September 9, 2013 | Morning Headlines.

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Communiqué of the Vision 2016 National Conference

05 Sept – Source: Office of the Somali Government – 1072 words

Preamble:

The Vision 2016 Conference (hereinafter referred to as “the Conference”) was convened by the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, His Excellency, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu from 2-6 September 2013 in which His Excellency called for the first of many national dialogues on the transition towards democratic legitimacy.

The conference delegates deliberated the following thematic issues

Constitutional Development: Review, oversight, and implementation
Options on Models of Federalism
Reform and Good Governance
The Electoral Process and Party Politics
Political Outreach, Public Engagement, Reconciliation, and Transitional Justice.

The objective of the Conference was to advance the political process and to solicit the opinions of the Somali people including members of parliament, regional authorities, civil society groups and experts, as well as members of the diaspora to ensure the constitutional review and implementation process, together with the process of transitioning to democratic legitimacy, is Somali-owned.

The Conference was officially opened by the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, His Excellency, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who welcomed the conference delegates, thanked them for responding to his Excellency’s call for national dialogue on political processes and requested them to offer concrete proposals and recommendations that can be translated into policies that will contribute towards the review and implementation of the Provisional Constitution, the transition to democratic legitimacy, and the finalization of the Constitution by way of referendum.

Key Headlines

AMISOM Condemns Mogadishu Terror Attack (AMISOM)
UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Somalia Nicholas Kay on terrorist attack in Mogadishu (UNSOM)
President pledges full implementation of the recommendations from the national conference(Raxanreeb)
Al-Shabaab will not remain in Lower Shabelle region says governor
(Radio Bar-Kulan)
PM Shirdon meets president Gelle (SNTV)
Al Shabaab says Saturday’s attacks aimed to target ‘Western spies’ in Mogadishu
(Raxanreeb)
Suicide explosions took place in Mogadishu (RBC)
(SNTV)
“We killed CIA members in a restaurant in Mogadishu” says Shabaab
(Radio Mustaqbal)
Massive blaze at prison kills five Al Shabaab fighters (Garowe online)

PRESS STATEMENT

Communiqué of the Vision 2016 National Conference

05 Sept – Source: Office of the Somali Government – 1072 words

Preamble:

The conference delegates deliberated the following thematic issues

• Constitutional Development: Review, oversight, and implementation

• Options on Models of Federalism

• Reform and Good Governance

• The Electoral Process and Party Politics

• Political Outreach, Public Engagement, Reconciliation, and Transitional Justice.

The Conference recognized that the roadmap laid out in the Provisional Constitution provides concrete steps towards these objectives.

The Conference recalls the priorities outlined in the New Deal Compact for Somalia, which include advancing inclusive political dialogue, finalizing and adopting the Federal Constitution by December 2015, and preparing for and holding credible elections by 2016.

The Conference expressed concern that the government is behind on important political milestones.
The Conference acknowledges that there are some areas of textual ambiguity in the Provisional Constitution that need to reviewed and revised.

The Conference, therefore, adopts the following core principles:

• A Somali-owned, inclusive, and transparent political process, led by the Somali Federal
Government and consistent with the Provisional Constitution.

• A rigorous, spirited review process of the Provisional Constitution gaining public legitimacy through a referendum.

• A federal political system that brings government closer to the people, and safeguards unity and stability.

• Free and fair electoral processes based on one person, one vote.

• A commitment to, and the promotion of, integrity and good governance.

• A comprehensive reconciliation process that brings about national cohesion and integration.
Recommendations:

1. Priorities for review and Implementation of the Constitution

The Conference agrees:
• There is a sense of urgency in the review and implementation of the Provisional
Constitution.
The Conference therefore recommends:

• The establishment of the constitutionally mandated Constitution Review and
Implementation Commission within 60 days.

• The establishment of the constitutionally mandated Constitutional Court within 90 days.

• The establishment of all other institutions necessary to review and implement the
Constitution within 90 days.

• That the government ensures the independence, integrity, and credibility of the
constitutionally mandated commissions.

• That the government, in establishing these commissions, shall appoint commissioners with competence, integrity, and diversity.

• That the government develop a communication strategy on the constitutional process and launches a comprehensive civic education campaign.

• That the government ensures the process to be participatory, involving civil society, and owned by the Somali people.

2. Models of Federalism and Resource Sharing
The Conference agrees:

• That a federal system shall bring government closer to the people.

The Conference therefore recommends:

• That the government shall establish the Boundaries and Federations Commission as directed by the Provisional Constitution within 60 days.

• That Federal units shall be based on economic viability, demographic diversity, and
geographic integrity in line with the framework of the Provisional Constitution.

• That the Somali Federal Government should take leadership of the process and launch a civic education campaign.

3. The Electoral Process and Party Politics
The Conference agrees:

• That the government shall create an enabling environment for multi-party politics.
The Conference therefore recommends:

• That the government should establish the Independent Electoral Commission within 6
months.

• That the Political Party Law shall be passed within one year.

• That the government shall launch civic education on the electoral process.

• That political parties shall have a national character, and shall not be based on clan, hate and/or violent extremism.

• That the House of the People shall pass laws regulating campaign financing based on
accountability and transparency.

• That the international community shall provide technical, political and financial support to the proposed electoral processes.

• That contingency plans shall be agreed upon if one person one vote elections are not
possible in 2016.

4. Reform and Good Governance

The Conference agrees:

• That the government shall promote a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
The Conference therefore recommends:

• The establishment of an Anti-Corruption Commission as directed by the Provisional
Constitution within 90 days.

• The establishment of a National Office of Ombudsman as directed by the Provisional
Constitution within 90 days.

• The establishment of a National Human Rights Commission within 90 days.

• The establishment of a National Civil Service Commission within six months.

• The establishment of a National Archive to serve as a repository of information for
government documentation within one year.

5. Political Outreach, Public Engagement, Reconciliation and Transitional Justice
The Conference agrees:

• That the government shall initiate a comprehensive reconciliation process that brings about national cohesion and integration.

The Conference therefore recommends:

• That the government shall engage in a dialogue with opposition groups.

• That the government shall reach out to, and open a constructive dialogue with regional administrations.

• That the government shall continue talks with Somaliland.

• That the government shall work towards empowering traditional elders in their role as
peacemakers.

• That the government shall institutionalize gender equality and the representation of
minorities in all government institutions.

• That the government shall establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as stipulated in the Provisional Constitution, within six months.

• That the government shall establish a Land and Property Commission within six months.

Finally the conference agrees:

• That the government shall produce a comprehensive and realistic work plan for the
implementation of the above recommendations within 30 days.

• That the House of the People shall hold the government accountable to the implementation of the work plan.

PRESS STATEMENT

AMISOM Condemns Mogadishu Terror Attack

07 Sept – Source: AMISOM – 289 words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif has condemned today’s terrorist attack on the residents of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, saying it was an attempt by Al Qaeda affiliated extremists to derail Somalia’s continuing recovery.

The attack, which targeted ordinary civilians frequenting the popular Village restaurant, killed at least 15 people. AMISOM units working with Somali security agencies immediately cordoned off the area and are searching the area for more attackers.

“AMISOM will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Somali people and support them as they rebuild their country,” said Amb Annadif. “We will not allow a violent minority to drag them back to the days of chaos and anarchy,” he added, noting that the attack comes at a time when Somalia continues to witness remarkable improvements in security, reconciliation efforts and in its economy.

He offered his condolences to the families and friends of those killed adding that the AMISOM hospital and doctors had offered to assist local medical facilities with specialized care for the injured. “It is a sad reminder of the dangers we all face from terror groups and of the need to continue to confront them and degrade their ability to sow chaos and destruction,” Amb Annadif said.

“AMISOM is continuing to train the Somali forces and police so they can cope with the security challenges but needs to be reinforced so it can confront the terrorists in their bases in the Somali countryside where such attacks are planned,” he said.

Recently, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, called on countries around the world to provide AMISOM with attack helicopters and armored troop carriers to take the fight to the extremists in the field.

UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, on terrorist attack in Mogadishu

07 Sept – Source: UNSOM – 140 words

SRSG Nicholas Kay condemns the terrorist attack in Mogadishu earlier today at the vicinity of the National Theatre. Reportedly, a suicide bomber and a vehicle loaded with explosives detonated at the site of a popular restaurant causing numerous casualties.

“I am appalled by this act of savagery and condemn it in the strongest terms. I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those killed and wish a speedy recovery to the injured” said SRSG Kay.

“Such cruel and cowardly acts of terrorism serve to remind us that the people of Somalia desperately need peace. Terrorism is a threat to Somalis, the people of the region and the world. It needs to be defeated militarily and politically” stated SRSG Kay. “UNSOM is here to assist in these efforts and stands by the people of Somalia” SRSG Kay added.

International Investigative Team Report Clears Somalia of UN Report Allegations

06 Sept – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 699 words

Statement by
H.E. Fowziya Yusuf Haji Adam
Acting Prime Minister Statement, and
Deputy Prime Minister
Minter of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Thank you all for coming this morning.

We have called this press conference to address the recent United Nations Monitoring Group Report concerning the Government of Somalia. While the Monitoring Group Report sought to address various issues facing Somalia, particular attention has been paid to the allegations of systemic financial mismanagement appearing in Annex 5.2 of the Report.

The allegations were so serious and far reaching that the President immediately set out to investigate them. At his direction, the Government of Somalia engaged an investigative team of highly qualified attorneys and forensic accountants with specific expertise in investigating allegations of fiscal corruption. It operated in accordance with international norms and professional forensic practices for discovery, investigation and interviews.

Unequivocally, this team concluded that the allegations in Annex 5.2 of the U.N. Monitoring Group Report were not only unsupported but factually incorrect. For instance: The entirety of the $16,924,466 deposited by PwC-Africa between May 2011 and April 2012 is accounted for, contrary to Annex 5.2.
Withdrawals from the Central Bank were not made for private purposes; according to the investigative team’s analysis of withdrawals made during the current administration, the people who withdrew funds from the Bank were in fact ministry cashiers, and their withdrawals and disbursements were fully documented.

It is unfortunate that the Monitoring Group failed to adhere to well-established UN Fact-Finding Standards and to accepted norms for due diligence. At best, the report is sloppy and unprofessional. At worst, it shows evidence of a hidden agenda to tarnish Somalia’s government with sweeping, slanderous conclusions devoid of evidence.

Among other failings, there were surprising omissions and apparent biases in the Monitoring Group’s investigation. For instance: While supposedly conducting an investigation of the Central Bank, the Monitoring Group never attempted to contact relevant Bank officials or obtain records from the Bank or Finance Ministry; neither did the Monitoring Group attempt to interview Somalia’s Accountant General, who is responsible for managing the accounts of the state and its ministries.

While issuing blanket condemnations of the Central Bank’s Governor, the Monitoring Group never contacted him; the Governor was only interviewed after he contacted the Monitoring Group and after their report had already been finalized, and even then, the Group asked no questions about allegations of corruption contained in their report.

The Monitoring Group relied heavily on information from an outspoken critic of the federal government and on its own investigator, neither of whom have any apparent training or expertise in forensic financial investigations.

As you know, Somalia is just emerging from a generation of war, during which no credible central government existed. Since September 2012, we have made historic progress toward a democratic central government – one that is fighting corruption and embracing reform, transparency and accountability.

One of thePresident’s top priorities upon taking office was reforming the Public Financial Management institutions of the government, with the publicly stated goals of transparency, sovereignty, and coordinated support from all outside stakeholders. In the last year, we have taken concrete steps to implement these reforms, under the supervision of the World Bank.

Despite the UN Monitoring Group’s allegation that the Central Bank is a slush fund, the Central Bank has improved its cash controls, modernized its payment systems, and enhanced accountability. Specifically, the Central Bank has:

Published its first annual, bi-annual and quarterly reports in 20 years; Installed a sophisticated biometric payroll system for the payment of employees; Drafted a five-year strategic plan for 2013-2018; and Implemented information technology upgrades, including reviving the Bank’s Swift capabilities.

Although we have made much progress, much remains to be done. We look forward to continuing to receive the support of the international community as our nation continues its efforts to overcome the effects of decades of war.

We have prepared a written formal response to the allegations of financial corruption, which you should have received by now, and I will now take any questions that you may have. In addition, Jeremy Schulman, the lead member of the investigative team, is here to address any questions as well.

SOMALI MEDIA

President pledges full implementation of the recommendations from the national conference

08 Sept – Source: Raxanreeb/SNTV – 118 words

The president of the federal government of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has promised that his government will fully implement all of the recommendations from the national conference on the country’s political future that was kicked off in the capital on Friday, RBC reports. President Mohamud said despite many challenges, his leadership is committed to carry out a national election in the year 2016 for the first time in Somalia since 1960. “We are very worried on our capacity and competence towards leading the country as the appropriate way that the Somali wish for that reason we have called on this national conference.” the president said at his speech at the last day of the five days national conference.

PM Shirdon meets president Gelle

08 Sept – Source: Bar-kulan/SNTV – 99 words

Prime Minister of the Somali Federal government Abdi Farah Shirdon has met with the Djiboutian president Ismail Omar Gelle in the Djiboutian capital on Saturday. The two officials have discussed wide range of issues including the bilateral relations between the two countries, Somalia’s security situation, trade and development of the war-torn country. Prime Minister stated that Djiboutian government has supported Somali Federal government by deploying peace-keeping forces under Amisom in many parts of central Somalia. Djiboutian president has praised Somali government for the significant work it has been able to do during the year it has been in office.

Suicide explosions took place in Mogadishu

07 Sept – Source: Radio Mustaqbal/RBC – 109 words

Reports just finding by Mustaqbal radio say that two heavy Explosions took place at the Village restaurant near The Mothers’ compound in Hamarweyne district on Saturday morning. Two vehicles filled with explosive devices reportedly exploded at the outside of Village Restaurant where casualties occurred. Eye witness at the restaurant told to Mustaqbal radio on the telephone line that death of casualties happened at scene and at least 10 people were killed while another number of persons were also wounded at spot accident. Several people take coffee at restaurant including politicians, elders, civilians and also Journalists. Shabaab claimed the responsibility of these blasts on its website known as Somalimemo.net.

Jubaland President arrives in Mogadishu for talks

07 Sept – Source: Garowe Online/SNTV – 88 words

The President of Somalia’s Jubaland Administration Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) has arrived in Mogadishu on Saturday for talks on the completion of “Jubba Agreement”, Garowe Online reports. President Madobe was accompanied by Jubaland officials and traditional elders and he was received at Aden Adde International Airport by Somali Federal Government Minister of Interior and National Security, Abdikarin Hussein Guled. Addressing the media members who congregated at the airport, President Madobe noted that his aim is to discuss the remaining points of Jubba agreement with Federal Government of Somalia.

Two Somali journalists Wounded in Mogadishu Suicide Bombing Attack

08 Sept – Source: Radio Dalsan – 115 words

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has learned that two Somali reporters were slightly wounded on Saturday’s suicide bombing attack at the village restaurant that killed at least 18 in Mogadishu on 07 September, 2013 around 11:00am. Flying shrapnel slightly wounded Mohamed Hasan Ali nicknamed “National”, a reporter for the Mogadishu based Haatuf radio, left hand and right leg and Shuceyb Awil Dahir, a reporter for Kulmiye Radio also received slight head injury. Both working for privately owned radio stations. Dozens of journalists go to the village restaurant everyday for chatting and exchange of information. Last September, three journalists were killed among 15 killed following suicide bombing attack on this very same restaurant.

Grenade attack kills one, injures 3 in Beledweyne

08 Sept – Source: Bar-kulan/RBC – 82 words

At least one person was killed and three others injured in a powerful explosion that has occurred in Somalia’s central town of Beled-weyne, the capital of Hiiraan province on Saturday evening. Confirming the incident, Hiiraan police boss Ali Abdi Mahadalle told Bar-kulan that a grenade attack was hurled at a restaurant in Beled-weyne’s Hawlwadag neighborhood. People who obtained serious wounds were rushed to Beled-weyne general hospital for treatment. Some of the wounds are reportedly in critical conditions, according to the medical officials.

Somaliland formally establishes the role of religious leaders in the fight against HIV/AIDS

07 Sept – Source: Somaliland Press – 90 words

The Somaliland AIDS Commission (SOLNAC), local NGOs and Muslim scholars met to discuss and develop a strategy that formally establishes the role of religious leaders in the fight against AIDS by promote meaningful engagement by the civil society participation in planning, implementation and evaluation of AIDS responses. Somaliland AIDS Commission (SOLNAC) wants to incorporate Muslim scholars in the fight against the deadly disease by employing their influence in the awareness campaign particularly by supporting networks of people living with HIV, women’s groups, and vulnerable and marginalized groups affected by AIDS.

“We killed CIA members in a restaurant in Mogadishu” says Shabaab

08 Sept – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 88 words

The Islamist militants of Shebeb linked with Al-Qaeda claimed it killed CIA members in the Village restaurant in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. The Spokesman for the battles of Islamis Group of Shebeb Sheik Abdu-Aziz Abu Mus’ab speaking to pro-group media said that the Jihadists conducted suicide attacks and targeted CIA members at Village restaurant that was targeted on Saturday’s blasts. The spokesman said the explosions were pre-determined ones and have been conducted to enemy’s areas and added Islamists reached their objective of the operation according to him.

Massive blaze at prison kills five Al Shabaab fighters

07 Sept – Source: Garowe Online – 94 words

A prison fire in Bulo-Marer town of Lower Shabelle region left five Al Shabaab fighters, three inmates and two civilians dead according to witnesses, Garowe Online reports. A Bulo-Marer resident who spoke to Garowe Online on condition of anonymity because of his security said, the blaze started late Friday night and finally was succeeded to fight it at 8:00 AM in the morning after other militants lingered around the prison. “We saw the charred remains of the corpses who were dragged out under heavy security by Al Shabaab,” a nearby resident told GO.

Several wounded people admitted in Mogadishu Hospitals

08 Sept – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 119 words

Several people those were wounded on Saturday’s attack on Village restaurant near presidential palace, were admitted in Mogadishu private hospitals. These people were admitted in Medina and Dara-shifa hospitals. the medical head of Medina hospital Miss Duniyo Mohamed Ali speaking to Mustaqbal radio told that 37 people were admitted in the hospital those were wounded in Saturday’s explosions on Village restaurant in Mogadishu. She also said 13 dead persons were brought to the hospital as to be identified by their relatives. Miss Duniyo added that five persons were immediately returned after they got treatment since they had spongy wounds. she indicated that the hospital is in hard work for the civilians in Mogadishu and other regions of the State.

Al Shabaab says Saturday’s attacks aimed to target ‘Western spies’ in Mogadishu

08 Sept – Source: Raxanreeb – 101 words

Al Shabab spokesman Abdiasis abu Mus’ab who immediately claimed the responsibility of Saturday’s suicide attacks in Mogadishu which killed more than 20 civilians has said the attacks were aimed to destroy foreign spies, RBC Radio reports. “The target of our attack was towards UK spy members in the Village restaurant.” Abu Mus’ab told pro-Al Shabab radio. He said the owner of the Village restaurant, who is a Somali-UK citizen was closely working with the UK’s MI5. Abu Mus’ab confirmed the main target was the restaurant itself which hosts each day hundreds of people including journalists and diaspora members returning to Mogadishu.

Al-Shabaab will not remain in Lower Shabelle region, says governor

06 Sept – Source: Bar-kulan – 100 words

Lower Shabelle administration of the Somali Federal stated that Al-Qaeda-allied Al-Shabaab militant group is not capable of remaining parts of the region. Abdikadir Sheikh Mohamed Nur, Lower Shabelle governor said that the Somali government forces backed by AU peacekeeping forces have weakened the rebel group. Nur said “the security forces are stepping up operations to liberate remaining areas and we will leave no stone unturned to fully control the region”. Lower Shabelle governor added that it’s time to connect Marka and Mogadishu towns, he urged Somali Diaspora to return home and help the country emerge from two decades of destruction.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Somalia starts campaign to send 1mn children to school

08 Sept – Source: Capital News/Sabahi Online – 88 words

The Somali authorities are launching Sunday a campaign aimed at getting one million children in the war-torn nation into school, the United Nations’ children’s agency said. The Go 2 School initiative is being launched simultaneously in the capital Mogadishu and in Hargeisa and Garowe, the main cities of the autonomous and semi-autonomous northern states of Somaliland and Puntland respectively. The campaign, which will run for three years “aims to give a quarter of the young people currently out of the education system a chance to learn,” UNICEF said.

Amina was smuggled into Eastleigh estate for Sh25,000

07 Sept – Source: Standard Media – 117 words

Amina, a refugee, sells miraa and tea along Nairobi’s General Waruinge Street, off the second avenue, when she is in the city. How she was first smuggled into Nairobi shows what is wrong with Kenya’s immigration system. We caught up with her in Garissa, on a short visit to collect supplies for her business in Nairobi. Her tale shades insights on just how human trafficking is fast becoming a major business on the porous Kenya-Somalia border, which also suffers from smuggling of sugar and firearms.
Amina presented herself at the booking office of a popular long distance bus company that has been ferrying passengers to Nairobi since the collapse of the Somalia government in the early 1990s.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somalia’s al Shabaab claim twin attacks that killed 18

08 Sept – Source: AFP/BBC – 133 words

Somalia’s Shabaab Islamists claimed twin blasts in the Hamarweyne district of the capital Mogadishu that left at least 18 people dead. “Successful operations carried out in Mogadishu’s Hamarweyne district,” the group said on its Somali-language Twitter feed. Mohamed Yusuf, spokesman for the Mogadishu authorities, said that after the car bomb went off, a suicide bomber immediately blew himself up in the restaurant. “First a car bomb exploded at the entrance of the restaurant, and when people converged inside a suicide bomber blew up himself,” he said. A Reuters witness at the scene described a tangle of mangled tables, chairs, blood and pieces of human flesh. Security forces cordoned off the area and told people to stay away for fear of more blasts. Two suicide bombers hit the same restaurant in September last year.

Somalia blasts hit Mogadishu’s Village restaurant

07 Sept – Source: BBC/Reuters – 93 words

Explosions at a popular restaurant near the parliament building in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu have killed 15 people, police say. The blasts hit The Village around lunchtime. The restaurant is popular with government workers and journalists and has been targeted before. Somalia is battling the Islamist-led insurgency and high levels of crime. The Islamist al-Shabab group claimed responsibility for the attacks, which tore off much of the restaurant’s roof. “Successful operations carried out in Mogadishu’s Hamarweyne district,” said al-Shabab on its Somali-language Twitter feed, referring to the area in which The Village is located.

Somali Islamist rebels suspended from Twitter again

07 Sept – Source: AFP – 155 words

The Twitter account of Somalia’s Al Qaeda-linked Shabaab insurgents was suspended on Friday, the second time this year the Islamists have been pushed off the site. A message from Twitter on the English-language @HSMPress1 account read that the account was suspended, without elaborating.
In a statement sent to AFP, the group denounced the suspension as “futile”. “Our account has been closed in another futile attempt to silence the truth and the factual coverage of events in Somalia,” the group said. Earlier this week the group used the site to claim they had ambushed the convoy of war-torn Somalia’s internationally backed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Somalia’s presidency played down the incident, describing it as an IED explosion far from the convoy. “Next time, you won’t be as lucky,” the Islamists tweeted after their attack, which the president escaped unharmed. Twitter warns that accounts can be suspended if users publish “direct, specific threats of violence against others”.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“The struggling nation of Somaliland is betting these beasts of burden will be on the menu far and wide.”

Somaliland:How Do You Like Your Camel Meat?

07 Sept – Source: Somaliland Press – 1714 words

From early in the morning until midday, the streets of southern Hargeisa, Somaliland periodically shut down as hundreds of camels trundle along the narrow city streets. Taxi drivers give way, milling on the side of the road, wiping their cars clean of the dust and mud kicked up by the procession. Ultimately, the beasts file through the gates of the Hargeisa Camel Market.

No one really runs the market. It’s just one of dozens of sites across the country where nomads, locals, and traders converge daily to buy and sell thousands of live animals, some for the neighborhood butcher’s block, others for export. And to most folks in Hargeisa, it’s just a fact of life—a reflection that, despite the boom in the city’s population and the development of modern, multistory office buildings, Somaliland is still a largely pastoral economy.

But downtown, in the knot of government offices near the presidential palace, the ministers are eyeing this market with new ambitions. They have analyzed the country’s resources, crunched the numbers, and decided that these nomads may offer the safest and quickest passage for taking this fragile economy from relative poverty to a more thorough modernity.

“ “Captain Phillips” will no doubt draw comparisons to “Zero Dark Thirty” for its ripped-from-the-headlines storytelling, but this is a case in which the writer and director are as interested in the human element as they are in the true events they’re recounting. It’s too bad that they couldn’t have made their real-life bad guys as multi-dimensional as their hero.”

Is Hanks Thriller Oscar Bound?

07 Sept – Source: Arab Times – 1252 words

Paul Greengrass’ “Captain Phillips” promises to plunge viewers into a tense hostage situation, and based on the early reviews, it delivers. The film stars Tom Hanks as an American captain captured by a band of Somali pirates and held for ransom on a tiny life boat. Distributor Sony Pictures thinks it has a rare film that can deliver box office punch while vying for Oscar attention. Initial notices suggest the film is built to ride from both a commercial and plaudit perspective. “Captain Phillips” hits theaters on Oct 11, so many reviewers have yet to weigh in, but it has the wind at its back in early going. To be sure, there were detractors, but the overall impression was that Hanks and Greengrass had made a true-to-life tale that is both compelling and suspenseful. In a mixed review, Alonso Duralde of TheWrap praised Greengrass’ direction as taut, but said there’s an air of the “White Man’s Burden” to its depiction of the Somali pirates.