August 13, 2012 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

UN says 2.51 million people suffer food crisis in Somalia

12 Aug – Source: people daily/ Xinhua – 172 words

The UN humanitarian agency said on Saturday that some2.51 million people in Somalia are facing humanitarian crisis and additional 1.29 millionare at risk of sliding back into crisis without sustained assistance. In its humanitarian update received in Nairobi, the UN Office for Coordination ofHumanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said tens of thousands of Somalis died in the crisis, butthe massive influx of donor funding, a rapid scale-up of humanitarian assistance and anexceptional harvest at the beginning of the year helped overcome the famine byFebruary.

Key Headlines

UN Special Representative for Somalia statement on assassination of Somali Official (UNPOS)
Somali Government Condemns Assassination of MIPT Manager in Mogadishu (Radio Mogadishu/SONNA)
Somali Speaker launches his presidential campaign in Mogadishu (Radio Bar-kulan/Horn Cable TV)
Joint statement from AU UNPOS IGAD on ending the Transition in Somalia (UNPOS)
Somali leaders strike unity deal as election draws (Africa Review/East African)
Somali security minister: AMISOM police will support our police forces (Radio Mustaqbal/Radio Mogadishu)
Ex Somali prime minister hopes fair elections (Radio Kulmiye)
Uganda police unit to protect Somali leaders (East African)
Heavy Bombardment on Kismayo (Radio Risaala/Hiiraan Online)
Ethiopian Deputy PM: Ethiopia will strengthen support to Somalia (Walta Information Centre)
UN says 2.51 mln people suffer food crisis in Somalia (people daily/ Xinhua)
Somali Olympians deny seeking asylum over threats (BBC)

PRESS STATEMENT

UN Special Representative for Somalia statement on assassination of Somali Official

12 Aug – Source: UNPOS – 265 words

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga, strongly condemns the killing of Somali Information Ministry Official and veteran Somali journalist Yusuf Ali Osman, also known as “Yusuf-Farey”, today in Mogadishu. Yusuf-Farey was working as Media Relations Director at the Ministry of Information, Posts and Telecommunications. He was also a past Director of Radio Mogadishu.

“It was only 12 days ago that the comedian and media worker “Marshale” was killed. Today we mourn another prominent member of the Somali media community, Yusuf-Farey.” SRSG Mahiga said. “I send my deepest condolences to his family and to all Somali media professionals, who for too long have seen their colleagues targeted, injured and assassinated without a single perpetrator being brought to justice”, SRSG Mahiga said.

The UN has called repeatedly on full and independent investigations to these unacceptable and cowardly acts which have made Somalia one of the most dangerous places on earth for media professionals. “It is simply unacceptable that over the course of the year justice was not served for any of the victims of these crimes”, SRSG Mahiga added. “This culture of impunity must end. We must not allow the fundamental freedoms that a free press represents to be compromised by those willing to use violence to serve their personal agendas. This is a decisive time in the political process and the work of media needs to be protected so that the Somali people are fully informed”

UNPOS reiterates its call for the TFG to strengthen its police investigative capacity and stands ready to assist however possible in this regard.

Statement from the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the signing of the NSSP Decree

10 Aug – Source: UNPOS – 258 words

The UN Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) for Somalia, Dr. Augustine Mahiga, welcomed the presidential decree on the National Security and Stabilization Plan (NSSP), signed by President of Somalia Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, on 8 August 2012.

The signing ceremony was held at the Presidency, Villa Somalia, and was attended by the Speaker of Parliament, Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Avv. Aydid Abdullahi Ilkahanaf, Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, Ministers of Defence Hussein Arab Isse and Interior Abdisamad Ma’alin Mahmud, Commander of the Somali Armed Forces General Abdulqadir Sheikh Ali Dini, and other senior Somali officials.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Sharif described the signing of the NSSP as a historic step, adding that “implementation of the NSSP was critical for Somalia”. He appealed to the international community to support the forthcoming Somali government in the implementation of the Plan so that Somalia stands on its feet.

The NSSP provides the immediate, medium to long-term priority actions required to strengthen the security and justice sector institutions in Somalia; that respect and promote human rights and the rule of law. “The development of the NSSP through Navaisha, Puntland, Galkayo, Nairobi and now Mogadishu has been inclusive, participatory, led and owned by Somalis” said SRSG Mahiga.

The NSSP envisions a secured and enabled federated Somalia that is in lasting peace with itself and with its neighbors; restores security, access to justice and the rule of law; upholds the human rights of its citizens; is accountable, defends its constitution, territorial unity and integrity.

Joint statement from AU, UNPOS, IGAD on ending the Transition in Somalia

10 Aug – Source: UNPOS – 476 words

With less than two weeks to go before the end of the Transition, we remain increasingly concerned that the selection of the new Somali Parliament continues to be jeopardized by individuals who are seeking to undermine this critical process. We are approaching the very last milestones of the roadmap and any attempt to undermine, manipulate, delay, or derail this process would be unacceptable. We are of the view that long-suffering Somali people deserve a reassuring future.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali Government Condemns Assassination of MIPT Manager in Mogadishu

12 Aug – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SONNA – 87 words

The Somali government strongly condemns the assassination of Ministry of Information’s media relations manager, Mr. Yusuf Ali Osman, who was gunned down Sunday morning by an unidentified man armed with pistol at Dharkenley District in Mogadishu. The Minister of Information, Posts and Telecommunications, Abdulkadir Hussein Mohamed said in a statement that, “We are particularly saddened by the loss of a great colleague, Mr. Yusuf Ali Osman, who has been a remarkable manager and hardworking staff in the Ministry of Information.”

Somali Speaker launches his presidential campaign in Mogadishu

12 Aug – Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Horn Cable TV – 158 words

Speaker of the transitional federal parliament Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan has on Sunday launched his presidential campaign in a bid to clinch the presidency during the upcoming elections in the country. Speaking at an emotionally charged ceremony held in Mogadishu, Sharif Hassan promised to tackle insecurity and uplift the country’s economy if he is elected the president.

Somali security minister: AMISOM police will support our police forces

12 Aug – Source: Radio Mustaqbal/Radio Mogadishu – 100 words

Abdisamad Moalin Mohamed, the Interior and Security Minister for Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government said AMISOM Police Forces, which recently arrived in Mogadishu, will help the TFG Police Forces. Abdisamad indicated that AMISOM Police Forces will collaborate with TFG forces and operate in all police stations in Mogadishu. The Minister was speaking at on occasion to officially welcome the new AMISOM police forces. “These forces are our brothers, these forces will operate with TFG Forces, they will work at police stations in Mogadishu, we welcome them cordially” said Abdisamad.

Somalia: Puntland President reshuffles National Security Agency

12 Aug – Source: Garowe Online – 89 words

After recent insecurity in Puntland, President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole named a new head to Puntland’s National Security Agency, Garowe Online reports. President Farole named a new National Security Agency chief on Saturday after a string of murders have gone unsolved. The new head of the agency was announced on Saturday as Abdiweli Mohamed Awale who had been a former National Security Service officer during Siad Barre’s regime and has had an extensive career in the security field. The new head of the NSA said that his agency is following leads as the investigation to the murder of MP Abdisalan Shaybe intensifies.

Somali government embarks on youth development programmes

12 Aug – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 95 words

Somalia’s Labour, youth and sports Ministry is embarking on youth developments and lying of flower at monuments like the SYL in commemoration of International Youth Day. The ministry’s director general Aweys Sheikh Hadad told Bar-kulan the ministry in conjunction with UNDP and the International Labour Organisation are now conducting trainings and offering youth empowerment funds to create jobs for the youth. Hadad says the ministry has recently established an employment agency for the youth, the Somali employment agency, in profiling information related to employment firms seeking to recruit and youths seeking jobs in the market.

Al shabab attacks Somali army base outside Mogadishu

11 Aug – Source: Shabelle – 66 words

Heavily armed militants belonging Al shabab have launched deadly assaults against an army base manned by Somali government troops in Elasha Biyaha, just 18 Km south of Mogadishu, Witnesses said. The fighting which raged on for several hours occurred on Saturday in Elasha Biyaha area, with sides exchanged heavy and slight weapons that could heard distances away from the battle zone, according to the local residents.

Ex Somali prime minister hopes fair elections

11 Aug – Source: Radio Kulmiye – 49 words

Speaking to the press, the former Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullah Farmaajo says he is hopping the next elections to be free and fair. Mohamed met with African Union officials in discussion on the security situation in the country, a head of elections scheduled on August 20th.

Heavy Bombardment on Kismayo

11 Aug – Source: Radio Risaala/Hiiraan Online – 64 words

Reports reaching our news desk indicate that the Somali port city of Kismayo had come under intense shelling and bombardment from warships. More than 6 missiles are said to have hit the town, most of them landing on the old airport which is currently a training camp for al Shabaab. The missiles were fired from naval ships that docked near the shore earlier Saturday.

Somaliland: A Landmark Peace Agreement on Buhodle conflict

12 Aug – Source: Somaliland Press – 98 words

The Government of the Republic of Somaliland and prominent community leaders from Sool region of Somaliland has today, 12 August 2012, undertaken a landmark peace agreement aimed at ending the conflict in Buhodle district of the Sool region, and resolving domestic grievances through peaceful means. Under this agreement, Somaliland Government today releases 86 prisoners from Sool region captured as fighters over the last two years. The government also pulls back its military forces from Buhodle.

Somali forces conduct military operations in Bal’ad town

11 Aug – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 63 words

Somali forces have made operations in Bal’ad district in Middle Shabelle region. The operation was aimed at ensuring the security of the town that was recently seized by the forces. 7 persons were reportedly arrested in the crackdown.

Bomb kills 8 Somali soldiers in Mogadishu

10 Aug – Source: Mareeg Online – 52 words

At least eight Somali government troops were killed when a remote-controlled bomb hit their vehicle in Mogadishu, officials said on Thursday, highlighting lingering security risks less than two weeks before the U.N.-backed government’s mandate ends. Somalia’s Islamist al Shabaab group claimed responsibility for the attack on Wednesday evening.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Uganda police unit to protect Somali leaders

11 Aug – Source: East African – 365 words

The African Union has brought in 140 police officers specially trained to protect the Somalia leaders who will be elected on August 20. The new unit, drawn from Ugandan police officers who are working with the local police to protect important government infrastructure, will release local officers to perform other duties.

Ethiopian Deputy PM: Ethiopia will strengthen support to Somalia

12 Aug- Source: Walta – 347 words

Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, said Ethiopia will further enhance assistance to maintain sustainable peace and stability in Somalia, and also help Somalia hold free and democratic elections.

Somalia election offers fresh start

11 Aug – Source: East African – 309 words

Incumbency, money and clannism will be the biggest influences in the Somalia presidential elections to be held on August 20, say analysts. Sources close to the various campaign teams say, a former minister for planning and international co-operation, is a strong contender although President Ahmed Sherif and Speaker of Parliament Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, have the advantage of incumbency and financial muscle.

Somali leaders strike unity deal as election draws

10 Aug – Source: Africa Review/East African – 222 words

Thirteen presidential hopefuls have announced that they have formed a coalition as the battle for battle-weary Somalia’s top seat hots up. The candidates, all men, hope to agree on a single candidate to contest the country’s anticipated election expected to take place on or before August 20.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

UN says 2.51 mln people suffer food crisis in Somalia

12 Aug – Source: people daily/ Xinhua – 172 words

Somali Olympians deny seeking asylum over threats

12 Aug – Source: BBC – 485 Words

One of two Somali athletes competing at the Olympic Games in London has denied that they are seeking asylum in the UK. Mohamed Hassan Mohamed, a 1,500m runner, told the BBC Somali Service they both intended to return home. Earlier his compatriot Zamzam Mohamed Farah, who ran in the first heat of the women’s 400m, spoke of the threats she has faced since competing. Somalia has been devastated by two decades of conflict and an al-Qaeda group controls many areas. Its last functioning national government was ousted in 1991 and the resulting vacuum has enabled both pirates and lawlessness to flourish.

Well-Known Somali Journalist Killed

12 Aug – Source: VOA – 203 Words

Gunmen have killed a well-known journalist in Somalia, which has become one of the most dangerous places for media professionals in the world. Unidentified assailants gunned down Yusuf Ali Osman, widely known as Farey, in the Dharkenely district of Mogadishu on Sunday. Osman, a past director of Radio Mogadishu, was working for Somalia’s Ministry of Information. The Somali Exiled Journalists Association, based in Kenya, says Osman is the eighth journalist to be killed in Somalia this year. In a statement, the association said “It is painful and heartbreaking to lose a great journalist every month.”

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“Somalia has started a new page, recently founded National constitution passed by envoys from the different parts of the people including: women and minorities and this made easier to go full government with international recognition and can sign international agreements with the world.”

A New Moment for Somalia

11 Aug – Source: Horseed Media – 405 Words

Somalia was a country ruled without a constitution around a quarter of a century, no elections voted at all. Somalia has faced with different political and social situations such as; Military rule (from late in 1969 to 1991), Civil War (1991 up to present), droughts, famine, malnutrition, displacement and violations against humanity. In 1991, Somali people put their country name on the list of World’s Failed States and after 20 years Somalia becomes leader of the World’s failed States. The name of Somalia turned to be the simplest example of defining bad things, also the latest terminology used for dire conditions. Most of Arab and western news agencies use the term of Somaliazation for the war and conflicts and it has the meaning of bad situations. This is same like a statement use Somali people when they are defining a bad condition which is ‘it is Middle East’.

“Generally, corruption is a fundamental crime against humanity that causes multiple social problems. As we embark on demolishing an old structure, clearing confusions and reinstalling basic values of wrongs and rights based on the harm they cause to the individual and society, it is of a paramount importance that we fight corruption even in its basic forms.”

Congratulation Somalia but the fight against moral and material corruption goes on!

10 Aug – Source: Wardheer News – 1581 Words

The constitutional approval by Somalia’s newly appointed Assembly has left me in a state of enchantment, a spiritual mood of hope and enthrallment. Something wonderful has taken place, a birth of a new Somalia. The constitution forms a radical challenge to the standard religious and cultural dogmas of the past two decades. This new era that is dawning on us, brings with it an opportunity of a respite from conflicts, aiding us to come into terms with our past, to abandon a very violent way of living, and to start addressing the socio-economical milieu that gave rise to the current problems.