June 17, 2013 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

President Hassan in London ahead of the G8 Summit

15 Jun- Source: Office of the President of Somalia- 241 words

The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sh. Mohamud, accompanied by Minister of Finance H.E. Mohamud Hassan Suleyman, is in London today where he will meet with several G8 leaders and attend the G8 OPEN FOR GROWTH: TAX, TRADE AND TRANSPARENCY event. The 3T’s are the theme of this year’s G8 Conference.

On this trip, President Hassan’s main aim is to engage the G8 leaders and encourage them to trade with and invest in Somalia. Since investment and trade will play significant roles in restoring peace, President Hassan is making sure that these leaders know that Somalia is increasingly open for business.

President Hassan will meet with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The UK Prime Minister and his administration continue to show unwavering support to the Federal Government of Somalia. The UK officially re-opened its embassy in Mogadishu after twenty years.

“Somalia is located in a very strategic area geographically. It has every possible potential in terms of location and natural resources for trade and investment. Today the world is ready to engage with Somalia more than ever before. We need to capitalize on this golden opportunity”, said President Hassan.

The President concluded his remarks by saying that job creation for the youth is one way of tackling the root causes of piracy and extremism and that youth employment is certainly key for Somalia’s development and stability.

Key Headlines

AMISOM concludes Gender Workshop on drafting Somalia’s National Gender Policy (AMISOM)
Prime Minister welcomes UN support for government efforts to stabilise Juba regions (Office of the Prime Minister)
Somali Government and AMISOM forces conduct security operation in Mogadishu (Radio Mustaqbal)
Air Uganda sets date for Mogadishu service launch (Eturbo news)
Norwegian delegation arrives in Mogadishu (Universal TV)
Conference on Jubbaland held in Nairobi ( Radio Bar-kulan)
Ahmed Madobe led delegation departs to Addis Ababa (Dhanaan Online/Kismaayo News)
New funds eye regional diaspora and Somalia ( East African)
Puntland VP convenes parliament session (Garowe Online)
Saudi Arabia to fund health education in Somalia (Radio Ergo)
Somaliland has spoken – its people have a right to self-determination (East African)
Tea shop bomb in Somali town kills at least seven (Reuters)
Kenya Somalia in dispute over violent port city (ABC News/AP)

PRESS STATEMENT

AMISOM concludes Gender Workshop on drafting Somalia’s National Gender Policy

15 Jun- Source: AMISOM- 209 words

The Gender Unit of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) today concluded a four-day workshop on drafting Somalia’s National Gender Policy held in Kampala-Uganda at Golf Course Hotel.

Participants identified key opportunities and challenges allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of gender issues.The delegates further shared experiences from neighboring nations on implementing gender policies.

The workshop mapped out and formulated Somalia’s first National Gender Policy to be approved by the Federal Government of Somalia through its parliament. Participants were engaged in role-playing and group work to put in effect the identified economic empowerment, health, education, political participation and decision making as four priority areas.

The sessions were interactive and relevant scenarios were used to contextualize given concepts. The participants adopted strategies to harmonize the Gender policy plans and mitigate challenges in the development of these policies aiming to eradicate gender inequality, empower women and benefit all people of Somalia.

In closing the workshop, H.E Siyad Ahmed Sheikh Dahir, Somali Ambassador to Uganda, on behalf of the Somali Government thanked AMISOM for supporting the Government of Somalia and reaffirmed that the draft formulation of this Gender Policy will go a long way in strengthening the development of Somalia.

President Hassan in London ahead of the G8 Summit

15 Jun- Source: Office of the President of Somalia- 241 words

Prime Minister welcomes UN support for government efforts to stabilise Juba regions

14 Jun- Office of the Prime Minister- 287 words

His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon today welcomed the UN Security Council’s commitment to the government-led peace and reconciliation process in Somalia.

Following a briefing to the Security Council from the Assistant Secretary-General Tayé-Brooke Zerihoun on the situation in the Juba regions, the UN issued a statement expressing concern at the security situation in the Juba regions; underlining support for the federal state-building process being conducted according to the constitution; backing the government’s reconciliation drive in the Juba regions in tandem with the new UNSOM mission and IGAD; reiterating its willingness “to take action against those who undermine the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia”.

“I welcome the UN’s statement, which demonstrates strong support for the reconciliation process which the government is championing,” the Prime Minister said. “In particular, I would like to thank the UN for making clear its position against those undermining the peace and reconciliation efforts. Our position is equally clear. The future of the Juba regions, together with any other regions, must be settled in peaceful talks, not with guns.”

SOMALI MEDIA

Ahmed Madobe led delegation departs to Addis Ababa

16 Jun- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Shabelle/Mustaqbal/Dhanaan Online/Kismaayo News-73 words

A delegation led by Ahmed Mohamed Islam, leader of Jubbaland, has departed to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where he will be received by the Ethiopian prime minister. It is believed that the Ethiopian prime minister invited Ahmed Madobe to Addis Ababa to discuss political issues with the Ethiopian government.

Puntland VP convenes parliament session

16 jun- Source: Garowe Online/ Universal TV- 274 words

Puntland Vice President Abdisamad Ali Shire officially convened the 30th Puntland parliamentary session on Saturday where in his opening speech he spoke about security, democratization and the Somalia Federal Government, Garowe Online reports. A majority of 48 parliamentarians were present for the 30th parliamentary session where they discussed the Puntland Constitutional Court and deliberated on the establishment of Guardafu – proposed region in north east Puntland, among other issues.

Saudi Arabia to fund health, education in Somalia

16 Jun- Source: Radio Ergo- 78 words

The Saudi Arabian government has pledged $72 million to fund a three-phase programme of reconstruction of Somalia’s education, health and agriculture sectors. The first $24 million phase is due to start soon. The funds are being channelled through the Somali office of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Mohamed Iidle Sabriye, is assistant director of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Somalia said these projects will be implemented in five areas.

Somali Government and AMISOM forces conduct security operation in Mogadishu

15 Jun- Source: Radio Mustaqbal- 147 words

Reports from Huriwa district in eastern of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia say that Somali government and AMISOM forces have conducted security operation in the district. The operation was conducted in the villages of Suqa Holaha as eyewitness told to Mustaqbal radio on telephone. In the operation, hundreds of people were arrested and gathered in one place, but after investigation, many were released, but few youth who were suspected to have links with al Shabaab, the anti-government element in Somalia, were detained, according to witness who requested his name not be used.

Norwegian delegation arrives in Mogadishu

15 Jun- Source: Shabelle/Universal TV- 182 words

A Norwegian delegation led by former Prime minister Mark Hansel arrived in Mogadishu Saturday. The delegation was received by Somalia’s National assembly speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari on behalf of the federal president of Somalia. The delegation held in door meeting with the speaker and after that, Mr. Jawari addressed the Somali media who waited for him until he finished the indoor meeting. We have discussed many issues concerning bi-lateral relations between the two countries and what Norway government can help in the reconstruction of Somalia” said Mr. Jawari. The delegation also met the prime minister of the federal republic of Somalia Mr. Abdi Farah Shirdon in his office.

Conference on Jubbaland held in Nairobi

14 Jun- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mustaqbal/ Hiiraan Online-123 words

The conference on the disputed and deteriorating political tension of Jubba regions in southern Somalia has been held in Kenyan capital, Nairobi on Friday. The conference was organized by the defense committee of the Somali Federal Parliament, attended by representatives and ambassadors of at least 15 countries as well as the most powerful UN body, United Nation Security Council. Speaking to the media after Friday’s conference held at Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi, MP and the chairman of the Somali Federal Parliamentary defense committee Hussein Arab Isse said that the conference was aimed on the Somali government’s decision on Kismayo issue and the upcoming reconciliation conference which is due to be held in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.

REGIONAL MEDIA

New funds eye regional diaspora and Somalia

15 Jun- East African- 379 words

Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia are among the countries that will benefit from $1 billion DVK Africa Development Fund being fund-raised under by DVK Group, a UK-based global corporate finance, commodities and private equity firm. DVK announced that it was also creating the East Africa Core Development Fund to attract East African nationals living abroad to invest in the region. The initial focus of the DVK Africa Development Fund is Somalia. The company’s founder, Deepak Kuntawala, said it would supplement the donations the country is receiving, as Somalia does not qualify for loans from key lending institutions such as the Africa Development Bank due to unpaid debts.

Air Uganda sets date for Mogadishu service launch

14 Jun- Source: Eturbo news- 183 words

Air Uganda has just announced the launch date for their latest destination – Mogadishu in Somalia. Starting on08th of July, U7 will fly nonstop between Entebbe and Mogadishu initially three times a week, offering government officials, army personnel and a growing number of business people from Uganda the fastest way yet to reach Somalia.

Somaliland has spoken – its people have a right to self-determination

15 Jun- Source: East African- 491 words

The Somaliland Minister for Presidential Affairs spoke to FRED OLUOCH on the various challenges facing the self-declared independent state as it continues to be denied international recognition despite 22 years of relative peace and democratic leadership

How has Somaliland managed to remain peaceful while surrounded by chaos?

Actually the secret of Somaliland is that people came together led by elders and decided that they will maintain peace.

Somali leaders must work together – envoy

14 Jun- Source: Daily Nation- 506 words

Somalis must be ready to compromise on political issues if the country’s fledgling peace is to be maintained, an envoy has said.Outgoing British Ambassador to Somalia Matt Baugh said the international community would support the war-torn country to stability, but it is up to Somalis themselves to rebuild their country.“It is now down to all Somalis and their leaders wherever they might be to work together. The pride of greater stability in their country is greater than anything else,” Mr Baugh told the Nation in Nairobi on Thursday.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Tea shop bomb in Somali town kills at least seven

15 Jun- Source: Reuters-159 words

At least seven people were killed when a bomb exploded in a tea shop popular with government troops in the Somali town of Wanlaweyn on Saturday, officials and residents said.Regional capitals and Western donors are nervous of any reversal of security gains made in Somalia by African Union peacekeepers in the fight against al Qaeda-linked militants, seen as a threat to stability in east Africa and beyond.

Kenya, Somalia in dispute over violent port city

14 Jun- Source: ABC News/AP- 565 words

The al-Qaida-linked militants who once controlled the southern port city of Kismayo are gone, but a fight for control of the city has broken out and at least 10 people have been killed in the recent violence. Kismayo is home to a contingent of militiamen and warlords, and five clan leaders now have all declared themselves president including a leader who is backed by Kenya. At the heart of the divide in Kismayo is Kenya’s desire for a friendly buffer zone near its border with Somalia, one of the main reasons Kenya sent troops to Somalia to fight al Shabaab militants in late 2011.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“There is a big question mark over the Somali government’s ability to take a lead in reconciliation efforts for Somalis. Reconciliation does not mean micromanagement or using federal institutions to score political points.”

SOMALIA: Can the Somali government facilitate reconciliation?

16 June- Source: Raxanreeb-630 Words

The Dialogue and Reconciliation Committee appointed by the Somali Federal Government has published its report. The Committee members visited Kismayo, met the stakeholders and launched the report in a press conference in Nairobi, still the nerve centre of the international community as far as Somalia is concerned. Hussein Arrab Isse, a committee member, said the press conference was about the Somali government’s position and the conference to be held in Mogadishu and to share findings with the international community.” His colleague Abdirahman Hosh, said the ultimate aim is to form a regional administration in which clans have a role.”

“Dr. Rabeh reminds me of all of the values that most of our people have lost over the last 50 years: integrity, honesty, righteousness, loyalty, courage, determination and love of country. Finally, I would like to call upon young Somalis to listen to his numerous lectures in YouTube and use him as a role model if they want to stand above the destructive clan politics that destroyed Somalia. Dr. Rabeh campaigned vigorously against clan politics and refused to be sucked into it like other Somali intellectuals.”

Dr. Omar Osman Rabeh: A Somali Hero in a nation lacking Heroes

14 June- Source: Wardheernews-1094 Words

Somalia is a country bereft of national heroes. For nearly sixty ears, it has failed to produce heroes like Imam Ahmed Gurey, Sayed Mohamed Abdulla Hassan and Sheikh Bashir Yusuf. In lieu, it has been afflicted with a bunch of greedy Warlords, and blood-thirsty religious extremists who lack vision and an understanding of the world. As a young boy, I used to admire the Somali poet Hadrawi who had the guts to confront a dictatorial regime trying to force an alien concept upon its people, scientific socialism. His early works inspired me to run away from Somalia without finishing high school. I had to be smuggled in a boat to South Yemen after confrontations with Russian teachers, who hardly spoke English but managed to take over our high school in the beautiful town of Sheikh in Northwestern Somalia. Imagine being taught English by a Russian lady who thought that “Took to his heels” meant “Grabbed his heals”.