April 15, 2013 | Morning Headlines.
Militants’ attack kills 29 at Somali courthouse
14 Apr – Source: CNN/Reuters/The Guardian/AP – 122 words
At least 10 heavily armed militants forced their way into a court building Sunday in Mogadishu, Somalia, and launched a deadly attack, according to a local journalist who witnessed the aftermath. Some of the assailants detonated explosives before others exchanged fire with government security, witnesses said. Diplomatic sources told CNN that 29 people were killed in the courthouse attack, including a number of militants. Nearly 60 people were wounded in the skirmish, the officials said. Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack and said five of its members were killed.
Key Headlines
- PM asks Burundi government to assist stabilization (Raxanreeb)
- Somali government reached agreement with Somaliland (Radio Mogadishu/Bar-kulan
- IMF recognises Somali government after 22-year break (Radio Kulmiye)
- A vehicle carrying Turkish officials attacked in Mogadishu (Shabelle)
- Al Shabaab retake second town in southern Somalia (Raxanreeb)
- Somalia to attract investors following AfDB’s funds approval (East African)
- Somali PM hails IMF decision to recognise government (AFP)
PRESS STATEMENT
“This attack is nothing but a sign of desperation by the terrorists.” President Hassan said
14 Apr – Source: Office of Somali President – 159 words
The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia H.E Hassan Sh. Mohamud strongly condemns the terrorist attack, in Mogadishu, that took place today 14th of April 2013 in Mogadishu Somalia.
Terrorist attacked several sites in Mogadishu including the court complex and Governor’s headquarters.
The President sends his heartfelt condolences to the victims and families of the cowardly attack on innocent Somali civil servants.
“ We are moving forward but the enemy of Somalia, the enemy of all mankind will attempt to set us back and try to prevent us from prospering. I want the terrorist to know that our country, Somalia, is moving and will keep moving forward and will not be prevented to achieve the ultimate noble goal, a peaceful and stable Somalia, by a few desperate terrorists.”
“This attack is nothing but a sign of desperation by the terrorists, who’ve lost all their stronghold and are in complete decline right across Somalia.” President Hassan Sh. Mohamud stated.
UN Special Representative for Somalia’s Statement on Multiple Deadly Attacks in Mogadishu
14 Apr – Source: UNPOS – 149 words
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga, is shocked and outraged by today’s deadly attacks in Mogadishu.
While the number of the dead is still unclear, initial reports indicate that many innocent civilians were killed including women and at least one child. Many more were injured in the blasts, which occurred in multiple locations including at the Regional Court House.
“I join the government and the people of Somalia in condemning these senseless acts of terror”, said SRSG Mahiga, “Somalia is making remarkable progress toward stabilization and these great strides will not be overshadowed by the desperate acts of these cowardly terrorists.”
“My thoughts are with families and friends of those killed and injured in the attacks. The international community will continue to support the Federal government in their efforts to ensure a safe and secure Somalia for all its citizens,” the SRSG said.
Security remains top priority, says Prime Minister on return from Regional Tour
14 Apr – Source: Prime Minister’s Media Office – 334 words
His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon said his government’s overriding priority was security, returning from a landmark visit to Djibouti, Ethiopia, Uganda and Burundi.
“This was an important and successful visit to our key regional partners, all of whom are critical troop-contributors to the AMISOM mission,” the Prime Minister said. “The central point of all my discussions was security. We discussed existing security arrangements with our partners and plans to extend deployments in newly liberated areas and intensify the fight against Al Shabaab to complete their defeat. Security has been this government’s greatest priority and its greatest success. There will be no let-up on this front.”
The Prime Minister praised the contribution of Djibouti, Uganda, Burundi and Ethiopia, together with AMISOM and its international backers, and said this had been one of the world’s most successful interventions of recent times.
“I met the heads of state and thanked them for sending their young men and women to serve in Somalia. We are enormously appreciative of their support and the sacrifices they have made.”
Commenting on the terrorist attack in Mogadishu, the Prime Minister said his first reaction was to express sympathy and condolences to those killed or injured. Terrorists attacked several sites including the Mogadishu courts complex and the Benadir regional government headquarters. The Prime Minister also praised the contribution of Somali security forces in dealing with the attack.
“There is nothing Islamic in killing innocent Somalis. It is a tragedy for everyone affected. The fact is that our enemies are in decline and retreat across Somalia. Only today we saw more evidence of their collapse in an open letter to Al Qaeda’s leadership that has already been described as Al Shabaab’s death certificate.”
“My message to my fellow Somalis and the world is that this pointless and pathetic act will have no effect on our government, which is committed to continuing the enormous progress we have made in recent months. This is what all Somalis want, not more futile and destructive warfare.”
“The Somali National Army is the backbone and the pride of this nation,” President says on Armed Forces Day
12 Apr – Source: Office of Somali President – 348 words
“The Somali National Army is the backbone and the pride of this nation,” President says on Armed Forces Day.” The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia and Commander-in-Chief Hassan Sh. Mohamud today led celebrations of the 53rd anniversary of the Somali National Army (SNA) held at the Ministry of Defense.
The military honor guard saluted the President before the various military branches of the army, navy and air force displayed spectacular parades in a well prepared event not seen since the last two decades. Furthermore, Ministers, high-ranking military leaders, AMISOM and the foreign diplomatic corps were amongst the honored guests.
“I congratulate you and the people of Somalia for this great anniversary. I am honored to be your Commander-in-Chief. At this stage the Somali National Army has entered its renaissance.” “The Somali National Army is the backbone and the pride of this nation. We’ve made major gains in recovering territories from the enemy while at the same time the Army is undergoing major reform.”
“We the Federal government of Somalia stated many times, that our number one priority is security. We did this because then the very existence of Somalia was in question. Now the government is investing all its resources in you so this country can be in peace.” “We must be clear of one thing, our job is to protect our people, country, and faith. The Somalia National Army will never accept nor tolerate anyone that breaks the law. You are risking your life for this country and therefore you must protect your dignity.”
“My people, we must move forward and build institutions that bond us all together. The armed forces play that role. Our people have had enough suffering and today we have the greatest opportunity and we will prevail.” “Today it is appropriate for me to pay tribute to and thank our brothers and sisters from the troop contributing countries for their support and sacrifices as we rebuild our armed forces.”
The SNA band displayed dramatic dances, nationalistic songs and folklore. The President concluded by thanking the international community for supporting the SNA.
African Union Congratulates the Somali National Armed Forces on the occasion of their 53rd Anniversary
12 Apr – Source: AMISOM – 214 words
The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif today congratulated the Somali National Army as it marked 53 years since its formation.
The SNA was founded in 1960 under the command of the late General Daud Abdulle Hirsi, a renowned Somali hero. “On this anniversary, I pay tribute to the efforts of the SNA in liberating their country,” said Amb Annadif.
He said that the SNA, which is only now recovering and rebuilding after being disbanded during the decades of civil war had played an important role, supported by African Union troops, in liberating most of southern Somalia from the Al Qaeda affiliated extremist group al Shabaab.
He acknowledged that the SNA still faced many challenges and said that AMISOM was committed to helping build up their capacity through training and mentoring. “As we help them confront the al Shabaab, we are also training them to serve and protect every citizen of the country,” he added.
Currently nearly 400 Somali troops have been trained by AMISOM in Mogadishu and at Bihanga, Uganda. AMISOM-in collaboration with partners-is making arrangements to shift most of the trainings for the SNA to the newly refurbished Al Jazira training base in southern Mogadishu once all the on-going processes have been completed.
SOMALI MEDIA
PM asks Burundi government to assist stabilization
14 Apr – Source: Raxanreeb – 144 words
Somalia Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon has asked the Burundi government to assist his country with securing and stabilizing the liberated regions in Somalia, RBC Radio reports. Prime minister Shirdon made the appeal during his first official visit to Burundi last week. “Burundi is a key player in securing Somalia and eliminating extremists in the country, and the call from the prime minister comes in a very important moment.”
Somali government reached agreement with Somaliland
13 Apr – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Bar-kulan – 53 words
The Somali federal government on Saturday night signed an agreement with Somaliland administration to continue dialogue and co-operation between the two sides. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, leading a high delegation, held talks with Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo in Ankara, Turkey. A communique issued after a two days’ meeting pointed at how the talks will continue.
Gunmen storm courthouse after two suicide explosions
14 Apr – Source: Garowe Online/Radio Mogadishu/Shabelle/Raxanreeb/
Gunmen took over a courthouse in Mogadishu following two suicide bombings and a huge gunfight that erupted outside Hamarweyne courthouse while there were court proceedings. According to early reports, two suicide bombers attacked the outside of the court and detonated their explosives, killing security. Unconfirmed reports say that 11 men stormed the courthouse and are holding people hostage. Other conflicting reports say that the gunmen are still battling security outside the courthouse.
IMF recognises Somali government after 22-year break
14 Apr – Source: Radio Kulmiye – 108 words
The International Monetary Fund has recognised the government of Somalia after a break in relations of 22 years. The move could enable the IMF to provide technical support and policy advice to the impoverished country in the Horn of Africa. However, the IMF will not lend money to Somalia until it clears a $352m (£230m) debt it owes to the organisation. “The International Monetary Fund today recognised the federal government of Somalia, headed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, paving the way for the resumption of relations after a 22-year interval,” the IMF said in a statement.
A vehicle carrying Turkish officials attacked in Mogadishu
14 Apr – Source: Shabelle – 71 words
A vehicle carrying Turkish officials was targeted by another vehicle loaded with explosive devices in Mogadishu. Our reporter at the scene has confirmed that two Turkish officials died on the spot and another one person believed to be the person who committed the suicide is also confirmed dead. Government troops have secured the scene and have dismissed people who formed a gathering at the scene.
Al Shabaab retake second town in southern Somalia
13 Apr – Source: Raxanreeb – 88 words
At least four people were killed in a heavy gun battle between Somali government forces backed by the Ethiopian army and al Shabaab insurgents in Ufurow town, southern Somalia region. According to locals in Ufurow town, the militants took over the town as the fighters of al Shabaab poured into the town at midday on Saturday soon after the Ethiopians and Somali government forces withdrew from Ufurow, unnamed residents confirmed. The regional administration and security officials could not be reached for comment.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Suicide attack leaves several dead in Somalia
14 Apr – Source: Gulf News/Capital FM – 136 words
Militants launched a serious and sustained assault on Mogadishu’s main court complex on Sunday, detonating at least two blasts, taking an unknown number of hostages and exchanging extended volleys of gunfire with government security forces, witnesses said. The attack on the country’s Supreme Court complex began at around 12.30pm and running battles with police and army forces lasted at least 90 minutes. Two bomb blasts were heard and gunmen were seen on a court building roof firing shots. A confirmed death toll wasn’t immediately available.
Somalia to attract investors following AfDB’s funds approval
13 Apr – Source: East African – 178 words
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved resumption of funding to Somalia, potentially opening the way for money inflows into the country. Somalia is increasingly attracting investors on the back of improved security, which has enhanced investor confidence. Two business conferences are lined up in London, UK and Nairobi, Kenya to lure more investors into the country.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Militants’ attack kills 29 at Somali courthouse
14 Apr – Source: CNN/Reuters/The Guardian/AP – 122 words
At least 10 heavily armed militants forced their way into a court building Sunday in Mogadishu, Somalia, and launched a deadly attack, according to a local journalist who witnessed the aftermath. Some of the assailants detonated explosives before others exchanged fire with government security, witnesses said. Diplomatic sources told CNN that 29 people were killed in the courthouse attack, including a number of militants. Nearly 60 people were wounded in the skirmish, the officials said. Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack and said five of its members were killed.
Somali PM hails IMF decision to recognise government
14 Apr – Source: AFP – 161 words
Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon on Saturday hailed as an economic “milestone” the International Monetary Fund’s(IMF) decision to recognise the Somali government after a break of 22 years. Although Somalia has been an IMF member since 1962, relations broke off after the civil war of the early 1990s which left the country with “no government with which the Fund could deal.” In an official statement, Shirdon called the IMF’s decision on Friday “a major milestone in the country’s long road to economic recovery.” It was the latest in “a series of developments supporting the government’s policy of strengthening relations with its international partners,” he added. “The truth is that we are rejoining the community of nations and we must continue to demonstrate, both to Somalis and the world, that we justify this newfound confidence. There is much hard work ahead of us,” Shirdon said.
Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is currently in Turkey for talks with semi-autonomous region Somaliland.
Suicide raid, car bomb kill 34 civilians in Mogadishu
15 April – Source AFP – 594 words
A nine-man suicide commando blasted its way into Mogadishu’s main court complex Sunday, some blowing up their explosives vests while others sprayed gunfire in a rampage that left 29 civilians dead, while a separate bomb attack killed five more.
The Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab militant group claimed responsibility for the courthouse attack, from which Somalia’s chief justice escaped unharmed.
It was the worst day of violence the capital has seen in months.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
” Somalis wake up, Wake up and lean on each other And whoever is most in need of support, support them forever”.
Helping One Another is the only Path Somalia can give an Account of itself to the World
14 Apr – Source: Hiiraan Online – 1758 words
When times are tough and the conditions are at their worst, people learn what they are truly capable of. One of the positives from the adversity of Somalia’s prolonged civil war was the manner in which the business sector has flourished and remained resilient. This however has not benefited all Somalis as majority of our youth in Somalia remain un-employed and many others who are willing to participate in trade do not have the means to do so. The business sector is where Somalia’s strength lies and the goal here is to amplify our strength so that our country becomes a place where economic opportunity is real for everyone not just the economic elite. Those of us who are able to help such as the Diaspora abroad and Diaspora returnees, local medium and large companies, government and local NGOs need to collectively reach out those in need of help to become self-reliant and remittance independent. Our very human survival depends on helping one another and once practiced trust emerges and our progress goes up