April 28, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

AU Special Representative wishes the Republic of Sierra Leone a Happy Independence Day

27 Apr – Source: AMISOM – 196 words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia (SRCC), Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif wishes the Republic of Sierra Leone a happy 53rd Independence Day.

“On this auspicious day, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Republic of Sierra Leone for being a rising African Nation, after a civil war that lasted from 1991 to 2002, Sierra Leone has worked tremendously hard at transforming its army into a professional force that is now capable of contributing to international peacekeeping missions” he said.

The message comes at a time when Sierra Leone is commemorating ”the courage and spirit of all Sierra Leoneans as well as the ties of friendship that bind our African spirit together”.

Sierra Leone currently provides 850 troops to AMISOM and are currently based in the port city of Kismayo in southern Somalia serving alongside Kenyan and Burundian Forces.

The West African country forms AMISOM’s fifth national contingent, after Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya and Uganda. The country is also a police contributing country which deploys 47 police personal. “On this special day, I extend best wishes to all Sierra Leoneans as they chart a path toward greater peace, security and, prosperity.”

Key Headlines

AU Special Representative wishes the Republic of Sierra Leone a Happy Independence Day (AMISOM)
Security Minister to face Parliamentary Questioning (RBC/Radio Kulmiye/Radio Risaala)
Somali ambassador to Kenya welcomed in Mogadishu (Al Shahid)
SNA and AMISOM troops plan to conduct operations in the seized areas in Galgadud region (Radio Goobjoog)
Somalia condemns arrest of its consular in Nairobi (Hiiraan Online)
Second phase of Jubba Reconciliation Conference opens in Kismayu (Bar-kulan)
Muslim clerics denounce radicalisation at conference (Daily Nation)
Gunmen kill Prominent elder in Gedo region (Radio Shabelle)
Somalia in bid to ban Kenya miraa import (Star News)
Somali mother sets up center to help the homeless (CCTV News)
A pregnant Somali woman falls from 3rd floor of Nairobi building trying to hide police (Hiiraan Online/BBC Somali Service/Universal TV)
Somalia: Unknown armed assailants kill 5 in Muri Town of Lower Shabelle (Somali Current Jowhar Online)
Gov’t to appoint interim regional administrations for liberated regions (RBC)
Saudi Arabia embassy seeks release of suspected Al Shabaab recruiter arrested in Lamu (Standard Media)
Puntland doctors ordered to register with the Ministry of Health (Bar-kulan/Puntland TV)
Mayor Mungab replaces Yaqshid and Hawl Wadag district commissioners (Radio Shabelle)

PRESS STATEMENT

AU Special Representative wishes the Republic of Sierra Leone a Happy Independence Day

27 Apr – Source: AMISOM – 196 words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia (SRCC), Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif wishes the Republic of Sierra Leone a happy 53rd Independence Day.

The message comes at a time when Sierra Leone is commemorating ”the courage and spirit of all Sierra Leoneans as well as the ties of friendship that bind our African spirit together”.

Sierra Leone currently provides 850 troops to AMISOM and are currently based in the port city of Kismayo in southern Somalia serving alongside Kenyan and Burundian Forces.

SOMALI MEDIA

Security Minister to face Parliamentary Questioning

27 Apr – Source: RBC/Radio Kulmiye/Radio Risaala – 121 words

The National Security Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia Abdikarim Hussein Guled will face a tough parliamentary questioning tomorrow, Speaker of the Parliament said today. Lawmakers have summoned the minister last week for an inquiry session on the country’s security but the session was postponed at least twice after the parliament failed to receive enough quorum to is sitting. “Tomorrow we will have a special session in which the National Security Minister will face the House of the People.” Speaker Jawari informed the lawmakers today. According to one lawmaker who spoke with Raxanreeb Online, the minister is expected to face tough inquiry into his ministry which is seen as the most challenged office within the 25-minister cabinet of Somalia.

Somali government calls back its Ambassador to Kenya

27 Apr – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Bar-kulan/Hiiraan Online – 136 words

Somali government has on Sunday called its Ambassador to Kenya Mohamed Ali Noor back to Mogadishu for talks over a recent detention of a Somali diplomat by Kenyan security forces. The ambassador arrived in Mogadishu on Sunday morning and met with Somali Interior Minister Mahad Mohamed Salat at Aden Adde International Airport to give further details regarding the detention of the diplomat. Speaking to the press after his meeting with the minister, ambassador Mohamed stated that his trip to the capital was to update Somali government officials regarding the detention incident and expressed concerns over Kenya’s treatment of the Somali official. Siyad Mohamud Shire, a consular officer at the Somali Embassy in Kenya was on Fridayarrested by Kenyan security forces and was held in detention for several hours before the Somali Ambassador secured his release.

Gunmen kill Prominent elder in Gedo region

27 Apr – Source: Radio Shabelle – 74 words

According to the reports from Beled Hawa in the Gedo region, a prominent elder was killed in the town late last night. Armed gunmen shot dead Aadan Abdulle Inkir, near his home in Beled Hawa before immediately escaping. Witnesses confirmed to Shabelle that the assailants killed Inkir as he left the mosque in the town. The Somali Federal Government have mentioned that they will pursue the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Somalia condemns arrest of its consular in Nairobi

27 Apr – Source: Hiiraan Online – 120 words

The Federal government of Somalia has on Saturday strongly condemned the arrest of its consular to Kenya Siyad Mahmoud Shire who was held in detention for several hours on Friday. The high profile diplomat was snatched from his home in Nairobi when heavily armed police officers raided his home and then took him on armoured vehicle. Several other people who were with him at the time were also detained, according to Somali government. Speaker of the Somali parliament Mohamed Sheik Osman Jawaari termed the diplomat’s arrest as an ‘agressive’ and unwanted move. “It is an irregular act and absolutely against international diplomatic rules that securty forces raid the home of such high profile diplomat” Somali parliament speaker said on Saturday.

SNA and AMISOM troops plan to conduct operations in the seized areas in Galgadud region

27 Apr – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 108 words

The administration of Galgadud stated that the joint forces of SNA and AMISOM will soon launch operations in all the areas taken over from Al Shabaab in Galgadud region. The governor of Galgadud region Hussein Ali wehliye Irfo stated that Somali national army and AMISOM troops have succeeded to maintain the security of the region. He reiterated that the forces will conduct its operations in Eel-Buur which was recently taken over from al-shabab fighters. On the other hand the governor called the federal government of Somalia and international aid agencies to send emergency relief to the residents of the region who are seriously affected by the acute water shortage.

Second phase of Jubba Reconciliation Conference opens in Kismayu

27 Apr – Source: Bar-kulan – 96 words

The second phase of Jubba Reconciliation Conference has officially opened in the port city of Kismayu, the provincial capital of Lower Jubba region on Sunday. The conference which is expected to be concluded in 15 days time is organized by the federal government in accordance with previous agreements. Members from the Somali federal parliament, cabinet ministers and representatives from the local communities are participating in the conference. Gen. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartag, the Vice President of the Interim Jubba Administration who opened the conference termed the meeting as a “historic moment” for the people of Jubba.

A pregnant Somali woman falls from 3rd floor of Nairobi building trying to hide police

27 Apr – Source: Hiiraan Online/BBC Somali Service/Universal TV – 112 words

A pregnant Somali woman and her unborn baby have narrowly survived after falling down from the 3rd floor of a building in Nairobi’s Eastleigh neighbourhood while trying to hide from the barbaric police crackdownmidnight last night. The woman identified as ‘Nadifo Abdi’ managed to hide in the corridor behind the window, but unexpectedly fell down from the 3rd floor. Talking to the BBC Somali service via phone from Nairobi hospital on Sunday morning the woman said that several times in the past she paid bribes to police to secure herself from detention, but this time she had no money to pay and instead sought refuge to hide in behind the window.

Somalia: Unknown armed assailants kill 5 in Muri Town of Lower Shabelle

26 Apr – Source: Somali Current/Jowhar Online – 113 words

At least 5 civilians have been shot to death by undisclosed men dressed up with government uniform at Muri district in lower Shabelle region, according to local residents. 3 of the killed civilians were reported to be Ulima of Muri district who come out from the Mosque after Cisha Prayer, while the other 2 persons were local residents. “Last night 5 civilians have been shot dead in this district, Muri. 4 of them were died in the same spot where they have been shot, while the other person was died late time of the night in the hospital. This is a shocking incident.” Said local resident in Muri, who didn’t disclose his name.

Puntland doctors ordered to register with the Ministry of Health

27 Apr – Source: Bar-kulan/Puntland TV – 102 words

Puntland Ministry of Health has on Saturday issued a directive ordering all medical practitioners and doctors in Puntland to register within a period of 20 days. Puntland Minister of Health, Dr. Sadak Enow who read out the directive to the local media said that all medical practitioners need to have themselves registered under Puntland Medical Association offices across Puntland administered areas. The minister warned that registration papers will not be accepted beyond the 20 days deadline starting from 26th April 2014. Enow promised that his ministry will issue licenses for the registered medical practitioners after carrying out strict assessments on their qualifications.

Mayor Mungab replaces Yaqshid and Hawl Wadag district commissioners

26 Apr – Source: Radio Shabelle – 92 words

The Governor of Banadir & Mayor of Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussein Mungab, issued an official decree stranding the district commissioners of Hawl Wadag and Yaqshid in the Banadir region of their title. Mr. Mungab reclaimed the official documents of the district commissioner of Yaqshid, Muhudin Hassan Jurus and the district commissioner of Hawl Wadag, Mohamed Abukar Ja’far. Although their successors have not been certified, the Mayor did announce that there will be a handover ceremony held very soon in Mogadishu in which the new commissioners will officially manage operations in their respectful districts.

Somaliland: Nation Comes Together for Rain Prayers

26 Apr – Source: Somaliland Sun – 71 words

“We who are pastoralists pray that Allah accepts our plea for rain”. Thus prayed the Somaliland president Ahmed Mahmud Silanyo in Berbera during rain prayers that he and port city residents participated as part of designated similar activities nationwide. In the capital Hargeisa Vice president Abdirahman Abdilahi Ismail ‘Sayli’ was the chief actor at similar prayers performed at various sites of Eid prayers where thousands of city residents were in participation.

Gov’t to appoint interim regional administrations for liberated regions

26 Apr – Source: RBC – 105 words

Somali government says it will appoint regional and district levels administrations for the newly liberated areas in the country’s south and central regions, RBC Radio reports. Government spokesman, Ridwan Haji Abdiweli said, after cabinet meeting on Thursday in Mogadishu, the government fully endorsed suggestions from the minister of interior and federal affairs in which the ministry proposed setting up immediate and comprehensive administrations for the newly liberated areas. “People need to have their own administrations and choose their own leaders.” Mr Abdiweli said adding that lack of administration in the regions of the country will only threaten the security an the livelihood of the community.

Somaliland Presidential Annual State Address to Launch House Business Resumption

26 Apr – Source: Somaliland Sun – 71 words

The on temper cooling recess of the House of Representatives is set for resumption with the Somaliland president re-launching business with his third annual address to the nation. The house of representative Somaliland’s lower chamber of parliament went into a recess of two months suggested by the Guurti, the upper chamber, in order to cool temperatures that had then evaporated following factional in-fighting between house speaker Irro and his deputy Bashe.

Somali Ministers travel to Tunisia and UAE

25 Apr – Source: Bar-kulan – 114 words

Somali Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Finance have on Friday left for Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates after receiving an official invitation from African Development Bank. Speaking to the press at Aden Adde International Airport, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdirahman Duale Beyle said that Somali President received the official invitation from the President of the African Development Bank during his visit to Rwanda early this month. Beyle stated that they will discuss with African Development Bank President Donald Kaberuka on the country’s development goals as well as the financial aid that Somalia receives from the bank. The ministers are also expected to meet with their Tunisian counterparts over Tunisia’s support to Somalia.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Somali ambassador to Kenya welcomed in Mogadishu

27 Apr – Source: Al Shahid – 82 words

The ambassador of Somalia Mohamed ali Noor Ameko arrived Mogadishu on Sunday after high political rift between two neighbouring countries. The ambassador was welcomed at Adan adde International by foreign affair state Minister and other government officials. The ambassador said that he accepted the call of the federal government and he will make consultations with the government. An official from foreign ministry said that the federal government will issue urgent response to the arbitrary arrest against Somali nationals specially diplomats in Nairobi.

Muslim clerics denounce radicalisation at conference

26 Apr – Source: Daily Nation – 150 words

Muslim clerics from around the world have urged local religious leaders to reach out to the youth and deter them from falling into the trap of radicalisation. At the first Annual Islamic Conference in Nairobi on Saturdayattended by thousands of Muslim faithful, the clerics said the core message of Islam had been corrupted by a few individuals posing as Sheikhs with the intent of turning the youth to violence. “Many in the world have misunderstood and abused the message of Prophet Muhammad. That is why we call on all local teachers to refresh the people’s understanding of the lifestyle and teachings of the Prophet,” said Sheikh Ahmed Hameed. London based Muslim scholar and Imam Wasim Kempson said Prophet Muhammad is “the most misunderstood individual” in modern times but this is not a reason to respond with violence and say “off with the heads” of those who insult the Prophet.

Saudi Arabia embassy seeks release of suspected Al Shabaab recruiter arrested in Lamu

26 Apr – Source: Standard Media – 149 words

The Saudi Arabia Embassy in Kenya is seeking the release of its national who was arrested recently by police in Lamu on allegations of attempting to cross into Somalia to join Al Shabaab. Saudi Deputy Ambassador Ibrahim Barnawi, who flew to Mombasa to secure the release of Ahmed Hanas, said the detainee has no links with the Somali rebel group. Hanas is being held in Mombasa by police after being arrested in Lamu on Thursday. “This gentleman is a student in Holland who came to the country as a tourist. He was arrested in his hotel room in Lamu where he had gone to visit and not near the Somali border as the police claim,” he said. Police in Lamu County had claimed that Hanas was arrested in Kiunga, which is the border town between Kenya and Somalia and accused him of being an Al Shabaab member and recruiter.

Somalia in bid to ban Kenya miraa import

26 Apr – Source: Star News – 136 words

The Somali parliament is set to debate a motion seeking to ban miraa imported from Kenya. Kenya exports about three million kilogrammes of miraa to Somalia annually. The motion was filed by an MP who lives in Nairobi after the parliament was ‘angered’ by the ongoing swoop in Kenya that has led to the deportation of hundreds of Somalis. A local media outlet said majority of MPs have supported the motion. The MP declined to be named for fear of victimisation. Most Somalia MPs reside in Kenya and occasionally fly to Mogadishu for house sessions. “Somalia must be respected as an important trade partner to Kenya. Its citizens must be respected too,” said the MP. He said Somalis have found themselves unwelcome in the country where they have sought refuge. “Claims of terror links are unsubstantiated.”

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somali mother sets up center to help the homeless

27 Apr – Source: CCTV News – 138 words

Years of conflict have had terrible effects on Somalia’s children. Many have lost their parents and ended up the streets. One Somali mother from the diaspora has set up an orphanage to help them and people with disabilities. Hundreds of orphaned children live in the streets of Mogadishu, taking shelter in abandoned buildings and often abuse drugs. This centre though has now become a refuge, a place where street children can call home. The centre holds more 200 children. Halima Mohamed, a mother of 10 came back from the diaspora to reach out to orphans and the homeless children of Mogadishu. Somalia’s long conflict had heavy toll on children; they were killed and maimed, and thousands left on the streets and in IDP camps. For now though, it’s mothers like Halima who are making the difference for them.

Kenya’s int’l tourist arrivals dip by 15.8 pct in 2013 due to insecurity

26 Apr – Source; China News/Xinhua – 164 words

Kenya’s international tourist arrivals for 2013 declined by 15.8 percent to 1.49 million from 1. 78 million in 2012, officials said in Nairobi on Friday. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie told media briefing that the drop is largely attributed to increased terrorist attacks that have hit the country. “Since the September 2013 Nairobi mall attack, the country has suffered significantly declines in arrivals,” Kandie said. Mombasa and Nairobi including parts of northern Kenya have in past witnessed grenade attacks where hundreds of people have lost their lives to terrorists since the troops launched cross border incursion into Somalia in 2011. Kenya authorities this year foiled a major terror plot in Mombasa and arrested two suspects and seized a vehicle that was found laden with explosives. According to the ministry of tourism, earnings for the sector in 2013 also declined by four percent to close at 1.02 billion U.S. dollars as compared to the 1.14 billion dollars recorded in 2012.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Kenya has a legitimate concern regarding its safety and security. It has a right to feel threatened and afraid. However, rounding Somalis into sports arenas, with little sanitation and mass confusion, is not the way to handle it. Forcing them back to Mogadishu or into camps in the arid north is not going to quell terrorism.”

Why is Kenya Rounding Up their Somali Refugees?

27 Feb – Source: Hiiraan Online – 653 words

There are no innocents in Kenya’s Somali community, according to the government. Men, women and children have been rounded up in a number of seemingly indiscriminate city-wide sweeps. Kenya, which has faced a wave of terrorist attacks in the past few months by the militant Somali group Al Shabaab, has been accused of indicting many of its Somali refugees, often fleeing significant social and sexual violence, on presumed guilt alone. There is no doubt that Kenya is going through an incredible struggle against terrorism at the moment. After the terror of the Westgate Mall Attack, which left scores dead in a multi-day siege, bomb blasts have gone off at a near weekly basis in the nation’s capital, Nairobi. It is evident who is to blame. The terrorist group, Al Shabaab, has not only claimed responsibility for most of these attacks, but has threatened more to come. Al Shabaab started as an independent terrorist group fighting for control of Somalia. They helped plunge the nation into chaos as they ruled and terrorized with impunity. Kidnapping, torture and thousands of murders have been linked to them. However, it wasn’t until African Union troops, made up primarily of soldiers from Uganda and Kenya went in, that Al Shabaab’s role in the Horn of Africa diminished significantly.

“The ongoing purge on terror networks seems to be interpreted from ethnic and religious strands. Already sharp criticisms of ethnic profiling have emerged. The social narratives of marginalising individuals and/or communities from meaningful participation in the enjoyment of life is regrettable. But because of failed social dialogue on what divides us as nation, state agencies have resorted to the use of brutal force. This cannot help to promote dialogue.?

Terror: Our youths are exploited by extremists

27 Apr- Source: Standard Media – 452 words

The September 21, 2013 terrorist attack on Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, where over 60 people were killed and more than 170 wounded, epitomised the growth of extremist groups. For close to two decades now, the Kenyan government has actively been engaged in war on terror. However, because of irresponsive social, political and economic institutions, many young people irrespective of their social status have fallen prey to the rhetoric of extremists. Extremists exploit systemic failures to gain traction to their bigoted ethnic, religious or political beliefs systems. Extremist attitudes and behaviours not only threaten social conditions which allow people to thrive as society, but also obliterate them. Intolerant behaviour replaces acceptable social conditions with a predatory culture of terror, violence and systemic corruption. The behaviour of individuals and groups with extremist attitudes destroy the core of a stable society, values of social diversity, human dignity, right to life and life in a community.