October 29, 2013 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

UN Supports AU Proposal to Triple Peacekeepers in Somalia

29 Oct- Source: Xinhua/CRI English-401 Words
UN Deputy Secretary Jan Eliasson on Monday expressed support for an African Union (AU) proposal to triple peacekeeping troops in Somalia to 45,000 from the current 17,551. The increment is to combat the “plague of terror” in the Horn of Africa country and in East Africa, where Somalia-based al Shabaab launched a deadly attack on the Westgate Mall in the Kenyan capital Nairobi on Sept. 21. “They are not just killing and destroying. They are instilling fear. This is a very dangerous phenomenon. We have to see this as a threat to values. This is a threat to basic principles of the UN Charter. We must continue to do our job,” Eliasson said. Speaking after a tour of Kenya and Somalia, the UN deputy chief said increasing the troops to Somalia and investing in development inside Somalia would help boost peace efforts in Somalia.

Key Headlines

An interview with Somali president (CCTV Africa)
President welcomes Dutch Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Minister and leading Dutch businesses(Office of the President of Somalia)
Prime Minister launches Somalia Development and Reconstruction Facility- “the first step towards the realization of the New Deal dream for the people of Somalia” (Office of the Prime Minister – 520 words)
UN Supports AU Proposal to Triple Peacekeepers in Somalia(Xinhua)
Foreign minister travels to UN headquarter to appeal for equipping national army
(SNTV)
MPs continue questioning information minister over agreement with Turkish private company(Raxanreeb)
Turkish firm lands contract to run Mogadishu port(Africa Review)
Puntland president: The elections will take place in justice manner(Radio Mustaqbal) ‘Drone’ kills two in Somalia: witnesses (Al Jazeera)
SMSs warn of terror attacks at city malls (Daily Nation)
Al Shabaab rebuilds forces in Somalia as African Union campaign stalls(The Guardian)

PRESS STATEMENT

President welcomes Dutch Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Minister and leading Dutch businesses

28 Oct – Source: Office of the President of Somalia – 322 words

His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, today welcomed Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Lilianne Ploumen, as well as leading Dutch businesses to Somalia. The President thanked Minister Lilianne Ploumen for visiting Somalia, a strong sign of the improving situation in Somalia, which other countries would note and follow.

“Your visit is a part of International dignitaries around the world visiting Somalia, so I am delighted to welcome you here today, which is thanks to the improved security situation and Somalia’s re-emergence on the world stage. “There are strong bonds between our two nations with a large Somali diaspora population living in the Netherlands.

I thank the Netherlands for their continued and sustained efforts in helping Somalia to emerge from fragility. The New Deal Compact presents a new beginning in the joint partnership between the Somali people and the international community. The Compact explicitly prioritizes the key short-term needs of Somalia over the next three years and we look forward to the continued support of the Netherlands in achieving these goals.”

Following the meeting with the President the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation lead a delegation of leading Dutch businesses from the maritime services and energy sectors, including Damen Shipyards Group, IHC Merwede, and Boskalis, to a trade meeting with Somali Federal Government ministers and Somali Chamber of Commerce.

“International investors and multi-national corporations are turning their attention to Somalia. We must now seize the opportunity and work with them to attract the investment and jobs that will help transform Somalia.”

“Such a high level trade delegation from the Netherlands is further proof that foreign investors see the huge steps that Somalia has taken in the last year and are keen to invest here. We are working to improve the investment climate having recently revised the Investment Law to ensure that Somalia is investment-friendly and open for business”, the President said.

Prime Minister launches Somalia Development and Reconstruction Facility- “the first step towards the realization of the New Deal dream for the people of Somalia”

28 Oct – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 520 words

His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon today launched the Somalia Development and Reconstruction Facility (SDRF) saying: “my government is ready to take a greater responsibility for the future of Somalia, and to partake in a new paradigm shift in political and socio-economic development. SDRF is the first major step towards the realization of the New Deal dream for the people of Somalia”.

Following the landmark New Deal Conference in Brussels in September, co-hosted by the Somali Federal Government and the European Union (EU), the Compact will serve as the basis and overarching framework for Somali engagement with the international community.

The SDRF will work to enhance coordination of external assistance in a transparent manner and will bind the Somali government and international partners to adhere to a donor code of conduct, helping to maintain the mutual commitments envisioned under the New Deal principles. Speaking today at the launch of the SDRF, the Prime Minister, said:

“The Brussels conference represented an important milestone in the implementation of the New Deal process for Somalia. It is important to keep the momentum and move quickly towards the implementation of the commitments outlined in the Compact. Today’s launch of the SDRF is a major first step toward the realization of the New Deal dreams for the people of the Somalia.

“The SDRF will enhance coordination and alignment of external assistance in a transparent manner and will be increasingly used in-country systems overtime. The Compact explicitly assumes the Somali government and the international partners to adhere to certain critical donor code of conducts to maintain the mutual commitments envisioned under the New Deal principles.

“Eight months ago, it would have been impossible to imagine the significant progresses we have made together in the implementation of the New Deal process for Somalia. After numerous consultations, discussions, debates, and hard-work today we have an inclusive Compact for the people of Somalia, and we took the first step in the formation of the overall SDRF structure. We are thankful to the hard work of those involved in the process of the New Deal and the unwavering support from our international partners. “We now have an unprecedented opportunity to re-build our nation and I must underscore that this is not a single event, but an evolving process that requires all of our commitment as a nation and the support and good will of the international partners.”

Prime Minister thanks Dutch Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Minister for continued support

28 Oct – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 236 words

His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon today met with Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Lilianne Ploumen, and Ambassador, Joost Reintjes, at Villa Somalia.
The Prime Minister thanked Minister Lilianne Ploumen for making her first visit to Somalia and for bringing with her leading Dutch businesses keen to see the improved security situation firsthand and eager to invest in Somalia.

“Not long ago the prospect of large international foreign businesses visiting Somalia would have been unthinkable. Foreign investment can be the engine of growth for the Somali economy and help lead our nation to stability” said the Prime Minister. “Today sends a very powerful message to the world that Somalia is back and we are open for business. Somalia is an attractive place to do business with plentiful opportunities available. We welcome investors in all sectors of our economy and look forward to engaging with them.”

The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also discussed implementation of the New Deal Compact signed last month in Brussels and the substantial support the Netherlands has pledged. “We thank the Netherlands for their continued support and assistance within the framework of the New Deal.

The New Deal gives Somalia an unprecedented opportunity to re-build our nation. It is essential that through the New Deal Compact all support and assistance is bilateral with the Somali Federal Government to ensure that Somali priorities are met” said, the Prime Minister.

SOMALI MEDIA

Foreign minister travels to UN headquarter to appeal for equipping national army
28 Oct – Source: Raxanreeb/SNTV – 85 words

The Foreign Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia and the Deputy Prime Minister Fawsiya Haji Aden has traveled to the United Nations headquarter on Sunday to attend the United Nations Security Council special assembly on Somalia. The Deputy Prime Minister will attend the UN session on Somalia on 30th of October, according to foreign ministry sources. On Sunday before departing from Mogadishu airport, Aden said that she will address the United Nations Security Council to appeal for equipping Somali national army.

Puntland president: The elections will take place in justice manner

28 Oct – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 118 words

The president of regional administration of Puntland State said that the elections of Puntland will take place in justice manner. Abdirahman Sheik Mohamed Farole said Puntland is committed to hold the elections in good manner with justice in the new year of 2014. Farole speaking to the journalists in Garowe, headquarter of Puntland State stressed the elections of Puntland will be held within the schedule date in a democratic and peaceful way. On other hand, some of the candidates for the elections of Puntland expressed deep concern over the elections of 2014, saying the administration led by Farole will manage the election and that will create obstacles for the candidates.

MPs continue questioning information minister over agreement with Turkish private company

28 Oct – Source: Raxanreeb – 78 words

Members of the Federal Parliament of Somalia continue questioning the country’s Information, Posts and Transportation Minister over the recent agreement with the Turkish private company, Favori which manages the handling services of Mogadishu airport, RBC reports. Monday’s session has become the third one of direct parliament inquiry to the minister. The Information, Posts and Transportation Minister Abdullahi Elmoge Hersi has defended the agreement with Favori firm as he responded the parliamentary inquiries in accordance with the federal constitution.

Somaliland police patrolling streets, security tightened in Hargeisa

28 Oct – Source: Somaliland Informer – 88 words

Somaliland police are patrolling the streets in the capital, Hargeisa to prevent attacks from al Shabaab al Qaeda linked militant group who carried out terra attacks at Westgate Shopping mall in Nairobi Kenya’s capital city in Sept. 2013. The police were seen in heavy presence at the main roads and junctions in the capital and this has caused to disrupt and brought the traffic to standstill. The reasons behind putting the security on higher alert were attributed to the preventing attacks orchestrated by al Shabaab militant group that fight in Southern Somalia.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Turkish firm lands contract to run Mogadishu port

28 Oct – Source: Africa Review – 145 words

A Somali Cabinet spokesman has confirmed that Turkish firm Al Bayrak will manage Mogadishu’s port in a two-decade contract. Mr Ridwan Haji Abdiweli on Sunday said that the council of ministers had endorsed an agreement reached by the Somali government and the Turkish company last week. “The Ministry of Public Works and Marine Transport signed an agreement with Al Bayrak on the 24th of October, the Cabinet spokesman said.” “The (Turkish) company is to manage the harbour for a period of 20 years.” The Somali government expects that the services rendered by Al Bayrak will significantly boost its revenues as it recovers from years of civil war that devastated the economy. “Apart from taxes collected by the customs and excise department, Al Bayrak is likely to boost the monthly income currently ranging between $200,000 and $300,000 to $6.5m,” a government statement said.

‘Drone’ kills two in Somalia: witnesses

28 Oct – Source: Al Jazeera – 130 words

A suspected drone strike has hit a car in southern Somalia and killed two fighters from the armed group al Shabaab, witnesses said. The men were the only occupants of the vehicle and no one else was harmed, they said. The witnesses blamed the United States, which has carried out drone strikes in Somalia before, for the attack. An al Shabaab member, who gave his name as Abu Mohamed, told the Associated Press news agency that one of those killed was al Shabaab’s top explosives expert, known as Anta. AP reported that both of the men killed were senior members of the group. Four witnesses at the scene confirmed the strike to Al Jazeera and said that both fighters killed were Somali. The rebels are known to have foreign fighters in their ranks.

Samantha still tweets – detectives

28 Oct – Source: Star Kenya- 87 words

BRITISH detectives believe terror suspect Samantha Lewthwaite has been tweeting on the Pumwani based Muslim Youth Centre’s account for the last two weeks. They say tweets referring to UK soap operas and a dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing, are being posted by Samantha, who has been on the run since 2011 when she slipped through a Kenya police dragnet in Mombasa. She has been linked to the September 21 attack on the Westgate Mall, Nairobi in which more than 60 people died and hundreds others were injured.

SMSs warn of terror attacks at city malls

28 Oct – Source: Daily Nation – 112 words

Security has been boosted at two shopping malls in the city following text messages sent randomly that customers should keep off the centres over an impending terror attack. Guards at the Prestige and Junction shopping malls in Nairobi said they had stepped up security checks and reported to the police about the alarming text messages. The police responded by sending teams to the malls to investigate the source of the messages. A private firm official in charge of security at the Prestige mall on Ngong Road said a customer came running to the mall on Saturday afternoon and showed guards a text message urging people to keep off the two shopping complexes.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

UN Supports AU Proposal to Triple Peacekeepers in Somalia

Al Shabaab rebuilds forces in Somalia as African Union campaign stalls

28 Oct – Source: The Guardian – 161 words

A Kenyan soldier clambers up to his sentry post and stares out across vast plains of bush, acacia trees and red dust. The savanna is peaceful now, but he knows that when darkness falls the enemy will return, typically a band of 15-20 men armed with AK-47 rifles. “Every night they are in front of us,” the soldier says. “They shoot and go. They run away.” Along the front line, the Kenyans have piled clusters of green sandbags to provide cover. Behind them, a military base is protected by high walls crowned with razor wire. About 1,200 troops from Kenya and Sierra Leone are garrisoned in this desolate Somali hinterland. On an average day, green, heavy armoured vehicles set off to patrol the crucial port city of Kismayo, running the gauntlet of roadside bombs, a deadly tactic imported from Afghanistan and Iraq. In punishing heat, soldiers can be seen rolling a surveillance drone across the tarmac of the Italian-built airport.

Somalia journalists beaten, radio stations taken off air – union

28 Oct – Source: Reuters – 94 words
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Somali security agents stormed and shut down two radio stations, beat and detained reporters, and impounded their equipment, their union said. The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) said the raid in Mogadishu on Saturday was connected to stories Radio Shabelle and SkyFM, both part of the Shabelle Media Network, had aired touching on accusations of corruption within government.
Police said they were carrying out an eviction order after the network failed to vacate the government-owned building. Both stations were housed in the same building, which also served as a residence for the journalists.

An interview with Somali president

28 Oct- Source: CCTV Africa-29:42mins

CCTV Africa’s Talk Africa host Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to talk about state of affairs of his country.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“And according to Steven Jones of the Security Association for the Maritime Industry, the pirates should consider themselves lucky to have to suffer only Spears — he can think of at least one other pop star whose tunes would be considerably more potent.”

The ultimate weapon against Somali pirates: Britney Spears

28 Oct- Source: National Post-350 Words
Not every member of the merchant navy can be Captain Phillips, and so as Somali pirates continue to be a maritime threat, protective forces have turned to a new force of weaponry: Britney Spears. Specifically Spears’ chart-topping hits Baby One More Time and Oops! I Did It Again, which according to a representative of the merchant navy, are the songs the pirates presumably “hate the most.” As soon as the pirates get a blast of Britney they move on as quickly as they can. “These guys can’t stand Western culture or music, making Britney’s hits perfect,” Scottish merchant navy officer Rachel Owens told the U.K. Mirror. “They’re so effective the ship’s security rarely needs to resort to firing guns — as soon as the pirates get a blast of Britney they move on as quickly as they can.”