August 12, 2015 | Morning Headlines

Main Story

Al-Shabab Fighters Attack Kismayo Airstrip

11 August – Source: Radio Dalsan – 122 Words

Al-Shabab fighters have on Tuesday night attacked the airstrip of the coastal seaport town of Kismayo from two different directions.The local residents speaking to Dalsan radio confirmed the incident.“We heard the sounds of Rocket Propelled Grenades and mortars followed by exchange of light and heavy machineguns, but I cannot verify the number of casualties” says Hassan Noor a resident in Kismayo town speaking to Dalsan Radio. So far the officials of the semiautonomous states of Jubbaland have not given information regarding Tuesday night’s attack. This was not be the first time for Al-Shabaab to carry out attacks on Kismayo airstrip and other significant places in the city since they were ousted from the city a year ago.

Key Headlines

Al-Shabab Fighters Attack Kismayo Airstrip (Radio Dalsan)
Security Situation Continues to Pose Challenges for Delivery of Assistance in Somalia Aid Agencies Decry (Somali Update)
Madoobe Appoints A Former Fierce Critic Of His Administration As The Head Of Security Forces In Gedo Region (Wacaal Media)
Farmers Displaced By Conflict Flee To Tiyeglow (Radio Ergo)
Rogue Soldier Opens Fire On Military Barrack In Somaliland (Goobjoog News)
Islamist Group Opposes Newly Signed Agreement In Mogadishu (Mareeg Media)
Dini Has Come From War-Torn Somalia To Star For Canada Wheelchair Team (The Brandon Sun Canada)
Young Leaders Make The Case For Peace In Somalia (UNFPA.Org)
Walking Into Danger: Migrants Still Head To Yemen (IRIN)

PRESS STATEMENT

AU Special Representative Challenges Somali Youth To Be More Responsive To The Country’s Needs

11 August – Source: AMISOM – 229 Words

Mogadishu – August 11th, 2015; The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of AMISOM Ambassador Maman Sidikou is encouraging Somali youth to be responsive to the needs of their country by taking keen interest in it’s socio-economic and political rebirth.

As the world marks International Youth Day, Ambassador Sidikou is urging Somali youth to be more proactive by contributing to the realization of the country’s Vision 2016. “As Somalia’s youth, your voices need to be heard in the country’s rebirth. You need to express your views on Somalia’s stabilization efforts. I call on you to refrain from any attempt to derail you from your purpose, which is to make Somalia a better place to live in. I urge you to reject the lure to engage in terrorist activities and desist Al-Shabaab’s manipulation,” said Ambassador Sidikou.

He appealed to the Federal Government to put in place mechanisms that support youth employment and participation in the country’s development. The theme of this year’s International Youth Day is ‘Youth Civic Engagement’. It is meant to draw attention to issues affecting the youth worldwide and also engage them in conversations with their leaders. Recent indicators show that youth in Somalia comprise of 80-percent of the country’s estimated 12 million people.

NATIONAL MEDIA

Security Situation Continues to Pose Challenges for Delivery of Assistance in Somalia, Aid Agencies Decry

11 August – Source: Somali Update – 189 Words

The security situation continues to pose challenges for delivery of assistance, particularly in the central and southern regions. Insecurity has been compounded by the ongoing military operations, according to the UN Office for Humanitarian Coordination. Significant sections of major supply routes remain inaccessible for the civilian population and humanitarians. These road blockages continue to disrupt markets and livelihoods of local communities, rendering them more susceptible to malnutrition and food insecurity. In Xudur, Bakool region, malnutrition rates have tripled with severe acute malnutrition rates of 19 per cent while very critical levels of seven per cent were reported in Bulo Burto, Hiiraan region. Since mid-July, an estimated 18,000 people have fled their homes due to ongoing military operations in parts of southern and central Somalia. This is in addition to 1.1 million people already displaced around the country. At the same time, more people fleeing the conflict in Yemen is increasing the burden on already limited basic services. Furthermore, floods are anticipated in the coming weeks due to the expected El Niño phenomenon.

Madoobe Appoints A Former Fierce Critic Of His Administration As The Head Of Security Forces In Gedo Region

11 August – Source: Wacaal Media – 149 Words

Head of the Interim Jubbaland Administration Ahmed Mohamed Islam has appointed new security chiefs to Gedo region days after visiting the area. In a statement from his office, Madoobe announced Col. Abass Ibrahim was named head of the region’s armed forces while Abdullahi Osman Omar was named his deputy. Abass once served as the head of the Federal government forces in the region and he was on record as being a big critique of the Madoobe led administration. He was reportedly in the Doolow meeting between the Jubbaland administration and the local leadership playing a key role in several agreements signed between the two sides. Ahmed Madoobe also appointed Mohamed Ahmed Bulle – Aanjeeh as the regional commissioner for Gedo region replacing Mohamed Abdi Kaliil. The latter has, however, trashed the changes saying he does not report to the Madoobe led Administration as he is a Federal government appointee.

Rogue Soldier Opens Fire On Military Barrack In Somaliland

11 August – Source: Goobjoog News – 138 Words

At least one person has been confirmed dead and another injured after a military officer allegedly opened fire on soldiers in military camp on the outskirt of Borama town. A military captain named Farah Arale was killed while the breakaway Somaliland’s military commander of West contingent which operating in Togdheer region, Hassan Aqli sustained serious injuries, according to Togdheer administration. Governor of Togdheer, Mohamud Ali Suleiman Ramah has confirmed the death of the captain saying that the soldier who allegedly shot the officers has been arrested “The soldier who killed the captain is arrested and investigations are underway. The accused will be arraigned in court as soon as possible.” Somaliland, region in northern Somalia has declared a unilateral independence from the rest of Somalia in 1991. However, its efforts for an international recognition hasn’t so far accomplished success.

Farmers Displaced By Conflict Flee To Tiyeglow

11 August – Source: Radio Ergo – 265 Words

Some 400 hundred families, farmers and herders, have fled four settlements in Bakol region in the past two weeks heading to Tiyeglow town. Most of them are women and children from Elgaras, Sigle, Biyooley and Dolan-dole settlements, where the combined forces of the Somali federal government and AMISOM have intensified their offensive against Al-Shabaab militants. Dowlay Ibrahim, a 55-year old mother among 20 families from the small farming village of Sigle, 45km south of Tiyeglow, said they were forced to run for their lives as fierce fighting continued around them for two days. The town was caught in the crossfire as locals prepared for the harvesting season in mid-August. “We have fled our homes leaving behind all our animals and crops that were ready for harvesting. We were displaced by the intensified offensives,” said Dowlay.

Amino Abdullahi Idris, a mother of nine, fled with her children from Dalan-doolle, another area at the centre of the clashes. She owned two of the biggest shops in the area but is now living in an open field as an IDP in Tiyeglow. “We live in the open in squalor but luckily we have safety, which is the most important thing,” said Amino. The local district administration has no resources to assist the displaced. Confirming the grim situation to Radio Ergo, head of social services at Tiyeglow district administration Mohamud Mohamed Yussuf said they were not able to feed or resettle the families. Some of them were lucky to have relatives who gave them shelter, but most sleeping in the open fields.

Islamist Group Opposes Newly Signed Agreement In Mogadishu

11 August – Source: Mareeg Media – 167 Words

The deputy of central regional administration of Ahlu Sunna, Hassan Mohamud Warsame has rejected the new agreement to form of federal state of Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle that was signed in Mogadishu. Mr. Warsame says that agreement does not serve the interests of the central region population, adding that Hiiraan province is under control of its administration. Meanwhile, Hassan Warsame said that its troops had launched military operation which he said was intended to capture areas controlled by Al-Shabaab in central Somalia. “Our military offensive against Al-Shabab militants are often claimed by Somalia government officials but we don’t know the motive behind it”, he said. Meanwhile, Hassan Warsame said that its troops had launched military operation which he said was intended to capture areas controlled by Al-Shabaab in central Somalia. The words of president of central regional admin came after an agreement for formation of federal state of Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle was signed inside Presidential Palace in Mogadishu.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Dini Has Come From War-Torn Somalia To Star For Canada Wheelchair Team

11 August – Source: The Brandon Sun, Canada – 769 Words

When Canada’s men’s wheelchair basketball team breaks from a huddle, the players touch arms in their version of hands-in.The reigning Paralympic gold medallists will tell you they are as close as any family, their teammates like brothers. And for Abdi Dini, that means just a little bit more.The 34-year-old hasn’t seen his parents since he was 12, when his dad Mahamoud and mom Anab sought better health care and a brighter future for their son, putting him on a plane from Somalia to live with an uncle in Toronto. Almost two years earlier, in a country embroiled in civil war, Dini was struck by a stray bullet during school recess and became a paraplegic.

“First with his disability, that’s tough enough,” said Canada’s coach Steve Bialowas, who has coached Dini since he was 16. “He has his uncle, but it’s tough especially as a teenager, he hasn’t seen his parents since. I think his club team and now with Team Canada, you become his family.” Canada has a strong tradition in wheelchair basketball and will be looking to defend gold at the next summer’s Paralympics in Rio.The men are 2-0 in the eight-team Parapan Am tournament, which is a qualifier for Rio. They opened with a 102-27 rout of Venezuela before cruising to a 74-55 victory over Mexico. They were scheduled to face undefeated Argentinaon Tuesday night.

Canada’s women’s team also takes a 2-0 record in Tuesday’s game versus Brazil. Dini grew up a fan of the game. He lists Kobe Bryant as the person he’d “most like to have lunch with” on his Canadian team bio. He admires the Los Angeles Lakers star’s “competitive nature,” he said. But Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson, he said, is his all-time favourite player and the person he’d want to model his game after.Dini was helping out with his high school team when a teacher suggested he look into the wheelchair program at Variety Village in Toronto’s east end. Longtime Canadian teammate Adam Lancia likes to tell the story of arriving at the gym that first day to see Dini, sitting in a chair that was several sizes too big for him, nonchalantly draining shots from beyond the free-throw line.

Young Leaders Make The Case For Peace In Somalia

11 August – Source: UNFPA.Org – 532 Words

Fatima Abdi Ali, 21, belongs to a very small minority of game-changers: young women activists pushing for progress in Somalia. Somalia’s youth face an uphill struggle. More than 75 per cent of the country’s population is under 30 years old, according to the most recent population estimates, yet nearly three decades of conflict have left them with few resources or opportunities. Women and girls face even dimmer prospects. Gender-based discrimination remains widespread. Women and girls are less educated – with far lower literacy rates than men – and have less access to employment and services. In some areas, communities still frown on girls attending school. Ms. Abdi Ali has overcome these challenges, garnering the attention and respect of members of government and civil society. Now, she advocates for the empowerment of all young people.

“For the peace, development and future of Somalia, the voices of young people need to be heard and considered,” she said. Wednesday is International Youth Day, which this year focuses on the civic engagement of young people, like Ms. Abdi Ali, who are making a difference in their communities. Ms. Abdi Ali became involved in youth issues three years ago when she jointed Y-Peer, a UNFPA-supported youth programme that trains young people to play an active role as community advocates. “I must say, I am now very motivated and confident as a youth leader,” she told UNFPA.

She went on to become a member of Somalia’s Youth Advisory Panel, which works with the Federal Government of Somalia and the United Nations on issues pertaining to young people – including a youth policy currently under development. “This is such an important role,” she said. “I am privileged to be part of the Youth Advisory Panel.” She also encourages other young Somalis to get involved and make their voices heard. “There is no sense in discussing future development goals without recognising the role that young people can and must play as assets and problem solvers,” Ms. Abdi Ali said. Young people are among the most vulnerable in times of instability or conflict. They are often targets for abuse or recruitment by armed groups. “Already, youth are major actors in conflict, constituting the bulk of participants in militias and criminal gangs, with young and adolescent females being exposed to forced and unwanted sexual relationships,” said Aljaile Ahmed, a Y-Peer fellow.

OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE

“According to figures from UNHCR, more than 10,500 people have arrived in Yemen since March when the bombing campaign began. Although some of those might be part of the 51,000 who are now also leaving, as war in Yemen has created a circular flow in the region.

Walking Into Danger: Migrants Still Head To Yemen

11 August – Source: IRIN – 1272 Words

Qader and Abdi are two weeks into their journey. Carrying only one empty plastic water bottle each, flattened, with no liquid to return it to its cylindrical shape, the two men figure they will be walking for another month-and-a-half before they reach the sea. From there, they will take a smuggler boat the short distance to Yemen, where another 600-kilometre walk lies ahead before they may reach their final destination, Saudi Arabia.The pair – members of Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group, the Oromo, which activists charge is systematically disenfranchised by the government – are walking along an uncrowded road connecting the capital of Somaliland, Hargeisa, to a northern port city.

They walk because they cannot afford the roughly $150-200 that a series of smugglers would charge to take them from the Ethiopian border east through Somaliland to the port of Bosaso in the neighbouring semi-autonomous region of Puntland.“We will walk until we become weak,” said 30-year-old Qader, who withheld his last name to protect his identity. He and his 19-year-old companion are dressed in dirtied long-sleeve shirts to shield them from the early morning sun, which will become unbearable by midday. They have made it this far off the good will of Somalilanders who offer them small change or meals as they pass.

There is a small risk they could be arrested so they veer off the paved road near checkpoints but quickly return so as not to lose their way. Although walking along roads in Somaliland – a self-declared nation that the international community still classifies as a region of Somalia – puts migrants like them at increased risk of robbery or assault, Somalilanders generally do not wish the duo ill will. Government officials have even been known to stop and provide food and drink to migrants despite their illegal status in the country.When they reach Bosaso the help will likely come to an end and Qader and Abdi will have to pay. Unlike on land, which the destitute can traverse without charge as long as they can avoid arrest, the sea is only passable by ships operated by smugglers, who are more than happy to continue transporting people to war-torn Yemen for a fee.