May 6, 2015 | Morning Headlines
War-Torn Somalia ‘Turning Around’, Kerry Says In Landmark Visit
05 May – Source: AFP/Yahoo News – 700 Words
US Secretary of State John Kerry said Tuesday that war-torn Somalia was facing a better future, as he made a landmark visit as the most senior US official to visit since Washington’s doomed military intervention more than two decades ago. The top US diplomat spent just a few hours in the capital, Mogadishu, and did not venture out of the heavily-fortified airport, where he met Somalia’s internationally-backed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmake. “More than 20 years ago, the United States was forced to pull back from your country,” Kerry said, referring to the infamous ‘Black Hawk Down’ battle of 1993, when 18 American soldiers and hundreds of Somalis were killed during a military and humanitarian intervention that went wrong. “I visited Somalia today because your country is turning around,” Kerry said. “Now we are returning in collaboration with the international community and bearing high hopes – but also mixed with ongoing concerns.”
Kerry’s visit was aimed at giving a diplomatic push to Somalia’s fragile government in their fight against Al-Qaeda’s Somalia branch, the Shebab. Despite losing territory, the militants have continued to attack in the capital, across the country, and in neighbouring states. “The next time I come, we have to be able to just walk downtown,” Kerry said as he met President Mohamud, whose presidential compound — the Villa Somalia — has been a regular target of Shebab suicide attackers. “Downtown Mogadishu is very different now than it was two years ago,” the Somali president replied, asserting that security was steadily improving and describing Kerry’s flying visit as a “great moment” for the chronically unstable nation. Kerry promised further US support for Somalia, a country wracked by war and repeated humanitarian crises since the collapse of Siad Barre’s hardline regime in 1991. “We all have a stake in your success. The world cannot afford to have places on the map that are essentially ungoverned. That is why Somalia’s return to effective government is an historic opportunity,” Kerry said in a video message to the people of Somalia.
Key Headlines
- US Secretary Of State Pays Historic Landmark Visit to Mogadishu (RBC Radio)
- Ugaas Khaliif Airport Resumes Operation (Goobjoog News)
- Minister Of Internal Security Inspects Police Stations In The Capital (Radio Muqdisho)
- After Brief Visit Kerry Leaves Somalia For Djibouti (Radio Danan)
- War-Torn Somalia ‘Turning Around’ Kerry Says In Landmark Visit (AFP/Yahoo News)
- Suspected Al-Shabaab Youths Arrested After Return From Somalia (Standard Media)
- Kenya Snubs Somalia Rwanda Tie (Super Sport)
- Brig. Ondoga Acquitted Of Eight Charges (New Vision)
- Kenyans Hoping US Has Answers To Security Problems (VoA)
- The U.S. And Somalia: From ‘Black Hawk Down’ To John Kerry’s Visit (CNN)
- Secretary Kerry Delivers A Video Message To People Of Somalia (US State Department)
NATIONAL MEDIA
US Secretary Of State Pays Historic Landmark Visit to Mogadishu
05 May – Source: RBC Radio – 190 Words
The United States’ third most powerful official, John Kerry, paid a historical, unannounced visit to Mogadishu, RBC Reports. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and regional administration heads were waiting to welcome Kerry. The plane carrying the official received a warm reception at Aden Adde International Airport. Efforts to secure Mogadishu intensified as main city roads were closed in a bid to step up security for Kerry’s visit. The meeting reportedly focused on the United States’ commitment to support the Somali peace process according the statement released by the State Department on Kerry’s visit to Mogadishu. “Secretary Kerry landed in Mogadishu, Somalia to reinforce the United States commitment to supporting Somalia’s ongoing transition to a peaceful democracy,” State Department spokesperson Marie Harf said. The visit had not been announced prior to the American dignitary’s arrival.
Ugaas Khaliif Airport Resumes Operation
05 May – Source: Goobjoog News – 120 Words
The Beledweyne administration confirmed that normal operations at the Ugaas Khaliif Airport have now resumed. A well-organized opening ceremony held at the airport was attended Hiraan administration officials, commanders of the Djibouti contingent under AMISOM, and members of civil society. Beledweyne Mayor, Omar Baadiyow speaking at the ceremony said that the airport has one runway designated with a crushed rock and packed sand surface, and that it is temporary airport which will make landing and taking off difficult for planes during rainy seasons. Use of the airport was suspended following heavy downpours in Somalia’s central regions over the last two months. Omar requested the federal government, traders, and international NGOs lend support to his administration to expand the airport.
Minister Of Internal Security Inspects Police Stations In The Capital
05 May – Source: Radio Muqdisho – 119 Words
The Federal Minister of Internal Security, Abdirisak Omar Mohamed, inspected four police stations in Mogadishu last night. Mohamed said his visits were aimed at observing how police forces in parts of Benadir district were maintaining security on the night shift, saying it was an impromptu inspection. Mohamed said he visited police stations in Waberi, Hodan,Shangani, and Abdi’asis neighbourhoods in Benadir district, adding that he saw policemen who were doing their best, while others were not as alert as they are required to be.
After Brief Visit, Kerry Leaves Somalia For Djibouti
05 May – Source: Radio Danan – 224 Words
After a few hours visiting the Somali capital, the US Secretary of State John Kerry travelled to Djibouti where he’s expected to meet American military officers at Camp Lemonnier, the US’ largest military camp in Africa. During his visit in Mogadishu, Kerry held talks with Somali leaders, glamorizing the ‘great’ progress in Somalia after the ouster of Islamist insurgents from Mogadishu in 2011.“This is a very important moment for Somalia,” Kerry said. “Great progress has been made, and you have all contributed to that progress… most importantly, obviously, the need to provide your citizens with the safety and security that they want and need.”
His visit follows a visit he paid to Kenya where Al-Shabab militants have killed hundreds of people in attacks which started after Kenya sent troops to Somalia following a spate of kidnappings of foreign tourists which Kenya blamed to the militants.Kerry’s trip was made under tight security conditions. Somalia’s government only found out a day prior that Kerry would join the State Department’s top Africa official, Linda Greenfield-Thomas, on the voyage. Kerry only dipped his toe in Somalia, and did not venture past the fortified airport, highlighting how dangerous and unstable the country still is. In Djibouti, Mr. Kerry is expected to spend time with American soldiers at Camp Lemonnier, the only permanent US military base in Africa.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Suspected Al-Shabaab Youths Arrested After Return From Somalia
05 May – Source: Standard Media – 556 Words
A man is being held over alleged links with the Al-Shabaab terror group. The man is said to have disappeared from his home only to return after a year with documents suggesting he travelled to Somalia. Moris Mwakina Tolle alias Idris Hassan Tole was arrested at Mgange-Nyika trading centre in Taita sub-county on Sunday. Taita OCPD Benjamin Muhia said they recovered from the 23-year-old suspect three Somali currency notes, Arabic literature, three mobile phones and five sim cards including bus tickets showing he had come from Garissa. Police said they acted on information from the public and intercepted the suspect at Mgange-Nyika trading centre and took him to his house where the items were recovered. Mr Muhia told The Standard at his office yesterday that the suspect had been out of the country for the past one year, where he is suspected to have joined the Al-Shabaab terror group in Somalia. “Residents became suspicious after they spotted the suspect who had been away for the past one year. They alerted the police who swung into action and arrested him. We suspect he is a member of the terrorist gang,” said the police officer.
Muhia said the suspect converted to Islam while in Garissa town. “We believe the suspect had been radicalised and had been receiving some training in Somalia before he came back home last month,” he said. Mr Tolle was handed over to the Voi Divisional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for further interrogation and action. Muhia said after Tolle completed his primary school education, he later joined Mwanjila Youth Polytechnic in Mwatate sub-county where he graduated as a mechanic. A fortnight ago, County Commissioner Oningoi ole Sosio said no youth had so far surrendered to the Government following the extension of the 10-day amnesty period. “We have not heard cases of local youth who have joined terrorist group Al-Shabaab in the region,” said the county commissioner. Speaking to The Standard, Mr Sosio said the amnesty still stands for those who want to surrender. “Cases of youths joining the terror gangs in Somalia have not been reported in the region. We do not have them here,” he declared.
Kenya Snubs Somalia, Rwanda Tie
05 May – Source: SuperSport – 290 Words
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has declined to host the Caf U-23 qualifier between Somalia and Rwanda set for May 9 earlier scheduled to be at the Moi International sports centre at Kasarani, Nairobi. In a letter dated May 4, FKF secretary general Michael Esakwa noted that, “Following your national association’s (Somalia) letter dated 14th April 2015 requesting to play the above return leg match in Kenya, our federation has been willing to host your team on the weekend of 9th/10th May 2015.” “Arising from the security situation in our region, it is mandatory that we must get clearance from the Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also we wish to bring to your attention that on Saturday, 9th May 2015 the day you have requested for the match we shall be hosting the Botswana National Team at the Nyayo National Stadium in the same competition.”
“We therefore [take] this opportunity to inform the Somalia Football Federation that in lieu of the lack of getting the necessary Government’s clearance, Football Kenya Federation is therefore regrettably constrained to host the above referenced match.” SFF secretary general Hassan Mohamed Mohamud had earlier written to Ferwafa copying Caf and FKF that the return leg fixture will be hosted at Kasarani. Rwanda Football Federation (Ferwafa) has requested Caf to intervene and ask SFF where the return leg will be held on May 9. The winner of this tie will face Uganda and the team that emerges victorious from that encounter will face Egypt in the final round of qualification for the CAF U-23 Championship slated for December 5-19 in Senegal. The top three teams at the continental showpiece will qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.
Brig. Ondoga Acquitted Of Eight Charges
05 May – Source: New Vision – 548 Words
The General Court Martial has dismissed all charges against Brig. Michael Ondoga, the former commander of the Ugandan peacekeeping contingent in Somalia. Ondoga who was deployed under African Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) was facing two counts of failure to brief, three counts of failure to execute one’s duties, offences related to operations, interfering with the process of law and disobeying lawful orders. The court presided over by Maj. General Levi Karuhanga Tuesday ruled that prosecution had failed to adduce evidences to prove the ingredients of the offences to a degree that would require Ondoga be put on his defence. The court stated that there was evidence that a tank and its crew were destroyed by the enemy but there was no sufficient evidence to prove that the Ondoga failed to deploy 1500 troops. The court also dismissed the charges on grounds that prosecution evidences (PWs) with regard to the source of information of the 1500 troop’s deployment were riddled with inconsistencies. “The source of deployment was a falsehood by the contradictions in the PWs. This leaves court speculating on whose version to rely on and raises doubt in the minds of court” Karuhanga stated.
The court dismissed the charges basing on testimonies of prosecution witness 1, 2 and 8. PW1, Edson Muhanguzi testified that he got information related to the deployment of Ugandan troops from Lt. Col. Akiiki Rugadya who was never called as a witness. PW2 Lt. Col. Laurence Kansiime told court that his source of information was a document from FC headquarters, which he not produce while PW8 Maj. Ruziro Nuwagaba testified that during a meeting with Battalion Group 10, authorities requested for 1500 troops for deployment. Karuhanga ruled that prosecution failed to adduce evidence challenging the CONTICO statement in his Operational Orders (OPORDS) that Force Commander, Lt. Gen Andrew Gutti directed him to deploy 1000 troops. Prosecution says that Ondoga on September 6, 2012 launched and operation from Afgooye to Baidoa in Somalia without operational orders and committed 1000 troops instead of 1500. Prosecution further says that Ondoga failed to provide combat rations to wit food and water, failed to stop irregular transfer of subordinates, diverted operational fuel, obstructed investigations and failed to execute lawful orders to distribute tinned food equally among battlegroups.
Kenyans Hoping US Has Answers To Security Problems
04 May – Source: VOA – 520 Words
On the streets of Nairobi, Kenyans are talking about a photograph on page two of The People’s Daily newspaper. Attached to a story about John Kerry’s visit, it shows a heavily-armed American soldier, in full body armor, with an assault rifle in his hands and another sidearm strapped to his leg. Next to him is a Kenyan police officer seemingly unarmed in a standard issue uniform, no body armor, standing with his arms behind his back. For Chery Ogola, the picture is worth a thousand words. “The Kenyan policeman is just plain; it’s just the uniform that tells you he’s a policeman, otherwise you would mistake him for a watchman,” says the 24-year-old student. “He doesn’t have any sort of protection, even a gun holder, a simple gun holder. It’s a very bad image.” Although the picture isn’t truly indicative of the preparation of Kenyan security forces on the whole, Ogola says it sends a message to Kenya’s enemies. “It’s so bad. It shows the level of security we have, and it’s so saddening,” she said. “I’m sure if someone was planning an attack, even if they don’t know anything about Kenya, if they just see what we have to present, that can really tell them a lot. And those are the loopholes they take advantage of.”
Like other Kenyans still reeling from a recent spate of attacks by the al-Qaida-linked, Somalia-based al-Shabab militants, Ogola is hoping this week’s visit by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will mean greater U.S. support for Kenya’s war on terror. In fact, much of the talk surrounding the diplomatic stopover has focused on specifically what kind of assistance the United States can provide. Lorraine Mumia, a student in Mombasa, is one of many Kenyans still shaken by the group’s April assault on a university campus in the northeastern town of Garissa that left 148 people dead, and had many in the country crying out for better security. “Personally, I lost a cousin in Garissa [to] al-Shabab. She had like five bullets in her,” said Mumia. “When we were going to see her in the morgue, I could not even recognize her. So we really need that addressed — security. We really need that.” The U.S. gave about $10 million in direct counterterror support to Kenya in 2014 and has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to help fund and equip the African Union mission in Somalia known as AMISOM, of which Kenya is a member.
OPINION/ANALYSIS/CULTURE
“I visited Somalia today because your country is turning around. Three years have passed since a new provisional constitution was adopted and a parliament sworn in. With help from AMISOM, Somali forces have pushed al-Shabaab out of major population centers…Most of the credit goes to you, the people of Somalia. Because of you, new life has returned to the streets of Mogadishu, Kismayo, Baidoa, and Garowe, and elsewhere.”
Secretary Kerry Delivers A Video Message To People Of Somalia
05 May – Source: US Department of State – Video – 5:25 Minutes
Today, I was privileged to be the first American Secretary of State to visit Somalia. I met with your government leaders and civil society representatives. But I also wanted to take the opportunity to talk to you, the people of Somalia. More than 20 years ago, the United States was forced to pull back from your country. Now we are returning in collaboration with the international community and bearing high hopes but also mixed with ongoing concerns.
My brief visit confirmed what our diplomats have been telling me: That Somalis are resilient and determined to reclaim your country and your future from the terrorists and militia groups that have been attempting to steal it. Over the past quarter century, you have known immense suffering from violence, from criminals, from sectarian strife, from dire shortages of food, and from an inability to remain safely even within your villages and homes…
“The first ambassador in more than 20 years: February 24, 2015: In recent years, the Obama administration has sought to improve ties with Somalia, recognizing the government in Mogadishu in January 2013 — the first time in more than two decades. In February of this year, President Obama nominated Katherine S. Dhanani as the first U.S. ambassador to Somalia since the early 1990s.”
The U.S. And Somalia: From ‘Black Hawk Down’ To John Kerry’s Visit
05 May – Source: CNN – Videos – 837 Words
John Kerry arrived in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, on Tuesday, becoming the first U.S. secretary of state ever to visit the unstable east African nation. During his time there, Kerry is scheduled to meet with a range of Somali leaders, including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Kerry’s visit is just the latest twist in the long and often difficult history of U.S. involvement in Somalia. Here are some of the moments that still resonate from the past few decades of conflict, kidnappings and efforts to engage.
A humanitarian intervention with mission creep: December 4, 1992: Near the end of his time in office, President George H.W. Bush ordered thousands of U.S. troops into Somalia, leading a U.N. effort to ensure food supplies to starving people in the war-torn nation. Somalia at the time was being ripped apart by clan warfare after the downfall of its former strongman ruler, Mohammed Siad Barre. But the U.S. mission morphed beyond its original humanitarian goals and was sucked into the messy conflict.
The Battle of Mogadishu: October 3, 1993: After the ambush and killing of 24 Pakistani peacekeepers in June 1993, U.N. troops in Somalia went on the offensive against the forces of the warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid. That culminated in the infamous “Battle of Mogadishu,” a raid by U.S. Army Rangers and Delta Force teams to capture some of Aidid’s associates that went disastrously awry. Two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters were shot down by rocket-propelled grenades over Mogadishu, setting off a raging firefight in which 18 U.S. soldiers and hundreds of Somalis were killed. Soon after the battle, which was later dramatized in the movie “Black Hawk Down,” President Bill Clinton pulled U.S. forces out of Somalia. The bloody events left a lasting reluctance in Washington to intervene in chaotic foreign conflicts.
The kidnapping of Capt. Phillips: April 8, 2009: Somali pirates have taken advantage of their country’s lawlessness and proximity to key international shipping routes to launch raids on hundreds of vessels over the years, often taking captives. One of the most high-profile assaults was on the cargo ship Maersk Alabama in April 2008, a hostage drama that spawned the movie “Captain Phillips.” On April 8, four armed pirates boarded the ship about 380 miles off the Somali coast. After failing to take control, the pirates seized Phillips and held him on a small lifeboat for days. On April 12, U.S. Navy SEALs stepped in, killing three of the kidnappers, capturing the fourth and rescuing Phillips.