April 22, 2013 | Morning Headlines.
Somali journalist shot dead in Mogadishu
21 Apr – Source: Radio Mogadishu/RBC/Radio Mustaqbal/ Shabelle/Risaala – 86 words
Unidentified gunmen shot and killed a Somali journalist working with state-run radio Mogadishu late on Sunday afternoon. Mohamed Ibrahim Raage (better known as Honest) was shot and killed by two men armed with pistols in front of his home at Dharkenley neighborhood in the capital, shortly after he returned back from his work. The editor of Radio Mogadishu Mohamed Abukar said that late Raage was shot by two men around 6:00 p.m (local time) after he had left the radio station.
Key Headlines
- Security forces seize cache of arms explosives in central town (Raxanreeb)
- MPs question interior and national security minister on slain prisoners (Universal TV)
- Explosions target AMISOM vehicles in lower Shabelle region (Radio Shabelle)
- President and his delegates jet back in the country (Radio Mogadishu)
- Somali president calls African leaders to help tackle illegal fishing toxic waste dumping and charcoal export in Somalia (Raxanreeb)
- Somaliland ‘won’t attend’ London Somali conference (Africa Review)
- Al Shabaab blamed for hotel killings (The Standard)
PRESS STATEMENT
Statement of President Hassan in Bahardar conference
21 Apr – Office of the President of Somalia – 1069 words
Statement by his excellency, hassan sheikh mohamoud, the president of the federal government of somalia on Bahar dar forum for security and organized crimes.
His Excellency, Paul Kegame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
First and foremost, let me take this opportunity to wholeheartedly congratulate the TANA HIGH LEVEL FORUM BOARD for successfully convening the 2nd TANA High level forum on security in Africa. Special appreciation and gratitude goes to two of the most respected Africa’s statesman and members of the Tana Forum Board His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo and His Excellency Thabo Mbeki. I wish them very best and success.
We are much obliged to our hosts, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, to upkeep international attention and focus to the plight of security and organized crimes in Africa. We all thank our host and those who initiated and organized this forum and the patience, compassion and hospitality to us.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
Terrorism is one of the biggest and most challenging security threats facing Africa and the World in the twenty-first century. To meet this challenge, a truly African approach is needed, based on a clear legal foundation and solid cooperation. The Federal Government of Somalia in rejoining to the African spectrum as well as in the community of nations would like to contribute significantly and constructively in developing new ideas and frameworks to combat and improve security, based on our own experiences.
As stated by those who already spoke, I am delighted to pay my tribute and great admiration to the champion and the biggest advocate to peace and stability in Africa in general and in this region in particular, the late Prime Minister of Ethiopia, H.E. Meles Zenewi.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, Africa needs strong commitment from its leaders and people to stand together to combat any sort of illegal activities, including the drugs and human trafficking, illegal arms trade, illegal fishing and maritime piracy, toxic waste dumping, money laundering and any other organized crime in Africa.
I use the word stand together because, current organized crimes are Africanized; Therefore, the effort to combat it MUST also be Africanized. I believe that our concerted efforts mitigated with a strong legal framework; and enforced laws will generate a better image for Africa.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Africa must have the courage to say Crime is a Crime whatever elements it involves, it has no justification, and we have to combat it once and for all both intellectually and militarily in a unified manner.
Let me clarify about the present situation of my country. The challenges that Somalia faces today are complex and differ from the traditional organized crimes. Lack of security and functioning law enforcement apparatus multiplied by prolonged statelessness have created a wide spread instability in the country. As a result, establishing effective security sector remained top priority for my Government. Today, however, there are encouraging signs of progress and hope, and looking forward to stable country with functioning security, justice and law enforcement institutions.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Unlike some other countries, Somalia experiences daily instances of criminality, to the vulnerable people, and abiding citizens losing their confidences and trust to the institutions. The challenge we are phasing is simultaneously building effective security institutions in one hand and fighting organized crimes on the other hand, we have no choice. WE MUST DO IT ON ALL ACCOUNTS.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am a firm believer that our national security depends on having safe and secure neighbors, so our neighbors will depend on a safe and secure Somalia.
The challenges that Somalia is facing today can be won and overcome, if our African brothers and the international communities together assist Somalia in building our security forces and its related institutions with all its effectiveness and oversight civilian leadership. Currently AMISOM is supporting our forces in defeating terrorism in Somalia.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me remind you, that the threats of transnational organized criminal activities in Somalia are not limited to piracy and terrorism. It extends illegal fishing, toxic waste dumping and a huge destruction of our forest charcoal production and export. These activities will not only be illegal but causing for Somalia huge environmental problems that pauses serious danger for generations to come. These crimes have to stop. This must not be seen as a Somali problem. It is both African and global and must be faced in that way.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
We know that the costs imposed by Somali piracy on the global economy are so high and that international mobilization to eradicate piracy is ongoing effort. However, these efforts cannot be sustained without stable Somalia.
Parallel to that, my Government has launched a huge campaign to eradicate the piracy through mediation and dialogue with the community leaders and the local stakeholders. The fruits of this campaign have led to the voluntary denunciation of so many young Somalis to these illegal activities. The Government is planning to present to the international community a plan for reengaging the young former pirates by establishing a vocational training centers and reeducating to abide by the national and international laws.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I believe that Africa is waiting us to fully address and discuss these issues in very frank and concerted way. To combat all sorts of transnational organized crimes, we need to work out a strategy from the local to the global level. The need for effective communications to fight national and international organized crimes must be made locally and globally. I hereby confirm that Somalia is committed to this.
Above all, we need a forum like this august one to organize many events to continuously address and focus on the eradication of these crimes.
May I take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation and gratitude to the Institute of Peace and Security Studies, the TANA High Level Forum Board for giving me the chance to address this forum. I would also like to express the same appreciation of this audience. I am particularly indebted to Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn who offered me to participate for the first time in this Forum.
Excellencies, let me conclude by thanking the Federal Government of Ethiopia for being the host for this forward-looking event. Somalia owes you for this endeavor. You are a true friend!
THANK YOU.
SOMALI MEDIA
Somali journalist shot dead in Mogadishu
21 Apr – Source: Radio Mogadishu/RBC/Radio Mustaqbal/ Shabelle/Risaala – 86 words
Unidentified gunmen shot and killed a Somali journalist working with state-run radio Mogadishu late on Sunday afternoon. Mohamed Ibrahim Raage (better known as Honest) was shot and killed by two men armed with pistols in front of his home at Dharkenley neighborhood in the capital, shortly after he returned back from his work. The editor of Radio Mogadishu Mohamed Abukar said that late Raage was shot by two men around 6:00 p.m (local time) after he had left the radio station.
Security forces seize cache of arms, explosives in central town
21 Apr – Source: Raxanreeb – 124 words
Security forces in central Somalia have seized a cache of arms and explosives in Caabudwaaq town of Galgaduud region after search operations conducted on Sunday, RBC Radio reports. Caabudwaq head of security Ahmed Muse Ismail said that the security forces confiscated light weapons including an AK-47, pistols and rounds of ammunition during a daytime operation during which the police targeted armed militias in the area. “The police also seized hand grenades and Improvised Explosive Devices from a house in the centre of the town” Mr Muse said.
Armed men killed tradesman in Karkar region in Puntland fields
21 Apr – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 123 words
Reports from Karar region in Puntland fields say that armed men have killed a tradesman in that region on Sunday night. Armed men with pistols have killed the tradesman who was named Omar Aw-Mohamud as he was coming out from a mosque. The perpetrators escaped from the scene when they shot dead the victim, according to an eyewitness in Karar. The reason why the victim was killed is not yet known . No group claimed responsibility for this killing.
Italy donates police vehicles to Puntland
21 Apr – Source: Garowe Online – 200 words
Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole accepted 15 police vehicles donated by the Italian government to the Puntland government on Sunday, Garowe Online reports. President Farole met with Carlotta Wolf, Italian Diplomatic Advisor of the Office of Ambassador, in Garowe – the administrative capital of Puntland – to monitor the Puntland TV and Radio station which was opened earlier this month. in the presence of Vice President Abdisamad Ali Shire, Speaker of Parliament Abdirashid Mohamed Hersi, Minister of Finance Farah Ali, Puntland Police Chief Mohamed Saeed Janaqaf and several other government officials.
MPs question interior and national security minister on slain prisoners
21 Apr – Source: Raxanreeb/Radio Mustaqbal/ Universal TV – 220 words
The Interior and National Security minister Mr. Abdulkarim Hussein Guuleed was questioned by members of the parliament after he was summoned to answer questions relating to internal security and recent incident of killing prisoners awaiting trials in Mogadishu jails. The MPs asked the minister about 10 topics; the minister acknowledged that it’s constitutional right for the MPs to hold accountable the government for its actions.
Explosions target AMISOM vehicles in lower Shabelle region
21 Apr – Source: Shabelle -119 words
Reports from lower Shabelle region confirm that AMISOM vehicles were targeted by a series of land mines on the roads connecting Janale and Bufow towns in the lower Shabelle region. An eyewitness who contacted Shabelle radio informed us that the AMISOM vehicles were destroyed during the incident and that AMISOM troops have secured the surrounding area for now.
Education project launched for Dadaab refugees and host community
21 Apr – Source: Radio Ergo – 124 words
A European Union-funded project to improve standards of education and teaching for in Dadaab, northeastern Kenya, has been officially launched. The project budget totals 3.5 million Euros, of which 75% will benefit the refugees while 25% will be spent in the host Fafi and Lagdera constituencies over three years, EU official Mohamed Mahad Sabuul said. This project was devised in response to an education assessment survey in 2011, which pointed to poor quality of education in Dadaab. It will fund new classrooms for all schools in the area; scholarships for top students; adult education programmes; and a special girls’ education agenda.
Somali president calls African leaders to help tackle illegal fishing, toxic waste dumping and charcoal export in Somalia
21 Apr – Source: Raxanreeb – 232 words
The president of Somalia Federal Government Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called the African leaders to help tackle not only terrorism and piracy in the Somali coast but also eradicating illegal fishing, toxic waste dumping and the export of forest charcoal, RBC Radio reports.
President and his delegates jet back in the country
21 Apr – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Shabelle/Universal TV- 156 words
The president of the federal republic of Somalia Prof. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his delegates who attended the African Forum in Addis Ababa arrived back in the country. The delegation led by the president was received and welcomed by a high governmental delegation led by the prime minister of the federal republic of Somalia, national assembly speaker, members of the cabinet, top army commanders and members of Banadir administration. Foreign affairs minister Mrs. Fowzia Yusuf Haji who was among the delegates who attended the African forum in Ethiopia held a media briefing in which she addressed the outcome of the conference.
Ras Kamboni calls Somali Federal Government to recognize Jubba-Land
21 Apr – Source: Radio Mustaqbal/Dhanaan Online – 143 words
The Spokesman of Raskamboni Guerrilla speaking to Mustaqbal radio talked about the conference which is going in Kismayo, the head quarter of Lower Jubba. The spokesman of Raskamboni Abdinasir Serar called the Somali federal government to give recognition to the Jubba-Land administration which was announced in Kismayo. “It is the time of Somali government to exhibit its role; I call (on the) Somali government to take its role and recognize Jubba-Land State” Serar told to Mustaqbal radio. Mr. Serar indicated that the government is required to rectify any mistake taking place in Kismayo and added that Jubba-Land is part of federal system which the government is planning to set up in Somalia.
Al Shabaab abducts official of Somali Government
21 Apr – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 136 words
Reports from Burhakaba district in Bay region say that al Shabaab fighters have abducted a Somali official in Burhakaba district. The officer named Ibrahim Shati Lawi is reported to have been abducted by al Shabaab elements. The commissioner of Burhakaba for the Somali government Ahmed Mohamed Yusuf speaking to Mustaqbal radio confirmed that investigations are underway.
President Silaanyo and delegation head to the United States
21 Apr – Source: Qaran News – 124 words
A delegation led by the President of Somaliland, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud “Silaanyo” has departed the United Kingdom for the United States of America. President Silaanyo and his delegation had been in the UK since the conclusion of the talks in Ankara, Turkey with the provisional government of Somalia. During his short stay in the United Kingdom, President Silaanyo met briefly with the British Prime Minister David Cameron and several other senior British officials.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Somaliland ‘won’t attend’ London Somali conference
21 Apr – Source: Africa Review – 311 words
President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Siilaanyo of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland says he will not attend a conference on Somalia scheduled to take place in London, according to reports from Hargeisa, the capital of the breakaway state. The conference which aims to bring together all the disparate Somali players and factions will take place on May 7. eports indicate the president expressed his disinterest in the London talks when he recently visited the city to meet members of the Somalia diaspora.
Al Shabaab blamed for hotel killings
20 Apr – Source: Standard – 330 words
Security forces have blamed Al Shabaab remnants for the killing of nine people at a restaurant in Garissa town in one of the most daring attacks. The officials were yesterday holed up in meetings trying to establish the motive of the attack. Three people remain in hospital in critical condition following the attack on Holiday Inn Hotel, commonly known as Kwa Chege.
President Uhuru orders police to stem insecurity in Garissa
20 Apr – Source: Capital FM – 402 words
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday directed top security chiefs to visit Garissa and thoroughly investigate rampant insecurity in the area after killings of ten people on Thursday night. Head of the Civil Service Francis Kimemia said the president wants security forces to dismantle criminal gangs and terror groups operating in the border town in order to restore peace. Garissa and neighbouring border towns have remained volatile in recent months, with gun and explosion attacks targeting law enforcement agents and civilians ever since Kenya sent its military to pursue Al Shabaab militants in Somalia.
Thursday night’s attack was also blamed on the Al Qaeda-linked militants although the group was yet to claim responsibility.
Writer denounces harassment of Kenyan Somalis
19 Apr – Source: Daily Nation – 344 words
Renowned Somali writer Nurudin Farah has condemned the harassment of Somalis in Nairobi’s Eastleigh and the treatment of those in North Eastern Kenya “as second rate citizens.” He said the massacres have not been acknowledged, adding that Kenya had benefited a great deal from the conflict in Somalia. Kenya moved into Somalia in October 2011 in pursuit of Al-Shabaab militants.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Somali reporter killed in fourth journalist murder this year
21 April – Source: Reuters – 177 words
A Somali journalist working for the government broadcaster was shot dead outside his home in the capital Mogadishu on Sunday, the fourth reporter to be murdered in the country this year, the union of journalists said. Mohamed Ibrahim Rageh, who worked for Somali National Television and Radio Mogadishu, was killed by unknown assailants as he returned home after work, according to Abdirahim Isse Addow, director of Radio Mogadishu, who was quoted by the National Union of Somali Journalists.
Terrorist attacks should not be regionally labeled
20 Apr – Source: People’s Daily Online – 326 words
Before or after the Boston marathon blast on April 15, other regions in the world havenot been peaceful, either. The terrorist attacks toward civilians in Somalia, Iraq andPakistan have all caused severe casualties. It’s a day that will go down in history along with other violent U.S. incidents in April, an article on CNN website commented. The Boston blast has changed the best day of the Patriots’ Day into a terrible memory.But for people in Somalia, Iraq and Pakistan, the best day had already been buried in their deep memories.
LMA’s Smith gives evidence on piracy to US senators
19 Apr – Source: Cir Magazine – 345 words
A committee of US senators has heard from the Lloyd’s Market Association (LMA) that collaborative working between the commercial sector and the broad range of government agencies and the military has been a significant factor in the decline in piracy attacks off the coast of Somalia. Speaking to the US House of Representatives’ Sub-committee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation in Washington DC last week, the LMA’s head of underwriting Neil Smith told senators that the lessons of governmental cooperation learned in Somalia could well be applied to other piracy hotspots.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“You may never really restore the traditions and glory of an institution, city, or a country. It seems equally difficult to fully inherit it too. Perhaps every generation has to marshal its energies and create its own glories”.
Nairobi to the Mog, we still cry the beloved city
20 Apr – Source: East African – 520 words
And so last Thursday at the Louis Leakey Auditorium in Nairobi, two sons of East Africa were in “conversation”: The younger writer Binyavanga Wainaina and the older, accomplished hand, Somali author Nuruddin Farah. Eventually, the questions came round to whether Nuruddin thought Somalia would ever get back on its feet again. Yes, he was optimistic that Somalia would in time be physically rebuilt. But there was something that not even 20 million African Union troops, Amisom, or anyone could bring back to the capital Mogadishu. What had been destroyed, Nuruddin argued, was the city’s cosmopolitanism. In its day, Mogadishu was a city for traders and travellers from all over the world, even from as far as Afghanistan. The residents of Mogadishu were professionals, poets, and musicians and traders. Today, in part because of the “fiction” of clan, and the divisions brought about by the 20-year civil war, that Mogadishu is no longer possible. It will take generations, if ever, to recreate.