November 12, 2013 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Over hundred feared dead as heavy storm hits Puntland

11 Nov- Source: Garowe Online/Dhanaan Online/Universal TV/Halgan Online-338 words

As many as, 100 people are believed dead in Somalia’s northeastern region of Puntland after a powerful tropical cyclone storm unleashed high wind speeds and flooding that washed away hundreds of houses and livestock across its path along the vast coast of Puntland State, Garowe Online reports. Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole who Monday held a press conference in Puntland Capital of Garowe has declared, a “Natural Disaster Emergency” in the worst-hit areas of the state and called for immediate response to the calamity, urging the international aid agencies to organize emergency supply delivery via airdrops. He said, as the storm pattern is expected to expand further inland and continue up to Wednesday, there would be substantially more casualties if the much-needed relief efforts are not coordinated properly soon.The government said in statement that many people are without access to food, water and medical care, endangering more lives in the aftermath of the tropical cyclone storm. According to the government press statement, the storm made landfall in the vast coastal area of Puntland, particularly between Eyl, Beyla, Dangorayo and Hafun districts along the eastern coast to Alula district at the tip of the horn of Africa.

Key Headlines

Over hundred feared dead as heavy storm hits Puntland (Garowe Online/Dhanaan Online)
PM appeals for urgent assistance to areas hit by devastating cyclone (OPM)
AMISOM and Partners conclude a three-day Workshop on Gender Mainstreaming Strategy (AMISOM)
Storm kills at least 100 in Somalia’s Puntland (Reuters)
President sends condolences to the victims of tropical cyclone in Somalia (OP)
Ten killed in al Shabaab militants clash (Garowe Online/Radio Mogadishu)
Four al Shabaab fighters arrested in Kismayo (Radio Bar-kulan)
Somalia Uganda police chiefs meet (New Vision)
UNHCR: Somali refugees to get support after return home (Citizen TV/Capital FM)
Somali President Seeks PM’s Resignation (VOA)
Repatriation of Somali refugees to take 3 years (Xinhua)

PRESS STATEMENT

PM appeals for urgent assistance to areas hit by devastating cyclone

11 Nov- Source: Office of Prime Minister-134 Words

His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon appealed to international aid organisations to provide urgent assistance and essential services to the thousands of people in Northern Somalia affected by the devastating cyclone.

The Prime Minister, said:

“Many are feared dead and hundreds of people have lost their homes and livelihoods, crops and livestock have been lost and whole villages badly affected. Urgent assistance is required, especially in hard to reach and cut off areas, to provide clean drinking water, food and medical aid.

“There is a particularly urgent need for temporary shelter to protect the many displaced and vulnerable people from the elements.

“I appeal to international aid agencies to provide any assistance they can to the thousands of people affected by this devastating cyclone.

President sends condolences to the victims of tropical cyclone in Somalia

11 Nov- Source: Office of the President- 110 words

His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud sent his personal condolences to those affected by the devastating tropical cyclone that has hit Somalia.

“My thoughts and prayers are with all the families who have suffered terrible losses after this natural disaster,” the President said. “I call on all Somalis here and in the diaspora to rally round to their brothers and sisters and provide urgent assistance. I also appeal to our friends in the international community to lend their utmost support.”

The tropical cyclone, known as 03A, has affected coastal and inland areas in Puntland. Heavy rains and flash floods have made many areas inaccessible and humanitarian assistance is essential.

AMISOM and Partners conclude a three-day Workshop on Gender Mainstreaming Strategy

11 Nov- Source: AMISOM- 311 words

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in collaboration with its partners has concluded a workshop on the development of a Gender Mainstreaming Strategy.

The workshop which aimed at undertaking a comprehensive reflection to develop a mission-specific strategy that addresses the critical gender gaps, was attended by representatives from the Federal Government of Somalia, the African Union, AMISOM, UN missions as well as representatives from research and civil society organizations.

The workshop was officially opened by the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Annadif praised the organizers of the workshop which comes at a time when the mission is undergoing different phases of transformation.

“In its operations, AMISOM will always safeguard human rights and integrate gender perspectives into its work in compliance with the United Nations Charter, international human rights instruments and the UN Security Council Resolutions including resolution 1325 on women, peace and security,” he said.

“I have great expectations and I am confident that your discussions on Gender and its mainstreaming across the mission will lead to a concrete Gender Strategy that will guide the mission in current and future operations,” he added.

The Director of Women, Gender and Development Directorate of the African Union Commisssion-Ms. Litha Musyimi-Ongana, reiterated the AU’s full support to AMISOM in the implementation of the strategy once it has been adopted. She thanked the participants and ACCORD on behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union for the fruitful deliberations which resulted in the draft strategy. The position was appreciated by Ambassador NTAMWANA-AMISOM Chief of Staff who represented the SRCC during the closing of the workshop.

The workshop highlighted key areas of achievement and lessons learned from other similar peacekeeping missions, and identified priorities that informed a draft strategy to be submitted to the mission’s leadership for endorsement.

Federal Government of Somalia welcomes Human Rights Watch report and championing of human rights in Somalia

11 Nov- Source: Office of the Prime Minister- 403 words

The Federal Government of Somalia and Human Rights Watch share the same agenda of defending and championing human rights in Somalia and welcome the report.

Government spokesperson, said:

“Rape and sexual violence against women are completely unacceptable in Somali culture, are against our laws and have no place in the new Somalia. The Federal Government of Somalia is determined and committed to the promotion and protection of human rights and tackling the root causes of sexual violence and exploitation.

“After two decades of civil war our state institutions in the new Somalia are in their infancy and it will take time to develop and evolve these institutions so that they inspire public confidence. There is no space for impunity in Somalia; men found guilty of rape in recent months have faced the most severe sentence under Somali law.

“Practical steps have already been taken to put an end to sexual violence with government troops now receiving training on human rights and gender equality. The government will adopt any suitable recommendations made by the technical committee.

“We appreciate the response of Human Rights Watch. However, we believe that the situation is more nuanced. We invite Human Rights Watch and other international organizations to support Somali Government in its effort to fight Sexual Violence and other Human Rights abuses.

“It is important to note Somalia’s proactive engagement with the United Nations Human Rights Council since 2008 that have resulted into the adoption of ten important resolutions with an unprecedented number of co-sponsorships from member states across all the regional groups, the positive outcome of its first cycle of Universal Periodic Review in 2011 and the acceptance of 151 recommendations out of 155 as well as the two high level interactive dialogue sessions. Additionally, on the 27 August 2013 the Council of Ministers adopted the historic post transition Human Rights Road Map in the aftermath of a broad-based consultations inter alia with civil society groups. At the end of that extraordinary meeting of the Cabinet, H.E. Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon ruled that 27 August would become the day of human rights in Somalia!

“Time has come for the international community to proactively engage with the Federal Government of Somalia in order to promote and protect all the human rights especially of the most vulnerable through the timely and tangible enhancement of the line institutions at national and sub-national levels with benchmarks on both sides”.

SOMALI MEDIA

Over hundred feared dead as heavy storm hits Puntland

11 Nov- Source: Garowe Online/Dhanaan Online/Universal TV/Halgan Online/Qurbejoog 338 words

Ten killed in al Shabaab militants clash

11 Nov- Source: Garowe Online/Radio Mogadishu-189 Words

At least ten al Shabaab militants were reportedly killed in a heavy fighting between two al Shabaab factions in Lower Shabelle region of Southern Somalia on Sunday afternoon, Garowe Online reports. The battle occurred in Bulo-Marer town; 120 km south of Mogadishu after al Shabaab militiamen attacked militants loyal to al Qaeda linked al Shabaab group’s Chief Ahmed Godane, sources said. “The clashes erupted on the outskirts of the town and a senior al Shabaab official named Jiinow who was the head of fighters against Godane militia was killed,” a resident of Bulo-Marer told Garowe Online. As dissension and splitting continue to spread within al Shabaab ranks, in an audio recording provided to Somali media in August, Ahmed Godane, al Shabaab chief said an enemy wants to split ‘Mujahedeen” lines.

Four al Shabaab fighters arrested in Kismayo

11 Nov- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 100 words

Four alleged al Shabaab fighters have been arrested in the port city of Kismayo after Interim Juba Administration police forces carried out a security crackdown on Sunday, according to police officials. Mohamed Abdi Bulle, the Interim Jubba Administration police chief in Kismayo told Bar-kulan that the alleged al Shabaab fighters were planning to carry out terrorist activities in the city. He stated that the suspected four were arrested in Alanley neighborhood along with assault rifles and explosive devices.He added that the suspects are in police custody and will be taken to court to determine their fate in due course.

Middle Shabelle officials appeal for further aid to flood victims

11 Nov- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Jowhar Online- 118 words

Middle Shabelle Administration officials have once again appealed for further humanitarian assistance to the flood victims in some parts of the region. Abdi Jinow Alasow, the commissioner for Middle Shabelle region made the appeal in Mogadishu saying that further humanitarian aid is necessary for the survival of many families. The victims face great risk from waterborne diseases unless humanitarian assistance is provided in a timely manner, the commissioner added. He appealed to international aid agencies, the federal government and the Somali communities to ease the appalling conditions of the flood victims. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud led the calls for international assistance after visiting the region last week, while his Prime Minister declared the flooding as a national disaster.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Somalia, Uganda police chiefs meet

11 Nov- Source: New Vision- 121 words

The Inspector General of Police, Gen. Kale Kayihura has called for cooperation between Uganda and Somali Police Forces to address the terrorism threat posed by Al-qaeda linked Al-shabaab and Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) Forces. Kayihura was on Monday briefing journalists after meeting the visiting Commissioner of the Somali National Police (SNP) Brig. Gen. Abdihakim Dahir who is on a three-day visit to Uganda. Saeed was accompanied by Said Kadie who is the Somali director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the AMISOM police Commissioner Benson Oyo Nyeko. Kayihura said his Somali counterpart is visiting to explore with the Uganda Police on how the two institutions can deepen bilateral cooperation and partnership in keeping law and order between Somalia and Uganda.

UNHCR: Somali refugees to get support after return home

11 Nov- Source: Citizen TV/Capital FM-269 Words

Under an agreement, Tripartite Agreement, signed on Sunday by the United Nations Refugee Agency and the governments of Kenya and Somalia, nearly half a million registered Somali refugees in Kenya will get support when they return to their homeland. The Tripartite Agreement has adopted an incremental approach to repatriation, starting with the provision of support to refugees who return on their own, leading to formal returns organized by UNHCR whenever conditions are right. The agreement also acknowledges the need for continued protection of Somali refugees in Kenya, and the need for other durable solutions to their plight,” said Raouf Mazou, UNHCR’s representative in Kenya. “It’s very important to underline that no one is forcing Somalis to leave Kenya,” said Mazou. The agreement establishes a legal framework and other support for Somali refugees in Kenya who might eventually wish to return to their homeland.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somali President Seeks PM’s Resignation

11 Nov- Source: VOA- 234 words

Somalia’s president has asked the prime minister to resign, in a blow to the rare political stability Somalia has experienced for the past year. Sources within the Somali government said that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud asked Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon to resign on Friday, on the grounds that Shirdon has been ineffective in his job. The sources said the situation was unresolved as of Monday.

Storm kills at least 100 in Somalia’s Puntland

11 Nov- Source: Reuters/AFP/Al Jazeera/BBC/VOA/Xinhua-356 Words

At least 100 people were killed when a tropical cyclone hit Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region at the weekend, the government said on Monday, declaring a state of emergency and appealing for international aid. The government said hundreds of people were missing after the storm made landfall on Saturday. “Houses and livestock were swept into the ocean by the floods,” President Abdirahman Mohamud Farole told reporters in the capital Garowe. “We urge United Nations aid agencies to assist the victims. As Puntland, we have established a committee to investigate the loss and damage. Electricity, communication and fishing boats were all destroyed.” The government said preliminary information showed more than 100,000 livestock were lost and fishing boats swept away, endangering the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people. The storm was forecast to move inland and continue until Wednesday. The storm hit the Eyl, Beyla, Dangorayo and Hafun districts along the eastern coast and across to Alula at the tip of the Horn of Africa. High winds and heavy rains caused flash floods and cut off roads to the coastal areas.

Repatriation of Somali refugees to take 3 years

11 Nov- Source: Xinhua- 760 words

Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto on Sunday said that the voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees in Kenya could take three years to complete. Ruto told journalists in Nairobi that already 80,000 refugees have left camps in Kenya and headed back to Somalia. “Under the framework signed between Kenya, Somalia and the United Nations Refugee Agency, we estimate that the repatriation process could take up to three years,” Ruto said when Kenya, Somalia and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees signed a tripartite agreement, which governs the voluntary repatriation and reintegration of Somali refugees who are based in Kenya.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“It’s time both political and business leaders took heed for in the developed West it can be referred to as a cost of living crisis but in fragile, war torn divided Somalia with poorly functioning government institutions and no existing welfare safety net, it is simply the rising price of survival.”

The rising cost of living is starving the nation

11 Nov- Source: Hiiraan Online-2452 Words

The cost of living is rising globally and even in the most developed of nations such as England there is concern about whether the ordinary citizens on various incomes will either eat or heat their homes in the treacherous winter months. The European Union as a whole, apart from Germany and a few Scandinavian states is facing the worst youth unemployment since its inception. In America, where prices have always outstripped the majority of the populations ability to pay, there are wide scale home repossessions, an increase in homelessness and a rise in the number of food banks where even those who do have jobs but are on low incomes eat with the most vulnerable. In China, India and Brazil the economic miracle of the last two decades appears to be exposing the enormous cracks it created between the few beneficiaries of the commodities and export booms and those who facilitated it but have nothing to show for it. The Brazilian riots a few weeks ago was a direct result of the gap between neo-liberal economic forecasters who sit in their ivory towers and the workers who are angry with the government’s inability to address their most basic needs such as housing and controlling general inflation which is causing the cost of living to sky rocket.