December 26, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

African Union troops fight off al-Shabaab attack

25 Dec – Source: BBC News – 277 Words

African Union troops in Somalia have fought off an attack by al-Shabab militants on its military base near Mogadishu’s international airport. The AU mission (Amisom) said its troops regained control of the base after killing all of the militants. It said three of its soldiers and one civilian [contractor died] in the fighting, which went on for several hours. The African Union has over 20,000 troops in the country to help the weak government battle al-Shabab.

Al-Shabab confirmed it had launched an attack on the base. Spokesman Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab said its fighters had breached the compound’s defences. “Our fighters have entered AU’s Halane base by force through the gate and now fighting is going on inside the base,” he said. After several hours of explosions and gunfire, Amisom tweeted that the base was “safe and under control”. “The Amisom soldiers are commended for their gallant effort in controlling the situation,” it added.

Amisom spokesman Col Ali Houmed told AP news agency that at least eight militants entered the base. Three were shot dead and two blew themselves up, he said. Three are believed to have escaped. The AU base is on the edge of the compound of Mogadishu’s international airport. The base also hosts the British and Italian embassies and is used as the headquarters for United Nations operations in Somalia. Amisom said all AU and UN staff were safe. Earlier in December, at least six people were killed when al-Shabab attacked a UN convoy near the airport. Various armed groups have been battling for control of Somalia since the overthrow of President Siad Barre in 1991.

Key Headlines

New Somali Premier due to take office (RBC Radio/Radio Goobjoog)
Puntland journalists wrangle over widespread corruption in state media association (Somali Current)
Mogadishu the fastest growing capital in Africa in 2014 (Geeska Afrika)
Poor children get school places in Galgadud (Radio Ergo)
EU welcome endorsement of new Somali PM (Daily Nation)
US urges state development in Somalia (Kuwait News Agency)
African Union troops fight off Al-Shabab attack (BBC)
Egypt Somalia leaders to meet next week (Worldbulletin)
UN chief hails appointment of new Prime Minister (UN News Centre)

PRESS STATEMENT

AMISOM Condemns Attack on its Halane Base Camp in Mogadishu

25 Dec – Source: AMISOM – 222 Words

December 25 2014: The AMISOM Halane base camp, close to Mogadishu International Airport was today infiltrated by Al Shabaab elements.The terrorists, some of whom were disguised in Somali National Army (SNA) uniforms, breached the base camp around lunch hour and attempted to gain access to critical infrastructure, during which five of them were killed and three others captured.

During the gun fight, three AMISOM soldiers and a civilian contractor unfortunately lost their lives. AMISOM has regained control of the Halane base camp and restored normalcy. All African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN) personnel in the base camp are safe and secure.

The Special Representative of the AU Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia and head of AMISOM, Maman S. Sidikou has applauded the quick response and bravery of the AMISOM troops in quelling this reprehensible attack.

Amb. Sidikou commiserates with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, noting that their sacrifices will be etched in Somali history. He also emphasized that the goal to rid Somalia of terrorists will continue to be pursued relentlessly and that attacks such as these only reinforce the determination of the Somali government as well the peace loving people of Somalia, with the support of the International Community in that regard.

END.

SOMALI MEDIA

New Somali Premier due to take office

25 Dec – Source: RBC Radio/Radio Goobjoog – 74 Words

The newly endorsed Somali premier Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharma’arke is expected to officially take office on Thursday. A handovering ceremony has taken place at the presidential palace. High profile guests including ministers, members of parliament and representatives from civil societies were invited to witness the handover ceremony. Our reporter in the presidential palace says the two officials, the out-going premier Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed and the approved Somali PM were all present at the ceremony.

Puntland journalists wrangle over widespread corruption in state media association

25 Dec – Source: Somali Current – 251 Words

Senior Somali journalist Hussein Madar has strongly condemned the reported widespread corruption inside Puntland’s Media Association Board. He said that association chairman Faysal Kalif has failed to address growing corruption in the last two months. More than 11 journalists in Bosaaso town have gathered to discuss the issue after the media association board allegedly recruited corrupt journalists assigned to run and decide its fate according to Puntlandi editor, Abdkani Abdulahi Abdi.

The journalists have touched on a wide range of issues including how to cope with the alleged exploitation from the association head and his close allies in Bosaso and Garowe, Abdkani added. “Currently [the media association] chairman is…exploiting the rights of many journalists living in Puntland. We have been watching his massive rife exploitation towards the association,” Madar told local reporters in a press convention.

“I think [the] media association of Puntland was formed to protect our unity not to divide us so we are calling its international partners to suspend their support. The chairman should figure out this growing corruption until that we are not working with him,” Garowe Online editor Mohamed Salad Haji said. At least three phone calls and five messages seeking comment went unanswered. Puntland regional state has enjoyed relative stability since 1998.

Mogadishu, the fastest growing capital in Africa in 2014

24 Dec – Source: Geeska Afrika – 168 Words

Mogadishu is now Africa’s fastest growing capital city on the eastern Africa according to the latest release from the Geeska Afrika Online Bureau of Infrastructure and Capital Investment Statistics. Mogadishu’s population is growing at around 20 per cent higher than Addis Ababa or Nairobi due to Nairobi’s competitive supply of land and Security. The Photo pictures provide assumed annual growth rates for African cities and urban areas between 2013 and 2014.

The assumptions are based on past growth/decline and forecasts by international and regional statistics organisations for Infrastructure model and investment locally. Mogadishu is making a comeback: After 25 years of civil war in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, rubble is being cleared for commerce and militiamen are finding new jobs. The fastest Growing Capital and Its Mayors 2010 – 2014: Mohamed Nur Tarzan, served as the Mayor of Mogadishu from 2010 to 27 February 2014 and established the foundation of new hope. He told Geeska Afrika Online, “We strive towards peace, stability, justice and development in Mogadishu, Somalia.”

Poor children get school places in Galgadud

24 Dec – Source: Radio Ergo – 173 Words

Around 200 children from low-income and disadvantaged families in Dusamarreb district in Galgadud region have received free school places funded by local benefactors. Arwah Abdullahi Siyad, one the organizers, said the programme was aimed at sending more deprived children to school to ensure they engaged positively in society. “We renovated an old school building to launch our programme. We pay for the teachers’ salaries and manage the day-to-day running of the institution,” he said.

Nasra Nur Mohamed, one of the 104 girls at the school, told Radio Ergo’s local reporter that she was offered the free education when she most needed it as her parents couldn’t afford to pay her fees. Amina Tahlil, a mother of two, has both her daughters at the school, and said she welcomed the programme as an opportunity for children and parents as well. The school opened in 2013. Most education centres in the region are privately-owned and charge a fee, which is a challenge for internally displaced and low-income families.

REGIONAL MEDIA

EU welcome endorsement of new Somali PM

25 Dec – Daily Nation – 162 Words

Heads of Mission of the European Union in Somalia on Wednesday welcomed the endorsement by the Federal Parliament of Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke as Prime Minister. The EU called for the formation of an inclusive, representative and broad-based Cabinet that should earn the confidence of the Somali people and its partners by delivering against the priorities set out in Vision 2016.

“In the past two years, progress has been made, but with only 20 months left before elections in 2016, the tasks ahead are formidable and will require delivery of results from a committed and accountable leadership. We encourage all the political stakeholders to stand together to keep progress on track,” said a statement from the mission.

The heads of mission also said this would offer a credible framework for the EU and other international partners to continue supporting Somalia’s recovery and development. “The EU looks forward to cooperating with the new Government in a spirit of true partnership,” read the statement.

US urges state development in Somalia

25 Dec – Source: Kuwait News Agency – 143 Words

Following the confirmation of Somalia’s new Prime Minister, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, the US Department of State on Wednesday urged the government in Mogadishu to work toward developing the state institutions. “We urge the President, Prime Minister, Parliament, and Council of Ministers to make progress toward realizing goals of critical importance to the nation, such as constitutional review, state formation, election preparations, development of military and police forces, and public financial management reforms,” Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement.

“The United States remains committed to supporting the Somali Government and people as they stabilize and rebuild their country, and we look forward to strengthening our important partnership with Somalia,” she pointed out. Psaki added that the Obama Administration “welcomes the December 24 Parliamentary confirmation of Somalia’s Prime Minister,” and looks forward “to his prompt appointment of a capable Council of Ministers.”

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

African Union troops fight off al-Shabaab attack

25 Dec – Source: BBC News – 277 Words

Egypt, Somalia leaders to meet next week

25 Dec – Source: Worldbulletin – 149

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi is expected to meet with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud in Cairo next week, an Egyptian official has said. The Somali President is expected to arrive in Egypt onDecember 29 for a two-day visit for talks with his Egyptian counterpart on the situation in Somalia and Egyptian efforts to boost stability and development in the Horn of Africa country, Egypt’s permanent delegate to the Arab League Tarek Adel said.

Mohamoud will also meet with the Arab League Council to update it on the situation in the war-torn country, Adel said. Somalia has remained in the grip of on-again, off-again violence since the outbreak of civil war in 1991. Earlier this year, the country appeared to inch closer to stability after government troops and African Union forces – deployed in the country since 2007 – drove the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab group from most of its strongholds.

UN chief hails appointment of new Prime Minister

24 Dec – Source: UN News Centre – 271 Words

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the Parliamentary endorsement of Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke as the new Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia in a step towards resolving the country’s current political crisis. The Somali Parliament dismissed former Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed on 6 December with a vote of ‘no confidence’ due to reported disputes between Mr. Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud over political appointments.

The ouster also came amid a recent spate of extremist violence in the East African country, as the terrorist group, Al-Shabaab, continues to wage a simmering insurgency. Most recently, in the city of Baidoa, a terrorist attack left at least fifteen people dead with many more wounded. At a press briefing in New York, UN Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said the Secretary-General encouraged the new Prime Minister, the President and the Speaker of Parliament “to work together to regain momentum in the political process and to maintain a close working relationship with the interim regional administrations and emerging federal member states.”
“The Secretary-General urges all parties to work on swift establishment of an inclusive Federal Government,” Mr. Dujarric told reporters. “Political leadership is required to deliver the ambitious agenda of peace building and political transformation. [Mr. Ban] encourages the country’s leaders to redouble their efforts to this end and take steps to prevent future political crises.”

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“I did not introduce Jason to my family in the traditional Somali fashion. Typically how it works is, the man you intend to marry has to approach the oldest male in the family and ask for your hand in marriage. In my case it would be my older brother. After they talk, my brother would assess if he would be suitable for me and if so, would accept him. A dowry would be agreed upon (the man has to offer something of value to my family) and then a Makkah (a marital ceremony) would occur. I explained to Jason how it worked and he agreed to do so.”

Farhia and Jason – Customs, Cultures and Baby Makes Three!

22 Dec – Source: Beyond Black & White – 1, 173 Words

Farhia and Jason were astounded that their beautiful wedding photographs went viral on the Internet. The pics of this chic and hip urban couple are on many many Blasian and interracial couples Tumblr site as well as bridal and wedding websites. These photographs are absolutely beautiful. I did not want to just piece together facts and display photos, I wanted an interview. So now I am sharing a little of Farhia and Jason’s story with you. Farhia is very open minded and had no inhibitions dating or marrying interracially in the least bit.

Where were you born/ grew up?

I was born in Somalia, grew up in Kenya and came to Canada when I was 13. Husband was born in Canada and grew up in Canada as well.

What is your husband’s ethnicity?

He is Japanese.

How did you meet?

We met at his 23th Birthday party. I was invited by a mutual friend and we exchanged numbers at the end. He messaged me before I even walked out of the door lol. We continued texting back and forth the entire time and he called me when I arrived home. We ended up talking till the wee hours of the morning and met up for a lunch date the following day. The rest is history. And how long had you known him when you got married? We had known each other for a year and a half. When were you married? March 14th 2013.