April 15, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

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PM Abdiweli meets Jubaland elders

14 Apr- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/STV/Radio Mogadishu- 91 words

Prime minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed has met Jubaland council of elders at Kismayo during his visit. The elders have called upon the government of Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed to fast track the revival of community services in the area that was affected by the two decades of civil war. The PM has urged the elders to spearhead government reconstruction and recovery efforts of the communities in the area. Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed who is on a three day visit in the region is expected to meet other community leaders today.

Key Headlines

PM Abdiweli meets Jubaland elders (Radio Bar-kulan/STV/Radio Mogadishu)
SFG to send ministerial delegation to pave way for President Mohamud’s visit to Puntland (Radio RBC)
IGAD trains 20 Somali journalists (Radio Bar-kulan)
Heavy clash between two government militia erupts in Mogadishu (Radio Goobjoog)
Kuwaiti Company to construct Airport University in Puntland (Garowe Online/Dhanaan Online/Horseed Media)
Kenya Media told to report objectively on terrorism counter-terrorism (Star-Kenya)
‘Eastleigh bomb attacker posed as normal client’ (Standard Media)
Somalia: Delivering clean water in a conflict-stricken country (ICRC)

PRESS STATEMENT

Somali President “The people of Burundi are our true brothers who have given their blood to bring peace and stability in Somalia.”

14 Apr- Source: Office of the President- 362 words

His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today welcomed the new Burundian Ambassador to Somalia and said, “The people of Burundi are our true brothers who have given their blood to bring peace and stability in Somalia.” His Excellency Joseph Nkununziza, presented his credentials to the President in Villa Somalia, Mogadishu. Accompanied by Somalia’s Foreign Minister, His Excellency Abdirahman Duale Baileh, the Ambassador pledged his country’s continued support to the ongoing efforts to stabilize Somalia.

Ambassador Nkununziza said “We Burundians understand the importance of supporting a brother when he needs it most and that is why our soldiers are in Somalia. Somalia deserves better and we urge the international community to provide timely resources to help the government to build its institutions in order to bring peace and stability. Burundi will increase its support to the government and the people of Somalia.”

The President said: “We are enormously appreciative of Burundi’s support in returning security to Somalia. Burundian soldiers are on the frontlines, helping defeat Al-Shabaab as part of AMISOM. On a daily basis our own soldiers of the SNA, with the support of AMISOM, are liberating town after town. Together, we aim to eliminate the threat posed by al Shabaab. That threat exists not only here in Somalia but elsewhere, in other countries. We look forward to continuing to work together in pursuit of our common interests.”

“Burundi is a true brother and we greatly value the sacrifices that they are making here in Somalia. We are also grateful for their support in the training of our soldiers, who are rapidly becoming a professional, capable force. Soon Somali soldiers will be able to provide peace and stability throughout the country and we will take full control of the security of our country. That will only be possible with the assistance of our brother nations like Burundi.”

The Ambassador conveyed a personal message from President of Burundi, H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza, expressing his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. He concluded his visit with a joint press conference with the Somali Foreign Minister.

President Hassan on the 1st Anniversary of the Attack on the Banadir Regional Court Complex: “12 months on, the fact that these courts and legal offices are working again is a testament to those who died on 14 April, 2013”

14 Apr- Source: Office of the President- 388 words

H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, today attended a ceremony to mark the first anniversary of the deaths of Somalii citizens in a terrorist attack on the Banadir Regional Court Complex in Mogadishu. The Chief Justice Eideed Ilka-Hanaf and the Minister of Justice and Constitution Farah Abdulkadir were among government officials attended the event.

Marking the first anniversary of the attack in the now fully rehabilitated and functioning court complex, the President expressed his condolences to the families and colleagues of those who died in the attack. “Let me also express my admiration to you, the families and colleagues of those who died in the attack, for the strength you have shown over a difficult 12 months. 12 months on, the fact that these courts and legal offices are working again is a testament to those who died. Rest assured that, just as you will not forget the fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters who died that day, nor will the people of Somalia forget their sacrifice in the name of justice.”

The President also remembered a second attack on the Sunday, 14th April, 2013, on a Turkish Red Crescent aid convoy. “There are those who seek to attack the institutions of the state like the justice system or our friends in the international community as they try to help Somalia become whole again. I say to them, 12 months on, what have their bloody attacks achieved? The courts still work and our Turkish brothers are still here, providing vital assistance to the people of Somalia and helping to rebuild the country. They have not succeeded and they will not succeed.”

The President continued: “Security is improving all the time and the Somali National Army is increasing in numbers and capability all the time. Towns are being freed every week from the hold of the enemies of Somalia and the free Somalis are feeling the benefits: security, desperately needed assistance like food and medical treatment, and, in the longer term, reconstruction and stability.”

The Somali Prime Minister visits important sites in Kismayo

14 Apr- Source: Office of the Prime Minister- 556 words

The Prime Minister of the Somali Federal Government His Excellency Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed arrived in Kismayo, the capital of the Interim Jubba Administration, on Saturday, April 11th 2014. The Prime Minister and his delegation, which includes Somali Federal Government cabinet and parliament members, received a warm welcome in Kismayo from Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), the President of the Interim Jubba Administration and other high-ranking officials. The Prime Minister’s trip to Kismayo follows his visit to some of the areas that were recently recovered from al-Shabaab terrorists.
H.E. the Prime Minister was very pleased with the reception he received and announced his intention to meet with various sectors of the community while he is visiting the city

“I bring you profound salutations from the President of the Federal Government of Somalia and the Speaker of the Parliament. I am greatly honoured to be received with such immense friendship and goodwill by the people of Kismayo,” said H.E. Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed.
On his part, Islam announced his full support for the Federal Government of Somalia and remarked on the similarities between Mogadishu and Kismayo, calling them twin cities.

The Prime Minister stated his intention to focus on development, security and the revival of various livelihood projects during his Kismayo visit. He highlighted the importance of pushing on-going efforts to stabilize the region and promised that the Federal Government will oversee the preservation of peace in all areas. H.E. the Prime Minister said that all parties will build on the Addis Ababa Agreement and vowed to oversee its full implementation. In addition, he held meetings with AMISOM officials to discuss enhancing security in order to advance development and reconstruction in the region.
As part of his Kismayo visit, H.E. Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed toured government facilities including schools, hospitals, the port, and other public structures in Kismayo. H.E. Ahmed Madobe accompanied him on the tours.

During his visit to the Kismayo General Hospital, the officials of the hospital briefed H.E. Prime Minster Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, after which he declared that the central government will deliver urgent assistance to the hospital. He announced that the Minister of Health will pay a working visit to Kismayo to assess the needs of the hospital. The Prime Minister also authorized the Ministry of Interior Affairs to provide immediate food aid to the newly liberated areas in Jubba.

In addition, H.E. Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed visited the recently rehabilitated facilities of the Ministry of Interior and the Central Bank of the Jubba Administration, which represent the progress Kismayo has made since the liberation of the city by Somali National Forces and AMISOM. The inaugurated bank will boost the public financial management of the Jubba Administration, and signals the administration’s commitment to promoting transparency and accountability.

“We are delighted and proud to witness the Jubba Administration’s progress in Kismayo. The people of Kismayo have suffered many years of civil war and extremism. The city of Kismayo is now ready for prosperity after decades of civil strife,” said the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister concluded his tour of public facilities by overseeing operations at the Port of Kismayo where he pledged to assist efforts to rehabilitate the port as it serves many Somali citizens in Jubba.

SOMALI MEDIA

PM Abdiweli meets Jubaland elders

14 Apr- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/STV/Radio Mogadishu- 91 words

SFG to send ministerial delegation to pave way for President Mohamud’s visit to Puntland

14 Apr- Source: Radio RBC- 238 words

Somali government ministers are expected to visit Puntland‘s capital of Garowe from the 17 of April. A ministerial delegation will pay an official visit to Somalia’s semi autonomous state of Puntland in the coming days. Preliminary reports to RBC say Somali Presidential Palace director and Minister of Justice Abdulkadir Farah and Somali interior minister are among the senior members of this delegation from the Federal Government of Somalia. This delegation will pave the way for the President of the federal republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s official visit to Puntland later in this month. President Mohamud is expected to officially reach Puntland later this month where he will have bilateral talks with President of Puntlland Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas mainly concerning the state of their bilateral relations. The main agendas of the Somalia federal government include assisting Puntland government in meeting civil sector and security payments. Somali federal government will lead a conference in Garowe that will be discussed the technicalities of Federalism. The former Puntland government led by the former president Abdirahman Farole suspended their cooperation with the federal government of Somalia, claiming that government has failed to work within the constitution that Somali people agreed on. President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas called the federal government of Somalia into a dialogue to overcome the political misunderstandings between the two administrations.

IGAD trains 20 Somali journalists

14 Apr- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 107 words

More than 20 Somali journalists have concluded one week long training at Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. The workshop which was organized by intergovernmental authority on development IGAD focused on the role of Somali media in the return of peace and stability in Somalia. Speaking during the closing ceremony Somali consular in Ethiopia Abdirashid Sheikh Said has urged the journalists to implement what they have learn in the workshop in their respective fields when they return back home. Some of the journalists who spoke to the press have thanked the organizers of the workshop particularly the IGAD, EU and the government of Ethiopia.

Heavy clash between two government militia erupts in Mogadishu

14 Apr- Source: Radio Goobjoog- 117 words

Heavy clash between two clan based government militia erupted in Mogadishu Monday, the clash was due to land dispute where many internally displaced people reside. People living in the area said that the two sides have used heavy weapons during the fight as military vehicles were seen in the area. Civilians who lived in the areas where the two government militias clashed ran for their dear lives. The number of casualties is not clearly known. The administration of Banadir region has declined to comment on the clash between the two militias in the city. Land dispute that finally turns to fight is a common problem in Somalia especially Mogadishu.

Kuwaiti Company to construct Airport, University in Puntland

14 Apr- Source: Garowe Online/Dhanaan Online/Horseed Media- 186 words

Puntland Government in northern Somalia on Monday clinched an agreement with a Kuwaiti company which will embark on the construction of Garowe International Airport and Makhir University. Puntland Finance Minister Shire Haji Farah and NARCO Chairman Dr. Nabil Abdul Raheem signed the bilateral deal in Dubai with former Puntland President Gen. Mohamud Musse Hirsi (Adde) and Puntland’s representative to Kuwait Faisal Hawar present. According to Puntland government, of the USD 10 Million loan from Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic and Development (KFAED) in October 2013, $6 Million will be spent on the erection of planes parking spots, runway, fire and rescue stations and air traffic control towers at an airport in the state capital of Garowe while the remaining $4 Million has been allotted to Makhir University in Sanaag regional capital of Baran. Speaking at the ceremony held for the deal, Puntland Finance Minister Farah thanked Kuwait for helping Somalia stand on its feet again, adding that the flagship projects would boost the local economy and education sector.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Kenya Media told to report objectively on terrorism, counter-terrorism

14 Apr- Source: Star-Kenya- 311 words

Dadaab Refugee Camp Youth Leader Abdullahi Hassan Kenyan Somalis and Somali refugees are being unfairly targeted in the on-going security swoop in parts of Nairobi and Mombasa. Speaking at a monthly media briefing on the ‘Realities of Refugees in Dadaab’ at the Sarova Stanley this morning Hassan said that over 6000 people have been arrested and many have been mistreated in the operation that began on Tuesday. Also speaking at the event Muslim for Human Rights Forum executive director Al Amin Kimathi called on the media to question government intelligence reports on terrorism and other issues stating that journalists should report more objectively.

‘Eastleigh bomb attacker posed as normal client’

14 Apr- Source: Standard Media- 305 words

Daniel Mutuku Mutua did not feel right about a customer who walked into the Sheraton hotel on Eastleigh’s 12th street last Tuesday night. There was something really odd about him. “He was carrying a back-pack and seemed to be in a rush,” He recalls. Mutuku, 30, has worked at the hotel without the slightest resemblance to the famous international chain for close to five years. The Eastleigh Sheraton is everything the international chain is not but aspires to be. It is located in a filthy, dusty street in Nairobi’s most chaotic district. The place is after all a labyrinth of chaotic human and vehicular traffic.

100 aliens seized in Mombasa swoop

14 Apr- Source: Standard Media- 186 words

More than 100 illegal immigrants from Somalia and other countries were arrested in parts of Mombasa on Saturday night as the anti-terror operation spread to the Coast. Hundreds of officers from the Anti- terrorism Police Unit, General Service Unit and other police forces accompanied by immigration officers swept into Changamwe and Nyali estates in trucks and ordered doors opened. They demanded identification papers and seized those without Kenyan papers but also took away those suspected to have forged Identity Cards.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somalia: Delivering clean water in a conflict-stricken country

14 Apr- Source: ICRC- 460 words

Many sources of water in Somalia have been damaged or have lacked maintenance since the outbreak of conflict in the early 1990s. Making sure that Somalis have access to safe water supplies is thus a central part of the ICRC’s work in the country.In 2013, nearly 375,000 people – and crucially also their livestock – had their access to water improved by the ICRC. “The main reasons for water shortage in Somalia are the recurrent droughts and floods, the strain on the few available water supply points, and the absence of state services that would otherwise create and maintain water supplies,” said May Mousa, who is in charge of the ICRC’s water and habitat activities in Somalia. “Somalis also find their access to water prevented by insecurity arising from the ongoing conflict. These problems demand a multifaceted response that combines meeting emergency needs with investing in the maintenance of existing water sources, or creating new ones,” she added.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“These five groups aren’t the only ones who have moved back but they are the ones who stand out the most. The city is the liveliest it has been in more than 23 years. Locals have welcomed their long-lost countrymen with open arms, despite finding their new habits odd and funny at times. With peace holding and at least five international flights landing in Mogadishu every day, it’s just a matter of time before the Somali-Aussies arrive from the end of the world. And with new shisha parlours popping up everywhere, I bet the Somalis in the Gulf are packing their bags too.”

Return of the quirky Somali diasporans

14 Apr- Source: Voices of Africa Blog-1187 Words

For the best part of the last three years I’ve been visiting, working and living in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. During that time a lot has changed. Security has improved thanks to al-Shabab retreating from the city. Mogadishu feels like it is finally being resuscitated from the bloody two-decade long civil war-induced coma. Residents are flocking to the white sandy beaches on the edge of the city to pass time and enjoy things they couldn’t afford to because of the war. There is also a new crowd calling this seaside city of one million people home. Somalis are returning from all corners of the globe – some moving back for good, others to seek business opportunities. As a result of this new addition to the city’s residents, rent is sky-high and competition between diasporans and locals for the few government jobs available is becoming cut throat. Depending on the countries the diasporans are returning from, they bring with them distinct behaviours and ways alien to Mogadishu.