August 25, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Somali and AMISOM troops seize El-garas village near Tiyeglow

24 Aug – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 119 words

Somali government administration in Bakol region has stated that Somali government forces backed by AMISOM troops on Sunday seized El-garas village near Tiyeglow district in Bakol region. Somali government’s deputy commissioner of Bakol region, Sheikh Hassan Lugbur confirmed the seizure of El-garas village to Bar-kulan and vowed that the allied forces will continue their war against al Shabaab fighters in Bakol region. Lugbur said the forces seized the town without resistance from the militant group who left their positions earlier in the morning after they learnt the advancing of allied forces towards the village. The deputy commissioner further stated that the allied forces will be advancing to other AlaShabaab strongholds in the region in the coming few weeks.

Key Headlines

President Hassan receives credentials from Indian ambassador (Radio Mogadishu)
Speaker Jawari hails MPs’ efforts to mediate between FG and Puntland (Radio Mogadishu/RBC)
Somali and AMISOM troops seize El-garas village near Tiyeglow (Radio Bar-kulan)
Somali PM visits Dadaab Refugee Camp (Radio Mogadishu)
Eighteen migrants die en route to Italy: reports (Daily Star/AFP)
Demonstrations in favour of disarmament operations held in Mogadishu (Radio Goobjoog)
Military court sentences four al Shabaab suspects (RBC)
Qatar opens embassy in Somalia (The Peninsula Qatar)
Protests against al Shabaab militant group held in Bulo-burte town (Radio Bar-kulan)
SNA AU forces plan to attack Barawe town says governor (RBC)
UN envoy calls for end to child soldiers’ recruitment in Somalia (Shanghai Daily/Xinhua)
Somalia faces return of arms embargo (The East African)
Somali militants behead abducted Kenyan driver (Xinhua)

PRESS STATEMENT

Weekly Press Conference on the Progress of the Government

23 Aug – Source: Ministry of Information – 1898 words

HE the Minister of Information, 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 discussed various issues including: the closure of radio stations, the re-opening of Somali National University, UAE’s humanitarian assistance to the people of Somalia, the new operations theatre by the SIU, the campaign to reduce female mortality during delivery of babies, the Global Initiatives on Somali Refugees, the Child Protection Policy and the successes of the Somali security forces against extremists.

The Minister of Information began by commenting on the closures of radio stations: “On 21 August 2014 Dr Ahmed Ali Dahir, the Attorney General said that the operation related to the closure of Radio Shabelle and Radio SKY FM (operating in the same office) and the detention of station staff was conducted legally, in order to immediately stop the deliberate incitement and provocation that the two radio stations were airing.

These two radio stations were broadcasting live and calling upon the people to rise up in an illegal, clannish manner, inciting them to attack the security forces while they were in the process of conducting the disarmament process in the city. As a result of these broadcasts there were demonstrations in some parts of the city that led to killing of innocent people. 18 of those detained were released within 48 hours. However, 3 people remain in custody as we believe that they were directly responsible for the provocative broadcasts made on Friday 15 August.

On 17th August the Banadir Regional Court Judge granted an extension of their detention by 21 days in order to complete the investigations. After the investigation is completed the case will be brought to court to face trial. The Attorney General has received complaints of torture against the 3 detainees, and he immediately ordered an investigation to the matter. However, I can confirm to you that the Banadir Regional Judge, having investigated the accusations, found no substance to allegations of torture and declared these allegations to be pure fabrication.

We will never allow Somali citizens to be subject of torture and the Attorney General ordered all security institutions to be very mindful and sensitive when dealing with citizens. These institutions must carry out their duties without any violations of human rights. The Attorney General’s Office is there to uphold the rule of law and to protect citizens from any harm or human rights violations, which is their legal right as stipulated in our provisional constitution.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the re-opening of the Somali National University: “On 16 August 2014 the Board of Directors announced the opening of the Somali National University for the first time in 24 years. (Somali National University was closed after the collapse of Somali institutions in 1991.) H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of Somalia chaired the meeting as he is the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the University.

The meeting discussed the curriculum, faculties, the budget and other important issues. H.E. Duale Adan Mohamed, the Minister of Higher Education & Culture spoke to media after the meeting and stated that the President officially announced that the Somali National University is officially open as of 16 August 2014. The Federal Government is committed to providing quality education for students and this step is a milestone achievement on the way towards that goal.”

The Minister of Information praised UAE for providing humanitarian assistance: “On 18 August the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) provided humanitarian assistance to the people of Somalia. The Minister of Interior & Federalism, H.E. Abdullahi Godah Barre officially received the food aid from the UAE’s Ambassador to Somalia, H.E. Mohamed Al-Othman.

The humanitarian assistance is intended for the people in drought affected areas. The UAE Government responded the Federal Government of Somalia’s calls for urgent humanitarian assistance for the affected people of Somalia. The Khalifa Bin Zayid Institution was the implementing agency. We would like to extend our gratitude to the government of UAE for their continuing generosity and I hope that other countries will follow suit in order to alleviate the suffering of our people who are so desperately in need of food aid.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the new operating theatre of the Somali International University: “The Minister of Higher Education and I were among officials who attended the opening of a new operating theatre at the Somali International University (SIU) on 19 August 2014. The new operating theatre is a modern facility intended for the practice operations on humans as the SIU now have 5 bodies that students can practice on.

We also had the opportunity to visit other departments within the university such as laboratories, classrooms and the library. Professor Yahye Ali Ibrahim, the Rector of the SIU, emphasised the importance of the new lab and said that this will benefit students enormously as it will allow them to gain the necessary practical experience needed prior to becoming fully qualified doctors. He also said that this was as a result of previous agreement with Kenyatta University in Kenya in the areas of research, students’ exchanges and the sharing of experience.

I was very impressed to see the dedication and commitment of SIU officials and ask them to continue all these new initiatives that will enhance the quality of education in Somalia. The Minister of Higher Education praised the excellent work of the university and re-affirmed the ministry’s commitment to work with all private universities in order to achieve the overall goal of the government, to provide quality education for everyone. The Minister also said that the ministry is now finalising legislation on Higher Education in Somalia which he will table at the cabinet very soon.”

The Minister of Information spoke on efforts to reduce female mortality during delivery of babies: “The Prime Minister, H.E. Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, on 19 August participated in a ceremony to launch a campaign to reduce the mortality rate of mothers during pregnancy and during the delivery of new born babies. The Ministry of Health and various international agencies are working on this campaign. Ministers, MPs, diplomats and other officials were present at the ceremony. H.E. Ali Mohamed Mohamud, the new Minister of Health, stated that the Federal Government places great emphasis on reducing the mortality rates of both mothers and children during birth.

Currently there are shortages of dedicated maternity facilities in the country and it is absolutely critical and important for Somali mothers to have full medical service. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of this campaign and asked all parties concerned to work together in order to stop our mothers dying for lack of medical care. The PM said our women deserve better medical treatment and care. I appeal to our international friends and allies to support this important campaign.”

The Minister of Information praised neighboring countries’ efforts towards Somali refugees: “H.E the Prime Minister of Somalia, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, visited Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to deliberate the issue of refugees and to launch the Global Initiative on Somali Refugees (GISR}. The governments of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda and Yemen, the African Union, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees all attended.

Upon the conclusion of the Ministerial Meeting on 20 August 2014 they launched the Global Initiative on Somali Refugees. H.E the Prime Minister stated that there are over 1 million Somalis living as refugees in neighboring countries as well as another million who are internally displaced as a result of conflict, drought and famine and other ills afflicting the Somali nation. H.E the Prime Minister expressed the deeply felt gratitude of the Somali people for the asylum accorded to them and for the kind hospitality with which way they have been hosted by their brothers and sisters in the five neighboring countries represented at the meeting.

The Federal Government of Somalia provided the impetus to the search for solutions to alleviate the suffering of Somali refugees and this has led to the setting up of the National Agency for Refugees, Returnees and IDPs. One of its immediate tasks was to embark on negotiations with Kenya, which hosts over 500,000 Somali refugees, the largest group anywhere in the world. This resulted in the signing on Nov 10th 2013 of a Tripartite Agreement for Voluntary Repatriation of Somali refugees living in Kenya. The Federal Government of Somalia is committed to working with all parties in order to find a lasting solution to bring Somali refugees home so that they can make valuable contribution to the rebuilding of the nation.”

The Minister of Information spoke on a 4-day Workshop to draft the Federal Government of Somalia’s Child Protection Policy: “ A four day consultative workshop was jointly convened by Federal Government of Somalia and civil society groups, supported by AMISOM. The focus of the workshop was how the current policy can be further developed to ensure protection and welfare of the rights of children.

The Minister of Women and Human Rights, Honorable Khadija Mohamed Diriye, thanked AMISOM and the representatives of civil society groups for the initiative, saying that the policy will be in line with the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of Children and the Gender Policy. The Minister of Women said, “The policy will assist our government in monitoring, reporting and taking necessary measures to improve the rights of children because children are the future of this country”.

The policy will be implemented based on the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in order to guide the process of developing legislation and implementation of an Action Plan that will promote equal rights and opportunities for children in the specific context of Somalia. During the four days of consultation workshops, participants worked together to identify key areas of priorities, the challenges and also strategies to tackle child issues while also learning from the experience of other countries.

AMISOM Chief of Staff, Ambassador Epiphanie Kabushemeye Ntamwana welcomed the formulation of the policy, saying this is a big milestone towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. “The African Union remains highly committed to taking concrete actions in supporting the Federal Government of Somalia to continue efforts to tackle child focussed issues and to put in place relevant strategies to tackle them” said Ambassador Epiphanie.”

The Minister of Information concluded by highlighting recent security successes: “The Somali National Army supported by AMISOM troops seized control of Tiyeglow district and other nearby villages in Bakol region from al Shabaab. Tiyeglow is a strategic location in Bakol region and this is part of the military operation campaign against terrorist group.

Traditional leaders, intellectuals and the people of Tiyeglow gave a warm welcome to the SNA and the supporting AMISOM forces. The SNA and AMISOM also recovered some villages in Gedo and Hiiraan regions. Military operations against the terrorists are going very well and it will only be a matter of time before al Shabaab no longer holds any territory in Somalia. However, we need to be ready for a shift in al-Shabaab’s tactics to the only option they have left, terrorist attacks. This is all part of the long term plan for the return of peace, stability and prosperity to Somalia.”

SOMALI MEDIA

President Hassan receives credentials from Indian ambassador

24 Aug – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Goobjoog/Dalsan – 128 words

The president of the republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud received credential from the newly appointed Indian ambassador to Somalia Yogeshwar Varma. President Hassan and the ambassador Mr. Varma discussed wide range issues including the bilateral ties between the two nations. The new ambassador said that Somalia and India had enjoyed historically very warm friendly, civilization and cultural affinity in the past, adding that it’s a step forward to restore the relations after more than two decades. Somalia and India had also good relations in the past including trade relations and free movement of business people of the two nations. The ambassador said that India will back the enhancement of the level of trade, development and investment between Somalia and India.

Speaker Jawari hails MPs’ efforts to mediate between FG and Puntland

24 Aug – Source: Radio RBC/Radio Mogadishu/Puntlandi Online – 140 words

The Speaker of Somalia’s Federal Parliament Mohamed Osman Jawari has hailed the efforts led by Members of the House to mediate between the Federal Government of Somalia and Puntland to end the rift within. In a Press Statement released on Sunday, Speaker Jawari strongly noted that the mediation initiative led by the parliamentarians hailing from Puntland was inline with the goodness and the interest of the nation as he encouraged for its continuation. “As speaker and the chairperson of the House of People of Somalia, I welcome and commend the role played by members of the house to find an end for the small rift and diversity of views emerged between the Federal Government and Puntland.” the statement read. The Speaker added that in accordance with article 61 of the Provisional Constitution, the legislators while fulfilling their responsibilities shall be guided by the best interests of the nation as a whole. “I support and encourage the utmost efforts done by these legislators to find solution for the diversities of views between the FG and the Puntland State of Somalia.” he added.

Somali and AMISOM troops seize El-garas village near Tiyeglow

24 Aug – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 119 words

Demonstrations in favour of disarmament operations held in Mogadishu

24 Aug – Source: Radio Goobjoog/Radio Mogadishu/Radio Bar-kulan – 163 words

A massive demonstration in support of the disarmament operation launched by the government forces and AMISOM troops was held in Mogadishu. The demonstration was held at Daljirka dahson Square in the heart of the capital city, Mogadishu. The security of the city especially the Square was tightened the government forces backed by AMISOM troops. Government officials, officials from Banadir regional administration, religious leaders and people from all the walks filled the Square thrice its capacity. The aim of the demonstrations is to back the improved security situation in Mogadishu since the government forces together with AMISOM launched disarmament operations and seized weapons and ammunition in the capital One of the religious leaders Sheikh Abdikadir Somow who addressed the crowds in Daljirka Square explained the importance of security to the people and urged the locals to collaborate with the security agencies so as to maintain the overall security of the country especially Mogadishu.

Military court sentences four al Shabaab suspects

24 Aug – Source: Radio RBC/Radio Risaala/Radio Mogadishu – 192 words

The military court of Somalia today sentenced four al Shabaab suspects who were alleged to have murdered a traffic police office two months ago in Mogadishu’s Yaqshid district. Two of the alleged suspects were sentenced to death penalty and two others to military prison ranging from life prison to six months. During theSunday’s session, the military court released a fifth suspect after the court said that he was not found guilty. Military court spokesman Colonel Abdullahi Mohamed Muse said the military tribunal ruled its verdict against the four defendants after hearing the cases of the four people relating to the murdering of traffic police officer named Yusuf Ali. “After hearing all the testimonials of this case and found their pleading to guilty, the court ruled this verdict.” Colonel Muse added speaking to the reporters in Mogadishu after Sunday’s court session.

Protests against al Shabaab militant group held in Bulo-burte town

24 Aug – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 121 words

Residents of Bulo-burte town in central Somali region of Hiran on Saturday organized a protest against al Shabaab militant group. The residents of the town protested against the dire living conditions of the residents of the town and its surrounding areas following new restrictions imposed by al Shabaab militant group. The protesters were chanting slogans urging the federal government forces and AMISOM troops in Hiran region to reopen major roads entering Bulo-burte town to enable aid convoys reach the town. The protesters called on the federal government to urgently deal with the situation and assist the residents of Bulo-burte and its surrounding areas to save the lives of the people.

SNA, AU forces plan to attack Barawe town, says governor

24 Aug – Source: Radio RBC – 277 words

The Governor of Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region Abdukadir Nur Siidii has revealed that Somali National Army and the African Union Forces [AMISOM] are planning to flush out the al Qaeda-linked militant group from their strongholds in the region including Barawe town. Mr Siidii told RBC Radio that Barawe town, the biggest stronghold for the militant group has become the prime target of the fresh joint operation because of its high value for the peace and stability of the nation. “As you know Barawe is the biggest base they are now using. This is the town where they plan and organize the criminal attacks they carry out, even the Boko Haram group which is fighting in Nigeria has their office there.” Mr Siidii said in an interview.

Somali PM visits Dadaab Refugee Camp

23 Aug – Source: Radio Garowe/Radio Mogadishu/Radio Risaala/Radio Star – 308 words

Federal Government of Somalia’s Prime minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed and his entourage paid a surprise visit to Somali refugees in Dadaab camp of northeastern Kenya on Friday. Mohamed was accompanied by internal affairs minister Abdullahi Godah Barre, other government officials, Kenyan politicians who hail from northeast counties and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees [ UNHCR] officials on his critical assessment into the living conditions of Somalis in the world largest refugee camp, Dadaab. During his visit, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed also toured several sub-centers such as health facilities and schools built in the home of over half million Somalis. He held talks with representatives from the Somali refugees. Asylum seekers talked about the substandard living conditions in the camp. ”70% of the Somali refugees are youth who need bright future, jobs to sustain their lives. For instance I came to Dadaab refugee camp when i was just four years old, i have two children and was part of the delegation,” said Fatuma, Dadaab committee member. “We visited schools and we have seen irregular school syllabus.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Qatar opens embassy in Somalia

24 Aug – Source: The Peninsula Qatar / QNA – 126 words

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud met the chargé d’affaires of Qatar’s Embassy in Mogadishu, Hassan bin Hamza Assad Mohammed, on the occasion of the opening of the Qatari mission in Somalia. The Charge d’affaires conveyed the greetings of the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the Somali president and his wishes for good health and happiness and continued progress and prosperity for Somalia. On his part, President Mahmoud entrusted the Charge d’affaires to convey his greetings to the Emir and his wishes for his continued good health and happiness and progress and prosperity for the leadership of Qatar and its people.

Somalia faces return of arms embargo

23 Aug – Source: The East African – 350 words

The reported diversion to al Shabaab of weapons shipped to Somalia government forces is “a very serious concern” for the United Nations Security Council, its president said last week. The government’s performance in safeguarding its arsenals will factor heavily in a planned review of the current suspension of a UN embargo on arms exports to Somalia, UNSC president and UK UN ambassador Mark Grant told The EastAfrican. Mr Grant, whose country holds the UNSC’s rotating presidency for the month of August, made his comments in an interview in New York days after returning from a Council visit to Somalia.

Somali activists take aim at tribalism, push for national unity

22 Aug – Source: Sabahi Online – 617 words

A group of Somali activists are planning to launch a nationwide awareness campaign Tuesday (August 26th) on the dangers of tribalism, which they say is harmful to the country’s vision of restoring law and order after decades of civil war. “There is a big hope now of restoring nationhood, however, tribalism can undermine the good efforts that are going on,” said Aisha Abdullahi Isse, a former lawmaker in the Transitional Federal Government and current head of the Mogadishu-based Somali Anti-Tribalism Organisation (SATO). Tribalism has undermined Somalia’s progress for years and is widely viewed as the reason for the collapse of the Mohamed Siad Barre government in 1991.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Eighteen migrants die en route to Italy: reports

24 Aug – Source: Daily Star/AFP – 321 words

The Italian navy Sunday found the bodies of 18 migrants aboard an inflatable dinghy adrift south of the island of Lampedusa, media reports said. The navy ship Sirio, after spotting the boat was in difficulty, approached it and found 73 survivors along with the 18 dead, the reports said. The navy, coast guard and merchant marine have rescued more than 3,500 people since Friday in the stretch of the Mediterranean between Sicily and the Libyan and Tunisian coasts, the Italian news agency ANSA said. Most of the migrants making the risky and often deadly journeys come from Eritrea, Somalia and Syria, but there are also many arriving from across Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

UN envoy calls for end to child soldiers’ recruitment in Somalia

23 Aug – Source: Shanghai Daily/Xinhua – 487 words

The UN envoy for children and armed conflict has called on Somalia to end and prevent the recruitment and use of child soldiers, as well as the killing and maiming of children. Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary- General (SRSG) for Children and Armed Conflict, also urged the government to fully implement the two Action Plans it signed in 2012 to end the use of children by government forces. “Somalia faces many challenges but making its army child free is possible and I am encouraged that the Somali Federal Government has committed to it,” Zerrougui said in a statement issued in Nairobi on Saturday after concluding a four-day visit to Somalia.

Somali militants behead abducted Kenyan driver

23 Aug – Source: Xinhua – 355 words

Somali militants, al Shabaab members on Friday beheaded a Kenyan driver who was kidnapped at Kiunga, along the border with Somalia in the coastal town of Lamu. The body of George Mwita was discovered during rescue operation carried out by Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) soldiers and police within the vast Boni forest where the militants were hiding. Lamu County Commissioner Njenga Miiri confirmed that the attackers tied his hands before slitting his throat. He said the Thursday operation had been delayed by heavy rainfall and terrains in the area. “It’s unfortunate that our personnel were unable to rescue him. But we are still hunting them down,” Miiri said.

Kenya: man says he is wanted Somali terror suspect

22 Aug – Source: AP – 290 words

A Somali man in Kenyan police custody has admitted that he is Hassan Hanafi, who is wanted in Somalia for the killing of journalists, a senior Kenya police official said Friday. The man was arrested in early August and after weeks of interrogation admitted that he is Hanafi. He had originally identified himself as Yusuf Hassan Abdisalam Yusuf. The official, who insisted on anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the press, said authorities plan to seek Hanafi’s deportation orders from the courts following the Somali government’s requested that he be extradited back to Somalia for prosecution.

East African rapid reaction force ready by December: officials

22 Aug – Source: Reuters – 355 words

A long-delayed east African rapid reaction force – meant to help stamp out unrest from the Seychelles to Rwanda – will be up and running in December, senior regional officials said on Friday. The idea of a joint force for the region – home to some of the continent’s most promising economies, but also some of its least stable countries, including Somalia – was first mooted in 2004, but has been beset by delays and funding shortfalls. The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), with 5,000 soldiers from 10 nations, will help the region deal with its own rebellions, civil wars and coups, and reduce its reliance on foreign troops, officials at a meeting of defense minister said.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Because behind the criminality of piracy in Somalia lies the context of the nearly complete collapse of a country. Somalia has not been a functioning state across its entire territory since the early 1990s. For years, it has been wracked by conflict, creating widespread poverty and desperation. It is out of that crucible that piracy emerged. It is merely a symptom of the disintegration of the country as a whole. Therefore, without fixing the root causes of the problem, piracy is bound to come back, again and again.”

Piracy is a symptom of Somalia chaos

24 Aug – Source: The National – 339 words

Piracy has fallen out of the headlines recently as the number of attempted hijackings has dropped. Back in 2009 and 2010, there were incidents weekly or even daily. Now, as The National’s report yesterday pointed out, there have been only a handful of attempts this year. The change is mainly due to increased policing and vigilance. Ships now have armed guards and, in areas known to attract pirates such as the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, extra precautions are taken, such as increasing the ship’s speed and keeping a close eye on any vessels approaching or following. The European Union, which has its own anti-piracy force, has also conducted operations against pirate strongholds in Somalia. But there is little room for complacency. As Mohammed Bisthamy, one of the 11 crew of the hijacked MV Albedo, who spent four years in captivity, told this newspaper, pirates are merely biding their time. They are patient and can wait for a few years until the ship owners get tired of the cost of extra guards and leave their ships defenceless.

“Recent executions in Somalia put the quality of justice delivered by military courts into question.”

Summary executions in Somalia

24 Aug – Source: Al Jazeera – 831 words

Somalia’s military court sentenced three men to death on July 30 for alleged membership in the armed Islamist group al Shabaab and involvement in attacks in Mogadishu, the capital. Four days later, the Somali media posted to Twitter photographs of their limp, hooded bodies tied to poles. Such rapid executions once again call into question the quality of justice in Somalia’s military courts. The government should try civilians before civilian courts, respect the presumption of innocence, ensure that confessions are not extracted under duress, and allow defendants adequate time for appeals. Sadly, Somalia’s new military court chairman, Col Abdirahman Mohamed Turyare, has boasted of flagrant violations of these requirements under international law. He recently told the media that his court was waging a “new war against terrorists.” Under international law, the death penalty is permitted only after a rigorous judicial process – a fair trial in which the defendant has adequate time to prepare a defence and appeal the sentence, among other requirements.