October 6, 2013 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

U.S. says captures al Qaeda leader in Libya, also raids Somalia

06 Oct – Source: Reuters – 116 words

U.S. forces launched raids in Libya and Somalia on Saturday, two weeks after the deadly Islamist attack on a Nairobi shopping mall, capturing a top al Qaeda figure wanted for the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania, U.S. officials said. The Pentagon said senior al Qaeda figure Anas al Liby was seized in the raid in Libya, but a U.S. official said the raid on the Somali town of Barawe failed to capture or kill the intended target from the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab movement. Liby, believed to be 49, has been under U.S. indictment for his alleged role in the East Africa embassy bombings that killed 224 people.

Key Headlines

Somali president warns youth over illegal migration (Radio Mustaqbal/Radio Mogadishu)
PM says he won’t quit until 2016 confirms upcoming reshuffle (Raxanreeb/Somali Channel/SNTV)
Two wounded in Kismayo explosion (Bar-kulan/Dhanaan Online)
PM says he won’t quit until 2016 confirms upcoming reshuffle (Raxanreeb/Somali Channel)
Somalia appeals for help to fight al Shabaab (Aljazeera)
Puntland Marine Police Forces mark 3rd anniversary (Garowe Online)
IGAD executive secretary says Somalia should have only one leadership (Radio Dalsan
Madani forces set to operate in Berdale district (Bar-kulan)
Foreign forces attack al Shabaab controlled Barawe town (Somali Current)
Curfew on Barawe district by al Shabaab after attack (Radio Mustaqbal)
Somaliland Delegation Discuss Trade with Turkish Government & Investors (Somaliland Press)
Kenya says mall attackers no more than six names four (Africa Review)
Somalia says working with foreign partners on terror ‘no secret’ (AFP)
US sources confirm raids in Somalia and Libya (Al Jazeera/Reuters)
Somali militants say Western forces raid base and kill fighter (Reuters)

PRESS STATEMENT

“Police discipline is the prerequisite of public confidence,” President declares, opening new training course for officers

06 Oct – Source: Office of the President – 284 words

H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Sunday opened a 45-day training course for 450 police officers in Mogadishu. The Minister of Interior & National Security, the Police Commissioner and the Chief of Intelligence were also among the participants at the ceremony.

The President of Somalia during his speech said: “Police discipline is the prerequisite of public confidence. This training will enhance your skills-set, knowledge, discipline, and expertise required for police officers to protect the people, your number one duty as officers. And this training will give confidence to the people you are here to serve. This small ceremony today is yet another step towards self-reliance in security and I congratulate you for being a part of that.”

The President officially opened the training course and stated the importance of the government prioritizing security, which is the backbone of stability and prosperity in Somalia.

The President noted the enormous progress in security in recent months. “I congratulate our brave security forces who are ready to defend our people, our religion and our country, while working in a difficult environment and serving to protect the people,” he said. “Our top priority is security, providing training and rights to security forces. We have started paying the long neglected salaries of security forces and increased their food allowances.”

President Hassan emphasized the importance of training courses and said: “Education is absolutely fundamental and all our security forces require on-going training to enhance their knowledge and expertise, which will help the protection of the people. Training instills the professionalism which will be the foundation of our new security forces and the basis of the popular trust they must have across Somalia to succeed.”

Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon sends his condolences to the families of the victims who have lost their lives off the coast of Lampedusa

05 Oct – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 123 words

His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon sends his deepest condolences to the families and friends of those lost in the boat disaster off the coast of Lampedusa.

The Prime Minister said, “I would like to extend my sincere condolences to those who lost loved ones and friends in this tragic accident. I would also like to thank and commend the actions taken by the Italian coastguard, there is no doubt their swift response helped prevent further loss of lives.

“As a government we must continue to build on the achievements already made to make Somalia a secure, stable and attractive place to live; So that those young people who are fleeing their country will stay and take part in rebuilding their country.”

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali president warns youth over illegal migration

06 Oct – Source: Radio Mustaqbal/Radio Mogadishu – 115 words

The president of Somali federal government Hassan Sheik Mohamed has expressed deep concern over Somali youth Migrating and losing their lives in the course. Addressing the opening ceremony for Police officers’ training program, the president sent condolence message to the families of those whose lost their lives in tragic boat accident that happened off the the coast of Lampedusa, Italy. President Hassan called on Somali youth not to leave their country and put themselves into danger off the sea. However, the president acknowledged that circumstances such as security, unemployment and family problems compel the youth to escape from their homeland.

PM says he won’t quit until 2016, confirms upcoming reshuffle

06 Oct – Source: Raxanreeb/Somali Channel/SNTV – 98 words

Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon has on Sunday rebuffed reports claiming his resignation following growing pressure from the parliament and said that he will not quit from his post as the country’s Premier until 2016, RBC reports. “I have no confirmation towards a resignation from my post as the prime minister,” Shirdon said during a press conference in Mogadishu. “My term in office will end on the year 2016″. The Prime Minister confirmed that he was projecting the first reshuffle in his 10 ministers cabinet to bring qualified and experienced individuals into the council of ministers.

Two wounded in Kismayo explosion

06 Oct – Source: Bar-kulan/Dhanaan Online – 65 words

At least two people were wounded in a landmine that has occurred in the southern Somali town of Kismayo on Sunday morning. The two were unidentified as a driver and his conductor who were caught by the explosion, according to Bar-kulan reporter in the area. Jubba Interim Administration security forces immediately arrived at the scene, carrying out major security operation in search of the perpetrators.

Puntland Marine Police Forces mark 3rd anniversary

06 Oct – Source: Garowe Online – 96 words

The Puntland Marine Police Forces (PMPF) has on Saturday celebrated their third anniversary at a base near Bossaso port city in Puntland on Somalia’s northeastern tip, Garowe Online reports. A colorful ceremony held at the main base was attended by PMPF Chief Admiral. Abdirizak Dirie Farah, Puntland defense forces and police officials, traditional elders and intellectuals. On the occasion of the celebrations marking the 3rd anniversary of Puntland Marine Police Forces (PMPF), Admiral. Farah discussed the reasons behind the establishment of Puntland marine forces and the achievements that they have accomplished over the past three years.

Madani forces set to operate in Berdale district

06 Oct – Source: Bar-kulan – 95 words

Madani security forces, armed troops formed to ensure the security and stability of the war-torn Somalia haveon Sunday started operating in Berdale district and also the surrounding areas. Speaking to Bar-kulan, Berdale district commissioner Mohamed Isack Qaracase said these Special Forces deployed to the area were trained by Ethiopian troops in the area. He further added that the troops were given uniform intended to spot them from the other troops who are already operating in the area. Berdale district is among the few stable and secure parts in the southern Somali region of Bay.

Foreign forces attack al Shabaab controlled Barawe town

06 Oct – Source: Somali Current – 74 words

Unknown foreign forces have Saturday night raided al Shabaab strong-hold town of Barawe in the south Somalia from the sea, according to the local residents. Sources confirmed that the fighting between al Shabaab and the foreign troops killed at least three people, including two militant fighters. But al Shabaab spokesman told the media one of the militant’s fighters was killed during the raid. Two helicopters were involved in the raid, which lasted hours in the night.

Curfew on Barawe district by al Shabaab after attack

06 Oct – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 90 words

Residents in Barawe district of Lower Shabelle region in Southern of Somaliasay they are under curfew on Sunday night. Al Shabaab militants ordered the residents not to move out of their homes from 5:00pm in the evening. The residents told Mustaqbal radio that heavily armed al Shabaab fighters are patrolling the streets and making defense positions.

IGAD executive secretary says Somalia should have only one leadership

05 Oct – Source: Radio Dalsan – 104 words

IGAD executive secretary Eng Mahbub Mo’alim has strongly said that world and regional governments will not accept anarchy and several disputing leaders for Somalia following the formation of several semi-autonomous states within the country. “Somalia should have only one leadership. It is unacceptable to have more governments and more presidents in Somalia,” Eng Mo’alim said during a meeting with Somali community in Minneapolis, USA. The comment by Eng Mo’;alim came as five self proclaimed presidents still vying for the control of Somalia;s Jubba region resulting in a deadly clan fighting which killed hundreds of civilians in the town of Kismayo in June this year.

Somaliland Delegation Discuss Trade with Turkish Government & Investors

05 Oct – Source: Somaliland Press – 87 words

HE President Ahmed Mohamed Mahmoud (Silanyo)and his delegation has met with members of the Turkish business fraternity ,Turkish envoy to Somaliland and Somalia Ambassador Hani Torun and Turkeys International Cooperation and Development Agency’s (TIKA) Somali Program Coordinator Abdulahad Kokdagi who also is the representative of the Turkish Prime Minister in Istanbul, Turkey. Somaliland delegation also met with confederation of Turkish Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey in a bid to lure much needed investors to come and invest in Somaliland unexplored natural resources and invest other business.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Somalia appeals for help to fight al Shabaab

07 Oct- Source: Aljazeera- 02 :37 min

Somalia’s defence minister says the government needs more international support to track down the armed group, al Shabaab. The government has to rely on local military groups, many whom once fought alongside al Shabaab.

Families of soldiers who perished in Somalia say seeking benefits has been frustrating affair

06 Oct – Source: Standard- 124 words

Days have turned into months since some Kenya Defences Forces soldiers died in the line of duty in Somalia but their families are yet to be compensated. After losing their loved ones during Operation Linda Nchi mission to root out al Shabaab militants, the families of the deceased soldiers are accusing the government of abandoning them. Several family members who spoke to The Standard on Sunday told of their frustrations and anguish as they chase their departed kin’s compensation even as they try to come to terms with their deaths. Relatives of 26-year-old Private Jasper Onguso who died as KDF tried to capture the strategic port city of Kismayu say they have made countless trips to the forces offices in Eldoret and Nairobi in vain.

Kenya says mall attackers no more than six, names four

05 Oct – Source: Africa Review – 142 words

Kenyan police said Saturday that between four and six men conducted a deadly Nairobi mall siege, far fewer than thought, as chilling new footage showed the attackers calmly ambling around with AK-47 rifles in hand. The Kenyan military also named four men believed to have carried out the attack. The men were named as Abu Baara al-Sudani, Omar Nabhan, Khattab al-Kene and Umayr. Kenya initially said that between 10 and 15 gunmen were involved in the 80-hour siege of a busy upmarket shopping centre that killed at least 67 people. “From what we have now that is coming out of the investigation, the number of attackers was between four to six,” police chief David Kimaiyo told Kenyan television station KTN. “None of them managed to escape from the building after the attack,” he said, implying that they were killed in the confrontation.

Four dead, church torched in Kenya riots after Muslim cleric killed

04 Oct – Source: Daily Monitor – 105 words

Four rioters died and a church was torched amid gunfire Friday, as police in Kenya’s port city of Mombasa quashed protests sparked by the killing of a Muslim cleric. Battles broke out as armed paramilitary police moved towards a mosque, whose leaders have been accused of links to Somalia’s militant al Shabaab, insurgents who massacred 67 in Nairobi’s Westgate shopping mall last month. Angry protesters took to the streets after unknown gunmen assassinated a popular Muslim preacher and his three companions in a drive-by shooting late on Thursday, a killing that mirrored the murder of another extremist cleric last year that provoked days of deadly riots.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somalia says working with foreign partners on terror ‘no secret’

06 Oct- Source: AFP-233 Words

Somalia said Sunday it was “not a secret” it is working with foreign governments to fight terror and described the country’s al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militants as a threat to the world. Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon was commenting after US commandos launched a raid against Shebab militants in Somalia, in tandem with a strike against a wanted al Qaeda leader in Libya. “Our cooperation with international partners on fighting against the terrorism is not a secret,” Farah Shirdon said. “Understand me, that fighting is not a secret. And our interest is to get a peaceful Somalia and free from terrorism and problems.” US forces launched a pre-dawn raid against an unidentified al Shabaab leader’s home in the southern Somali port of Barawe on Saturday, but failed to capture him. It was unclear whether he had been killed, but a US official said several al Shabaab members had been slain.

U.S. says captures al Qaeda leader in Libya, also raids Somalia

06 Oct – Source: Reuters – 116 words

Uganda suspends 24 officers over Somalia corruption

06 Oct – Source: AFP – 126 words

Uganda said Monday it had suspended 24 of its army officers, who were part of a UN-mandated force battling al Qaeda linked rebels in Somalia, over corruption allegations. A defence ministry spokesman said among those recalled for “getting involved in conduct injurious” to the African Union AMISOM force was the head of the 6,000-strong Ugandan contingent, Brigadier Michael Ondoga. “They were suspended two days ago,” the Ugandan defence spokesman, Colonel Paddy Ankunda, told AFP. According to an independent local newspaper, The Daily Monitor, the officers were recalled by President Yoweri Museveni over the alleged black market selling of food and fuel meant for the Ugandan troops. The paper said that some ordinary soldiers were eating only one ration pack a day because of the scam.

US sources confirm raids in Somalia and Libya

06 Oct – Source: Al Jazeera – 97 words

US military forces have conducted an operation in Somalia targeting a member of the rebel group al-Shabab, a Pentagon official has said. On Saturday, George Little, the press secretary for the US Department of Defence, confirmed the raid was carried out. He said that the operation was aimed at capturing a “high value al Shabaab terrorist leader” and that no US personnel were injured or killed. “US personnel took all necessary precautions to avoid civilians casualties in this operation and disengaged after inflicting some al Shabaab casualties. We are not in a position to identify those casualties,” said Little.

Somali militants say Western forces raid base and kill fighter

05 Oct – Source: Reuters – 152 words

Somali al Shabaab militants said on Saturday British and Turkish special forces had raided a coastal town overnight, killing a rebel fighter, but that a British officer had also been killed and others wounded. A British Defence Ministry spokeswoman said: “We are not aware of any British involvement in this at all.” A Turkish Foreign Ministry official denied any Turkish part in such an action. A Somali intelligence official said the target of the raid on al Shabaab’s stronghold in the small southern coastal town of Barawe was a Chechen commander, who had been wounded and his guard killed. A total of seven people were killed, said police. It was not clear whether the assault was related to the attack on a Kenyan mall two weeks ago, which the al Qaeda-linked group said it carried out and which killed at least 67. Nor was there any independent confirmation of what forces were involved.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Al Shabaab certainly exploited that culture of corruption in planning and executing their latest attack. The Westgate terror attack should be a wake-up call. We must see some major changes to our approach to security matters.”

Corruption a key plank in al Shabaab’s quest to sow chaos and state failure

05 Oct- Source: Daily Nation-677 Words

What would Prof Wangari Maathai have made of the attack at the Westgate mall? She would have been horrified at the senseless slaughter of innocents. The Nobel Peace Prize Laureate was a humanist above all else and she would have wept at the scale of the carnage. But one part of her would have wondered what would have been if authorities in government had listened to her repeated pleas that the entire area around where both Nakumatt Westgate and Nakumatt Ukay stand is a wetland on which no construction should have taken place. In African society, they say one should not appraise the life of a dead man too closely during the mourning period before they have been buried. Now that the immediate horror of the events at Westgate has faded somewhat we must, as a society, reflect on the lessons to be drawn from that disaster. One of them is that corruption is a cancer that is the leading contributor to many of our self-inflicted crises. The question is often asked why Ethiopia, which has brutally intervened in Somalia many times and which has a bigger ethnic Somali population than Kenya’s, does not suffer terrorist attacks.

“To demonstrate her legitimacy, Ballarin pulled out a thick binder of pictures and official-looking documents, and walked me through a photo gallery of her posing with Somali politicians, warlords, clan leaders and Sufis.”

Pirates and warlords aside, Michele Ballarin believes she can turn Somalia around

04 Oct- Source: Washington Post-4119 Words

In late 2008, media outlets reported that a wealthy Northern Virginia businesswoman was negotiating with Somali pirates for the release of a Saudi oil tanker and a Ukrainian vessel stocked with Soviet-era tanks and grenade launchers. “I’m in communication with both ships on a regular basis,” Michele Ballarin informed the press. She had recently returned from Somalia to her 191-year-old estate in Fauquier County. Somalia experts were puzzled; they had never heard of her. But news that she was a trusted confidante of Somali pirates and warlords emerged just as the pirate crisis was exploding on the world stage, frustrating the U.S. and other governments, which seemed powerless to keep ships from being seized. Ballarin boasted to reporters that she had a plan to bring peace and prosperity to the beleaguered country. After two decades of strife, some Somalis grabbed onto her like a lifeline. The pirates called her Amira, which means “princess” in Arabic. Not everybody was so enamored. A senior government official told ABC News: “It’s pretty sad when a horse-country socialite has more sway in Somalia than the whole U.S. government.”