August 12, 2013 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Government appoints committee to investigate airplane accident at Mogadishu Airport

09 Aug – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 189 words

The Somali Federal Government confirms that a cargo airplane accident took place at Aden Abdulle international Airport, Mogadishu. The preliminary information on the incident indicates that there is no outside interference.

To carryout proper investigation of the accident, the Somali government has appointed a high level committee to investigate the cause and the damage of the accident and produce a full report.

The committee is led by acting Minister of Information, Post, Telecommunication & Transportation His Excellency Abdishakur Ali Mire and all members of the committee are listed below.

H.E. Abdishakur Ali Mire, Acting Minister – Chairperson
Ali Mohamud, Gen. Manager Civil Aviation – Member
Gen. Abdihakim Dahir, Police Commissioner – Member
Gen. Bashir Mohamed Jama, Dir. General of National Security Service, Member
Gen. Dahir Aadan Cilmi, Chief of Defence Force, Member
AMISOM, Representative – Member (to be appointed)
SKA, Representative – Member (to be appointed)

The Federal Government of Somalia is very much concern of the accident and sends its condolences to the families of those lost their lives. The committee will immediately start their work and we expect to get accurate reports on the accident very soon.

Key Headlines

AU Special Representative congratulates AMISOM Somali National Army for foiling al Shabaab planned attacks (AMISOM )
Somali PM talks about the activity of his cabinet and new planning (SNTV)
AU Special Representative condoles with Ethiopia on the loss of lives following crash landing of its Air Force Plane in Mogadishu (AMISOM)
Prime Minister celebrates Eid ul-fitr with the armed forces and congratulates them for the improved security (Office of the Prime Minister)
AMISOM celebrates Eid ul Fitr with the Somali people (AMISOM)
Land mine explosions target SNA troops and AMISOM troops in Shabelle regions (Radio Shabelle)
AMISOM kill 24 al Shabaab militants in Afmadow Somalia (Standard Media)
Puntland sends back Turkish-owned ship transporting aid (Bar-kulan)
Somali MP supports Puntland on cutting ties with federal government (Radio Mustaqbal)
Somalia: ‘Women carry axes’ for safety at Mogadishu’s Lido Beach (Garowe Online )
Somaliland Traditional Leaders Hail Posts Minister (Somaliland Press)
Somalis in major cities celebrate Eid-ul-fitri (Bar-kulan)
Militants in Somalia seize UK-funded humanitarian aid (The Guardian)
Senior Air Force Pilots Among Those Killed in Mogadishu (Tadias News)

PRESS STATEMENT

Government appoints committee to investigate airplane accident at Mogadishu Airport

09 Aug – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 189 words

To carryout proper investigation of the accident, the Somali government has appointed a high level committee to investigate the cause and the damage of the accident and produce a full report.

The committee is led by acting Minister of Information, Post, Telecommunication & Transportation His Excellency Abdishakur Ali Mire and all members of the committee are listed below.

AU Special Representative condoles with Ethiopia on the loss of lives following crash landing of its Air Force Plane in Mogadishu

09 Aug – Source: AMISOM – 142 words

An Ethiopian Air Force flight today crash landed at Mogadishu International Airport killing four crew members and injuring two others. The two are currently receiving medical attention at the AMISOM hospital in Mogadishu.

The air crash occurred shortly before 0800hrs when the plane burst into flames upon landing. Emergency medical and fire personnel were on location and immediately contained the fire rescuing the two casualties. The exact cause of the crash is yet to be established but investigations are currently underway.

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Ethiopia following the loss of lives and wished quick recovery for the injured crew members.
There has been no damage to the runway and operations at the airport are expected to resume shortly.

Prime Minister celebrates Eid ul-fitr with the armed forces and congratulates them for the improved security

08 Aug – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 284 words

“History will remember you as the greater Somali servicemen and women for protecting our peaceful-way of life,” His Excellence Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon said speaking at the Somali National Army headquarters during Eid celebration in Mogadishu. He thanked them for preventing interception and making possible the nation to celebrate this Eid peacefully.

Prime Minister and five members of his cabinet spent their Eid ul-fitr celebration with the military and police force. He congratulated for upholding rule of law and maintaining security, and urged to redouble their efforts toward peaceful Somalia.

“The government is here with you on this Eid day to honor and praise your services. We are here to reaffirm the federal government commitment and providing all the support and equipment required to perfect your work of protecting and defending our freedom,” Prime Minister Said.

Prime Minister paid a special visit to the disabled soldiers in Martini Hospital to restate government commitment to their long-term care and moral support. “We will always remember armed force members who paid their lives while fighting for the freedom of this nation and those hurt in the line of duty will have the same rights as the active duty soldiers,” Prime Minister said.

Security is top priority for the Somali Federal Government’s agenda to defeat enemies of peace and fully stabilize the country. The government is leading efforts to transform the Somali National Security Forces to defend itself against terrorist threats and attack emanating from Al-shabab militia.

Prime Minister emphasised the vital role of the SNA and urged them to take charge of the national security at this critical time in the Somali history, speaking to the top military commanders in villa Baidoa in Mogadishu.

AMISOM celebrates Eid ul Fitr with the Somali people

08 Aug – Source: AMISOM – 175 words

As muslims across the country prepare to mark Eid celebrations, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif sends his best wishes to the people of Somalia.

“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate all Somalis on this important day. Today is the culmination of a month of sacrifice, meditation and soul-searching and comes at a momentous period for Somalia.” Said Ambassador Annadif.

The SRCC also recognized the immense contribution that the serving Muslim troops in the different AMISOM contingents have made and commended them for their efforts in helping to restore peace and stability.

This Eid comes two days after Somalis marked the second anniversary of the expulsion of the Al-Shabaab terror group from the capital Mogadishu.

Ambassador Annadif called on Somalis to maintain the momentum witnessed in the last few years and remain steadfast in their quest for peace. “To the people of Somalia and Muslims around the world, I wish you all a very happy and peaceful celebration,” he said.
“Eid Mubarak.”

AU Special Representative congratulates AMISOM, Somali National Army for foiling al Shabaab planned attacks

08 Aug – Source: AMISOM – 254 words

AMISOM troops in support of Somali National Army yesterday evening raided an al Shabaab elite group planning to attack AMISOM defensive position in Afmadow city in Southern Somalia. The al Qaeda linked militia group was preparing to attack the AMISOM defensive position when they were thwarted by the allied forces.

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif congratulated the forces on their alertness saying their speedy response had saved lives while thanking civilians for the tip off. During the late afternoon engagement, twenty four al Shabaab militias were killed among them three identified foreign fighters.

Other militias escaped with multiple injuries and are being pursued by the allied forces. The joint forces recovered weapons and ammunition among them being a rocket propelled grenade launcher, two light machine guns, nine AK 47 rifles and other assorted equipment.

Regrettably, two SNA soldiers died and four others sustained minor injuries and are receiving medical attention at AMISOM facility in the locale. Ambassador Annadif sent his condolences to the family and friends of the brave soldiers killed in the attack as well as his prayers and quick recovery for the wounded.
He reiterated the mission’s support to the Somali National Security Forces saying the two were working closely to improve security in Southern Somalia. Afmadow has been relatively calm since its liberation from al Shabaab in early-2012. Many formerly displaced residents have been able to return to their homes and humanitarian aid agencies have resumed operations in the area.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali PM talks about the activity of his cabinet and new planning

11 Aug – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Mustaqbal/SNTV – 172 words

The Prime minister of federal government of Somalia Abdi Farah Shirdon “Sa’id” has detailed about the achievement reached by his government and the new planning for his cabinet ministers. While speaking to government radio and TV (Radio Muqdisho and SNTV), Prime Minister Shirdon explained what his cabinet achieved since inception 8 months. “the government took over control of the State while the situation was precarious one, you know there were many difficulties ahead of the government when it was set up, which needed to be solved soon, so many things were solved while others still remain and are on the process, if i can mention an issue about the achievement, we succeeded to set up the governmental institutions, and next will be municipal law,” the prime minister stated.

Land mine explosions target SNA troops and AMISOM troops in Shabelle regions

11 Aug – Source: Radio Shabelle – 106 words

Land mine explosions targeted government troops and AMISOM troops in Jowhar and Afgoye towns located in the lower Shabelle and middle Shabelle regions of Somalia respectively. At Jowhar, the explosions shook the whole town, targeting government troop’s vehicle. A witness told radio Shabelle that the explosion was caused by a remote controlled lnad mine which targeted government officials and troops. Two residents have been injured and nearby houses have been completely damaged by the explosion. The vehicle was severely damaged according to the witness. Government officials in Jowhar town have not yet released any statement about the attack.

Puntland sends back Turkish-owned ship transporting aid

10 Aug – Source: Bar-kulan – 90 words

Puntland administration in northeastern Somalia has sent back a Turkish-owned ship transporting food aid after arriving Bosaso port early on Saturday morning. In a press release issues from Puntland presidential palace, Puntland stated that the aid was politicized. “It has become clear that this shipment is part of Federal Government’s political manipulation in Somalia, in gross violation of Provisional Federal Constitution and Puntland Constitution”, was said in the statement. Puntland administration accused the Somali central government of sending the ship while Puntland Government received no communication regarding this matter whatsoever.

Puntland leader defends govt decision on relations with Federal Govt

09 Aug – Source: Garowe Online – 112 words

The President of Somalia’s Puntland Government Abdirahman Mohamed Farole called on Puntland people to unite against enemy and work with the government during Thursday’s Eid celebration speech, Garowe Online reports. Addressing thousands of congregants who attended Eid Al Fitr prayers at Mire Awaare stadium in Puntland capital of Garowe, President Farole said that Puntland has been a leading pioneer for the past 15 years and working for the development of Somalia to get representative government through inclusive processes, peace is still elusive in southern Somalia. Also attending the prayers were Puntland Vice President Gen. Abdisamad Ali Shire, Parliament Speaker Abdirashid Mohamed Hirsi, Ministers, Parliamentarians, Islamic scholars, traditional elders and crowds of worshipers.

Somali MP supports Puntland on cutting ties with federal government

10 Aug – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 96 words

A Somali legislator has greatly supported the decision by Puntland State to severe the relation with the federal government of Somalia based in Mogadishu. MP Abdi Barre Jabril who is one of Somali federal parliament told Mustaqbal radio that he has greatly supported the decree from Puntland that stated the regional state has cut the ties with government in Mogadishu. The legislator said the decision of Puntland administration came after Somali government made a mistake about the administration, adding that the decision will remain effective until the government rectifies the mistake it made.

Somalia: ‘Women carry axes’ for safety at Mogadishu’s Lido Beach

10 Aug – Source: Garowe Online – 127 words

As Mogadishu’s Liido beach became a popular spot, where young men and women are predominant during the holidays, women began last Friday to carry axes to the beach for protection, Garowe Online reports. Photographic images taken from Liido resort beach show women holding axes in their hands after young men commenced earlier last month to terribly offend the girls who come the beach to enjoy with their family members in the vicinity’s buzzing and pulsating atmosphere. One of the women who spoke to Mogadishu media near surf rolling onto white sand beach said the girls are offended and angered by “rude men” who try to sometimes harass them sexually and the men always seek to interact with the girls sometimes to the girls’ dislike, the women reported.

Ahlu Sunna commander calls on al Shabaab fighters to surrender

10 Aug – Source: Radio Dalsan – 123 words

Senior Ahlu Sunna commander has called on al Shabaab fighters to lay down arms and rejoin the peaceful society. The commander who is in charge of Ahlu Sunna defense said that they will welcome any Somali native who is in the ranks of al Shabaab without any condition if he accepts to stop killing innocent people and refrain from violent behavior. “We call on the young teenagers whom have been lured by the foreign criminals in al Shabaab to return back to their parents and start meaningful livelihood,” the commander said. Earlier this week, Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called on the Somali nationals fighting for al Shabaab to return back to the society as he pledged that they will be given amnesty.

Somaliland Traditional Leaders Hail Posts Minister

10 Aug – Source: Somaliland Press – 132 words

Hon. Mohammed Jama Abgal has set a landmark new precedence in orchestrating a new mode of striking the chords of rapport between traditional leaders and the government in Awdal region. The recently appointed new minister for Posts and Telecommunications yesterday met a large group of traditional leaders and elders in the region whereby a wide range of issues were elaborated upon ranging from social development cooperation to political ones. He disclosed that from mid September, the Harirad political fallout between communities living in the area would be brought to a fruitful conclusion. As he thanked the President for appointing him to a cabinet portfolio, he would take the opportunity to directly bridge and ease the rapport with the state (by traditional leaders), veering from past norm “whereby public media was the mode”.

Somalis in major cities celebrate Eid-ul-fitri

08 Aug – Source: Bar-kulan – 123 words

Thousands of faithfuls on Thursday morning celebrated Eid-ul-fitri in major towns in Somalia as Muslims mark the end of holy month of Ramadan. Men in white robes and women in long, flowing gowns filed into the grounds of many Somali major cities, inducing Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Garowe, Kismayo, Bosaso, Borama, Las’Anod, Burco, Abud-waq, Baidao and many others. After the prayer, there were emotional moments as people greeted and hugged each other, uttering congratulations of Eid Mubarak (Blessed festivities). Jovial children dressed in new cloths took the better part of the day as they enjoyed their feast for the occasion. “God is great! Many praises many praises are due to Him! May He be glorified each morning and evening,” the worshippers chanted melodiously in Arabic.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Day Somalia Intelligence chief intercepted plot to assassinate Kenyan leaders

11 Aug – Source: Standard Media – 139 words

Top Kenyan leaders were targeted for assassination last year, a top Somalia crime buster has disclosed to The Standard On Sunday. In an elaborate plot intended to achieve maximum effect and teach Kenya “a lifetime lesson”, the schemers of the al Shabaab terror gang planned to bump off the two Kenyan leaders at the peak of their presidential campaigns. Speaking to The Standard On Sunday from his hideout in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, Somalia’s immediate former Director-General of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Ahmed Moallim Fiqi revealed that the two top presidential contenders were to be assassinated in massive bomb blast attacks. Details of the planned executions are contained in documents and files accessed from a computer laptop, owned by al Shabaab leader, Fazul Muhammed, who was gunned down in June 2011 by the military wing of Fiqi’s NISA.

Al Shabaab chiefs use Eid prayers to call for holy war

10 Aug – Source: Daily Nation – 154 words

Al Shabaab leaders Friday took advantage of Eid-el-Fitr prayers to urge more Somalis to join jihad (holy war) against forces protecting the federal government in Mogadishu. Accompanied by their heavily armed lieutenants, the militants said their push for an Islamic state would not be stopped by African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops. Sheikh Fu’ad Mohamed Khalaf alias Shongole, a senior leader within al Shabaab ranks, joined hundreds of faithful for the prayers to mark end of the holy month of Ramadan at the coastal town of Barawe. Shongole, who is wanted by the US sponsoring and spreading terror in Somalia and beyond, called on islamists to maintain unity. Last year, the US State Department offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture and conviction. “We have to defend our push to establish an Islamic state where Sharia laws are implemented,” the hard-line cleric, who has been leading awareness campaigns for al Shabaab, said.

AMISOM kill 24 al Shabaab militants in Afmadow, Somalia

10 Aug – Source: Standard Media – 128 words

African Union Mission in Somalia ( AMISOM) troops killed 24 al Shabaab militants including three foreign fighters in a raid in Afmadow, Somalia. The troops, supported by the Somali National Army (SNA), raided an al Shabaab elite group that was planning to attack Amisom defensive position in Afmadow. “The al Qaeda linked militia group was preparing to attack the AMISOM defensive position when they were thwarted by the allied forces,” AMISOM said in a statement. Two SNA soldiers were killed and four others injured during the raid and are being treated at Amisom facility in Afmadow. AMISOM said three of the al Shabaab militants were foreign fighters. One of them is said to be of Asian origin and suspected to be the leader of foreign fighters in the area.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Militants in Somalia seize UK-funded humanitarian aid

11 Aug – Source: The Guardian/Daily Mail – 123 words

Taxpayer-funded humanitarian aid worth £480,000 has been captured by al Qaeda-linked militants as they rampaged through southern Somalia. The supplies were in warehouses seized by al Shabaab and were later believed to have been set ablaze, the Department for International Development (DfID) said.
Details of the incidents, which appeared in DfID’s annual accounts, stated that there was no prior warning of the attacks and its partner organisations in Somalia were unable to move the supplies. The accounts said the £480,000 was written off “following the theft between November 2011 and February 2012, by al-Shabaab in southern Somalia, of DfID-funded humanitarian materials and supplies from the offices and warehouses of partner organisations, to which DfID had provided funding to deliver projects and programmes”.

Senior Air Force Pilots Among Those Killed in Mogadishu

09 Aug – Source: Tadias News – 155 words

The four crew members killed on board the Ethiopian military plane that crashed on Friday at Mogadishu airport in Somalia were all experienced Ethiopian Air Force personnel, including two senior pilots who had also served under the previous regime, a source told Tadias Magazine. A colleague of the former pilots who refused to be named said that those who died in the crash were experienced airmen who began work during the Derg era and were employed by the air force under the current government. “I personally knew all of them,” the air force official said. “I am very sad to hear the news of their death in such an incident.” He added: “These pilots should be working as senior trainers and consultants not flying planes.” The other two crew members killed out of the six officers inside the doomed cargo plane are also reported to have many years of experience in the Ethiopian Air Force.

Military plane bursts into flames at Mogadishu airport

09 Aug – Source: Reuters – 123 words

An Ethiopian military aircraft carrying ammunition crash-landed at Mogadishu’s international airport on Friday, bursting into flames and killing four of the six crew members. The Soviet-made Antonov 24 plane got into trouble in the air and then missed the runway, hurtling into the ground shortly after 0400 GMT and setting off the ammunition. Ethiopian troops are supporting Somalia’s fight against al Qaeda-linked militants in the Horn of Africa country, although they are not part of an African Union (AU) peacekeeping force. There was no immediate comment from Ethiopia’s foreign ministry. “We can hear explosions as it burns. It is burning like hell,” said one security source at the airport. After the fire was put out, only a blackened shell of the plane remained.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“The credit for all that has been achieved since that historic day two years ago must go to the long-suffering people of Somalia. Their resilience and courage will continue to inspire long after these events have been forgotten. We in AMISOM are proud of the part we have played in helping give them their best chance for a durable peace in a generation.”

Somalia since the Guns of August 2011

08 Aug- Source: The Star (Kenya)-704 Words

August 6, 2011 was a momentous day for the history of peace efforts in Somalia. On this date, Somali national security forces with the support of AMISOM finally routed the al Qaeda-affiliated al Shabaab terror group from fixed bases within Mogadishu, inaugurating the longest period of sustained relative peace that the capital had experienced in over two decades. It was a significant strategic victory in favor of peace and a crushing blow for the extremists. For years, they had labored to impose an alien and adulterated version of Islam on the people of Somalia. They had rejected the peace process which sought to generate representative institutions which would give the citizenry a say in how the country was governed. They had sought to use Somalia as a base for launching international terror attacks. But their defeat in Mogadishu was a clear demonstration that the Somali people had rejected this vision of anarchy and brutality. With the help of the international community they took a stand for peace and against the thugs who would deny it to them.

“Barclays has decided to close the accounts of about 250 money-transfer businesses, a move that could badly affect the flow of remittances to Somalia as it lacks a banking system. What are the options for Somalis?”

Somalia’s remittances quandary: what are the options post-Barclays?

09 Aug- Source: The Guardian-699 Words

The Somali authorities said last year that about $2bn (£1.2m) in remittances – a significant percentage of GDP – is channelled to the country through hawala, or small money-transfer businesses. According to Oxfam (pdf), an estimated $162m is sent to Somalia annually by the UK’s Somali diaspora. There are fears this flow of money could go underground through unlicensed agents. Barclays says it took the decision to close the accounts of some of its money service businesses (MSBs) to minimise the risk of falling foul of money-laundering regulations. But the move could lead to more money laundering. “It makes it much more likely there will be money laundering,” said Dominic Thorncroft, chairman of the UK Money Transmitters Association. The head of the African Development Bank, Donald Kaberuka, has made the same point. In a letter to Barclays, he asked the bank to reconsider its decision. “While the other affected countries have alternatives, Somalia and the greater Horn do not,” he wrote. “As a result those transfers would probably be driven to high-risk, high-cost informal channels.”