January 14, 2013 | Morning Headlines.
Eight civilians killed in French Somalia raid: witnesses
13 Jan – Source: AFP World News – 231 words
At least eight civilians were killed during France’s failed attempt to free a hostage in Somalia, witnesses said Sunday, adding to prior reported death tolls.
“Four civilians, including three from one family, are among the dead. They were all killed outside Bulomarer, where the French commandos landed before entering the city,” resident Adan Derow said by telephone.
“We don’t know why those civilians were killed” outside Bulomarer, where the raid took place on Saturday, added another resident, Ali Moalim Hassan.
Key Headlines
- Humanitarian Access to Somalia Improves Following Al Shabaab Defeats (Source: AMISOM)
- Somali President makes his first visit to the US (Radio Mogadishu)
- 120 civil servants to receive trainings in Bujumbura Burundi (Radio Bar-kulan)
- The Somali government condemns French military operation in Bula-Marer (Radio Mogadishu)
- PM Abdi Farah Shirdon “we will get rid of the peace spoilers everywhere in the country” (Radio Dalsan)
- Somalia-Somaliland talks to resume (Radio Bar-kulan)
- Britain to host Somalia conference in May (Daily Nation/AFP)
- French commandos attack Al-qaeda militants in Bula-Marer (Shabelle/Bar-kulan)
PRESS STATEMENT
President Mohamud on official visit to US
13 Dec – Source: presidency.gov.so – 272 words
Somali President makes his first visit to the US. The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E Hassan Sh. Mohamud has today left for the United States for a visit. The President is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E Fowziyo Yusuf Haji Adan, and senior advisors to the President for this visit. The President will attend several high level meetings in which he is to rally support for the Federal Republic of Somalia.The visit is also a symbol to his commitment in strengthening the bilateral relations between Somalia and the government of the United States of America. They will hold discussions centered on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest to the two countries. For the past several months, President Hassan has toured the Horn of Africa region and signed several bilateral agreements as means of ensuring transparency and lasting cooperation with Somalia’s neighbors and the international community. In order to secure and consolidate the gains made so far, and prevent a possible relapse of conflict; President Hassan Sh Mohamud has focused on the building and strengthening of bilateral relationships in order to overcome the various security and developmental problems in Somalia. During his visit the President will be prioritizing discussions on security and development, which are among the most important pillars in his six-pillar policy plan. The President will also meet the large Somali Community that resides in the US during this visit. Malik Abdalla Director of Communication Office of the Somalia President Villa Somalia, Mogadishu.
Humanitarian Access to Somalia Improves Following Al Shabaab Defeats
11 Jan- Source: AMISOM- 332 words
The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ambassador Mohamet Annadif, has welcomed reports indicating that access for humanitarian workers to the population in southern Somalia has improved following successful operations by the Somali National Army backed by African Union troops to push the al Shabaab terror group out of key towns in the region.
According to the latest Humanitarian Bulletin issued by the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, there has been a gradual increase in the international presence in some areas, enabling aid groups to bring in more relief supplies and better monitor projects.
The report states that aid deliveries from Mogadishu to the Lower Shabelle region are also expected to improve following the ejection of the al Shabaab from the regional capital of Jowhar in December.
It notes that attacks on humanitarian workers had declined by 70% in the months of November and December, and that the improvements in the security situation had allowed up to 2000 people to return to their homes in Kismayo.
“This report demonstrates that AMISOM is fulfilling its mandate to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Somalia,” said Amb. Annadif. “AMISOM is committed to the welfare of the Somali people and we will continue to work with the Somali government to improve security across the country. We are helping to train the Somali National Army and the Somali Police Force so they can secure the country in the long term,” he added.
Over the last 18 months, with help from AMISOM, Somali national security forces have pushed the al Shabaab out of much of south and central Somalia. In the last three months of last year, the extremist group, which severely restricts access for aid agencies in areas it controls, was forced to flee from its former strongholds in the southern port city of Kismayo as well as Jowhar, 90 km north of the capital, Mogadishu.
SOMALI MEDIA
Somali President makes his first visit to the US
13 Jan- Source: Radio Mogadishu/SONNA/SNTV- 229 words
The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sh. Mohamud has left for the United States for a visit. The President is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fowziyo Yusuf Haji Adan, and senior advisors to the President for this visit.
The President will attend several high level meetings in which he is to rally support for the Federal Republic of Somalia. The visit is also a symbol to his commitment in strengthening the bilateral relations between Somalia and the government of the United States of America. They will hold discussions centered on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest to the two countries.
120 civil servants to receive trainings in Bujumbura, Burundi
13 Jan- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 172 words
The government has on Sunday sent at least seventy civil servants to Burundian capital, Bujumbura, for trainings.
The government employees drawn from the President, Prime Minister’s offices, parliament and foreign affairs ministry will undergo a seven-day training to equip them the necessary skills required in their services to the nation.
The Somali government condemns French military operation in Bula-Marer
13 Jan- Source: Radio Mogadishu/SONNA/SNTV 180 words
The Somali federal government has denounced the air strike by French commandos in Bula-Marer city in lower Shabelle region southern Somalia.
The executive council of the Somali federal government had an emergency meeting on the military intervention by French special forces at house in Bula-Marer city in lower Shabelle 125 KMs away from the Somali capital Mogadishu.
They (government) expressed dissatisfaction to the French military and expressed sorrow for the loss of the civilians near the targetted house of the terrorists.
Prime minister of the Somali Federal Government, Abdi Farah Shirdon was chairing the emergency assembly as deputy premier and minister of foreign affairs, Fowsiya Yusuf Adam confirmed to the state media.
France tightens security after Mali, Somalia action
13 Jan- Source: Radio Bar-kulan-130 words
French President Francois Hollande has ordered security to be stepped up around public buildings and transport because of military operations in Africa.
He was responding to the risk of an Islamist attack after French forces attacked militants in Mali and Somalia.
France’s anti-terrorism alert system known as “Vigipirate” is being reinforced immediately, with security boosted at public buildings and transport networks, particularly rail and air. Public gatherings will also be affected.
The alert will remain at red, the second-highest level at which emergency counter-attack measures are put in place.
French commandos attack Al-qaeda militants in Bula-Marer
12 Jan- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Shabelle/Bar-kulan/
Reports from Bula-marer city in lower Shabelle region say that heavy fighting occurred between the Al-qaeda linked group of Al-Shabab and French commandos carrying two helicopters mid last night.
Residents in Bula-marer confirmed that French special forces with two helicopters carried out the operation landing on the ground, but met resistance from the Al-qaeda linked group of Al-Shabab last night.
There are casualties, but there is no exact number of death and injuries on the two sides.
Two killed after gunmen attack bus
13 Jan- Source: Radio Mustaqbal- 192 words
Two people were shot on Friday night and killed by gunmen in Bagale area along the Nairobi-Garsisa highway.
The victims were in a bus that was headed for Mandera when gunmen who were in a probox car opened fire at the bus killing the two and injuring three others.
The injured were rushed to Garisa hospital while the gunmen drove off without stealing anything from the other passengers.
Police say they are yet to establish the motive of the 11pm incident.
A hunt on the attackers is ongoing. Witnesses said the incident happened when the salon car blocked the bus before the gunmen opened fire at it killing the two on the spot.
Al Shabaab execute two civilians in Jilib
12 Jan- Source: Shabelle- 105 words
Reports from the southern town of Jilib in south Somalia say that militants from Al Shabab excuted two civilian men after they accused the two men of being spies for the Somali government.
Residents in Jilib town, who spoke to Shabelle say that Al Shabab got the off a public bus and that the two men were locals living in the town.
People in Jilib are now concerned about their safety as the two men were locals.
PM Abdi Farah Shirdon “we will get rid of the peace spoilers everywhere in the country”
13 Jan- Source: Radio Dalsan- 108 words
The prime minister of Somalia Abdi Farah Shirdon has affirmed that his government will fight against al Shabaab all across the country.
Abdi Farah Shirdon discovered his government’s first priority is to stabilize the country and get rid of the peace spoilers. PM Abdi added, they will fight with al Shabaab fighters to assure the countries’ security and to maintain law and order for the Somali society.
Somalia-Somaliland talks to resume
13 Jan- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 132 words
Somaliland’s regional foreign affairs minister Mohamed Abdullahi Omar has revealed that talks between his secessionist administration and the Somali government have resumed, almost seven months after the first round of talks started.
Omar said the talks are a follow up to the earlier talks in Britain and United Arab Emirates in mid 2012.
He said his administration will not accept individuals he says are “natives of Somaliland” to attend the talks while representing the Somali government.
His sentiment comes just a day after Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon made a similar announcement that the talks will soon resume expressing confidence that they will yield fruits and bring together all Somalis.
Somalia MP survives roadside bomb in Mogadishu.
12 Jan- Source: Garowe Online/ BBC Somali Service- 175 words
A member of Somalia’s federal parliament has survived a roadside explosion on Saturday in Mogadishu, Garowe Online reports.
MP Mohamed-Nuh Abdullahi, who was sworn in as an MP in August 2012, told the BBC Somali Service that he was driving when his vehicle was struck by a roadside explosion.
“I was slightly hurt, but one of two of my bodyguards are in critical condition,” said MP Mohamed-Nuh. “This attack, and the attack before it, will not stop me from serving my national duties and I will continue my work as a Somali Member of Parliament,” the MP added defiantly.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Hollande steps up France security over Mali and Somalia
13 Jan- Source: Standard- 256 words
French President Francois Hollande has ordered security stepped up around public buildings and transport because of military operations in Africa.
He was responding to the risk of Islamist attack after French forces attacked militants in Mali and Somalia.
A pilot was killed as air strikes were launched on a column of Malian rebels.
In Somalia, two French soldiers were “sacrificed” in a raid to free a French hostage, Mr Hollande said. The hostage was believed to have died.
http://www.standardmedia.co.
Britain to host Somalia conference in May
12 Jan- Source: Daily Nation/AFP- 338 words
Britain is to host a new international conference on the future of war-torn Somalia on May 7, the office of British Prime Minister David Cameron announced on Friday.
A spokeswoman for Cameron’s Downing Street residence said the meeting would build on the major conference held in London last February, when international powers pledged to boost aid for Somalia to fight Islamist militants and pirates.
“The UK and Somali governments will co-host an international conference on Somalia on 7 May in the UK,” the spokeswoman said.
http://www.nation.co.ke/News/
Somali pirates free three Syrian hostages without ransom
13 Jan- Source: thepeninsulaqatar /Reuters-285 words
Somali pirates have released three Syrian hostages held in captivity since 2010 without payment of any ransom, government officials said yesterday.
The three were part of the 19-strong crew of a Panama-flagged, United Arab Emirates-owned bulk cargo vessel captured in December 2010 some 400 miles northeast of the Seychelles. The ship was released in October 2012 after pirates said they received $400,000, but detained six of the crew to get more money
for them.
19 killed in Somalia raid to free French hostage
12 Jan- Source: Daily Nation/AFP- 477 words
Two French soldiers died and 17“terrorists” were killed in a failed bid to free a French hostage in southern Somalia from Islamists holding him since 2009, the French defence minister said Saturday.
The overnight operation was launched by France’s elite DGSE secret service, Defence Minister Jean-YvesLe Drian said in a statement, adding that the raid was sparked by the “intransigence of the terrorists who have refused to negotiate for three and a half years and were holding Denis Allex in inhuman conditions.”
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Eight civilians killed in French Somalia raid: witnesses
13 Jan – Source: AFP World News – 231 words
At least eight civilians were killed during France’s failed attempt to free a hostage in Somalia, witnesses said Sunday, adding to prior reported death tolls.
“Four civilians, including three from one family, are among the dead. They were all killed outside Bulomarer, where the French commandos landed before entering the city,” resident Adan Derow said by telephone.
“We don’t know why those civilians were killed” outside Bulomarer, where the raid took place on Saturday, added another resident, Ali Moalim Hassan.
Somali intelligence official says French hostage likely killed by captors during failed rescue
13 Jan- Source: Washingtonpost/AP 149 words
A Somali intelligence official says that the French intelligence agent held hostage for more than three years by Islamic militants in Somalia was likely killed by his captors during the failed rescue attempt by French commandos.
The official said Sunday that the home where the agent was held was destroyed in the attack Saturday, and that intelligence networks “do not have any information indicating he is still alive.” The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to speak to the press.
Free journalist, others linked to rape allegation
12 Jan- Source: hrw.org- 557 words
The Somali authorities should release a journalist and two other people linked to a woman who alleged being raped by state security forces. Police in Mogadishu have detained freelance journalist Abdiaziz Abdinur Ibrahim without charge for prolonged interrogations since January 10, 2013.
“The Somali police are detaining a journalist and harassing a woman who says she was raped, while letting those accused of rape run free,” said Daniel Bekele, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “The new Somali government needs to ensure that the police are part of the solution to rampant abuses by the security forces, not part of the problem.”
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Your human dignity is at its best when you can care for yourself without relying on donations and gifts from someone else. I hope Somalia will stand on its feet once more and help the Somali refugees regain their identity. For my case, I am always a refugee as long as there are Somali refugees, how about you?”
Am I always a refugee?
11 Jan- Source: Hiiraan Online-489 Words
As a child who grew up in Dadaab refugee camp, I always thought about being a refugee and what it means to be identified as ‘ a refugee’. I also pondered about when being a refugee ends and how people in other parts of the world live their lives without been encamped in a refugee camp like I was. Now that I live in America trying to live a normal life, finding a true identity of who I am and who I want to become is tougher when my people are still in refugee camps around the world. When your hear Somalia, things that come to your mind to find a meaning to the word “Somalia” or even a synonyms for it are; refugees, wars, famine, terrorism and piracy. Unfortunately, nothing positive is associated with Somalia at all. Historically, Somalis have many positive things to show off, but this history is living in the shadow of 22 years of undignified Somali-being in which we were and still are at the receiving end of the world.
“…it would be unsurprising if al-Shabaab released photos or video of either Allex or the French solidier (dead or alive) to drive home the message that al-Shabaab is still relevant and can defeat foreign forces.”
Details and Analysis of France’s Failed Rescue in Somalia
13 Jan- Source: Somalia Newsroom-1161 Words
In the early hours of 12 January 2013, French special forces failed in an operation to rescue French intelligence agent Denis Allex from al-Shabaab in the town of Buulo Mareer. Buulo Mareer is firmly controlled by al-Shabaab–although Somalia National Army (SNA) and AMISOM forces are 17 mi (28 km) northeast holding the port of Marka. Allex was intially kidnapped in a Mogadishu hotel in July 2009 with a colleague who later “escaped.” (Some sources say a ransom was actually paid for Allex’s colleague.) Another shocking result from the operation was that a French special forces member injured in the operation was captured and is now in al-Shabaab custody–along with Allex.