February 7, 2012 | Morning Headlines.

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UN and partners insist interim political arrangement must end in August

06 Feb- Source: UN News Centre- 447 words

The international group that brings together the United Nations and its diplomatic partners in support of efforts to restore peace and stability in Somalia insisted today that the country’s current transitional governing arrangements must end on 20 August this year, as stipulated in recent agreements, and called for a new draft constitution by mid-April.

Key Headlines

Schools will be opened in Mogadishu: Somali president says (Shabelle)
Puntland president calls for attacks on Kismayo town (radio Bar-Kulan)
Massive leave in government houses in Mogadishu (Radio Kulmiye)
Al Shabaab attack Somali Kenyan troops in southern Somalia (Radio Shabelle)
Terror attack shakes Garissa North Eastern Kenya (The Star)
Somalia moves to evict Mogadishu squatters (BBC)

PRESS STATEMENT

International Contact Group on Somalia 5-6 February 2012, Djibouti

06 Feb – Source: UNPOS – 1397 words

Final Communiqué

The 21st meeting of the International Contact Group (ICG) on Somalia was held under the chairmanship of the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Dr Augustine Mahiga, from 5-6 February 2012 in Djibouti. Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of the Republic of Djibouti, Speaker Shariif Hassan Sheikh Aden of the Transitional Federal Parliament of the Republic of Somalia, Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali of the Transitional Federal Government of the Republic of Somalia, President Abdirahman Mohamed Mohamud (Farole) of the Puntland State of Somalia, President Mohamed Ahmed Alin of the Galmudug State of Somalia, Abdilkader Moallim Noor of Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a and the African Union High Representative for Somalia President Jerry Rawlings addressed the meeting.

Political Process

The ICG agreed that the Transition must end on 20 August 2012 in accordance with the Transitional Federal Charter, Djibouti Agreement, Kampala Accord, Roadmap and Garowe Principles. The minimum essential conditions include the finalisation of the draft constitution by 20 April as prescribed in the Roadmap and Garowe Principles leading to provisional adoption of a new Constitution (subject to a national referendum in due course), the establishment of a new, smaller and more representative Parliament and elections for the positions of Speaker, Deputies and President.

The ICG welcomed the Principles agreed in Garowe on 24 December 2011, particularly in terms of building the momentum towards ending the Transition and defining the parameters and modalities for the process to move forward. Nevertheless, the ICG stressed the urgent need to broaden consultation with civil society and other stakeholders in order that future decisions, especially with regard to the precise method for selecting members of the Constituent Assembly and Parliament, enjoy the widest possible support.

Accordingly, the ICG welcomed plans by the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and Puntland State of Somalia to hold a second meeting from 15-17 February in Garowe with a wider group of stakeholders than before in order to elaborate the way forward and address outstanding issues such as the nature of federalism and the system of government. The ICG looked forward to receiving an ambitious and clear timetable needed to deliver the Garowe process.

Looking beyond the Transition, the ICG stressed the importance of holding direct, popular elections as soon as and wherever possible at district, regional, state and federal levels in order to maximise public participation.

More generally, the ICG noted that there had been good progress in some areas of the Roadmap, but not across the board. In particular, the Group welcomed recent efforts by the TFG to reach out to a number of regional administrations, but reiterated its call for the overdue establishment of the High Level Committee on a formal and fully inclusive basis. The Group also encouraged all relevant stakeholders to participate actively in the Technical Committee and in its several sub-committees with a view to facilitating the full implementation of the Roadmap (including any necessary mobilisation of resources).

The ICG recognises the important role being played by the League of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and encourages them to continue their efforts. Given the importance of timely implementation of the Roadmap, the ICG expressed its strong concern over recent action by some Members of Parliament to attempt to replace the Speaker.

Accordingly, it encouraged the UN, AU and IGAD to undertake further mediation efforts before Garowe II in the hope of achieving an agreed solution – failing which, the UN, AU and IGAD should identify spoilers for possible sanctions based on their obstruction of the peace process.

The ICG strongly condemns all forms of violence and intimidation against Somali journalists and mediaorganisations, and urges the Somali authorities to end impunity, investigate and prosecute those responsible. The Group reiterated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.

Security and Stabilization

The ICG applauded recent military successes by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), TFG forces and their partners in response to continuing aggression by Al Shabaab. The Group reiterated its condolences to the families of the victims, including the relatives of TFG soldiers, their allies and AMISOM who have lost their lives. The ICG called upon all military actors to ensure adequate protection of civilians and unimpeded access for humanitarian agencies.

While recognising that the improvement of the security situation remains primarily the responsibility of the TFG, the Group welcomed the combined efforts of the AU, AMISOM troop-contributing countries, regional partners and the UN in developing a comprehensive strategic concept for AMISOM. They agreed that an enhanced.

AMISOM capability could seize the present moment of opportunity further to improve the security situation, enable the TFG to extend its authority and reach out to the population in newly-recovered areas. The Group acknowledged that this would require adequate, sustainable and predictable funding, including for an expanded logistical support package, and called for uncaveated contributions to the AMISOM Trust Fund, including from potential new donors, and for additional troop contributors. The Group also noted the urgent need to strengthen the capacity of TFG security forces.

The ICG noted the importance of establishing functional local administration and stabilisation programmes in areas recovered from Al Shabaab. In this regard, the Group welcomed a specific and detailed proposal from the TFG, and urged the provision of timely and adequate resources for its rapid implementation in order to consolidate the peace, promote reconciliation, restore law and order, release and reintegrate children associated with armed groups, revive basic services and strengthen governance at district, regional, state and federal levels. The Group underscored the need to converge both bottom-up (i.e. community-led) and top-down (TFG-facilitated) processes to fill the territorial and political space vacated by the retreating elements of Al Shabaab. The ICG calls upon Al Shabaab and all other extremist organisations to renounce violence and embrace the Djibouti peace process.

London Conference

The ICG welcomed the planned London Conference on 23 February as an opportunity to focus additional attention at the highest level on turning the tide in Somalia. The Group reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the Conference gives fresh impetus to the international community’s support for Somalia by building on the work of the UN, AU and IGAD to facilitate the completion of the Roadmap, consolidation and expansion of security gains and preparation for the post-Transition period.

Reconstruction and Recovery

The ICG remains committed to supporting Somalia’s long-term reconstruction and development, which should produce a tangible improvement in the daily lives of ordinary Somalis. The ICG notes that it will be harder to secure progress in the military and political process unless genuine effort is made to achieve economic growth, reconstruction and recovery. To this end, the Group looks forward to the planned Istanbul II conference in June. Before then, the ICG urges the Roadmap signatories – in consultation with the UN and major donors – to develop a detailed plan which should include ways to improve access to basic services, education, employment, infrastructure and incentives for peace.

International Coordination

In view of the urgent importance of ending the Transition and reinforcing recent military gains, this ICG focused primarily on the political process and promoting stabilisation. Nevertheless, further progress regarding security, including fighting against piracy and terrorism, are also key to improving governance and stability and in addressing the many other issues which concern us in Somalia – including the humanitarian crisis, violations of human rights and protection of children. As we approach the end of Transition and a hoped-for new era of peace and economic recovery in Somalia, the ICG is committed to becoming even more effective at representing and coordinating the international community’s response. The ICG therefore discussed various options for reform and revised working methods, and invited further proposals with a view to reaching agreement on a possible restructuring.

In the meantime, the ICG welcomes with appreciation the bold relocation of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia from Nairobi to Mogadishu, and looks forward to shifting the presence of other UN agencies and international partners progressively to Somalia.
The International Contact Group thanked the Government of Djibouti for hosting this meeting.

Participants

African Union, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Djibouti, East African Community, Egypt, Ethiopia, European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, Islamic Development Bank, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea (Republic), League of Arab States, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, Netherlands, Norway, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia (TFG, TFP, Puntland, Galmudug, Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a), South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Nations, United States of America, Yemen and World Bank.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali president calls on the Somali people to participate in the elimination of al-Shabaab remnants

06 Feb- Source: Radio Mogadishu, Somalia Report- 77 words

Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed called for the Somali people to take part in the second phase of eradicating al Shabaab from the country. President Sharif stated that it’s important to tighten the security of the capital with the help of the civilians. “The Somalia national forces are ready for the second phase to completely uproot al-Shabaab from the country. We have destroyed al Shabaab and we shall finish them in the coming days,” said the president.

Schools will be opened in Mogadishu: Somali president says

06 Feb – Source: Shabelle – 131 words

The president of the TFG Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed has announced on Monday that his government is planning to open at least 100 schools with veracity levels in Mogadishuto enhance the educational system.

Puntland president calls for attacks on Kismayo town

06 Feb – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 200 words

Puntland president Abdirahman Mohamed Farole has called on TFG and Kenyan troops battling al Shabaab rebel group in parts of Lower Juba to speed up their efforts to wrest control of the port city of Kismayo. President Farole was speaking at the 21st Meeting of the International Contact Group on Somalia in Djabouti. Farole said al Shabaab still continue to hold strategic areas in Somalia including the port cities of Kismayo and Merka, in Lower Jubba and Lower Shabelle regions, respectively.

Massive leave in government houses in Mogadishu

06 Feb – Source: Radio Kulmiye – 141 words

The former buildings belonged to the Somali’s military ruler Mohamed Siyad which is known as Ba’adlaha in habited by almost three thousand ordinary Somali families who are displaced from the capital Mogadishu’s eighteen districts and south and central regions. Somali president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, the defense minister Hussein Arab Isseh and the chairman of the Banadir region who is also the mayor of Mogadishu Mohamud Ahmed Nur “Tarsan” jointly held a press conference on the topic.

Al Shabaab attack Somali, Kenyan troops in southern Somalia

06 Feb – Source: Shabelle – 84 words

Al Shabaab are reported to have launched mortar attacks on Qooqaani locality in Lower Jubba Region. The attacks started last night and continued until this morning. Eyewitnesses in Qooqaani have told Shabeelle Radio that al Shabaab fighters launched mortar attacks on Somali and Kenyan military bases in the area. Somali government officials said that al Shabaab had hurled up to 15 mortar shells at a Somali and Kenya base in the area, causing heavy casualties.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Terror attack shakes Garissa, North Eastern Kenya

06 Feb – Source: The Star – 383 words

Panic has once again gripped Garissa town and its its environs following the weekends attack in which three people were shot dead by suspected members of al shabaab. Members of the terror group over the weekend claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident occured on Friday evening as the victims were taking tea oustide a Jubba hotel on Posta Road in Garissa town.

Al Shabaab: Turkish government poisoning the Somali people

06 Feb – Source: Al Shahid – 259 words

Al Shabaab militant group in Somalia has accused the Turkish government of distributing expired food and medicine thus poisoning the people who receive her aid. The criticism came from Sheikh Abdulkadir Mumin, a top al Shabaab official who spoke to Radio Al-Andulus, an al Shabaab-run broadcaster. “They (the Turkish organisations) brought expired foods and medicines,” said Sheikh Mumin. The sheikh added that Turkey was engaged in a ‘campaign to assist Somalis’ just as a mission to advance its interests.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

UN and partners insist interim political arrangement must end in August

06 Feb- Source: UN News Centre- 447 words

Somalia moves to evict Mogadishu squatters

06 Feb – Source: BBC – 373 words

Somalia has started a major operation to remove tens of thousands of people who have been squatting in government buildings in the capital. Mogadishu’s mayor told the BBC that alternative housing was not being provided, as the squatters were able to pay rent to illegal landlords. The security situation in Mogadishu has improved over the past year.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“Belatedly, the US and Britain have backed those strategies, speaking of a “dual track” approach which means recognising the Mogadishu government but building up independent relationships with the self-governing areas.”

“Working with other semi-autonomous areas such as Galmudug, Ximan and Xeeb may be more problematic, although there are signs that UN and AU officials are moving in that direction. Attempts by governments such as Ethiopia and Uganda to back self-governing areas are often dismissed by Somalis as attempts to carve up the country.”

The dangers of carving up Somalia

06 Feb – Source: African Report – 2107 Words

There is an unprecedented build-up of military force in Somalia. African Union peacekeepers are set to double to more than 17,000 while Kenya and Ethiopia have launched their own invasions. Soldiers from the USA, Britain and France are targeting insurgents with foreign terrorist links. This military influx could prove counter-productive, given the lack of resources for stabilising local politics and strengthening the economy.

Charming and jovial, Tanzanian diplomat Augustine Mahiga worked the room hard as he talked about tangible progress in Somalia to an array of stern faces at the African Union’s (AU) Peace and Security Council on 5 January in Addis Ababa.

“This is the moment when years of investment in Somalia could finally pay off if we stay the course and move forward together,” Mahiga intoned in his role as the UN secretary general’s special representative to Somalia.

“The media barely reports the fact that 2.5 million children in India die every year from malnutrition and related illnesses — that is 25 times the number of people estimated to have died in Somalia due to famine-related causes last year. Yet India does not generate the kind of largesse that our northern neighbour does.”

“Could it be because the Indian Government would not tolerate the fund-raising shenanigans of foreign charities and aid organisations?”

Why is famine the only story worth telling from this part of the world?

05 Feb – Source: Daily Nation – 676 Words

Six months after declaring the famine in Somalia as one of “biblical proportions”, the United Nations has now said that Somalia is a famine-free area, but that nearly a third of the country’s people are still “in crisis”.

The Food and Agricultural Organisation has stated that while the number of severely food insecure people had fallen from 4 million to 2.3 million, high rates of malnutrition and insecurity posed by Al-Shabaab are still of concern.