December 16, 2013 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

President hails strong ties and “special relationship” with US on landmark visit to Mogadishu

Key Headlines

Somali President Appoint a new Prime Minister (Office of the President)President congratulates
Kismayu residents show support to the new prime minister (Radio Mogadishu)
Kenya on its 50th Independence Day celebrations (Office of the President)
SRSG Nicholas Kay visits Hiiraan region (UNSOM)
President appoints new Prime Minister to take forward next stage of Executive reforms(Office of the President)
Briefing to the Security Council by Ambassador Nicholas Kay Special Representative of the Secretary-General United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM)
Somali President Taps Economist for PM (VOA)
US official urges Somalia to protect human rights (AP)
IGAD Appoints a New Somalia Envoy ( IGAD)

PRESS STATEMENT

President hails strong ties and “special relationship” with US on landmark visit to Mogadishu

14 Dec- Source: Office of the President- 495 words
His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today paid tribute to the special relationship with the US as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield made a landmark visit to Mogadishu.
“Your visit today is an important indication of just how far we have come,” the President said. “Only recently the idea of a United States Assistant Secretary of State coming to Mogadishu would have been unthinkable. Two years ago this was a city at war with itself. Today our recovery gains strength with every day.”
The President held meeting with Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield with wide-ranging discussions focusing on security, the recent political appointment of a new Prime Minister, humanitarian challenges, human rights, political reconciliation, the national education programme, public financial management reform and economic recovery. The President also outlined the progress Somalia has made during the past year and the President’s vision for the next stage of the nation’s recovery as the government works towards a new constitution and national elections in 2016.
The President said too often people forgot how far Somali had come in such a short time and reminded Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield of the UN’s Special Representative to the Secretary General, Nick Kay’s briefing to the Security Council on 10 December in which he said, “None of the crunches and crises that Somalia has faced in the last three months has turned out as bad as prophets of doom predicted.”
The President said: “Today I express my sincere gratitude to Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and the United States government for its solid support to Somalia and its ongoing commitment to our recovery. Our armed forces depend on foreign donors and the military’s role is absolutely fundamental in the fight to rid Somalia of the terrorists of Al Shabaab as well as pirates. AMISOM’s remarkable success in Somalia likewise relies on robust international support. We cannot win this fight alone.”
“Young men and women need to learn that rather than having a religious duty to follow Al Shabaab, they have a duty to reject them,” the President said. “The recent fatwa against Al Shabaab from respected religious leaders is a key part of raising awareness of the perils of extremism. We must continue to educate our youth to prepare them for the challenges of the future. The government’s Go-to-School campaign, supported by the UN, has an ambitious aim to send one million children to school within three years.”
The President praised the “special relationship” with the US and thanked Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield for her government’s support to Somalia.
“We are emerging from the ashes of war and are steadily building a new nation that can hold its head high in the world. The challenges we face are formidable, which is why we face them with courage and resilience. We cannot overcome our many difficulties alone which is why I thank you for standing with us shoulder to shoulder.”

Somali President Appoint a new Prime Minister

13 Dec- Source: Office of the Prime Minister- 325 words
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, after a wide consultation, appoints Dr. Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed as the Prime Minister of Somalia. He believes that the new Prime Minister can take up the responsibility and hopes that parliament endorses his nomination. “Although there is no mistaking the enormous challenges we face as a country, I’m confident that the new Prime Minister has what it takes to make a real positive difference and move the country forward. The President calls on the Parliament to confirm Mohamed’s appointment in a timely fashion.
The new Prime Minister Mohamed, is a highly competent economist with over three decades of extensive experience in both national and international management and leadership positions within development organizations including World Bank, USAID, African Union/IBAR, COMESA, EU, Islamic Development Bank to mention a few.
Mr. Mohamed’s appointment follows the vote of no confidence by lawmakers for Somali Government led by former Prime Minister, Mr. Abdi Farah Shirdon, on 4th of December, 2013.
In view of the new Prime Minister’s far-reaching credentials and experience in both government and private sector, it appears that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud has made the right choice by picking Dr. Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed to lead the next Government of Somalia. However, Somali Government faces a host of challenges that Somalia alone cannot address without the genuine and timely support of the international community. Among the urgent issues that new Prime Minister is expected to tackle include but not limited to fighting Al Qaida linked terrorist organization – Al-Shabaab -, rebuilding government institutions, a need for genuine political reconciliations as well as delivery of basic social services.
The President wishes the nomination of the new Prime Minister will bring weeks of political uncertainties to an end and re-focus the government’s efforts on the fight against the Al-Qaida associated terrorist group, Al-Shabab, which still controls some pockets of the country, in order to restores peace and stability to the war weary country.

SRSG Nicholas Kay visits Hiiraan region

14 Dec- Source: UNSOM- 412 words
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia Nicholas Kay, visited Beledweyne, capital of the Hiraan region in his first visit to the central regions of Somalia.

Upon arrival SRSG Kay said: “I chose to come to Beledweyne on my first visit to south-central regions outside Mogadishu because Hiraan is at the heart of Somalia. What happens here can shape the future of Somalia.”
The Governor of Hiraan region, Abdi Farah Laqanyo welcomed SRSG Kay, briefed him on the challenges facing the region, especially security, and commended the work of the UN agencies.
SRSG Kay reiterated UNSOM and the UN family’s continuous support and announced his intention to open an UNSOM office in Beledweyne in 2014.
Kay further praised the role of AMISOM and especially the Djiboutian contingent. “The dedication and great humanity of the Djiboutian forces have helped save lives and build stability. AMISOM and the Somali National Forces trained by Djibouti have the determination and the skills to defeat the threat from Al Shabaab.”
Kay also visited the SNA military camp, Lamagalay, which is being rehabilitated thanks to the generosity of Djibouti and AMISOM.
Not far from the scene of two recent suicide bombings, Kay held an open-air public meeting with traditional elders and civil society, including women and youth groups to listen to their concerns. He heard a clear message about the need for better security and a wish to see the end of Al Shabaab.
Addressing the gathering, SRSG Kay stated: “This is the time for reconciliation and Somalis know how to do it. This is not the time for clan fighting. It is is the time to be strong and united against Al Shabaab to defeat them politically and militarily. Al Shabaab are your children and relatives. You must not allow your children to be misled. You have to show them the choice is between more years of conflict or a peaceful and prosperous Somalia.”
He ended by visiting a newly-opened rehabilitation centre for disengaged fighters where he interacted with the staff and residents. The young people were looking forward to learning useful trades. “I want to learn a skill, get a job and help my family,” explained one young man.
In a related visit on the same day, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Fatiha Serour, visited Baidoa to review plans for another rehabilitation centre to be set up there as well as to exchange views with local authorities, AMISOM, civil society and UN staff.

President appoints new Prime Minister to take forward next stage of Executive reforms

12 Dec- Source: Office of the President- 378 words
His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today appointed Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed as the new Prime Minister of Somalia.
The President said: “I have appointed Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed , whom I believe is the man best equipped to lead the Somali government through the next stage of our country’s recovery and reform programme. He has an extremely impressive background in development and economics and a proven track record in a number of leadership positions within international organisations.”
“although there is no mistaking the enormous challenges we face as a country I am confident he has what it takes to make a really positive difference in a short time. I call on Parliament to confirm his appointment in a timely fashion in the interests of Somalia.”
“Once again I pay tribute to the tremendous work and leadership of outgoing Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon whom I wish well for the future. We must now redouble our efforts to institutionalize and embed the important reforms we have started and work in earnest towards a new federal constitution and national elections in 2016.”
Under the Somali constitution, the new Prime Minister’s appointment must be confirmed by Parliament.
For Further information, Contact Malik Abdalla Director of Communication Office of the Somalia President Villa Somalia, Mogadishu mabdalla@presidency.gov.so
Note to Editors
Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed
Key Professional Achievements & Experience
• Date & Place of Birth 1949, Bardhera, Somalia
• Successful professional career with extensive experience working in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Zambia, Egypt, Canada, Yemen, Sauid Arabia, UAE and Malaysia
•Experience in key leadership roles in World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, European Union, USAID, Bank of Canada, African Union, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
•Extensive experience working with international partners including UN, OIC, ECOWAS, IGAD, Arab League, Asian Development Bank, Arab Development Funds
• 2010-2013 Senior Economist, Islamic Development Bank, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
2007-2009 Senior Advisor to COMESA, Lusaka, Zambia
• 2003-2006 Program Manager, African Union-IBAR (Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources
•1998-2003 International Development and Trade Economics Analyst, Bank of Canada & Ottawa University
•1991-1998 Chief Executive Officer, MISK Enterprises, livestock exporting company with offices in Nairobi, Djibouti and Sana’a
• 1984-1990 Director-General, Livestock Marketing and Health Agency, Mogadishu

Briefing to the Security Council by Ambassador Nicholas Kay, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM)

10 Dec- Source: UNSOM- 2882 words

Mr. President,
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to introduce the Secretary-General’s report on Somalia. At the outset, I would like to thank the Council for its continued support to peace and state building in Somalia.

The last three months in Somalia have been eventful. When I briefed the Council on 12 September, I warned that the impact of Somalia remaining a stronghold for terrorists would be felt well beyond Somalia’s borders; “From Bamako to Bangui” was the phrase. Tragically, later in September in the Westgate Mall in Nairobi we saw a shocking demonstration of that truth.

As the Council knows, tackling the scourge of terrorism in Somalia requires a comprehensive approach. Political, military and development efforts are all needed. Somalia will be a stable partner in the region and the world when it has strong state institutions, including accountable and professional security forces, and a firm consensus among Somalis about how they wish to manage their affairs and resources. Reaching this agreement is primarily a political challenge. After twenty two years of conflict, I believe Somalis are not just ready – they are desperate to rise to that challenge.

In today’s briefing I would like to update the Council on the progress that is being made and highlight some of the problems that still confront Somalia and its international partners. In the last three months we have witnessed crises of a political, governance and security nature. I have worked hard with international partners and the Federal Government of Somalia to turn these crises into genuine opportunities to make progress on long-standing problems. We cannot afford to be blithe. Progress is chequered on human rights, transparency, good public financial management and efficient delivery of public services, including rule of law. But the fact that Somalia’s institutions have weathered several storms in the last months gives me confidence that our hopes are not misplaced.

SOMALI MEDIA

Kismayu residents show support to the new prime minister

15 Dec- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu- 125 words

A meeting to show support to the newly appointed Prime Minister of Somalia Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed has been held in the port city of Kismayu. The meeting which was convened by women and youth associations in Kismayu was designed to show full support to the new premier of Somalia. Some of the women who spoke during the meeting urged the new prime minister to take the peace process forward and appoint competent cabinet ministers. Mohamed Noor Gamo-dhere, an official from the local administration stated that the people of Kismayu are fully behind the appointment of Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed as the new prime minister of Somalia. Those attending at the meeting were waving large placards and banners with slogans in support of the new prime minister.

Inter clan clashes continue in the lower Shabelle region

15 Dec- Source: Radio Shabelle- 109 words

Reports from Somalia’s lower Shabelle region confirmed to Shabelle radio station that an inter clan fighting between two clans has intensified in some of the districts. a heavy fighting broke up between the two Somali clans on Sunday at Awdinle and Janale districts and are now said to have spread to other districts in the region. The conflict has now intensified at Busley town and Janale districts. The two day infighting has claimed the lives of at least 10 people and dozens were injuried all hailing from the two clan militias. Thousands of civilians have fled the region which has experienced frequent inter clan fighting over the past months.

Outgoing Prime Minister receives the new PM

14 Dec- Source: Radio RBC- 112 words

According to government sources, the outgoing Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia Abdi Farah Shirdon has met with the incoming Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed in Mogadishu on Friday. Mr Shirdon received the new Prime Minister in his home in Mogadishu following the nomination of Mr Ahmed on Thursday. The meeting was the first since Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, a Somali-Canadian citizen was nominated for the post on Thursday afternoon replacing Mr Shirdon. The meeting was aimed as introduction between the two men and discuss in ways for holding a hand over event in the coming days. Former Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon was voted out in a parliamentary no confidence session on December 2nd amid a rift with president Mohamud.

Somaliland Police closes Hubaal newspaper office in Hargeisa

14 Dec- Source: Somaliland Informer/BBC Somali Service- 206 words

Two reporters were arrested and the office of HUBAAL Newspaper was closed after the Rapid Re-enforcement Unit (RRU) carried an operation late yesterday afternoon. According to eye witnesses who were inside the office when the operation was carried, the police arrived in a number of cars, told those present that they had a search warrant, asked them to put off their mobiles, collected the mobiles and searched the offices for 45 minutes. The eyewitnesses said that the police didn’t show them the warrants; but at the end of the search arrested 2 junior reporters who were in the office, returned the mobiles to the owners and have never taken anything from the office. “They told us to leave the office, locked the doors and left with Osman Ahmed Osman and Mustafa Mohamed Abdillahi whom they arrested “said one of the eyewitnesses. Chairman of HUBAAL Newspaer Mohamed Ahmed Jama told the local media that he was not in the office but was told that the police had search warrant.In answer to why their office was locked he said that he didn’t know the reason for the search; but stated that it might be for items about the police that they have published in the last few days.

REGIONAL MEDIA

IGAD Appoints a New Somalia Envoy

15 Dec- Source: IGAD- 103 words
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development announced today Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Affey as its special envoy to Somalia. H.E. Mr. Affey, a veteran parliamentarian and politician, became Kenya’s ambassador to Somalia in 2003 and facilitated the Mbagathi Somalia peace process. H.E. Ambassador Affey led the Kenyan delegation that participated the inauguration of the Somali Government of president Abdulkassim Salad Hassan after the Djibouti Somalia peace process.The Executive Secretary of IGAD, Eng. Mahboub Maalim, welcoming the envoy to Djibouti said “You can count on the support of the Secretariat in your endeavor.” H.E. Mohamed Abdi Affey replaces Mr. Kipruto Arap Kirwa.

Kenyan Police circulate picture of Pangani explosion suspect

15 Dec- Source: Standard/Daily Nation- 300 words
Police have circulated the photograph of 21 year old Hussein Nur Mohamed over claims he was involved in the Pangani blast that claimed six lives. Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo said Mohamed is wanted for questioning after he was mentioned in the probe into the Saturday evening incident in which more than 30 people were injured in a blast on a matatu. He said Mohamed had been arrested and charged in court over terror related charges before being freed on bond. “But he did not honour the bond and so far we have a warrant to arrest him over the earlier charges after skipping court hearings,” said Kimaiyo. He also sought the help of the public to arrest the suspect. He did not give details of the charges Mohamed is facing and if he is a Kenyan or Somalia.

Regional troops clear al-Shabaab roadblocks in Bay

23 Dec- Source: Sabahi Online- 367 words
Al-Shabaab militants, who since October had set up a blockade against vehicles transporting food and essential goods to Aw Dinle, Qansah Dhere and Bardale, fled the area after learning regional government forces were headed their way, local officials told Sabahi. Hundreds of troops from the Bay regional administration, backed by Ethiopian soldiers reached the blockade area located between Aw Dinle and Qansah Dhere on December 6th, and the militants fled towards Dinsor, Bardale Mayor Mohammad Isaq Hassan said. “They are only capable of bullying civilians but [are not capable] of confronting Somali security forces,” he told Sabahi.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

US official urges Somalia to protect human rights

14 Dec- Source: AP- 131 words

The top United States State Department official for Africa is urging Somalia’s government to do more to protect its most vulnerable people, especially women, and to respect the rule of law. Assistant Secretary of State Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who is visiting Somalia, said in a statement Saturday that Somalia’s long-term stability “requires more than just a security response to the threats posed by terrorists.” The statement said the U.S. wants to see a Somali government that can protect its people. Somalia’s government controls only small parts of the country and struggles to provide security and battle corruption, although there are signs of political progress following years of turmoil. Somali lawmakers recently voted to oust the prime minister and his Cabinet, action seen by some as signaling the growth of Somalia’s institutions.

Somali President Taps Economist for PM

12 Dec- Source: VOA- 189 words
Somalia’s president has nominated a Somali-Canadian economist, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, to be the country’s next prime minister. In a statement Thursday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Ahmed is the man “best equipped” to lead Somalia through the next stage of its “recovery and reform program.” Ahmed, who has never held political office, is currently a senior economist at the Islamic Development Bank in Saudi Arabia. He previously held positions with the World Bank, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the European Union. According to his resume, he has lived and worked in over 11 countries and speaks five languages.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

Minneapolis’ Barkhad Abdi nominated for supporting actor Golden Globe

12 Dec- Source: Twincities/AP 128 words

A Somali actor from Minnesota who made his acting debut in the Tom Hanks’ movie “Captain Phillips” has received a Golden Globes supporting actor nomination.
Barkhad Abdi and three other amateur Somali actors from Minnesota portray pirates who hijack an American cargo ship off the Horn of Africa in 2009 and take its captain, played by Hanks, hostage. Abdi is the pirates’ ringleader.
The film also garnered three other Golden Globes nominations, including best drama, best actor for Hanks and best director for Paul Greengrass.
This year’s ceremony on Jan. 12 will again be hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, who led last year’s broadcast to more than 19 million viewers. They often serve a preamble to the more prestigious Oscars, which will be held March 2.