June 16, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Somali President: “I look forward to a strengthening of Bilateral Relations between Canada and Somalia”

15 Jun – Source: Office of the President – 137 words

His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accepted the credentials of the new Canadian ambassador to Somalia, Mr David Angel. The Ambassador thanked H.E. the President for accepting his credentials and he promised to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries. He also conveyed a personal message from Prime Minister of Canada, Mr Stephen Harper.

H.E. the President welcomed the ambassador, saying: “I hope Mr. Angel will work hope to strengthen bilateral relations between Somali and Canada. The Somali Government is committed to work closely with closely.

H.E. the President concluded by thanking the government of Canada for the hospitality they have shown to the Somali Diaspora in Canada, noting that many are now returning to participate in the rebuilding of Somalia and bringing back with them vital skills they have learned abroad.

Key Headlines

Prime Minister meets legislators of Lower Shabelle region (Radio Shabelle)
Rival factions in Beled-Hawa agree to end political standoff (Radio Bar-kulan)
Foreign affairs permanent secretary meets Burundian ambassador in Mogadishu (Radio Mogadishu/Goobjoog)
Five arrested on their way to join al Shabaab (Star News)
Government forces arrest 30 in Afgoye security sweep (Radio Bar-kulan)
Parliamentarians to discuss newly appointed Constitution Review Committee (Radio RBC)
Yemen Somalia to sign MoU to regulate fishing (Yemen News Agency)
Al Shabaab executes man for Khat (Somali Current/Hiiraan Online)
Kenya concerns closure of British consulate in Mombasa: official (Global Post/Xinhua)
More Ethiopian forces reach Qura’ Jome district in Somalia (Radio RBC)
Over five people died in fight between al Shabaab and government forces in Hiiraan region (Radio Goobjoog)
Somalia plans to print new money (Radio Mogadishu/Somali Current)
Sailor captured by Somali pirates returns after 4 years (Times of India)
Somaliland Presidential Affairs minister meets with Djibouti FM Turkish ambassador (Somaliland Informer)

PRESS STATEMENT

Somali President: “I look forward to a strengthening of Bilateral Relations between Canada and Somalia”

15 Jun – Source: Office of the President – 137 words

The Ministry of Information of the Federal Government of Somalia

14 Jun – Source: Ministry of Information – 1138 words

H.E. Mustafa Duhulow spoke to the media in Mogadishu to provide an update on government progress over the last week. The Minister spoke on various issues including Sheikh Atom’s rejection of Al-Shabaab, the progress on the Stabilization Plan, the recent fighting in Lower Shabelle, initiatives to clean streets by students, the Auditor General Legislation, the Ministry of Agriculture’s Strategic Plan for 2014-2016, the progress on the Constitution Making Process, and plans to begin tax collection from public.

The Minister of Information spoke on Sheikh Atom’s rejection of al Shabaab: “The Federal Government commends Sheikh Mohamed Said Atom’s rejection of al Shabaab, and hopes his brave step inspires others to follow his example and embrace peace and unity. The insight he gives into the hellish reality of life under al-Shabaab completely contradicts the myths they spread in the media and he has the gratitude of Somalis everywhere for exposing their lies.

Their blocking of aid agencies from Somalis in desperate need is a crime against humanity and Sheik Atom’s description of al Shabaab says it all: “They have no regard to general public who are in grave difficulties, such as displaced people whom they starved by blocking relief assistance from generous Muslims and non-Muslims.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the progress of Stabilization Plan: “The Stabilization Plan is progressing very well. Federal Government officials last week provided humanitarian aid to newly liberated areas such as Bule-Burte, Wajid and other regions. New Administrations were installed in many of the newly recovered areas, improve life for the citizens of those areas and allow security forces and AMISOM to focus on security.

The aim of the new administrations is to bring good governance to the people and to start the reconciliation process amongst communities, engaging with the people so that they can take part in the decision making process. The Stabilization Plan is taking us towards a democratic process that results in the people freely choosing their future leaders.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the recent fighting in Merca: “The Minister of the Interior & Federalism and the Minister of Defense, who is also Acting Minister of Security, visited Merca in Lower Shabelle Region and spoke to elders and all other segments of the society with a view to facilitating reconciliation amongst the various parties in the conflict.

The ministers successfully reconciled the two groups and asked them to solve their differences through reconciliation and peaceful means. The Council of Ministers on Thursday agreed to remove all militia groups from the area and Government security forces to take full control in the area. The government would like to thank elders and those took part the reconciliation process, who really showed their willingness to solve all outstanding disputes through reconciliation and peaceful means.”

The Minister of Information spoke on Voluntary Street Cleaning by students: “I would like to thank the management of SIMAD University for organizing 400 of its students to voluntarily clean streets in Mogadishu, particularly Hamar Jab-Jab Street. This effort has transformed the appearance of the street. I would also like to thank Hamar Jab-Jab District Commissioner for its leadership in bringing the beauty of the district back. This initiative is something that all our citizens could do for their country and I have no doubt that if all us do something similar we would be in a position to carry out all the basic services our communities need by ourselves. I call on other universities to organise similar activities so that our citizens can take part in service delivery, which in turn will give great satisfaction and pleasure to the people.”

The Minister of Information spoke on Auditor General Legislation: “The Council of Ministers on Thursdayapproved the new Legislation on the Auditor General Office, which will soon be tabled at the parliament for their discussion and approval. This legislation will help all our institutions to carry out their activities in a transparent and accountable manner. Office of the Auditor General has been working on this legislation for some time and their aim is to ensure that all institutions are free from corrupt practices and that all government assets are looked after properly by up-holding the highest standards possible.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the Ministry of Agriculture’s Strategic Plan for 2014-2016: “The Ministry of Agriculture has recently published its Strategic Plan for 2014-2016 which was a product of consultation with farmers associations and all experts in the field of agriculture in Somalia. The aim of the Strategic Plan is to encourage Somali farmers and international donors to produce more farming products and for international donors to invest the agriculture sector in Somalia.

Donors welcomed the strategic plan and this plan will enhance the production of agricultural products. Ministry of Agriculture has been active in encouraging Somali farmers to produce more and this plan will provide the necessary investments from abroad. Our aim is to develop our potential so that our country will be able to become self sufficient in the near future.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the progress of the Constitution Making Process: “2014 is the year of Action & Delivery and the Federal Government of Somalia is currently completing process to establish the Commission so it can start its work. The process includes establishing a venue, the collation of all existing documents and materials related to the review process and, finally, a Technical Retreat.

The Technical Retreat will be jointly convened by the cabinet and the parliament during second week of July and immediately following the Technical Retreat the Commission will link up with Federal Institutions for feedback. Then the Process Framework will be presented to regional authorities for their comments. Finally, the cabinet will give its endorsement and it will then be ready to be presented to Parliament before parliament enters recess on July 20. The Process Framework will then be shared with the public and the Independent Commission will be officially launched.”

The Minister of Information concluded his press conference by speaking on the issue of tax collection: “The Ministry of Finance prepared the plan of tax collection including tariffs. It is very important for the government to have income to deliver basic services to the people. Each country relies on its citizens to pay taxes so that the country can be self sufficient in delivering services to its people. As we are now moving to peace and stability we expect our citizens to understand the importance of paying taxes: so that we can reduce reliance on outsiders. We can only become self sufficient if we make contributions to society so that our unity and territorial integrity can be protected by the state. The Government has now prepared plans to start tax collection through good governance, which will give confidence to our citizens.”

Somalia praised at the Summit on Sexual Violence in Conflict in London

13 Jun – Source: Ministry of Information – 629 words

H.E. Mustafa Duhulow, Minister of Information, welcomed the UK’s leadership on Somalia as Somalia was praised at the Global Summit To End Sexual Violence in Conflict. During the Global Summit, the Rt Hon William Hague commended Somalia on progress made and political will shown in fighting for human rights.

The Minister of Women and Human Rights Development, Hon. Khadija Mohamed Diriye, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Investment Promotion, Hon. Abdirahman Dualeh Beileh both participated in the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, which took place in London on June 10-13, 2014. The Somali delegation, led by the ministers, at the Summit comprised of government officials, civil society, representatives from regions and NGO’s.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development recognized the need for Somalia to reform its justice system to ensure the protection of the fundamental rights of its citizens. “A solid and refined justice system in Somalia will allow proper documentation and investigation of incidents of sexual violence, and it will give the victims a platform to share information that will be handled correctly” said the Minister.

In this perspective, the Minister welcomed the International Protocol on the Documentation and Investigation of Sexual Violence in Conflict. The Minister pledged full support to implement the protocol.

The Minister of Women and Human Rights Development explained that there is a fundamental need for raising awareness regarding human rights in Somalia. “As long as people, and in particular women and children, are unaware of their rights, they will not speak out against any violation or harm done to them. This is a culture which must change, and the National Action Plan includes a clear structure and action to achieve this,” said Minister Khadija.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia, Mr. Nicholas Kay, pledged active support to ensure the reduction of conflict and ensure the reduction of Sexual Violence in Somalia. On the final day during the closing plenary, the Rt Honorable William Hague expressed his delight that countries have announced their support of the national action plan, including Somalia.

The Summit, which is aimed at bringing together governments, civil society, militaries and judiciaries from around the world, was co-chaired by Foreign Secretary and Co-Found of PSVI Rt Hon William Hague, and UNHCR Special Envoy of the UN and Co-Founder of PSVI Ms. Angelina Jolie. The Summit is the largest gathering ever brought together on the subject, with a view to creating irreversible momentum against sexual violence in conflict and practical action that impacts those on the ground.

Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo were the main focus counties of the Summit. Minister Khadija Mohamed Diriye presented the National Action Plan to tackle Sexual Violence in Conflict. The plan highlights the efforts made by the Somali government to improve the situation of women and girls in the country. It is a consultative plan, which puts emphasis on enabling accountability, improving survivor-centered support systems and protection, allowing effective security and institutional reform and overall improvement in the international strategic cooperation to deliver a more substantive multilateral response to these issues.

The Ministers, alongside 5 other countries, and in the presence of UN Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict, agreed to a joint statement aimed at ending exploitation of children through armed conflict. The Ministers agreed to work closely with their colleagues from the respective countries to review progress against the aims that were set.

The Global Summit ended with a message from UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon. He urged all governments at the Summit to work together to realize their vision of a world free of sexual violence.

SOMALI MEDIA

Rival factions in Beled-Hawa agree to end political standoff

15 Jun – Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Dhanaan Online/Radio Goobjoog – 176 words

A reconciliation conference aimed at finding lasting solution to the political standoff in in Beled-Hawa town in Gedo region has finally been concluded in Dolow town. The conference was attended by officials from the federal government, Interim Jubba Administration, Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a and representatives from Beled-Hawa and Dolow administrations as well as community elders. The rival factions agreed on a number of points to end the crisis including immediate cessation of armed hostilities, removal of armed groups from the town and the appointment of an independent forces unit to manage the security of the town until further discussions are held between the rival factions. Deputy Minister for Somalia’s Ministry of Defense, Abdalle Haji Ali who was among the government delegation told Bar-kulan that the meeting has achieved its goals adding that both sides have agreed to end the political standoff in a peaceful manner.

Foreign affairs permanent secretary meets Burundian ambassador in Mogadishu

15 Jun – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Goobjoog – 81 words

The Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ministry Abdullahi Dool Mohamed received Burundian ambassador to Somalia Joseph Nkurunziza in his office. They discussed the existing bilateral ties between the two countries and intensifying the fight against al Shabaab in Somalia. Burundi has recently restored its diplomatic relations with Somalia after more than two decades of civil war in the country when the ambassador was officially appointed. Burundian troops are part of African peacekeeping forces in Somalia backing the federal government of Somalia.

Government forces arrest 30 in Afgoye security sweep

15 Jun – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 113 words

Reports from Afgoye town in Lower Shabelle region indicate that at least 30 people have been arrested in security operations conducted by Somali security forces in the area. The operations on Saturday night were designed to beef up the overall security of the town according to sources close to the security agencies who talked to Bar-kulan. Security officials in the area stated to have carried out door to door searches in all neighborhoods of the town to flush out all suspected elements within the community. The arrested have been taken to a police station in the town and are being investigated by the relevant authorities.

More Ethiopian forces reach Qura’ Jome district in Somalia

15 Jun – Source: Radio RBC – 212 words

More Ethiopian forces reportedly crossed into Somalia border as tensions between al Shabaab militant group in Somalia and the Somali National Army backed by the African Union Forces is on the rise in Bakol region, southern Somalia. Residents in Qura’ Jome district on the border with Ethiopia confirmed that today more troops from Ethiopia reached the town and have stationed near the district. According to Bakol regional administration, the troops are part of the Ethiopian contingent of the African Union Mission in Somalia known as AMISOM to tackle against the militant groups and to help the troops of Somalia retake all the regions and the districts of the southern part of the nation.

Al Shabaab executes man for Khat

15 Jun – Source: Somali Current/Hiiraan Online – 131 words

Somali al Qaeda linked al Shabaab militant group have beheaded a man after they found of guilty of possessing mira a narcotic stimulus leaves planted in the East African region and Yemen and largely consumed by Somalis and Arabs. According to the local leaders the incident happened about 13 kilometers outskirts of the Bay capital Baidoa. Reports say the militants intercepted the vehicle transporting the drug near Burhakaba and set ablaze the vehicle before executing the transporter. “It is very sad experience and we condemn it with the strongest terms possible,” Traditional elder Malak Ibdiyow told the local media.

Prime Minister meets legislators of Lower Shabelle region

15 Jun – Source: Radio Shabelle – 105 words

The Prime Minister of the Somali Federal Republic, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, hosted a meeting with parliamentarians representing each of the rivaling clans that are fighting in the Lower Shabelle. According to sources, Shabelle has been informed that a reconciliation process was adapted during the meeting and how to allow opposing clans to come together. The Prime Minister allegedly asked the MPs to remove the militias from Marka town in which they allegedly refused to do. Furthermore, the Minister of Defence for the Somali government has also held a meeting last night with clan elders in Marka.

Parliamentarians to discuss newly appointed Constitution Review Committee

15 Jun – Source: Radio RBC – 117 words

Somali Parliamentarians will start discussing on the newly appointed Constitution Review Committee next week after the cabinet presented the committee’s appointment on Saturday. The Speaker of the Federal Parliament Mohamed Osman Jawari said the lawmakers were given the names and the mandate of the newly appointed independent committee which the federal cabinet of ministers endorsed three weeks ago. The Parliamentarians will hold their session on Monday to discuss the amendment on the parliament’s bylaws, according to the parliament Secretariat, but as fa as the discussions and the amendments on the bylaws are finalized the lawmakers will be ready to have their debate on the Constitution Review Committee.

Over five people died in fight between al Shabaab and government forces in Hiiraan region

15 Jun – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 101 words

Over five people died after heavy fighting between al Shabaab and government forces erupted in Gurac Joome locality of Hiraan region today. Westland state spokesperson Abdi sheikh told Goobjoog FM that al Shabaab fighters attacked Gurac Jome when the president of Westland state was touring the area. He added that their forces killed seven al Shabaab members and wounded many others while one soldier sustained severe injuries and finally died from their side. A woman among the residents of Gurac Jome has also sustained injuries during the fight between the sides. Al Shabaab has not yet given any comment about the fight in the region.

Somaliland Presidential Affairs minister meets with Djibouti FM, Turkish ambassador

15 Jun – Source: Somaliland Informer – 302 words

Somaliland Presidential affairs Minister who is leading a delegation to Djibouti on working visit has met with Djiboutian Foreign Minister Hon. Mohamed Ali Yusuf on Sunday which took place at the office of the foreign Ministry and lasted for hours. The discussion between the two ministers focused on strengthening the bilateral ties, briefed each other on the current situation of the region and part of the discussion is said to have centered on speeding up the implementation of the conduction of the road that will connect Zaylac to Djibouti. It is talked about on how Djibouti could play their role when it comes to the efforts ongoing which is meant to the realization of the road that will link the two countries.

Puntland President blames Somaliland administration for aggression

14 Jun – Source: Somali Current/Horseed Online/RBC/Garowe Online/Hiiraan Online – 127 words

The president of the semi autonomous Somali regional state of Puntland Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gas has blamed the self declared state of Somaliland of mass killing and displacement in the contested town of Taleex. Speaking shortly before his departure to United Arab Emirates Professor Abdiweli has said the captured of the border town of Talex by Somali Land forces is unacceptable while terming it as a clear aggression. “We will not tolerate such provocative attacks on our borders,” professor Abdiweli said, though it is unclear what measures the regional administration will take.

Hiiraan elders demand the federal government to reopen roads entering Bulo-Burte

15 Jun – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 151 words

Traditional elders who hail from Hiran region held meeting in Buulo-Burte and demanded the federal government to reopen all the roads entering the town amid road blockage that has crippled the free movement of people. In their meeting, the elders talked about the problems the residents face majorly, the rise in the prices of food and other humanitarian conditions caused by road blockage. One of the elders told Goobjoog FM that the federal government declined to bring substantial change in the region particularly Bule-Burte since al-shabab has been pushed out of the town.

Somalia plans to print new money

14 Jun – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Somali Current /Dhanaan Online – 158 words

According to the Ministry of Finance, plans are underway to produce a new Somali shilling. Minister of Finance Hussein Abdi Halane has said the strategy to produce the new currency is meant to revive the collapse of the Somali shilling that was resulted by the more than two decades of the civil war in the country. “We have decided to produce the current Somali shilling as we work on the implementation of new Somali currency which will take time,” he said. Mr. Hussein added that his ministry is currently involved in the plans to revolutionize the Somali currency after which it will present to the parliament for debate.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Five arrested on their way to join al Shabaab

15 Jun – Source: Star News – 395 words

Detectives are holding four Mombasa students and a Madrassa teacher arrested on their way to Somalia to join al Shabaab. The four and Saidi Sheikh Amin, the madrassa teacher, were arrested in Baragoni 25km from Mokowe jetty in Lamu last week. Two of the suspects are form two students from Kizingo in Mombasa. Yesterday, their school deputy principal Juma Abbassaid the two disappeared almost two weeks ago. Abbas said they were average students and never showed any indication of extremism. However, police said one of the two was among youths who were arrested when officers raided Masjid Musa (now Masjid Shuhadaa) to break up an alleged Jihad convention on February 2.

Yemen, Somalia to sign MoU to regulate fishing

14 Jun – Source: Yemen News Agency – 70 words

Yemen and Somalia are to sign a memorandum of understanding to regulate fishing in the Somali territorial waters by Yemeni fishermen, Fisheries Minister of Puntland State of Somalia said on Saturday. Upon his arrival in Sana’a, Hasan Mahmoud said that he would hold talks with Yemeni official at the Yemeni Ministry of Fisheries on the promotion of the cooperation relations between Yemen and the Puntland State in the fisheries field.

Eastleigh traders relocate with billions in crackdown aftermath

14 Jun – Source: Daily Nation – 412 words

Investors in Nairobi’s Eastleigh are moving billions of shillings to neighbouring countries in the aftermath of a security swoop that may have far-reaching implications for Kenya’s economy. Weeks after Operation Usalama Watch meant to flush out illegal immigrants and suspected al Shabaab terrorists was scaled down, theSunday Nation returned to Eastleigh and uncovered stories of job losses, businesses on the verge of collapse, vacant houses and a population on tenterhooks. It is so bad in the once bustling business hub that some of the biggest investors have opted to move their money to Uganda and Rwanda which may have wide-ranging effects on Kenya.

Somali Govt Enlists Ethiopian Soldiers to Transport Emergency Aid

14 Jun – Source: Walta – 105 words

The Prime Minister of the Somali Federal Republic who recently returned from his trip to Addis Ababa, reported that he discussed with his Ethiopian counterpart on cooperating in peacekeeping Somalia. Mr. Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed said that he reached an agreement with his Ethiopian counterpart that the Ethiopian soldiers will escort aid supplies meant to be transported to needy families in Somalia’s regions. According to Shebelle Media Network, towns and districts under regions in South Somalia has been blockaded by al Shabaab which halted the transportation of aid and other emergency supplies to residents living in those areas.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Kenya concerns closure of British consulate in Mombasa: official

15 Jun – Source: Global Post/Xinhua – 306 words

The Kenyan government on Saturday dismissed security fears in the coastal city of Mombasa after the British government closed its honorary consulate office in the tourism resort city on Friday. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed also allayed any fears of an imminent terror attack at the coastal city following early this week’s murder of prominent cleric Mohamed Idriss in Mombasa. “The UK is our major partner and the closure of their consulate in Mombasa is of course a matter of concern,” Mohamed told journalists in Nairobi.

Sailor captured by Somali pirates returns after 4 years

15 Jun – Source: Times of India – 525 words

Aman Sharma’s village in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, has been waiting to celebrate his homecoming for a long time. He was all of 19 when, four years ago, Somali pirates captured the cargo vessel on which he was a sailor. Aman finally returned home to raucous celebrations in Kardiyal village last night. “They asked me and my father to meet them at least 10 km from our home and then proceed with them,” he said with a smile. He was in Mumbai readying to leave for his home. “Tent-shent lag gaye hain (they have put up tents),” added his father, Kewal. “Arrangements have also been made for a feast. There will be at least 10,000 people gathered there.”

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Both Somalia and Kenya are heading in the wrong direction under their current leaderships. Somalia is already a troubled and failed state, but Kenyan citizens need to reassess the situation and think strategically about their government’s policy toward Somalia before it is too late and the situation reaches an irreversible state.”

The Deteriorating Relationship between Somalia and Kenya

15 Jun – Source: Hiiraan Online/Somali Current – 1607 words

Somalia is in a very strategic location, with more natural resources than its surrounding neighbors. It is in a region that is critical to both European and American economic and security interests. Despite widespread poverty, intermittent famine, and regular political deadlock, Somalia boasts valuable assets: the longest coastline in Africa; naturally business-oriented citizens; and a well-educated, affluent, and experienced cultural diaspora across the world. It is more technologically advanced and sophisticated than are many well-managed countries in sub-Saharan Africa. However, ongoing civil wars, a lack of visionary and patriotic leadership, a concentration of power in the hands of a few self-interested individuals, greediness, and corruption have weakened Somalia’s standing in the region. Today, Somalia has no influence on its own territorial affairs let alone over regional and international affairs. It’s now considered a political non-entity. In fact, many Somali nationals, academics, and experts argue convincingly that Somalia is not now an independent country.

“FGS should take this as a last call to save the Somali nation. The current leadership should let go their political bickering and immediately pave the way for a genuine reconciliation by appointing a non-controversial, credible traditional or religious patriot who could assemble and lead a diverse reconciliation commission.”

American-Somali relations: What’s in the words?

14 Jun – Source: Foreign Policy Blog – 1094 Words

As a former detractor who has not been a fan of the Obama administration’s foreign policy toward Somalia, it is an overstatement to say that I watched Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman’s speech on June 3 with certain level of skepticism. Of course, nothing more than that healthy dose necessary in politics to clear the vision and fine-tune the mind. Nonetheless, I wasn’t expecting any substantive change. So, when a friend called me right before Ambassador Sherman unfolded the new policy to ask what I thought was coming, my response was, “Nothing more than kinder, gentler drone diplomacy.” But I was wrong, though not entirely. Ambassador Sherman’s speech at the USIP was perhaps the most comprehensive and insightful presentation on Somalia in the past two decades. Aside from the meaning conveyed through the script, the ambassador delivered it with the right temperament and tone.