December 28, 2015 | Morning Headlines
Somali Aid Workers Kidnapped In Gedo Have Been Freed
27 December – Source: Shabelle News – 94 Words
Three Somali aid workers who were abducted by Al-Shabaab gunmen in Gedo region have been freed after being held for hours, according to a local official in Bardere town.Following efforts made by local elders, Al-Shabaab freed the three Somali aid workers and their driver who have been kidnapped in Gedo region on Saturday morning while they were on vaccination campaign at rural areas.The abduction took place at Tubako area, 15Km south west of Bardere city after armed militants intercepted a vehicle in which the aid workers were travelling in, according to the residents
Key Headlines
- Somali Aid Workers Kidnapped In Gedo Have Been Freed (Shabelle News)
- Political Meetings Banned In Belet Weyne (Goobjoog News)
- Senior Government Official Gunned Down In Mogadishu (Wacaal Media)
- Mogadishu Mayor Urges Public Support In Securing Capital (Hiiraan Online)
- Upper Bakool Leader Says Not Open To Talks With South West State In First Interview (Garowe Online)
- Two Police Officers Killed In Al-Shabaab Attack In Mandera (Daily Nation)
- Resurgence In Insurgent Attacks Stall Revival Of Mogadishu ( DPA)
- African Union Hails Outgoing Nigerian Police Contingent For Job Well Done In Somalia (AMISOM)
- The Magnificent Mogadishu I Did Not Know (Nep Journal)
- Mogadishu’s Peace Garden Attracts Hundreds Of Families Every Weekend (CCTV)
NATIONAL MEDIA
Political Meetings Banned In Belet Weyne
27 December – Source: Goobjoog News – 142 Words
The newly appointed Hiiraan Governor, Yusuf Ahmed Hagar has said that political meetings cannot be held in the region without the administration permission. “I would like to caution all politicians and traditional elders against holding political meetings in the region especially in Beletweyne, we want to address the security issues first,” he said. This comes at a time when intellectuals, politicians and traditional elders are holding meetings to discuss on matters relating the upcoming state formation.
The governor also sent a stern warning to individuals whom he accused of fueling the clan tensions in Belet Weyne town. “We will hold accountable anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Hiiraan province,” said Yusuf. The new governor has urged the local residents of Hiiraan to participate in maintaining security and tranquility to prevent the recurrent clan feud in western Belet Weyne town.
Senior Government Official Gunned Down In Mogadishu
27 December – Source: Wacaal Media – 60 Words
Suspected members of Al-Shabaab early Saturday morning gunned down a senior government officer in Mogadishu’s Dharkenley district. An eyewitness confirmed to Wacaal media the death of Anshur Arale. The officer was accosted by two men armed with pistols at Ajabka estate. No one was arrested although security officers arrived in the area to launch investigations into the matter immediately.
Mogadishu Mayor Urges Public Support In Securing Capital
27 December – Source: Hiiraan Online – 244 Words
Mogadishu mayor urged Somali capital’s residents to expand support for the Somali security forces to secure the city which is facing deadly attacks by the Al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabaab group which continues its guerrilla attacks across the country. Security is a major challenge for the city which is recovering from decades of war following the ouster of Islamist insurgents from the city and surrounding regions.
Yusuf Hussein, Mogadishu mayor says that public support for security forces would be more helpful than other things for the troops, calling on the city’s residents to stand by with them to improve security. “With your support, security can be maintained and security agencies will be able to provide reliable security.” He said at a security meeting in Mogadishu Saturday.
His remarks come after the Somali government has recently unveiled a “holistic” plan to bolster security in the capital, Mogadishu, and other parts of the country. As parts of the plan, the government has deployed hundreds of troops across the city to prevent possible attacks by Al-Shabab. In Addition, The plan would focus on safeguarding the seaside city from militants’ attacks as parts of a national stabilization plan to restore peace to the horn of Africa nation after more than two decades of war.Last year, Somali government has also unveiled an ambitious National Security and Stabilization Plan (NSSP), which outlines plans to rebuild Somalia’s armed forces and including police. The plan also aims to restore ‘stable’ judiciary system.
Upper Bakool Leader Says Not Open To Talks With South West State In First Interview
27 December – Source: Garowe Online – 196 Words
Garowe Online has talked to the self-proclaimed Upper Bakool Administration leader about any future talks with Southwest State and the plans ahead on Sunday. Ahmed Nur Sheikh Mohamed ruled out in an interview with Garowe Online possibility of negotiating with Southwest State President Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan on the motives behind the fresh split. He accused Baidoa-based interim administration of political negligence and lack of attention to the mounting grievances among inhabitants of three districts in ‘Upper Bakool region’. He claimed that community leaders representing El Barde, Yeed and Aato districts elected him and his deputy to presidency.
Asked if they will ponder talks, Upper Bakool leader insisted that final say lies in hands of local residents. Meanwhile in Baidoa, Southwest State Information Minister Hassan Abdi Mohamed dismissed Upper Bakool administration as ‘phantom’ in a separate interview. On Saturday, Puntland expressed its support for the existence of Upper Bakool in yet another twist exposing how differences are looming larger on electoral transition by 2016 when the mandate of current government ends. Puntland and Southwest leaders appear not to be standing in the same pace ahead of critical forum in the southern port city of Kismayo in January.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Two Police Officers Killed In Al-Shabaab Attack In Mandera
27 December – Source: Daily Nation – 351 Words
Two police officers were on Sunday killed and several others injured in an Al-Shabaab attack on a police vehicle in Mandera County.Mandera County Commissioner Fredrick Shisia said the militants attacked the police vehicle as it was escorting the Fino Police Station OCS to Takaba through El Wak Town at around 10:30am.Mr Shisia blamed the success of the attack on poor travel arrangement by security officers.”We cannot have six officers going through the area because it has been marked as a hot spot for quite some time. Similar mistakes led to the loss of a military officer and others who have been injured last month at the same spot,” Mr Shisia said.
The attack happened near the area where a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer was killed and two others injured after they were ambushed by militants as they drove towards Mandera two weeks ago.The area is close to the Kenya-Somalia border making it easy for militants to slip back to the neighbouring country after staging attacks or planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
On Saturday, a suspected militant was killed and three others injured after an IED they were planting on the road exploded when they spotted security forces on patrol approaching.Kenya Defence Forces and Kenya Police officers were on patrol in Garsesala, within Dabacity Town, when they spotted the suspects planting the IEDs near the scene where Muslim passengers shielded Christians from an attack last week.
Resurgence In Insurgent Attacks Stall Revival Of Mogadishu
27 December – Source: DPA – 549 Words
A resurgence in deadly attacks by the Islamist insurgent group al-Shabaab in recent months has stalled attempts by the citizens of Mogadishu to revive their the city after years of civil war.Assassinations of government workers, journalists and aid workers have become a common occurrence in the city, with the insurgents targeting private hotels and supermarkets.”As our Somali politicians and their international partners are busy with the country’s next elections in 2016, Al-Shabaab is coming back with deadly attacks and new brutality here on the ground,” businessman Yusuf Ali told dpa.
In December alone, more than 34 people, including security workers, a female journalist and government politicians were killed in drive-by shootings, car bombs or roadside bombs in and around Mogadishu.Among those assassinated in a drive-by shooting in Mogadishu in December were two aid workers, one who worked for the UN and another who worked for a partner organization.Last week, three government workers were murdered in Mogadishu’s Hodan and Wadajir districts by suspected Islamist militants.”Not a day or night will not pass without a killing of a government worker,” says Hanaan Osman, a teenage student from Mogadishu.
Poor coordination between security services and the public, where a culture of corruption and distrust is rife, are believed to be contributing to the violence. “That allows the continuation of daily assassinations in the capital,” senior Somali intelligence officer Mohamed Hassan told dpa. Al-Shabaab, the most organized and dangerous terror group in east Africa, has claimed responsibility for nearly all the attacks. “All supporters of foreign troops or the so-called Somali government are primary targets of our fighters,” a senior al-Shabaab commander, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told dpa by phone.
African Union Hails Outgoing Nigerian Police Contingent For Job Well Done In Somalia
26 December – Source: AMISOM – 471 Words
A contingent of 140 Nigerian Formed Police Unit Officers (FPU) serving on the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) was today awarded certificates for their distinguished service after completing their one year tour of duty. The police officers who have been serving on the mission since January, and rotate out next week, received their commendation on Saturday at a certification ceremony in Mogadishu, presided over by the AMISOM Officer in Charge Mission Maj. Gen. Fidza Dludlu.
Speaking on behalf of the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Caetano Jose Madeira, Maj. Gen. Fidza Dludlu praised the Nigerian police officers for their service in Somalia.“I would like to thank you on behalf of the SRCC for your contribution to AMISOM, in particular to Somalia. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. You have played a significant role in contributing to the peace process in Somalia in terms of capacity building of the Somali Police Force. You have run your course and you have run extremely well,” Maj. Gen. Fidza Dludlu said.
In addition, he noted that the officers, while in the course of their duties in Somalia had made friends and urged them to maintain the contacts. The function was attended by the AMISOM Police Commissioner, Anand Pillay, his deputy, Christine Alalo, top AMISOM military personnel and senior Somali Police Force officers led by the Commissioner Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Hamud.
OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE
“I was driven straight into a high walled hotel with watch towers all around where the workshop was to take place. It kind of reawakened my fears but I quickly strangled it. I decided to venture out in the evening and see the city. All my fears gone, media-conceived notions melted away as I was driven through Makka Al Mukaram road, ” – Maryam Sheikh Abdikadir , Development Expert.
The Magnificent Mogadishu I Did Not Know
24 December – Source: Nep Journal – 1768 Words
When I first received word on a few days assignment to undertake in Mogadishu, I tossed and turned over it wondering whether I should take such a risk. I had so many prejudices about the city, all courtesy of the media. Mogadishu was city of firearms, a place where violence was the norm peace the exception. I heard on numerous occasions that it was easier to kill a person than buy candy in Mogadishu. The legend goes that street criminals use human beings to test their firearms.
The disputed border issues with Kenya was a new thorn in every Somali’s flesh and that my Kenya passport would have been suicidal, so I thought. All the while, there was this adventurous side that really wanted to see Mogadishu. I had butterflies in my stomach but I wanted to really go and see. In the end, I decided to give my curiosity a go, consoling myself that if it was ordained I will die there, I will definitely be there. Seeing is believing so the adage goes and I am happy I did.
As the plane touched down, my heart leaped at the velvet blue blanket below. The ocean was spectacular, and I could see a modern city from the distance. My welcome was quite pleasant at the airport. I felt genuinely welcomed. I had `a challenge and there was this man who readily jumped in, went out of his way and helped me. That walaalnimo is what holds this country together I guess even after all these years of fighting. And who is fighting who you may ask? The same people, people who love each other and are very hospitable towards each other in their daily interactions.
“The peace garden of Mogadishu has changed the capital in a great way for the first time in two decades families have a place to spend their weekend. The Peace garden has also transformed the city into a very beautiful place, said Abdiwahab Hassan, a Mogadishu resident.”
Mogadishu’s Peace Garden Attracts Hundreds Of Families Every Weekend
27 December – Source: CCTV – 421 Words
For the first time in two decades, residents of the Somali capital Mogadishu have a Peace Garden one that attracts hundreds of families every weekend. CCTV’s reporter spent the past Friday with the Mogadishu residents at the Peace Garden and has this report. Amid the chaos and insecurity related with the Somali capital for years. There is the other side of this city that the media never shows you – welcome to the Peace Garden or as they call it here Beerta Nabadda.
It’s a fun filled weekend here for these children in the Somali capital and to these happy parents- it is a dream come true. Hundreds come here every weekend and it’s not just the local residents. The Diaspora too are back some from as far as Australia. “My Australian friends, welcome to Mogadishu. It’s very beautiful, that’s my message to the world, we want to change the narrative people have of Somalia,” said Basra Mohamed.
“We came here today to celebrate Friday -I’ve never made friends here but am going to make some today. All these people are nice and they are beautiful too,” said Najma Mohamed. For more than two decades now these children didn’t have a playing ground let alone a peace garden and locals now say – the garden is a symbol that life is returning to normalcy here in Mogadishu.