August 18, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

AMISOM, SNA to launch final assault on al Shabaab

17 Aug – Source: Radio Goobjoog/Radio Star – 118 words

The Somali National Army and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) will within the next few days launch the final assault to push-out al Shabaab from the areas they control in some parts of the country, the Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said today. He was speaking after meeting AMISOM, United Nations and Somali government top officials at his office. President Mohamud, who was flanked by the Acting Special Representative of African Union in Somalia, Hon Lydia Wanyoto-Mutende said a committee of principals, which he will chair, and another of technical experts, had been formed to ensure that the operations were well organized and coordinated. The committees would also address humanitarian requirements in the newly captured areas.

Key Headlines

President Hassan will lead delegation to the Copenhagen Conference on Somalia (Radio Mogadishu)
Mungab hails disarmament operations in the capital (Radio Mogadishu/Goobjoog)
Somalia: Marking one year in Puntland UN pledges state-building support (UN News Center)
AMISOM SNA to launch final assault on al Shabaab (Radio Goobjoog)
United Nations delegation arrives in Garowe for talks (Bar-kulan)
Military operation commences in central Somalia regions (RBC)
Interim Jubba Administration to hold reconciliation conference (Bar-kulan)
President Hassan appoints new Governor for Middle Shabelle region (Radio Goobjoog/BBC Somali Service)
At least 22 kidnapped robbed by Suspected al Shabaab militia in Mandera (Standard Media)
Somalia decides to act on illegal arms (World Bulletin)
Somalia pulls out of refugee talks again (Star News)
DP World aims to combat piracy at its roots (Arabian Supply Chain)
Security spokesman vows to continue disarmament operations in Mogadishu (RBC)
10 homemade explosives found (Citizen TZ)
SNA and AMISOM due to launch second phase of offensive military in Bay region (Radio Shabelle/Goobjoog)
Somali radio station shut staff seized (Africa Review)
Clash over case delay time as two UPDF officers are remanded (New Vision)
Calgarian fighting overseas for terror group reported dead (Calgary Herald)

PRESS RELEASE

AMISOM and One World Futbol join hands to promote peace in Somalia through football

17 Aug – Source: AMISOM – 326 words

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) today handed over 4,500 indestructible footballs to the Federal Government of Somalia for on-ward transmission to children and youth groups throughout the country to teach them life skills and promote peace. The footballs were recently donated to AMISOM by One World Futbol Project through the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA).

Speaking at the handover of the footballs to the Federal Government of Somalia, the Acting Head of AMISOM, Honourable Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, said African Union recognised sport as one of the key pillars of social transformation and development.

Hon. Wanyoto said the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Football Association would distribute the footballs to schools, youth groups and disadvantaged groups across the country to promote peace, education, human rights, equality and social inclusion, and to improve health.

”Football games, at community, national and global level have long been idealized as a way to heal wounds, mend fences, and rise above differences among cultures, religions and nations. Soccer is often viewed as so transcendent of politics and prejudice that even nations embroiled in war lay down their arms and come together to cheer on their teams. And this can be true in Somalia,” she said.

Director of United Nation Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA) Amadu Kamara said that the football donations provided the Government, UNSOA and AMISOM to work together with tangible results in trying to provide entertainment for the much neglected youth of Somalia.

Representing the Federal Government of Somalia, The Minister of Youth and Sports Khalid Omar Ali said that the Federal Government of Somalia supported by AMISOM and UNSOA would use soccer as a vehicle for uniting the country at all levels and for promoting development.

Sandra Cress, the Director of One World Futbol Project in Africa said the organisation distributes the nearly indestructible footballs to disadvantaged communities, where soccer can be used to teach life skills and foster social change.

UNSOM marks first anniversary in Puntland, pledges continued support

17 Aug – Source: UNSOM – 214 words

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG), Nicholas Kay, pledged the UN’s continued support for Puntland today at a ceremony to mark the first anniversary of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia’s (UNSOM) in Garowe, the State Capital.

“Puntland has made important political, economic and security progress in the last year for which the Government and people deserve full credit. But much more remains to be done, including working together with the Federal Government and other emerging states on developing a federal system of governance, reviewing the provisional Constitution, and preparing for elections in 2016. Full cooperation between the State of Puntland, interim and emerging national administrations, and the Somali Federal Government is vital,” Mr Kay said.

“All of Somalia can learn and benefit from Puntland’s experience and achievements since 1998. I am convinced that the formation of other federal member states within Somalia is in the interest of Puntland and all Somalia. Puntland should not lose any territory that it currently administers,” he added. “Final boundaries will be determined according to the process prescribed in the Provisional Federal Constitution.”

“International support for peace- and state-building in Puntland will continue to be guided by the principles of Somali ownership, leadership and respect for the Provisional Federal Constitution,” SRSG Kay said.

SIMHA strongly condemns the mass detention of Journalists

17 Aug – Source: SIMHA – 162 words

Somali Independent Media Houses Association strongly condemns the mass arrest of more than 11 journalists in the capital Mogadishu.

The journalists, who were attending a press conference organized by opposition leader Ali Mohamed Nuh in a Mogadishu hotel, were taken into custody for more than three hours before being released and subsequently ordered to report to the Somali Intelligence headquarters every Wednesday.

It appears that the only crime they have committed was to cover the opposition’s press conference. Somali Independent Media House Association views this as great violation of press and media freedom which is unacceptable in any a democratic country.

“At this age and time, to arrest a Journalist for performing his duty, is unacceptable’’ said SIMHA chairman Hassan Ali Gesey. “We call upon the Somali government to be respect the untouchable media freedom in the country,” He added. On Friday the Somali government forces closed down Shabelle and Sky FM Radio stations in the capital Mogadishu for incitement related allegations.

AMISOM and Somali security forces recover cache of arms from in Mogadishu

16 Aug – Source: AMISOM – 341 words

In yesterday’s early morning cordon and search operation in Mogadishu’s Wadajir district, Somali Government forces with the support of African Union troops recovered 15 guns, assortment of ammunition and 20 of militia were arrested when they were overpowered by the forces.

The operation followed a tip off that there are arms cache in a location near the former District Commissioner’s home. The forces closed in at the location and there were fired at by local militia belonging to Ahmed Hassan Adow, the former District Commissioner.

Acting Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Honorable Lydia Wanyotto said such operations are part of the wider effort to improve security in Mogadishu and Somalia in general.

“The message is to call upon all Somalis, all institutions to support the efforts and sacrifice AMISOM is making for the peace and stability of Somalia. AMISOM will continue to fight against everyone who will try to attack the forces” she said.

Acting DSRCC congratulated the forces for the operation saying the recovery has saved Somali lives as the arms would have been used against them. AMISOM Force Commander Lt General Silas Ntigurirwa applauded the Somali people for providing key intelligence information that has facilitated for today’s operation to take place.

“Today’s operation was not intended at the former DC’s location, it was a different area within Medina but I would say thank God they attacked us because we managed to get all this arms, this was not our target so it was a blessing in disguise I think it was a very good chance for AMISOM and Somali forces that we could pick all this. The cordon and search operation will continue without any hindrance.”

The cordon and search operation is conducted by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Somali army and Police supported by AMISOM military and police. The joint operations play a significant role in fighting terrorists. AMISOM reiterated its continued commitment to working with NISA as Somalia moves to stabilize the country and rebuild its institutions.

Weekly Press Conference on the Progress of the Government

16 Aug – Source: Ministry of Information – 1427 words

HE the Minister of Information, Mustafa Duhulow, today addressed the media in Mogadishu, providing an update on the progress of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) over the last week. The Minister provided details on various issues including: UN Under Secretary General for Safety & Security’s visit to Mogadishu; the visit of the Danish Minister for Trade and Development Co-operation, Mogens Jensen to Mogadishu; the opening of new offices for the Ministry of Youth; the UNSC’s historic visit to Somalia; the Government’s consultations in Baidoa; the progress of the Stabilization Plan in Mogadishu; and the review of each ministry’s progress.

The Minister of Information began by speaking on the visit to Mogadishu on Tuesday 12th August by the UN Under Secretary General: “Mr Peter Drennan, the UN Under Secretary General for Safety & Security, arrived in Mogadishu on 12 August 2014 and had meetings with Somali leaders.

H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Mr Peter Drennan discussed bi-lateral relations between Somalia and the UN, the security situation in Somalia and UN’s support to Somalia. Peter Drennan praised the Federal Government of Somalia’s progress over the last two years and its efforts towards security and the implementation of Federalism.

Mr Drennan reaffirmed the UN’s unwavering support to Somalia in order to bring peace and stability. The President of Somalia stressed the dire humanitarian situation in parts of Somalia and appealed to international community to provide the urgent humanitarian assistance needed to those affected by the severe drought in Somalia.”

The Minister of Information praised Denmark’s support to Somalia: “H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of Somalia and H.E. Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, the Prime Minister of Somalia had meetings with H.E.Mogens Jensen, the Danish Minister of Trade & Development Co-operation who visited Mogadishu on 12th August. They discussed strengthening bi-lateral relations, the security situation in Somalia, institution building and the upcoming High Level Partnership Forum Meeting in November which will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somalia and the Danish Minister of Trade & Development Co-operation held a joint press conference and stated that they had discussed rebuilding Somali institutions, support to Somali Government towards bringing peace and stability, and the importance of the upcoming meeting in Copenhagen.

The President of Somalia will lead the delegation to attend the Copenhagen meeting as the main theme of the meeting is a discussion of progress made in security, implementation of federalism and the plans to hold elections by 2016. Minister Jensen stated that his visit to Somalia showed solidarity and support between Denmark and the Federal Government and the people of Somalia and that this should give hope to the people of Somalia.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the opening of new offices for the Ministry of Youth & Sports: “H.E. Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, the Prime Minister of Somalia, cut the ribbon of the new building of the Ministry of Youth & Sports on 12th August 2014 and at the same time celebrated the International Youth Day in Mogadishu.

H.E. Khalid Omar Ali, the Minister of Youth & Sports stressed the importance of youth and stated that these new offices will help the ministry to advance the Youth agenda. The Prime Minister spoke at the event and said that Somali youths have a proud history, as it was the youth of Somalia who had led the struggle for independence.

Ahmed Gurey, Sayid Mohamed Abdulle Hassan and the Somali Youth League (SYL) were all young people who sacrificed their lives for us. The PM encouraged young people to take part actively in the efforts to bring peace and stability in the country. The PM promised that the government would soon initiate plans to provide young people with schools, a quality education, sports facilities and a bright future. The government will build the foundations for Somali youths to live in prosperity and happiness while we protect from them poverty, ignorance, extremism and chaos.”

The Minister of Information praised the efforts of the UN in Somalia: “On 13th August 2014 the UN Security Council made a historic visit to Somalia. 15 members of the UNSC arrived in Mogadishu and demonstrated their unwavering support to the Federal Government and the people of Somalia. This was the first time that all representatives of all 15 members of the UNSC came to Somalia. The delegation was Co-Chaired by the UK Ambassador to the UN, H.E. Mark Lyall Grant and the Nigerian Ambassador to the UN, H.E. Usman Sarki.

H.E. Mark Lyall Grant said that the UNSC came to Mogadishu to show UN’s commitment to bringing peace and stability to Somalia and to asses the progress made over the last two years. The leaders of the Federal Government updated members of the UNSC on the progress made towards security, the implementation of Federalism, the reform of Judiciary and the plans to review the Constitution and to implement Vision 2016.

Somali leaders shared government plans to introduce legislation on elections and discussed the urgent requirement to establish an Independent Electoral Commission with a view to starting the democratization process in Somalia in order to hold elections on schedule in 2016. The Federal Government is committed to bringing peace and stability and at the same time to preparing the country for elections by 2016. All this requires a lot of work including the review of the constitution as well as the implementation of Federalism and the democratization process.”

The Minister of Information highlighted the importance of reconciliation and talks: “The Federal Government is leading reconciliation efforts in Baidoa with a view to forming the South West Federal Unit. The Deputy Minister of National Security and the Technical Committee are in Baidoa having discussions with key stakeholders in the area including traditional elders, civil society groups and the local administration in the area.

The aim of these talks and the associated reconciliation efforts is to bring together all stakeholders in the three regions of South West so that in the near future a conference can be held to form the South West Federal Unit in line with the provisional constitution and under the leadership of the Federal Government of Somalia.

The Federal Government has been instituting interim federal units as part of the Federalism agenda. Ministers will also visit Baidoa soon to ensure that the process is transparent and inclusive enough that local people feel they can decide their own future. Implementation of Federalism is a key pillar of Vision 2016, one that will help the country to move forward.”

The Minister of Information praised the security forces’ success in implementing the Stabilisation Plan: “Security forces have been conducting stop and search operations in Mogadishu which has led to the arrest of a number of terrorists and a quantity of arms that were intended to harm the public. As a result of these operations, security in Mogadishu has improved dramatically and has earned the confidence of the people.

People are moving around in the city freely and businesses are booming, a strong sign of security improvement. These operations are part of the overall Stabilisation Plan for the country. The aim is to bring peace and stability and to provide the public with an environment that they can enjoy freely.

I would like to thank of public for the support they have provided, especially the vital information that led to the arrest of various individuals and the seizure of numerous illegal weapons in the city. I would like to once more appeal to public to continue their unwavering support to security forces in order to bring peace and stability to the country.”

The Minister of Information concluded by speaking on the review of each ministry’s progress: “5 members of the Ministerial Review Committee, led by H.E. the Deputy Minister of Planning & International Cooperation, Abdullahi Sheikh Ali (Qalocow), have been looking at the 6 monthly report from each ministry with a view to incorporating all the different examples of progress and at the same time examining which ministries have achieved most.

The Committee has been interviewing officials from each ministry in order to verify the evidence and validate their ministry’s report. These interviews also allow the committee to evaluate overall progress and at the same time identify ministries that are doing well and providing extra value.

The government will soon publicise which ministries are achieving the greatest improvements in delivery in order to encourage them to continue their brilliant work. This process is transparent and will lead us to be more accountable to public as the government’s theme for this year is ACTION & DELIVERY.”

SOMALI MEDIA

President Hassan will lead delegation to the Copenhagen Conference on Somalia

17 Aug – Source: Radio Mogadishu – 127 words

The President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will lead high level Somali Government delegation to attend the Copenhagen Conference on Somalia in November, according to Minister of Information of Somalia. The conference which will be hosted by the Danish government will be focuses the progress made in the war-torn nation of Somalia in terms of security, implementation of federalism and the plans to hold elections by 2016 as the main theme of the conference. “The upcoming High Level Partnership Forum Meeting in November which will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark and it will be based on the international community’s role to Somalia.”

Mungab hails disarmament operations in the capital

17 Aug – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Goobjoog – 85 words

The Governor of Banadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu Hassan Mohamed Hussein Mungab and delegates returned to Mogadishu from his trip to Sweden where he spent several days. He was warmly welcomed by senior officials of Banadir region, lawmakers and civil society. Holding press conference in Aden Ade international airport, Mungab welcomed the disarmament operations that was going on in Mogadishu the last few days. The mayor said that fighting against illegal weapons in Mogadishu will reduce the security threats and restore law and order.

AMISOM, SNA to launch final assault on al Shabaab

17 Aug – Source: Radio Goobjoog/Radio Star – 118 words

United Nations delegation arrives in Garowe for talks

17 Aug – Source: Bar-kulan – 108 words

A United Nations delegation led by UN Special Envoy to Somalia Nicholas Kay arrived in Garowe, the administrative capital of Somalia’s semi-autonomous state of Puntland. Puntland president Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas along with some members of his cabinet received the delegation at the airport in Garowe. Nicholas Kay held talks with Puntland president shortly after his arrival and discussed on various issues including strained relations between Puntland and Somalia’s federal government as well as the recent agreement signed in Mogadishu on the formation of an interim state in central Somali regions. Puntland strongly opposed the idea of forming a central Somali state comprising of Mudug and Galgadud regions.

Military operation commences in central Somalia regions

17 Aug – Source: RBC – 102 words

Somalia National Army backed by the African Union Forces AMISOM commenced heavy military offensive against the Al Qaeda-linked group Al Shabab in central Somalia region on Sunday amid major military move to secure the country. According to RBC reporter in Beledweyn, the joint forces moved from Buloburte town of Hiran region on their way toward Burane village in the Middle Shabelle region where al Shaybab fighters recently blocked from the access of commercial and aid transportation. Hiran Governor Abdifatah Hassan has confirmed the operation and said that the joint forces will liberate the rest of the region remain under al Shabaab’s control.

Interim Jubba Administration to hold reconciliation conference

17 Aug – Source: Bar-kulan – 89 words

The Interim Jubba Administration is taking steps to organize a reconciliation conference for various communities in Jubba regions, according to the chairman of Interim Jubba Administration Reconciliation Commission. Abdi Baley Hussein said in an interview with Bar-kulan that the reconciliation conference will be held in September and expects representatives from all communities in Jubba regions to attend. He said they will visit each and every community in Jubba regions to push for reconciliation and to call on the communities to work together towards peace and stability in the region.

President Hassan appoints new Governor for Middle Shabelle region

16 Aug – Source: Radio Goobjoog/BBC Somali Service – 72 words

Somali president has fired Mr. Abdi Jiinow Alasow, the Governor of Middle Shabelle region. The new governor Ali Gudlaawe Hussein was appointed in a presidential decree to replace the former governor Mr. Alasow.The former governor was appointed by Sharif Sheikh Ahmed 2011. The reason behind the firing of the former governor is not clearly but the government says it is part of its plans to promote the development in the region.

Somali government warns illegal arms owners

16 Aug – Source: Somali Current/RBC – 115 words

The federal government of Somalia has warned illegal arms possessors in the country saying they should surrender to the government or face the full force of the law. During a special meeting attended by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud the cabinet regretted the civilian casualties on Friday raid on war lord and former Wadajir district commissioner Ahmed Dai home in which at least 15 people mostly civilians lost their lives and more than 20 others wounded. The cabinet has urged Somali citizens in possession of illegal arms to surrender it to the government or register with ministry of defense for security purposes saying possession of arms by civilians is unacceptable and threat to peace and security.

Security spokesman vows to continue disarmament operations in Mogadishu

16 Aug – Source: RBC – 134 words

The Spokesman of the Ministry of National Security said the Friday’s operation to disarm well known warlord in Mogadishu was successful and vowed that government will continue such operations in the capital. The security forces displayed caches of arms including 18 BKM, Rocket Propelled Grenades, hand grenades, large amount of ammunition and unused car plates. “We have recovered these illegal arms from houses of two warlords and we are committed to carry such operations.” Mohamed Yusuf, the Spokesman of National Security Ministry said. Mr. Yusuf confirmed that the security forces apprehended 20 militias who have confronted against the security forces during the operation in Wadajir district on Friday calling other armed militias hiding in Mogadishu to surrender.

Somali government forces raid two media outlets in Mogadishu

16 Aug – Source: Bar-kulan/Somali Current/RBC – 111 words

Somali government forces are reported to have raided Shabelle Radio and Sky FM premises in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, closing both stations and arresting eight of their staff during the raid. Mohamed Muse, the director of Radio Shabelle confirmed the incident to Bar-kulan saying that the government security forces raided the premises of Shabelle Radio & TV and Sky FM. He added the forces also confiscated media equipments including mixers and computers. Sahra Abdullahi Yusuf, head of marketing of Shabelle Media Network told Bar-kulan that the security forces who raided the premises took owner of Shabelle Media Network, Abdimalik Yusuf along with a number of staff to the headquarters of the CID.

Ali Khalif: we will cut ties with federal government if it fails to recognize Khaatumo state

16 Aug – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 155 words

The seat of a member of federal parliament prof. Ali Khalif Galadr, the former PM of transitional federal government became vacant after he been elected the second president of semi autonomous regional state of Khaatumo state. While giving exclusive interview to Goobjoog FM Mr. Galayr said that he has quitted his position from today onwards and asked his people to appoint another person to replace him. He asked the federal government led by PM Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed to recognize his administration otherwise it will cut its ties with the government.

SNA and AMISOM due to launch second phase of offensive military in Bay region

16 Aug – Source: Radio Shabelle/Goobjoog – 99 words

The administration of Qansahdere in Bay region stated that they are prepared to launch the second phase of offensive military against al Shabaab in all Bay regions. The district commissioner of Qansahdere adan Abdiqani told Goobjoog FM that government forces and African Union peace-keeping troops are ready to carry out heavy security operations against to restore the areas under al Shabaab. He added that the joint forces in the areas under federal government’s administration are alert to prevent the planned attacks and assassinations of Al shabaab. Al shabaab controls some areas in Bay region including Diinsor district.

REGIONAL MEDIA

At least 22 kidnapped, robbed by Suspected al Shabaab militia in Mandera

17 Aug – Source: Standard Media – 10 words

At least 22 people were Sunday afternoon taken hostage by suspected Somali militiamen in Mandera town, North-eastern region bordering the war-torn Somalia, before they were later released. The militia, who are suspected to be members of the terror group, al Shabaab according to Mandera County Commissioner Alex Ole Nkoyo ambushed a vehicle ferrying quarry workers from Arabia to Mandera town at around midday, before driving them towards Somalia border and later released them unharmed. While speaking to The Standard on phone, the county commissioner said, the militia set free their captives hours later, after robbing them of all their personal effects, which included money, mobile phones and identity cards.

Clash over case delay time as two UPDF officers are remanded

17 Aug – Source: New Vision – 123 words

Olanya is one of several senior UPDF officers facing trial over crimes they allegedly committed in Somalia where Uganda has peacekeepers under the auspices of the African Union. The army man is battling charges of sexual harassment, fuel theft, offences relating to guard duties, abuse of office and violence to his juniors and failure to execute his duties since last October. On Thursday, his trial saw state prosecutor Capt. Fredrick Kangwamu engage in a disagreement with defense lawyer Capt. Ronald Iduuli over holding the case for further mention.The prosecution side got furious when Iduuli, a newly appointed defence counsel to the army court, told court he needed over a month to go through the case, saying he was new in the system.

DP World aims to combat piracy at its roots

17 Aug – Source: Arabian Supply Chain – 111 words

Building innovative Public-Private Partnerships to strengthen Somalia’s economic and social development and combat maritime piracy is the theme of DP World’s latest thought leadership initiative to be held this month. The port operator is bringing together senior government, non-government and industry leaders with knowledge partner the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis (INEGMA) in a series of three panel discussions to promote foreign investment, encourage economic stability and independence, while creating jobs for Somali youth. This is part of DP World’s on-going land-based counter piracy efforts. The first of the three part panel series was held in April this year. Click here for the white paper from that discussion.

10 homemade explosives found

17 Aug – Source: Citizen TZ – 92 words

Police have found 10 locally made explosives near Rahaleo Primary School in Mtwara township. No one has been arrested in connection with the explosives. Regional Police Commander Augustino Ollomi said in a statement yesterday that the explosives were found on Monday and investigations were going on to establish who manufactured and or owned them. He thanked the residents for informing police on the matter. He said after they were notified by good Samaritans they immediately dispatched law enforcers to the site and their search found the explosives which were made using plastic bottles.

Somalia pulls out of refugee talks again

16 Aug – Source: Star News – 140 words

Somalia for the second time has pulled out of a long-awaited deal to repatriate more than half a million Somali refugees, and Kenya is now considering dealing with the administration of the Jubaland region. The tripartite commission was to be launched yesterday but the Somali delegation failed to “show commitment” to the process, hence, cancellation of the event at the eleventh hour. A source at the ministry of Foreign Affairs told the Star yesterday that Nairobi may instead engage with Jubaland, which borders Kenya and where most of those repatriated would return to “if the Somali government fails to move the process forward”. “This process cannot be held to ransom by Mogadishu, which apparently is not willing to take this process forward,” he said, speaking on condition he not be quoted by name because of the sensitivity of the issue.

Somali radio station shut, staff seized

16 Aug – Source: Africa Review – 116 words

Somali security forces stormed one of Mogadishu’s main radio stations Friday, arresting 20 staff members and seizing equipment, accusing it of “negative” broadcasts about military operations against a militia leader, an employee said. “They have arrested 20 members of staff, including the director. Equipment for transmission was also seized,” said Mohammed Bashir, a producer for the Radio Shabelle station. “I escaped only because I had gone to pray,” Bashir added. A security official, who asked not to be named, described as “negative” the station’s reports on government efforts to disarm a powerful militia commander in Mogadishu, which began in a pre-dawn raid Friday. Sky FM radio, broadcasting from the same building, was also taken off air.

Somali soldiers battle warlord in Mogadishu

15 Aug – Source: Gulf Times – 133 words

Somali government and African forces battled a powerful warlord in Mogadishu yesterday, with security forces then storming a major radio station critical of the fighting and arresting journalists. Witnesses reported at least five dead in a gun battle lasting several hours, after the army backed by African Union (AU) troops launched a pre-dawn assault on the base of warlord Ahmed Dai in a bid to disarm his militia. There were bursts of intense gunfire and heavy explosions with rocket-propelled grenades fired by both sides, witnesses said, reporting at least five dead. “Fighting was very heavy, both sides used heavy machine guns and fired grenades,” said Abidiweli Mohamed, a local resident, adding he had seen five dead bodies, including three civilians. But Dai escaped the attack and is reported to be on the run.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somalia: Marking one year in Puntland, UN pledges state-building support

17 Aug – Source: UN News Centre – 490 Words

At a ceremony marking its first year in Puntland, the United Nations mission in Somalia pledged its continued support as the country looks ahead to beginning the process of federalism aimed at building a stronger, more united Somalia. In Garowe, the State Capital of Puntland, the head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNISOM), Nicholas Kay said Puntland had made “important political, economic and security progress in the last year for which the Government and people deserve full credit.” Mr. Kay, who is also the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, said however, that more remained to be done, including establishing a federal system of governance, working together with the Federal Government and other emerging states on reviewing the provisional Constitution, and preparing for elections in 2016. According to media reports, Puntland, which declared autonomy in 1998, has cut ties with Somalia’s central government after it learned of a plan to form a new federal state that would allegedly include parts of the Puntland region.

Somalia decides to act on illegal arms

17 Aug – Source: World Bulletin – 128 words

The Somali government on Saturday asked warlords and clan militias to hand over their arms to the authorities or face harsh punishment. In an extraordinary meeting that was attended by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, the Somali cabinet ratified the recently launched disarmament operation in the capital Mogadishu. “The cabinet agreed that all arms possessed by civilians be surrendered or registered with the Ministry of National Security,” National Security Spokesman, Mohamed Yusuf, told Anadolu Agency. “Failure to do so will lead to the confiscation of the weapons and punishment,” he added over the phone. Information Minister, Mustafa Duhulow, meanwhile, said in a statement that the cabinet had agreed to ban independent militia groups, clan militias and organized armed groups in the capital Mogadishu.

Calgarian fighting overseas for terror group reported dead

16 Aug – Source: Calgary Herald – 120 words

Unconfirmed reports say a young Calgarian is dead after joining Islamic militants in the Middle East. Farah Mohamed Shirdon was spotted in June fighting with the group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which now calls itself Islamic State. According to Arabic and English-language reports on social media, mainly from Iraq, Shirdon has been killed. Nathan Little recalled playing video games with Shirdon, who was a classmate at both John Ware Middle High School and Henry Wise Wood High School. “He was a pretty normal guy, not very athletic,” said Little, who recalled Shirdon struggling to fit in. He recalled Shirdon as not being religious; rarely attending mosque services despite his mother’s wishes and not fasting during Ramadan.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Al Shabaab, the militant Islamist group operating in Somalia and Kenya, likes to communicate with journalists by SMS. But receiving their text messages and talking to them on the phone can be an unnerving, and at times surreal, experience.”

My SMS relationship with al Shabaab

16 Aug – Source: BBC – 925 words

The other morning I woke up to a text message and missed call from al Shabaab. As always, the message was written in perfect English. It informed me about a film al Shabaab has made called Beyond the Shadows. It said the film gave an “accurate portrayal” of what happened when French commandoes last year tried – and failed – to rescue a suspected French intelligence agent held hostage by the group. A few days later I got another call from al Shabaab. The clear, relaxed voice on the other end of the phone told me I was about to receive a text message about the group’s role in the killing of a senior police official in Somalia earlier that day. Sure enough, a few seconds later the text message arrived. Then came a second call to confirm I had indeed received the message. This is the usual pattern. A call, a text message, then another call to check the message – or the SMS press release, as al Shabaab calls it – has arrived. Scrolling through these messages on my phone, I can chart the history of al Shabaab attacks.

“I challenge Mr. Uluso, now that he identified the problem as he presented in his article, to spell out to all of us in his next article whether he believes in federalism or not; what form of federalism and what it should be based on, if not on clans? If not federalism at all, then what other system? Also, please elaborate what you meant by “without legal and political consensus”? Give us the load, frame by frame, on how you would have gone about making everything perfect before federalism was opened for business.”

Re: Ugly Clan Federalism Sparks Fresh Turmoil

16 Aug – Source: Hiiraan Online – 1795 words

Fom the onset, no 2 Somali clans or sub clans had gone to war so far over the ongoing federalism system in Somalia. In fact, more and more Somalia regions are joining the Federalism scheme. People in their regions, as Al-Shabaab’s totalitarianism is removed, appear to be eager to come and decide together their own regional fate without severing a national link under federalism! Mohamud M Uluso’s latest article, ‘Ugly Clan Federalism Sparks Fresh Turmoil,” is way off the mark on both the current situation on the ground in Somalia and historical governance character of the Somali people. Uluso: The formation of federal Member States (FMS) without legal and political consensus sparks fresh political and social turmoil in all regions of Somalia. It is unequivocally clear that the federal system based on clan ownership of territory has become major obstacle to national reconciliation, peacebuilding, and state building in Somalia. It polluted the notion of state, citizenship, and Islamic values and intensified clan rivalry and vanity within the Somali society everywhere. To suggest the ongoing Somalia Federalism, all be it clan based, “polluted” a supposedly existent notion of state in Somali society is laughable. The undeniable truth is that a concept of “state or nation” is yet to be in Maryooleey minds.