February 24, 2012 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Clinton, Cameron rule out air strikes against terrorist forces in Somalia

24 Feb – Source:Xinhua – 340 words

Targeted air strikes against terrorist forces in Somalia was “not a good idea,” U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said here on Thursday.

“I am not a military strategist but I think I know enough to say that air strikes would not be a good idea,” said Clinton, who is in London for a one-day conference on Somalia.
“And we have absolutely no reason to believe anyone, certainly not the United States, is considering that,” she told reporters.

Key Headlines

London Conference on Somalia: Communique (Soure: Foreign and Commonwealth office)
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s speech to the London Conference on Somalia on 23 February(Source: Foreign and Commonwealth office)
London conference on Somalia kicks off in Central London (Source: Radio Bar-kulan)
Clinton Cameron rule out air strikes against terrorist forces in Somalia (Source:Xinhua)
Cameron warns the world can’t ignore Somalia as plan is drawn up to send aircraft carrier to tackle pirates and terrorists ( Source: Daily Mail)
Al Shabaab commanders flee towards Yemen (Source: Radio Bar-Kulan)
Act now or ‘pay the price’ Somalia meeting told (Source: The Star News)

PRESS STATEMENT

London Conference on Somalia: Communique

23 Feb- Soure: Foreign and Commonwealth office-1980 words
Full text of the Communique from the London Conference on Somalia at Lancaster House on 23 February.

1. The London Conference on Somalia took place at Lancaster House on 23rd February 2012, attended by fifty-five delegations from Somalia and the international community.

2. We met at a key moment in Somalia’s history. Somalia is emerging from the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. African and Somali troops have pushed Al Shabaab out of Mogadishu and other areas. The transitional institutions come to an end in August 2012, and the people of Somalia want clarity on what will follow. The situation remains precarious, and in urgent need of support from the international community.

3. Decisions on Somalia’s future rest with the Somali people. The Somali political leadership must be accountable to the people. The international community’s role is to facilitate Somalia’s progress and development: our strength is in unity and coordinated support to Somalia. We noted the importance of listening to and working with Somalis inside and outside Somalia, and welcomed their engagement in the run-up to this Conference.

4. The Conference focussed on the underlying causes of instability, as well as the symptoms (famine, refugees, piracy, and terrorism). We, the international community, agreed: to inject new momentum into the political process; to strengthen AMISOM and help Somalia develop its own security forces; to help build stability at local level; and to step up action to tackle pirates and terrorists.
Political
5. We agreed that the Transitional Federal Institutions’ mandate ends in August 2012. There must be no further extensions. We welcomed the agreements that chart the way towards more representative government: the Transitional Federal Charter, the Djibouti Agreement, the Kampala Accord, and the Roadmap. We welcomed the progress represented by the Garowe Principles, endorsed the priority of convening a Constituent Assembly, and emphasised that the Assembly must be representative of the views of the Somali people of all regions and constituencies, and that women must be part of the political process. In line with Garowe II, we agreed to incentivise progress and act against spoilers to the peace process, and that we would consider proposals in this regard before the Istanbul Conference in June.
6. The Conference recognised the need for the international community to support any dialogue that Somaliland and the TFG or its replacement may agree to establish in order to clarify their future relations.

7. We condemned terrorism and violent extremism, whether perpetrated by Somalis or foreigners. We called on all those willing to reject violence to join the Djibouti peace process. We agreed to develop a defectors’ programme to support those who leave armed groups.
8. We emphasised the urgency of Somalia funding its own public services, and using its assets for the benefit of the people, as well as tackling corruption. We welcomed the progress that has been made in establishing a Joint Financial Management Board to increase transparency and accountability in the collection and efficient use of public revenues, as well as international development aid, and which will help strengthen Somali public financial management institutions. A declaration by the initial members of the JFMB is at Annex A.
9. Respect for human rights must be at the heart of the peace process. We called for action to address in particular the grave human rights violations and abuses that women and children face. We emphasised that journalists must be able to operate freely and without fear. Civilians must be protected. We called on the Somali authorities to take measures to uphold human rights and end the culture of impunity. We agreed to step up international efforts including through the UN human rights architecture.
Security and Justice.
10. We agreed that security and justice were essential both to a successful political process and to development. Better security could only be achieved sustainably in parallel with better justice and the rule of law.
11. We expressed gratitude to those countries whose troops had served as peacekeepers and paid tribute to the achievements and sacrifices of AMISOM and other forces. We welcomed joint planning by the UN and African Union and reiterated the importance of effective command and control. We welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2036, which expands AMISOM’s mandate and raises the troop ceiling. We encouraged AMISOM to ensure the protection of civilians. We encouraged partners, especially new donors, to contribute to funding for AMISOM, including through the EU.
12. We agreed that, over time, Somalis should take over responsibility for providing their own security and develop their own justice systems to deal with the threats to their security and improve access to justice. We noted that Somalis themselves must decide what security and justice arrangements they need.

13. We acknowledged the good work underway in supporting the Somali security and justice sectors. We agreed that we would build an international framework of partners in order to bring much needed coordination and focus to those efforts, underpinned by a set of principles at annex B, and working closely with the UN’s Joint Security Committee.
Piracy

14. We reiterated our determination to eradicate piracy, noting that the problem requires a comprehensive approach on land as well as at sea. We expressed our concern that hostages in Somalia are being held longer and with more use of violence. We welcomed the work of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia. We also welcomed the success of international military efforts, and remain committed to such efforts with robust rules of engagement and sufficient force generation. We agreed that piracy cannot be solved by military means alone, and reiterated the importance of supporting communities to tackle the underlying causes of piracy, and improving the effective use of Somali coastal waters through regional maritime capacity-building measures. We welcomed those initiatives underway and agreed to coordinate and support such initiatives better. We called for full implementation of the Djibouti Code of Conduct and the adoption of an Exclusive Economic Zone. We look forward to reviewing progress including at the Piracy Conference in the UAE in June.
15. We welcomed the efforts of partners in industry against piracy, and called for greater take-up of Best Management Practice on ships. We welcomed current work on international guidance on the use of private armed security companies.
16. There will be no impunity for piracy. We called for greater development of judicial capacity to prosecute and detain those behind piracy both in Somalia and in the wider region and recognised the need to strengthen capacity in regional states. We welcomed new arrangements, which enable some states and naval operations to transfer suspected pirates captured at sea for trial by partners across the Indian Ocean region, and if convicted, to transfer them to prisons in Puntland and Somaliland which meet international standards. We noted the intention to consider further the possibility of creating courts in Somalia specialised in dealing with piracy.
17. We reiterated our determination to prosecute the kingpins of piracy. Recognising work already undertaken, we agreed to enhance coordination on illegal financial flows and to coordinate intelligence gathering and investigations. We noted the establishment of a Regional Anti-Piracy Prosecutions Intelligence Coordination Centre in the Seychelles.
Terrorism
18. Terrorism poses a serious threat to security in Somalia itself, to the region, and internationally. It has inflicted great suffering on the Somali population. We agreed to work together with greater determination, and with full respect for the rule of law, human rights, and international humanitarian law, to build capacity to disrupt terrorism in the region, and to address the root causes of terrorism. We agreed on the importance of disrupting terrorists’ travel to and from Somalia, and on the importance of disrupting terrorist finances, and called on countries in the region to implement the Financial Action Task Force’s recommendations on combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism. We noted that effective intelligence gathering and investigation, and support to the Somali criminal justice system, were critical to the fight against terrorism. We agreed to work with the Global Counter Terrorism Forum and other international and regional bodies to deliver this important work.

Stability and Recovery
19. We welcomed the success in some areas of Somalia in establishing local areas of stability, and agreed to increase support to build legitimate and peaceful authorities, and improve services to people living in these areas. We acknowledged the importance of creating the conditions inside Somalia for durable solutions for the displaced, that respect international laws. We agreed that such efforts should promote local and regional cohesion, and converge with the national political process.
20. We considered the implementation of the Mogadishu Recovery and Stabilisation Plan important. We agreed to expand programmes to newly-recovered areas. We would focus support on enabling the delivery of immediate and sustainable benefits to ordinary Somali people: safety and security, economic opportunities and basic services. We would promote effective and accountable local administrations, and support the resolution of disputes.

21. We agreed that all support to local areas of stability should be in accordance with the New Deal for engagement in fragile states recently adopted in Busan, and build on the stabilisation strategies prepared by both IGAD and the Transitional Federal Government. We endorsed a set of principles to guide international support to local areas of stability in Somalia (Annex C). We agreed to continue funding local stability through existing programmes, and noted the establishment of a new Stability Fund to which a number of us will contribute .
22. We agreed that Somalia’s long-term reconstruction and economic development depended on a vibrant private sector, and that both aid and diaspora finance could develop Somalia’s considerable potential in livestock, fisheries and other sectors. We noted that stability was a prerequisite for most sustainable investments in infrastructure such as electricity, roads and water systems. We looked forward to further discussion on all these issues at the Istanbul Conference.
Humanitarian
23. The Conference was preceded by a separate meeting on humanitarian issues co-chaired by the United Nations and the United Arab Emirates. Notwithstanding the end of the famine, participants expressed concern at the ongoing humanitarian crisis, and committed to providing humanitarian aid based solely on need. They agreed a set of conclusions on humanitarian issuesand linking relief with longer-term recovery.
International coordination

24. We agreed to carry forward work agreed at London through the International Contact Group on Somalia (ICG), and welcomed the ICG’s decision in Djibouti to look at restructuring to become more effective. We recommended that the ICG establish working groups on the political process, security and justice, and stability and development. We noted that, within the ICG, a core group of engaged countries would drive progress in support of UN, AU and IGAD efforts.
25. We welcomed the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) in facilitating progress in Somalia. We also welcomed the role of IGAD and the African Union, and the support of the League of Arab States, the European Union, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. We encouraged effective coordination between UN entities working on Somalia. While recognising the still challenging security situation in Somalia, we welcomed UNPOS’ relocation to Mogadishu and agreed that we would aim to spend more time on the ground in Somalia in order to work more closely with Somalis on the challenging tasks ahead.
Conclusion
26. We expressed the hope that a new era of Somali politics, supported by the international community, will bring peace to Somalia. We are determined to place the interests of the Somali people at the heart of all our actions. We looked forward to the day when the situation in Somalia would have made sufficient progress for an international conference to be held there. In the meantime, we will redouble our efforts to support the people of Somalia in their search for a better future for their country.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s speech to the London Conference on Somalia on 23 February

23 Feb- Source: Foreign and Commonwealth office -1075 words

Thank you, Prime Minister Cameron, for bringing us here at this critical moment and your leadership.

We have opened a space for peace and stability in Somalia.
It is a small space – but it presents an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.

An opportunity to help the people of Somalia … and end the threats and instability that breed there.

An opportunity to realize the vision of a productive and peaceful Somalia.

Today I call for steps to improve security … advance the political process … and step up assistance for recovery, reconstruction and development.

I visited Mogadishu last December.

I saw the damage and danger. But I also saw the promise and potential of Somalia.

In Dadaab, Kenya … at the world’s biggest refugee camp … I spoke to Somalis who have lived through war and famine. They asked: does the world even care?

We must answer with a resounding answer yes.

After a seventeen-year absence, the UN Political Office for Somalia, UNPOS, returned to Mogadishu. The United Nations is now closer and more accessible to ordinary citizens, activists, journalists and businesspeople.

Thanks to the AMISOM troops, we can see a new horizon where the insurgency gets weaker … the peace progress gets stronger … and the TFG’s authority expands.

But these remarkable gains came at a high price. I pay tribute to the memory of those very courageous and brave soldiers who gave their lives for peace in Somalia.

The real tribute now is to support the troops.

I welcome yesterday’s adoption of a new Security Council resolution authorizing the full recommended troop strength including enablers, force multipliers and sound financial support…………..

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali leader, others address London conference; stress need to restore security

23 Feb- Source: Radio Shabelle, Risaala- 153 words

The London conference on Somalia, organized by the UK government, continues at Lancaster House in London. More than 40 countries attended the conference. British Prime Minister David Cameron opened the meeting. In a long speech, the premier spoke about Somali affairs and how to resolve problems affecting the country. Mr Cameron said the political solution [for Somalia] depends on trust.

London conference on Somalia kicks off in Central London
23 Feb – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 762 words
The highly awaited London Conference on Somalia has just kicked off in central London. The meeting hosted by the British Prime Minister David Cameron is aimed at pulling together international efforts to stabilise Somalia after two decades of anarchy.
The conference will also focus on finding peace and ending threats of terrorism and piracy in the Horn of African country. During the conference, world leaders will discuss ways to combat terrorism, piracy and ways set up a sound financial footing for the African Union Force in Somalia.
Al Shabaab commanders flee towards Yemen
23 Feb – Source: Shabelle – 140 words

Reports from southern Somalia says that close to 100 members of the militant group al Shabaab streamed out of the port town of Kismayu, directing towards Yemen, a sign the militant group is under increasing pressure. Residents say at least three speed boats have docked at the port of Kismayu on Wednesday alone to carry 100 militants — mostly foreign fighters — fleeing to Yemen, only weeks after the al Shabaab and Al-Qaeda announced their merger.

TFG, Ethiopian troops conduct security operation in Baidoa

23 Feb – Source: Radio Bar-Kulan – 168 words

Somali and Ethiopian forces in South-west city of Baidoa are reportedly conducting security operation in the city which has fallen into their hands on Wednesday. Reports say the operation started after a landmine exploded in an area called Afar-Irdod, targeting Ethiopian troops. There is no official Somali government comment regarding the operation.

15 al Shabaab fighters killed in battle, a governor says

23 Feb – Source: Shabelle – 183 words

At least 15 al Shabaab fighters were killed more than that number has been injured in a heavy fighting took place in southernSomalia region, an official says on Thursday. The battle broke out between Al-Qaeda linked al Shabaab militants and Somali government soldiers backing by Ethiopian troops on the outskirts of Hudur district, the capital of Bakol province of southern Somalia, killing 15 militants, according to a TFG official.

Al Shabaab withdraws from Hudur

23 Feb- Source: Somalia Report- 41 words

Somalia’s al Shabaab insurgent group have deserted six other districts and villages in Bay and Bakool regions over the last 24 hours, after Transitional Federal Government forces backed by Ethiopian troops seized the strategic southern town of Baidoa on Wednesday afternoon.

Hillary Clinton: Time to buckle down in Somalia

23 Feb- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 283 words

The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said the international community will not extend Somalia’s Transitional Government’s mandate after the August deadline. The Secretary of State was speaking at the opening of the Somali conference in London where world leaders were discussing on finding peace and ending threats of terrorism and piracy. “Time is of the asset, and I want to be clearer, the international community will not support an extension of the TFG’s mandate beyond the date said in the roadmap-August 20th”, said Clinton.

Section of Somali MPs set early presidential poll date as London talks continue

23 Feb- Source: Radio Shabelle-140 words

A section of Somali members of parliament have agreed on the date of the [next] presidential election following a meeting at Parliament Building in Mogadishu. MPs have been debating early presidential election in the past few days.

MP Madobe Nunow Muhammad, elected Speaker by rebel MPs, chaired today’s session where lawmakers agreed on the date of the presidential election to be 30 April [2012]. Voting was done by hand count.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Kibaki wants resolute Somalia action

23 Feb- Source: Daily Nation- 408 words

President Kibaki has called for resolute international efforts in dealing with the security and humanitarian crisis in Somalia.

Speaking Thursday during the London Conference on Somalia at Lancaster House, President Kibaki said a new and more dangerous theatre for terrorist action has emerged in Somalia following the involvement of Al-Qaeda elements in the Al-Shabaab insurgency.

He said Kenya had recently arrested a number of foreign fighters within the Al Shabaab and this made it clear that the militia were part of Al-Qaeda international terrorist network.

Six Kenyan al Shabaab fighters arrested

23 Feb- Source: the Standard- 222 words

Six Kenyan Al Shabaab fighters were arrested on Wednesday night as they attempted to sneak into the country, the Kenya Military Spokesman, Major Emmanuel Chirchir says.

In a message posted on his twitter account, Major Chirchir said the six are under police custody at Kiunga Police Station, Lamu District.

Kenya and Somali government troops are currently carrying out a joint military offensive against the Al-Qaeda linked movement.

President Kibaki lauds international efforts on Somalia crisis

23 Feb- Source: the Standard- 388 words

President Kibaki has lauded the efforts of United Nations Security Council towards strengthening the operations of the African Union Mission in Somalia.

“Kenya welcomes the United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 2036 of 2012 that has reviewed theAMISOM future operations in Somalia, as recommended by the African Union,” said President Kibaki.

The President, however, noted that the resolution does not provide for a maritime component, which is critical to the eventual success of the campaign in Somalia, as well as the fight against piracy and international terrorism.

UAE pledges $2m to aid efforts for Somalia

23 Feb- Source: Gulf News- 163 words

The UAE is proud to support the new Local Stability Fund (for Somalia), through a commitment of $2 million (Dh7.34 million) for its initial operating year, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Foreign Minister, told an international conference on Somalia here on Thursday.

Kenya positive on getting UN nod to join AMISOM

23 Feb- Source: the Star- 400 words

THE government was yesterday confident of obtainingthe United Nations nod to join the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia ahead of theSecurity Council vote on a draft resolution authorising an increase of troops in the warn-torn country. Kenya had requested for its troops, currently insideSomalia in pursuit of the al-Qaeda linked militia al Shabaab, to joinAMISOM. The vote at 7pm Kenyan time during the6718th and 6719th meetings of the council yesterday came ahead of aninternational conference on Somalia in London that begins today.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Cameron warns the world can’t ignore Somalia as plan is drawn up to send aircraft carrier to tackle pirates and terrorists

23 Feb- Source: Daily Mail- 652 words

David Cameron has warned the world will ‘pay a price’ if it ignores the plight of Somalia as Britain draws up plans to fight pirates and terrorists there.

The Prime Minister said today it was in the interests of the international community to help restore stability after two decades of turmoil.

Opening an international conference in London on the crisis-stricken east African state, he said: ‘These problems in Somalia don’t just affect Somalia. They affect us all.’

Have 60 al Qaeda Brits got the London Olympics in their sights?

Feb 24 – The Sun – 600 words

Here, an award-winning foreign correspondent writes for The Sun from the deadly heart of capital Mogadishu – the most dangerous city on Earth – where he finds a radicalised terror group intent on exporting bomb-making expertise to Britain.

The bullet-riddled figure of Jesus stares down sadly on Mogadishu from the bombed shell of the city’s long abandoned Catholic cathedral.

Act now or ‘pay the price,’ Somalia meeting told

23 Feb – Source: The Star News ( Canada) – 877 words

World leaders ended a much-hyped international conference Thursday by vowing to help Somalia establish a democratic government after 20 years of lurching from one crisis to another.

Just how that will be accomplished in the highly complex country remained uncertain, but given the low profile here of Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, it’s clear Canada will not be taking a leading role.

Nations demand progress in Somalia

23 Feb – Source: Washington Times – 401 words

World leaders pledged new help to Somalia to tackle terrorism and piracy but insisted Thursday that the troubled East African nation must quickly install a permanent government.

They also threatened penalties against those who hamper political progress.

British Prime Minister David Cameron, speaking after the one-day summit, said he hoped the conference would be a “turning point in achieving stability, greater security and greater prosperity for Somalia, for the region and for the world.”

Military pressure eroding Somali Islamist rebels

23 Feb- Source: AFP- 640 words

Military pressure by Horn of Africa countries is slowly dismantling Somalia’s Al-Qaeda-allied Shebab rebels, who have lost two bastions in six months but can remain a serious threat.

“They are at their weakest. A little more push and we will stabilise this country so that Somalis can live a better life,” said Fred Mugisha, the commander of the African Union troops protecting the feeble Somali government.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h_eKtQ736Fq4URU9iqplnoJoVFNw?docId=CNG.72ca66ee1a4afc263528e0bb35442cac.221
Clinton, Cameron rule out air strikes against terrorist forces in Somalia
24 Feb – Source:Xinhua – 340 words

Targeted air strikes against terrorist forces in Somalia was “not a good idea,” U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said here on Thursday.

Somalis can build better future with global help, Ban tells London meeting

23 Feb – Source: UN News Centre – 754 words

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged the international community to heed the “cries for peace” of the Somali people and help them overcome decades of instability and build a more stable and prosperous future.SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“Right now in Somalia, people are just trying to survive each day. We must help to restore their hope in a bright future free of war, to help restore their dignity by supporting them in building back their livelihoods so they can provide for their families – without hope, what do you have?”

‘For a bright future, free of war’ – Somalis speak out

23 Feb – Huffington Post Blog -733 Word
I met Aydrus last December in Nairobi. He had just come back from Somalia where his organization is doing life-saving work with local communities via preventive work and other great programs. WASDA has been present and operating in Somalia for years and we are proud to call them an Oxfam partner.

He gives us his personal view on the UK-led conference on Somalia took place (Thursday) in London where unfortunately, Somali civil society won’t have a seat at the table.

“And there is the very Afghanistan-inspired worry that an escalation of the military operation will only make things worse. The EU-backed military operation, known as ANISOM, has reportedly been responsible for its own atrocities, is divided among member nations with very different goals, has reportedly weakened support for the transitional government, and its intensive warfare has forced most aid groups to flee the country.”

Somalia, In So Many Ways, Has Become an Afghanistan

23 Feb – Doug Saunders Blog – 878 Words
A propped-up government whose popular support has vanished, a guerrilla insurgency tied to al Qaeda, a patchwork quilt of regional warlords, and an awkward international coalition that can’t agree how to intervene: In so many ways, Somalia has become another Afghanistan.
As senior ministers from 55 countries, including Canada, gather in London on Thursday for a day-long summit to try to deal with Somalia’s multiple crises and confront its seething terrorist threat, the underlying worry is that the mistakes of Afghanistan are being repeated.

World leaders meet in London to discuss Somalia

23 Feb – CNN Blog

International leaders met Thursday to discuss terror and militant threats in Somalia and find ways to address leadership and famine woes that have dogged the nation for decades.
Representatives from 40 countries, including U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon attended the London conference on stabilizing and rebuilding Somalia after decades of war.

The session aims to galvanize the international community to develop a more comprehensive approach to tackling these ills, British officials said.
“We are realistic – Somalia’s problems cannot be solved in a day, but its people deserve a better future, and our own security requires their country to become more stable,” UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said in a statement.