February 14, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

AMISOM condemns cowardly attack near Mogadishu Airport

13 Feb – Source: AMISOM – 175 words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif has condemned the attack outside the Villa Sultan Restaurant in Mogadishu today.

Around 1240 HRS, a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) went off outside the restaurant located next to the Aden Abdulle International Airport injuring and killing innocent civilian passersby.

Emergency services and AMISOM security personnel immediately deployed to the area assisting in the evacuation of the injured and securing the area.

“I send my heartfelt condolence to the bereaved friends and families and join the Somali people in unequivocally condemning this craven attack which is a classical display of Al Shabaab’s faltering capabilities,” said Ambassador Annadif while calling on Somalis to join hands with the security forces in countering Al Shabaab’s activities.

“The Somali security officers supported by AMISOM are taking concrete steps in ensuring Somali citizens are protected from the senseless violence perpetrated by the Al Shabaab,” reiterated Ambassador Annadif while commending Somalis’ resolution to firmly etch their destiny on the path of peace and stability.

Key Headlines

AMISOM condemns cowardly attack near Mogadishu Airport (AMISOM)
Somali government to revive former institute of diplomacy (Radio Mogadishu/Radio Dalsan)
Al-Shabaab claims blast near Adden adde International Airport(Universal TV)
Confrontations heavy blasts occur in Marka town(Radio Shabelle)
Italian Ambassador to Somalia sends condolences to Families of Mogadishu terror attack(Raxanreeb)
At least 7 killed in Mogadishu airport blast(East African)
Somalia: Car bomb explodes near airport in Mogadishu(Reuter/BBC)

PRESS STATEMENT

AMISOM condemns cowardly attack near Mogadishu Airport

13 Feb – Source: AMISOM – 175 words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif has condemned the attack outside the Villa Sultan Restaurant in Mogadishu today.

Emergency services and AMISOM security personnel immediately deployed to the area assisting in the evacuation of the injured and securing the area.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali government to revive former institute of diplomacy

13 Feb – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Dalsan – 68 words

Somali Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr. Abdirahman Beileh has said plans are underway to reopen the former institute for diplomacy in Mogadishu. Dr. Abdirahman together with his deputy toured the institute buildings in the capital Mogadishu which was ravaged the civil war in the country. The Foreign Minister has promised to reestablish the institute particularly its information and broadcasting department, diplomacy department and the library.

Al-Shabaab claims blast near Adden adde International Airport

13 Feb – Source: Raxanreeb/Universal TV – 94 words

The al Qaeda-Linked militants al Shabaab have claimed the responsibility of the explosion which occurred near the entrance of Adden-Adde Internatioanal Airport. Al Shabaab military operations spokesperson Sheikh Abdil Assis Abu Musab said that they have killed 13 people in this attack while 3 of them were foreigners and the other ten were Somali government forces who were security guards. Deputy Mogadishu governor who is incharge of security of Banadir Warsame Mohamed Hassan Jodah stated that 6 civilians have died including a women in this explosion while 15 others got injured.

Confrontations, heavy blasts occur in Marka town

13 Feb – Source: Radio Shabelle – 74 words

News from Marka the headquarters of the volatile Lower Shabelle region say that confrontations and heavy explosions were heard after an AMISOM armored vehicles hunted down al Shabaab fighters between El Kanin and Danane divisions. Residents of the Marka town confirmed to Radio Shabelle in Mogadishu that the hunt changed to a heavy confrontation between the two sides. The exact figure of casualties suffered by the fighting sides has not yet been established.

Italian Ambassador to Somalia sends condolences to Families of Mogadishu terror attack

13 Feb – Source: Raxanreeb – 137 words

I condemn, in the strongest terms, the heinous terror attack that took place this morning near Mogadishu International Airport Aden Abdulleh, in which – once again – innocent Somali civillians died. The civilian population continues to pay an unbearable price in terms of loss of lives and suffering. They finally have the absolute right to live with their dignity, free from terror, with full respect of their political and human rights. I appeal to the Federal Government and to the elders and leaders of the all country to express together, unequivocally, their renewed determination to achieve lasting peace for the sake of their people. I seize then the opportunity to stress once again the necessity that inter- and intra-clan dialogue is pursued and enhanced, and that every group, within Somali society, takes steps towards deep national reconciliation.

REGIONAL MEDIA

At least 7 killed in Mogadishu airport blast

13 Feb – Source: Africa Review/East African – 138 words

At least seven people have been killed in a bomb explosion next to Somali capital airport. “We are still investigating the incident, the toll could rise anytime,” police official Said Mohamed told AFP. The bomb went off near a checkpoint at the entrance to the airport complex, which also houses the base of Amisom — the African Union force fighting al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab rebels — as well as a number of foreign diplomatic missions and United Nations offices. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the attack bore all the hallmarks of Al-Shabaab, who are fighting to overthrow Somalia’s internationally-backed government. “A car was parked near the airport gate. It detonated. There are casualties,” said police official Mohammed Abdi Rahman. The airport incident came just hours after different parts of Mogadishu were rocked by huge explosions Wednesday night.

Al Shabaab: Mogadishu turns into battle field

13 Feb – Source: Al Shahid – 94 words

Sheikh Abdi Aziz Abu-mus’ab, the al Shabaab spokesman for operations, has told al Shabaab run radio, Andalus that Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia turned into battle field nowadays. We fought with AMISOM infidels in Hilawa district in one hour operation, especially Warshada Barafunka, SOS and Suqa Holaha, and we kill five solders one of them a commander. We also attacked the mercenary solders in Daynile district. This shows how Mogadishu obtained new phase of war era”, Sheikh Abdi Aziz Abu-mus’ab said. “We are telling to enemy infidels that Mogadishu became battle ground”, he added.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somalia: Car bomb explodes near airport in Mogadishu

13 Feb – Source: BBC/Reuters/VOA – 131 words

At least six people have died after a car bomb exploded close to the gate of the international airport in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, police say. Eyewitnesses told the BBC it was targeting a UN refugee agency convoy. Most of those who died were passers-by and several UN body guards were wounded in the explosion, the witnesses said. The al Shabaab Islamist group has said it was behind the explosion in one of the most heavily fortified areas in the city – where many embassies are based. The al Qaeda-aligned militants were driven out of Mogadishu more than two years ago but continue to launch attacks. “A car laden with explosives was remotely exploded in front of a tea shop just outside the airport,” police officer Col Abdikadir Ahmed told the Reuters news agency.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
Samer Muscati, who researches the plight of women in conflict and emergency situations, recently spent time in one of the world’s most dangerous cities: Mogadishu, Somalia. There, he researched the crisis of sexual violence against women for a report, “Here, Rape is Normal,” and was part of a team that interviewed more than two dozen women. Muscati talks to us about women in Somalia, how rape is a horrible symptom of a greater problem, and ways to advocate with a government in a war-torn country that can barely exercise control over its capital city.”

What It Is Like Researching Rape in Somalia

13 Feb- Source: Human Right Watch-
What makes Somalia’s rape crisis particularly concerning?
The fact that men are rarely brought to justice for rape. Rape is rampant, but there’s so little help for victims. After two decades of war, government institutions barely function. The UN has reported 800 rapes just in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, during a six-month period last year. Keeping in mind that rapes are vastly underreported, this is the tip of a much larger problem. Roughly 370,000 people who mainly fled famine and the fighting in the countryside now live in Mogadishu in camps for the displaced. Many of them are living in shelters made from wood, cardboard and cloth. They often don’t even have doors. Many are women who live alone with their children – some are divorced, others are widows, and some have husbands who stayed behind to guard their land. Either way, they’re disconnected from their communities. But they need to work or gather supplies to support their families. They are raped at home, going to markets, collecting firewood, or riding on buses. and in their tents.