year

13 May – Source: Raxanreeb/Shabelle/Radio Kulmiye – 199 words

Somali government has announced on Sunday that it is preparing to take over the control of its airspace by the end of this year, The Minister of Information, Posts, Telecommunications and Transportation said. The minister and other government officials met on Sunday in Mogadishu with officials from the United Nations Development Program and representatives from Civil Aviation Caretaker Authority of Somalia (CACAS) based in Nairobi. The meeting officially declared transfer supervision of the country’s airspace to Somalia federal government in Mogadishu. “We have agreed that the federal government of Somalia to be prepared to take over its responsibilities of the control of its airspace by 31st December 2013,” Abdullahi Elmoge Hersi told reporters in Mogadishu after the Sunday’s meeting.

Key Headlines

Somali gov’t to take control of Somalia airspace end of year ( Raxanreeb/Shabelle/Radio Kulmiye)
Joint troops remove mine planted on Jowhar Bridge (Bar-kulan)
Parents of al Shabaab commanders detained by Somaliland Authorities (Shabelle)
Mogadishu mayor speaks over land dispute saga (Bar-kulan)
Riots In Burao Civilan Casualties & Situation Still Volatile (Qarannews/Garowe Online)
World Bank: Viable Somali State Needed to End Piracy (Al Shahid)
Somalia: Oil thrown on the fire (Financial Times)

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali gov’t to take control of Somalia airspace end of year

13 May – Source: Raxanreeb/Shabelle/Radio Kulmiye – 199 words

Joint troops remove mine planted on Jowhar Bridge

13 May – Source: Bar-kulan – 94 words

The Somali government troops and AU peacekeeping forces have together successfully removed a landmine which had been planted on Abshir Ali Gure bridge in Jowhar town of Lower Shabelle region in Southern Somalia today. A senior security official of the Somali government told Bar-kulan that the troops removed the mine after one of the local residents informed the government troops that a mine had been planted on the bridge. The official accused al Shabaab insurgents of being behind this terror attempt, adding that they aimed to harm the innocent residents who use the bridge.

Parents of al Shabaab commanders detained by Somaliland Authorities

13 May – Source: Shabelle – 54 words

The Somaliland administration have detained the parents of two al Shabaab top commanders. Reports from Hargeisa confirm that the parents of Ahmed Abdi Godane and Ibrahim Afghan have been jailed by Somaliland authorities. Anti-terror police and CID police arrested the parents of the two militant leaders and asked them about the whereabouts of their sons.

Mogadishu mayor speaks over land dispute saga

13 May – Source: Bar-kulan – 117 words

Banadir region governor who is also the Mogadishu mayor Mohamud Ahmed Nur (Tarsan) has warned Banadir law court from handling cases concerning disputed land in the capital without the notice of the Banadir region administration. Speaking at the event in London, Mogadishu mayor indicated that a committee on disputed land has been appointed to handle such cases. Tarsan stated that the appointed committee for the disputed land will ensure that everyone claiming to own land in the capital has to submit the legal document showing this ownership of that particular land. Adding that the after cases are handled by the committee then it will forward the outcome of what they have viewed to the Banadir law court.

Riots In Burao, Civilan Casualties & Situation Still Volatile

13 May – Source: Qaran News/Garowe Online/Bar-kulan – 124 words

A demonstration which began in front of the Burao municipal offices has turned deadly when members of the Somaliland Police’s Rapid Response Unit (RRU) began to use live ammunition to disperse the crowd resulting in the death of a young man sitting at a nearby cafe. The administration of President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud “Silaanyo” has been quick to use lethal force in dealing with demonstration and this is not a first time that civilian casualties have occurred as a result of this heavy handed response. According to our reporters in the city, the situation became even more volatile when word spread of the killing of the young man by ammunition from the RRU unit and subsequently the demonstration took a turn for the worse.

REGIONAL MEDIA

World Bank: Viable Somali State Needed to End Piracy

13 May – Source: Al Shahid – 161 words

The World Bank says the only way to end piracy off Somalia’s coast is to create a viable Somali state. In a report Thursday, the World Bank says delivering essential services to the entire country, reducing poverty, and creating opportunity are keys to ending the problem. The report notes Somali pirates have pulled in an average of more than $50 million per year in ransom payments since 2005. Pirate activity has dropped sharply over the past two years but the report says it continues to affect the economies of neighboring countries – particularly in the areas of tourism and fishing exports. The report says current anti-piracy measures such as international naval patrols and armed guards on ship are costly and may not be sustainable. The report notes that Somali pirates rely heavily on onshore support from government officials, business people, clan elders, militias and local communities in order to secure regular access to the coast where they keep their hijacked ships.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somalia: Oil thrown on the fire

13 May – Source: Financial Times – 180 words

After an absence of more than 30 years, Abdirizak Omar Mohamed has returned to Somalia, the country of his birth. Last year he gave up his job as a civil servant in the housing sector in Canada to take up a position as one of only 10 ministers in Mogadishu’s new, slimline cabinet. As minister for natural resources in a dysfunctional country divided by a continuing war, he has to oversee a bulging portfolio that includes water, agriculture, the environment and livestock. As if that were not enough, his brief now also includes hydrocarbons just as Somalia – and east Africa more broadly – has become one of the most attractive frontiers in oil exploration for leading companies such as Royal Dutch Shell and ConocoPhillips. “The president and I have discussions every day about oil,” says Mr Mohamed in his office that looks out at the Indian Ocean across the tumbledown city of Mogadishu. Late last year, Somalia caught the attention of foreign oil companies by announcing it intended to auction some of 308 newly delineated oil blocks this year.

Rapes on rise in Somaliland, say medical officials

13 May – Source: AP – 219 words

An upsurge of gang rapes has hit the breakaway region of Somaliland – a normally peaceful enclave considered by many to be a sanctuary from Somalia’s decades of violence. Knife-wielding young men follow women along the dusty streets of Hargeisa, the capital of the region, dragging them inside buildings to rape and rob them. Children are among the victims. At least 84 women have been raped since the beginning of this year, according to rights activists and medical officials. “This year is more terrifying than last year when we were barely receiving two or three in each month. This year we are seeing a new victim for every day,” said a nurse at a hospital in Hargeisa. She insisted on anonymity because she is not authorized to release the details. “It’s rampant and victims are being attacked at homes, streets or anywhere now,” she said. The northern region of Somaliland declared independence from the rest of Somalia in 1960, but it has not won international recognition as an independent state. Having escaped decades of conflict in Somalia, Somaliland employs its own security and police forces, justice system and currency.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“Turkey has won respect among Somalis for its bold humanitarian efforts – respect it hopes will translate into economic opportunity. In the newest scramble for Africa, Turkey is playing to its strengths, and unsettling its rivals.”

Somalia: ‘The Tears of Somalia’: Turkey’s ‘Moral’ Foreign Policy

13 May – Source: All Africa – 3183 Words

‘The tears that are now running from Somalia’s golden sands into the Indian Ocean must stop’ declared Recep Tayyip Erdogan in 2011, following a highly charged visit to Mogadishu at the height of the 2011 Somali Famine. The Turkish Prime Minister had arrived to a rock star’s welcome in the Somali capital – at every stop his motorcade was greeted by crowds shouting ‘Soo dhawoow Turkey’ (Welcome Turkey). Turkish flags adorned the city, and mothers promised to name their sons ‘Tayyip’ and their daughters ‘Istanbul’. Erdogan was the first non-African premier to visit Somalia in twenty years.