August 28, 2015 | Morning Headlines
New Deal Gives Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a 22 Members of Parliament And 4 Ministers In Galmudug State
27 August – Source: Goobjoog News – 170 Words
A peace deal has been signed today in Adado between Galmudug State and armed group Ahlu Sunna to end hostilities between the two. The deal was signed by Galmudug President Abdikarim Hussein Guled and Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a chairman Sheik Ibrahim Hussein Gureye together with others and it makes provision for power sharing mechanism. In the news deal Ahlu Sunna would get 30% of the regional assembly, 25% in the cabinet and 25% in the army and there would be some changes in the constitution to suit Ahlu Sunna demands.
On their side Ahlu Sunna will recognize Galmudug State and join the state, it would also integrate its forces to those of Galmudug. This brings to an end months of hostilities between the two. Though not mentioned in the deal, Ahlu Sunna is also expected to allow Galmudug to operate from its designate capital, Dhusamareb, which is controlled by Ahlu Sunna. The religious group also wants powerfull Islamic high council to be formed within the state to determine matters concerning the re
Key Headlines
- New Deal Gives Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a 22 Members of Parliament And 4 Ministers In Galmudug State(Goobjoog News)
- Galkayo Conference Enters Third Day In Puntland (Garowe Online)
- Hiiraan Administration Accused Of Laxity As Another Elder Is Killed In Cold Blood (Wacaal Media)
- The 16-Year Old Author Who Stole The Show At Mogadishu Book Fair (Somali Current)
- Joint Forces Advance Toward Rural Areas Controlled by Al-Shabaab (Somali Update)
- We Can Learn From Our Mistakes By Reading Books President Says (Goobjoog News)
- Somalia To Ban Female Genital Mutilation (Voice of America)
- Mogadishu Book Festival Brings Somali Talents Together (Al Jazeera)
- Ifrah Mansour Explores War From A Child’s Perspective (City Pages)
NATIONAL MEDIA
Galkayo Conference Enters Third Day In Puntland
27 August – Source: Garowe Online – 180 Words
The consultative conference in Galkayo has entered its third day with delegates debating key points touching on the challenges facing Puntland amid curious optimisms. On Thursday, delegates said to be representing Puntland regions debated: What went wrong with the northeastern state and how best solutions can be crafted for the prevailing differences amongst other points in the agendas. On Tuesday, Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali launched the conference in Galkayo, calling for unity and end to grudges.
Participants at Galkayo conference are discussing restoration of trust among local communities and means of mediating in disputes between some clans. Groups have exchanged their views on the questions pertaining to Puntland unity. Ali told the gathering that Puntland needs to embrace further progress in economy, security and social cohesion fronts. The second phase of consultative meeting, which will bring together traditional leaders, is set to take place in Qardo while the third phase will be staged in the capital, Garowe. Over the weekend on Saturday, delegates will conclude Galkayo conference with a communiqué that might come in handy according to organizers.
Hiiraan Administration Accused Of Laxity As Another Elder Is Killed In Cold Blood
27 August – Wacaal Media – 190 Words
The regional administration of Hiiraan has slept on the job. This is the verdict of local leaders with regard to the security situation in the region. Speaking on their behalf, in the aftermath of the killing of a traditional elder in Baladweyn on Wednesday, Chairman of the Council of Elders of Hiiraan region Mr Da’ar Hersi Nur protested at the administration’s inability to do anything to curb the wanton killings of traditional leaders and elders in the region.
“It is unfortunate that several traditional leaders and elders have been killed in Baladweyn at day time, the latest being our brother Omar Garweyne” lamented Nur in the wake of the killing of the elder by unknown gunmen in Howlwadaag estate of Baladweyn. Nur says it is incumbent upon the administration to guarantee the security of all citizens and more so traditional leaders and elders who are mostly targeted for their role in the society. He asked the administration to bring to book the perpetrators of the killings starting with the most recent case. Baladweyn is inhabited by two clans, with members of both groupings engaged in vicious fights over resources.
The 16-Year Old Author Who Stole The Show At Mogadishu Book Fair
27 August – Somali Current – 140 Words
Looking young and green-horn is Abukar Mohamed, termed by the organisers of the Mogadishu International Book Fair “as a literary maestro in his right”. The book fair was first of its kind held in the Somali capital Mogadishu.To begin with, Abukar is just 16-years old boy, but surprisingly has 6 titles to his name. He came to the venue of the book fair in Mogadishu’s City Plus Hotel just like any other attendant, but stole the show when he was introduced as the author of six books. He instantly became a sensation on Social Media and the BBC couldn’t resist the tell the world about the new phenomenon happening in Somalia where stories of death, destruction and despair sell more than positive ones.Unlike all other authors present at the event, the kid defied all and dressed in simplicity.
Joint Forces Advance Toward Rural Areas Controlled by Al-Shabaab
27 August – Source: Somali Update – 172 Words
Joint forces of Somalia National Army and the African Union Mission (AMISOM) on Wednesday took over two rural area villages in Gedo region in the southwest of Somalia from Al-Shabaab. According to Garbaharey District Commissioner, Nur Sheikh Mohamed, the forces secured Libaxlow and Tuulo Barwaaqo, two main locations used by Al-Shabaab to carry out ambushes. “These two locations are very strategic when it comes to the security of the Garbaharey town, which is the provincial capital of Gedo.” he said.
“We are working hard to advance and secure other key areas so the terror group will not have the chance to carry out ambushes or cut the routes to the urban towns.” he added. Heavy gun battle was reported from the area on Wednesday afternoon between Al-Shabaab fighters and the joint forces. Al-Shabaab on its side claimed that it had killed dozens of government forces including senior officers. According to independent sources at least 10 people were killed including deputy district commissioner and senior Somali police commander during the ambush by Al-Shabaab.
We Can Learn From Our Mistakes By Reading Books, President Says
27 August – Source: Goobjoog News – 339 Words
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has underscored the value of education, noting that it will help establish a government with solid institutions that can promote peace and development. He was speaking during the second day of the ongoing Mogadishu International Book in the capital city of Mogadishu, today. The President said there was need to promote a writing and reading culture as it was the surest way to preserve and learn from the country’s past and present for a better Somalia. The President said it was time Somalia’s historical artifacts and literary collections in various places in the world were returned.
“We have priceless Somali cultural collections stored in a number of universities in the world including Lund University in Sweden. Time has come for these collections to be returned home,” said President Mohamud. The Mogadishu International Book Fair has attracted a host of writers, poets and artists of various genres and is billed as first of a kind in Mogadishu signaling changing times as Somalia emerges from a dark history of conflict and war. Inspired by his predecessor, Yussuf Abdullahi, whom the President says he has read his works with keen interest despite what he termed as his controversial politics, Mohamud pointed out that it was only possible to appreciate “our mistakes if we took time to read books by and about others”.
“We cannot progress if we don’t read to know the mistakes of Mohamed Siyad Barre, Sayid Mohamed Abdulle and mine,” the President noted. “I have also been inspired to write and I am already working on a book soon,” he added. The President interacted with attendants and participated in a question answer session where he fielded a number of questions. Mohamud called on parents to give their children equal opportunities in education noting that education was key for the country’s development. The day concluded with a keynote presentation from celebrated author Professor Abdalla Mansur whose works include the Somali dictionary among a number of other works on Somali language, origins and people.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Somalia To Ban Female Genital Mutilation
27 August – Source: Voice of America – 322 Words
There is hope at last for girls in Somalia as the government signals its intentions to ban female genital mutilation, a brutal practice girls in Somalia have been forced to undergo for years. If the new law is enacted, those found practicing the act would face criminal charges. The practice, which has life-threatening side effects, is very popular in many African and Middle East countries. According to figures by the United Nations Childrens’ Fund, female genital mutilation in Somalia alone stands at 98 percent. Among its effects are lifelong pain, infections, infertility and difficulties during childbirth.
“In the past when girls were subjected to FGM, it used to be something the society was proud of, but it’s no longer the same,” said Samatar. “People shy from being associated with FGM. Now, when parents want their daughters to undergo FGM, they opt for underground avenues rather than public. That’s a clear indicator that the number of cases has drastically reduced.” Now the government is creating a clear policy that will end the practice. Religious leaders, community heads and the country’s lawmakers are considering legislation initiated by the Ministry of Women.
Once the law comes into use, those found practicing the act would be arrested. “To all those who practice FGM, we have seen the effect it has,” said Samatar. “This practice has to come to and end. The ministry is also working on establishing a law to ban FGM. If anyone will be found practicing this culture, they will be arrested by the government”. Experts say a community mobilization effort will help end the practice and raise awareness of the law in a country where the practice of female genital mutilation is almost universal. The practice has been outlawed in 18 other African countries. Experts say eradicating the brutal practice in Somalia will take time. But banning it is a major step to ensuring that Somali girls will have a normal life in the future.
Mogadishu Book Festival Brings Somali Talents Together
27 August – Source: Al Jazeera – 304 Words
The Somali capital, Mogadishu, is hosting an international book fair, the first such event in the city in more than two decades. Authors, playwrights, poets, artists and musician have travelled from across the world to attend the three-day event that was also guested by the Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. “We are holding this fair to revive the culture of writing and reading in our country. Another aim is to connect local writers with their counterparts from abroad so they can exchange ideas.” Mohamed Diini, the event organiser, told Al Jazeera by phone from Mogadishu.
“More than 30 writers are gathered here. We brought 3,000 books to the event including three books written by an extremely talented 16-year-old author.” The fair in the seaside capital is expected to attract more than 1,000 people on each of the three days. “There is a beautiful buzz in the city. Everyone I met is inspired by the event. I met young people who were asking me how they can publish their first books. It is inspiring to see the next generation of Somalis talking about books and the future looks great.” Mohammed Abdullah Artan, a publisher who travelled from Leicester in the UK, told Al Jazeera from the event.
“It is my seventh time in Mogadishu,” Mohamed Omer, an inspirational speaker from Hargeisa in the breakaway northern region of Somaliland, said, “This time it is different. So much creativity and talent displayed in one place. Everyone is happy and smiling. It is beautiful being here.” Omer added. Somalis on social media have also been caught by the buzz, sharing photos and terming the event “books over bullets” and “Somalia rising”.Organisers told Al Jazeera the book festival will be an annual event. “Next year will be bigger and better, God willing.” Diini, the organiser, said.
OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE
“It’s told from the elders’ perspective of the war and their version of the history.Those elders are the ones who remember a peaceful Somalia before the war, and the pain of seeing that world torn apart. For Mansour and others her age, all she remembers growing up as the war was taking place.”
Ifrah Mansour Explores War From A Child’s Perspective
25 August – Source: City Pages – 719 Words
When she looks back at her memories of Somalia’s Civil War, performance artist Ifrah Mansour remembers playing in broken tanks with her siblings. As a child that was simply the place she lived. She remembers having fun and all the joys that childhood brings, despite the unstable world she lived in. Loosely based on her own experiences, How to have fun in a Civil War, is a solo piece reflecting on how a child experiences war. Her story speaks to those of her generation; people who were children during that unsettled time, and remember it differently than their parents. “Our history is being told as one sad sob story,” she says. “It’s told from the elders’ perspective of the war and their version of the history.” Those elders are the ones who remember a peaceful Somalia before the war, and the pain of seeing that world torn apart. For Mansour and others her age, all she remembers growing up as the war was taking place.
“I remember my mom would call us inside to play,” she says, recalling the bombs that were dropping near them. “I can’t even imagine her feelings and emotions then.” Mansour’s memories are much more innocent; she was having fun. In the play, which will be performed at the Minnesota State Fair, Mansour narrates her experience in the style of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Home Alone. “The narrator is a kid, and they tell what is happening from the perspective of their miniature small world. It capitalizes on the child’s innocence and the child’s ability to create their own world,” Mansour says. Born in Saudia Arabia in the late 1980s, Mansour moved to Somalia prior to the war and lived there for four years before moving to Kenya and then the United States.
Last December, Mansour was waiting for a friend while doing a writing exercise from a prompt that she had found online. When her friend arrived, Mansour showed her what she had written, and her friend said that it was something she should develop into a larger piece. She showed the work to Maren Ward from the Bedlam Theater, who responded that she should rehearse it, and Mansour eventually took the work to a conference Grand Forks. From there, she’s worked with a number of other collaborator to put it all together and has performed the piece at Bedlam and a number of other places around the Twin Cities.