February 11, 2013 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

British army to train Somali soldiers, says president

09 Feb – Source: Ra dio Bar-Kulan – 120 words

President of Somalia Hasan Shaykh Mahmud has said British army will help his government restore security in the country.
Answering questions from journalists after meeting Somali community in Cairo, the president said the UK and Somali government agreed to help his administration in training and arming the country’s military after his visit to London.
He said a joint technical committee has been set up to speed up the implementation of the agreement.
President Mahmud stressed that the British army will not be involved in combat role and will be limited to training the military.

Key Headlines

Somali President Hassan returns from foreign trip (SNTV/Bar-kulan/)
Prime Minister Shirdon pledges commitment to a free press (Office of the Prime Minister)
Somali women enjoy handball tournament (Raxanreeb)
AU Special Representative relocates to Mogadishu meets with visiting Burundi delegation (AMISOM- HQ)
Burundian MPs visit Mogadishu (Bar-kulan)
Puntland delegation returns from EU maritime security seminar (Garowe Online)
Puntland’s newly appointed Galkayo mayor assumes office (Bar-kulan)

PRESS RELEASE

AU Special Representative relocates to Mogadishu meets with visiting Burundi delegation

10 Feb – Source: AMISOM- HQ – 325 words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif has today officially relocated to Mogadishu, Somalia. Ambassador Annadif who took over the position of SRCC for Somalia in November last year has been operating in Nairobi, Kenya.

Meanwhile, the AU Special Representative for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif has met with the visiting Burundi delegation comprising mainly Members of Parliament which paid a coutesy call on him in his office in Mogadishu.

Ambassador Annadif expressed his appreciation to members of the delegation for taking time off their busy schedule to travel to Mogadishu to witness for themselves the good work that Burundi soldiers in conjunction with their colleagues from other African countries are doing to help Somalia achieve peace and stability.

“Somalia is in the process of rebuilding its infrastructure as peace is returning to the country after more than two decades of civil war. This is therefore a very important time for you to visit your Somali counterparts to share ideas that can benefit the two countries”. He said.

The delegation which arrived today and expected to leave on Thursday, will hold meetings with representatives of the Federal Government of Somalia, Members of Parliament, troops from the Burundi Contingent serving under AMISOM.Leader of the delegation, Mr. Emilien Hakizimana said he is impressed with the improving political and security situation in Somalia especially the role played by the Burundi troops in conjunction with their colleagues from other African countries.

He said; “We have been following the actions of our troops in helping the people of Somalia to achieve peace and stability. We are satisfied with the progress of our troops especially in getting rid of al Shabaab terrorists from strategic areas of the country.” The delegation expressed its confidence and pride in the conduct and discipline of not only Burundi troops but also in all the peacekeepers serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Prime Minister Shirdon pledges commitment to a free press

10 Feb – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 443 words

Somali Prime Minister pledges wide consultation over telecommunications and media law and commits to a free press. Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon today said the government would be establishing the legal framework for a free press and properly regulated telecommunications sector only after consulting widely to bring in its Telecommunications and Media Law.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day consultation on Telecoms and Media Law in Mogadishu, the Prime Minister began by commending the telecommunications and media companies for starting their businesses and continuing to operate during the exceptionally difficult circumstances brought on during the long civil war.

Now that peace was returning, the Prime Minister called on them to contribute to rebuilding the country. The new telecommunications legislation would bring fresh obligations upon the telecoms companies, especially the legal duty to pay taxes for the first time in more than 20 years. “This will generate revenue for the government and with those funds we will be better able to provide necessary social services. We will be more free to choose our own spending priorities.”

The law would be applied equally on all companies and the Prime Minister said he expected them to respect that law and its obligations. The legislation was being properly discussed with all stakeholders, he said, and the government was listening carefully to all contributions. “The government is determined that the telecommunications and media law should be established only after wide consultation with – and input from – all interested parties, including the telecommunications companies and all media outlets as well as other relevant sectors.”

Article 19, the international campaigning organisation for press freedom, has contributed to the debate over the proposed legislation with a report offering a number of key recommendations. Other international specialists have also been consulted during the process. The Prime Minister said the government was determined to establish a free press in Somalia, which is enshrined in the new constitution.

“My government is very much committed to seeing a free media. The media also has its social responsibilities. Anyone who harms a journalist harms our society. Modern society cannot live without a free press.” Abdullahi Elmoge Hersi, Minister of Information, Posts, Telecoms and Transport called on the mobile phone operators to provide connection between the networks.

At present a mobile phone user using the main service cannot call another user on the rival network.
“We have recently rejoined the International Telecommunication Union for the first time since the civil war,” the minister said. “This brings with it certain obligations – such as providing interconnectivity between the mobile phone networks. We don’t have to force anyone to have two or three phones.”

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali President Hassan returns from foreign trip

10 Feb – Source: Garowe Online/SNTV/Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu/Radio Kulmiye – 101 words

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has returned to Mogadishu on Friday from his visits abroad where Somalia was formally internationally recognized. President Hassan landed at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu to a reception from government officials including Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon and Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Osman Jawari, cabinet officials and MPs. President Hassan returned from visits meeting with heads of state of the United States, United Kingdom, Egypt and Belgium as Somalia’s non-transitional Federal Government was formally recognized by the US for the first time since the collapse of the central government.

British army to train Somali soldiers, says president

09 Feb – Source: Ra dio Bar-Kulan – 120 words

Burundian MPs visit Mogadishu

10 Feb – Source: Bar-kulan – 70 words

A group of Burundian MPs Sunday visited Somali capital, Mogadishu, to strengthen relations with their Somali counterparts. The visiting Burundian lawmakers were warmly received by their counterpart in Mogadishu including Mohamed Ahmed Kulan who heads Somalia’s parliamentary defence committee. The MPs led by parliamentary defence committee chairman Hakizimna Emilien held talks with a section of Somali legislators to chat the way forward in boosting the cooperation between the two parliaments.

Somaliland’s Fisheries Minister Attends Conference on Piracy Held in France

09 Feb – Source: Somaliland Press – 116 words

Somaliland Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Hon Abdilahi Jama Osman (Geel-Jire) was among those attending an international conference aimed at problems faced with world seas which was organized by Marine forces of European countries Euro-marine 2 days conference. The head Somaliland office to France Ali Ismail Hassan was there to receive the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Hon Abdilahi Jama Osman (Geel-Jire) resources upon his arrival in Paris, It is the first time that Somaliland was invited and attended such an international conference. The subject high on the agenda of the conference was how to evaluate the impact of threat posed by piracy in world seas and how to the combat the ever present danger.

Stakeholders meet in Bosaso to discuss security

10 Feb – Source: Bar-kulan – 104 words

A security meeting to discuss ways to strengthen security situation in the Bari region, in Somalia’s Puntland state has been held in the port city of Bosaso. The meeting which was attended by local leaders, elders and religious clerics aimed to pursue local elders and other stakeholders to stand united against criminal groups and those perceived as security threats. Chairing the meeting, area provincial commissioner Abdisamed Mohamed Galan said his administration will not hesitate dealing with groups and individuals trying to disrupt normalcy in the region.

Puntland delegation returns from EU maritime security seminar

10 Feb – Source: Garowe Online – 83 words

A Puntland delegation led by State Minister for Security Abdullahi Jama returned from taking part in a Maritime Security seminar in Djibouti hosted by EUCAP Nestor, Garowe Online reports. The Somali Federal Government delegation was led by Admiral Saeed Adan Yusuf who was accompanied by three representatives and the Puntland state delegation was led by Minister Jama and 5 representatives.

Puntland’s newly appointed Galkayo mayor assumes office

10 Feb – Source: Bar-kulan – 98 words

The newly appointed Puntland’s Galkayo mayor has officially assumed office following the sacking of his predecessor by the regional president for allegedly sleeping on the job. Ahmed Abdi Salad, took office in a ceremony held in northern Galkayo on Sunday. Gedi was named mayor of northern Galkayo after president Farole axed his predecessor Said Abdi Farah for alleged incompetency.

Somali women enjoy handball tournament

10 Feb – Source: Raxanreeb – 279 Words

It was an era of a great pleasure and the return of freedom of women’s sport for the Somali women who have enjoyed a month-long handball tournament in the capital Mogadishu. The Somali women were previously denied access to sport in public for several years by the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab terrorists in Somalia. On Friday 8th of February the recently rebuilt first July playground hosted the final match of the country’s 4th women’s handball championship with the police club Heegan outsmarting their Horseed rivals by 12-5 goals in what was seen as the most populous women’s sporting exhibition in the country for years.

Kulmiye Radio celebrates its second anniversary

09 Feb – Source: Radio Kulmiye – 133 words

On the ninth February 9th the year 2013, Radio Kulmiye celebrated the second anniversary since the radio went live on air in the year 201. The Radio is listened around Benadir province, Lower Shabelle, and the Middle Shabelle at FM 88.0MHZ. Kulmiye radio promised the listeners, good programmings to meet the standard.

Somaliland President Silanyo and his Entourage arrive in UK

09 Feb – Source: Somaliland Press – 122 words

The plane carrying Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Mahamoud (Silanyo) and his delegation today arrived at the Heathrow Airport, UK. President Silanyo and his delegation flew from the Nairobi the Kenyan capital where he had met with American Government representatives earlier this week and was welcomed by thousands of somalilanders living in London, UK government officials and Somaliland Government officials. The Somaliland leader speaking to the cheering crowds who had gathered at the Heathrow to welcome him said,”our commitment safeguarding peace and security in the horn of Africa, both government and people of Somaliland stand shoulder in shoulder in countering any domestic threat or foreign, this can be seen in our impeccable record in fighting both piracy and terrorism”, said President Silanyo.

Bomb blast rocks Kismayo

09 Feb – Source: Radio Kulmiye – 103 words

Two people died in a bomb blast which rocked Kismayo town , the capital of the Lower Jubba region. Witnesses say that a military vehicle carrying forces was target of the explosion. A soldier who was on the vehicle and a civilian were killed. The explosion occurs as high delegations visits the city.

Technical Committee for Jubaland state arrives in Kismayo

10 Feb – Source: Garowe Online – 148 words

The Technical Committee for the making of the Jubaland administration and IGAD regional bloc arrived at Kismayo International Airport on Saturday, as preparations for the Jubaland state convention are underway, Garowe Online reports. Twenty-five members of the technical committee chaired by Sheikh Mohamed Mohamud Yusuf Aw-Libah, arrived in Kismayo on Saturday morning from Nairobi, to begin setting up the inauguration of the Jubaland state convention.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Al Shabaab feared to be spreading its roots

10 Feb – Source; East African – 122 words

Fears are growing among governments in Africa and the West that the Islamic extremists who were defeated in Somalia have moved south into Kenya and north into Yemen, while some have merged into the local population. According to recent media reports, hundreds of foreign fighters who were part of al Shabaab have headed north into Yemen and south to Kenya — where there have been fatal bomb and grenade attacks in recent months.

Over $300m paid in ransom to pirates since 2008

09 Feb – Source: East African – 122 words

Over $300 million has been paid in ransom to Somali pirates since 2008, a report by a multinational task force on piracy revealed last month. According to the 14-nation Piracy Ransoms Task Force (PRTF) report, the issue of ransom payments remains unresolved with some governments continuing to advocate that shipping companies not to pay it, although other countries like the UK, appear to have settled against legislating on the matter.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Security Council to Assess Somalia Mission

10 Feb – Source: VOA News – 149 words

The U.N. Security Council is preparing to consider a report on Somalia from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that includes options and recommendations for a future U.N. role in the country. U.N. special envoy to Somalia Augustine Philip Mahiga says a Security Council meeting on the recommendations will take place within the coming week. In a VOA interview, Mahiga said the U.N. intends to adjust to what he called the “new realities” in Somalia. “In the new reality now, the United Nations has to stand beside and behind the government and to mobilize international resources and support and use its good offices to facilitate the objectives of the government,” he said. In late January, a top U.N. official said Somalia is beginning to undergo a “profound transformation.” During a visit to Mogadishu. Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman praised the government its peace and reconciliation efforts.

Over 6,300 Somali refugees returned home from Kenya in Jan. – UNHCR

10 Feb – Source: China News/Xinhua – 155 words

More than 6,300 Somali refugees cross into Somalia from neighboring countries, the vast majority from Kenya in January, a UN humanitarian agency said on Saturday. According to latest Humanitarian Bulletin published by the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the spike in the number of refugees returning to Somalia from Kenya in early January followed reports of increased violence around Dadaab refugee camps and the Kenyan government’s announcement on Dec. 18, 2012 that Somali refugees and asylum seekers report to the camps. “In January, it recorded 6,300 cross-border movements between Somalia and its neighbors, the vast majority from Kenya.

Have hired guns finally scuppered Somali pirates?

10 Feb – Source: Reuters – 1402 Words

Posted between septuagenarian passengers in deck chairs, lookouts stand watch over the Gulf of Aden, scanning the horizon for pirates.
After more than half a decade of Somali men attacking Indian Ocean shipping from small speedboats with AK-47s, grappling hooks and ladders, the number of attacks is falling fast. The last merchant ship to be successfully hijacked, naval officers monitoring piracy say, was at least nine months ago. It’s a far cry from the height of the piracy epidemic two years ago, when several ships might be taken in a single week to be traded for airdropped multi-million dollar ransoms.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Kenya and Uganda played critical roles in South Sudan’s Independence. Despite that, anecdotal evidence suggests that South Sudan rejects more visa applications from Kenyans travelling to Juba, than for example Ethiopia and Djibouti do. This hostility has forced adventurous Kenyan and Ugandan workers to look to Mogadishu. There are hundreds of them employed there now.”

Mogadishu is happening; guess who’s rushing there?

09 Feb – Source: the East African – 507 Words

Well, there have been stories of Mogadishu, the war-weary capital of Somalia, rising miraculously from the ashes like the proverbial phoenix. It is not hot air. After more than 20 years of madness, and with the African Union peacekeeping force AMISOM having trounced al Shabaab and enabled a new Constitution and election, Mogadishu is happening.

New building and renovation are all over the place, but an interesting piece of news recently caught my eye. After years in which they were out of work — or moonlighted as pirates — Somali fishermen are working overtime.

They are struggling to meet the surge in demand for fish from mushrooming restaurants and returning middle class Somalis who were in the diaspora.

“A Somali woman’s arrest after she alleged rape is a stark reminder of the dismissive attitudes of governments around the world.”
The assault on women

08 Feb- Source: LA Times-408 Words

The disturbing case of a Somali woman who alleged she was raped by security forces, only to be convicted by a court Tuesday of making a false claim and insulting the state, has outraged human rights groups and advocates for women’s rights around the world. The court also convicted a journalist who had interviewed the woman of the same charges (although he has published nothing so far). Each was given a one-year prison sentence.
The State Department and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued statements of concern about the case, and a spokesperson for the U.N. noted that the organization has long been alarmed about underreported incidents of sexual violence in displaced-persons camps in Somalia, such as the one the alleged victim lived in.
The case is a stark reminder of how dismissive governments often are — not just in Somalia but around the world — of sexual violence against women. According to Human Rights Watch, women reporting sexual assaults have been treated callously and skeptically by law enforcement agencies from Colombia to the District of Columbia.