October 8, 2012 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Somali president names political newcomer as PM, urges unity

07 Oct – Source: Reuters – 752 words

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday named political newcomer Abdi Farah Shirdon Saaid as the country’s new prime minister, a man diplomats say is untainted by the clan rivalry and feuding that has plagued Somalia for decades. “I know (Saaid) and have selected him because he is competent,” said Mohamud, who along with his prime minister face the daunting task of trying to set up Somalia’s first effective central government since the outbreak of civil war in 1991. “I urge the parliament and the civilians to support him,” he said in a statement. Though both the president and prime minister are new in their jobs, they will be confronted by old problems: acrimonious clan politics, rampant corruption, maritime piracy and a stubborn Islamist insurgency.

Key Headlines

AMISOM troops secure Wanla Weyn on Afgooye – Baidoa corridor (AMISOM)
Somali new PM promises to fight corruption (Mareeg Online)
Puntland welcomes new PM urges constitutional adherence (Garowe Online)
Strategy meeting on al Shabaab held in Dolow (Bar-Kulan)
Militant attack on gov’t forces in Mogadishu kills 4 (Shabelle)
Ahlu Sunna detains elders in Guri’el (Bar-Kulan)
Somalia Islamists lose another strategic town (Middle East Online)
UN EU envoys laud appointment of new PM for Somalia (Xinhua)

PRESS STATEMENT

AU Special Representative congratulates Abdi Farah Shirdoon, the new Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia

07 Oct – Source: AMISOM – 274 words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Somalia, Ambassador Boubacar Diarra has congratulated Abdi Farah Shirdoon on his appointment as the new Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Ambassador Diarra described t his as a significant step forward on the path to peace and stability for Somalia. AMISOM also paid tribute to the newly elected President Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for his announcement which is in line with the Provisional Constitution and the roadmap process. Ambassador Diarra applauded the Somali government for successfully accomplishing this critical step towards the formation of an inclusive new government and stressed that the real work begins now.

“Today is the culmination of years of hard work by the Somali people who have showed great determination and commitment in creating a new political framework based on transparency and accountability,” said Ambassador Diarra. The African Union Mission in Somalia also looked forward to the formation of a new cabinet by the Prime Minister, which will then set out to work on the 6 Pillar Policy Framework set out by the President.

AMSIOM pledged the continued support of the African Union to the Somali government, and praised the key contributions made by the International Community in their bid to end the transition and called on the parties involved to continue their support as Somalia enters a new phase.

The African Union Mission in Somalia paid special tribute to the Somali people for their participation and overwhelming support of the political process noting that it reflects the desire of the Somali people to put their country on a path toward improved governance, stability, and prosperity.

Somalia appoints a new prime minister

06 Oct – Source: Ministry of Information Posts, & Telecommunications – 220 words

The President of the Somali Government, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has appointed Abdi Farah Shirdon to the premiership of the country after weeks of consultations with the public and members of the Somali Federal Parliament. President Mohamud expressed confidence in the new prime minister that he will perform well and meet the challenges ahead. “The public have been waiting and are ready to support their Prime Minister. It is a new dawn for Somalia as we wish a success for the prime minister” said President Mohamud.

He added “We look forward that the new prime minister will improve the situation of the country.” The Speaker of the Parliament, Mohamed Osman Jawaari, welcomed the new Prime Minister and promised to support his administration to move Somalia forward. “We are here to support the prime minister and his government as the parliament is committed to work with him in the next four years,” said Speaker Jawaari.

Shirdon graduated from the Somali National University in 1983 with an economics degree. He worked in the public sector for about two years before starting his successful entrepreneurship career in 1986. Shirdon brings a range of experience to the job as he represents a fresh and a new patch of leadership that are willing to unite the country and address the security challenges in Somalia.

AMISOM troops secure Wanla Weyn on Afgooye – Baidoa corridor

07 Oct – Source: AMISOM – 289 words

Somali government forces with the support of AMISOM troops have secured the strategic town of Wanla Weyn on the Afgoye to Baidoa corridor in lower Shabelle. Wanla Weyn is 93km from Mogadishu. The allied forces have also secured Balli Doogle Airbase, a former air force training base, 11kms from Wanla Weyn.

The securing of this town comes one day after AMISOM troops began their 211 km advance from Afgoye to Baidoa with aim of connecting the two regions. Wanla Weyn town falls at a strategic junction linking the two Shabelle regions to Baidoa and Beledweyne.

This advance is expected to deny fleeing Al Shabaab insurgents from seeking refuge and destabilizing other regions of the country. AMISOM Force Commander, Lt. Gen Andrew Gutti commended his troops and explained the significance of this move.

“Securing Wanla Wein will allow for free movement of the population who have been restricted until now, unable to go about their daily trade and business due to the restrictions of Al-Shabaab. It will also facilitate the provision of much needed humanitarian assistance to the local population.”

Additionally the capture of this town denies Al Shabaab another source of illegal income after a string of defeats and the loss of their major source of revenue in the seaports of Marka, El-maan and Kismayo. Al Shabaab had stepped up their extortion of illegal taxes from the local populations in the towns they still control.

AMISOM Force Commander Ltâ€ Gen Andrew Gutti “This operation demonstrates AMISOM’s continuing determination to support the people of Somalia as they embark on a new path of renewal and reconstruction. AMISOM will continue to bring security to more areas of Somalia so that local people can live their lives and pursue their livelihoods in freedom.”

Foreign Office Minister Mark Simmonds MP welcomes new Somali PM designate

07 Oct – Source: Foreign & Commonwealth Office – 129 words

Following news of the nomination of Mr Abdi Farah Shirdon ‘Saacid’ to the post of Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the UK Minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds MP, said yesterday evening:

“I warmly congratulate the new Prime Minister-designate. The UK International Development Secretary and I saw the progress being made in Somalia during our visit this week. The appointment of a new Prime Minister is another significant step forward.

“I commend President Hassan Sheikh for his wide consultation in making this nomination. When meeting him this week, we discussed the UK’s strong ties with Somalia.

“I look forward to working with Mr Shirdon and reiterate the British Government’s full support as he begins the work of establishing a new, transparent and accountable government for all Somalis.”

SOMALI MEDIA

President Mohamud receives India’s envoy to Somalia

07 Oct – Source: Bar-kulan/Jowhar Online/Radio Mogadishu – 76 words

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday received the new Indian ambassador to Somalia Sibabrata Tripathia in Villa Somalia. During the meeting, the president and the Indian envoy discussed a range of issues including strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries, trade, rebuilding Somalia and security issues.

Somali new PM promises to fight corruption

07 Oct – Source: Mareeg Online/Shabelle – 81 words

The new Prime Minister of Somalia’s fledgling government Abdi Farah Shirdon Saaid has promised to tackle corruption, misuse of power and internal disputes in the previous governments. Mr. Shirdon, a political newcomer, said that he will set up a transparent, competent and inclusive cabinet within one month following the parliament’s approval day.

Somalia’s President names new prime minister

06 Oct – Source: Bar-kulan/SONNA – 93 words

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the Somali president, has named 54-year old Abdikadir Farah Shirdon better known as Saaid as the country’s new prime minister at a ceremony held in Villa Somalia. Mr. Saaid obtained a bachelor’s degree in economics from Mogadishu’s Gaheir University in 1983. Born in Dusamareb town in Galgadud region, he worked as an economist for Somalia’s finance and agriculture ministries from 1983 to 1985. He later ventured into the private sector and founded his own private company, Shirdon International Ltd where he worked as its executive chairman since 1991.

Puntland welcomes new PM, urges constitutional adherence

07 Oct – Source: Garowe Online/Bar-kulan/BBC Somali Service – 71 words

In a press release the Puntland government stated that it welcomed new Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon Sa’id and urged the new government to adhere to Somalia’s constitution. Prime Minister nominee Sa’id Shirdon will still have to be approved by the federal parliament.

Strategy meeting on al Shabaab held in Dolow

07 Oct – Source: Bar-kulan – 85 words

A meeting aimed at discussing ways forward in liberating areas still under the control of al Shabaab militant group in Gedo and the two Juba regions was held om Saturday in Dolow town near the border with Ethiopia. The meeting was attended by Somali military officials and their allied Ethiopians, according to area district commissioner Abdirashid Janan.

Militant attack on gov’t forces in Mogadishu kills 4

07 Oct – Source: Shabelle – 83 words

At least 4 combatants were killed in an ambush attack by al Shabaab militants on Somali government forces in Mogadishu on Sunday, hours after Somali president named Abdi Farah Shirdon as the new PM for the government, reports said. The attack happened at a government military base located in Kahda neighbourhood in southern Mogadishu on Sunday, and both rival sides used heavy and small weapons that could be heard in the early hours of Sunday, according to locals.

Heavy fighting in central Somalia kills a soldier

06 Oct – Source: Radio Shabelle – 77 words

Heavy clashes between the Somali National Army (SNA) and Ethiopian troops have left a Somali soldier dead and two others injured, reports said. Eyewitnesses said the fighting flared up in the early hours on Saturday at a village in the heart of Beledweyne, some 206 miles (332 km) north of Mogadishu, after Ethiopian troops stopped Somali soldiers from crossing a heavily fortified area.

Somali wounded journalists receive medical assistance

07 Oct – Source: Somaliweyn/Mareeg Online – 138 words

Three critically wounded journalists, among a group of seven, received $4000 in medical assistance including transfer costs from the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) on behalf of Doha Center for Media Freedom (DCMF). The journalists suffered a variety of shrapnel wounds from the suicide bombing on 20 September 2012 at the Village restaurant which claimed the lives of three journalists.

Ahlu Sunna detains elders in Guri’el town

07 Oct – Source: Bar-kulan – 93 words

Ahlu Sunna administration in central Somali town of Guri’el has arrested three traditional elders including the former chairman of Guri’el, Dusamareb and Mataban districts’ elders, Elmi Hirsi Arab. The elders, Elmi Hirsi Arab, Isse Mohamud Mohamed and Elmi Dalaweyne are accused of failing to hand in to the ASWJ administration an alleged murderer. The elders are now being held in custody at Guri’el town according to Ahlu Sunna’s Social Affairs officer Abdiweli Hajji Diriye. The father of the alleged murderer is also in custody.

Puntland authorities shut down independent Horseed FM Station

07 Oct – Source: Somaliland Sun – 131 words

Puntland security agents summarily shut down an independent radio station early this morning without providing an explanation, according to the radio’s Management. Officers of the Puntland security stormed Horseed Media studios in Bosaso, the commercial capital of Puntland State, and forced it off the air, according to the journalists working at the radio station.

Suicide bomber detonates himself in Afgoye town; no one harmed

07 Oct – Source: Radio Kulmiye – 93 words

A blast caused by a suicide bomber reportedly took place in Afgoye. Witnesses told radio Kulmiye that a suicide bomber detonated him self inside a busy market near a governmental military base in the town; no one was injured or died according to sources from the area.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Somalia Islamists lose another strategic town

07 Oct – Source: Middle East Online – 130 words

African Union troops alongside Somali forces seized the formerly Islamist-held town of Wanla Weyn on Sunday, the latest loss for the Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab fighters, commanders said. Its capture — reportedly without a fight — is a key step towards opening up the main highway linking the capital Mogadishu to Baidoa, a major town wrested from the Shebab by Ethiopian troops in February.

Somali president names new prime minister

06 Oct – Source: Capital News/Xinhua – 134 words

Somalia’s president on Saturday appointed a little known businessman as prime minister as his administration sought to rebuild stability after more than two decades of anarchy and war. “We have named Abdi Farah Shirdon Said as country’s new prime minister after long discussions,” said President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who himself only took office last month after being chosen by parliament in a UN-backed process.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Nomination of new Prime Minister hailed by UN as another step forward for Somalia

07 Oct – Source: UN News Center – 147 words

The United Nations envoy for Somalia on Saturday congratulated the country’s Prime Minister-designate, Abdi Farah Shirdon, and encouraged him to set up a transparent and accountable government. “The appointment of a new Prime Minister is another important step forward in the country’s peace building process,” said the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Augustine P. Mahiga.

Indian sailors taken hostage by Somali pirates appeal for release

07 Oct – Source: Times of India – 141 words

A group of sailors taken hostage by Somali pirates nearly two years ago have appealed to the government to get them released from captivity. The video appeal by the sailors, who were earlier kept hostage by the pirates onboard merchant vessel MV Asphalt Venture, has surfaced on the internet. In the appeal, chief engineer Bahadur Singh said their health was deteriorating. “We are fed up. We are mentally tensed all the time. Our health is not good. Please save us,” he said.

Somali president names political newcomer as PM, urges unity

07 Oct – Source: Reuters – 752 words

UN, EU envoys laud appointment of new PM for Somalia

06 Oct – Source: Xinhua – 451 words

Top United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU) envoys for Somalia on Saturday congratulated Abdi Farah Shirdon Saaid who was appointed as the prime minister for the Horn of Africa nation. EU Special Envoy to Somalia, Michele Cervone d’Urso and Augustine P. Mahiga, the Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General for Somalia said in separate statements issued in Nairobi that the development will help foster reconciliation and good governance in the Horn of Africa nation. Cervone d’Urso congratulated the new prime minister on his nomination by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and wish him every success.

Somali president appoints prime minister

07 Oct – Source: CNN – 291 words

Somalia’s new president has named a prime minister as the nation sets up an effective central government following decades of civil war.
Abdi Farah Shirdon, an economist who ran an import business in neighboring Kenya, was named prime minister Saturday.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, a political newcomer who has worked for several international organizations, assumed leadership last month.
“The appointment of a new prime minister is another important step forward in the country’s peace building process,” said Augustine P. Mahiga, the top U.N. envoy to the nation.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“The constitution is the single most important outcome of this process. If anything, it would ensure the achievement of President Mahmoud’s overall aim, a peaceful Somalia for all. However, agreements can only be effective if they come from a deeper place of motivation, fairness and pragmatism. These would be crucial in order to rebuild the trust in systems and in leadership that were lost during the long years of conflicts.”

Somalia, the president and the post road map opportunities

05 Oct – Source: Wardheer News – 1294 Words

The presidential election in Somalia brought a historical closure to a period of uncertainty and political instability. Since the collapse of Somalia’s last central government in 1991, the subsequent signed peace agreements led to disastrous outcomes if anything due to the varying degrees of commitments those involved shown to their political programs. It is inevitable that competing interests are difficult to lay aside without fervent compromise and amiable treatment of the other as an equal partner in an open and honest environment.

“Addressing the Kismayo problems needs the determination to avoid the temptation to be selective about the city’s problems. Forming an inclusive administration is impossible without addressing human rights violations. President Hassan wants the soon-to-be-formed government of Somalia to form an administration for the city.”

Somalia: Kismayo’s problem needs a new approach

06 Oct – Source: Somaliland Sun – 545 Words

Kismayo is city which, like Mogadishu, has had its cosmopolitan culture snuffed out after 1991 when clan wars engulfed southern Somalia. The city is where people fleeing 1991 Mogadishu war between the former military regime forces and United Somali Congress militias chose to live. In 1990s Kismayo changed hands several times between United Somali Congress (USC) and Somali Patriotic Movement (SPM) which was once ally of USC in the fight against the former military dictatorship.