July 24, 2015 | Morning Headlines

Main Story

Research Finding On Citizen’s Perception Of Peace And Stabilization Initiative In Somalia Released

22 July – Source: AMISOM/UNSOM – Video – 4:38 Minutes

Findings from a survey conducted by Research firm Ipsos were released yesterday in Mogadishu, Somalia, indicating perceptions of the citizens’ on peace and stabilization initiatives in the country. The findings show that three-quarters of Somalis are optimistic about the country’s future and 72-percent of Somalis believe they hold the solution to their destiny. The survey was conducted from December 2014 to February 2015. It is positive about the intervention of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), in the country’s peace-building efforts, with over 65-percent of Somalis showing support for AMISOM.

The findings were shared with Somali government officials, members of civil society, the Somali Youth Forum, the media and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia Director, Strategic Communications & Public Affair Ms Cassandra Nelson. “The optimism of the Somali people that is reflected in the survey results can be attributed to a lot of things that are going right in the country, including ongoing political progress towards Vision 2016 and delivery of the New Deal Somali Compact,” said Ms Nelson during the ceremony. The research shows significant recognition of the work of the United Nations in Somalia in enhancing the lives of ordinary Somalis; with nearly half of the population agreeing that the humanitarian situation in the country is improving.

Speaking during the ceremony, Somali Federal Minister for Information, Culture & Tourism, Mohamed Abdi Hayir (Mareye) said such studies are very important in informing the recovery processes in the country. “Today we have attended a presentation of scientific research findings which was carried out by IPSOS in four regions of Somalia. This truly touched on so many issues, for example the people’s perception regarding governance, politics, AMISOM and also education. The people’s support to those they want to intervene and solve their disagreements and lead them politically and also many issues concerning their lives. This study is the first one that has been done in a long time in Somalia,” said Minister Mareye.

Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Salad, chairman of Association of Somali scholars noted that the positive perceptions and attitudes of the population point to progress in the country. “Today, I have attended a conference for unveiling research findings that surveyed the views of a lot of people. The subjects were asked a lot of important questions. The questions asked were very important according to my understanding, the results are also vital. In general it identifies that the people are open minded, if the Somali person speaks neutrally, he speaks well while interpreting his religion, his country and speaks truly about his needs and feelings. So frankly I appreciate those who have carried out the study. I am also happy, although the communities have witnessed a lot of problems during the years; they are still mentally healthy, lively and still holding on to the essentials like their religion, their country and their collective interests,” noted Sheikh Bashir.

Fadumo Abdi Warsame (Fadumo Qaran) the chairperson of Somali Youth forum who was one of the supervisors of the field researchers called on the government and partners to utilize the findings in addressing the issues important to society. “This program of the unveiling of this study is one that I am very happy with. Somalia needs many in-depth scientific researches because when a country collapses and confusion ensues, the people will need everything done through such studies for recovery. I am very happy with the way this research was carried. I am different from the rest because I had been a fieldwork supervisor in this research program which was conducted by the Somali youth. I thank all the youth from those 4 regions for their contribution as well as both international and local organisations for their role. I am hoping that the Somali people will use those findings positively as intended. These are some of the things that we were missing and I expect the Somali people to utilize it,” he said.

Key Headlines

Research Finding On Citizen’s Perception Of Peace And Stabilization Initiative In Somalia Released (AMISOM/UNSOM)
Somali Defence Minister Unveils Plans To Retrieve New Strategic Towns From Al-Shabaab (Goobjoog News)
Somalia Leader IGAD and UN Diplomats Arrive In Adaado (Mareeg Media)
Puntland President Ponders Dissolving Eyl District Council (Garowe Online)
Jubaland Forces Set To Launch Offensive On Haregeisa Yarey Town Of Lower Jubba Region (Wacaal Media)
Dawn To Dusk Curfew Imposed On Just Recovered Bardhere (Goobjoog News)
Somali Government Says It Is Ready For Al-Shabaab Defectors (Mareeg Media)
U.S. Launches Airstrikes Against Al Qaeda Affiliate Al-Shabaab In Somalia (Los Angeles Times)
KDF Kill 24 Al-Shabaab Militants In Somalia (Capital FM)
Fake Democracy And Governance” Can’t Create Stable Somali State (Hiiraan Online)

NATIONAL MEDIA

Somali Defence Minister Unveils Plans To Retrieve New Strategic Towns From Al-Shabaab

23 July – Source: Goobjoog News – 253 Words

Somali National Army and African Union peacekeeping troops forced Al-Shabaab fighters out of Bardhere which has been under the control of Al-Shabaab for the last couple of years. The Minister of Defense Ali Dini has first applauded the coalition forces that have captured Al-Shabaab from Bardhere. “The bravery soldiers who defeated Al-Shabaab and liberated this town deserve everything from their country which they are defending from the criminal fanatics” The minister also talked about the government’s plans to attack on new areas under Al-Shabaab rule “we are not letting any inch of land to remain under the control of Al-Shabaab anymore” Analyst believe that this last offensive could have a devastating impact on Al-Shabaab if the Federal Government and AMISOM troops take this advantage to seek the trust of liberated territories residents.

African Union and Somali troops rolled into Bardhere Wednesday morning with ease after weeks of military buildup and airstrikes as the militant group Al-Shabaab fled the town effectively denying them one of their last revenue sources. The Al-Al-Shabaab, meaning “youth” in Arabic, emerged out of a bitter insurgency against Ethiopia, whose troops entered Somalia in 2006 in a US-backed invasion to topple the Islamic Courts Union that was then controlling the capital Mogadishu. Al-Shabaab fighters continue to stage frequent attacks, seeking to counter claims that they are close to defeat after losing territory in the face of repeated African Union and Somali government offensives, regular US drone strikes against their leaders and defections.

Somalia Leader, IGAD and UN Diplomats Arrive In Adaado

23 Words – Source: Mareeg Media – 144 Words

The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his delegates have on Thursday arrived in Adado town to attend the inauguration ceremony of newly elected Galmudug state leader. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and United Nations ambassadors to Somalia, have also reached Adaado town for participation of the inauguration ceremony that is going on in the town. The Thursday’s inaugural ceremony is being part-taken by Somali lawmakers, ministers, regional and government officials, politicians, civil society organizations and other international dignitaries. Meanwhile, Sadak Dahir Mire, chairman committee of organizing the inaugural ceremony told Shabelle Media that ministers, regional and gov’t officials and representatives had arrived in the town for attending the occasion. However, the town is secured by Somali government troops, along with African Union peacekeeping forces from Ethiopia, in a bid to thwart Al- Shabaab fighters’ attempts during the inaugural ceremony.

Puntland President Ponders Dissolving Eyl District Council

23 July – Source: Garowe Online – 150 Words

The President of Somalia’s Puntland Government, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali is pondering a plan to dissolve Eyl municipal council. Eyl town council’s mandate will expire by June 2016 and no internal dissension involving municipality has been reported of. Sources further noted that moves are underway for the appointment of interim mayor for historic Eyl coastal town. With the exception of Gardo, Ali replaced mayors and Governors of Bari and Nugal regions in May and early June respectively. The sacking spurred doubts over how developmental projects can materialize without representative city councils. Delay in the structuring of new councilors for Bossaso and Garowe has already come to light as deadline of key development programmes is drawing closer. International partners have been assisting Puntland in efficiency and responsiveness of local governance since 2006.

Jubaland Forces Set To Launch Offensive On Haregeisa Yarey Town Of Lower Jubba Region

23 July – Source: Wacaal Media – 147 Words

Jubaland forces have this morning embarked on a journey to free Hargeisa-yarey town from the rule of Al-Shabaab militants. Confirming the impending offensive to Wacaal media, Abdirashid Adan Libaah, a commander of IJA forces who left Afmadoow today, said that they will not rest until they dislodge the militants from the town which is in Lower Jubba region. Additional forces trained in Afmadoow were also dispatched to several key areas in the region. Sources told Wacaal media that Al-Shabaab militants have moved to these settlements after they were driven out of most of their strongholds in Gedo and Bay regions among others. Jubaland seems determined to capture all it’s its territories that were currently in the hands of Al-Shabaab militants.

Dawn To Dusk Curfew Imposed On Just Recovered Bardhere

23 July – Source: Goobjoog News – 133 Words

AMISOM troops and Somali National Army has imposed dusk to dawn curfew in Bardere which the forces have recovered yesterday from Al-Shabaab fighters. Col. Abbas Ibrahim Gurey of SNA has told Goobjoog News that the curfew is intended to secure the city and prevent from any ambush. The small number of residents who remained in the city stayed indoors and only few has ventured into the streets as majority of the residents fled as troops advanced to the city. According to Gurey, the troops are trying hard to consolidate their gains against Al-Shabaab and would soon address the residents in public to convey a message of peace. Al-Shabaab withdrew from the city yesterday ahead of imminent offensive by AMISOM and SNA, they have been controlling the city for more than 7 years.

Somali Government Says It Is Ready For Al-Shabaab Defectors

23 July – Source: Mareeg Media – 227 Words

Federal Government of Somalia has said it is ready to welcome Al-Shabaab fighters who defect and renounce violence as military operations alone cannot bring peace and stability. Minister for Information Mohamed Abdi Hayir Mareye reiterated government’s amnesty plan for those willing to surrender to the government. “We offer amnesty provided the individual meets four simple conditions: reject Al-Shabaab; renounce violence; commit to participation in the peace process and the reconstruction of the country; and be an ambassador to others still trapped within al-Shabaab,” he said. Mareye added that Somali National Army supported by African Union peacekeeping troops are making significant gains in the frontline against armed group Al-Shabaab and congratulated SNA and AMISOM for success in Bay, Bakol and Gedo region.

“The recent offensive against the terrorist group, Al-Shabaab, aims to retake all remaining areas under their control so that the people in these areas will be able to enjoy peace and stability.” He also called upon the humanitarian organizations to assist the government in helping those fleeing the offensive as the government does not have sufficient funds. “I call on all humanitarian agencies to urgently provide food aid and shelter for those families as they try to rebuild their lives,” he said. Federal Government of Somalia amnesty plea comes as Somali National Army backed by AMISOM troops recaptured Bardhere from Al-Shabaab on Tuesday.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

U.S. Launches Airstrikes Against Al Qaeda Affiliate Al-Shabaab In Somalia

23 July – Source: Los Angeles Times – 439 Words

The United States carried out as many as six airstrikes using drones in southern Somalia in the past week, shifting to a far more direct role in the decade-old fight against Al Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab militants, American officials said. The strikes, which preceded President Obama’s arrival in neighboring Kenya on Friday, were concentrated near the coastal town of Baraawe, where troops from Kenya and other African countries have been battling Al-Shabaab militants for weeks. Kenyan forces followed up with an artillery barrage that killed more than 50 fighters, officials said. The U.S. cast the drone strikes as a defensive maneuver to stop what appeared to be Al-Shabaab fighter movements preceding an attack on a military base. The Pentagon has provided intelligence, training and other logistical support to the fledgling Somali army and to African troops based there for years, but until recently confined its direct role in the fighting to targeted drone strikes and special operations raids against the group’s leadership.

“It’s a change in how we’re providing support,” said a U.S. military official. “Up until now, we’ve focused strikes on high-value targets. These strikes were launched to defend forces on the ground.” U.S. Africa Command, which oversees military operations on the continent, confirmed the airstrikes. U.S. strikes with Hellfire missiles have aided African Union forces, made up of soldiers from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia and Djibouti, conducting a ground operation to take back major Somali towns, including the capital of Mogadishu. When U.S. surveillance drones spotted Al-Shabaab fighters gathering in large numbers last week to attack a military base being used by African Union and Somali army troops, the U.S. decided to act, officials said.

KDF Kill 24 Al-Shabaab Militants In Somalia

23 July – Source: Capital FM – 373 Words

Twenty Four Al Shabaab militants have been killed in another offensive by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in Somalia. Military Spokesman David Obonyo disclosed that the terrorists were confronted when AMISOM forces captured Bardere Bridge where they recovered 25 AK-47 rifles. “AMISOM forces together with Somalia National Army (SNA) have captured the strategic Bardhere Bridge. The capture of the bridge was a culmination of AMISOM operation ‘Juba Corridor’ which started on 14th July 2015. The operation commenced from Fafadun and involved the liberation of a series of towns from Tarako, Jungal – bombarded by artillery a week ago and Tawakal,” he said. He stated that four Somali soldiers were killed during the attack that occurred early Wednesday that also left two Kenyan soldiers wounded.

“In the morning engagement at Tawakal before capturing the bridge, 24 Al Shabaab terrorists were killed, four others were injured and one technical vehicle was destroyed. The AMISOM/SNA forces seized 25 AK-47 rifles, one PKM machine gun and assorted rounds of ammunition,” he said. “Bardhere Bridge is the main gateway into Gedo. The Al Shabaab militia has predominantly used the bridge to move their fighters, weapons, ammunition and contraband goods into Gedo and wreck havoc into the Northern parts of Kenya. The loss of the bridge is therefore a major operational milestone in the fight against Al Shabaab and plays and integral part in shaping up operations for the ultimate capture of Bardhere town,” he stated.

OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE

“Matt Bryden predicted that “a future Somali state might thus resemble a patchwork of semi-autonomous territories defined in whole or in part by clan affiliation…” Today Somalia is facing the specter of final partition upon the emergence of the patchwork semi-autonomous territories without central authority.”

Fake Democracy And Governance” Can’t Create Stable Somali State

23 July – Source: Hiiraan Online – 1,281 Words

The future of Somalia remains uncertain because of, among others, the mismatch between the political choice, structure, and direction articulated in the Provisional Constitution which is grounded in the Islamic values and in the concept of political and economic liberalism and the Somali leaders’ contemptable actions and behaviors motivated by personal interests, self-preservation, and self-aggrandizement. With the exception of late President Adan Abdulle Osman (PUH) and few others, the Somali leaders failed to strive to adhere to the best of their ability to the letter and spirit of the constitutionally adopted political system of governance. Democracy and Good Governance are set of principles and concepts to be practiced by state leaders for promoting the security, stability, harmony, and prosperity of their people in the face of complex challenges from diversity and difference in religion, individual greed and ambition, opinions, and clan rivalries. State fragility arises or persists when the actions and behaviors of the leaders are in clear violations of the objectives and requirement of good governance principles.

Incidentally, during the Italian trusteeship administration in the Southern regions of Somalia, the Italian Governors observed the basic principles of UN Charter – respect of human rights and individual freedom, justice, equality, fairness, political, economic, social, and institutional development and admonished Italian officials accused of fascist behaviors. Most importantly, they sought the trust of the local population in order to implement their responsibilities. The mutual trust between the local population and the Italian administration facilitated the successful completion of necessary institutions and legal instruments for the transfer of power to the elected Somali leaders. Apparently, the four Italian administrators exercised prudence and moral behavior in fulfilling their mandates. Fortunately, upon independence, the first Somali parliament elected H.E Adan Abdulle Osman (Adan Adde) (PUH) as the first President of the Somali Republic. He consciously focused on the consolidation of the nascent State by strictly adhering to the letter and spirit of the constitution, rule of law, the principles of good governance, and desisting from engaging not only in illegal and unethical behavior but in any legitimate action that can be remotely misconstrued.