April 22, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Somali Lawmaker killed in a bomb planted in vehicle in Mogadishu

21 Apr – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/Radio Goobjoog/RBC – 93 words

A Member of Somalia’s Federal Parliament has died after a bomb planted inside his vehicle blew off just minutes after he drove out of his home in Mogadishu’s Hamarweyne district, Eyewitnesses said. MP Isack Mohamed Ali Riino has been rushed to the hospital after sustaining critical injuries from the blast, but unfortunately he was proclaimed dead before he was admitted to the hospital. Another person was wounded by a shrapnel from the blast that killed the lawmaker. MP Riino was heading to Hotel Jazeera where he has supposed o attend a national level conference on the country’s security. The conference was kicked off yesterday by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to focus on the main challenges that overcome the country’s security. Police and members of the National Intelligence and Security reached the scene and cordoned off but no one was arrested yet.

Key Headlines

Somali Lawmaker killed in a bomb planted in vehicle in Mogadishu (Radio Mogadishu/SNTV)
Prime Minister: “Those who carried out this cowardly attack will face justice” (OPM)
UN Special Representative for Somalia condemns murder of Somali MP (UNSOM)
Al Shabaab takes responsibility of killing Somali MP in Mogadishu (Radio RBC/Radio Andulus)
AMISOM condemns the assassination of Somali Member of Parliament (AMISOM)
Somali President: “The culture of lawlessness that has plagued Somalia for the last 23 years is coming to an end” (Office of the President)
Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed concludes visit to Kismayo (OPM)
Somali President: “Saudi Arabia has been a constant friend to Somalia throughout the years of trouble”(Office of the Somali President)
Armed men kill an a prominent elder in Kismayo (Radio Goobjoog/Dhanaan Media)
Dozens of Somaliland forces Surrender to Puntland Government (Horseed Media/RBC)
Puntland Defence Forces urged to confront Somaliland al Shabaab (Garowe Online)
UAE donates equipment to Somali security (Hiiraan Online)
New Hiiraan Governor vows to eliminate al Shabaab (Radio Shabelle)
Banadir region’s governor appeals Security forces in the region to be trained equipped smoothly (Al Shahid)
End Somali poverty to end piracy: UN ambassador(National)
Car bomb kills Somali lawmaker en route to security conference (CNN/AFP)

PRESS STATEMENT

Prime Minister: “Those who carried out this cowardly attack will face justice”

21 Apr – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 132 words

His Excellency Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed sends his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of MP Isaak Mohamed Rino and wished parliamentarian Mohamed Ali a speedy recovery. H.E Prime Minister called on security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Prime Minister, said: “My Cabinet and I send our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Isaak Mohamed Rino MP, killed today in a car explosion and wish Mohamed Ali a speedy recovery.
“Somalia has today lost a committed parliamentarian who worked tirelessly to serve the people of Somalia and help rebuild our country.

“This cowardly attack will not derail the progress made in Mogadishu and across Somalia. The security agencies will investigate this cowardly killing and ensure that those who carried out this attack face justice.”

UN Special Representative for Somalia condemns murder of Somali MP

21 Apr – Source: UNSOM – 149 words

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG), Nicholas Kay, has condemned the murder of Isaak Mohamed Rino, a Member of the country’s Federal Parliament. Following the attack the Federal Government called for a full investigation and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

Mr. Rino was killed this morning in Mogadishu when an improvised explosive device planted in his vehicle detonated. Another parliamentarian, Mr. Mohamed Ali and several civilians were reported to have been injured in the incident.

“I condemn this murder in the strongest terms. There must be a full investigation of this terrorist attack and the perpetrators brought to justice swiftly,” SRSG Kay said.

SRSG Kay offers his sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Rino, as well as to the Federal Parliament of Somalia, and wishes a quick recovery for Mr Ali, as well as the civilians who were injured.

AMISOM condemns the assassination of Somali Member of Parliament

21 Apr- Source: AMISOM- 155 words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif strongly condemns the assassination of Somali Member of Parliament Isaak Mohamed Rino in Mogadishu today.

Isaak Mohamed ‘Rino’ was killed in a car bomb attack as he entered his car outside Salaam Bank in Hamarweyne district. The MP was in company of another parliamentarian Mohamed Ali who was severely injured in the car bomb attack.

“Members of Parliament are representives of the Somali people and any attack on them is an attack on the people and is unacceptable. AMISOM will continue to support the Federal Government of Somalia in its efforts to fight extremists who are interested in unleashing violence on the civilians”
AMISOM offers its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and the Federal Government of Somalia for the loss of the parliamentarian Isaak Mohamed Rino and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured parliamentarian Mohamed Ali.

Somali President: “The culture of lawlessness that has plagued Somalia for the last 23 years is coming to an end”

20 Apr – Source: Office of the Somali President – 317 words

H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia today attended the opening of the National Security Conference in Mogadishu. Attendees included representatives of all segments of Somali society along with experts from the security apparatus and the international community. The conference aims to achieve successful engagement between a range of communities with a common interest in achieving security and stability in Somalia.

The President stated: “The culture of lawlessness that has plagued Somalia for the last 23 years is coming to an end. The National Security Conference is an example of the progress we are making in terms of security and stabilisation: a coming together of a variety of interested parties who share a common aim: bringing security and stability in Somalia.

The conference will be a great success and those who attended can genuinely feel that they have played a part in building the future security of the nation.”

The President continued: “The discussions include a range of challenges to security that we have to overcome. The culture of lawlessness, violence and self-interest that has plagued our country must be changed. The rebuilding of professional security forces to a level where they can protect Somalia must continue.

There is a desperate shortage of resources across the whole security infrastructure. We have to address all of these issues if we are to achieve long lasting security and stability.”

The President concluded: “In 2016 Somalia will hold elections. But there is much to do before those elections can happen. This conference will identify challenges and now we have to overcome them. The Government will implement the outcome of this conference as well as to continue implementing the resolutions we have made such as the Stabilisation Plan and the commitment to good governance. As a result, 2014 will be a busy year for the Federal Government of Somalia: the year of action and delivery. “

Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed concludes visit to Kismayo

19 Apr – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 645 words

His Excellency Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed concluded his seven-day working visit to Kismayo with a ceremony to mark the progress made during his visit. The ceremony signals the success of the visit of H.E. the Prime Minister and the commitment of the Interim Jubba Administration (IJA) and other stakeholders to promoting peace and harmony amongst the people of Jubba.

The leader of the Interim Jubba Administration H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), parliamentarians, cabinet members, traditional elders, women’s groups, religious leaders, diplomats, UN and AMISOM officials attended the ceremony, which was held at the former Insurance Centre.

Representatives from the UN, AMISOM, IGAD and the neighbouring countries praised the progress made during the Prime Minister’s visit and the agreement between the political factions in Jubba vowing to support the peace process and the implementation of the agreement.

Addressing the ceremony, the Prime Minister said that progress in Jubba benefits all communities. His Excellency praised the leadership and efforts of H.E. Ahmed Madobe and his administration, the traditional elders and women’s groups of Jubba, calling on them to collectively continue to work for peace, collaboration and the development of Jubba.

It was announced during the ceremony that the troops who had been positioned outside the city of Kismayo for some time have now agreed to come into the city after engaging in successful talks with leaders from the federal government, IJA, and traditional elders. This marks the beginning of a process to officially integrate those troops into the Somali National Army so that they can receive their rightful benefits and salaries.

“We are all committed to working for peace and collaboration, and it is my hope that all Somalis will work towards a better Somalia. The period of conflict, war and mistrust is over. We are turning towards peace, development and peaceful co-existence for the people of Jubba,” the Prime Minister said.

A communiqué was read before the participants of the ceremony that outlines all the points that were agreed upon and reaffirms the commitment of all parties to the Addis Ababa agreement between the Federal Government and the Interim Jubba Administration. The Prime Minister acknowledged the efforts made by the Interim Jubba Administration and paid tribute to SNA Forces and AMISOM for their role in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

After extensive consultations with the IJA and the community in general, the Prime Minister:

1. Instructed the full implementation of the Addis Ababa Agreement;

2. Instructed responsible authorities in the FGS in coordination with IJA and community leaders to immediately work out the implementation of the integration of the forces in the Jubba Regions;

3. Welcomed the recently established Technical Security Committee and instructed the committee to fast-track on-going integration efforts;

4. Established a joint high level committee to chart out action plan for the implementation of the outstanding issues in the Addis Ababa and Mogadishu Agreements;

5. Acknowledged the supportive role of IGAD and Ethiopia in the implementation of the Addis Ababa Agreement;

6. Urged the International Community to assist FGS and IJA priority programs in the Jubba;

7. Endorsed the reconciliation committee to organise Kismayo reconciliation conference;

8. Established inter-clan peace committees composed of elders and women groups to help the reconciliation efforts in the region;

9. Advised IJA to establish the regional assembly as soon as possible;

10. Welcomed IJA to engage with the National Defence Working Groups (DWG);

11. Instructed relevant federal institutions to provide the necessary support to IJA line institutions;

12. Directed the Federal Ministry of Defence to enlist SNA troops from the Jubba Regions so that they participate in the Concept of Operations (CONOPS). This undertaking should be concluded within the next 4 weeks;

13. Strongly warned those who obstruct the on-going peace processes in the country and appealed to IGAD and the international community to cooperate with the FGS in taking measures against the obstructers.

Somali President: “Saudi Arabia has been a constant friend to Somalia throughout the years of trouble”

19 Apr – Source: Office of the Somali President – 247 words

His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today welcomed the new Ambassador from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Somalia and said, “Saudi Arabia has been a constant friend to Somalia throughout the years of trouble.”

His Excellency Garam Bin Said Bin Garam Almulhan 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 bring security and stability to Somalia.

The President said: “Our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been true friends to Somalia. In our time of need, Saudi Arabia has maintained relationship and has consistently provided aid to the Somali people. A recent example of the aid that Saudi Arabia has provided was through the construction of wells at a time when water was in critically short supply.

The President continued: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is also a close partner in our fight against the misguided and criminal elements that seek to hold Somalia back from the road to peace and progress. Recently the respective Ministers of Defense from Saudi Arabia and Somalia met in Saudi Arabia to discuss cooperation in the fight against terrorism and the rebuilding of our security forces.”

The Ambassador conveyed a personal message from King of Saudi Arabia, King Abdallah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, expressing his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. He concluded his visit with a joint press conference with the Somali Foreign Minister.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali Lawmaker killed in a bomb planted in vehicle in Mogadishu

21 Apr – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/Radio Goobjoog/RBC – 93 words

Al Shabaab takes responsibility of killing Somali MP in Mogadishu

21 Apr- Source: Radio RBC/Radio Andulus/Somalimemo- 97 words

Al Shabaab militant group claimed today the responsibility of killing Somali Member of Parliament in a bomb planted inside his vehicle in Mogadishu. A pro-al Shabaab radio stated Al Shabab spokesman saying the militants targeted the lawmaker in Mogadishu. “Members of the Mujahedin in Mogadishu targeted him.” Al Shabab’s radio Andulus quoted. MP Isack Mohamed Riino has died after a bomb detonated inside his vehicle blew off in Hamarweyne district. He was rushed to hospital after sustaining critical injuries but later was proclaimed died.

Armed men kill an a prominent elder in Kismayo

21 Apr – Source: Radio Goobjoog/Dhanaan Media/Hiiraan Online – 100 words

Reports from the southern port city of Kismayo indicate that unidentified assailants have shot dead a well known clan elder in the city, the 2nd top traditional leader to be killed in Kismayo in less than a month. Residents identify the slain elder as Sultan Amir Abdi Dhuh, the Sultan of Sheekhaal tribe in the southern Lower and Middle Jubba regions. According to eye witnesses the Sultan was killed by unidentified gunmen in the city’s busiest neighbourhood. The perpetrators then escaped. Hundreds of security forces have immediately rushed to the scene and cordoned off the whole area. The security forces conducted a widespread search, but no arrests have yet been made.

Dozens of Somaliland forces Surrender to Puntland Government

21 Apr – Source: Horseed Media/RBC/Radio Garowe – 124 words

Authorities in Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland say that dozens of troops loyal to the self-declared state of Somaliland have surrendered to them. The mayor of Armo district of Bari region, Ibrahim Shire – where the troops had arrived- told the media that at least 60 men have surrendered themselves and their weapons from the breakaway region. He did not say what the authorities were planning to do about them. The troops have been reported to be based in Sanaag region, one of the disputed provinces between Puntland and Somaliland. ‘’ We were heavily armed in order to kill our people and we couldn’t accept o do such things, we decided to reunite with our people,’’ said one of the Soldiers who surrendered.

New Hiiraan Governor vows to eliminate al Shabaab

21 Apr – Source: Radio Shabelle – 95 words

The recently appointed Governor of the Hiiraan region by the Somali Federal Government Abdifatah Hassan Afrah, affirmed that his administration will prioritize clearing all towns and districts under the region from al Shabaab. The Governor stated that al Shabaab changed their tactics to become bandits, to steal the possessions of civilians in Hiiraan. Afrah added that his administration is in the process of preparing new, effective strategies designed to crush al Shabaab from Hiiraan. He verbally strained that they will do their best to recover and rehabilitate the youth that have been led astray by the terrorist insurgents.

Somaliland’s Crackdown on Media rises as Police Arrests Another Journalists in Sool

21 Apr – Source: Somali Current – 101 words

5 journalists have been arrested by security forces in Somaliland administration in Las-anod city, as the detentions and suspensions of journalists and media institutions are on the increase in Somaliland. Names of the detained journalists including Mohamud Saleban Iidle who work for Somset and Jama Oogle, currently jobless reporter, as reported that the detained reporters were alleged for attempting to publish anti-Somaliland reports and attending of conference against peace and stability of its country. One of the detained journalists told that they have been arrested and told to bring the news that they had recorded. He told that they have refused.

Puntland Defence Forces urged to confront Somaliland, al Shabaab

19 Apr – Source: Garowe Online – 108 words

Puntland Government in northern Somalia has urged defence forces units operating in the disputed regions of Sool and Sanaag to confront Somaliland’s separatist administration and Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab fighters, Garowe Online reports. Addressing infantry battalions on Takaraq frontline near Sool regional capital of Lasanod on Friday, Puntland’s Minister of Security Hassan Osman Alore said that the armed forces are tasked with deterring external threats including aggression and terrorism. “You are expected to fullfil your duties and repel attacks by Al Shabaab and Somaliland at all times,” added Alore in the presence of Puntland Police commander-in-Chief Gen. Mohamed Saed Jaqanaf and his Deputy Col. Mohiyadin Ahmed Musse.

Somaliland: Immigration Department Partakes in Borame Held Regional Security Conference

20 Apr – Source: Somaliland Sun – 82 words

Somaliland immigration officers led by their principal Mohamed Yusuf (Mohamed-Cambaro) participated in security conference held in Borame. .General Immigration Officer Mohamed Yusuf said ” the conference geared towards enhancing security in Awdal, Maroodijeeh and Salel region is useful for whole immigration officers who participated, at the same time he highlighted that the security conference is very important for the peace, also this conference was participated by the elders, who came from the three regions of Awdal, Maroodijeeh and Salel and chairmen were presented.

Somalia among regional states to send peacekeeping troops to South Sudan

19 Apr – Source: Bar-kulan – 100 words

According to Intergovernmental Authority on Development IGAD peacekeeping troops from 5 regional states including Somalia are scheduled to be sent to troubled South Sudan to help maintain peace and order.. Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn who is currently the chairman of IGAD said that IGAD member states agreed to send troops from Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda to South Sudan to help the government maintain peace and order. The prime minister stated that these troops from mostly IGAD countries will back the government of South Sudan that is facing insecurity challenges in the country and also United Nations bases.

UAE donates equipment to Somali security

19 Apr- Source: Hiiraan Online- 297 words

The United Arab Emirates has donated battle wagons and other equipment to Somali National Security and Intelligence Agency on Saturday as part of the Arab government’s assistance to the war-weary horn of Africa nation. The UAE ambassador to Somalia presented the equipment to the director of the National Intelligence Agency General Bashir Mohamed Jama during a colourful presentation ceremony at the Security Agency’s compound in Mogadishu on Saturday. UAE ambassador to the country Mohamed Al- Othman said that the donation was part of his country’s assistance to Somalia to help with the restoration of peace and security into the country.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Banadir region’s governor appeals Security forces in the region to be trained, equipped smoothly

21 Apr- Source: Al Shahid- 391 words

Attending National Security Conference in Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussien (Mungab) Banadir region’s governor has called Somali federal government to develop the capacity of Mogadishu security forces so to reach the goal as scheduled. “Training, Salary and equipment of the troops are necessary. Sufficient battle wagons and all defense instruments must be found so we win from extremists”, Hassan Mohamed Hussien (Mongab) reiterated during his address. The announcement of the governor comes after Somali president declared at the meeting that all security sectors in the region will work under the governor’s command.

End Somali poverty to end piracy: UN ambassador

20 Apr- Source: National (UAE)- 304 words

Increased security measures, development of a justice system and economic growth have greatly curbed the threat that Somali piracy once posed. But the country still needs help to provide alternatives for Somalis to deter them from activities such as piracy and terrorism, said Nick Kay, the UN ambassador to Somalia. Mr Kay was in Abu Dhabi last week to meet UAE officials. “We shouldn’t forget that the failed state that Somalia had become allowed piracy to flourish off the coast, which cost the world economy billions,” Mr Kay said.

100 more refugees relocated to camps

19 Apr – Source: Daily Nation – 123 words

More than 100 refugees have been taken to camps as the government insists it will not backtrack in clearing them from urban areas. Refugee Affairs Commissioner Haron Komen told the Nation that 111 people were taken to Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps on Thursday night. They were part of those detained in Kasarani Safaricom Stadium for scrutiny of their identification papers. “This number only accounts for those that the government has transported,” said Mr Komen. “Many others have been going back on their own so we expect the number of those arriving at the camps to be higher.” The Refugee Affairs boss said the group comprised refugees from South Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia. Majority – about 80 – were from Somalia, he said.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Car bomb kills Somali lawmaker en route to security conference

21 Apr – Source: CNN/AFP – 102 words

A Somali lawmaker was killed and another was injured when a bomb hidden in their car exploded while they were headed to a conference on security, officials said. Parliamentarian Isack Mohamed Ali, popularly known as Isack Rino, was killed, and lawmaker Mohamud Abdi-dhuuh was seriously injured, said Mohamed Abdiqadir Mohamed, district commissioner of Mogadishu’s Hamarweyne district. Four passersby were also hurt. The parliamentarians were on their way to a national conference on security when the bomb, hidden under one of the car’s seats, exploded. The Islamist rebel group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility forMonday’s bombing in a statement posted to a pro-militant website.

Somalia Introduces New Secure National ID and E-Passport with HID Global and Their Partners

21 Apr- Source: businesswire -379 words

HID Global®, a worldwide leader in secure identity solutions, today announced that The Federal Republic of Somalia took another step toward the establishment of law and order with the launch of two new citizen ID programs: a new national ID card and e-passport. The ID documents and their supporting solutions were designed and implemented by an association of Oman’s Al Madina Group, a leading security printer and systems integrator; Ebtikart Smart System, a leading solution provider with presence in Somalia; and HID Global. The introduction of these secure identity documents and supporting solutions will help the government of Somalia in its efforts to restore law and order, enhance economic development, and improve the standard of living for the citizens of Somalia. The national citizen ID documents improve the security situation in the country by enabling law enforcement agencies to verify citizens’ identities, while the e-passport facilitates international travel across borders. The new electronic passport is compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, ensuring that Somali citizens are carrying a fraud-resistant identity document that complies with current international standards.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Somali government must put a halt illegal occupation of Arbaca Rukun, and to any impending plans to demolish the unique mosaic neighborhoods of Hamarweyn, Shibis, Shingani, and Abdulazis and start protecting the city’s early Islamic architecture that had been preserved for hundreds of years. Some of these buildings go back to the 10th century, and are not found anywhere in the continent of Africa. If these resources are lost, the entire Somali speaking race, and the world community at large, would be the ultimate losers”.

Destroying Mogadishu’s architectural heritage is no bliss: personal perspective

19 Apr- Source: Wardheernews- 488 words

As someone who has worked in the field of urban and regional planning for over the last 28 years, the prospect of destroying Mogadishu’s architectural resources, including the conversion of one of its oldest Mosques (Arbaca Rukun) into a makeshift residence by certain occupants, is all the more alarming and disquieting. Neither is the inaction of Villa Somalia consoling. Since 2005, I wrote about five articles on Mogadishu starting with my debut, “A Tale of Two Cities”, where I reminisced the glory days of Mogadishu, and celebrated the rich diverse city that put many of us inside its bosom for nourishment and motherly nurture. With the recent revelation that the over-century-old Arbaca Rukun Mosque , an iconic Mosque, I am afraid my phantom fear I always harbored about the phantasm demise of Mogadishu is becoming a reality. If no one steps in to halt the progressive rape and pillage of Mogadishu, many architectural resources in some of the oldest quarters in the city would be lost. The culprit in this active destruction is the unapologetic silence of Mogadishu’s elites.

“As for the excuse of counter-terrorism, al Shabaab has just called on all Muslims in Kenya to resist — by any and all means necessary. We are not safer. We have created more grievance. We have exposed ourselves to attack — yet again.”

Usalama Watch: State is fracturing Kenyan society

19 Apr- Source: East African- 526 words

The ongoing “screening” operation continues, but the official numbers do not add up. We are told 1,136 have been “screened” to date. Which reportedly includes: 186 released; 313 charged; 412 illegally removed to Dadaab and Kakuma camps; 225 scheduled for deportation; and 82 deported to Somalia. That total is 1,218. The numbers in each category do not add up either. The removal of the 412 found to be “genuine” refugees to Dabaab and Kakuma camps goes against a High Court judgment of 2012, affirming the right of refugees to live anywhere in the country. The directive in support of this removal — ordering the closure of all urban refugee registration centres and the forced encampment — violates a similar High Court order of July 2013.