July 29, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

AMISOM captures al Shabaab weapons

28 Jul – Source: Somali Current – 478 words

AMISOM troops together with the Somali National Army have captured an assortment of weapons and ammunition from al Shabaab suspects in the capital Mogadishu. These were seized at the Asuman Atto Garage in Mogadishu town during a cordon and search operation conducted this morning. The weapons recovered include 151 tortoise grenades, 238 Multi- Grenade Launchers, 43 boxes of 82 millimeter motor fuses, rocket propel grenade pipes as well as RPG shells and guns. Also recovered were sipper riffles with attached telescopes, anti-tanker bombs and various types of guns and ammunition. The AMISOM Force Commander Lt. Gen. Silas Ntigurirwa says such operations are part of the wider effort to improve security in Mogadishu and Somalia in general.

Key Headlines

Somalis in major towns fill up open grounds for Eidul-Fitr prayers (Radio Mogadishu/Bar-kulan/Kulmiye)
Somali finance minister hails PFM progress (Public Finance International)
Somalis in major towns fill up open grounds for Eidul-Fitr prayers (Radio Dalsan)
AMISOM captures al Shabaab weapons (Somali Current)
UPDF clarifies on Somalia salaries (New Vision)
Some of the Roadblocks in Lower Jubba Removed (Radio Dalsan)
Baidoa council of elders local administration vow to work with AMISOM to fight al Shabaab (Baidoa News)
Al Shabaab changes tack to directly take on KDF in Lamu (The East African)
Mogadishu mayor survives attempt on his life (World Bulletin)
Somali security forces conduct security operations in Hodan district (Radio Bar-kulan)

PRESS STATEMENT

Message of the acting Special Representative for Somalia on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Fitr

28 Jul – Source: AMISOM – 99 words

The acting Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, Hon Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, has extended her greetings to the people of Somalia as they celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr.

“As the Muslims around the world mark the occasion of the Eid-ul-Fitr, I congratulate all the people of Somalia for the successful completion of the Ramadan fast. The month of Ramadan is a month of rekindled love and affection for mankind. Therefore, as the Somalis celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr to mark the end of the holy month, I wish them a peaceful and joyous Eid-ul-Fitr,” she said.

UN Special Representative for Somalia on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr

28 Jul – Source: UNSOM – 80 words

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG), Nicholas Kay, extended his heartfelt greetings to all Somali people as they celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.

“As Somalia celebrates Eid-ul-Fitr I wish all Somalis and their families Eid Mubarak. Today is a time to celebrate the completion of the holy month of Ramadan and to remember those that are less fortunate than ourselves. I hope this spirit of reconciliation and harmony can contribute to peace across Somalia. Ciid Wanaagsan!” SRSG Kay said.

Weekly Press Conference on the Progress of the Government

26 Jul – Source: Ministry of Information – 2494 words

H.E. Mustafa Duhulow addressed the media in Mogadishu providing an update on the progress of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) over the last week. The Minister provided details on various issues such as: Scholarships to Somali students, Federal Government’s proactive efforts to reconcile communities in Hiiraan Region, Parliament’s recess, the agreement between telecom companies, successes of Military operations, the progress on the judicial reform, the progress on public finance management, the public execution to terrorists and Ramadan & Eid Appeal.

Minister of Information began by informing on how students could obtain scholarships: “Ministry of Higher Education published this week the process in awarding scholarships abroad to Somali students. An Independent committee composed of civil society groups and in particular experts on education was set up to award students according to their academic achievements.

All interested students will have to take an exam and those with highest marks will be awarded to scholarships. The Federal Government is committed that the process be perceived and seen as transparent and accountable. Our allies and friends grant scholarships to Somali students, such as Sudan, Yemen, Egypt, China, India and Russia and we would like to thank them and ask others to follow suit, as education is very important to the peace-building of the country.”

Minister of Information followed by highlighting the on-going government’s efforts to reconcile communities in Hiiraan region: “Deputy Ministries of Interior H.E. Abdirahman Bankah and Commerce H.E. Abdirahman Abdi Aden have been visiting Beledweyne for the past week in order to reconcile communities and to stop conflicts in the area. Ministers had meetings with key stakeholders in Hiiraan Region including traditional elders and other segments of the society in order to convey government policy and plans on reconciliation.

Government’s policy to end conflicts is to reconcile communities and provide opportunities to find genuine reconciliation through peaceful means. The delegation also visited military camps in the area including AMISOM and Somali National Army camps, and commended the important role of military not only in the operations but also providing basic services to the people in the area.”

Minister of Information confirmed the Parliament is now in recess: “22nd of July 2014 the parliament had its last session and H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of Somalia made speech at the parliament. The President praised the bravery of parliamentarians and their valuable work during the 4th session and the last two years. The President asked parliamentarians to redouble their efforts when they return to work in order to ensure that we hold elections by 2016. The parliament is the mother institution in Somalia and it plays very important as part of this country’s peace-building process. During the last two years parliament worked very hard and earned the confidence of the people. ”

Minister of Information applauded the telecom companies’ agreement: “Ministry of Posts & Telecommunications has been conducting consultation process with telecom companies in order to provide quality services to the people. As a result of this, telecom companies made historic agreement to work partnership and to allow networks to call each other. This will hugely help poor people as most of the people cannot afford to buy and use three phones. This agreement will help people to call all networks from one phone (which is not the case at the moment). This agreement will help companies to work together which in turn will bring healthy competition and will provide affordable and quality services to the people.”

Minister of Information praised the military for their successful operations: “Somali National Army and AMISOM forces made significant gains in parts of South and Central Somalia during last couple of weeks, such as Buule Burte district in Hiiraan region, Bardale district in Bay region and parts of Bakol region. Security forces captured new territories as well as defended well from al Shabaab attacks and as a result killed a number of militias from terrorists group.

SNA and AMISOM’s plans have always been to ensure that terrorists will not recapture territories, which they have successfully managed preventing their return to liberated areas. There have been continues attempts from al Shabaab to re-launch offensives without success or gaining an inch of liberated areas. The government is committed to continue military offenses against terrorists as well as ensuring to stabilize in liberated areas in order to stop threats from terrorists, which in turn could lead us to peace and prosperity in the country.”

Minister of Information spoke the progress of the Judicial Reform: “Minister of Justice & Constitutional Affairs briefed the cabinet on 24 July 2014 on the progress of the Judicial Reform and the need to appoint the Attorney General. The cabinet unanimously approved the appointment of Mr Ahmed Ali Dahir as the new Attorney General while dismissing the former Attorney General.

The new Attorney General has a wealthy of knowledge and experience on justice and Somali judicial system. This is a huge step towards the implementation of the judicial reform in the country following the parliament’s approval of the Judicial Service Commission’s legislation. The Ministry of Justice & Constitutional Affairs is in the process of implementing judicial review and reform as part of the new beginning of Somalia.”

Minister of Information applauded the progress towards public finance management: “On 23rd July 2014 H.E. Hussein Abdi Halane, Minister of Finance highlighted significant steps taken to improve management of Somalia’s public finances. Procurement Amendment Bill and Audit Bill, both bills have been endorsed by the Council of Ministers and have been submitted to Parliament for approval.

Financial statements have been prepared by the Central Bank of Somalia and the Ministry of Finance, which demonstrate transparency and a basis for good governance of the institutions. The Financial Governance Committee oversees implementation of the Financial Governance Program (FGP). The FGP is designed to strengthen public finance and central bank management and provide independent advice in key areas related to financial governance. The FGP thereby complements and strengthens efforts to build robust public finance management systems.

The program addresses the creation of a well-governed, functional Central Bank, the establishment of sound public revenue and expenditure management, the establishment of orderly public procurement and concession processes, and the effective and transparent repatriation of national assets. This progress report is now available at: http://www.mof.gov.so/publication-documents.

“The Financial Governance Committee (FGC) meets regularly in Mogadishu to monitor the overall progress of Somalia’s Financial Governance Program and advise the government on critical issues and areas of financial governance. The Committee is comprised of five members and one observer (from the IMF). Members include the Minister of Finance (Chair), H.E. Hussein Halane; the new Governor of the Central Bank, H.E. Bashir Issa; the President’s Senior Policy Adviser, Awes Hagi; the World Bank’s designated representative, Nigel Roberts; the African Development Bank’s designated representative, Ellias Ngalande; and the IMF’s designated observer, Ake Lonnberg.”

Minister of Information explained the justice process leading to the public executions of terrorists: “24th July 2014 the military court publicly executed four members of Al-Shabaab after the court sentenced them to death. On 15th July 2014 the court also publicly executed 2 members of the terrorists group in Mogadishu. It is the government’s policy to have zero tolerance on those who kill innocent people and terrorists.

To execute court’s decision is part of government’s policy to bring peace and stability in the country. However, it is very sad to learn that terrorists continue to terrorize people and to recruit child soldiers into their ranks. On 23 July the terrorists without due process publicly killed 13 year old girl and then cut her throat in public, which is clearly against the Islam. Islam doesn’t allow children to be harmed in anyway. This is their pure propaganda to terrorize people and their lack of respect to citizens.”

Minister of Information finally spoke of community support as we reach the end of Ramadan and Eid festivals: “Once again I would like to appeal to all that we need to support those who cannot afford to buy Eid clothing and food during Eid festival which is in the next couple of days.

As we are in final days of Ramadan lets us please support each other out, so that all of us including our children can celebrate during Eid festivals with pride and dignity. As we are in our final days of Ramadan, let us reflect the last 4 weeks and let us pray Allah for forgiveness and to bring our unity of purpose back. Let us all work together towards peace-building in the country. Somalia is for Somalis.”

SOMALI MEDIA

Somalis in major towns fill up open grounds for Eidul-Fitr prayers

28 Jul – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Bar-kulan/Kulmiye – 142 words

Millions of Muslims in Somalia started joyous celebrations and feasting on Monday morning to mark the end of holy month of Ramadan. Somalia’s Deputy Minister for Religion Affairs and Endowment Yusuf Hayle announced on Sunday night the sighting of the crescent in various regions of Somalia. In Mogadishu thousands of Muslims started streaming into open fields as early as 7am to await the 9am congregational prayers marking Eid-ul-Fitri. Similar gatherings for prayers were held in other major towns in Somalia including Hargeisa, Garowe, Kismayo, Bosaso, Beledweyne, Dhusamareb, Galkayo, Burao, Baidoa and many others. While announcing the sighting of the moon, the deputy minister sent a special message of goodwill to all Muslims as they celebrate Eid-ul-Fitri. Somalis join their fellow muslims around the world in celebrations after the end of Ramadan.

Somali Government Reduces the Number of Somalia’s Foreign Embassies

28 Jul – Source: Radio Dalsan – 96 words

After a cabinet meeting, the ministers decided to reduce the number of Somalia’s foreign embassies yesterday. The Somali foreign minister, Abdirahman Dualeh Beyle said the purpose of the meeting was solely to discuss how the number of the embassies abroad should be reduced. He said currently they are over 37 in number. He also said their number will be reduced to 31 with each embassy having three diplomats only and entire number of staff in all embassies being 93 only. Since the transitional period ended, this is the first time the government decided such a move.

AMISOM captures al Shabaab weapons

28 Jul – Source: Somali Current – 478 words

Some of the Roadblocks in Lower Jubba Removed

28 Jul – Source: Radio Dalsan – 66 words

The Deputy Commissioner for Social Affairs for Lower Shabelle, Omar Mohamud Elmi told Radio Dalsan that some of the roadblocks in that region were removed. He said the authorities were successful in removing many roadblocks from the roads between Afgoye and Walaweyn towns. He said those roadblocks were posing a threat to the movement of vehicles. Some roadblocks that were removed have reappeared in the past.

Baidoa council of elders, local administration vow to work with AMISOM to fight al Shabaab

26 Jul – Source: Baidoa News /Ayaamo News – 204 words

In a meeting held at the former presidential palace in Baidoa, the regional and provincial administration, and the council of elders pledged to face and fight al Shabaab in a manner which is very different from the way AMISOM used to fight with adding that they will fully cooperate with AMISOM and provide information that will lead to ultimate eradication of al Shabaab from the region. The local administration lead by Hoosow and the council of elders promised to give valuable intelligence that can help in the fight against al Shabaab both in major towns and in villages. Present at the meeting was Brig.Gen. Garemedhin Fikadu, AMISOM Sector 3 commander which covers Bay, Bakool and Gedo region and other officials from AMISOM.

Somali security forces conduct security operations in Hodan district

27 Jul – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 139 words

Somali security forces backed by AMISOM troops in Somalia were on Sunday seen carrying out security operations in Hodan district of Banadir region. Several people have been arrested and a number of weapons seized in the security operations according to government forces spokesman Qassim Ahmed Roble who spoke to Bar-kulan. Roble said the forces targeted specific hotspots in the area. He added those arrested during the security operations are being investigated by relevant authorities. He said some of the weapons seized in Sunday’s operations were owned by one Mogadishu’s former warlords. Roble added the security operations were spearheaded by Minister for National Security and the newly appointed police chiefs.

Police in Jowhar town took over Radio Jowhar premises

26 Jul – Source: Radio RBC/Radio Bar-kulan – 82 words

Police forces led by Jowhar police commissioner on Friday took over Radio Jowhar premises in Jowhar town, the provincial capital of Middle Shabelle region according to Radio Jowhar officials. Radio Jowhar Director Mohamed Abukar Asayr said in interview with Bar-kulan police arrived at the building ordering the management to hand the keys over to the police and the staff to leave the premises. He said the move shows the lack of respect towards press freedom in the region. The director added that the police arrived at the radio station with a warrant from the governor’s office before the expiry of a previous 24-hour deadline issued from the same office.

REGIONAL MEDIA

UPDF clarifies on Somalia salaries

26 Jul – Source: New Vision – 151 words

The Uganda army has come out and clarified on a media report on a “scam” regarding payment of salaries of UPDF soldiers serving in Somalia on peacekeeping missions. The details of the story were published inSaturday Vision of July 26, 2004 titled: “Salary scam hits UPDF in Somalia”. In response, UPDF spokesman, Lt Col Paddy Ankunda, said in a press statement nn Saturday that the report is “unfounded and maliciously designed to taint the good image of the UPDF”. According the report, several Ugandan soldiers serving on peace-keeping missions in Somalia are crying foul for being sent back home before the end of their mission, and their money swindled.

Al Shabaab changes tack to directly take on KDF in Lamu

26 Jul – Source: The East African – 968 words

Three months after Western countries warned of possible terrorist attacks in Nairobi, Mombasa and other Coastal towns, the politicisation of Kenya’s security has intensified long-standing sectarian divisions among the Coastal people to a potentially explosive level. Reports from the Kenya Coast show ethnically motivated violence could be on the rise, which analysts say points to the changing nature of al Shabaab’s tactics. In a departure from their modus operandi of isolated bombings, the militant group is now operating like an insurgency, directly engaging the Kenya Defence Forces in Boni Forest, northeast of Lamu. Last Sunday’s attack in the Soweto slum in Mombasa, in which four people were shot dead in “revenge attacks” for the Mpeketoni killings, is giving credence to the government’s claim of a rising militia threat in the region.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somali finance minister hails PFM progress

28 Jul – Source: Public Finance International – 464 words

Public financial management in Somalia has made significant steps forward, according to finance minister Hussein Abdi Halane. His comments follow on from the country’s second Financial Governance Committee progress report, which was made publicly available on July 25. Established earlier this year, the FGC is part of an effort by the central Somali authorities to build a more transparent PFM system in order to attract additional budget assistance. It has seen key Somali officials enter into discussions with World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the African Development Bank representatives, who have all helped to oversee the implementation of the recently launched Financial Governance Programme. The programme is designed to strengthen public revenue and expenditure management, create a well-governed, functional central bank and establish an orderly public procurement and concession process. Halane said: ‘The financial governance plan allows the government and donor partners to focus on solving some of the most important issues facing Somalia, helping us to build a prosperous future.

Mogadishu mayor survives attempt on his life

28 Jul – Source: World Bulletin – 281 words

Mogadishu Mayor, Hassan Mohamed Muungab, had by chance escaped an attempt on his life when an explosive device, planted in his car earlier, went off in the Somali capital. The device went off a very short time before Muungab got into the car on Saturday, totally destroying it, according to a Somali government official. “The mayor himself was unhurt in the explosion,” government spokesman, Ridwaan Abdiweli, told Anadolu Agency.

Al Shabaab declares war on Jews

28 Jul – Source: i24news -176 words

Spokesman: ‘The Jews are spread out throughout the world, and the Jews’ properties are spread everywhere’ . spokesman of the Somali jihadist group al Shaabab gave a sermon in a Barawa mosque on Sunday calling on Muslims to attack Jewish targets everywhere in the word, according to a report provided exclusively to the Jerusalem Post by the Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor of MEMRI (the Middle East Media Research Institute). Al-Shabab spokesman Ali Dhere said that the “nations of unbelief” are pressing “aggression against Gaza,” specifically the “Americans who stood by the Jews.” Ali Dhere also blamed Egypt for closing its border crossing to Gaza, the Jerusalem Post reported.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Now, without proper funding, 2.9 million lives are at risk of dying, displacement and catching infectious diseases. The United Nations cannot idly stand by and allow another humanitarian catastrophe to occur as they wait for the criteria for famine to met. They must swiftly respond to the urgent call of the fifty-two aid workers. Somali children should not have to measure their lives by the number of famines they’ve survived.”

Warning signs of another famine, lessons to be learned from the past

28 Jul – Source: Huffington Post – 464 words

Three years ago, on July 20, the United Nations declared a famine in Somalia. The devastating famine took the lives of a quarter of million Somalis, half of them children under the age of five. Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called it “the most severe humanitarian emergency in the world today — and the worst East Africa has seen in decades.” Without urgent aid the future of those who’ve survived remains bleak. Recently, in a joint NGO statement, including Oxfam and International Rescue Committee, it was reported that out of the required $933 million, only 12 percent of Somalia’s annual humanitarian needs had been funded. The current figures are staggering: 50,000 children are severely malnourished; Only 30 percent of the population has access to clean water; 1.1 million people are displaced in their own country; There is a risk of outbreak and spread of Polio; Women in Somalia face the second-highest risk of maternal death in the world, and babies are at the highest risk of dying on the day of their birth. In the statement, aid agencies warn, again, that signs of drought are reemerging in Southern-Somalia regions.

“The newly emerging federal states need to be inclusive and ensure they provide acceptable representation for the different clans in their region. Integration of militias into the national army and the Federal Government’s authority over external relations are also key matters that need to be addressed. Security and the need to keep a close eye on “spoilers” also remain issues that cannot be neglected.”

Somalia’s federal state making: progress amid challenges

26 Jul – Source: The Reporter Ethiopia – 1486 words

The advent of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) in August 2012 and the enactment of a provisional constitution provide the basis for federalism as a system of governance in Somalia. However, the experiment, and it is an experiment for Somalia, faces a host of challenges, not least the fact that the 2016 deadline for the revision of the federal constitution and the creation of regional states and elections is fast approaching. The fact that the Parliament has yet to legalize the specific details of state formation and no single federal state has yet been formally recognized by the FGS makes it easy to take a bleak view of the situation in Somalia. Nonetheless, despite the fact that Somalia’s problems as a whole have proved intractable for so long, it is worth taking a careful study of what is happening in the country, analyzing the real changes and taking a balanced view of the current processes and the results achieved so far. This article aims to offer a brief sketch of the challenges that continue to entangle the federal experiment; it also evaluates the evidence of the steady progress that has been made over the last two years. The main challenges to the federal experiment emanate from three inter-related categories of problem: the absence of functional institutions, the problems of security and continuing and conflicting different clan interests.