February 24, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

President: Somalia’s recovery will continue to thwart the terrorists

22 Feb – Source: Office of the Somali President – 224 words

Somalia’s ongoing recovery will continue to defy the enemies of peace, His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said after a terrorist attack in Mogadishu.

The President said: “My first duty is to send my condolences to the families of those killed or wounded in today’s disgusting attack. They include people who have dedicated their lives to making Somalia a better place and those who gave up successful careers in other countries and returned to Mogadishu to help a nation on its knees.”

The President warned against overestimating the strength of the terrorists. “I would remind everyone that all our misguided enemies will achieve are short-lived media headlines, here one day and gone the next. What they will not achieve, however, is any noticeable impact on the work of our government as we seek to rebuild Somalia after decades of war.”

“Our mission is very simple but challenging: to continue improving security across the country, rebuilding a federal Somalia and providing the economic foundations for a more prosperous nation. All this important work is progressing well and will in no way be deterred by today’s attack.”

“An act of terrorism, however unspeakable, does not hide the truth that this is a marginal group on the brink of extinction. The military campaign we are fighting with brave Somali and AMISOM soldiers will eliminate our enemies.”

Key Headlines

President: Somalia’s recovery will continue to thwart the terrorists (Office of the Somali President)
PM Abdiwali attends funeral service of his permanent secretary Mohamud Hersi Abdulle:“promising defeat for the terrorists” (Office of the Prime Minister)
Al Shabaab attack Villa Somalia ( Radio Bar-kulan)
AMISOM condemns attack on Villa Somalia (AMISOM)
UN envoy condemns Villa Somalia attack ( Radio Bar-kulan)
House-to house search operations under way in Somali capital (Hiiraan Online)
Prime Minister leads public rally to denounce al Shabaab’s brutal attacks on civilians (Radio Mogadishu)
UN chief condemns attack on Somali presidential palace (UN News Center)
Puntland president Abdiweli Gaas on his first visit to Ethiopia (Radio Dalsan)
Prime Minister holds emergency ministerial meeting (Radio Shabelle)
3 AMISOM soldiers killed as armored vehicle falls off Shabelle river bridge ( Garowe Online)
Somaliland Attorney General Refutes Reports of Possibilities of Extension of President Silanyo Term(SomalilandPress)
District Police Commissioner assassinated in Galdogob (RBC)
Blast in Kismayo wounds four civilians (Hiiraan Online)
More soldiers charged with war offences (Daily Nation)
UN salutes AMISOM response to Somalia attack (Daily Nation)
Somalia’s al Shabaab say attack meant to get president ‘dead or alive’ ( Reuters)

PRESS STATEMENT

President: Somalia’s recovery will continue to thwart the terrorists

22 Feb – Source: Office of the Somali President – 224 words

Somalia’s ongoing recovery will continue to defy the enemies of peace, His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said after a terrorist attack in Mogadishu.

PM Abdiwali attends funeral service of his permanent secretary Mohamud Hersi Abdulle:“promising defeat for the terrorists”

22 Feb – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 239 words

H.E Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, member of his Cabinet and civil society members Saturdayattended the funeral service of the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, who was killed in yesterday’s cowardly attack.

“It is with great sadness that I learnt of the death of my Permanent Secretary Mohamud Hersi Abdulle “Inda-ase’ in yesterday’s futile terrorist attack. I send mine, my Cabinet and my entire office’s condolences and prayers to his family and friends at this time of loss.

“Mohamud worked tirelessly since leaving a successful teaching career in Canada 18 months ago to return to Somalia to serve his county. Serving as Permanent Secretary to both myself and former Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon Saacid. He was a key figure in driving through much of the progress our country has made in the last year and has been a steadfast source of counsel for me personally since I took office”.

“He will be remembered fondly by all those that were fortunate enough to work with him, both Somalis and those from the international community. A man with huge humility, commitment and resolve to improve the lives of his fellow countryman.

This loss and yesterday’s desperate attack will not derail this government’s reforms policies as we build a strong united Somalia. These attacks only serve to unite us and make us more determined in our task of rebuilding our country.” Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed said.

AMISOM condemns attack on Villa Somalia

21 Feb – Source: AMISOM – 159 words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif has condemned the cowardly attack on Villa Somalia.

As people gathered for Friday prayers, a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED) went off at the entrance of the Presidential palace and was followed by ground al shabaab fighters. The Somali National Army soldiers supported by AMISOM troops bravely fought off the attackers.

“I commend the actions of the brave security forces who fought off the attackers, hell-bent on shedding the blood of innocent Somalis. The attack was against, the Somali people, their institutions and their religion.

Ambassador Annadif added, it is inconceivable to believe that people who say they are Muslims can choose aFriday which is a Holy Day in Islam to carry out this senseless attack.

He appealed to the Somali people to help the Somali armed forces and AMISOM in their efforts to defeat al shabaab and its supporters.

SOMALI MEDIA

Prime Minister leads public rally to denounce al Shabaab’s brutal attacks on civilians

23 Feb – Source: Radio Mogadishu/RBC/SNTV – 101 words

Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed has attended a public rally in Mogadishu which hundreds of people gathered to denounce the indiscriminate attacks by the militant group of al Shabaab on the civilian targets. The demonstrators organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs, The regional administration of Benadir and women activist Organizations has taken place on Sunday morning at the newly renovated Peace Garden in Mogadishu’s Hamar Jajab district. The security of the area has been extremely tightened as government ministers accompanied the Prime Minister took three hours long public rally outside at the sunny day.

Puntland president Abdiweli Gaas on his first visit to Ethiopia

23 Feb – Source: Radio Dalsan/Universal TV – 128 words
The President of the semi-autonomous state of Puntland in Somalia Abdiweli Mohamed Ali was Sundaywarmly welcomed to Addis Ababa on his first official visit to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Before departing Garowe and leading a delegation composed of two Ministers, Chief of Puntland Defense Forces and the Ethiopian Consular-General to Puntland, the president emphasized the importance of his travel stating; “This morning, we are travelling to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for the coming few days. Principally, as is already evident, there are natural economic synergies between Ethiopia and Puntland State that have not yet been fully developed or realized, and part of our trip today is to pursue these opportunities and strengthen our historic social, economic and political ties”.

Prime Minister holds emergency ministerial meeting

23 Feb – Source: Radio Shabelle – 110 words

The Cabinet Ministers for the Somali government convened an urgent meeting Saturday night to discuss the security conditions in Mogadishu. The gathering was chaired by the Prime Minister of Somalia, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed, who demanded to know the current safety measures and the stages it’s being carried out in Mogadishu. The meeting mainly focused on three things; to assign a committee to investigate the recent attack on Villa Somalia, to notify the Ministry of Security and Ministry of Defence to provide imminent response to the attack and finally to dispense a team to monitor the security situation in every district of the Banadir region.

Somaliland Attorney General Refutes Reports of Possibilities of Extension of President Silanyo Term

23 Feb – Source; Somaliland Press – 127 words

Somaliland’s Attorney General Hon Ibrahim Lidle Saleban has in the strongest terms denied President Ahmed Mohamed Mahmoud Silanyo had summoned him for consultation on the possibilities of an extension of tenure in office when his term expires in June 2015. The Attorney General was recently interviewed by the media regarding allegations the issue of extension, “ I surprised to see this allegation in media reports and I assure you that I and the head of state have not even once met to discuss those issues. When it comes to issues relating to electoral matters then it would be wise for you to consult with the national electoral commission which is the sole body tasked with setting the date for future election as clearly stated in a Presidential decree.

Al Shabaab attack Villa Somalia

21 Feb – Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Somali Current – 123 words

Al-shabab militants attacked the Somali presidential palace compound Friday, while the security forces were performing the Friday prayer at the presidential palace mosque. Dead bodies of both security forces and the militants were seen inside the presidential compound. The militants entered the presidential palace from the back gate, blasting a hole in the perimeter wall with a car bomb and engaging in a fierce gun battle with Somali security forces and AMISOM who repelled the attackers. Internal security minister Abdikarin Hussein Guled who spoke to the media confirmed that al Shabaab attacked the presidential palace and said the attackers were nine in number and most them were killed and stated the attack on Villa Somalia had failed.

House-to house search operations under way in Somali capital

23 Feb – Source: Hiiraan Online – 105 words

In the aftermath of the deadly militant attack on Somali president’s palace on Friday, the country’s security forces and the AU peacekeepers in Somalia are conducting joint house-to-house search operations in more areas in the capital Mogadishu. The joint security search operations are being carried out in the districts of Warta Nabada, Ex Wardhigley, Boondheere, Hodon and Yaaqshiid. Contingents from the national intelligence service are involved in the widespread operations in the capital Mogadishu. Reports say that there have been very heavy security presences around the Somali government compounds in Mogadishu to prevent possible al Shabaab attacks; such as Friday’s attack on the presidential palace.

3 AMISOM soldiers killed as armored vehicle falls off Shabelle river bridge

22 Feb – Source: Garowe Online – 100 words

Three African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) peacekeepers were confirmed dead after their armored vehicle fell off Shabelle river bridge in Lower Shabelle region town of Janale on Friday afternoon, Garowe Online reports. Janale Mayor, Mohamed Idiris Abdi has on Saturday told the media that the vehicle carrying AMISOM soldiers plunged into Shabelle river, killing three soldiers and wounding four others. “The speedy AMISOM vehicle veered-off the bridge road and plunged into [Shabelle river]. Only four soldiers were found alive while three others died in the accident,” said Abdi, adding that the casualty figures were flown to Mogadishu by Helicopter.

District Police Commissioner assassinated in Galdogob

23 Feb – Source: Radio RBC – 102 words
The district police commissioner of Galdogob police station Col. Mumin Mohamed Mumin is reportedly shot and dead by his bodyguard in the centre of the town on Sunday afternoon, RBC Radio reports.
Col. Mumin’s death came following a critical injuries from the shooting. Doctors said he has succumbed to death in the hospital from the bullet injuries. The killer who was identified a police officer and close aide of Late Col. Mumin is reportedly from the town after the shooting. According to district administration officials, Police have now started to find the perpetrator who is believed to be hiding in suburb locations.

Somaliland VP unveils newly constructed shelters for IDPs in Hargeisa

23 Feb – Source: Somalilnd Sun – 79 words

The Vice President of Somaliland Hon. Abdirahman Abdullahi Zeylii has officially unveiled newly constructed housing units meant for accommodating the internally displaced persons (IDP’s) around the periphery of Hargeisa city. The V-P was flanked by high ranking Government dignitaries including the minister for Resettlement Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (RRR) Hon. Ahmed Abdi Kahin, the minister for Justice & Judicial Affairs Hon. Hussein Ahmed Aideed, the mayor of Hargeisa Hon. Abdirahman Mohamud Aideed as well as other senior State officials.

UN envoy condemns Villa Somalia attack

21 Feb – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 118 words

The UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, condemned an attack on the headquarters of the Somali government in Mogadishu. “This is another desperate and criminal act which does nothing but harm to the people of Somalia”said Kay, after speaking to the Somali president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. He expressed his condolences to the families of those killed and his wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured. “The Somali people are tired of shootings, bombings and killings. It’s time for a new chapter in Somalia’s history and we cannot allow a slide back at this critical time”, he added. He paid tribute to Somali and AMISOM security forces whose professionalism thwarted the attack.

Blast in Kismayo wounds four civilians

23 Feb – Source: Hiiraan Online – 98 words

At least four people were wounded in a landmine explosion which rocked the key port city of Kismayo, about 500 kilometres south of the capital Mogadishu, hospital sources confirmed to HOL on Saturday.
According to sources, the wounded were all civilians who were passing through the area when the landmine went off near Haji Jama mosque in the city’s faanoole neighbourhood on Saturday. No group has yet claimed responsibility for Saturday’s landmine blast in Kismayo. Since the Regional Intelligence Chief, Isse Kambooni, was gunned down five days ago, there has been an overall deterioration of security in Kismayo.

U.S. Condemns Attack on Villa Somalia Compound

22 Feb – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 128 words

The United States strongly condemns al-Shabaab’s attack today on the Villa Somalia Compound in Mogadishu. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in the attack, and wish the injured a speedy recovery. The United States commends the quick response of the Somali forces who, with AMISOM support, were able to secure Villa Somalia shortly after al Shabaab launched its attacks. This murderous attack, targeting individuals and organizations that are working to provide the Somali people with governance, stability, and a better way of life, once again highlights what al-Shabaab has proven time and again – that it stands only for death and destruction and that al-Shabaab is firmly opposed to the Somali peoples’ efforts to build a more secure and prosperous future.

Galka’yo to re-establish its district council

23 Feb – Source: Raxanreeb – 92 words

The central Somalia town of Galkacyo will re-establish its district council once again since the last district council was dissolved by the former President of Puntland a year ago, RBC reports.
According to Mudug governor Mohamed Yusuf Jama Tigey, the city has met major set backs on its development because of lack of elected district council. Last week Puntland minister said the Galka’yo could no longer participate in the UN funded UN Joint Programme on Local Governance and Decentralized Service Delivery (JPLG) which funds projects for the cities and towns in Somalia.

REGIONAL MEDIA

More soldiers charged with war offences

21 Feb – Source: Daily Monitor – 119 words

More soldiers formerly attached to the peacekeeping mission in Somalia have been charged with various offences in connection with the operations in the war-torn country. The soldiers, including senior officers Col Hassan Kimbowa, Lt Col Stephen Lubuulwa and Lt Col David Kreys Matua, were charged separately before the General Court Martial at Makindye. The charges Col Kimbowa, formerly a commanding officer of Battle Group XI based at Masilla, was charged with alleged conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline in connection with authorising the issuance of 5,800 litres of diesel to third parties without the authority of the UN coordinator. He denied the charges and the court chaired by Brig Moses Ddiba Ssentongo remanded him untilMarch 5.

UN salutes AMISOM response to Somalia attack

22 Feb – Source: Daily Nation – 116 words

The United Nations Security Council said on Friday that it is “appalled” by the attack on the office of the Somalia president that has resulted in at least 11 deaths. The 15-member council also saluted “the brave response” of the African Union mission (AMISOM) troops and the Somali government’s security forces. Council members added in a press statement that “this and other acts of terrorism would not weaken their determination to support the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia.” Terrorism constitutes “one of the most serious threats to international peace and security,” the statement declared, adding that “any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, wherever and whenever and by whomsoever committed.”

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somalia’s al Shabaab say attack meant to get president ‘dead or alive’

23 Feb – Source: Reuters – 148 words

Islamist militants said on Saturday their attack on the Somali president’s compound, in which at least 11 people died, was an attempt to kill or abduct him. Al Shabaab fighters blasted through a gate with a car bombon Friday and fought a gunbattle with guards at the heavily-fortified compound known as Villa Somalia. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was unharmed in the assault. “The main objective of attacking the palaceon Friday was to assassinate the so-called Somali president or kidnap him,” al Shabaab spokesman Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rage told Reuters on Saturday. “We sent well-trained mujahideen from our special forces to bring us the president dead or alive.” In the past few weeks, the capital Mogadishu has been hit by a series of suicide bomb attacks claimed by al Shabaab, who were pushed out of the city in mid-2011 but have continued to wage a guerrilla campaign.

UN chief condemns attack on Somali presidential palace

22 Feb – Source: UN News Center – 143 words

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his Special Representative in Somalia, Nicholas Kay, joined members of the Security Council in strong condemnation of the attack against the compound of the President of Somalia in the capital, Mogadishu, and urged the authorities and people to fight against extremism. In a statement from his spokesperson in New York, Mr. Ban paid tribute to the Somali National Forces and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for their “efficient and professional response” in repelling the attackers from the palace, known as Villa Somalia. The UN chief also reached out to the families of the killed, expressing his condolences, and wishing the injured a speedy recovery. Somalia’s Al-Shabaab insurgent group has claimed responsibility, according to media reports. The attack comes just days after Al-Shabaab insurgents allegedly launched an attack near a UN convoy near the Mogadishu airport.

Somali gov’t says attack on Presidential Palace foiled

22 Feb – Source: Xinhua – 130 words
Somali Minister for National Security Abdelhakim Guled said the government forces thwarted an attack against the presidential palace in the capital Mogadishu on Friday. A car bomb explosion followed by heavy gunfire hit near the northern gate of the presidential palace in the Somali capital Mogadishu. Guled said the government forces backed by African Union peacekeepers captured several al Shabaab fighters involved in the attack. “They launched a desperate attack on the presidential palace but the attack was thwarted by our forces who captured some of the attackers alive,” state radio quoted Guled as saying. The car bomb went off at one of the gates of the presidential residence in Mogadishu before several heavily armed gunmen tried to storm it. The attackers were confronted by presidential guards, police officer Mohamoud Yonis told Xinhua.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“There is only one choice for the Somali people, to fight back and defeat al Shabaab with the help of the international community or to sit back and watch the Somali nation and its history sink into oblivion.”

Al Shabaab: A Menace to World Peace, Not Only Somalia

22 Feb- Source: Hiiraan Online-635 Words
The latest terrorist attack on Somalia’s presidential palace comes less than 10 days from another daylight suicide attack on a UN convoy near Mogadishu’s airport. Somalia’s government may call it a “media spectacular” by a “dying animal” but any honest observer can tell that the threat of this al Qaeda offshoot group is not limited to Somalia but can destabilize the whole East African region and the world at large. Any victory for al Shabaab in Somalia will be a victory against the will and resolve of the African Union and the international community to prevent Somalia from slipping back into being a hub for international terrorism, piracy and lawlessness. Known for their internationalist agenda of bringing the region and the whole world under their banner, al Shabaab will not stop in Mogadishu if they get the upper hand. Their eyes are on Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Djibouti, Kampala, and beyond. Their attacks in Mogadishu and before that in the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi in Sept 2013 will only be a precursor for their grand plans of delivering death, destruction and fear to the streets of world capitals.

“Eliminating al Shabaab threat will remain impossible no matter what degree of international assistance and funding is provided so long as service in national and local administrations in Somalia is seen as a means for personal self-enrichment and the furtherance of clan interests at the expense of national interests. Ultimately, the path Somalia will follow will depend not on UN assistance or AU military deployments, but rather on the interest Somalis themselves have in the national project.”

Are Corruption and Tribalism Dooming Somalia’s War on al Shabaab Extremists?

21 Feb- Source: The Jamestown Foundation-1939 Words

After decades of conflict that have nearly destroyed the nation, Somalia now stands poised to make a final drive with international assistance to shatter the strength of radical al Qaeda-associated Islamists in central and southern Somalia, but there are indications that Somalia’s leaders may be posing an even greater obstacle to Somalia’s successful reconstruction. In mid-February, the UN Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group issued a report to the UN Security Council’s sanctions committee claiming that weapons obtained by the Somali government under a temporary easing of UN arms sanctions were being sold to Somalia’s al Shabaab extremists in what was described as “high-level and systematic abuses in weapons and ammunition management and distribution” (Reuters, February 13). A UN arms embargo was placed on Somalia in 1992, but in the last year the Somali government has been able to obtain once-restricted small arms and other weapons such as rocket-propelled-grenades under a partial lifting of the embargo designed to help fight al Shabaab terrorists.