February 12, 2015 | Morning Headlines.
Somali president leaves country for urgent medical checkup
11 Feb – Source: Hiiraan Online – 158 Words
President of Somalia left for Germany for urgent medical check-up, sources close to the Somali leader told Hiiraan Online. The 60-years old president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had to leave for an undisclosed ailment on Wednesday. This is not the first time the Somali president has sought treatment overseas. He had flown to Turkey last year for a medical check-up; however his previous visit was overshadowed by rumors of his death which he instantly denied as ‘groundless’. Mr. Mohamud’s medical trip comes one day after he paid a regional visit to the central Somali town of Dhusomareb on Wednesday to help the formation a regional administration. During his visit, government troops and the moderate Sufi militias fought for the control of the neighboring town of Guri-el which fell into the hands of militias loyal to Ahlu-Sunna Waljamaca fighters. Presidential sources haven’t disclosed the length of his medical trip to Germany.
Key Headlines
- Somali president leaves country for urgent medical checkup (Hiiraan Online)
- Al-Shabaab kills local official in night raid (Garowe Online)
- The parliament approves INEC Bill (Radio Goobjoog)
- Somali troops take new grounds from Al-Shabaab (Dalsan Radio)
- A critical year for Somalia – Ambassador Neil Wigan (Radio Bar-Kulan)
- Authorities execute senior Al-Shabaab leader in southern Somalia (Starafrica.com)
- Armor: MRAPS for Somalia (Strategypage.com)
- UN partners welcome new cabinet note inclusion of women (UN News Centre)
SOMALI MEDIA
Somali president leaves country for urgent medical checkup
11 Feb – Source: Hiiraan Online – 158 Words
President of Somalia left for Germany for urgent medical check-up, sources close to the Somali leader told Hiiraan Online. The 60-years old president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had to leave for an undisclosed ailmenton Wednesday. This is not the first time the Somali president has sought treatment overseas. He had flown to Turkey last year for a medical check-up; however his previous visit was overshadowed by rumors of his death which he instantly denied as ‘groundless’. Mr. Mohamud’s medical trip comes one day after he paid a regional visit to the central Somali town of Dhusomareb on Wednesday to help the formation a regional administration. During his visit, government troops and the moderate Sufi militias fought for the control of the neighboring town of Guri-el which fell into the hands of militias loyal to Ahlu-Sunna Waljamaca fighters. Presidential sources haven’t disclosed the length of his medical trip to Germany.
Al-Shabaab kills local official in night raid
11 Feb – Source: Garowe Online – 129 Words
Somalia’s Al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabaab militants killed local official in night raid on village near Barawe coastal town of southern Somalia, Garowe Online reports. The planned attacks on army bases in Ambaresa and Marin-Gubay left the official dead late on Tuesday night. The raid triggered gun-battle between Somali government forces aided by African Union peacekeepers and Al-Shabaab gunmen, residents confirmed. No other casualty figures have been disclosed to the media and situation returned to normal. Meanwhile, militants ambushed national army convoy on a road that leads to Barawe, former economic stronghold of Al-Qaeda’s largest franchise in the horn. Although allied forces made advances on the frontline, Al-Shabaab remains a visible threat to the fragile secuirty gains made in recent months.
The parliament approves INEC Bill
11 Feb – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 88 Words
The federal parliament of Somalia has taken its fifth session at parliament house in Mogadishu, on Wednesday. The parliamentarians casteda vote for the Independent National Electoral Commission Bill which they approved with overwhelmingly majority. The Parliament speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jaware who was chairing the meeting, has released the outcome of the voting as 113 voted in favour for the bill, 21 voted against the bill while 10 abstained from it. The bill becomes law after the president of federal government of Somalia signs it.
Somali troops take new grounds from Al-Shabaab
11 Feb – Source: Dalsan radio – 98 Words
Somali National Army in Bakol region said they have taken new areas from Al-Shabaab militant group, the mayor of Hudur town in Bakol Ahmed Maalim Ahmed has confirmed to the media. He said the new areas taken from Al-Shabaab fighters is 25 kilometers outskirt of Hudur. The security forces were conducting operation in the area for the past few weeks, he added. Al-Shabaab has lost swathes strategic areas since early last year when operation dubbed Indian Ocean was jointly launched by AMISOM and Somali National Army.
A critical year for Somalia – by Ambassador Neil Wigan
11 Feb – Source: Radio Bar-Kulan – 500 Words
The start of the year is always a time to reflect on past achievements. Much progress was made in 2014 as Somalia continued on the path to stability. This path was never going to be easy – rebuilding a country that has suffered so much will take the continued efforts of all Somalis. But much has been achieved. The sight of busy streets in Mogadishu, increased trade through Somali ports and increasing security in the regions gives a glimpse of what a stable and prosperous Somalia could look like. Witnessing the re-emergence of this proud country from the ashes of conflict has been a great honour. The UK stands with you to support these efforts.
As we work together in 2015, there are many challenges to overcome to ensure the fragile gains are made permanent and irreversible. There are still too many children who suffer from malnutrition. Those who use violence are still able to undermine what has been achieved. Respect for human rights does not yet underpin all Somali institutions. I am optimistic that these challenges can be overcome. In my time leading British support for Somalia, I have repeatedly seen the ingenuity and perseverance of the Somali people. With nearly two-thirds of the population under 25, business minded and with a gift for communication, the modern networked world is perfect for Somalis to make their mark. This is shown by the success of the Somali Diaspora. Absent conflict, this country will flourish.
The appointment of the new Cabinet comes at a critical time as we turn to face these challenges. We will work with the Somali government in their efforts to provide security, stability and services that are essential for people to secure jobs, to start new businesses and to provide for their families. I am glad that the UK will play a supporting role in Somalia’s future. The links between our two countries remains strong, with a vibrant Somali Diaspora in the UK making a positive contribution in many different fields. It was a proud moment when Her Majesty the Queen honoured Mohammed Farah, formerly a Somali refugee, for winning 2 Olympic gold medals at the London Games.
Alongside sporting excellence, Somalis have excelled in business, media and politics. The last few years have now seen many talented individuals return to Somalia in order to help with reconstruction efforts – a sign of the growing belief that Somalia is on the road to stability. The UK will continue to lead international support for Somalia to ensure the gains made become irreversible in this crucial year. As our Prime Minister has said; “now it is time to fulfil the hope for the people of Somalia. That is what they have been living and waiting for, and we must not let them down.” The road to peace and stability is never an easy one. But Somalia is on its way. Now is the time to turn hope into reality.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Authorities execute senior Al-Shabaab leader in southern Somalia
11 Feb – Source: Starafrica.com – 191 Words
Ahmed Ismail Ali, a senior Al Shabaab leader in Gedo region in southern Somalia has been executed by a military court that found him guilty of killing several government officials in the region. Hassan Mohamed, the commissioner of Burdubo district of Gedo region said that Ali was also an active member of Al Shabaab and was among Al Shabaab officials assigned for the Nairobi shopping mall attack. The official said that Ali had been arrested by the Somali government forces after they knew that he had suffered from injuries in battle between the Al Shabaab militants and government forces and he was later brought to justice. Mohamed said that the security forces are pursuing other three Al Shabaab militants whom he accused of being behind the killing of deputy commissioner of Burdubo district Ali Matan, last week.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Armor: MRAPS for Somalia
11 Feb – Source: Strategypage.com – 494 Words
The United States is providing the 21,000 AU (African Union) peacekeepers in Somalia with twenty MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicles to provide peacekeepers with additional protection while patrolling areas where mines and roadside bombs are still a problem. These MRAPs will replace older (late 1980s vintage) and lighter Casspir vehicles. These are from South Africa which is where the modern MRAP design was invented and for over a decade Casspir vehicles were among the best MRAP type vehicles you could get. The U.S. is apparently providing a much newer design, the M-ATV (MRAP-All Terrain Vehicle) to the Somalia peacekeepers.
These are refurbished after service in Afghanistan and more can be sent if needed. M-ATV is a 15 ton, 4×4 (with independent wheel suspension) armored vehicle. Payload is 1.8 tons, and it can carry five passengers (including a gunner). Top speed is 105 kilometers an hour, and road range on internal fuel is 515 kilometers. The M-ATV is slightly larger than a hummer. An M-ATV costs about $800,000, not including transportation. It cost about $150,000 each to fly one into Afghanistan. The M-ATV design was heavily influenced by earlier American experience in Iraq and Afghanistan. This includes much better off road capabilities. After 2009 several thousand M-ATVs were sent to Afghanistan and troops found that the M-ATV can safely handle a lot of cross country travel that would be dangerous for a conventional MRAP.
UN, partners welcome new cabinet, note inclusion of women
11 Feb – Source: UN News Centre – 276 Words
The United Nations has urged the new Somali Government to move quickly to deliver on its ‘Vision 2016’ agenda following the approval of a Cabinet that hat includes enhanced participation of women ministers. “The participation of women, youth and minority groups and the commitment to work in an accountable way will remain vital as we move forward,” said a statement issued by the UN, African Union (AU), European Union, Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Kingdom and the United States after the Cabinet was approved yesterday by Somalia’s Parliament.
The statement said “2015 is a critical year to ensure continued success on the road to sustained security and stability in Somalia and to improve the lives of ordinary Somalis.” The UN Security Council yesterday issued a statement to the media welcoming the Cabinet and “stressed the need for the Federal Government to accelerate delivery of the milestones of the Federal Government’s ‘Vision 2016.’” The 15 members of the Security Council “underlined the importance of the new political leadership in Somalia quickly delivering in priority areas, including the passage of key legislation to establish the National Independent Electoral Commission, progress towards the establishment and strengthening of interim regional administrations, the stabilization of areas recovered from Al Shabaab, and resuming the implementation and review of the Provisional Constitution, without further delay.”
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“An unspoken reality that the president faces is that he must still depend on systems and people who are skeptical of his efforts and who benefit from the corruption that remains in place. This may well be why he is reluctant to advance too fast with unification…He must rely on the ways of the past, and surely must use his own imperfect tactics to continue progress.”
Somali president’s ‘strategic patience’ – trial and error for progress
11 Feb – Source: RBC Radio – 1, 870 Words
There seems little doubt but that Somalia is in a different place from where it has been over the last couple of decades. The nation remains divided into small sectors of influence. But even given this, it’s relatively new leader, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, a former educational dean, seems hell-bent on confronting critics and naysayers. His vision reflects this balance of reality: “When you stay in the darkness long enough, you begin to adjust your view and begin to appreciate your values.”
In a February 2015 interview with the Financial Times, the president took on some of his critics directly; including those in official US positions who believe Somalia is important and would like to see a faster return to more consistent stability. Said the president in response to harsh negative comments by James Clapper, the US’s director of national intelligence: “come to Somalia, see the realities on the ground and then make whatever judgment’ – a veiled disparagement of western officials who, even if they visit Mogadishu, rarely venture beyond the protected airport enclosure to brave the assassination risk Mr Mohamud faces daily” (Manson, 2014).
Somalia visit by UN police advisor, Stephen Feller
10 Feb – Source: UNSOM – Video – 4:44 Minutes
The top United Nations Police Advisor, Stefan Feller has concluded an official visit to Somalia during which he met with officials from the Federal Government, Interim Jubba Administration (IJA), the Somali Police Force (SPF), the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).