March 31, 2016 | Morning Headlines

Main Story

Two Hundred Somali Police Recruits Graduate In Baidoa

30 March – Source: AMISOM – 381 Words

Two hundred police recruits graduated yesterday after three months of training in Baidoa, the capital town of the Interim South West Administration (ISWA). The officers will be deployed to various parts of the region to strengthen the capacity of the Interim South West Administration (ISWA) regional police force. Speaking at the pass-out ceremony, ISWA President, Sharif Hassan Sheikh, urged the officers to serve with honor and dignity and protect the interest of Somalia and its citizens.

“Today you have been given the responsibility of maintaining peace. Your predecessors have done a good job in keeping the region safe. We want you to join them in strengthening our security further. We appreciate AMISOM for the training as well as the international partners who supported us financially,” said the ISWA President while acknowledging structural gaps in the police force, the President assured officers of support from the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), the ISWA authority and the international community.

This is the second cohort of police recruits to graduate this year under the program funded by the United Kingdom, bringing the total number of graduands to 400. The pass-out ceremony was attended by representatives from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the United Nations, the FGS, ISWA and members of the civil society. Maj. Gen. Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Hamud, the Somali Police Force (SPF) Commissioner reminded the new officers of their responsibility of maintaining law and order while protecting the rights of the people they serve.

He urged them to be better role models in society, adding that they were the face of the government in the eyes of the public. “The graduates are going through a historical change from recruits to fully fledged law enforcers. The officers true character and professionalism will be known when they commence work,” said Maj. Gen. Hamud. The Police Commissioner appealed to donors to support the force by providing the necessary equipment.

AMISOM Police Commissioner Anand Pillay, congratulated the recruits for completing the program, and urged them to respect human rights, and abide by international humanitarian laws while executing their duties. “It is a joyous day to witness the graduation of the second batch of South West State police trainees who from today onwards will become officers in this State. This is impressive,” Commissioner Pillay said.

Key Headlines

Two Hundred Somali Police Recruits Graduate In Baidoa (AMSIOM)
Two Turkish Three Somali Doctors Shot Dead In Drive-shooting In Mogadishu (Hiiraan Online)
Disgruntled Clans In Hiiraan Seek UN Intervention In Hiiraan/Middle Shabelle State Formation Deadlock(Goobjoog News)
Govt Asks Public To Help Restore Mogadishu Peace (Shabelle News)
New UPDF Battle Group Arrives In Somalia (AMISOM)
Dahabshiil Feted As The Business Of The Year (Capital FM)
Kenyan Court Detains Terror Suspect For Aiding Al-Shabaab (Xinhua)
Somali-Canadian’s Death Sparks Call To End Gun Violence Solve Cases (CBC News)

NATIONAL MEDIA

Two Turkish, Three Somali Doctors Shot Dead In Drive-shooting In Mogadishu

30 March – Source: Hiiraan Online – 242 Words

Unidentified gunmen have shot dead two Turkish and three Somali doctors in a drive-by shooting attack the Somali capital Wednesday, the latest in series of attacks against foreigners operating in the horn of Africa, witnesses, officials said. Witnesses told HOL that the attackers travelling in a car sprayed bullets on the car carrying the doctors in Taleh, an area in the heart of Mogadishu.

The attack happened as the doctors who worked at Dever, a Turkish hospital in the city were heading to their workplace. No arrests have so far been made, however, police officials said that troops were hunting for the attackers who escaped after the attack which highlights challenges facing Somali government’s efforts aimed at maintaining security of the seaside city.

Somali prime minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke has condemned the attack, saying that he ‘shares the pain’ with the relatives of the victims for the ‘massacre’ of the Turkish and Somali doctors. No group has immediately claimed the responsibility for the attack; however suspicions fall on the Al-Qaeda linked militant group in Somalia which earlier threatened attacks against Turkish nationals in Somalia, accusing the Turkish government of backing Somali government.

Turkey is a major ally for Somalia as it became the first foreign administrations to resume formal diplomatic relations with Somalia after the civil war. The Turkish government also continues to undertake major projects in Somalia in a bid to jump-start the Somali economy shattered by the decades old conflict.

Disgruntled Clans In Hiiraan Seek UN Intervention In Hiiraan/Middle Shabelle State Formation Deadlock

30 March – Source: Goobjoog News – 482 Words

Barely two days after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud sealed a deal with majority clans in Beletweyne to unlock the state formation gridlock, it now emerges a faction who declined to meet with the president have sought the intervention of the UN office in Mogadishu.

In a letter exclusively obtained by Goobjoog News, the three elders, one representing the major Hawadle clan and two others from smaller clans have written to UN special envoy Michael Keating setting out three conditions to unravel the stalled state formation process. The elders, Hassan Khaliif, Ali Hassan and Ali Hassan Shufeeh want a reconciliation meeting among clans in the region over what they termed as fragile relations which could ultimately result in conflict.

Radical change of course

But a change of course is the demand that the state formation conference be moved from Jowhar, Lower Shabelle to Beletweyne the headquarters of Hiiraan region. Prior to the state formation conference, elders from both regions late last year agreed to have Jowhar as host of the conference while Bulu Burde in Hiiraan would be the state headquarters in the new formed state.

However, the three elders now further demand Hiiraan goes it alone as a state arguing that it should be considered as two regions, legitimising its quest for statehood. The Provisional Constitution 2012 contemplates the formation of a state based on the coming together of two or more states. Based on the pre 1991 arrangement, Somalia is divided into 18 regions. Out of the original eight regions based on the independence division, Hiiraan is the only region which remained undivided retaining its initial boundaries. The Siad Barre regime had subdivided the other 7 regions to arrive at the current 18. Out of the original eight regions based on the independence division, Hiiraan is the only region which remained undivided retaining its initial boundaries. The Siad Barre regime had subdivided the other 7 regions to arrive at the current 18.

Federal Government role

The elders have accused the Federal Government of pursuing the state formation process at the expense of reconciliation. “We requested from the government to support reconciliation among clans in Hiran before state formation process starts and designate Beledweyne to host the conference. The government focuses their political interest in 2016 and (sic) drove a wedge between the clans and divide them instead of uniting and reconciling,” read the letter in part. The elders who met and agreed with the president Monday after two days of negotiations headed for Jowhar Tuesday, the venue of the conference in what could be seen as one of the strongest signs of possible resumption of the conference. In the agreement with President Mohamud Monday, the Federal government dropped its earlier position of naming the delegates and instead left it to the elders. The conference collapsed in January after a tiff between the elders and government over what the elders said was interference by the federal government.

Govt Asks Public To Help Restore Mogadishu Peace

30 March- Source: Shabelle News- 113 Words

The spokesman of Somalia’s internal security ministry, Abdikamil Mo’alin Shukri has asked citizens to work closely with law enforcers, in bid to tighten security of Mogadishu.
Mr Shukri said that police need to establish good working relations with the residents for them to share information on the location of Al shabaab sleeper cells in the capital of Somalia.
“The security force personnel alone can’t maintain law and order of Mogadishu, without better collaboration with citizens,” said Shurki while Speaking in an interview with Radio Shabelle.
The spokesman’s call come weeks after Somalia’s intelligence agency has handed over the security of the Somali capital to the Mogadishu’s local government following deadly Al shabaab attacks.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

New UPDF Battle Group Arrives In Somalia

30 March – Source: AMISOM – 317 Words

A fresh battle group from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), serving under the African Union in Somalia (AMISOM), has arrived in Mogadishu. The new group replaces another, which is rotating out after completing one year tour of duty. The soldiers jetted into Mogadishu on Monday morning to replace another group, which has been operating in Arbiska, under the command of Col. Silvio Aguma. The new group is under the command of Col. Ronald Bigirwa. The Uganda Sector 1 Commander, Brig. Sam Okiding, presided over the rotation and pledged to up the offensive against the Al-Shabaab with the new battle group.

“With the help of these fresh gallant fighters, we are going to put pressure on Al Shabaab and defeat them to enable Somalis enjoy peace and stability,” Brig. Okiding said in an interview, adding that necessary preparations for a sustained fight have been finalized. “We have already put together a force and things are going to be better for the peace loving residents in Somalia. We will ensure that we defeat Al Shabaab,” he said.

The military is the biggest component of the African Union Mission in Somalia. The component is mandated to conduct peace support operations in Somalia and help stabilize the country. It is also mandated to create the necessary environment for conducting humanitarian activities, before the handover of the over the Mission to a United Nations Peacekeeping Operation.
Brig. Sam Okiding assured Somali residents of Uganda’s continued support, saying rotations at the Mission are periodic and normal and do not affect operations. “We are now bringing in battle group XVIII to cover those areas where battle group XV has been operating.”

In November last year, another Ugandan battle group rotated out and was replaced by battle group XVII, commanded by Col. Bob Ogik. Uganda is one of the five countries that contribute troops to AMISOM. The others are Ethiopia, Burundi, Kenya and Djibouti.

Kenyan Court Detains Terror Suspect For Aiding Al-Shabaab

30 March – Source: Xinhua- 317 Words

A Kenyan court has ordered detention of a suspect accused of collecting intelligence information between Kenya and Ethiopia with intention of feeding such information to Al-Shabaab terror group in Somalia. The Mandera court heard late Tuesday that the accused, Mohamed Ali Korana who hails from Rhamu Sub County, was arrested by the Ethiopian authorities and handed over to security agents in Mandera, a northeastern Kenyan county that borders Ethiopia.

Korana has been accused of gathering intelligence information that has been used by the Islamist militants to carry out terror attacks in the East African nation especially near the border with Somalia. The prosecution led by police constable Charles Muita of the Anti-Terror Police Unit asked for seven days to conclude investigations. Mandera Resident Magistrate Duncan Mtai granted the application fixing the mention of the case on April 6.

Ethiopian security agents have been on high alert in protecting the country from terrorism, despite Mandera being hit by series of Al-Shabaab attacks. Neighboring Suftu in Ethiopia has never been attacked by the Al-Shabaab. Kenya is currently building the 700 kilometre wall on the Kenya-Somalia border from Mandera to Kiunga in the coast to keep out the Al-Shabaab elements from infiltrating the county from Somalia. Kenyan officials say the security wall will provide a long term security efforts to secure the border, adding that once the wall’s construction is completed, it will only be crossed through the appropriate border points.

Dahabshiil Feted As The Business Of The Year

30 March – Source: Capital FM – 317 Words

Leading Money transfer company Dahabshiil is one of the institutions that were this week recognized for its contribution to the international community. British Somali Olympian Mo Farah was awarded the sportsman of the year in the ceremony to recognize the contribution of the Somali community in the international society.

Dahabshiil was feted as the business of the year. Britain Prime Minister said: “Despite the hardships and challenges they have faced, many Somalis, both within Somalia and across the worldwide Diaspora have achieved incredible success in fields as varied as business, academia and sport. I know that for many people around the world, one of the defining moments of the London Olympics in 2012 came courtesy of a man born in Mogadishu: the great Mo Farah.

“But what I find more remarkable is that Mo’s story is actually just one example of the dedication shown by so many within the Somali community. So to each winner I say this: It is your hard work, creativity, courage and leadership that has brought you here; many congratulations for all you have achieved.” Cameron supported a ministerial assembly at the International Somali Awards (ISA), which were co-sponsored by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Mo Farah CBE was awarded Sports Person of the Year, while other award winners included financial services group, Dahabshiil; British film maker, Mo Ali; NGO, Adesco Africa and academic and humanitarian Hawa Jama Abdi. Duddridge said: “Britain is the only EU member state with an embassy in Mogadishu. We are the leading donor to a new World Bank and UN capacity building programme, providing support to selected government ministries.”

The ISA pays tribute to inspiring Somali success stories from all walks of life, and recognises inspirational role models from the fields of business, social work, sports, education and entertainment. Commenting on his award recognition Mo Farah said: “It is an honour to be recognised by the International Somali Awards for my sporting achievements. The Awards are an important opportunity to celebrate the inspiring stories of people from around the world. Somalia has created some truly remarkable people and it is time we acknowledge their efforts.”
The Somali community is perhaps most renowned for its entrepreneurialism and business aptitude. Companies such as Dahabshiil and Efritin.com have led the way in social entrepreneurship and fostering job creation in the Somali region

OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE

“It’s estimated since 2005, more than 100 have died,” said Sadiq Alihashii, SCYM organizing committee chair. “And what’s so tragic is some of these cases are not resolved yet. It’s concerning to us as citizens of this country.”

Somali-Canadian’s Death Sparks Call To End Gun Violence, Solve Cases

30 March – Source: CBC News – 1,020

At the end of his latest video, rapper and poet Cannon2x hauntingly calls out the names of Somali-Canadians killed by gun violence over the past decade.
“This poem is for Abdi Yusef, Omar, it’s for Nooredin, it’s for Sharmarke and Natasha … .” But a week after posting the video, the Ottawa-based Somali-Canadian poet is mourning another childhood friend. Family members have identified 30-year-old Amin Mohammed Abdullahi, known to friends as Hamza Tyme, as the man who died in Edmonton after a shooting outside a Whyte Avenue nightclub last Sunday.

“I was shocked to hear the news and very saddened by it,” said Cannon2x, whose name off-stage is Kamal Abdulhakim, remembering the call he received while setting the table for a family Easter dinner with his daughters, wife and her family. “I thought about him and I thought about his family and then, as my thoughts expanded, I thought about all the other recent deaths and how overwhelming this whole situation of gun violence in our country is.” Less than three weeks earlier, 20-year-old Nooredin Hassan was shot and killed in Ottawa. A month before that it was Toronto high school student and avid basketball player 17-year old Sharmarke Farah. “There’s a crisis, a state of emergency right now,” said Cannon2x, a core member of an Ontario-based campaign called Somali-Canadian Youth Matter (SCYM). “We have to recognize it as that, and I think that’s the first step.”

Indeed, as shock, grief and outrage ripple through Somali Canadian communities in Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto and Ottawa where Abdullahi grew up, those feelings are also fuelling growing calls to tackle gun violence and solve outstanding homicide cases.

‘More than 100 have died’

“Earlier this month, Edmonton police renewed rewards for information about 11 unsolved homicides. Most of the victims are from the Somali-Canadian community.

But over the years, many other cases have gone cold, including several last year in Edmonton, Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray, whereMustafa Mattan was shot through his apartment door.