March 10, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

President Hassan: “Women are the backbone and breadwinners of Somali society.”

09 Mar – Source: Al Shahid – 149 words

H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, today joined celebrations on the occasion of International Women’s Day, praising Somali women as the “backbone and breadwinners of Somali society”. The President said,“Congratulations to all Somali women inside and outside of the country, and I encourage them to redouble their valuable efforts to help us rebuild Somalia. Women are the backbone and breadwinners of Somali society. For the last 23 years women’s role was absolutely essential in holding the country together. They were the heart of the society, supporting families and contributing to the economy.” “It is part of our religion and our culture to respect women and to appreciate their important role. I thank our people for their continual appreciation and respect they give to our women. Somali women never took part in the conflict and they consistently stood for peace and prosperity.”

Key Headlines

President Hassan: “Women are the backbone and breadwinners of Somali society.” (Al Shahid)
President Hassan: “Business community must join the rebuilding of Somalia”(Office of the President)
Prime Minister: We must continue as a society to campaign for women’s rights and women’s equality”(Office of the Prime Minister)
Women are the bedrock of Somalia’s development (AMISOM)
African peacekeepers retake strategic Somali towns (AFP)
UN Envoy to Somalia urges greater role for women in state-building (UNSOM)
Somali president tours Mogadishu seaport (Radio Mogadishu)
Somali National Army and AMISOM forces reclaim five strategic towns in the bay region of Somalia(AMISOM)
Burdhubo falls for Somali army and AMISOM (VOA)
AMISOM celebrates International Women’s day(Radio Bar-Kulan)
Hiiraan region admin asks Turkish agency to take over management of Beledweyne general hospital(Radio Goob Joog)
Somalia reintroduces taxes after 23 years (Africa Review)
New Mogadishu mayor meets district commissioners (Radio Shabelle)
Police recover powerful explosives along Kenya-Somali border (Standard Media)

PRESS STATEMENTS

President Hassan: “Business community must join the rebuilding of Somalia”

09 Mar – Source: Office of the President – 301 words

His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today praised Somali business leaders for their resilience and entrepreneurialism and called on them to play their rightful role rebuilding the nation.
Meeting business leaders in Uganda House, Villa Somalia, as part of government consultations with key stakeholders in the community, the President praised Somalia’s business leaders for their resilience and courage in prospering amidst some of the most challenging conditions in the world.

The President said:

“Our responsibility to you is to do everything possible to provide the conditions in which you can go about your business peacefully and successfully. The government will encourage the development of business to power the Somali economy and provide job opportunities for our young people. Public Finance Management reform is progressing extremely well and we will soon introduce tax collection to fund basic service delivery to our citizens.

In return your responsibility is to play your rightful role in Somalia, being the engine of our economic recovery and contributing taxes to the federal government.”The President said the government was listening to business concerns and advice and guidance for the government and was working hard to improve the business environment and facilitate foreign investment.

The President noted the Council of Ministers had just approved important legislation for a comprehensive new tax system including direct and indirect taxation on individuals and businesses. The draft legislation now passes to the legislature.

“I call on Parliament to review and pass this legislation in a timely manner. Somalia will be strongest when it is fully independent in all meanings of the word – from security to raising revenue. Introducing and enforcing a modern taxation system is absolutely essential to us and I welcome the cooperation of the business community in playing a responsible role contributing to the recovery of our great nation.”

Prime Minister: We must continue as a society to campaign for women’s rights and women’s equality”

08 Mar – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 349 words

His Excellency Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, today marked International Human Rights day calling on Somali society to fight for and protect women’s rights. The Prime Minister, said: “International Women’s Day is a very important day as it reminds us that there is still huge inequality to be overcome both here in Somalia and across the world.

“Here in Somalia women on a daily basis still face threats of violence, as well as our young girls at risk from the barbaric act of FGM. Anyone who commits any violence against women or girls must face the full force of Somali law. We must eradicate these scourges from Somali society.

“My government is committed to ending women’s inequality as can be seen in the creation of a new government department the Ministry of Women and Human Rights. The ministry’s aim is to ensure that women’s rights are championed and protected across government.

“Ending all violence against women is a top priority of this government and can be seen with the conviction of a number of rapists in the last year who have all faced the toughest sentence under Somali law. Let no on be in any doubt FGM is not a religious practice it is a horrific act that is simply an abuse of a young girl’s human rights. It is an absolutely unacceptable practice and an act that will soon be illegal under Somali law, is against the provisional constitution and will be incorporated into our final constitution.

“I praise and thank those who bravely commit their time and efforts to campaigning for women’s rights here in Somalia. You are fantastic role models for what women can achieve and providing inspiration to girls across Somalia. You must continue campaigning and keep up the pressure until women enjoy the equal status that is their right here in Somalia, across our continent and across the world.

“Somalia has a long proud history of strong females playing a key role in society. We must continue as a society and as a government to campaign for and protect women’s rights and women’s equality.”

Women are the bedrock of Somalia’s development

08 Mar – Source: AMISOM – 199 words

Women are the bedrock of Somalia’s development and can be architects of the country’s destiny, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif, has said.

Ambassador Annadif said as the world celebrates the International Women’s Day it is important to note the relentless determination of the Somali women to bring about positive change in the war weary country.

“It is gratifying to note the significant strides that the Somali women have been making towards the growth and development of their country. The participation of women in the country’s civic affairs is helping build the momentum towards restoration of peace in Somalia ,” he said.

Ambassador Annadif also applauded the unwavering determination of women in security matters of the country.

He also thanked the female peacekeepers serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia for their efforts to restore peace in Somalia, adding that the courage, determination and contribution to the peacekeeping mission in Somalia is invaluable.

Ambassador Annadif said the African Union Mission in Somalia continues to work side by side with the government of Somalia and women groups in rebuilding key institutions and in the establishment of public services.

UN Envoy to Somalia urges greater role for women in state-building

08 Mar – Source: UNSOM – 269 words

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, joins the Somali people in celebrating International Women’s Day, and urges the Federal Government to broaden opportunities for women to contribute to the country’s peace-building and state-building processes.

“Over the past two extremely difficult decades, Somali women have demonstrated great resilience and an immense capacity to contribute to reconciliation and respond to humanitarian needs at the community, regional and national level,” SRSG Kay said. “Despite their significant role in efforts to reconstruct Somalia, women continue to struggle to have their voices heard, and their participation in politics remains limited.”

“Women are also the primary victims of sexual and gender-based violence, while literacy rates and school enrollment are substantially lower in the female population,” he added.

“Somali women are a vital part of the political and reconciliation process in the country and should fully contribute to it at all levels. Commitments on women’s participation and representation need to be turned into actions” SRSG Kay said.

He further stressed the need for concrete actions on the protection of women and girls, the provision of a safe environment and access to justice without fear.

“I urge the Government and relevant partners to expedite the implementation of the Joint Communiqué of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the United Nations on the Prevention of Sexual Violence,” SRSG Kay said. “The UN in Somalia stands ready to work hand in hand with the Government to improve the lives of the country’s women and girls.”

UNSOM is mandated to help build the Federal Government’s capacity to promote respect for human rights and women’s empowerment.

Somali National Army and AMISOM forces reclaim five strategic towns in the bay region of Somalia

08 Mar – Source: AMISOM – 251 words
In renewed joint operations between the Somali National Army (SNA) and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces, five strategic towns in the Bay region of Somalia have been reclaimed from the control of the Al Shabaab terrorist group.

In the last couple of days, SNA and AMISOM forces have regained control of Rabdhure Ted, and Hudur towns in joint operations that saw the terrorists defeated and driven out of these towns. Today, the SNA and AMISOM forces continued their march and secured the town of Wajid and Buurdhubow in the Gedo region.

The African Union Special Representative for Somalia and Head of AMISOM, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif thanked the Somali population of the newly recovered towns for their cooperation and seized the opportunity to once again appeal to the youth enrolled in Al Shabaab to lay down their arms and join their brothers and sisters in the Government controlled areas where they are welcomed.

The SNA and AMISOM joint operations signal the beginning of the renewed efforts by the Somali government forces working more closely with AMISOM forces to dislodge al Shabaab from many of its strongholds across the country.

This will facilitate the extension of the Somali government’s control over its territory as well as enable the people of Somalia to live their lives free from al Shabaab’s tyranny.

These joint operations were carried out with due diligence and strict observance of International Human Rights standards in line with the trainings received by both SNA and AMISOM forces.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali president tours Mogadishu seaport

09 Mar – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV – 153 words

The president of the federal government of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday visited the sea port of Mogadishu where new fuel tanks were initiated. The president was accompanied by the Minister for sports Yussuf Badiyow, members of the federal parliament of Somalia and senior officials of Mogadishu seaport. The Minister for ports Yussuf Badiyow stated that the new fuel tanks will help store fuel that can be used when there is fuel shortage in the country or the price of the fuel rise. The minister also said that the new fuel tanks started will create employment opportunities to many jobless youth in the Country. The president asked the Somali businessmen in and out the country to invest in the country and take part in the developmental activities in the country. He urged the Somali businessmen who invested other countries outside Somalia to come back to their mother country.

Burdhubo falls for Somali army and AMISOM

09 Mar – Source: VOA Somali Service – 164 words

The town of Burdhubo in Somalia’s Gedo region has fallen to Somali National Army and the African Union Forces [AMISOM] after heavy gun battle on the outskirts of the town, Maj. General Abdullahi Mohamed, the commanding officer of the Somalia National Army in Gedo region said.
“After two days battle we can now confirm that we are in full control of the town,” Maj. General Mohamed told the VOA Somali Service. At least nine al Shabaab fighters were killed in the gun battle, according to Maj. General Mohamed. Local sources in the town said they have seen Somali forces and the Ethiopian Army with African Union sign on their ballet-wagons entering the town. The fighters of the militant group of al Shabaab reportedly fled from the town to the direction of Bay region.

AMISOM celebrates International Women’s day

09 Mar – Source: Bar-kulan – 158 words

In the lead to the 106th annual International Women’s Day this Saturday, March 8th, The African Union Mission in Somalia held an event to celebrate the relentless efforts of the female peacekeepers serving in Somalia. During the celebration held at the AMISOM camp, female participants from the three AMISOM components; Military, Police, Civilian and their Somali counterparts were applauded for the role they play stabilizing and rebuilding the country. The women had the chance to celebrate and applaud some of the staggering accomplishments, successes, and triumphs—all a testament to the incredible progress women are making right now. Female peacekeepers from AMISOM acknowledged the importance of the role played by women and their achievement in the society. From the woman in the rural area struggling to provide for her family to the career women struggling to balance both roles of being a professional and a wife and/or mother like, these women have been the backbone of the society.

Somaliland Aviation Minister Inspects Ongoing Expansion Work at Egal International Airport

09 Mar – Source: Somaliland Press – 101 words

The Minister of Civil Aviation and Air Transport Hon Mahmoud Hashi Abdi flanked by the director general in the ministry Mr. Omer Abdullah Aden embarked on an inspection tour of the ongoing work of the second phase of construction a 1.2 km of runway extension being added to recently renovated 2,466M runaway, installation of lighting system for night landings as well a 70 KM security perimeter fence and aircraft hangars at the Egal international airport. In Press Statement issued by the official spokesperson in Ministry of Civil Aviation and Air Transport Mr. Saddam Mohamed Ahmed read as follows:

Hiiraan region admin asks Turkish agency to take over management of Beledweyne general hospital

09 Mar – Source: Radio Goob Joog – 138 words

The administration of Hiiraan region hopes that the government of Turkey will take over the management of Beledweyne general hospital that was running short of medical facilities since MSF withdrew last year. The administration stated the hospital is facing shortage of medicine and many patients in the hospital mostly children are at high risk. The head of Hiiraan region social services Sheikh Hussein Osman stated that the government of Turkey has renovated and manages some hospitals in Somalia like Digfer and expect them to give support to residents in Hiran region in their difficult days. Delegates from Turkish embassy in Mogadishu arrived in Beledweyne, the headquarters of Hiran region Saturday to supervise the government institutions and social amenities in the region. The delegates had meeting with senior officials of the region and discussed issues of high concern.

New Mogadishu mayor meets district commissioners

09 Mar – Source: Radio Shabelle – 107 words

For the past few days, the new Benadir Regional Administration has increased its efforts in the region with new Governor of Benadir & Mayor of Mogadishu, General Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab meeting the 17 district commissioners in the Benadir region. The mayor discussed the security, cleanliness, and how to cooperate on maintaining peace and order in in Benadir region. The spokesperson of the Benadir Regional Administration, Mohamed Yusuf spoke to the press after and described the topics discussed during the meeting and declared that the commissioners need to ensure that there is security guidance as well as development of public services in every district.

Ahlu Sunna welcomes UN extension of arms embargo in Somalia

08 – Mar – Source: Bar-kulan – 117 words

The Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamaa administration in central Somalia has welcomed UN security council partial extension of arms embargo on federal government of Somalia. Sheikh Ibrahim Sheikh Hassan a senior official of the group has told Bar-Kulan that the government should be vigilant about use of arms. Sheikh Ibrahim added that his group will take part in what he described as efforts to clear al Shabaab militant group out of the country. The United Nations Security Council has extended a partial arms embargo on Somalia through October after reports surfaced that militants are getting weapons intended for government forces. All 15 Council members agreed on Wednesday that the requirements for ending the 22-year embargo have not been met.

Commemorations marking International Women’s Day held across Somaliland

08 Mar – Source: Somaliland Press – 99 words

In well attended commemorating the 8th of March, an international woman Day 2014 in Somaliland was held today the civil service hall in Hargeisa in an event organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs, NAGAAD and NOW. The Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Hon Shukri Hariir Ismael said, “Women in Somaliland have also assumed a critical role in the progress of the national democratization process. They constitute the majority of the voters, as well as, supporters of the political parties and associations, which has been critical in the establishment of the multi-party democratization programme in the last ten years.

REGIONAL MEDIA

President Hassan: “Women are the backbone and breadwinners of Somali society.”

09 Mar – Source: Al Shahid – 149 words

Somalia reintroduces taxes after 23 years

09 Mar – Source: Africa Review – 142 words

The Somali Cabinet on Saturday approved a plan outlining tax system, an official has said. The country’s minister of Finance, Mr Hussein Abdi Halane said the plan would be submitted to Parliament for endorsement. The comprehensive new tax system comprises of both direct and indirect taxes on individuals and businesses. The plans detail tariff levels for taxes on income, property, corporate plus goods and services. Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed said the government is committed to financial reforms so as to strengthen the country’s economy. “The minister of Finance has proposed a new tax system to ensure individuals and businesses are contributing their fair share to society and the rebuilding of our country,” he said. “It is crucial for the government to raise its own revenue to be able to continue to improve security and roll out improved social services across Somalia.”

Police recover powerful explosives along Kenya-Somali border

08 Mar – Source: Standard Media – 147 words

Suspected Somalia militia tossed powerful explosives at security border post in Mandera town on Thursdaymorning sending the town recovering from hand grenades attacks into panic. Confirming the incident the Police OCPD Mandera East Jackson Rotich, said nobody was injured in the 2am attacks targeting Administration police post located few meters from the Kenya/Somali common border. The Mandera town police boss told the Standard, security officer who responded to the attacks found the partially exploded bomb barely 50m into the Kenyan soil from the border line. “Our officers found the bomb just 50m into Kenya from the Somali side,” Said Rotich. He said the motive of the attack has not been established but they highly suspected the attack was aimed at the Border Point police post. “This bomb was aimed at the Border Point police post where we are having more than thirty officers,” said Rotich.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

African peacekeepers retake strategic Somali towns

09 Mar – Source: AFP – 185 words

African peacekeepers in Somalia operating with government forces have recaptured several strategic towns in the southwest from the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militia, officials said Sunday. The African Union’s AMISOM force announced it had launched a widescale offensive on Thursday against the Islamist fighters in areas near the Ethiopian border. The operation comes in the wake of a surge of attacks in the Somali capital Mogadishu, where the Shebab is fighting to oust the internationally-backed government. “AMISOM and the Somali troops kicked al Shabaab out of several key towns including Wajid and (regional capital) Hudur,” regional government official Abdulahi Yarisow told AFP.
“Our military advancement will continue until we eliminate the enemy from the rest of the country.”
AMISOM said in a statement it had also secured the towns of Ted, Rabdhure and Buudhubow and driven out Al-Shabaab militiamen, but witnesses reported fierce fighting on Sunday in Buudhubow.
“The SNA (Somali National Army) and AMISOM joint operations signal the beginning of the renewed efforts by the Somali government forces working more closely with AMISOM forces to dislodge al Shabaab from many of its strongholds across the country,” it added.

Man accused of assaulting police officer

09 Mar – Source: Times of Malta – 131 words

A man was this afternoon accused in court of assaulting a police officer who intervened to stop him from assaulting a prostitute. The 26-year-old from Mogadishu was spotted by plain clothes policemen on patrol in Marsa yesterday evening arguing and fighting with a prostitute. When confronted by the police, the Somali threw a glass bottle in the direction of police officer Lydon Zammit and then challenged him for a fight while holding a stone.The immigrant, who was drunk, tried to run away towards the Marsa open centre until he was cornered by the police and arrested. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and Magistrate Aaron Bugeja refused the defence’s plea for release from arrest. However, the court ordered the police to produce the female witness in the next sitting.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Somalia’s future towards sustainable progress and development and the end of its vicious cycle lies in the hands of its capable youths. With a little help and encouragement, we will rewrite, rebuild and share our stories of Somalia.”

Of Somalia’s ‘Vicious Circle’: The Youth Will Decide

09 Mar- Source: Wardheernews-1158 Words

Reflecting on my old school days, I reminisce about my childhood and the sayings and anecdotes I used to hear such as: “The youths are the leaders of tomorrow,” “Education is the key to success,” and many others. They were very inspiring indeed. However, instead of imbibing these gentle wisdoms, they instead fell into deaf ears. Age was the culprit. Again, I could still recall days of fun playing with friends. Not too long ago, I was a child and the world revolved around me. When something went wrong, my parents were there to set things straight. A bad fall, a bruised knee, and a slight rise in body temperature would instantly be remedied by my kind and caring parents. I would cry from the hurt and they’d wipe the tears from my eyes. Wow! What a sweet, simple, and innocent time it was. Gone is that period, and I am no longer a child, But those sayings are still embedded in my mind
http://www.wardheernews.com/somalias-vicious-circle-youth-will-decide/

“Somalia’s crises were conceived with inherent weakness and old-fashioned clan mentalities; therefore, building and restructuring of the Somalia governance and leadership are best accomplished on the basis of a broad national consensus with recommence of its roots, rather than the internationally engineered solution.”

Reconciliation and Human Security: Prospects of Somalia Unity

08 Mar- Source: Hiiraan Online/Wardheernews-2820 Words

Since the civil war in 1991, Somalia has undergone various ideology experiments to unite the country again. However, none of them have brought lasting stability. Somalia’s problems are many and complicated: warlordism associated to clan rivalry and control underlies the broader Somali culture; international and regional military intervention had brought militarization and instability and not security or peace; and, different religious ideologies that created extremism with the subsequent war of terror that is in full force today. In addition, the emergence of regionalism that sees other local African nations along with some internal Somali interests is becoming more prevalent. This regional politicking and interference is also divisive and makes it difficult for Somalis to work for reconciliation. These have been the paralyzing factors that have contributed to the derailment of any meaningful stabilization of the country.