July 11, 2013 | Morning Headlines.
The AU Special Representative wishes the Somali people a Happy Ramadan
10 Jul – Source: AMISOM – 157 words
The African Union Mission in Somalia conveys its best wishes to the Somali people as they prepare to observe the holy month of Ramadan.
The AU Special Representative to Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif acknowledged the importance of the holy month to Muslims around the world as special time of both sacrifice and purification and called on Somalis to remain steadfast.
In solidarity with the Muslim community, the SRCC reminded them to renew their commitment to obey and serve God and be compassionate to the needy.
Ambassador Annadif also made special note of the serving Muslim troops in the different AMISOM contingents and commended them for their sacrifice and selflessness.
“This holy month symbolizes humility, sacrifice and above all, an embodiment of unity amongst all of us,” said Ambassador Annadif. “I call upon all of us to make a difference in the lives of those we encounter and to ensure that our sacrifice is not in vain.”
Key Headlines
- Somali government urges al Shabaab to renounce violence during Ramadan (Bar-kulan)
- Somalia want KDF withdrawn from Kismayo (Star News)
- AMISOM police to deploy in Baidoa and Beledweyne (Radio Shabelle)
- Sierra Leone Contingent Commander Withdrawn (Sierra Express Media)
- Mogadishu mayor urges religious leaders public to cooperate on security ( Shabelle )
- Zuma sends condolences to Somalia ( IOL News)
- Ethiopian troops to withdraw from Bay region ( Garowe Online)
- Ahlu Sunna claims al Shabaab plotting ‘major’ terror attack (Bar-kulan )
- Muslims begin Ramadan Wednesday ( Standard Media)
- 62 migrants rescued by Malta forces (Bar-kulan)
PRESS RELEASE
The AU Special Representative wishes the Somali people a Happy Ramadan
10 Jul – Source: AMISOM – 157 words
The African Union Mission in Somalia conveys its best wishes to the Somali people as they prepare to observe the holy month of Ramadan.
The AU Special Representative to Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif acknowledged the importance of the holy month to Muslims around the world as special time of both sacrifice and purification and called on Somalis to remain steadfast.
In solidarity with the Muslim community, the SRCC reminded them to renew their commitment to obey and serve God and be compassionate to the needy.
Ambassador Annadif also made special note of the serving Muslim troops in the different AMISOM contingents and commended them for their sacrifice and selflessness.
“This holy month symbolizes humility, sacrifice and above all, an embodiment of unity amongst all of us,” said Ambassador Annadif. “I call upon all of us to make a difference in the lives of those we encounter and to ensure that our sacrifice is not in vain.”
SOMALI MEDIA
Somali government urges al Shabaab to renounce violence during Ramadan
10 Jul – Source: Bar-kulan – 60 words
The Somali Federal government has urged the youth fighting alongside the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militant group to renounce violence and ask for forgiveness during the holy month of Ramadan. Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon advised youth involved in terror activities to quit and surrender to the Somali Federal government. He stated that his government will cordially welcome whoever renounces violence and participates in the country’s development.
AMISOM police to deploy in Baidoa and Beledweyne
10 Jul – Source: Radio Shabelle – 78 words
The Acting Commander of AMISOM police component Mr. Benson Oyo Nyeko talking to radio Shabelle said that AMISOM plans to deploy its own police to help the federal police that operates in Baidoa and Beledweyne cities.
Mr. Benson added that AMISOM was here to ensure security in the whole country and the police force was ready to perform its duties.“We are now based in Mogadishu but we will soon extend our services to other major cities in Somalia” said the acting AMISOM police commander.
Ahlu Sunna claims al Shabaab plotting ‘major’ terror attack
10 Jul – Source: Bar-kulan – 97 words
The Moderate Islamists of Ahlu-Sunna’s wing in Bay, Bakol and Gedo regions warns over terror attacks carried out by the outlawed al Shabaab group in these regions during the holy month of Ramadan. Speaking to Bar-kulan, Sheikh Ishaq Mursal, a senior Ahlu Sunna security official says they believe al Qaeda-linked group is in the final stages of planning attacks in many parts of these three regions, urging Ahlu Sunna and Somali Federal government forces to be vigilant. Mursal on the other hand called for an immediate wipe out the insurgents from the villages and districts they are remain active.
Ethiopian troops to withdraw from Bay region
10 Jul – Source: Garowe Online – 111 words
Ethiopian troops stationed in Bay region of southern Somalia have began to vacate some districts in the region on Wednesday. The Ethiopian troops retreated from military bases in Baidoa, such as Hasey factory station and 60th Somali Army base. Moreover, other Bay regional districts of Bardale and Qansah dhere have reported Ethiopian army’s pullout. Eyewitnesses in Baidoa told Garowe Online that AMISOM peacekeeping forces filled the military bases vacated by Ethiopian troops. “The Ethiopian forces located here [Baidoa] began to leave several military bases like Hasey factory which has been their largest station for over a year and the forces left with their armored vehicles,” witnesses said.
62 migrants rescued by Malta forces
10 Jul – Source: Bar-kulan – 99 words
Migrants were brought in to Malta earlier today at 5am. The migrants are believed to be of Somalia nationality. They comprise 13 women, two of them minors, and 49 men, 24 of whom are minors. The boat was intercepted at 8:15 at 75 nautical miles to the south of Malta by the armed forces. One of the women gave birth on board, and another woman was said to be heavily pregnant. Another boat carrying an unspecified number of migrants was being monitored by the AFM, although it is unclear whether the boat will be brought in to Malta.
Mogadishu mayor urges religious leaders, public to cooperate on security
10 Jul – Source: Shabelle – 69 words
The mayor of Mogadishu Mohamud Ahmed Nur Tarzan has urged religious leader and members of the public to jointly work on security and cleanness of the city during the holy month of Ramadan. Mr. Tarzan elaborated on the importance of cleanness to human life, saying it was among the commandments in Islam. The mayor also urged the members of the public to jointly cooperate to maintain security in the city
http://shabelle.net/mayor-of-
REGIONAL MEDIA
Somalia want KDF withdrawn from Kismayo
10 Jul – Source: Star News – 160 words
The Federal Government of Somalia wants the African Union to intervene and withdraw the Kenya Defense Forces from Kismayo. There has been growing discord by the Somalia government in Mogadishu on KDF’s operation in the port city of Kismayo in Jubba region. In a letter dated June 30 from Somalia’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation minister Fawzia Yusuf Adam to the African Union, the country accused KDF for fanning clan rivalry in Kismayu thus hindering attempts by Somalia defence forces to bring peace and stability in the region.“Unfortunately, the joint Amisom primary focus as well as the momentum of our success against al Shabaab has come to a halt,” the letter said. “Instead of facilitating the formation of the command and control of the federal government forces stationed in the Jubba region, the commander of AMISOM sector two is discouraging various initiatives of the Defence ministry of Somalia, hence preventing the creation of a cohesive force under one unified command.
Muslims begin Ramadan Wednesday
10 Jul – Source: Standard Media – 191 words
Ramadhan, the annual holy month of fasting for Muslims in the world commences Wednesday, according to the Islamic calendar. Chief Kadhi Sheikh Sharif Al Muhdhar was officially expected to make the announcement last night to signal the beginning of fasting. The chief kadhi, who is the only Muslim leader mandated to disclose the sighting of the new crescent moon had led Muslim imams from Sunday evening to sight it. “The start and end of fasting, according to the Islamic law must be only after the new crescent moon has been sighted. If not sighted in the expected eve, then fasting may start at the end of 30 days of the previous Islamic month of Shaaban that ended yesterday,” said the chief kadhi.
In his message to Muslims, Sheikh Al Muhdhar reminded Muslims to take care of the suffering and the poor. At the same time, the Government has saluted all Muslims as they prepare to usher in Ramadhan. In a message of greetings and goodwill, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto urged the Muslim community to embrace the spirit of togetherness and strive to make Kenya a better country.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Zuma sends condolences to Somalia
10 Jul – Source: IOL News – 79 words
President Jacob Zuma has sent condolences to the government and the people of Somalia following the death of ambassador Sayid Sheriff on Wednesday. “In this time of mourning, our thoughts are with Ambassador Sheriff’s family. We wish them strength during this difficult time,” Zuma said in a statement.
Sheriff passed away in Pretoria on Wednesday.“As the first Somali Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Sheriff will always be remembered as having strengthened relations between our two countries,” Zuma said.
Sierra Leone Contingent Commander Withdrawn
10 Jul – Source: Sierra Express Media – 99 words
The Sierra Leone Government is reported to have withdrawn the Commander of the Sierra Leone contingent in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Brigadier-General Mamadi Mohamed Keita. Brigadier-General Keita has been recalled to come and serve his country in a higher capacity as the new Director of Operations and Planning in the Ministry of Defence. Prior to his withdrawal, AMISOM honored Brigadier-General Keita with a certificate of recognition for his invaluable contribution to the restoration of peace and stability in war-ravaged Somalia. He was also awarded the AMISOM medal for service from 14thOctober, 2012 to 4th July, 2013.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Contestants from across Somalia’s regions sing, recite poetry or perform comedy skits.”
Somalia: Singing in Mogadishu
10 July- Source: Africa Report-223 Words
On a rainbow-hued stage in Mogadishu, Foos Ali sings out to an audience of no more than two dozen people. Anxious, her shy smile gives way to a plaintive voice that enraptures the three judges sitting a few metres away from her. “I was determined to make it to the second round. i had to do it,” Foos says afterwards. Foos, a secondary school student, is one of more than 700 participants in Somalia’s first music talent show. Dubbed Hirgali Hamigaaga Faneed, or ‘Awaken Your inner Artist’, the competition began in February 2013. Parts of the Somali National Theatre were renovated for the second round after last April’s bombing.