September 29, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Somalia will be united by 2016, President tells UN General Assembly

28 Sept – Source: UN News Center – 113 words

Somalia is at a critical juncture in its efforts to achieve security and stability, the country’s President told the United Nations General Assembly calling for continued support to strengthen Somalia as a security and ideological “firewall.” Addressing the 69th high-level debate of the UN General Assembly, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said that Somalia will meet the world’s aspirations for a better future, “We have a country that is beginning to unite as a nation, behind a vision that will see a federal and united Somalia in 2016.” He noted that his Federal Government is taking concrete steps to engage all Somalis, including women and minority groups, in the political process of nation-building.

Key Headlines

President says minor differences within gov’t leadership will not hinder government system (VOA Somali Service)
Military Court sentences three soldiers to death penalty for armed robbery (Radio Mogadishu/SNTV)
Somali President returns from UN General Assembly in New York (Radio Mogadishu/Bar-kulan)
Somali Prime Minister pays visit to Mogadishu Port (Radio Bar-kulan)
UN won’t pay Uganda for choppers that crashed over Mt Kenya (Daily Nation)
Organizing committee of Garbaharey conference warn interim Juba administration of interference (Radio Goobjoog)
Somalia will be united by 2016 President tells UN General Assembly (UN News Center)
Water scarcity puts lives of people at risk in Galgadud region (Radio Bar-kulan)
Somali militants stone woman to death (Al Shahid)
Somali government and Puntland expected to commence talks (RBC)
Somaliland President Silanyo establishes Oil Protection Unit (Somaliland Informer)
Jowhar administration takes preventive measures to curb the spread of Malaria (Radio Mogadishu)
Somali-American Leaders Organize Anti-ISIS Meeting (CBS Minnesota)

PRESS STATEMENT

Weekly Press Briefing on the Progress of the Government 27 September 2014

27 Sept – Source: Ministry of Information – 1448 words

The Minister of Information, Mustafa Duhulow, today addressed the media, providing an update on the progress of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) over the last week. The Minister discussed various issues: the opening of the 5th session of the Parliament; Media Sector Development in Somalia; the progress on the Amnesty offered to disaffected members of al Shabaab; the humanitarian situation; the development of the Somali Telecommunications sector; the announcement of the Anti Corruption Campaign; and the High Level meeting for Somalia at the UN headquarters in New York.

The Minister of Information began by speaking on the opening of the 5th Session of the Parliament: “On 20 September 2014, H.E. the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, formally opened the 5th Session of the Parliament.

The Speaker of the Parliament, Hon Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawaari provided a brief progress update covering the four previous sessions of the Parliament and at the same time highlighted the importance of prioritizing the key items of legislation for this session that are necessary for the implementation of Vision 2016 such as Federalism and border commission, electoral laws, political parties, and the Public Finance Management among others.

The Speaker stressed the importance of complying with the Provisional Constitution in terms of power separation and the urgent need to improve communications and coordination between institutions so that the FGS can implement a culture of accountability in the interests of the people.

In his speech, the President praised the role of the parliament during the last four sessions and the way the parliament solved most of the challenges it faced. The President stated that the government had made huge progress in many areas over the last two years and emphasized the need to re-double their efforts so that the remaining two years more can be productive done and ensure that elections to take place in the country in 2016.”

The Minister of Information spoke on Media Development in Somalia: “On 24 September I attended the opening of a programme of media training for 25 media practitioners in order to build their capacity and knowledge.

The training focused on safety and security for journalists and was organized by an organization of independent media houses, SIMHA, with the support of UNESCO. On 23 September 2014 the Deputy Minister of Information opened another 3 day seminar for 40 media practitioners to enhance their knowledge and skills in the area of news reporting.

This training was organized by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) with the support of the Somalia Unit of the US Embassy in Nairobi. The Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Media and other officials were present at the seminar.

The Secretary General of NUSOJ, Mohamed Ibrahim, stated that the objective of the seminar was to improve the way media practitioners conduct their duties in terms of their personal safety and the safety of society while reporting.

The Deputy Minister of Information stated that the Federal Government is committed to encouraging media workers to assist in the development of the Somali media and provide the necessary facilitations for those providing support to the sector such as NUSOJ and Relief International.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the recent amnesty that was offered to disaffected Al-Shabaab members: “Since the Federal Government announced the amnesty towards al Shabaab militia members who wished to renounce violence and join the peace process there has been an increase of the number of young people coming across from the ranks of al Shabaab.

It is no coincidence that this has occurred while Operation Indian Ocean is proceeding. On 23 September 2014 the Governor of Lower Shabelle Region spoke to media and stated that, within a week, 41 young militiamen came over to the government in the Lower Shabelle region.

The Government is now providing the necessary rehabilitation process so that these young people may take part in the peace process and assist in the rebuilding of the nation. On the other hand, government efforts to reach out to traditional elders and religious leaders in rural areas continue, so that they too can play their part in convincing these young people to renounce al Shabaab.

They will get all the support they require to make a difference to their daily lives, such as education, skills training and other incentives, as these young people deserve the opportunity of a better future. Since the leader of al Shabaab was killed the military operation against Al-Shabaab has been progressing well while the divisions and infighting within al Shabaab grows.

This provides an opportunity for young people in al Shabaab to stop fighting and join the peace process. The Federal Government appeals to the International Community to assist in the provision of the necessary resources to help these young former fighters which in turn could help us to bring peace and stability back to Somalia.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the humanitarian situation in Somalia: “On 22 September 2014 the Ministerial Committee for Humanitarian Affairs met Mr Philippe Lazzarini, the Head of Humanitarian Affairs for the UN in Somalia.

The main topic for the discussion was the best way to transport desperately needed food aid to rural areas and the need to do more to fundraise so that affected people will get the necessary assistance in time. The Chair of the ministerial committee, H.E. the Minister of Agriculture, Abdi Ahmed Baafo, and Mr Lazzarini held a joint press conference in Mogadishu and highlighted their efforts to work together as partners in order to overcome the looming humanitarian crisis in the country.

The FGS and the UN once again called on the international community to provide urgent assistance to those people in rural areas in order to contain the current situation. So far there are reports that children and women are dying for lack of water and food, which is a desperate situation.”

The Minister of Information praised the speed of development in the Somali Telecommunications sector: “On 22 and 23 September, the development of the Somali telecommunications sector was discussed at a seminar in Nairobi. H.E. Mohamed Adan Ibrahim, the Minister of Posts & Telecommunications, along with officials from the World Bank, the African Development Bank and representatives of various telecommunications companies in Somalia were present at the seminar.

The Minister noted that this was the second conference of its kind and that the aim was to further develop the partnership working between the telecom companies and the FGS in order to provide efficient and value for money services to the population.

The World Bank and the African Development Bank have been supporting the Ministry of Posts & Telecommunications in building up the capacity of the ministry while the FGS has been consulted widely with all stakeholders in the sector with a view to improving the telecom industry.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the Campaign against Corruption: “The government announced the launch of a Public Awareness Campaign to combat corruption in Somalia. The FGS will provide the legislation and all the necessary support but it is the Somali people who can actually stop the corruption.

The campaign will consist of a series of programmes on Somali media outlets including TV, Radio, newspapers, websites (online) and social media, and will include information announcements on what to do when a citizen encounters corruption, along with debates, discussions, call-in programs and public events, all aimed at informing and engaging the population in the battle.

There would be an accompanying civic education programme and we must ensure that tomorrow’s citizens of Somalia as well today’s are fully aware of corruption in all its hideous forms and know what they can do to help stamp it out: the laws, the ways to report it and the punishments.”

The Minister of Information concluded by speaking on on the High Level Meeting for Somalia at the UN headquarters: “On 24 September the Secretary General of the UN organized a High Level Meeting on Somalia to discuss the progress made so far in the country and to plan for the next two years so that elections can take place to schedule.

The Meeting was co-chaired by the President of Somalia, the Secretary General of the UN and the Chairperson of the African Union. H.E. the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, updated participants on the progress made over the last two years in terms of politics, reconciliation, the implementation of Federalism, security improvements and the plans for the elections in 2016.

The Secretary General of the UN, the Chairperson of the AU and other dignitaries praised the progress Somalia has made and encouraged all parties to support the FGS so that they may accomplish the remaining tasks that will lead the nation to peace, stability and prosperity.”

SOMALI MEDIA

President says minor differences within gov’t leadership will not hinder government system

28 Sept – Source: VOA Somali Service – 100 words

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has the first time declared that there were minor differences within the Federal Government top leaders but has played down the negative impact that it could have on the system of the government. “In our system of governance, it is impossible for all officials to hold same views and play similar roles. This is not a military cache.” President Mohamud said during an interview with VOA Somali Service. “I am sure that any differences and any rift will not affect our goals toward transforming the nation from the bad image to a better future.” he added.

Military Court sentences three soldiers to death penalty for armed robbery

28 Sept – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV – 89 words

Somalia’s Military Court on Sunday sentenced three soldiers of the Armed Forces to death penalty after prosecuting them on armed robbery against civilian vehicles between Mogadishu and Afgoye weeks ago. The court’s verdict came after the military tribunal finalized investigations through the alleged armed robbery which the three soldiers involved. “After finding testimonials of the victims with the defendants’ written and verbal admitted to have committed the armed robbery against two civilian passenger buses between Mogadishu and Afgoye, the court ruled the death penalty,” the Military Court Judge said.

Somali President returns from UN General Assembly in New York

28 Sept – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Bar-kulan/Goobjoog – 103 words

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday returned to Somali capital, Mogadishu following his participation in the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The president and his delegation were warmly received at the airport by senior government officials including Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed and Parliament Speaker, Prof. Mohamed Osman Jawari. Speaking briefly after his return to the capital, the president said he and the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon jointly chaired a meeting on Somalia with the international community over Somalia’s progress and challenges ahead on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly meeting.

Somali Prime Minister pays visit to Mogadishu Port

28 Sept – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 86 words

Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed on Saturday paid a visit to Mogadishu Port. The prime minister was accompanied by members from the federal parliament and his cabinet. The visit of the prime minister is largely to assess the situation of the port following complaints from manual workers and business community after Al-Bayrak, a Turkish company landed a contract to manage the port. Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed met members of the business community and manual workers inside the port to listen their complaints and suggestions.

Organizing committee of Garbaharey conference warn interim Juba administration of interference

28 Sept – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 81 words

The Organizing Committee of Gedo Reconciliation conference in Garbaharey warned Jubba interim Administration of interrupting the opening of Garbaharey conference in which is due to kick off in the headquarters of Gedo region. Abdi Shire Warsame the spokesman of the committee told Radio Goobjoog that some members of Interim Juba Administration are creating disorder in the region and interfering the process of the conference. He stated that Garbahareey conference will focused on quick reconciliation between the people in Gedo and Juba regions.

Water scarcity puts lives of people at risk in Galgadud region

28 Sept – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 85 words

There have been reports of acute water scarcity in various parts of Somalia’s central region of Galgadud. Mohamed Ahmed Omar, one of the traditional elders in El-dher district told Bar-kulan that the district and its environs are the most affected areas after a pumping machine at a borehole in the town broke down. Omar said both animals and humans are equally affected by the acute water scarcity in the region. He said a barrel of water is currently being sold at 250 thousand Somali Shillings.

Somali government and Puntland expected to commence talks

28 Sept – Source: RBC – 78 words

Somali western backed federal government and the Somalia semi autonomous state of Puntland is expected to kick off talks in the coming days with the presence of International community. The Prime Minister of the federal government of Somalia Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed representing Somali government and Puntland, Somalia’s north eastern government’s president Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas are scheduled to chair talks that is believed to commence in the coming days while members of the International Somali partners are present.

Somaliland President Silanyo establishes Oil Protection Unit

28 Sept – Source: Somaliland Informer – 71 words

Somaliland’s President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Silanyo has established Oil Protection Unit (OPU) through a presidential decree although its formation has been warned by UN in the first place. This was revealed in a presidential decree # JSL/M/XERM/249-2800/092014, issued by President Ahmed Mahmud Silanyo from the presidency in Hargeisa on the 27th Sept 2014. The OPU will be under the direct command of the police commissioner and the Interior ministry.

Jowhar administration takes preventive measures to curb the spread of Malaria

28 Sept – Source: Radio Mogadishu – 94 words

The administration of Jowhar district and government delegates in region are making efforts to prevent the spread of malaria in the region. Jowhar district commissioner Mohamed Amin Haji Aqiil stated that the outbreak of malaria has seriously affected many people in the region. He reiterated that the federal government is making efforts to avoid the spread of the disease reaching new areas in the region. Mr. Aqiil underlined that the spread of Malaria is due to floods of river Shabelle and there is need to prevent the outbreak from developing into a major crisis.

Turkish Consulate General in Somaliland Starts Issuing Visas

28 Sept – Source: Somaliland TV – 105 words

Turkish Consulate General in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland has just launched the issuance of visas to Turkey. This was revealed in a statement posted on the official twitter page of the consulate. People in Somaliland who wanted to travel to Turkey used to encounter challenges in getting visas, therefore the consulate has started the processing of visas for people who wish to travel to Turkey for different purposes. The issuance of visas has commenced on the 26th Sept. The consulate was set up just a few months ago in Hargeisa and can issue now visas to students as Turkey provides scholarships to Somaliland students.

Somali government puts bounty on al Shabaab leader

27 Sept – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Somali Current – 106 words

The new Director of Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency Gen. Abdirahman Mohamed Turyare has promised to reward $US 2 million on anybody who provides information leading to the arrest of al Shabaab militant group leader Ahmed Omar Abu Ubeyda. Gen. Turyare has also guaranteed to reward $ US 1 million for anyone who gives information that would lead to the killing of the al Qaeda linked leader in the country while assuring to hide the identities of the informers. This is the first time Somali government official particularly in the security sector has pledged a huge bounty on Al Shabaab leader dead or a live.

REGIONAL MEDIA

UN won’t pay Uganda for choppers that crashed over Mt Kenya

28 Sept – Source: Daily Nation – 132 words

The United Nations will not compensate Uganda for the three military helicopters which crashed with ammunition and troops over Mount Kenya en route to the African Union Peace Mission (AMISOM) in Somalia. The three helicopters crashed over Mt Kenya due to bad weather in August 2012, killing seven members and leaving several others injured. “We do not see any positive indicators that the UN shall compensate us for the loss of our helicopters. We have and still are trying to do everything possible to get compensation of the helicopters,” the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, told the press at the army headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala, on Friday. Gen Katumba said efforts by the UPDF to get compensation hit a snag after the UN said the helicopters crashed before reaching the mission area, Somalia.

Somali militants stone woman to death

28 Sept – Source: Al Shahid – 124 words

Somali al Shabaab militants stoned a woman to death in the southern town of Barawe on Friday after a court they had set up declared her guilty of adultery, the militants and witnesses said. The group, which pledges loyalty to al Qaeda, has waged an armed campaign to impose its strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law. Forced out of many areas of the east African country by African Union forces and the Somali army, al Shabaab is keen to show it has authority over areas it still controls. Hundreds gathered to watch the killing of Safia Ahmed Jimale in an open field. The 33-year old mother was buried up to her shoulders and pelted with stones by masked al Shabaab fighters and local men.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somalia will be united by 2016, President tells UN General Assembly

28 Sept – Source: UN News Center – 113 words

Somali-American Leaders Organize Anti-ISIS Meeting

28 Sept – Source: CBS Minnesota – 115 words

Leaders in the Somali-American community are organizing an anti-ISIS town meeting Sunday night. There have been unconfirmed reports that as many as 15 young people, including young women, have left the Twin Cties to join the terrorist group. Doulgas Macarthur McCain, the only confirmed U.S. citizen to die fighting for ISIS, attended Robbinsdale High School in the late 1990’s. Abdirizak Bihi, whose nephew was recruited to fight with a terror group in Somalia in 2008, is one of the organizers of the Sunday meeting. “We want to show the community that we have been combating recruitment by ISIS or by al-Qaeda or by al-Shabab for a long time just by our selves,” he said.

At least 7 injured in northern Kenya blast

27 Sept – Source: News24 – 89 words

At least seven people have been seriously injured in a grenade attack on Friday evening in northern Kenyan town of Garissa that borders Somalia, an official said. Garissa County Commissioner Rashid Khator said the incident took place at around 19:30, and the injured have been rushed to the hospital, with three of them said to be in critical condition. Khator said the unknown assailants hurled two grenades at the crowd that was busy buying groceries at a local shop along Ngamia road, injuring two men and five women.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“We are no different from any other Diaspora throughout world history, and like everyone else, we must rise to the occasion and help support our Somali people around the globe and our Motherland. It is our destiny to come together, learn from our past and work together to bring about a better future for all Somalis. Change doesn’t come easily – it takes hard work and determination — however, as people, we can chart a better future for all Somalis.”

Toward A More Unified Somali Diaspora

28 Sept – Source: Hiiraan Online – 737 words

After decades of war, many Somalis left our Homeland seeking a better future. Today, there are approximately 2 to 3 million Somalis scattered around the world. Many of us immigrated to the United States–and the largest Somali community developed in Minnesota’s Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. While the Somali community has worked to create a network of charitable organizations to help integrate new arrivals and provide supportive services, the Somali community has tended to lack a unified presence of political advocacy. Global Somali Diaspora seeks to fill that void. We strive to be an effective network, based in the United States and the United Kingdom, fostering communication between the various Somali Diaspora communities around the world. Global Somali Diaspora is also organized to inspire Somali people to become more involved in host communities. In doing so, we need to organize, and engage in grassroots and legislative lobbying, to foster stronger, healthier and more engaged Somali communities everywhere. We further envision Global Somali Diaspora to serve as a means for developing future leadership within the Somali communities. Furthermore, we are committed to helping members of the Somali Diaspora learn how to better fit into our host communities. Finally, we need to help host communities understand our history and concerns as we become better neighbors.

“The Somali people are humble; extremely proud, but exceedingly power loving, particularly the expats. If we all try to suit ourselves to our respective professions, ignore our inner desires that lead us to want to lead, we all would find enough space to coexist and contribute to our country’s wellbeing.”

IN SPITE OF ALL—I AM PROUD TO BE A SOMALI!

27 Sept – Source: Wardheer News – 1060 words

Prior to the civil war, the people of Somalia have been peace loving, accommodating, and friendly. Somalia was one of the most peaceful, prosperous, and powerful countries in the Horn of Africa before its sudden collapse in 1991. Despite its centralized and dictatorial administration, the country proved very powerful both militarily and economically. The historical context of the country is full of noble virtues politically, religiously, and philosophically. After the freedom fighters, “The Dervishes”, led by the great Sayid Mohamed who was known as the “Mad Mullah” by the British proved very powerful on ground assaults, Somalia became the first country in Africa to be air bombarded by the British colony. Adan Abdille Osman (Adan Ade) became Somalia’s first president in 1960 and was the first postcolonial African head of state to voluntarily step down after losing an election. While the livestock sector was the backbone of the economy, the agriculture sector was very prosperous in banana and sugar cane, among others. Banana exports to Italy began in 1927 and gained primary importance after 1929. Because the Somali banana was known for its luscious and delectable tests, in 1927 and 1930 Italy passed laws imposing tariffs on all non-Somali bananas.