February 17, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

President Hassan Sheikh returns home after health check up trip to Turkey

16 Feb – Source: RBC/Universal TV/Radio Mogadishu/SNTV – 148 words

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud returned back to the country Sunday after after a week long health check up trip to Turkey. The President traveled to Istanbul last week to undergo a medical check up at Turkish hospital, Presidential Spokesman Abdurahman Omar Yarisow said. The president then visited his family and children who lived in Istanbul. President Mohamud’s visit became very popular late last week after rumors claiming the president’s health status sparked over the public. The President himself then has spoken officially against the rumors saying that his health was good.

Key Headlines

President Hassan Sheikh returns home after health check up trip to Turkey(Radio Mogadishu/SNTV)
Joint UN AMISOM Working Group on Human Rights holds inaugural meeting (AMISOM/UN)
An interview with AMISOM chief on their operations in Somalia( CCTV)
Somali Prime Minister on an official visit to Djibouti ( Radio Shabelle)
Somalia Ethiopia sign agreement of cooperation( Radio Dalsan)
Al Shabaab fighters flee from Hudur town of Bakool region(Radio Garowe)
Senior Al Shabaab official sighted in central town(Garowe online)
Somalia: Fired military officers join al Shabaab militants (Somali Current)
Somaliland VP lay foundation stone of expansion of Egal airport runway(HonCable)
10 confirmed dead as heavy fighting erupts outskirts of Marka town (Shabelle)
Regional military chiefs root for early warning to avert conflicts (Xinhua)
Kenyan ship ‘Andrea’ beats off attack by armed Somalia pirates (Xinhua)

PRESS STATEMENT

Joint UN, AMISOM Working Group on Human Rights holds inaugural meeting

15 Feb – Source: AMISOM/UN – 387 words
The joint UN and AMISOM working group on the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP) held its inaugural meeting in Mogadishu on 15 February, discussing a range of ways to build national institutions with a strong human rights foundation in Somalia.

On 13 July 2011, the UN Secretary-General endorsed the HRDDP on UN support to non-UN security forces. This policy ensures that the UN lives up to its own normative standards by guaranteeing that its support to non-UN security forces around the world is consistent with the organization’s Charter and its obligations under international law to respect, promote and encourage respect for international humanitarian law, international human rights law and Refugee Law.
Co-chaired by the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC), Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif, and Deputy Special Representative for the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Fatiha Serour, the joint working group on the HRDDP is pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 2124, which requires UNSOM, the UN Support office for AMISOM and AMISOM to collaborate in the implementation of the HRDDP.
In Somalia, the policy applies to support extended to both the Somali National Security Forces and AMISOM by UN offices and agencies. Key measures of the HRDDP include communication of the policy to relevant authorities, the development of procedures for intervention in the event of human rights violations by non-UN security forces, risk assessment and monitoring.
The working group’s co-chairs highlighted that this new initiative is in line with efforts by UNSOM and AMISOM to strengthen their collaboration in their respective efforts to support the Federal Government in stabilizing Somalia.
“Human Rights issues are a major concern for us. We know that there are obligations with all UN resolutions, and we are doing all we can to respect this,” Ambassador Annadif said at the meeting. “There is a need to put into place implementation mechanisms. AMISOM has the will to do it, and with the support and collaboration of UN and other partners, we will meet the challenges.”
“There is a need for mechanisms to implement and monitor our commitments; we need a regular, closed, focused working relationship that leads to results,” said DSRSG Serour. “This will be the beginning of close and productive relationship.”

SOMALI MEDIA

President Hassan Sheikh returns home after health check up trip to Turkey

16 Feb – Source: RBC/Universal TV/Radio Mogadishu/SNTV – 148 words

Somali Prime Minister on an official visit to Djibouti

16 Feb – Source: Radio Shabelle/Kulmiye – 199 words

The Prime Minister of Somalia, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed arrived in Djibouti, to a welcome at the city airport by the Prime Minister of Djibouti, Mr. Abdikadir Kaamil, the Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, Mr Mohamud Ali Yusuf. The two day official visit will involve various meetings between the Prime Minister and officials from brotherly-nation Djibouti to converse about the collaboration of both countries and inclusion of Djibouti forces in AMISOM. “I am very pleased to be in Djibouti, and we will certainly have a discussion on many topics like strengthening the bilateral relations between our countries and teamwork,” said the premier. Accompanying the Prime Minister on this trip is the Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, Mr. Abdirahman Duale Beile, Minister of Finance, Mr. Hussein Abdi Halane, Minister of Information, Mr. Mustaf Sheikh Ali Dhuxulow, Minister of Air and Land Transport, Mr. Siciid Jama Mohamed Qorshel and State Minister of Defence, Maxamed Ali Hagga. The Prime Minister left Ethiopia after being there for the past few days, and was bid farewell at the airport by the Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Al Shabaab fighters flee from Hudur town of Bakool region

16 Feb- Source: RBC/Keydmedia/Garowe – 167 words

The fighters of the militant group of al Shabaab have reportedly vacated the strategic town of Hudur, in Somalia’s southwestern region of Bakool region. According to residents, heavily armed al Shabaab fighters and their commanders were seen fleeing from the town early on Saturday morning. One resident said he could hear the sound of cars and battle wagon vehicles moving out of the town early in the morning. Members of the militant group gave public announcement through loud speakertelling the residents to flee from the town because the Ethiopian were invading the town. Al Shabaab’s withdrawal from Hudur becomes the first town the militants vacate ahead of the planned joint military assault of the Somalia federal government forces and the African Union troops including the Ethiopian army. This comes as thousands of Ethiopian forces poured into south and central Somalia regions in the last three weeks to prepare for the joint military operation against the al Qaeda linked group in Somalia.

Senior Al Shabaab official sighted in central town

16 Feb- Source: Garowe Online – 159 words

Residents of Mudug regional district of Harar-Dheere confirmed that senior al Shabaab official came in under tight security ahead of anticipated assault on the militant group’s bases in central Somalia. According to independent sources, al Shabaab fighters were accompanying Fuad Mohamed Khalaf (Fuad Shangolle) who reportedly escaped from Galgaduud region town of El Bur on Saturday. Eyewitnesses also tell that hundreds of al Qaeda inspired fighters from Hiraan regional district of Bulo Barde poured into Harar-Dheere as Ethiopian-AMISOM troops prepare for major assaults on al Shabaab-held areas. The group’s representative to Galgaduud region, Hassan Yacqub Sunday urged the locals to resist Ethiopia incursion and take the weapons. “We are required to prepare for an attack on our long-time enemy, Ethiopia, from the source to the sink of Galguduud, you must show your support,”

Somalia: Fired military officers join al Shabaab militants

16 Feb – Source: Radio Kulmiye/Somali Current – 143 words
Nearly fifty military personnel including high ranked officers have opted to join al Shabaab, after Somalia’s government dismissed them from their posts, a fired Lieutenant Colonel told radio Kulmiye. Somali government has dismissed more than one hundred officers earlier this month, after they were accused of neglecting their national duties. Lt. Col. Gelle Gelle Farah, who is among the fired officers, said that he understands fifty of the dismissed officers with their arms have joined the al Qaeda affiliated group, al Shabaab, instead of idling. He pointed out that some of the remaining officers are in Mogadishu, since they cannot go back to their hometowns, which are still under al Shabaab, if they do not join them. Somali government did not comment on the claim of the fired Lt. Col, but Somali Current sources say that the government is keep an eye on them.

Somaliland VP lay foundation stone of expansion of Egal airport runway

16 Feb – Source: Somaliland Informer/HornCable TV – 129 words

China Horn Group has won the bid for the expansion of the runway of Egal International airport in which the Chinese based firm renovated and face lifted the first phase of Hargeisa airport. The Kuwait government pledged the funds for 1 and half km expansion of the exsiting runway and paid fund estimated t be around 5 million and the airport will have new buildings. Somaliland Vice President Hon. Abdirahman Abdilahi Ismail laid the foundation stone Sunday. The Kuwait government has already signed the deal on providing the funds for the expansion and the the construction will soon kick off. Air Bus jumbo can now land at the airport following the restoration and expansion of the runway in which the Kuwait government also sponsored it.

10 confirmed dead as heavy fighting erupts outskirts of Marka town

16 Feb- Source: Shabelle – 156 words
Heavy fighting between Government troops and al Shabaab members erupted on Saturday at the outskirts of Marka town. Official figures of the death toll is not yet known however, at least 10 bodies both from the fighting sides has been established. Government officials of the lower Shabelle region have claimed to have regained control of some new areas in the region referring to the heavy fighting which erupted between Danane and Gandershe locations. Mr. Omar Mohamud Elmi who is the vice chairman of civil society in the lower Shabelle region told Shabelle radio station in Mogadishu that Government troops reclaimed the full control of some extra divisions in the region and will continue to fight the al Shabaab troops until they gain full control of the entire region. The vice chairman stated that the troops are preparing to conquer the port town of Barawe and Qoryole which are currently fully controlled by the al Shabaab fighters.

Somailand Information Minister Urges UK to Reconsider Security Alert

15 Feb – Source; Somaliland Press – 115 words

The Minister of Information, National Guidance and Heritage Hon. Abdillahi Mohammed Dahir U’kuse has urged the UK to factually grasp with the real ground situation of Somaliland hence reconsider their alerts on security issues. The minister who noted the British government as being a historical and longtime friend and ally of Somaliland was apparently referring to this week’s security alert given to her citizens concerning visiting SL and Somalia which comes a week after another one from the US.
The Foreign Minister Mohamed Bihi Yonis has just left to London, UK. At the same time the minister warned entrepreneurs who deal with anti-Somaliland aspirations as being “abetters in cahoots with the enemy of the land”.

Somalia, Ethiopia sign agreement of cooperation

15 Feb – Source: Radio Dalsan – 127 words

Somalia Federal Government has signed an agreement of cooperation with Ethiopian government in Addis Ababa, Somalia government said. The agreement was signed in Addis Ababa on Friday after Somalia Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed has went official visit to Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital. The agreement states joint cooperation on the sides of security, business and information. The foreign affairs ministers and the ministers of the information of the two nations have signed the agreement. Ethiopian army who have recently joined into AMISOM mission in Somalia will help the federal government of Somalia in liberating its country from Al Shabab terrorists group, the agreement states. This agreement comes one month after Ethiopia forces were integrated into the African Union led peacekeeping mission in Somalia known as AMISOM.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Kenyan ship ‘Andrea’ beats off attack by armed Somalia pirates

16 Feb – Source: Coastweek/ Xinhua – 407 words
A Kenyan-based merchant vessel was attacked by suspected Somali pirates off the coast of Somalia on Friday in the first such attack since this year.Kenya’s maritime official said the ill-fated vessel, dubbed MV Andrea, was attacked by assailants aboard a white hulled skiff while underway to the port of Mogadishu, Somalia. “The crew members aboard the vessel are reported to be safe and sound since no one was injured during the gun fight,” Kenya Seafarers Union (KSU) Secretary General Andrew Mwangura told Xinhua in Mombasa.

Somali PM in Ethiopia for three-day visit

16 Feb – Source: Walta Information Centre – 81 words
Somali Prime Minister Dr. Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed arrived in Addis Ababa late Thursday for a three-day official visit. The Premier told reporters upon arrival that Ethiopia has been playing a significant role in supporting peace building efforts in Somalia. He said his visit is meant to meet with high level Ethiopian officials and seek ways of deepening bilateral cooperation. Labor and Social Affairs Minister, Abdulfetah Abdulahi on his part said Ethiopia will continue to support Somalia’s efforts towards peace and stability.

AMISOM praises Ethiopia’s contribution to peace

15 Feb – Source: Walta Information Centre – 264 words

Ethiopia has been playing irreplaceable role in bringing lasting peace and stability in Africa in general and Somalia in particular, African Union Mission in Somalia, AMISOM. In an exclusive interview with WIC, Ambassador Mohamat Saleh Annadif head of AMISOM said that the role Ethiopia has been playing to bring peace in Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia is so praiseworthy. Ambassador Annadif added the international community recognizes Ethiopia’s positive contribution in bringing lasting peace and stability in Somalia. Now Ethiopia has joined AMISOM and that will add a significant value to achieve its objectives, he said. “Ethiopia has worked for peace and stability even before joining AMISON,” Ambassador Annadif, adding “it was our strategic partner.”

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

An interview with AMISOM chief on their operations in Somalia

16 Feb – Source: CCTV – 1:54 min
Troops have managed to restore peace in some parts of Somalia though their biggest challenge in Somalia is reconciling divided communities.

Regional military chiefs root for early warning to avert conflicts

16 Feb- Source: Shanghaidaily/Xinhua- 665 words
Countries in the Eastern African region will prioritize investment in modern intelligence gathering to forestall an eruption of conflicts in the region, regional military chiefs said on Saturday. The regional defense chiefs, who wrapped up a three-day meeting here, agreed that poor early warning systems were to blame for sporadic conflicts and general insecurity. “Some of the conflicts witnessed in the region lately could have been avoided had we acted on indicators that were above board. We need to invest in early warning to forestall chaos,” Chief of Ugandan Defense Forces General Katumba Wamala told journalists here.

Turkey denies cutting off cash aid to Somalia

16 Feb – Source:Hurriyet Daily News – 367 words
The Turkish government has made it clear the direct cash aid it provided to the Somali government in the second half of 2013 was handed over to their counterpart appropriately, underlining that it has been working in order to offer similar aid within this year too. “In accordance with the Somali president’s request, along June-December 2013, a monthly cash budget support has been provided to Somalia by our country in order to make a contribution to the urgent budget needs of the Somali Federal Government,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a written statement released on Feb. 16.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“The Makayaads offer policy makers an opportunity to turn the supposed hard to reach into the fully engaged citizens they can and should all be with the amount of public money been spent on their behalf by the State.”

The Makhayaada: More than a cup of tea

15 Feb – Source: Hiiraan Online – 2110 words

The makhayaad is a place that holds a special place in my heart. Although it is now widely thought to include places where one eats full meals like rice, pasta and meat, it is, for the purpose of this article, only to rightfully include small shops that sell tea and light snacks. On a work visit to Birmingham a colleague of mine James (not his real name) and I were enjoying cups of tea and a few well-made Samosasand Somali sweet pancakes when a delegation including the Mayor of Mogadishu came down the stairs from a private meeting. Having met the mayor various times previously I warmly greeted him and we had a quick chat before he disappeared with his entourage. James was bemused by all the fuss surrounding what must have seemed to have been just an ordinary man from Somalia now residing in the UK. When I told him who the man was James was so shocked that he asked the makhayaad owner for confirmation.

“A major challenge is how to balance the contradictory trends within Somali society as both centrifugal and centripetal tendencies are strongly present in Somalia.”

Decentralization in Somalia: a delicate balancing act

14 Feb – Source: African Arguments – 741 words

The issue of decentralization has been hotly debated in Somalia for the past decade. Following the collapse of the military dictatorship in 1991, few Somalis openly advocate for the return to a centralized authoritarian state that monopolizes power in Mogadishu. For many Somalis, some form of decentralization is necessary. However, the most suitable model of decentralization for the country remains a matter of contention. The Provisional Constitution of Somalia is clear on the issue, prescribing federalism as the most appropriate system of governance. It stipulates, “Somalia is a federal, sovereign, and democratic republic founded on inclusive representation of the people and a multiparty system and social justice”. Federal member states, according to the Provisional Constitution, must be formed of two or more of the 18 administrative regions “as they existed before 1991”. With slow progress on the implementation of federalism, however, the debate continues.