June 9, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Senior al Shabaab commander surrenders

08 Jun – Source: Daily Nation – 113 words

A senior al Shabaab militant commander, Mohamed Said Atom, on Saturday gave himself up to Somali government authorities after he announced his renouncing of violence in Somalia. The militant commander has been active in the northeastern state of Puntland where his militias operated in the mountain region of Galgala for the past several years. In a statement the defecting Islamist commander says that he left the group because he could not “tolerate the misleading of al Shabaab and its leader.” “I have been tolerating the misleading of Ahmed Abdi Godane (al Shabaab Emir) and his group towards the Sharia (Islamic law) and Muslims. I have today decided to leave al Shabaab,” Atom said.

Key Headlines

Somali President in Cairo for Al Sisi inauguration (Radio Mogadishu)
Government welcomes Atam’s decision to abandon al Shabaab (Bar-kulan)
Female members of the federal parliament elects chairperson (Radio Goobjoog)
Ex-al Shabaab Militia commander Atom surrenders to Federal Govt (Garowe Online/Hiiraan Online)
Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a wants Atam to face justice (Bar-kulan)
Somalia piracy: Hijacked Albedo ship’s hostages freed (BBC)
Elders MPs call on government to intervene clan-based clashes in Lower Shabelle region (RBC)
Somali AU forces hunt al Shabaab militants in capital (AFP)
At least 62 dead in worst Somalia boat tragedy: Refugee agency (Coastweek/Xinhua)
Slovakia’s new Ambassador arrives in Somalia (Hiiraan Online)
Turkish officials arrive in Bosaso city (Radio Goobjoog)
Transport association committee welcomes president’s decision to remove illegal road blocks (Radio Goobjoog)

PRESS STATEMENT

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. “I commit to strengthening the bilateral relations between Somalia and Slovakia”

07 Jun – Source: Office of the President – 167 words

His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed the new Slovakia Ambassador to Somalia Mr. Michal Mlynar. Ambassador Michal Mlynar presented his credentials to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Villa Somalia, Mogadishu, and was accompanied by His Excellency Mahad Salad, Deputy Minister Foreign Affairs.

The Ambassador conveyed a personal message from the President of Slovak Republic expressing his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. He thanked the Somali President for accepting his credentials. “I am very happy to be here today, as the Somali President has accepted my credentials and I promise a strong relationship between the two countries.”

The President of Somalia said: “I thanked the government of Slovakia which is ready to strengthen the relation between the two countries, the clear evidence for that is the appointment of this new ambassador to our country.”

The President concluded, “I hope the new Ambassador of Slovakia to Somalia Mr. Michal Mlynar will work and commit to strengthening the bilateral relations between Somalia and Slovakia”.

UN Envoy for Somalia welcomes release of hostages, calls for all remaining captives to be released

07 Jun – Source: UNSOM – 256 words

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG), Nicholas Kay welcomed the release today of 11 crew members of the ship MV Albedo, held hostage since November 2010, and called for all remaining captives still being held by Somali pirates to be released.

The 11 survivors of the MV Albedo crew were released to officials from the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) inside Somalia and are now safely back in Kenya. The crew members from India, Iran, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will be repatriated to their home countries over the coming days.

The MV Albedo had been held by armed Somali pirates since 12 November 2010. The ship sank close to the Somali coast in July 2013 due to mechanical failure and bad weather and the surviving crew had been held on shore by pirates since that time.

“For over three years the crew members and their families have suffered unimaginable distress. The crew underwent the trauma of piracy, their ship sinking and then being held ashore in very difficult conditions. I commend the efforts of UNODC colleagues and the local authorities, who facilitated their safe return today.

While we have seen a significant reduction in piracy off the coast of Somalia in recent years, I remain deeply concerned that 38 other crew members are still being held hostage by Somali pirates. I call on those who continue to detain these crew members to release them without further delay so they can rejoin their families and loved ones” SRSG Kay said.

Atom Statement – Renouncing al Shabaab on Saturday

07 Jun – Source: Ministry of Information – 342 words

I, Sheikh Mohamed Said Mohamed (Atom), I have important news for the people of Somalia.

I have been tolerating the misleading of Ahmed Abdi Godane and his group towards the Sharia of Islam and Muslims.

I have today decided to leave al Shabaab for many reasons such as;

1. Youths were told that they are fighting to strengthen the Sharia of Islam, and they sentence people, however, Ahmed Godane and his cohorts don’t abide by the Sharia and no one can sentence them for it.

2. They deliberately kill Somali people who are muslims, and they kill them in markets, on roads and in Mosques.

3. They kill Muslims Ulumas and important people that they disagree with something, and they kill them, even when they are praying in the Mosques.

4. Jihad is for Allah, and it is something that is required for all Muslims while they are in unity. Ahmed Abdi proclaims that Jihad is something that belongs to him, therefore, he orders to kill, maim, detain, humiliate in the name of Jihad; until the rest are forced to flee.

5. They have no regard to general public who are in grave difficulties; such as displaced people whom they starve by blocking the relief assistance from generous Muslims and non-Muslims.

I would like to inform the members of al Shabaab that by abandoning Al-Shabaab doctrine is NOT equivalent of apostasy, and those who criticize their actions and tactics, doesn’t mean that they criticize the Shariah and the religion in general. Islam is compassionate religion and it is for all.

Muslims can disagree on issues, but Allah mercifully asked them to refer to the Quran and settle with no violence. Ahmed and his cohorts have no aspiration to do just that. Thus, I have my suspicion that they are working for a foreign agenda.

Finally, I would like to declare that as of today I have chosen to resolve my religious and political persuasion through peaceful means and understanding; thus, decided to reject violence and coercion. I have entered a dialogue and settled some.

AMISOM Djiboutian contingent commemorates the 37th anniversary of the Djiboutian Army Formation

06 Jun – Source: AMISOM – 324 words

Djiboutian forces serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) joined their counterparts back home in commemorating the 37th anniversary of the establishment of the Djiboutian Armed Forces.

The celebration in Beledweyne and Bulo Burde was marked by a military parade in honor of this important event in the army‘s history which was established on the 6th of June 1977, the forces all dressed in AMISOM fatigues were in jovial mood as celebrations filled the air in the region.

In his message to the forces, the AMISOM Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif praised the work done so far in the Hiraan region by the Djiboutian forces, adding that, “I salute all of you for doing a commendable job for the Somali people in the region not only in providing security but also providing humanitarian assistance and reconciliation efforts for the community and local administration”

The event was attended by counterparts from Ethiopia National Defence Forces and the administration of Hiraan. Speaking at the function, Major Ali Dheere, Acting Contingent Commander said “we are gathered here today to mark the 37th anniversary of our army’s existence, the army is the country’s strength and vital to our national security, so we have to soldier on and defend our country, even when we are hundreds of miles away”.

The Governor of Hiraan, Abdifatah Hassan Farah took to the podium and rained praises on the Djiboutian contingent. “We are gathered here today to celebrate with our brothers as Hiraan and Somalia have benefited the most from the existence of the Djiboutian army since the liberation from the al Shabaab terrorist.”

Djibouti is the third country to contribute to AMISOM with a contingent in Hiraan Region. The troops supporting Somali National Army recently captured the strategic town of Buulo Burto which was the supply nerve centre and home to hundreds of the al Qaeda linked terrorists.

AMISOM in partnership with UNSOM concluded five day training on Human Rights for Somali Police Force

06 Jun – Source: AMISOM – 415 words

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in partnership with UNSOM Human Rights and UNSOM Police concluded a joint five day training of trainers (ToT) training of Somali Police Force (SPF) officers on human rights principles pertaining to the police Force.

The training, which started on 1st June 2014, was aimed at integrating and strengthening the Somali Police Force’s understanding of international human rights in the application to their profession. During the training the participants were taken through critical aspects of international human rights such as Protection of Internally Displaced Persons, Protection of Children in Armed Conflict, Human Rights in Police Search and Seizure, Human Rights in Pre-trial Detention, among others.

The closing ceremony was attended by AMISOM Deputy Police Commissioner Benson Oyo-Nyeko, representative of the Director of UNSOM Human Rights Nicholas Vyshy, representative of the Ministry of National Security Director of Human Rights Department Sarha Mohamed Ali as well SPF Director of Training and Planning, General Garad C. Nuur.

UNSOM’s Director of Human Rights Section Nicholas Vyshy applauded the graduates for their commitment in ensuring that human rights principles are integrated into their work and encouraged the officers to apply what they learnt in their daily work. The training benefitted 27 Somali Police Officers, 13 of which were female officers.

The Somali Police Force Director of Training and Planning, General, Grad C. Nuur, thanked AMISOM and UNSOM for their unwavering support and urged the graduates to use their newly acquired knowledge to improve and rebuild Somalia. “You are the pillars of tomorrow and in charge of ensuring that the human rights of the people are adhered to,” said General Grad C. Nuur.

Dr. Benjamin Agordzo, the AMISOM Police Training Coordinator reiterated AMISOM and international partner’s commitment to enhance the capacity of the Somali Police Force. “No single stakeholder can accomplish the task at hand alone and we must therefore pull our resources together to achieve our aim to build the capacity of our brothers and sisters from the Somali Police Force.”

The Director of the Human Rights Department in the Ministry of National Security Sahra Ahmed Mohamed closed the workshop on behalf of the Minister of National Security and thanked the organizers and graduates for their commitment to addressing human rights issues. She said the responsibility of upholding human rights is dependent on the Police Force as the institution charged with ensuring that the rule of law and order is observed. The training is part of efforts to build the capacity of Somalia’s Public Service in line with the peace building and stabilisation process.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali President in Cairo for Al Sisi inauguration

08 Jun – Source: Radio Mogadishu – 93 words

Somali President Hassan Sheik Mahmoud has arrived in Egypt to attend the inauguration ceremony of the new Egyptian President Abdul Fatah Al Sisi. The President’s delegation arrived in Cairo overnight on Saturdayand was received at the airport by Somali ambassador to Egypt and the Arab league Abdullahi Hassan Mahmoud and a number of Egyptian officials. President Hassan is accompanied by key government officials including defence minister Mohamed Sheik Hassan Hamud, state minister for foreign affairs and investment Buri’Mohamed Hamza and the president’s advisor for Arab league affairs Sheik Dahir Mahmoud Gelle.

Government welcomes Atam’s decision to abandon al Shabaab

08 Jun – Source: Bar-kulan – 70 words

Somalia’s federal government has welcomed the defection of Al Shabaab’s top leader in Somalia’s semi-autonomous state of Puntland, Mohamed Said Mohamed Atam. Minister for Information, Mustaf Sheikh Ali Dhuhulow told the media in Mogadishu that Atam’s decision will promote the government’s peace efforts and will likely weaken al Shabaab’ influence in the country. He said that the federal government is willing to welcome anyone who defects from the militant group.

Female members of the federal parliament elects chairperson

08 Jun – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 95 words

Female members of the federal parliament of Somalia in Mogadishu elected an executive body headed by a chairperson and supported by a secretariat that provides technical and administrative support in realizing its vision to represent them and work on issues affecting women. Bibi khalif Mohamed won the Chairperson defeating Mrs. Asha-koos Mohamud Omar in a highly contested election, while Mrs. Maryam Maalim Issack and Qali Ahmed Diriye elected as first and second Vice-chair respectively. Among the committee is Amina Omar Jama’ elected as the association’s secretary general and Mrs. Hamsa Sheikh Husein as treasurer.

Ex-al Shabaab Militia commander Atom surrenders to Federal Govt

08 Jun – Source: Garowe Online/Hiiraan Online – 97 words

The former commander of al Shabaab militia hiding out in Galgala and the difficult terrain of Golis Mohamed Saed Atom has given himself up in Mogadishu, declaring that he has renounced violent activities on Saturday, Garowe Online reports. Addressing reporters during a news conference, Atom said from now on I will not involve in fighting in accordance with a deal with Mogadishu-based federal government. He thanked those who accorded the warm welcome to him and disclosed at the surprise press briefing in Mogadishu that harsh principles by al Shabaab leaders forced him out of the terror arena.

Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a wants Atam to face justice

08 Jun – Source: Bar-kulan – 103 words

Somalia’s moderate Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a group asks the federal government of Somalia to bring former al Shabaab leader in Puntland, Mohamed Said Mohamed Atam to justice after he defected from the militant group and surrendered to the government. Sheikh Omar Sheikh Abdulkadir Aden, one of the group’s leaders who spoke to Bar-kulan said that both Mohamed Said Atam and Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys committed horrific crimes against Somali people and deserve to face justice. Sheikh Abdulkadir warned the government not to respect criminals which he said will likely encourage many people to commit similar crimes against the religion and the Somali people.

Somalia: Kismayo hit by flash floods

08 Jun – Source: Somali Current – 124 words

Internally displaced persons in Kismayo, a port city 528 km Southwest of the Somali Capital Mogadishu are appealing for immediate help after being hit by flash floods. The floods have submerged their makeshift structures, killing 3 children within one week. At the Tawakal IDP camp, over 350 families majority of whose members are children and women have been left homeless, spending the nights in the cold without food and shelter as the rains continue. Shankaron Sidi, a mother of four says she has been overwhelmed by the effects of the floods, having to sustain her family, which has endured the floods for over a week. “We sleep in the water. I have 4 children and we have spent 8 consecutive nights in the water.

Elders, MPs call on government to intervene clan-based clashes in Lower Shabelle region

08 Jun – Source: RBC – 11 words

Elders and Members of the Federal Parliament of Somalia hailing from the Lower Shabelle region called on the federal government to immediately intervene the ongoing clan-based conflict in the region where armed militias killed more than 10 on Saturday, RBC Radio reports. Abdullahi Ali, a member of the Federal Parliament of Somalia claimed that some of the militias who have involved in the clan-based clashes used the uniform and the weapons of the government to kill innocent civilians. “We have told the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister to do something on this. We cannot accept that militias are using government weapons and ammunition to kill innocents,” the MP added.

Transport association committee welcomes president’s decision to remove illegal road blocks

08 Jun – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 105 words

Transport Association Committee gathered in the committee’s headquarter congratulating president Hassan’s decision to remove illegal roadblocks in Lower and middle Shabelle regions. The chairman of the committee Dahir Mohamud Mohamed thanked president Hassan and described his decision as best which came the right time when there was need. He stated that Hassan is the first president to take such authoritative decisions to control the challenges restricting free movements in these two regions. The drivers and the owners of the public transport using the roads connecting the major towns in Shabelle regions regularly complain of illegal road blocks set by armed men dressed in government uniform.

Rival factions discuss Beled-Hawa political crisis in Dolow town

08 Jun – Source: Bar-kulan – 80 words

A conference aimed at discussing the political crisis in Beled-Hawa town has opened in Dolow district, Gedo region. Two separate delegations led Interim Jubba Administration, Abdullahi Fartag and Beled-Hawa Commissioner, Mohamud Behani are both attending the talks in Dolow town. The delegates are expected to focus on bringing solution to the political crisis in Beled-Hawa town. Beled-Hawa head of security, Mohamed Weli Qorah told Bar-kulan that the delegates will seek to find lasting solution to the crisis in the town.

Turkish officials arrive in Bosaso city

08 Jun – Source; Radio Goobjoog – 87 words

Large delegation from the republic of Turkey arrived in Bosaso, the commercial city of semi autonomous regional state of Puntland. The delegates were warmly welcomed at Bosaso airport by senior Puntland officers. The aim of their visit is not clear but our correspondent in Bari region says the delegates supervised few areas in the city including the airport. Bosaso airport is one areas where Puntland administration is aiming to modernize and repair. The delegates are expected to have meeting with Bari regional administration after the supervision.

Slovakia’s new Ambassador arrives in Somalia

07 Jun – Source: Hiiraan Online – 86 words

As international diplomatic missions in Somalia are on the increase, Slovakia has sent its new ambassador to Somalia to boost its diplomatic ties with Somalia. Deputy Minister for foreign affairs and investment Mr. Mahad Mohamed Salad has on Saturday received the credential letters from the new Slovakian ambassador to Somalia Dr. Michal Mlynar during a meeting at the ministry of foreign affairs. During the meeting, Mr. Mahad Mohamed Salad noted that his government was happy with the creation of the bilateral ties between Somalia and Slovakia.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Senior al Shabaab commander surrenders

08 Jun – Source: Daily Nation – 113 words

At least 62 dead in worst Somalia boat tragedy: Refugee agency

08 Jun – Source: Coastweek/Xinhua – 131 words

The United Nations refugee agency on Friday said that 62 people are confirmed to have died when their boat sank while trying to cross the Red Sea from the Horn of Africa to Yemen, making it the deadliest sinking accident this year. “We are still seeking information, but it is now confirmed that a boat carrying 60 people from Somalia and Ethiopia and two Yemeni crew sank last Saturday in the Red Sea,” said Adrian Edwards, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). “The tragedy is the largest single loss of life this year of migrants and refugees attempting to reach Yemen via the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.” The victims were reportedly buried by local residents after their bodies washed ashore in Yemen’s Al Jadeed area.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somalia piracy: Hijacked Albedo ship’s hostages freed

08 Jun – Source: BBC – 100 words

Eleven crew members of a Malaysian-registered ship that was hijacked by Somali pirates have been freed after more than three years in captivity. The sailors – from south Asia and Iran – were on board the container vessel, the MV Albedo, when it was hijacked 1,500 km (900 miles) off the coast of Somalia in November 2010. Details of how they were released have not been disclosed. They are being flown to Kenya before being repatriated, a UN official says. Seven of the ship’s crew were released two years ago when a ransom was paid; six others have died.

Somali, AU forces hunt al Shabaab militants in capital

08 Jun – Source: AFP – 149 words

Somali and African Union troops have carried out a major security swoop in Mogadishu, arresting dozens of suspected al Shabaab militants believed to have infiltrated the capital, the government said Saturday. The security operation, which began on Monday, comes in the wake of a string of al Shabaab car bombings and suicide commando attacks against high profile targets in the city, including the heavily-fortified office of the country’s internationally-backed president as well as the national parliament. African Union troops and the national army have been gaining territory from the al Shabaab in the centre and south of Somalia, but the al Qaeda-linked rebels have often just melted away — and there are fears that some fighters and commanders have moved back to parts of Mogadishu. “The Somali National Security Forces along with African Union forceson Monday morning began major search operations in parts of the capital, Mogadishu,” Information Minister Mustafa Duhulow said.

UN: Somali Pirates Release 11 Hostages

07 Jun – Source: VOA News – 124 words

Eleven men held hostage by Somali pirates for more than three years have been released, according to a United Nations official. The U.N. special envoy to Somalia, Nicholas Kay, said Saturday the former captives have been flown to Kenya and will be sent to their respective countries. The details that led to the release of the 11 men are not clear. They were part of a 23-man crew on a Malaysian-flagged cargo ship, MV Albedo, that was captured in 2010 in the Indian Ocean west of the Maldives Islands. The full crew consisted of sailors from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Iran. Seven Pakistani crew members were released in 2012 and four other sailors drowned. One crew member was reportedly shot and killed.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“We are reminded that Somalia is not just a war zone, and that the people there, like people everywhere, continue to do what they can to enjoy life, not least the simple pleasures of a day at the beach. The point here is not to celebrate the human spirit, but rather to understand that people don’t have to be asking for the moon when they ask for peace and stability.”

Somalia is Not Just a War Zone

07 Jun – Source: Bag News Notes – 595 words

I won’t mess with you: he’s alive. They’re just kids playing at the beach. “Hey, cover me with sand, OK?” “Sure, you wanna be a mummy or a zombie?” And it was a beautiful day, with lots of kids and some adults all having a fine time. And nothing terrible happened to wreck the day. In much of the world, that wouldn’t be news, but this was in Somalia. It’s a remarkable photo, of course, even if you don’t know the locale. Zombie, mummy, initiation rite, mud pack, body cast, bombing casualty, burn victim, corpse, death mask, burial rite, . . . . The photographer has captured something like spontaneous performance art in everyday life: a moment of theatrical technique in the time out of time of a vacation day, and to register some deep sense of the uncanny. The boy is both alive and dead, whole and maimed, playing in the everyday world and exhibiting the ghastly iconography of a war zone. It seems that even his pal is starting to sense that something strange is happening. And something strange is happening: an interlude of play is being overtaken by the possibility of a horrific future. Somalia is one of the more dangerous places in the world right now. This photograph provided the visual coda for a story on Mohamed Abdiwahab, a freelance photographer who has been taking hundreds of images of the carnage for the past several years. It’s a small miracle that he’s still alive, and living means that he has to deal with both the trauma of conflict photography and the near total indifference of most of the world to whether Somalians live or die.

“How history, greed, and nepotism are preventing the continent from securing itself against al Shabaab, Boko Haram, and other threats.”

Why Are Africa’s Militaries So Disappointingly Bad?

06 Jun – Source: Foreign Policy – 2399 words

The optimistic “Africa Rising” slogan has been looking a little tired of late, as its critics point out that higher growth rates do not necessarily deliver either jobs or poverty alleviation. There’s been less focus on another area where the “Africa Rising” narrative also seems to be failing to deliver: improved security for the continent’s 1.1 billion inhabitants. The last year has seen a spate of high-profile, hugely embarrassing domestic-security lapses in two of sub-Saharan Africa’s key economies, each regarded in the West as trusted partners and regional anchor states. The notion that the continent was growing increasingly capable of policing itself took a knock during the Westgate siege in Kenya last September, in which 67 people died. More recently, Nigeria’s armed forces have been publicly humiliated by the failure to free more than 200 schoolgirls taken hostage by Boko Haram militants and a series of escalating attacks in that seizure’s wake. What’s striking about both episodes, on opposite sides of the continent, is that they have involved national armies ordinarily regarded as amongst the continent’s best. In the wake of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, Africans were determined to take responsibility for their own security by gradually phasing out reliance on armed interventions paid for and mounted by the West. Nigeria and Kenya are seen as crucial in that effort.