03 Jan 2012 – Morning Headlines
Key Headlines:
- President calls for an end to arms embargo on Somalia (Source: Radio Mogadishu)
- Somali Islamist fighters bolster positions around key town (Source: AFP)
- TFG forces capture Beledweyne Central Somalia (Source: Somalia Report Radio Mogadishu Shabelle Kulmiye)
- New Ethiopian forces pour into central Somalia cities (Source: Radio RBC)
- Somali Armed Forces: 2012 the year of total liberation of Somalia (Source: Radio Mogadishu)
- Somalia president Sharif Ahmed opposes MPs verdict against former parliament speaker (Source: Shabelle Mareeg Online)
- Somali parliament meeting in Mogadishu ends up in scramble fistfight (Source: Shabelle Hadhwanaag Times)
- 1000 newly trained TFG soldiers arrive in southern Somalia (Source: Radio Mogadishu Somalia Report)
- Puntland hails Ethiopian intervention in South-Central Somalia(Source: Radio Bar-kulan)
- Al Shabaab says Somali elders must join the Jihaad (Source: Radio Kulmiye)
- Somali PM: 2012 will see Somalia have a stable government (Source: SONNA)
- Kenya to host anti-piracy conference (Source: Capital FM AFP)
- Al Shabaab and state tell of terror against them (Source: Daily Nation)
- Turkey takes giant leap toward Africa prioritizes Somalia on agenda (Source: todayszaman)
SOMALI MEDIA
President calls for an end to arms embargo on Somalia
02 Jan- Source: Radio Mogadishu, SONNA, SNTV, Raido Rissala- 190 words
Somali President in a press conference on Sunday evening appealed to the international community to revoke the arms embargo on Somali, citing it a s a major setback to upgrading the Somali national army that is supposed to take over the security of Somalia after the withdrawal of foreign troops. The Somali leader also called on the need for an efficient police, armed forces and high skilled intelligence units that will in turn create a better security situation for Somalia.
Somali defence minister says TFG forces achieved a great victory in central Somalia
02 Dec- Source: Radio Mogadishu- 117 words
The Minister of Defence, Hussein Arab Isse, said, “Our forces achieved a great victory and have driven out of Beledweyn all the forces of the Al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab terrorists.” “Janta Kundishe, Beledweyn Airport, and the whole city itself are in the hands of TFG forces. The only things remaining are mobbing up operations to make sure that no terrorists are hiding among the residents” he added.
TFG forces capture Beledweyne, Central Somalia
31 Dec- Source: Somalia Report, Radio Mogadishu, Shabelle, Kulmiye- 177 words
Reports from Hiiraan region in central Somalia indicate that a heavy fighting between TFG troops and Shabelle Valley Administration backed by Ethiopian troops against al Shabaab took place in Beledweyne district on Saturday morning. TFG and Ethiopian forces have taken control of strategic locations, including al Shabaab bases in Jante-Kun-Dishe and Ugaas Kalif Airport in the outskirts of Beledweyne.
3 people killed in Beledweyne central Somalia today
02 Jan- Source: Mareeg Online- 131 words
At least three people were killed and one other injured in Beledweyne city of Hiiraan region in central Somalia in an operation by Ethiopan forces backed by Somali troops there, reports said. Reports say that Ethiopian and Somali soldiers carried out an operation that lasted several hours in the capital of Hiiraan region, Beledweyne, killing three men and wounding another in a separate event today. It is not yet clear wether the killed and injured people were al Shabaab fighters or civilians.
http://www.mareeg.com/fidsan.
New Ethiopian forces pour into central Somalia cities
02 Jan- Source: Radio RBC- 180 words
New Ethiopian troops yesterday reached new districts in the central region of Somalia, local residents in Buloburte town in Hiran region told RBC Radio. Eyewitnesses said that they have seen at least ten vehicles carrying Ethiopian troops along with Somali forces approaching Buloburte town which is some 120 km south of Beletweyn, the capital of Hiran region. The coalition forces have crossed from Beletweyn town after liberating it from al Shabaab rebels on Saturday.
Somali Armed Forces: 2012, the year of total liberation of Somalia
02 Jan- Source: Radio Mogadishu- 78 words
Somali Army Commander, General Abdulkarim Yusuf Adan Dhagabadan, in an interview with Somali National News Agency-SONNA- & Radio Mogadishu, said today “2012 will be the year of total Liberation of the whole country from the merciless enemy of our people and country: the al Shabaab terrorists. The campaign for the Liberation of the country from the al Shabaab terror is gathering speed, as new fronts are opened against the terrorist in many regions”
Al Shabaab persuade people in Jowhar to fight against Ethiopian troops in Somalia
01 Jan- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 138 words
Al Shabaab rebel group in Jowhar town, Middle Shabelle, has called on locals in the region to fight back Ethiopian troops that wrested Beledweyne town earlier on Saturday. Sources said that rebel leaders using loudspeakers mounted on pick-up trucks were seen this morning persuading people to join their fight. Al Shabaab urged locals to bring fighters to be deployed in the frontline in order to counter the allied Ethiopia and TFG forces advancing towards Bula Burde district of Hiran region.
Puntland clan blames al Shabaab for scholar’s killing
31 Dec- Source: Radio Garowe- 112 words
A Somali clan in the northern region of Puntland has issued a public statement signed by 21 traditional elders and community leaders blaming al Shabaab for the killing of an Islamic scholar earlier this month, Radio Garowe reports. The public statement was released in Galdogob town, in Puntland’s Mudug region, on 30 Dec 2011 and signed by community leaders of Leelkase (Darod) clan, led by Ugas Ali Ugas Mohamed, the chief of elders.
Somalia president, Sharif Ahmed opposes MPs verdict against former parliament speaker
01 Jan- Source: Mareeg Online, Shabelle- 134 words
Somali president, Sheikh Sharif Sh. Ahmed has on Sunday afternoon said that he was greatly against Somali parliamentrians’s decision in which they have taken confidence back from Sharif Hassan, ex parliament speaker, state media said. Sheikh Sharif Sh. Ahmed held a press conference in Mogadishu Sunday afternoon and completely rejected the verdict of Somali MPs firing Sharif Hassan Sh. Adam mid December, reports said.
http://www.mareeg.com/fidsan.
Calm returns to parts of Galgadud region after a day of deadly fight
02 Jan- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 71 words
Normalcy has reportedly returned to Bula’le area on the outskirt of Dusamareb town following yesterday’s deadly clashes between Ahlu Sunna and al Shabaab militia groups. Reports say the fight erupted after Ahlu Sunna militias launched an offensive against al Shabaab bases in the area, prompting hours of deadly gun battle. Ahlu Sunna officials claim they are in full control of the area. Although there are reports of casualties, the exact number is not known.
Somali parliament meeting in Mogadishu ends up in scramble, fistfight
02 Jan- Source: Radio Shabelle, hadhwanaag Times- 154 words
Fist fighting and tit for tat dispute among MPs hugely undermined Monday, the opening of the Somali Transitional Federal Parliament at the public house in the capital, Mogadishu, reports said. The meeting, which was held yesterday by certain lawmakers opposing speaker Sharif Hassan was expected to hear addresses from the candidates of the leadership of the parliament, after a vote was taken earlier last month to oust Sharif Hassan as speaker.
Defence minister praises forces for liberating Beledweyn
01 Jan- Source: Radio Mogadishu, Radio Risaala- 185 words
Somali Deputy Prime Minister who is also the country’s Defence Minister has sent a congratulatory message to the Somali national army after flashing out the al Shabaab militia from Beledweyn town in central Somalia. The Defence Minister also sent a happy new year message to the Somali government forces all over Somalia and called on the forces to double their efforts in the fight against al Shabaab extremists.
Puntland hails Ethiopian intervention in South-Central Somalia
02 Jan- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 165 words
Puntland has welcomed the Ethiopian military intervention in parts of south-central Somalia to bolster the ongoing Somali-led military campaign to remove al Shabaab from all regions of the country. In a statement, Puntland said an Ethiopian intervention is in line with the request of the regional bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, noted in a November 2011 Communiqu� calling upon Ethiopia “to support the Kenyan-TFG and AMISOM operation” to help stabilize Somalia.
Al Shabaab insurgent chief’s public outcry as Ethiopia intervenes in Somalia again
02 Jan- Source: Garowe Online- 356 words
The leader of Somalia’s al Shabaab insurgent group, Ahmed Abdi Godane, has issued a public outcry as Ethiopian troops seized control of a key town in central Somalia, Radio Garowe reports. Speaking on Radio Andulus, al Shabaab mouthpiece in south-central Somalia, Mr. Godane said regions in Somalia controlled by al Shabaab are now “under full attack.”
1,000 newly trained TFG soldiers arrive in southern Somalia
31 Dec- Source: Radio Mogadishu, Somalia Report- 59 words
Newly trained TFG forces joined the operations against al Shabaab terrorists in lower Juba region. Government officials told Radio Mogadishu that 1,000 soldiers who were recently trained in Kenya arrived in Dhoobley, Tabta and Qoqani and they vowed that they will eradicate the extremists from the region. It is reported that air, land and sea military operations will start soon.
Al Shabaab says Somali elders must join the Jihaad
01 Jan – Source: Radio Kulmiye – 119 words
Al Shabaab urges Somali elders to join in the fight against the TFG, AMISOM, Djibouti, Kenya, and the pro-government militias of Ahlusunah Waljamaa. Al Shabaab has requested the Somali community leaders, elders and the young people have chance to join in what it called as a holly jihaad against what they say are African invaders to Somalia.
Somali PM: 2012 will see Somalia have a stable government
01 Jan – Source: Somali National News Agency- 216 words
Somali Prime Minister H.E Abdiweli Mohamed Ali said that Somalia will attain a fully-functioning and stable government in 2012 as a part of the TFG resolution. The PM also called on the people of Somalia to join hands and rebuild the nation. The Somali Premier in an address to the nation prayed for peace in Somalia barely one year after fierce clashes and a devastating famine hit the people of Somalia leaving many dead and thousands displaced.
Somaliland Police, clan militias clash in Baki Town
02 Jan – Source: Hadhwanaag Times- 129 words
The police forces of Somaliland republic on Monday clashed with clan militias in the town of Baki of Awdal region. The police forces reached at El Barde area at Baki to solve territorial dispute there but they encountered armed confrontation from local clan militias, reports said. At least two people have been wounded from the clan armed militias and four of them were captured alive during the clan.
Al Shabaab fighters surrender to Ahlu-Suna militias in central Somalia
02 Jan- Source: Mareeg Online- 85 words
Ahlu-Suna Administration in Guri’el district of Galgudud region said that three al Shabaab fighers surrendered to their forces at the frontlines, saying they would deal with humanity, reports said. Deputy Chairman of Ahlu-Suna executive committee, Sheikh Ahmed A/lahi told reporters that three fighters from al Shabaab surrendered to them and added they would deal with a good manner as they were held in battle, he said.
http://www.mareeg.com/fidsan.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Al Shabaab and state tell of terror against them
01 Jan- Source: Daily Nation- 477 words
Sheikh Mukhtar Abdurahman Abu Zubayr, the Ameer (supreme leader) of al Shabaab, the radical Islamist group vehemently opposing the TFG of Somalia, has complained that different groups have formed alliance against his movement. “This hostile association is constantly attacking our positions in different regions,” said the al Shabaab leader. “Its perpetrators have a deep-rooted military agenda against us (al Shabaab),” he added. Sheikh Abu Zubayr reiterated that Western, Kenyan and Ethiopian military planes bombarded several al Shabaab held positions.
Somalia meets over federal Constitution
01 Jan- Source: the East Africa- 481 words
The final draft of the Somalia Constitution will be completed in April 2012 to allow for elections in August, when the mandate of the Transitional Federal Government ends. The decision to finalise the constitution by the first quarter of next year, was one of the many resolutions during the first Constitutional Conference held in Garowe, Puntland between December 21 and 23.
Kenya to host anti-piracy conference
31 Ded- Source: Capital fm, AFP- 190 words
Kenya will host an anti-piracy conference at heads of state level on February 9 and 10 in Nairobi, a foreign ministry official said Saturday. “We expect regional heads of state to attend,” second counsellor Anthony Safari told a press conference, adding that the conference was being organised in conjunction with the UN and being coordinated by the office of Prime Minister Raila Odinga. http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/
Ethiopian, Somali government forces capture al Shabaab stronghold
31 Dec- Source: Ethiopian TV- 65 words
The Transitional Federal Government of Somalia has said that its forces have captured Beledweyne (central Somalia close to the Ethiopian border) after attacking al Shabaab forces stationed in the town. Members of the Ethiopian defence forces took part in the attack [against al Shabaab] following a request made by the Somali government, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the Ethiopian Radio and Television Agency this evening.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Somali Islamist fighters bolster positions around key town
02 Jan- Source: AFP- 562 words
Somalia’s Islamist insurgents on Monday vowed to recapture a key town they lost two days earlier to a joint push by Ethiopian troops, government forces and allied local militia. Al Shabaab said they were reinforcing positions around Beledweyne, which lies on a strategic crossroads and is a vital trade lifeline for rebels also under attack in Somalia’s south and in the capital Mogadishu.
British voice behind a call to arms for Somalia’s Islamic terrorists
03 Jan- Source: the Independent – 1464 words
Al Shabaab is using a young British man to file video propaganda from the front lines of the country’s civil war to try to draw English-speaking Muslims to the Horn of Africa for jihad, The Independent can reveal. The man, who remains masked throughout his videos, speaks in fluent English with a clear London accent and presents breathless reports of battles that the militant groups have fought against Somali government and foreign forces.
Ethiopian troops capture Beledweyne from Somalia militants
31 Dec- Source: BBC- 425 words
Ethiopian forces have captured the central Somali town of Beledweyne from al Shabaab Islamist militants. Al Shabab said its forces were surrounding the town after making what it called a planned withdrawal. Eyewitnesses said armoured vehicles and heavy artillery were used in the attack, which Ethiopia said was made at the request of the Somali government. Somalia’s prime minister meanwhile announced an operation “to liberate the tyranny of… al Shabaab from Somalia”.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
Somali government steps up efforts against Islamic militants
31 Dec- Source: Bloomberg, businessweek -111 words
Somalia stepped up efforts to rid the nation of Islamic militants and called on its neighbors including Ethiopia to support the efforts. The government started the so-called Operation to Restore Peace and Stability in Somalia, according to an e-mailed statement from the prime minister’s office today.
Clampdown on al Shabaab opens corridors
31 Dec- Source: China Daily, Xinhua- 860 words
Kenya’s onslaught on al Shabaab in southern Somalia and the intensified clampdown by African Union peacekeepers from the AMISOM mission in the capital Mogadishu have opened new safe corridors for relief delivery to starving Somali fleeing insecurity and fighting. But humanitarian relief agencies have to contend with new asymmetrical tactics being used by the al Shabaab militia group that is blamed for escalating violence and insecurity in the capital and towns that have fallen to Kenya’s defense forces in the south.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/
Turkey takes giant leap toward Africa, prioritizes Somalia on agenda
30 Dec- Source: todayszaman- 805 words
Keeping up its wide-range initiative for closer ties with Africa, Turkey throughout the year added to its foreign missions and sped up ambassadorial appointments all over Africa, but its main focus stayed on Somalia as the country went through its most severe drought in a century in the summer of 2011.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
In a context of late capitalism, what to make of Kenya’s confusing adventure in Somalia?
01 Jan- Source: the East Africa- 627 words
Kenya’s invasion of Somalia coincided with a number of other domestic conflicts: Rearguard contestation of the new Constitution, agitation in labour markets, dramatic demolitions of rich and poor citizen’s homes, and a secessionist movement at the Coast.