June 4, 2012 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

AU Force arrives in Beledweyne town

01 Jun – Source: Bar-kulan – 98 words

The first patch of the African Union force on Friday arrived at the central Somali town of Beledweyne near the border with Ethiopia. A battalion from Djibouti was deployed into the town and was warmly received by TFG officials and Ethiopian troops who wrestled control of the town from al Shabaab early this year.

Key Headlines

President Sharif meets his Tanzanian counterpart in Dar es Salam (SONNA)
Opening of the Istanbul II conference on Somalia
UN Special Representative for Somalia Dr Augustine Mahiga
AU Force arrives in Beledweyne town (Bar-Kulan)
Kenyan Somali forces seize key town from al Shabaab (Jowhar Online)
Al Shabaab militias vacate from Bu’alle city southern Somalia (SONNA)
Traffic officers to be deployed into recently captured areas outside Mogadishu (Bar-Kulan)
Museveni promises 300 soldiers for UN interests in Somalia (Daily Monitor)Turkey tries out soft power in Somalia (Reuters)
Somali Government Welcomes the Outcome of the Istanbul Conference II (Source: TFG )
Signing of MoU between the Commission of the African Union and the Government of the Republic of Kenya as Troops and Resources Contributing Country to AMISOM (Source: AMISOM)

PRESS STATEMENT

Opening of the Istanbul II conference on Somalia
UN Special Representative for Somalia, Dr Augustine Mahiga

May 31 – Source: UNPOS – 755 words

Your Excellency Prime Minister, Your Excellency Deputy Prime Minister, Ambassadors, and distinguished guests.
We last met in this timeless and beautiful city for the first Istanbul Conference on Somalia. We are delighted to return for this important second Istanbul Conference. I would like to thank the Turkish Government for once again hosting us and for its continuing commitment to Somalia and the Somali people.
We are here to renew our commitment and support to the people of Somalia. Today at this unique gathering with the Somali and international private sector, donors, Somali authorities, the UN and civil society we aim to promote a step change in development across Somalia.
Alongside the focus of Istanbul II on recovery and development, we are supporting Somalis to end the political transition. We welcome the achievements of the Transitional Federal Institutions to date and regional administrations in establishing areas of stability in Somalia and the agreements reached in the Consultative meeting in Addis Ababa on 23rd May 2012. These achievements will be discussed tomorrow.
Together with partners, the UN is working to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to the Somali people. With a strong concerted effort, including from our Turkish hosts, Somalia has just emerged from the worst humanitarian crisis in decades. The Somali people have shown how remarkably resilient they are but we have also witnessed how easily shocks can disrupt the lives and livelihoods of even the strongest Somali families and communities.
The four Partnership Forums being held today will set priorities for resilience, energy, water and roads. Once identified, these priorities will have to be implemented. Structured public-private dialogue will be needed to underpin the development of viable regulatory frameworks.
Somali people need sustained long term investments. A paradigm shift in international assistance will allow partners of Somalia build the resilience of Somali households, communities and local institutions against crises in the medium and long-term. This will take real partnerships, strategic vision and integrated multi-sectoral approaches and reliable multi-year funding.
To move onto a new development trajectory, we need to invest in Somalia’s considerable potential in both productive and service sectors. The three Partnership Forums on infrastructure will consider energy, water and roads. Expanding access to cheaper and sustainable energy is a top priority for Somalia and its partners. Improved access to affordable energy will lift the constraints on economic growth and allow the Somali private sector to expand and flourish. Efficient use of Somali’s scarce water is essential for the well-being and economic development of the population. Coordinated funding that supports common goals should be agreed. Investment in the right roads can deliver employment, enable equitable development and bolster the much needed investment in resilience.
Across all the four themes, good governance principles to promote a business conducive environment should be applied by the authorities, the development partners and the private sector. Transparency and accountability by all stakeholders will help build the confidence that large scale investments will translate quickly to improvements in the lives of ordinary Somalis.
The preparations for this second Istanbul conference have been comprehensive. The first Istanbul conference two years ago encouraged the Somali private sector to play a positive role in strengthening peace, stability and development and create business friendly conditions. We continue to seek to foster inclusive business practices which can support the recovery and sustained economic development and will explore innovative approaches – such as investment guarantees and diaspora finance – that can expand the range and scope of private investment in Somalia.
In 2011, the Dubai initiative explored opportunities for investments and the need for suitable regulatory frameworks. A series of Mogadishu technical meetings have tried to translate these efforts into concrete proposals to strengthen and scale up existing Somali capacity in key productive and service sectors such livestock, fisheries, infrastructure, energy and banking.

The London Conference in February injected new momentum into the political process; into strengthening AMISOM and helping Somalia develop its own security forces; through helping build stability at local level.
Whilst there have been some substantive achievements in all areas, there is still significant way to go towards equitable economic growth and national stability. Commitments and concrete actions need to be revitalized both from the Somali and the international side.
Istanbul II represents an ideal and powerful occasion in which a renewed international and Somali commitment launch Somalia onto a new development trajectory. The UN stands ready to support the recommendations each Partnership Forum will make today. We are fully confident that the Turkish facilitation will greatly reward the high expectations of the participants.

Somali Government Welcomes the Outcome of the Istanbul Conference II

02 Jun – Source: TFG – 280 words

The government welcomes the outcome of the 2nd Istanbul Conference on Somalia that was wrapped yesterday in Turkey. The Somali government considers the calls for economic recovery in Somalia which is an important milestone that was never emphasized before now. By addressing the economic issues and chronic impoverishment, the Somali people will have new opportunities for jobs – which could be alternatives to the violence – especially for the youth.

The international community has an important role to play in Somalia, especially providing the necessary support to create professional army and police forces that will be responsible to maintain the security of the country. This is important because the country’s security can only be maintained with strong national security forces as raised in the conference.

On the political front, the government is committed to follow the timetable of ending the transition in August as reaffirmed by the stakeholders in Addis Ababa conference on May 23, 2012. It is important to mention that the government has already cleared a number of political challenges that indicate its commitment to end the transition on time.

On the security, the Somali troops with support from African Union Mission in Somalia have made significant changes in the security front, which implemented most of the stabilization plan for the country that led to the liberation of more new grounds from the terrorist organization Al Shabaab.

The Somali people have seen major progress over the last eight months, including the longest period of peace in the capital which improved business and reconstruction efforts. However, the government will continue its onslaught against the terrorist, as it advances towards the remaining Al Qaeda enclaves in southern and central Somalia.

Signing of MoU between the Commission of the African Union and the Government of the Republic of Kenya as Troops and Resources Contributing Country to AMISOM

02 Jun – Source: AMISOM – 499 words

The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Commission of the African Union (AU) and the Government of the Republic of Kenya took place in Addis Ababa , at the AU Headquarters, on Saturday 2 June 2 012.

The MoU was signed by the Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra, on behalf of the AU, and by Honorable Mohamed Yusuf Haji, EGH, MP, Minister of State for Defence, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kenya. The MoU is the agreement that governs Kenya’s contribution of troops and resources to the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Welcoming the Honorable Minister of State for Defence of the Republic of Kenya, the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security commended the Government of Kenya for its continued support to the AU and, in particular, for contributing troops and resources to AMISOM. He commended the gallant Kenyan soldiers for their loyalty, dedication and professionalism in Somalia. He also paid tribute to all the soldiers currently engaged in the operations that will lead to the full liberation of Somalia from terrorism and piracy.

Commissioner Lamamra also underscored the progress so far achieved in the implementation of the new Strategic Concept for AMISOM operations and United Nations Security Council resolution 2036 (2012) of 22 February 2012, highlighting the outcomes of the London and Istanbul Conferences on Somalia as promising testimony to the ever‐growing support of the international community in favor of a peaceful, stable, democratic and prosperous Somalia.

The Honorable Minister of State for Defence of the Republic of Kenya, in turn, welcomed the conclusion of the MoU and reiterated the commitment of his country to the stabilization of Somalia. He stated that the stabilization of Somalia was critical to the collective security of Eastern Africa and the rest of the continent, as well as to international peace and security.

He further stated that the Government of the Republic of Kenya was aware of the aspirations of the people of the Republic of Somalia to live in a secure society under a Government elected by themselves and for themselves, adding that AU’s efforts in Somalia would create an enabling environment for the achievement of this objective.

The Commissioner for Peace and Security and the Honourable Minister of State for Defence exchanged views on a range of issues of mutual concern, especially the situation in Somalia and the efforts to achieve lasting peace and security for the people of that country.

Present at the ceremony on the Kenyan side were, among others, Honorable Mohamed Yusuf Haji, EGH, MP, Minister of State for Defence, General Julius Waweru Karangi, EGH, CBS, the Chief of the Defence Forces of the Republic of Kenya, and Dr. Monica Juma, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU. The AU, on its part, was represented by the Commissioner for Peace and Security, the Director of the Peace and Security Department and a representative from the Office of the Legal Counsel.

SOMALI MEDIA

President Sharif meets his Tanzanian counterpart in Dar es Salam

03 Jun – Source: Barkulan/Radio Mogadishu – 93 words

President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Saturday night met his Tanzanian counterpart, Jakaya Kikwete in Dar es Salaam, where they discussed range of issues concerning their two countries.The two head of states reportedly discussed the deep rooted diplomatic friendship between the two countries and the significant role Tanzania can play stabilizing Somalia.

Interior minister inspects main markets in Mogadishu

03 Jun- Source: Radio Mogadishu- 177 words

Minister of home and national security affairs of the TFG Abdisamad Mo’allim Mohamud on Sunday observed the situation in Mogadishu’s main markets such Bakara and Suk-ba’ad, SONNA confirmed.

Ministry of interior and national security, Abdisamad Mo’allim Mohamud accompanied by security officials went to Bakara and listened to a report from businesspeople telling him that the security is hundred percent very good.

Kenyan, Somali forces seize key town from al Shabaab

01 Jun – Source: Jowhar Online/ VOA Somali Service – 18 words

Somali government and Kenyan troops have seized the town of Afmadow from al Shabaab militants, pushing the battle line closer to the rebels’ biggest remaining stronghold in southern Somalia. Somali military spokesman Mohamed Farah said that forces surrounded the town for days before capturing it on Thursday.

AU Force arrives in Beledweyne town

01 Jun – Source: Bar-kulan – 98 words

Somali MPs call on TFG and Kenyan forces for civilian protection

01 Jun – Source: Shabelle – 110 words

MPs in Somalia’s Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP) have called on the Somali and Kenyan army to avoid civilian casualties and provide more safety and protection for the people in Lower Jubba region of southern Somalia. Abdi-Buule Hussein, a lawmaker congratulated Somali and Kenyan forces for their victory over the latest battles against al Shabaab fighters in the region and the take over of Afmadow town on Thursday.

Al Shabaab militias vacate from Bu’alle city, southern Somalia

03 Jun- Source: Radio Mogadishu/SONNA- 105 words

Reports from Bu’alle city, the capital of middle Jubba region say that al Shabaab militias have completely withdrawn from that city after huge threat faced them from TFG forces backed AU forces who are heading to the city. Residents in Bu’alle city said that al Shabaab affiliates vacated from the town might be heading to Kismayo region in lower Jubba region.

Traffic officers to be deployed into recently captured areas outside Mogadishu

03 Jun – Source: Bar-kulan – 93 words

The Somali Police Traffic Department has announced the deployment of traffic officers into the areas recently captured from al Shabaab militants outside Mogadishu to enforce traffic regulations in these areas. The head of the traffic department Brigadier General Ali Hirsi Barre (Ali Gab) said traffic officers will soon be deployed to cities like Baidoa and Beledweyne to regulate traffic movements.

Al Shabaab opposes Istanbul outcome pointing it as worthlessness

03 Jun- Source: Radio Kulmiye- 142 words

Al Shabaab blames the Turkish government of helping the Somali government and of trying to destabilize Somalia,

Speaking to pro-al Shabaab radio Andalus, the spokesman for the group Sheikh Ali Mohmud Rageh aka (Ali Dhere) says “the result of Turkey’s presence in Somalia is a clear evidence (…) that they are trying to keep our country in colony and they are doing nothing for the Somali people who suffered years of violence and famine” he said.

Al Shabaab’s reign weakening in southern Somalia

03 Jun – Source: Garowe Online – 125 words

The terrorist organization of al Shabaab have continued to lose ground and agents as Somali and African Union forces continue their onslaught on the terrorist group. Late Saturday night, one al Shabaab agent was killed in Baidoa and 20 others surrendered to Somali forces in the southern region of Gedo on Sunday.

Al Shabaab empties bases in Bula Burte town, Hiiraan region

03 Jun – Source: Bar-kulan – 121 words

Reports from Bula Burde town say al Shabaab militants on Sunday morning started emptying their bases in the town following reports that Ethiopian troops from Beledweyne town were on their way to the area. The mass pull out of the militants heightened tension in the area, forcing local residents to flee their homes to escape the seemingly renewed clashes in the area.

Somaliland naval forces attack crew in Sanaag region

02 Jun – Source: Garowe Online – 143 words

Somaliland naval forces attacked a crew of engineers assessing the port of Lasqoray a town under Puntland authority, Garowe reports. According to Deputy Minister of Security Abdijamal Osman Mohamed Somaliland naval forces attacked a crew of engineers who were aboard a ship escorted by Puntland forces on Friday. The engineers were assessing the renovation of the port in the coastal town of Lasqoray.

Somaliland president to visit Kenya

02 Jun – Source: Somaliland Press – 88 words

Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud (Silanyo) is to embark on a diplomatic visit to Kenya after receiving an official invitation from Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, minister says. Announcing the trip schedule, the Minister for Presidency Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, said that he was on his way to the Kenyan capital to prepare for Silanyo’s visit.

Quietness returns to Afmadow town, southern Somalia

01 Jun – Source: Shabelle – 142 words

Residents say calm situation has returned to Afmadow town of southern Somalia, a day after Somali and Kenyan troops have peacefully taken over the town from al Shabaab. General Abdimahdi Abdisalan, one of the Somali military commanders said that the seizure of Afmadow will enable TFG soldiers along with their allied Kenyan army to wipe al Shabaab elements out of Jubba regions almost immediately.

Somaliland: court convicts former government officials on corruption charges

03 Jun – Source: Somalilad Press – 134 words

A Hargeisa court today has convicted three former government officials accused of misappropriation of food aid donate by the sultanate of Oman. The director of public prosecutions during a closed door session read the court verdict against the five defendants include, Ahmed Omar Haji Abdullahi the former Maroodi Jeeh regional governor, Ahmed Elmi Bare, former director general in the Ministry of Resettlement,Osman Said Jama and the former advisor to Vice President Abdirahman Abdullahi Ismail.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Museveni promises 300 soldiers for UN interests in Somalia

03 Jun- Source: Daily Monitor- 313 words
President Museveni has promised to give the United Nations 300 soldiers to protect the international body’s interest in Somalia.
While meeting with the UN Secretary General, Mr Ban Ki Moon, at the second International Conference on Somalia held at the Istanbul Convention Centre on Friday, Mr Museveni promised that the soldiers will strictly be dedicated to providing security for the UN operations in the war-ravaged country.

Kenyan troops integrated into AU Somalia mission

02 Jun – Source: Capital News/Al Arabia – 220 words

Kenyan troops were officially integrated into the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM), with Kenya’s defence minister signing an agreement at AU headquarters on Saturday.

“We conclude the process of establishing a formal, legal framework for the integration of the Kenyan defence forces into AMISOM,” Minister of Defence Yusuf Haji said at the signing in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.

Al Shabaab terrorist sneaks into Uganda

01 Jun- Source: New Vision- 552 words

A suspected al-Shabaab terrorist has sneaked into Uganda through Kenya, the Inspector General of Police, Lt Gen. Kale Kayihura told journalists during the launch of the annual crime report at Imperial Royale hotel in Kampala Thursday.

Kayihura said that man traveled to Uganda by a public bus from Nairobi with the aid of the driver and conductor [taut].

Al Shabaab warns it will hit Kenyan skyscrapers

01 Jun- Source: Capital News- 404 words

A US-based intelligence firm warned on Friday of an impending attack by Somalia’s Al-Shabaab, mainly targeting skyscrapers in the Kenyan capital.
IntelCenter said the Al Qaeda-linked militant group had threatened to bring down skyscrapers within two weeks.
“Something big will happen in the next two weeks. Kenyans will weep,” the respected private spying firm said.

Museveni, Ban ki – Moon discuss Somalia, Sudan

01 Jun- Source: New VIision- 341 words

President Yoweri Museveni has called for the strict implementation of the principles of border policy to resolve the conflict between Sudan and South Sudan, use the international practice to solve the oil charges and follow the Nairobi accord to solve the issue of the marginalized groups in Abyei, Kordafan and Blue Nile.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Turkey tries out soft power in Somalia

03 Jun- Source: Reuters- 1781 words

In a sprawl of plastic refugee shelters and mortar-blasted buildings in Mogadishu, a mud-caked Turkish engineering team monitors the drilling of a new borehole while their armed guards chat lazily under a tree, guns across laps.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Somalia as it stands now is not a problem to its people only; it is an East African, African, Arabian, Western and Eastern problem. This is not only dictated by the social and political situation in Somalia, but by the immediacy and intensity of the current global crisis. Change is inevitable for Somalia to continue and the best gift Somalia can give to the world that stood by it and believed in it is, a Somalia that is at peace with its self, with its neighbors and with the world.”

Somalia and the vanishing bees: the incoherence of hate and chaos and the beginning

03 June- Source: Horseed Media-1753 Words

The disappearance of bees is creating a scientific controversy in the West. According to the vanishing bees’ website if they continue disappearing at their current alarming rate, it is estimated that by 2035 there could be no honeybees left in the USA. The world’s worry is in a context, as we all know a mass disappearance of any species is not without consequences to the rest of us. Fruits and vegetables, for example, that we rely on for food, need bees to grow to say the least. If the bees’ disappearance can form this challenge to our existence, what about Somalia, where people, animals and trees alike were disappearing for two decades, and the few remaining are shackled by flourishing criminal enterprises in the form of warlords, pirates and religion traders.

“Turkey is a new entrant in the group of foreign powers that have involved themselves in stabilising Somalia, and its entry as an emergent regional and economic power as well as a predominantly Muslim country is to be welcomed. However, Turkey must and should avoid falling in step with the barren and myopic mindset of the Western Powers if its intervention is to bear fruit.”

The Failure of Western Policy in Somalia

02 June- Source: Somaliland Press-2478 Words

The impending expiry of the term of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Sheikh Sharif Ahmed in August this year has occasioned an unseemly rush to establish a ‘permanent’, and therefore ‘legitimate’, government in Somalia. The Somalia Policy of the Western Powers (if we can use the term “policy” to describe the alternating bouts of inertia/neglect and hyperactivity focused upon ill thought-out conferences at which donor representatives deliver bromides exhorting Somali “ownership” of the so-called “transition process” and engage in earnest hand-wringing at the suffering of the people of that benighted country, while the salary men TFG officials (paid by the donor countries, of course) nod obediently and promise to deliver governance, even as they jockey for position at the trough of donor contributions).