April 14, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

It’s economic sabotage, claim Somalis

13 Apr – Source: Star News – 120 words

MUSLIM leaders have condemned the ongoing police operation in Eastleigh as an attempt to undermine the Somali business community. At a press conference in Jamia mosque yesterday, Muslim leaders led by Mandera senator Billow Kerrow said the operation is intended “to disenfranchise” the Somali community whose “entrepreneurial acumen is known worldwide’. “This is an economic war and not fight against terror. If it is not, why it is targeted against one particular community in one particular area that is largely known for its business success,” said Kerrow. Another 30 Somalis were deported yesterday morning while another 67 are being held at Buru Buru police station awaiting deportation. Interior ministry officials said another 82 Somalis were flown to Mogadishu on Thursday.

Key Headlines

AMISOM forces rescue hostages from al Shabaab (AMISOM-HQ)
‎Somaliâ€¬ President thanks United Arab Emirates for cooperation on security and development (Office of the Somali President)
President Hassan “I congratulate the SNA on its successes during ongoing operations against
Al-Shabaab and the 54th anniversary of its inauguration.” (Office of the Somali President)
Somalia backs deportation of illegal immigrant (Standard Media)
Kenyan Police Accused of Seeking Bribes During Immigration Crackdown (VOA News
Somali Parliament speaker in Rome for talks with his Italian counterpart (Hiiraan Oline)
Somali Prime Minister meets Juba leaders in Kismayo (Radio Mogadishu)
Somalia: Parliamentary defense committee meets representatives of the sacked military officers (Radio Goobjoog)
Mogadishu mayor warns residents over giving refuge to fleeing al Shabaab militants (Radio Bar-Kulan)
Somali government rejects protest against Kenya in Mogadishu (Radio Dalsan)
Somali National army marks its 54th anniversary of existence (Radio Goobjoog)
Somalia PM visits port city of Kismayo (Africa Review)
One wounded in al Shabaab attack ((Radio Bar-Kulan)
Somaliland Speaker of National Assembly meets with Nick Clegg UK deputy PM and Mayoress of Sheffield Vickie (Somaliland Informer)
Turkey to help modernise Kenya Police Service (Daily Nation)
Kenyan aid workers home after Somalia captivity (World Bulletin)
Kenya releases Somali star footballer (Turkish press)
Al Shabaab Strategy Perplexes Some Experts (VOA News)

PRESS RELEASE

‎Somaliâ€¬ President thanks United Arab Emirates for cooperation on security and development

13 Apr – Source: Office of the Somali President – 219 words

His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today welcomed the new United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Somalia.

His Excellency Mohamed Al-Othman presented his credentials to the President in Villa Somalia, Mogadishu. Accompanied by Somalia’s Foreign Minister, His Excellency Abdirahman Duale Baileh, the Ambassador pledged his country’s continued support to the ongoing efforts to stabilize Somalia.

Ambassador Al-Othman stated that UAE is currently supporting development many projects in Somalia such as new hospitals and the rebuilding of institutions as well us providing humanitarian assistance, and the UAE will continue to increase its support to the government and the people of Somalia.

The President said: “We are enormously appreciative of UAE’s support to Somalia in terms of security, humanitarian and development works and we look forward to working together in pursuit of our mutual interests.”

“UAE is a valued business partner and we welcome your interest in the investment opportunities available in Somalia, from the energy and banking sectors to transportation and shipping. We are also grateful for your continuing efforts to build the capacity of our civil servants and to combat piracy.

The Ambassador conveyed a personal message from President of UAE, H.E. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, expressing his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. He concluded his visit with a joint press conference with the Somali Foreign Minister.

President Hassan “I congratulate the SNA on its successes during ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab and the 54th anniversary of its inauguration.”

12 Apr – Source: Office of the Somali President – 552 words

H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia today attended a ceremony marking the 54th anniversary of the creation of Somali National Army (SNA). “I congratulate the SNA on its successes in its ongoing operations against al Shabaab on the 54th anniversary of its inauguration.”

Speaking on the occasion, the President said, “First of all, let me say congratulations, congratulations, congratulations to all SNA personnel and their families on the occasion of the 54th anniversary of its inauguration. The SNA has a long history that we are all very proud of. Some years ago, the SNA used to participate in peace keeping operations in other countries across Africa and was the lead in seeking independence from colonial rule amongst all the other countries in Africa.”

“The SNA used to provide training and capacity building to other African countries’ forces because Somalia had professional officers with experience, knowledge, good discipline and integrity. We should celebrate and acknowledge that history and teach it to our children as something which we are all very proud of,” the President said.

“Today our forces are engaged on a new front and in another fight, this time against terrorists. The SNA are the lead in the current military operations against Al-Shabaab with the support of AMISOM. The SNA liberates new towns day after day, and people in those areas are now free from oppression and terrorist acts. They are now engaged with the government, they can see the peace dividend and take part in the rebuilding of the nation. We want the people to decide their future through good governance,” the President added.

The President thanked the US government for its support to SNA and the rebuilding a professional army in Somalia that can bring peace and stability while upholding the rule of law.

The President encouraged the SNA to continue with its recent successes and to eliminate the threat posed by al Shabaab. ‘That way the government can implement its plans such as the stabilization process, the review of the constitution and the implementation of the democratization process so that we can hold fair and free elections by 2016,” the President explained.

The President spoke more on the Stabilization Plan: “Our plan is to provide humanitarian assistance as soon as a city or town is liberated, to establish temporary Administrations, to establish security, judiciary services, provide basic services, begin the reconciliation process, provide good governance and ultimately implement the democratization process so that the people can decide their own future.”

He also addressed al Shabaab itself: “ We provide opportunities for those in al Shabaab who are willing to renounce violence and take part in the peace process and the building of the nation. We welcome them and will provide alternative livelihoods so that they can be a useful member of Somali society.” The President re-iterated his vision to hold fair and free elections by 2016.

Speaking on recent security crackdown in Nairobi, the President said, “I spoke to President Uhuru Kenyatta and we agreed the importance of protecting Somalis in Kenya and to respect their human rights and dignity. The government will continue to support its citizens around the globe and to provide assistance to bring home those who are willing to return voluntarily so that they can take part in the rebuilding of the nation.”

AMISOM forces rescue hostages from al Shabaab

11 Apr – Source: AMISOM – 193 words

In a brief operation on the outskirts of Dhobley town, AMISOM and Interim Jubba Administration (IJA) forces rescued two Kenyan nationals who were kidnapped by the terror group al Shabaab in 2011.

James Kiarie Gichoi, working for aid agency Care International was kidnapped near the Dadaab refugee camp, while Daniel Njuguna Wanyoike, a driver’s helper employed by Shibli Enterprises Ltd, a company contracted by Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) to transport medical supplies from Nairobi to Marerey, was kidnapped in Afmadow.

The two are currently receiving treatment at the AMISOM Level II hospital in Dhobley before further repatriation to Nairobi, Kenya.

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission to Somalia (SRCC) Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif congratulated the Kenya Defence Forces on the rescue.

“Our mandate requires us to create a safe haven for aid agencies to carry out their operations and we are committed to ensuring the protection of aid workers as they deliver essential services to the Somali population,” he said.

AMISOM forces are currently engaged alongside the Somali National Army (SNA) in an offensive to capture Al Shabaab’s last strongholds. So far, ten strategic towns have been liberated.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali Parliament speaker in Rome for talks with his Italian counterpart

13 Apr – Source: Hiiraan Online – 112 words

The speaker of the federal parliament of Somalia Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawaari has arrived in Rome for bilateral talks with his Italian counterpart to build up co-operative ties between both parliaments. Mr Jawaari and his delegation were received at Fiumicino International airport of Rome by Italian government officials and Somali ambassador, as well as members from Somali community in Italy late on Sunday. Talking to reporters at the airport, the Somali speaker said that his delegation arrived in Italy on an official invitation from Italian counterpart Laura Boldrini and they will discuss on the establishment of major co-operations between both parliaments.

Somali Prime Minister meets Juba leaders in Kismayo

13 Apr – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV – 106 words

The Prime minister of the federal government of Somalia Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed had special meeting with Juba Interim leaders in Kismayo Saturday night. Their closed door meeting took long hours, sources state that the leaders discussed issues including ending the differences between the federal government of Somalia and Juba administration and implementation of Addis Ababa agreement. The Prime minister meet the elders, intellectuals and the civil society. In his visit to Kismayo the Prime Minister is accompanied by some of the cabinet ministers and members of the parliament. The security of the town was tightened by AMISOM troops and Juba administration forces.

Somalia: Parliamentary defense committee meets representatives of the sacked military officers

13 Apr – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 106 words

Parliamentary defense committee had meeting with representatives of the recently sacked military officers in the parliament hall to listen their complains. The vice chairman of the committee Hussein Hagaafe stated that the committee will make in-depth investigations to know the reasons behind the sacking of over 2000 serving military officers comprising of men and women. He added that they will consult with concerned groups so as to get proper solutions to the problems posed by sacking
Late last year, Somali military command has sacked over three thousand soldiers, the military Gen. Dahir Elmi aka Indhaqarshe claimed the forces were sacked due to negligence in their duties.

Puntland president reaches Galdogob town

13 Apr – Source: RBC/Puntland TV – 93 words

The President of Somalia’s Semi-autonomous region of Puntland Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas has reached Galdogob town on the Ethiopia-Somalia border on Sunday, RBC reports. The visit is part of the first local tour by Puntland’s President Abdiweli Gaas, the former Somali Prime Minister, who was elected as the region’s new president in January this year. In the last couple of days, President Gaas spent in Galkayo in the central Somalia region of Mudug. His Galkayo visit came as armed soldier shot dead two foreign UN workers at the city’s airport in last week.

Mogadishu mayor warns residents over giving refuge to fleeing al Shabaab militants

13 Apr – Source: Bar-kulan – 85 words

Banadir administration has cautioned the residents of the capital Mogadishu of giving refuge to fleeing members of Al-shabaab militant group. Mogadishu mayor Hassan Mohamed Hussein famously known as general Mungab has said that his administration is closely monitoring militants who are fleeing the frontline in order to seek refuge in the capital Mogadishu. General Mungab has called upon the residents of the city to cooperate with the security forces to arrest what he termed as the traitors and the biggest enemy of the Somali people.

Libyan coast guard arrests Somali migrants

13 Apr – Source: Somali Current – 86 words

Libyan coast guard had arrested over 400 migrants most of them from Somalia. These migrants were arrested amid trying to cross Libyan shores into Europe. The Libyan coast force said they have captured 5 boats overloaded with migrants from Africa in Libyan shores. The spokesman of Libyan marine force Ayub Qasim said they have rescued 78 migrants after their boat sank in the Libyan shores. However the spokesperson Qasim had not mentioned the exact number and the nationalities of the passengers of the boat that sank.

Somali government rejects protest against Kenya in Mogadishu

12 Apr – Source: Radio Dalsan – 97 words
Somali government has refused to license Human rights activist to protest against Kenyan government. An activists in Mogadishu has told Radio Dalsan that the Ministry of Interior refused to give them the license to organize a protest against Kenyan government actions to round up refugees in Nairobi. The government has argued that due o security reasons in the city and possible. Al Shabaab militant group target on the population the protest cannot go ahead. It is not clear apart from the security reason if the government of Somalia is avoiding trouble with its neighbor concerning the matter.

Somali National army marks its 54th anniversary of existence

12 Apr – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 94 words

Somali National Army commemorated their 54th anniversary of existence since established 12th April 1960. The ceremony held in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia and all other cities. The top leaders of the country and military officials took part in the ceremony to present the achievement of the army. This year’s commemoration comes a time when Somali National army have gained control of many areas that were under the control of al Shabaab fighters through joint crackdown with AMISOM.

Puntland Farmers Day marked with ‘Commendations and Pledges’

12 Apr – Source: Garowe Online – 116 words

Puntland Farmers Day has been marked with a well organized event at Puntland Development Research Center (PDRC) in the state capital of Garowe in the presence of high ranking government officials on Saturday, Garowe Online reports. Puntland Vice President Abdihakin Abdullahi Omar Amey, Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Abdi Ismael Boos, Environment, Wildlife and Tourism Minister Gulled Salah Barre, Minister of Women and Family Affairs Anisa Haji Mumin, parliamentarians and farmers attended the event marking ‘Puntland Farmers Day’. Farmers representing various vicinities in northeastern Somalia showed off their harvests in advance of the opening remarks, with participants looking at tables decorated with watermelons, frankincense, date palms, tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, mangoes, corns and guavas amongst other agricultural products.

One wounded in al Shabaab attack

11 Apr – Source: Bar-kulan -91 words

One person was injured when al Shabaab militant group opened fire on a vehicle they were travelling in Yasoman which is 35 KM north east of Bula-burte. Eyewitnesses have told Bar-Kulan that the militants have taken hostage two people and the vehicle they were travelling in. Mohamed Mumin government official in the area has told Bar-kulan that the militants have taken the two people plus the vehicle towards Maqokori in Hiran province. The vehicle was heading to Guriel from Bula-burte. The militants have accused the vehicle and the passengers of transporting miraa.

Somaliland Speaker of National Assembly meets with Nick Clegg, UK deputy PM and Mayoress of Sheffield Vickie

11 Apr – Source: Somaliland Informer – 68 words

A large delegation headed by the speaker of Somaliland National Assembly has arrived in Sheffield where they departed from London on Friday. Mr. Abdirahman Cirro has met with deputy Prime Minister of Britain Nick Clegg earlier this morning who received the delegation in his office and spoke with him about the case of Somaliland and that the UK must support the aspirations of Somaliland to secede from Somalia.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Somalia PM visits port city of Kismayo

13 Apr – Source: Africa Review – 165 words

Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed led a high-level delegation to the country’s port city of Kismayo, the regional capital of Lower Jubba region on Saturday. The move was seen as an attempt by the Somali Government to boost implementation of the Federal system across the country.This also comes amid reports of deteriorating security situation in the city over the last two years. Security was heightened ahead of the Somali PM’s arrival. He was given a warm reception by the leaders of the Interim Juba Administration led by its president, Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam alias Sheikh Ahmed Madobe. The Interim Juba Administration, which is made of three southern regions, namely Lower Juba, Middle Juba and Gedo, was formed after the Somali Government signed an agreement with the region’s leaders in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in August 2013. Kismayu and many settlements in the Juba territory were liberated from Al-Shabaab, the radical Islamist group, by troops from Kenya that arrived in the country in October 2011.

It’s economic sabotage, claim Somalis

13 Apr – Source: Star News – 120 words

Turkey to help modernise Kenya Police Service

13 Apr – Source: Daily Nation – 138 words

The Turkish National Police will soon start support programs to upgrade the ability of the Kenya Police Service to keep the country safe. This follows a pact signed by Kenya and Turkey that would see the two forces establish create links that would benefit Kenya.The arrangement is part of wider commitments on security and defence between the two governments that include closer co-operation on the stabilisation and reconstruction of Somalia. In addition to sharing of skills between the police forces, Turkey will support upgrading and modernisation of Kenya’s security forces as it tackles threats posed by terrorism.The MoU on Security Co-operation between the Kenya Police Service and the Turkish National Police is one of the nine agreements signed when the two nations cemented bilateral ties during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s State visit to the country last week.

Somalia backs deportation of illegal immigrants

11 Apr – Source: Standard Media – 145 words

The Somalia Government has declared support for the ongoing security crackdown in Kenya but called for humane treatment of those arrested. Somalia ambassador to Kenya, Mohamed Ali Nur said his country supports deportation of illegal migrants, but opposed any attempts to treat all Somalis as suspects. Speaking yesterday at a press briefing in Nairobi, Mr Nur said not all suspects arrested are terrorists and warned against humiliation during screening. “We are in support of the Kenya Government’s operation but if our people are harassed we will complain. We want our people not to be humiliated and we are ready to receive them in our country. We want them back to build our nation together,” he said. Nur, said the 82 immigrants deported so far, had been in the country illegally and agreed to go back home to build their country, which is rising from war.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Kenyan aid workers home after Somalia captivity

13 Apr – Source: World Bulletin – 131 words

Two Kenyan aid workers returned home late Saturday after three years in captivity by the Somali militant group al Shabaab. Daniel Njuguna Wanyoike and James Kiarie Gichuhi were airlifted from the border to the Eastleigh military base in Nairobi. According to Kenya Defense Force Spokesman Colonel Willy Wesonga, the two have been handed over to the Ministry of Internal Security. Kenyan authorities avoided the coverage of their arrival with Wesonga saying they were still traumatized, shaken and unready to face the media. On Friday, Kenyan army forces said it had staged a night ambush on an al Shabaab convoy in southwest Somalia on Thursday before freeing the two Kenyan hostages. But in a statement Saturday, al Shabaab said the two had been “released” not “rescued”, adding it had helped them reach their country’s border.

Kenya releases Somali star footballer

12 Apr – Source: Turkish Press – 146 words

An international Somali football star who plays for a top Kenyan team has been released by Kenyan authorities after being detained for two days following a security swoop conducted in Nairobi’s predominantly-Somali Eastleigh district. “I am happy to be out. I am looking forward to go back to training,” AFC Leopards striker Sadiq Abdulqadir told Anadolu Agency moments after his release.
Abdulqadir was arrested by Kenyan police on Wednesday on his way to watch a European Champions League match in his Eastleigh neighborhood. “I was detained in two different police stations before being taken to the Kasarani Stadium,” Abdulqadir recounted. “At first it was difficult since no one seem to have known that I am an AFC Leopards footballer,” he said. “But life was much easier when word went around that I was an AFC striker.” Abdulqadir was released following intervention by officials from his club.

Al Shabaab Strategy Perplexes Some Experts

11 Apr – Source: VOA News – 119 words

About a month ago, African Union troops and Somali government soldiers retook the town of Huddur from the militant group al Shabaab. The capture came relatively easy. When the troops approached, al-Shabab just retreated into the hinterland. The following day, the town of Wajid also fell to pro-government forces. Several towns were then recaptured: Burdhubo on March 9, Buloburde on March 13, Qoryoley on March 22, and el-Bur on March 26. By the end of March, AU and Somali forces had seized 10 towns in all. In most of these locations, al Shabaab offered no resistance. Qoryoley and Burdhubo were the exceptions; both were home to al Shabaab bases. In Qoryoley, 120 kilometers south of Mogadishu, the militants continue to launch counter-attacks .

Kenyan Police Accused of Seeking Bribes During Immigration Crackdown

10 Apr – Source: VOA News – 154 words

Somalis in Kenya say police are systematically soliciting bribes during an ongoing crackdown on suspected illegal immigrants. Police have denied the allegations. Police searched the home of 20-year-old, Kenya-born Farhia who lives in a small apartment in Nairobi’s predominantly Somali Eastleigh neighborhood. VOA visited her just minutes after the search. “They came to my house just now,” she told VOA. “I showed them my student ID then my birth certificate. They were not interested in either of that. They told me to give them money and they will release me.” Farhia says she gave them 5,000 shillings, or about $60. For residents of Eastleigh, these shakedowns have become a common occurrence, with police visiting the same home up to six times a day, sometimes knocking in the middle of the night. Somalis say the police call them ATMs — human cash machines. Others say police have taken jewelry, smart phones and other valuables.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“….we need to take seriously al Shabaab’s goal of provoking a religious conflict in Kenya. Let’s learn something from what Boko Haram has done in Nigeria. Attacks in places of worship can drive folks over the edge very quickly and lead to retaliatory massacres. That’s what al Shabaab wants.”

We shouldn’t wage poorly planned war on terror by isolating others

12 Apr- Source: Standard Media-785 Words
I know Kenyans – and their true friends – are very angry about the al Shabaab terror attacks. I am very angry myself – steaming hot. There can be no justification – in any religion or moral code – for killing innocents. Never! Nyet! It particularly shocks the human conscience when congregants, including toddlers, are massacred in churches. Such gruesome attacks bring out the primeval in us. Naturally, we want pitiless revenge – and not a moment too soon. But yet our response to those who would terrorize us is a reflection of our soul as a nation. I’m not wielding the Bible, but remember this – do unto others as you would they do unto you. That’s why we shouldn’t wage a dumb war against terror. Let me get some cold – unarguable – facts out. Fact – virtually all al Shabaab terrorists are male. Fact – virtually all al Shabaab terrorists profess Islamic faith. Fact – most al Shabaab terrorists are ethnic Somalis. Fact – the vast, overwhelming majority of Somalis and Muslims are not terrorists; they don’t subscribe to al Shabaab and practice Islam as a religion of peace. Fact – you can’t argue with these facts. Conclusion – a war on terror that doesn’t accept this empirical evidence is doomed to fail. It’s boneheaded and simply stupid to criminalise every Somali and Muslim. Which begs the question – given these indisputable facts, how can Kenya wage a “smart war” on terror?

“Make no mistake: This approach of assassinations and mass round-ups is counter-productive. Mass punishment outside the law has always boomeranged, as the Americans can attest.”

Mass arrests and assassinations will only make our borders more insecure

12 Apr- Source: Daily Nation-665 Words
Terrorism is commonly understood to be those violent acts intended to create fear, or terror, and are perpetrated for a political, religious or ideological goal and which deliberately disregard the safety and well-being of civilians. Terrorism is indiscriminate and focuses on inflicting as much damage as possible. What al Shabaab has been perpetrating in Kenya, Somalia and Uganda is clearly terrorism which should not just be condemned strongly, but all possible — but legal — means should be used to bring the perpetrators to justice. For terrorism is an egregious violation of the law, claiming innocent lives and leaving victims and survivors with lifelong scars and wounds. It is crucial that this violation of the law is fought using the law, or there could be no difference between the state and terrorist. States can also perpetrate terrorism by using the same lawless tactics as groups like al Qaeda and al Shabaab, targeting innocent civilians, or communities in order to instill terror and fear. This is what Libya was accused of with the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. But states can also take other tactics calculated to instill fear and intimidation. Arguably the tactics of the British colonial regime during the Mau Mau uprising could fall into this category, as it killed, tortured and detained alleged Mau Mau sympathisers with impunity, fully intending to cause fear and despondency.