September 24, 2012 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Somali MP shot dead in Mogadishu

22 Sept – Source: BBC/Al Jazeera/ CNN – 116 words

Gunmen have shot dead a member of Somalia’s new parliament in an attack in the capital Mogadishu. Mustafa Haji Maalim was gunned down after leaving a mosque in the southern Waberi district following evening prayers, witnesses said. The speaker of parliament, Mohamed Osman Jawari, said he was killed by “elements that are known for cruelty”. This appears to be a reference to the Islamist militant group al Shabaab.

Key Headlines

Al Shabaab suffer significant setback as over 200 militants disengage near Jowhar (AMISOM)
AMISOM-Djiboutian troops deploy in central Somalia town (Garowe Online)
Al Shabaab claim responsibility for murder of MP Mustaf Haji (Radio Risaala)
Somalia enters a new era says president Mohamud (Bar-Kulan)
Exiled Somali journalists remember colleagues killed in Mogadishu (Bar-Kulan)
UNESCO chief alarmed by upsurge in killing of journalists in Somalia (UN News Centre)
New unit to protect Somalia VIPs (The East African)

Press Statements

AU Special Representative condemns assassination of Somali MP in Mogadishu

23 Sept – Source: AMISOM – 177 words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, Ambassador Boubacar Diarra, has condemned the assassination of newly elected MP Mustafa Mohamed Mo’alin in Mogadishu.

Mustafa Mohamed Mo’alin was killed in the Waaberi District of Mogadishu as he returned home from prayers on Saturday evening.

“Members of Parliament represent the voice of the Somali people and any attack on parliamentarians is an attack on the people and it is unacceptable. I deplore this attack on a Somali Member of Parliament elected just weeks ago as part of Somalia’s continuing journey of political progress. We offer our sincere condolences to his family. Such criminal and barbaric acts must not be tolerated.” Said ambassador Diarra.

Ambassador Diarra said AMISOM will continue to do all it can to help the Somali security forces to reduce the threat of attacks in Mogadishu. He said through successfully ending the transitional period, Somalia and the Somali people have embarked on a new political beginning. Cowardly attacks such as this will not be allowed to derail that hard won progress.

Al Shabaab suffer significant setback as over 200 militants disengage near Jowhar

22 Sept – Source: AMISOM – 248 words

Al Shabaab suffered a significant setback today over 200 militants from the Al-Qaeda linked group and gave themselves up to AMISOM forces in Garsale, approximately 10 km from the town of Jowhar and some 80 km from the capital, Mogadishu.

The first fighters disengaged in the early hours of Saturday morning, with a stream of Al-Shabaab militants giving themselves up peacefully to AMISOM forces in Garsale. By the afternoon, over 200 militants had disengaged and were under AMISOM control. The total number is expected to rise to around 250.

The events came after in-fighting between militants in the region in which 8 Al-Shabaab were killed by rival militants. The numbers included two senior Al-Shabaab commanders. AMISOM forces recovered over 80 weapons at the scene. The disengaged fighters were peacefully taken into AMISOM’s protection and will be transferred to Mogadishu for rehabilitation.

Deputy Force Commander of operations, Brigadier Michael Ondoga said: “Today’s events confirm that Al-Shabaab is divided and being defeated across Somalia. Somalia is moving towards a secure and stable future free from the scourge of violence and terror. The political transition has ended, and the Somali people have the opportunity to shape together a more peaceful future.

“We call on all those who want peace not terror to lay down their arms. A number have contacted AMISOM indicating their wish to cease fighting. We have assured them of their safety if they give themselves up peacefully to AMISOM forces, as those surrendering in Garsale have done today”.

SRSG statement on killing of Member of Parliament

22 Sept – Source: UNPOS – 216 words

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga condemns the killing of Mustafa Haji Maalim, a Member of Parliament. According to initial reports, he was shot by unidentified armed men earlier today in Mogadishu and later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

“I am shocked and outraged by the killing of Hon. Maalim” said SRSG Mahiga while he called for an independent investigation on the crime and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

“These cowardly acts of targeted assassinations and indiscriminate bombings cannot deter the remarkable courage of the Somali people, whose tenacity and determination has overcome formidable obstacles and brought us where we are now” said SRSG Mahiga.

“The MPs were selected in a transparent, consultative and representative manner and were called upon to serve at a critical moment in the history of the country. This loss has come very early in the life of the new Parliament whose work is central to the new path that Somalia has chosen.

It is a reminder of the challenges faced by the new institutions and administration.”“My deepest condolences go to the family and friends of the victim including former President Sheikh Sharif, son-in-law of the deceased, as well as to the Members and Speaker of Parliament.” SRSG Mahiga added.

MMHouse condemns attacks that claimed four journalists in 24 hours

21 Sept – Source: Mogadishu Media House – 241 words

Mogadishu Media House (MMHouse) condemns in the strongest terms possible the quadruple killing of journalists Libaan Ali Nor, Abdisatar Dahir Sabrie, Abdirahman Yasin and Hassan Yusuf Absuge in Mogadishu.

Abdirahman Yasin who was the Director of Voice of Democracy Radio (VOD) and Liban Abdi Nor and Abdisatar Dahir Sabrie who worked for Somali National TV and Radio Mogadishu (State owned) were killed last night when a suicide bomber blew himself inside the Village restaurant near the national theatre.

Separately, Mr Absuge who worked for local independent radio station, Radio Maanta was shot dead this morning, bringing the total number of journalists killed in last 24 hours to 4 journalists, and the journalists killed this year 2012 alone to 15 journalists.

“Mogadishu has become a grave yard for journalists, we appeal to President Hassan Sheikh to establish a special police unit to protect and investigate this escalating murders” stated MMH Director, Abdulahi Mohamed Hassan “Black”.

While sending his condolences to the family and friends of the fallen press men, Mr Black urged the public “to report and assist the local police in their investigation because the press is always at fore front in advocating for and informing the citizens”.

As an non-profit –non-governmental -organization charged with protection of journalists -by providing accommodation, securing movement and release , news production platform and technical support-we appeal to the international community and development partners to promote the efforts and activities of media advocacy programs in Somalia .

SOMALI MEDIA

President Mohamud condemns assassination of MP

23 Sept – Source: Bar-kulan – 105 words

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has strongly condemned the killing of legislator Mustaf Mohamed Abdullahi in Mogadishu. The president sent his condolences to the family and friends of Abdullahi who was shot dead on Saturday by unknown gunmen. The president directed all security agencies to scale up their effort in bolstering the security of the city and promised that his government will give priority to security in the country. Abdullahi was gunned down after leaving a mosque in the southern Waberi district following evening prayers, according to witnesses.

Al Shabaab claim responsibility for murder of MP Mustaf Haji

23 Sept- Source: Radio Risaala/Radio Mustaqbal – 88 words

Al Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the brutal murder of a member of parliament. Honorable Mustaf Haji.Honorable Mustaf Haji was gunned down on Saturday in Waaberi District by a group of armed men. An al Shabaab commander whose name was not quoted published these claims on an al Shabaab website.

AMISOM-Djiboutian troops deploy in central Somalia town

22 Sept – Source: Garowe Online – 80 words

Hundreds of Djiboutian soldiers have arrived in the central Somali town of Beledweyne on Saturday to take part of AMISOM. Local officials, witnesses and journalists have confirmed the arrival of an estimated contingent of 300 Djiboutian soldiers in Beledweyne. The troops arrived in Beledweyne by road, via the Ethiopian border, the sources added.

Somali MP laid to rest in Mogadishu

23 Sept – Source: Bar-kulan – 112 words

The remains of the late legislator Mustaf Mohamed Abdullahi who was killed in Mogadishu on Saturday evening was yesterday laid to rest. The burial in Mogadishu was attended by top Somali figures including the former TFG President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and other officials from the Somali government. Abdullahi was gunned down by unknown gunmen after leaving a mosque in Mogadishu’s Waberi district and was buried Sunday at Sheikh Sufi cemetery in Mogadishu.

President Silanyo conveys a message of condolences to the family of late Feisal Omar Mushteeg

21 Sept – Source: Somaliland Press – 131 words

President H.E Ahmed Mohamed Mahmoud (Silanyo) has sent a message of condolences to the members of the Art fraternity, family and friends of the late Feisal Omar Mushteeg who passed away on Thursday night from a short illness in Dharbudhuq. President Silanyo in his message expressed his deepest sorrows for the death of the late Feisal Omar Mushteeg who apart from been an artist was also an inspiration to many Somalilanders.

Somalia enters a new era, says president Mohamud

23 Sept – Source: Bar-kulan – 95 words

Somalia’s newly elected president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says the country has entered a new era of positive change in order to “erase the bad reputation” the country earned following two decades of conflict. Speaking over the phone to hundreds of Somalis who gathered in Minneapolis, U.S, to congratulate him on his victory, the president urged the Diaspora communities to support his government and take part in rebuilding the country.

Deadly attack on cattle herders in central Somalia

22 Sept – Source: Shabelle – 95 words

At least one person was killed and two were injured when gunmen attacked a livestock-herding community in the rural areas located in central Somalia, witnesses said Saturday. The attack took place Friday afternoon at a pastoral village, just 10 km away from Galka’yo town, the provincial capital of Mugug region, 750 Km north east of Mogadishu. “The raiders arrived at our village at around 5:30 p.m. and started shooting men sitting under a tree, causing the death of one person” a witness said.

Exiled Somali journalists remember colleagues killed in Mogadishu

23 Sept – Source: Bar-kulan – 115 words

Several exiled Somali journalists living in Kenya on Saturday night gathered in a hotel in Eastleigh, a Somali neighborhood in the eastern suburbs of Nairobi, to honour four of their colleagues who were recently killed in Mogadishu. Three journalists, VOD’s director, Abdirahman Yasin, SNTV’s head of programmes, Abdisatar Dahir Sabriye and news editor, Liban Ali Nur were killed last Thursday when two suicide bombers blew themselves up in a restaurant frequented by journalists and civil servants. A fourth journalist, Hassan Yussuf Absuge, who worked for a Mogadishu-based radio station, radio Manta, was shot by unknown gangs in a car while on his way to his residential house in Gen. Daud neighbourhood in Yaqshid district on Friday.

Puntland election commissioners visiting regions, districts

22 Sept – Source: Garowe Online/BBC Somali Service – 113 words

Members of the Puntland Electoral Commission are visiting regions and districts of Puntland State of Somalia in a bid to raise public awareness of the state’s homegrown democratization process and the opening of political associations.

Somali parliament condemns killing of lawmaker

23 Sept- Source: Radio Kulmiye- 119 words

Somali parliament has condemned the killing of a member of Somalia’s newly formed parliament who was gunned down by unknown assailants in front of his house.

The parliament speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawaari described the attack as a barbaric and cowardly act.

REGIONAL MEDIA

UN backed online platform to discuss how technology helps rebuild Somalia

23 Sept- Source: Daily Nation- 420 words
A UN backed platform will from Monday stream live a first-of-its-kind discussion among Somali change-makers to the world from Mogadishu.
The platform, dubbed, the Social Good Summit is a global conversation on how technology and new media can be harnessed to address some of the world’s greatest challenges.

Kenya Police release photos of key terror suspects

22 Sept- Source: the Star- 158 words

Police have released photographs of six al Shabaab fighters who have moved to Kenya from Somalia after Kenya Defence Forces marched into Kismayu. Police said the six are heavily armed and dangerous. Among them is a man identified as Mahmud Abdi El Aziz alias Hakim Masri who is an expert in explosives.

New unit to protect Somalia VIPs

22 Sept- Source: the East African- 195 words
A special police unit from Nigeria has joined the African Union Mission in Somalia to beef up the security of newly elected leaders.
Somalia’s new President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud survived an assassination attempt on September 13 in Mogadishu while holding talks with the Kenyan delegation led by Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Ongeri.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somali rebels claim killing of MP, threaten more assassinations

23 Sept – Source: Reuters – 135 words

Islamist rebels said they shot dead a Somali lawmaker in Mogadishu on Saturday and threatened to kill every legislator in the country. Gunmen shot dead Mustaf Haji Mohamed outside his home after evening prayers, the latest in a wave of attacks since Somalia’s new assembly elected President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud earlier this month. “How many times had we warned Somalis against joining the infidel government?” Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, spokesman for military operations for the Islamist militant group al Shabaab, told Reuters late on Saturday. “Let it be a good lesson for the rest.”

Somali MP shot dead in Mogadishu

22 Sept – Source: BBC/Al Jazeera/ CNN – 116 words

UNESCO chief alarmed by upsurge in killing of journalists in Somalia

23 Sept – Source: UN News Center – 160 words

The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending press freedom today expressed her concern and anger over the killing of five journalists in Somalia in the past week. “I am horrified by the sudden upsurge of violence targeting the media in Somalia,” said the Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Irina Bokova, adding that the killings are an outrage against the whole nation.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Please stop child abuse in all it forms because it is a cruel act that destroys children’s lives as adults. Child abuse is a crime under the laws of the most of the civilised nations in our troubled world.”

Al-Shabaab and Child Abuse

23 Sept- Source: Hiiraan Online- 723 words

Child abuse with its different forms of neglect, physical, sexual and emotional abuse is a sensitive and taboo subject in all communities around the world from Europe, Asia to Africa. From biblical times to present day, adults use children for their own gratification: children were/are slaughtered like sheep and their dead bodies presented to Gods as religious offerings. A classical example is Prophet Abraham offering to scarify his son Isaaq to fulfil his religious duties although the child was saved by a divine intervention.
Besides the above extreme forms of child abuse, which involves ritual killings, the most common forms of abuse are the psychical, sexual and emotional abuse in which some cases children are beaten to death by their own parents out of anger and frustration for trivial reasons, for example not saying hello to their relatives! Bad parents use disciplining children as a magic word to justify their cruel acts. Some parents abuse their children sexually, as they force them to engage in sexual exploitation, such as prostitution, or marrying them off to adults they do not know. Some religious cults deprive children of some basic human rights, such as education, for example the Taliban’s practice of not allowing girls to go to school.

“As the forces approach Kismayu, military generals are concerned about the protection of civilians.Kismayu is important to Al Shabaab for it supplies a steady revenue in the form of taxes and is home to many of its leaders. The loss of Kismayu will leave the Shabaab without any significant defence line.”

Capture of Kismayu will be milestone in control of coastline

22 Sept- Source: the East African- 407 words

With the key port town of Kismayu now in sight for the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) and Somali government forces, Somalia is nearing a milestone: For the first time in almost 20 years, Al Shabaab or other militia will have no control of the whole of the Somalia coastline.But as the forces approach Kismayu, military generals are concerned about the protection of civilians.
It is alleged that the Al Shabaab militants in the area have prevailed upon civilians not to leave the city with the intention of using them as human shields.Kenya has had to defend itself against accusations of causing civilian casualties since KDF entered Somalia in October last year.