10 Oct 2011 — Morning headlines

Key Headlines

AU forces plan to cover al Shabaab strongholds
Opening remarks by SRCC, Ambassador Boubacar Gaoussou Diarra at the photo
exhibition portraying the work of AMISOM soldiers
160 students flown to Turkey for further studies
TFG army and AMISOM capture key ground in Mogadishu
Somali Council of Elders lobby for TFG support
In rare rally, Somalis aim at militants
Somali troops battle diehard rebels in capital
Kimse Yok Mu to renovate Somalia’s biggest hospital

PRESS RELEASE

AU forces plan to cover al Shabaab strongholds

08 Oct- Source: AMISOM- 157 words

National Somali Forces, supported by AMISOM, have this morning taken the critical high ground of Halima Haiti Hill in Karaan District, Mogadishu.
The early morning assault led to the capture of two al shabaab fighters with their weapons. One eacekeeper was injured and three TFG soldiers.
The Al Qaeda linked al Shabaab extremist group have remained in the North Eastern side of the city from where they continue to pose a security threat. Earlier this week, the terror group attacked a gathering of students who had turned up at the
Ministry of Education headquarters to register for a Turkish Scholarship program. Over thirty students were reportedly killed.
AMISOM Spokesman, Lt Colonel Paddy Ankunda, said: “AMISOM remains committed to secure Mogadishu and its environs. However, all of us must remain vigilant and we encourage people to report anything suspicious spotted in our areas. This will make it difficult for al Shabaab to launch their attacks without hindrance.”

Opening remarks by SRCC, Ambassador Boubacar Gaoussou Diarra at the photoexhibition portraying the work of AMISOM soldiers

07 Oct- Source: AMISOM- 867 words

1. I am privileged to welcome you this evening to the Nairobi National Museum for a photo exhibition, during which for the next 10 days from 7th to 16th October, will give a vivid testimony of the impact of the conflict in Somalia.
2. This exhibition named Brothers in Arms, a name very appropriate for this event as it expresses the true nature and life of the AMISOM troops in Mogadishu. Today you will witness a depiction of the reality of the Somali conflict, photographs of soldiers living in difficult conditions in the frontline as they endeavor to assist their Somali brothers in bringing back peace in the country.
3. This event is important in honoring the brave men and women who tirelessly work to help our Somali brothers and sisters in achieving sustainable peace and security in their country. As most of you are aware, our forces are involved in more than just a peacekeeping mission but rather, a counter insurgent operation with very limited resources and have managed to register successes in
Mogadishu.
4. This, in my view and I hope it is the view of everyone present here, deserves sincere recognition.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

5. As we applaud their tremendous work, I take this opportunity to inform you that the security in Mogadishu has greatly improved and especially since the withdrawal of Al-Shabaab militants. The visit to Mogadishu by several VIPs is a clear indication of this progress. However, it is unfortunate that in light of this development, the Al-Shabaab terrorist group has now resorted to desperate attacks and tactics to convince the world that they still exist. It is our belief that they have realized that they have lost the support of the Somali people.
6. Their cowardly acts, exemplified by their barbaric attack, on Wednesday 4th October 2011, where they targeted among others innocent students who were hoping to win student scholarships, clearly underscores the fact that Al-Shabaab does not have any regard for the lives of the Somali people. I wish to assure the people of Somalia and the International community that such acts by terrorist
groups will not deter the resolve of the African Union in its efforts to stabilize the country.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

7. With the commitment of our troops, we are making progress in implementing our mandate in Somalia. This resolve has come at a great sacrifice. Some of these courageous men and women serving under AMIOSM have lost their lives while others are still nursing injuries sustained during battles to secure Mogadishu. Despite all the difficulties and challenges we have faced and continue to face, I am honored to note that the morale of our soldiers continues to soar very high. I therefore wish to pay tribute to those who lost their lives.
8. On behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, His Excellency Dr. Jean Ping and on my own behalf, I humbly take this opportunity to salute them all for their dedication and commitment to peace and security in Somalia and once again reassure the people of Somalia and our International partners that the African Union remains fully seized of the situation.
9. I also wish to thank and commend the Governments of Uganda and Burundi for their continued commitment to peace in Somalia through their contribution of troops to AMISOM. As you are aware, Uganda and Burundi are currently the only countries contributing troops to AMISOM. In addition, I would also like to thank all the African countries who continue to contribute staff officers serving in AMISOM towards this noble cause.
10. The African Union will deploy additional troops in Somalia to reach its mandated strength of
12,000. The Governments of Djibouti and Sierra Leone have shown strong commitment to deploy and I wish to welcome their willingness to join Uganda and Burundi in the efforts to stabilize Somalia.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

11. Allow me at this point to appreciate and commend the work of the dedicated team of photographers whose work has allowed us to gather here this evening and recognize further the incredible work of the AMISOM troops and the lives of the Somali people. Join me in
congratulating the work of:

James Baker Tumusiime, Sergent Major from UPDF
Jean-Claude Mbayisenga, Sergent from Burundi Army
Emmanuel Mucunguzi, 1st Sergent from UPDF
Stephen Mugabi, Sergent Major from UPDF
Kate Holt, a Zimbabwean-born journalist, who provided some training for the military photographers

12. Secondly, I would like to also thank UNSOA and its contractors the AU/UN Information Support Team for their continued support to AMISOM who have organized this event. Their support especially in the area of strategic Communication has greatly contributed to the improved image of the mission.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

13. Lastly, soon you will view photographs which capture in intimate detail the lives of soldiers on the frontline and I hope that this exhibition will help you and many others appreciate and understand the reality of the conflict in Somalia and the sacrifices that these bold men and women are making in a bid to ensure that Somalia once again becomes a peaceful nation.
I thank you

SOMALI MEDIA

President officially opens trade in Bakara Market

09 Oct- Source: Radio Mogadishu, Kulmiye-133 words

Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has yesterday officially opened up the Somali central market of Bakara after touring it. The president went on a tour of the market where he met with traders and interacted with them, called them to resume normal operations in the market now that the peace of the capital has steadily improved.

160 students flown to Turkey for further studies

07 Oct- Source: Radio Mogadishu, Shabelle, Kulmiye, Rissala, Sonna- 173 words

More than 160 students have been flown to Turkey after receiving scholarships from Turkey. The students were advised to improve their skills in Turkey and later come back to benefit the Somali community. The Somali deputy education Minister said that he looks forward to seeing the students returning back to better the Somali society.

Somali PM arrives in Mogadishu

09 Oct- Source: Radio Bar-kulan, Radio Mogadishu- 128 words

Somal Prime Minister Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has on Sunday jetted back to Mogadishu after attending high-profile meetings outside Somalia. Addressing the press at the Adan Ade Airport in Mogadishu, the premier said this had been his longest trip abroad since he assumed office earlier this year.

Al Shabaab pull out of Burdubo, Gedo region

07 Oct- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 127 words

Al Shabaab rebel group has on Thursday night pulled out of its bases in Burdubo district of Gedo region after heavily armed government and ASWJ forces pitched tents in Fanweyn area, few kilometers from Burdubo town. ASWJ spokesman in the region Mohamed Hussein Issack Al-Qadi said the joint forces are heading towards Burdubo in efforts to drive away the militant group
from the area.

TFG army and AMISOM capture key ground in Mogadishu

08 Oct- Source: Mareeg Online, Kulmiye Risaala- 145 words

Burundian Defense minister arrive in Mogadishu

09 Oct- Source: Mareeg- 121 words

Burundian defense, Gajo has on Sunday arrived in the capital Mogadishu today for the first time as Burundian forces that are part of the African union peacekeeping forces operate in the capital, reports said.

http://www.mareeg.com/fidsan.php?sid=21352&tirsan=3

Two journalists slightly wounded in Tuesday’s deadly suicide bombing in Mogadishu

07 Oct- Source: Raxanreeb- 286 words

Two Somali Journalists were slightly wounded in Tuesday’s suicide attack that killed at least 70 people, majority of them students and their parents and wounded more than 100, NUSOJ reported. The journalists, Abdulkadir Mohyadin a camera man for the Somali National Television (SNTV) and Ali Hassan known as Ali Hiiraan who works for the Universal Television received wounds on one hand each caused by flying shrapnel.

http://www.raxanreeb.com/?p=114546

Somali Council of Elders lobby for TFG support

09 Oct- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 124 words

Somali traditional elders have appealed to the international community to firmly support the Somali government’s effort to restore law and order in Somalia.

Puntland lawmaker freed after two months in jail

09 Oct- Source: Radio RBC- 127 words

Ethiopian security forces on Friday freed Puntland lawmaker who had been detained in Jigjiga for two months. Hassan Mohamed Hange, who was a member at the parliament of Somalia’s semiautonomous state of Puntland, had been imprisoned in August while he was in the Ethiopianruled Somali town of Jigjiga to visit relatives, sources told RBC Radio.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Kenya’s president speaks out against Somalia’s al Shabaab militia

08 Oct- Source: Africa Review- 167 words

Kenya’s President Mwai Kibaki has issued a strong warning to external aggressors threatening the country’s peace and stability. The President spoke as Kenyan defence forces hunt suspected al-Shabaab militiamen from Somalia who kidnapped a French woman in Lamu last Saturday.

http://www.africareview.com/News/Kenya+warns+Somalia+warlords/-/979180/1252090/-/c1uuudz/-/index.html

AU forces plan to cover al Shabaab strongholds

09 Oct- Source: Daily Nation- 401 words

The regional peacekeeping mission in Somalia has declared its intentions to move and secure south and central Somalia. AMISOM confirmed it had controlled about 95 per cent of the wartorn country’s capital, Mogadishu and overpowered al Shabaab militants. Speaking in Nairobi on Friday, AMISOM force commander Maj-Gen Fred Mugisha said recent terror attacks by al Shabaab revealed how “weak and desperate” the group had become.

http://www.nation.co.ke/News/africa/AU+forces+plan+to+cover+al+Shabaab+strongholds+/-/1066/1251742/-/yt7r3cz/-/

Somali Government re-opens biggest market in Mogadishu

08 Oct- Source: Coastweek, Xinhua- 583 words

Somalia’s biggest market in Mogadishu, the Bakara, has been officially reopened by Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed after two months of being closed as a result of the fierce battles between Islamist rebels and government forces in early August.

http://www.coastweek.com/3440_market.htm

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

UN refugee chief warnsgof growing extremism in Somalia

07 Oct- Source: VOA- 459 words

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Guterres, warns extremism and insecurity will grow if the civil conflict in Somalia is not resolved. On Friday, Guterres called on the international community to do more to find a political solution to this complex and dangerous problem at agency’s annual conference in Geneva.

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/UN-Refugee-Chief-Warns-Of-Growing-Extremism-In-Somalia-131337644.html

In rare rally, Somalis aim at militants

09 Oct – Source: New York Times – 494 words

Thousands of residents of this bullet-scarred city packed into a stadium on Sunday to denounce the al Shabaab Islamist group for the suicide bombing last week that killed scores of people, many of them students.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/10/world/africa/in-rare-rally-somalis-protest-shabab.html

Kimse Yok Mu to renovate Somalia’s biggest hospital

09 Oct – Source: Today’s Zaman – 180 words

Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There) will renovate Banadir Hospital in Mogadishu, the largest in the entire country, after signing a protocol with the Somali government last week. Kimse Yok Mu will spend nearly $10 million to repair the hospital, which still bears the signs of a longstanding civil war in every corner of the building. With the modernization of Banadir Hospital, the foundation aims to meet the standards of hospitals in Turkey.

http://www.todayszaman.com/news-259334-kimse-yok-mu-to-renovate-somalias-biggesthospital.html

Somali troops battle diehard rebels in capital

09 Oct – Source: AP – 456 words

African Union and Somali government forces on Saturday launched an offensive to flush out remnant al Shabaab militia from a Mogadishu district, two months after the rebels pulled out of the city. The push comes after the Al-Qaeda-linked insurgents carried out their deadliest single attack when a suicide bomber on Tuesday detonated an explosives-laden truck at a government compound, killing at least 82 people.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jDrG0zoyWydgnLU05lEK47h4CHcQ?docId=CNG.751281063b53340908dab3d7ba079cb9.171