August 4, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Weapons haul seized from ‘al Shabaab’ suspects in Mogadishu

03 Aug – Source: Indepth Africa/Xinhua – 162 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 propelled grenade pipes as well as RPG shells and guns. Also recovered were sniper rifles 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. “Since we launched operation Eagle, we also launched the cordon and search in Mogadishu which is a bigger activity conducted by AMISOM troops, particularly sector one commander, which is occupied by UPDF forces, jointly, with the Somali National Army, with NISA and Somali people,” he said.

Key Headlines

President Hassan jets off to US to attend US-Africa leaders summit (Radio Mogadishu)
Villa Somalia attack facilitator executed (Hiiraan Online/Bar-kulan)
Mogadishu sees heavy security operation main roads blocked (RBC)
Somali bombing leaves city workers dead (Al Jazeera)
Agreement reached over Abudwak clashes (Bar-kulan)
Armed forces seize weapons bound for al Shabaab terrorists (Radio Shabelle/Somali Current)
UN Secretary-General appoints Omar Abdi as DED of UN children’s fund (UN News Center)
Government forces backed by AMISOM launch operation in Gedo region (Radio Goobjoog)
China sends 18th escort fleet to Somali waters (CCTV/Xinhua)
Security tight as 19 terror suspects appear in court (Citizen TZ)
AMISOM cancels troop’s rotation for fear of Ebola (Somali Current)
Somali MPs from Puntland region vacate Mogadishu (Hiiraan Online/Garowe Online)

PRESS STATEMENT

Minister of Information praises the success of security operations in Mogadishu

03 Aug – Source: Ministry of Information – 498 words

H.E. Mustafa Duhulow, the Minister of Information praises the success of security forces’ operation in Mogadishu as part of the Stabilization process in the country. The military courts today publicly executed 3 al Shabaab members after the court sentenced them to death penalty. One of them, Hassan Mohiadin Hassan was the person who facilitated al Shabaab attack at Villa Somalia last month.

Last night security forces conducted search operations in Mogadishu, which they found a house with arms weapons and successfully ended the operation. The security forces found a number of supplies of heavy and light weapons, military uniforms and ammunitions, including 5 bazookas, 10 RPGs, over 25 AK47, 10 crates of ammunitions, 3 crates of military uniforms, 3 crates boots, and 2 crates of belts to use ammunitions. 10 hand grenade bombs, 25 pistols and other weapons and ammunitions. On 27 July the security forces have successfully launched similar operation where they found weapons.

The Minister of Information, H.E. Mustafa Sheikh Ali Duhulow arrived at the scene last night where the weapons were displayed in front of Somali media. The Prime Minister of Minister of National Security spoke to media at the scene. The Minister said “Security forces have done a magnificent job as they successfully launched an operation in Wadajir District and successfully ended the operation without causing civilian casualties.

The aim of the operation was to ensure that the capital city is safe from terrorists attack. The security forces have been doing search operations in houses where they had suspicious as part of Stabilization process in Mogadishu.”

Minister Duhulow speaking on today’s public executions said “Today’s public execution of the three members of al Shabaab shows our commitment to zero tolerance towards terrorism. The government is committed to dealing with all terrorists with heavy handed in order for them to face justice in public, as we cannot tolerate few groups or individuals to terrorize public.”

The Minister continued his remarks and said “The government is committed to bringing peace and stability in the country and this kind of operations shows that we need to continue searches in order to ensure that terrorists will have no places to hide or keep their weapons. We are grateful for the cooperation that our security forces received from public as they provided vital information that led to last night’s operation.”

The Minister concluded his remarks and said “Our security forces are currently investigating this matter and anyone that is responsible for the insecurity in the country will be brought to justice. Since the country is moving towards peace and stability we will have no complacency in our stabilization process.

I appeal to public to work with security forces in order to eliminate the threats posed by terrorists. The Federal Government is committed to bring peace and stability in the country and those willing to renounce violence and wants to join the peace-building process we welcome them and will provide them an opportunity to become a useful member of the society.”

AMISOM takes precautionary measures to minimize the risk of Ebola transmission by AU troops in Somalia

02 Aug – Source: AMISOM – 244 words

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) continues to closely monitor the ongoing epidemic of the Ebola virus disease that has spread throughout Guinea and beyond the nation’s borders in West Africa. The outbreak, which began in Guinea in February 2014, has spread to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

AMISOM is particularly concerned for the welfare of key troop contributing countries including Sierra Leone and Nigeria. AMISOM is also acutely aware and cautious of the risk presented by deployment of troops from the aforementioned countries in Somalia.

The deployment of the Republic of Sierra Leone’s Leo Battalion II which was due in July remains on hold at the moment. This is a cautionary measure despite the fact that the World Health Organization is yet to issue travel restrictions for the affected areas.

As is standard practice, troops undergo extensive medical evaluation before deployment in Somalia. Routine subsequent screening and check-ups are conducted in the mission area to ensure optimum health standards across the board.

AMISOM is closely coordinating with partners including the Federal Government of Somalia and the World Health Organization on pre-emptive measures in light of the situation. This includes the establishment of an isolation ward at AMISOM Level II hospital and stocking of personal protection gear.

The Federal Government of Somalia and its partners also continue to monitor the country’s key entry points. While there is no cause for alarm, AMISOM will continue to treat this matter with utmost gravity and diligence.

Weekly Press Conference on the Progress of the Government

02 Aug – Source: Ministry of Information – 1279 words

H.E. Mustafa Duhulow today 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: Eid celebrations, the formation of Board of Directors to Somali National University, the Agreement to form Central Regions State, President’s visit to Garbaharey District, the progress of the Stabilization process in Mogadishu, Military Court’s sentencing Al-Shabaab members to public execution, and the Government’s encouragement towards blind children.

Minister of Information started with the celebration of Eidul Fitra: “On 28th July it was the first day of Eidul Fitra celebration and it went extremely very well, as Somalis celebrated inside the country and abroad. This Eid was different from previous Eid, as people enjoyed the peace and stability in the country. Somali leaders prayed Eid with people at Isbaheysiga Mosque in Mogadishu, while the people were full of celebrations in markets, and other places such as Lido beach and other beaches in the country.

The people remembered the importance of peace and stability in the country and the need of government institutions. The government is committed to continue bringing peace and stability in the country, so that people can enjoy with dignity and pride.”

Minister of Information emphasizing the importance of education then spoke on the formation of Board of Directors of Somali National University: “On 27th July Somali leaders attended an event to celebrate the formation of Board of Directors to Somali National University in Mogadishu. Attendees included the Management of the University, Civil Society groups, ministers and other dignitaries.

The President of Somali National University, Dr Mohamed Ahmed Jimale, presented a report on the history of the university as well as the current plans to re-open the university in Mogadishu. The Minister of Higher Education, Dr Duale Aden Mohamed stated the importance of education in Somalia and the plans of the ministry in order to provide higher education to all students.

The Prime Minister and the President also addressed the audience both thanking those who took the time and the initiative to revive Somali National University at this critical time in Somalia. The government is committed to providing a free and quality education to all students in order to build a talented and young generation that can be future leaders of this country.”

Minister of Information praised signatories of recent agreement to form Central Regions State: “After long consultation and reconciliation with key stakeholders in central regions of Somalia, the Federal Government succeeded to reconcile leaders in central regions. As a result Gal-Mudug and Ahlu Sunna leaders signed a historic agreement with a view to forming Central Regions State as part of the implementation of Federalism in Somalia.

On 30th July in the presence of Somali leaders and representatives of the International Community, Gal-Mudug and ASWJ leaders agreed to form Central Regions State, which is in line with the provisional constitution and under the leadership of the Federal Government of Somalia. Attendees included the Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the UN to Somalia, EU Ambassador to Somalia, Deputy Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the AU to Somalia, IGAD Ambassador to Somalia, and other diplomats.

It was agreed to form a technical committee within 10 days to work on the establishment of the Federal Unit in Central regions of Somalia. The government also appointed a ministerial committee to assist the technical committee in order to ensure that the process is inclusive to all stakeholders in the region and in line with the provisional constitution. This is a milestone achievement towards the implementation of Federalism in Somalia.”

Minister of Information underscored government’s commitment to political outreach to regions: “The President of Somalia H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Garbaharey district in Gedo Region on 31st July 2014 as part of government’s political outreach to all regions in Somalia. The President met District Commissioner and representatives of all segments of the society and discussed the situation in Garbaharey.

The aim of the visit was to strengthen the relationship between the Federal Government of Somalia and regions and to assess the situation in the region. The President thanked district leaders and communities for their commitment to bringing peace and stability in the area. Having seen the dire need of humanitarian situation the President made an urgent humanitarian appeal to international community as well as to Somalis in order to avoid repeat of 2011 famine.

It is the government’s policy to reach out to all communities as part of the political outreach program and in order to intensify government plans to review the provisional constitution, implement federalism and to start democratization process with a view to hold fair and fee elections by 2016.”

Minister of Information praised security institutions’ efforts to the stabilization plan: “ There has been huge progress towards stabilization process in Mogadishu. Security institutions have been conducting security operations in the capital city, which have prevented a number of serious attacks planned by terrorists.

On 27th July security institutions with the support of AMISOM searched one of stores in Mogadishu and found a number of arms and ammunitions, which included 3 sniper rifles, 5 crates of mines, 18 crates of bombs, 15 boxes of ammunitions, and other arms weapons.

The government is currently in possession of these weapons and is investigating this matter. On 29th July security forces spotted a car with explosive and managed to stop and defuse the explosive item before it detonated near Lido beach, which prevented to cause injuries and deaths to public.

A member of the public who provided the information was granted incentives for his bravery stand. On 30th July security forces killed two members of al Shabaab as they refused to stop when the security forces run after them. These two individuals had pistols that they attempted to kill innocent people in Bakara Market.”

Minister of Information stressed the importance of addressing impunity following the recent public execution decisions by the military court against terrorists: “On 30th July the military court listened cases related to terrorism in Mogadishu. Hassan Mohamed Hassan, who has facilitated al Shabaab attack to Villa Somalia was sentenced to death by public execution.

Adan Mohamed Hassan admitted at court that he killed 19 people and he was part of a further 13 killings and that he was part of al Shabaab. People he killed included Mohamed Deeq Abdi who was a government accountant, Abdiaziz (an MP), Hawo Adan and Hafso Abdi Nur. Adan Mohamed Hasan, was also sentenced to death by public execution. Finally Bashir Mohamed Hassan was sentenced to life imprisonment.”

Minister of Information finally highlighted the government’s commitment to assist blind children: “Prime Minister’s wife Fartun Ahmed Dirie provided food aid to blind students and promised to continue supporting them. On 31st July I invited blind children to our offices and to Somali National TV as I promised during Eid when I celebrated Eid with them.

These blind students spoke to the public and shared their desire to making valuable contributions to the society and their ambitions to become future leaders. These blind students from Al-Bashir Abikar Hussein School were very pleased to be given this opportunity to share their experiences with public.

They made an appeal to Somalis to support all blind children in order for them to fulfil their potentiality and to become a useful members of the society. I promised to them that I will raised their issues and concerns to the government and that the government will do all it can to support them. I also made an appeal to Somalis in particular business community and Diaspora to provide an urgent help and support to all blind children.”

The Acting AU Special Representative strongly condemns the assassination of a Somali Member of Parliament

02 Aug – Source: AMISOM – 169 words

The Ag. Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, Honorable Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, has condemned the killing yesterday of Sheikh Aden Madeer, a Member of the Federal Parliament of Somalia.

Honorable Mutende said that the continuous assassination of MPs is heinous and inhumane attempt of undermining legislative progress in the country. She reiterated the African Union’s commitment to supporting the Federal Parliament of Somalia in furthering the aspirations of the Somali people.

“Such terrorist actions are in line with the stance and tactics of those who oppose political and socio-economic development in Somalia. As we mourn the death of a courageous and respected advocate of the Somali legislative principles, I want to commend all MPs for their resolve to contribute to the development of their country.

I express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Madeer,” she said. Late MP Madeer who was killed yesterday in Mogadishu, also served as Chairperson of the Finance Committee of the Federal Parliament of Somalia.

UN Special Representative for Somalia deeply concerned by murder of Somali MPs

01 Aug – Source: UNSOM – 172 words

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG), Nicholas Kay, has condemned the murder today of Sheikh Aden Madeer, a Member of the Somali Federal Parliament, and expressed his concern over the continued attacks on MPs.

Mr. Madeer was killed in Mogadishu. He served as Chairperson of the Finance Committee of the Federal Parliament of Somalia. Mr. Madeer is the fifth MP to be assassinated in 2014.

“The assassination of Sheikh Aden Madeer is an appalling act,” SRSG Kay said. “The murder of MPs is an attempt to intimidate and undermine those working to build a better Somalia. Their killers will not achieve that objective.”

“I commend Somalia’s MPs for their courage and dedication in the face of continued attacks against them. The UN is committed to supporting the important work of the Federal Parliament,” he added. “Urgent action is needed to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

SRSG Kay offers his sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Madeer, as well as to the Federal Parliament of Somalia.

SOMALI MEDIA

President Hassan jets off to US to attend US-Africa leaders summit

03 Aug – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Goobjoog – 113 words

The President of the Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and delegates are headed to United States of America to attend US government and Africa leaders summit in Washington. President Hassan is accompanied by ]Foreign Affairs Minister and other officials. Over fifty African heads of states and government are expected to attend the august 4-6 summit which wide range themes including investment, security, development and governance will be focused. it will also highlight the depth of the United States’ dedication to the African continent to press forward the shared priorities and enable discussion of tangible ideas to deepen the partnership. The Summit is about cultivating stronger ties between the United States and African states.

Villa Somalia attack facilitator executed

03 Aug – Source: Hiiraan Online/Bar-kulan – 98 words

The Supreme Court of Somalia’s military has on Sunday executed three men including the man who facilitated the recent al Shabaab attack on the presidential palace in Mogadishu. The three were executed by firing squad outside Somali police school south of the capital on Sunday morning after they have been sentenced to death by the military court. Hassan Mohiadin Hassan was the mastermind of last month’s al Shabaab attack on Somali presidential palace, while Aden Mohamed Hassan and Bashir Hassan Mohamed were found guilty of killing several Somali citizens according to the military court judge Liban Ali yarrow.

Roadside bomb blast in Mogadishu kills civilians

03 Aug – Source: Radio Shabelle – 83 words

At least 10 female street cleaners were killed in an IED bomb explosion that rocked the Carwo in Mogadishu’s Hodan district. The explosion which was heard from several neighbourhoods in the Hodan district occurred when some of the female cleaners allegedly collected a garbage sack that had an IED bomb hidden inside. Reporters at the scene told Radio Shabelle that almost 10 of the cleaners were killed.

Agreement reached over Abudwak clashes

03 Aug – Source: Bar-kulan – 106 words

Nur Farah Jama, a Somali legislator from the federal parliament told Bar-kulan that a final solution has been found for recent inter-clan clashes in Abudwak district and its environs in central Somali region of Galgadud. He said traditional elders and influential figures from the area held talks and agreed on few points including immediate and unconditional ceasefire as well as the removal of armed militias from conflict zones. The MP added that the two sides agreed that anyone who violates the new agreement will face tough action as he called on the locals in Galgadud region to work together towards peace and development in the region.

Armed forces seize weapons bound for al Shabaab terrorists

03 Aug – Source: Radio Shabelle/Somali Current – 76 words

The Minister of National Security for the Somali Federal Government, Khalif Ahmed Ereg, has claimed that the Ministry has seized weapons bound for al Shabaab. Mr. Ereg said after carrying out a strategic and intensive raid on an illegal arms dealers’ home in the Buulo Xuubey neighborhood of Mogadishu, the government possessed the weapons. The Minister stated that the individuals that were providing the al Shabaab fighters with those weapons and military uniform are in custody and will be prosecuted.

Government forces backed by AMISOM launch operation in Gedo region

03 Aug – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 88 words

Government forces in Gedo region backed by Ahlu Suna militias and AMISOM troops, Ethiopian forces launched massive security operations against al Shabaab in the region. Abdihakim Mohamed Omar, senior security official in Gedo stated that the operations are aimed to maintain the overall security of the region. He added that government’s plan is to bring all the areas controlled by al Shabaab under the hand of federal government after the attack. Al Shabaab control some major towns in Gedo region including Bardere one their strongholds and regularly carry out attacks against bases.

Somali MPs from Puntland region vacate Mogadishu

02 Aug – Source: Hiiraan Online/Garowe Online – 136 words

At least six members of Somalia’s federal parliament who descend from the regional state of Puntland have today returned to their home region due to a dispute between the federal government and Puntland. The withdrawal of the six legislators from the capital Mogadishu comes several days after the region’s president Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas gave them an ultimatum of 15 days to return to the Puntland region. The call followed after Somali government announced the formation of central Somali state which consists of two regions: Mudug and Galgaduud, but this was boycotted by the Puntland state which partially controls Mudug region.

Mogadishu sees heavy security operation, main roads blocked

02 Aug – Source: RBC – 107 words

A day after famous Somali Member of Parliament Sheikh Aden Mohamed Madeer was shot dead in Mogadishu, the capital city has seen heavy security operation on Saturday. Early morning on Saturday, security forces were deployed to the roads of the city blocking the access of cars and people from the main roads. The roads blocked included the key roads of Maka al Mukarama, Sayidka, KM4 junction, Zoppe and the Airport Road. Meanwhile security forces aided by AMISOM police launched search operation in parts of Wadajir and Waberi district in the capital. It is not yet known if the security forces arrested some people during the Saturdayoperation.

Legislators demand serious answers regarding murder of MPs

02 Aug – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 93 words

Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Interior Affairs & Security Committee, Dahir Ahmin Jeesow, reported to the media that they deal and question the Ministry of National Security over the continued murders of Members of the Somali Federal Parliament. Mr. Jeesow has claimed that in a meeting to be organized by the Committee, they will call the Minister of National Security for the Somali Federal Government and demand answers on why Somali legislators’ safety is at risk. In Mogadishu yesterday the Chairman of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, MP Sheikh Aden Nur Mader was shot dead.

AMISOM cancels troop’s rotation for fear of Ebola

02 Aug – Source: Somali Current – 93 words

A military spokesman for the African Union mission in Somalia says the AU has cancelled a planned troop rotation by Sierra Leonean forces because of the breakout of Ebola. AMISOM spokesman Col. Ali Aden Hamud confirmed that the Union has decided to halt the deployment of a new battalion from Sierra Leone in an effort to prevent Ebola disease from spreading into Somalia. The Sierra Leone troops who are already in Somalia as part of the AMISOM peacekeepers were planned to rotate their colleagues but stopped due to breakout of ebola back home.

Somali MP laid to rest in Mogadishu

02 Aug – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 126 words

The body of the killed member of federal parliament Sheikh Adan Madeer was buried at Madina hospital cemetery in the capital Mogadishu. The security of the city was fully maintained as some of the main roads were blocked by the security forces. The funeral was attended by ministers, lawmakers, family members and relives. All the people who attended the funeral sent condolence to the relatives of the late MP and asked the security agencies to carry proper investigations on the murder of the MP and bring to justice the perpetrators. This is the fifth MP gunned down in Mogadishu this year and pose threats to the members of federal parliament who feel that they can be attacked any time due to the deteriorating security in the capital.

Somaliland: SOLJA’s Executive Committee Dismisses Chairman

02 Aug – Source: Somaliland Informer – 103 words

The Executive Committee of Somaliland’s Journalists Association (SOLJA) has announced that they have dismissed the organization’s Chairman Mr. Hassan Mohamed Yusuf and further revealed that they have named an interim chairman Mr. Mustafe Shiekh Omar Gedi. This has been revealed in a press conference held at SOLJA’s headquarters in Hargeisa on Saturday and has leveled an accusation to the sacked chairman that he brought the organization under the control of the Minister of Information. He failed to attend SOLJA’s gatherings and 12 members executive committee whereby 9 members have made a unanimous decision to dismiss the chairman and relieved all from his duties.

EU pledges millions as famine is feared in Central Southern regions in Somalia

02 Aug – Source: RBC – 106 words

Following fears of food shortages that humanitarian organizations assessed which is calling for funds to respond to food crisis in Somalia’s south and central regions, European Union commission has pledges to step up their support to Somalia amid famine is feared to happen. The commission said they have allocated 10 more Million Euros to answer to the increased humanitarian crisis and malnutrition that is assessed in Somalia. European Union Commission says many families are facing food crisis where many other families have fled their houses because of insecurity and humanitarian organizations should continue responding to the increasing food crisis in Somalia due to no rains recently.

Al Shabaab claims responsibility of killing fifth Somali MP in Mogadishu

01 Aug – Source: Somali Current – 100 words

Al Shabaab militant group has said it is behind the killing of Somali national assembly member Sheikh Adan Mader who shot dead in Mogadishu after Friday prayers. Sheikh Abdulaziz Abu Musab the groups operation spokesman has confirmed the responsibility saying their special forces carried out the attack that killed the fifth MP today. “Our mujahidin fighters have killed the so called law marker in Mogadishu,” Abu Musab said they will continue to hunt down members of Somali national assembly that he said lead to intervention of AMISOM forces in Somalia. “God bless the mujahideen of Benadir region,” He said.

Ethiopia hands over illegal immigrants to Somaliland

02 Aug – Source: Somaliland Informer – 85 words

Ethiopian authorities have handed over 31 immigrants to Somaliland officials. They were trying to pass to Europe through Ethiopia and then Sudan and across the Mediterranean. The illegal immigrants were handed over to Somaliland Immigration Department at the Tog Wajaale border crossing between Ethiopia and Somaliland. The handover was the result of the bolstering cooperation between the Ethiopian government and the authorities in Somaliland on the fight against human trafficking networks in the region. Somaliland and Ethiopia cooperate on the areas of security, immigration and trade.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Somali bombing leaves city workers dead

03 Aug – Source: Al Jazeera – 143 words

At least three women have been killed and seven others wounded in the Somali capital after a remotely detonated bomb exploded in a busy market, police and witnesses say. It was not immediately clear who was behind Sunday’s bombing. In recent weeks, al Shabaab fighters have increased gun and bomb attacks in Mogadishu, with the latest incident on July 5, when its fighters attacked the presidential palace. The women killed in the blast were city workers, who were cleaning the streets when a bomb hidden in a rubbish pit exploded in the busy market sector known as Hodan district of Mogadishu, police said. “We heard a big blast, and then I could see the old mothers who were cleaning the scene lying, some of them dead and others screaming,” Nuria Ahmed, a mother of four who lives near the scene, told Reuters news agency.

Security tight as 19 terror suspects appear in court

02 Aug – Source: Citizen TZ – 158 words

Tight security was once again witnessed here yesterday when 19 terror suspects were arraigned. The accused included 12 who are alleged to have taken part in a bomb attack at a Chadema election campaign rally here on June 15 last year, which claimed four lives. Others who appeared before Resident Magistrate Devotha Msoffe were those accused of being behind the injury of three Muslim clerics through lobbying of explosives and acid attacks. The accused were not allowed to enter any plea because terrorism cases are only heard in the High Court where the case would be referred to for hearing on August 15. Reading the charges, state attorney Augustino Kombe said they were responsible for the deaths at the Soweto grounds where Chadema party was winding up its campaign. They are also accused of attempting to kill as well as being in possession of explosives with intent to use them for terrorism or to cause injuries and destruction.

Security tightened as Coast hosts meetings

02 Aug – Source: Daily Nation – 111 words

Security in Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties has been beefed up as a series of events are scheduled to take place in the month of August starting this Saturday. Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa said the government was well prepared to ensure security is tight during this month. He was speaking during a joint press briefing together with Kilifi and Kwale security chiefs at Uhuru na Kazi building Saturday. Mr Marwa said the three counties are expected to host close to 124,000 pupils, students, teachers and parents who will accompany the school children for the Kenya National Music Festivals 2014 that will be held at various venues within the region.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Weapons haul seized from ‘al Shabaab’ suspects in Mogadishu

03 Aug – Source: Indepth Africa/Xinhua – 162 words

UN Secretary-General appoints Omar Abdi as DED of UN children’s fund

03 Aug – Source: UN News Center – 88 words

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced the appointment of Omar Abdi, a Canadian national born in Somalia, as Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Mr. Abdi is currently serving as UNICEF’s Comptroller. Prior to that role, he served as UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Management (2007-2010), Regional Director for Middle East and North Africa (2006-2007), and UNICEF Representative in several countries. He brings a deep understanding of UNICEF’s programmes and operations. Additionally, he has helped pioneer streamlining systems to strengthen results on the ground.

Somalia: Bomb Hidden in Garbage Kills 3

03 Aug – Source: AP/ABC News – 114 words

A Somali police officer says a bomb hidden in piles of garbage detonated in the Somali capital, killing three street cleaners. Capt. Mohamed Hussein said the bomb was detonated Sunday by remote control as women tried to remove bags of rubbish from a street corner. Seven women were also wounded in the attack, Hussein said. It appeared to be a rare attack targeting sanitation workers tasked with cleaning a city known for dangerous ordnance from the more than two decades of conflict. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, which bore the hallmarks of previous explosion that killed 21 street cleaners in Mogadishu in 2007 and which was claimed by Islamist extremist insurgents.

China sends 18th escort fleet to Somali waters

02 Aug – Source: CCTV/Xinhua – 92 words

A Chinese fleet departed for an escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters on Friday. This is the 18th convoy fleet sent by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy for these missions since 2008. It comprises three destroyers, with three helicopters and 800 crew. Chinese fleets have escorted more than 5,670 ships and successfully rescued or aided 60 ships from China and other countries. The fleet is expected to reach the Gulf of Aden before the middle of August to succeed the 17th escort fleet currently on mission.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“An iconoclast like Saado is a rarity. But this one was ours. A poet, an artist and a brave human right activist. She was a mother, a sister and a daughter to a whole nation. Her velvety voice, we hummed, whether singing about a lost love or a besieged nation. She stood erect for the voiceless. She was a gift to us and we lost her too soon. We will mourn her loss for years to come.”

Saado Ali: Voice of the Nation

02 Aug – Source: Wardheer news – 630 words

For many Somalis, especially those who were in their teens and twenties in the 1960s and 1970s, the singers, poets, songwriters, and musicians of the era of 1955-1985 are cherished cultural symbols. They represent the vibrant youth culture of this era and symbolize its hopes for national unity and for ways of being ‘modern’ that were grounded in the best of the Somali cultural heritage and Islamic religion. Irrespective of the political wrongs and social ills that were part of the realities of this period, the cultural contributions of this artistic generation brought joy and hope for the future to Somalis of diverse backgrounds and circumstances. In this generation of artists, singers such as Xaliima Khaliif Magool, Maryan Mursal, Fadumo Qaasim, Axmed Naaji Sacad, Xasan Aadan Samatar, Maxamed Suleebaan – to mention just a few names – Saado Cali stands especially tall. The reasons for this include the fact that she was the first Somali woman (or one of the first) to participate in a famous cycle (silsilad) of political poetry; this was the Deelleey, which was started by Gaariye at the end of 1979 and discussed the worrisome political conditions of the time. It is currently available from a range of Somali websites.

Sahro Hassan is an 18 year old fashion designer, whose family immigrated to the United States in order to escape the violence of their native Somalia. Sahro, an ambitious and talented young woman, is already in the process of designing her third collection designed for young Muslim women. After hearing about Sahro’s inspirational story, we reached out to her to get her take on her own style, the importance of Muslim role models for women, her feminist aspirations, and why to not, as she says, “use the present as an excuse.”

Sahro Hassan: The Somali Teen Fashion Designer Talks Muslim Role Models and Feminist Aspirations

01 Aug – Source: Up Global Blog – 1563 words

Moda & Estilo: Tell me a little bit about your experience growing up.

Sahro Hassan: Sure. Growing up back home was really hard, but it didn’t look that way at the time because everybody around us was living the tough life. It was really, really difficult, especially for women because we did not have a way of expressing ourselves; men mostly dominated. When I came here with my parents when I was ten or eleven years old, I found so many ways for women to express themselves and the freedom to do what they want. I found that I am really passionate about fashion and expressing myself through that.

M&E: What was the ultimate reason for your family’s emigration to the United States?

SH: Mostly for safety reasons, but also to better our education, because we did not have a good education system and there was a war going on. My parents thought it would be a better choice for us to be in America, get a good education, and have a better future.