July 15, 2013 | Morning Headlines.
Puntland suspends Local Council elections
14 Jul – Source: Bar-kulan/Garowe/Radio Mustaqbal/Jowhar Online – 99 words
Puntland administration has declared that the Local Council elections scheduledtomorrow, July 15 have been suspended due to security concerns in the region. In a statement issued from the office of the president Abdirahman Mohamed Mohamud Farole says that the elections will be held when it’s appropriate. “Local Council elections have been suspended after the administration recognized the existential threat to peace, security and stability of the region,” says the statement. The administration expressed its willingness to continue the democratization process, and also thanked the people of Puntland and international community who supported the administration during the buildup process.
Key Headlines
- Prime Minister hails Somali youth as “pillars of national security (OPS)
- UN Envoy for Somalia visits Puntland (UNSOM)
- Somali president reopens Digfer Hospital (Mareeg/RBC)
- Jubbaland soldier killed in Kismayo explosion (Bar-kulan)
- Somalia: Puntland parliament passes 2012 budget review (Garowe Online)
- 4 killed many others wounded in Qardho riots (Bar-kulan/Hiiraan Online)
- Puntland suspends Local Council elections (Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Garowe)
- UN representative calls for increased humanitarian support for Somalia (Sabahi Online)
- UN agency proposes body to repatriate Somalia refugees (Daily Nation)
- UN: Kenya Peacekeepers Aided Illegal Somalia Charcoal Export (VOA/Reuters/Business Daily/Reuters)
- UN agency proposes body to repatriate Somalia refugees (Daily Nation)
PRESS STATEMENT
UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Somalia, on the postponement by the Puntland government of Local Elections
14 Jul – Source: UNSOM – 76 words
SRSG Nicholas Kay has described today’s decision to postpone the elections as “brave and wise” following violent clashes in parts of Puntland.
SRSG Kay said “My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I have been in touch with all sides and urged restraint.”
SRSG Kay condemned the violence and encouraged all political actors in Puntland to take the opportunity now to work together to ensure a democratic process that is peaceful and credible.
Prime Minister hails Somali youth as “pillars of national security
13 Jul – Source: Prime Minister’s Media Office – 337 words
His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon called on the youth of Somalia to rise to the challenge of ending conflict in Somalia. Speaking at the Youth Peace and Development Conference in Villa Somalia, which attracted around 250 young men and women, the Prime Minister said there were two paths for them to follow.
“One way leads to development, the other – as we have seen for two decades – leads to destruction. By rejecting the un Islamic practices of al Shabaab, by choosing the path of peace and not mindless violence, you have shown the world that a brighter future is within touching distance,” the Prime Minister said.
Somali youth had the most critical role to play, the Prime Minister said, praising their energy and engagement. “You are the future leaders of Somalia, the pillars of security. Without your active involvement in all aspects of our national life – in politics, business, science, security, culture and sport – we do not have a future. Today I praise your contribution, I welcome your commitment to create a safe and secure Somalia and I thank you for rising to the challenges of rebuilding our great country.”
The Minister of Defence Abdihakim Mohamud Haji Faqi called on young members of al Shabaab to defect. They would be looked after and rehabilitated by the government, he said. The Minister of Interior Abdikarim Hussein Guled said those who committed violence in Somalia were generally aged under 40.
He asked the Somali youth to stay informed, work with the police and cooperate with the security forces. “You can help us keep safe by coming forward with information to prevent terrorist attacks,” he said. The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Social Development Maryam Qasim.
Youth leaders described the challenges facing young men and women in Somalia and thanked the government for responding to them and taking their concerns seriously. “The mood has changed. We are ready to meet the challenges. We have the energy to succeed,” said Abdulkadir Mohamed Ali.
UN Envoy for Somalia visits Puntland
13 Jul – Source: UNSOM – 262 words
The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, arrived in Garowe, Puntland this morning for his first visit to the region since he assumed his duties as head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) on June 3.
On his arrival in Garowe, SRSG Nicholas Kay said “I am very pleased to visit Puntland and to meet with Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole. Puntland has played a key role to end the transitional period for Somalia and we look forward to its continued positive contribution support in the post-transition, peace-building phase.” He further expressed his condolences to the people and authorities of Puntland on the death of the late King Abdullahi.
In his meeting with President Abdirahman Mohamud Farole and other senior officials, SRSG Nicholas Kay explained UNSOM’s mandate which supports the building of national capacity, peacebuilding, good governance, security sector reform, rule of law, human rights, providing “good offices” for mediation and political reconciliation and coordination of international assistance.
During his visit, SRSG Kay will hand over the Attorney General and Judicial Council offices both built as part of the UNDP ‘Access to Justice’ Project, and he will meet with the Speaker of Puntland Parliament, members of civil society and the Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission. He expressed hope that the local elections scheduled for 15 July would be conducted peacefully. “Puntland’s democratization process is important. Of course there are always lessons to be learned. UNSOM’s office in Garowe will engage the administration and civil society on all matters relating to our mandate” he said.
Prime Minister condemns terrorist attack in Mogadishu
12 Jul – Source: Prime Minister’s Media Office – 149 words
His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon today condemned the terrorist attack targeted at AMISOM forces and sent his condolences to the civilian casualties.
“I condemn the attack in the strongest terms and send my condolences to the families of all the innocent civilians who were killed and wounded,” the Prime Minister said.
“These acts of terrorism will not derail the progress made in Mogadishu and across Somalia. We – the Somali people and the Somali government – will stand firm.”
A car bomber attacked an AMISOM vehicle on the road to the airport, killing and wounding several civilians. “Once again the enemies of peace show their true colours to the world,” said the Prime Minister.
“Muslims killing Muslims in the holy month of Ramadan. Our Somali security forces are stepping up operations to prevent such attacks and we will leave no stone unturned to keep our people safe.”
SOMALI MEDIA
Somali president reopens Digfer Hospital
14 Jul – Source: Mareeg Online/Raxanreeb/Bar-kulan/ SNTV – 112 words
The president of Somalia H. E Hassan sheikh Mohamud on Sunday visited Digfer General hospital to assess the development projects funded by the Turkish Government. “This is a modern hospitalthat will provide services to Somali community at large,” the president said in a statement. Also the president said “The hospital has 200 beds meant for in patients and is designed to provide emergency services”. The Turkey ambassador to Somalia Mr. Turin accompanied the president in his visit to Digfer hospital. “ The hospital has same standard with hospitals in the world and you would not need to go out of the country for medical check up,” the ambassador said.
Jubbaland soldier killed in Kismayo explosion
14 Jul – Source: Bar-kulan – 100 words
A Jubbaland administration soldier is reportedly killed in an explosion that has occurred in Ambulatoria neighborhood in the key Somali town of Kismayo, capital of Lower Jubba region on Sunday morning. Abdinasir Serar, Jubbaland administration spokesman has confirmed the incident to Bar-kulan. The type of the blast is believed to be a remote controlled roadside mine. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the blast. The al Qaeda-affiliated al Shabaab militant group had used Kismayo as their main base for many years before Somali forces backed up by Kenya Defense Forces under Amisom command forced them out of the port city.
Police: Somali suicide bomber kills 2 in Mogadishu attack
13 Jul – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV – 82 words
A police official says a suicide bomber detonated his explosives near a moving convoy of African Union troops in Somalia’s capital, killing himself and at least two others. Mogadishu police official Mohamed Abdi saidFriday the dead were civilians passing by, but he did not yet know if any soldiers were wounded in the attack near Mogadishu’s international airport. The al Qaeda-linked rebels of al Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Somalia: Puntland parliament passes 2012 budget review
12 Jul – Source: Garowe Online – 129 words
Lawmakers in Somalia’s Puntland parliament have unanimously passed the 2012 budget review after days of discussions and debate, Garowe Online reports. Puntland Parliament Deputy Speaker Salad Hared Ali who chaired Thursday’s session in the Puntland capital of Garowe told the media that that 39 MPs voted in favor of passing the 2012 budget review, out of 44 MPs present. Puntland Finance Minister Farah Ali Jama was present during the parliament sessions for the past few days and answered questions raised by Puntland MPs. Speaking to the media at the parliament building shortly after passing the budget review, the Minister Jama said: “We put forward the budget review every year to the MPs for approval and the MPs raise questions regarding salaries, the management of public funds and support services.”
4 killed, many others wounded in Qardho riots
14 Jul – Source: Bar-kulan/Hiiraan Online – 100 words
At least 4 people have been killed, many others wounded in riots that has sparked in northeastern town of Qardho, the capital Karkaar region in eastern Somalia. Clashes begun after local residents clashed with Puntland security forces carrying polling boxes who reached the town early on Sunday. Elsewhere, riots and demonstrations sparked in central town of Galkacyo, capital of Mudug region, as polling boxes intended to be transported to Buhodle town were burnt down by an angry mob against Puntland’s local council elections. Many of Mudug and Karkar regions’ locals are strongly opposing elections set by president Farole’s ruling administration.
General Fartaag: Talks between us and the government is going as planned
13 Jul – Source: Shabelle – 53 words
General Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartag), the deputy president of Jubaland state who held a press conference in Kismayo said that talks with the federal government are still on as planned. He said that the government and his administration agreed on key agendas and looks forward to discuss the remaining issues to be solved.
Puntland suspends Local Council elections
14 Jul – Source: Bar-kulan/Garowe – 99 words
Puntland administration has declared that the Local Council elections scheduled tomorrow, July 15 have been suspended due to security concerns in the region. In a statement issued from the office of the president Abdirahman Mohamed Mohamud Farole says that the elections will be held when it’s appropriate. “Local Council elections have been suspended after the administration recognized the existential threat to peace, security and stability of the region,” says the statement. The administration expressed its willingness to continue the democratization process, and also thanked the people of Puntland and international community who supported the administration during the buildup process.
Somaliland’s Guurti Summons an Extraordinary Session
13 Jul – Source: Somaliland Press – 100 words
The Deputy Chairman in the house of elders Hon Said Jama Ali has called on the representatives of the house of elders to cut short their holidays in order to attend an extraordinary session of the house in a bid to address matters of national importance. The deputy chairman announced the decision after he had consultation with the permanent committee of the house of elders to address issues pertaining national security and the recent formation of an unlawful organization known as the “Committee for National Consultations and Corrections” which is bent on undermining the peace and stability of the country.
REGIONAL MEDIA
UN representative calls for increased humanitarian support for Somalia
14 Jul – Source: Sabahi Online – 153 words
Humanitarian needs remain urgent in Somalia despite gradual improvements, Director of Operations in the Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) John Ging said Friday (July 12th) at the conclusion of a two-day visit to Mogadishu and Nairobi. “I call on the international community to invest now to build the resilience of Somalis and stop the cycle of crisis they have endured for far too long,” he said, according to the United Nations News Centre. Every year, OCHA drafts a Consolidated Appeal for Somalia to promote effective responses to emergencies and facilitate co-ordinated humanitarian action. This year, the appeal has been only 33% funded. About 1 million Somalis are in need of urgent aid and 1.7 million require assistance to keep them out of crisis, according to OCHA.
UN agency proposes body to repatriate Somalia refugees
14 Jul – Source: Daily Nation – 100 words
The global refugee agency has proposed the formation of a body that will handle the repatriation of Somalia refugees from Kenya. United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) boss António Guterres wants the refugees, most based at the Dadaab Camp, be returned home in phases managed by a special commission. The Commission would include members from Kenya and Somalia authorities as well as the agency itself in what Mr Guterres argues would ensure an acceptable return of the Somalis to their homes. “If we do these returns properly, they can be a positive factor for development in Somalia,” he said.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
UN: Kenya Peacekeepers Aided Illegal Somalia Charcoal Export
14 Jul – Source: VOA/Reuters/Business Daily – 120 words
A confidential report by U.N. monitors accuses Kenyan soldiers in the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia of facilitating illegal charcoal exports from the port city of Kismayo, a business that generates millions of dollars a year for Islamic militants seeking to topple the government. The case of the failed ban on Somali charcoal outlined in the report highlights the difficulty of cutting off al Shabaab militants’ funding and ensuring compliance with U.N. sanctions when there is little appetite for enforcing them on the ground. The Kenyan military denied the allegations in the U.N. Monitoring Group’s latest annual report to the Security Council’s sanctions committee on Somalia and Eritrea. The report was completed before recent clashes in Kismayo.
Somali refugees nervous as Kenya eyes their return
14 Jul – Source: AFP – 153 words
Row after row of tin shacks and shelters made of plastic and branches stretch almost as far as the eye can see in the world’s largest refugee camp, home to over 427,000 Somalis who fled war. Dadaab, in northeast Kenya, is a grim place few would choose to call home, but many here are nervous about the growing pressure to leave this camp and return to their unstable homeland some last saw two decades ago. Kenya, which hosts more than 600,000 Somali refugees, has made clear its ambition to send them back, and is in talks with the government in Mogadishu to start the move. “I don’t know of a stable place in Somalia” to return to, said Abdi Arte, leader of the Kambios section in the sprawling camp, set in arid bushland some 100 kilometres (60 miles) inside Kenya. “But the government is insisting to have refugees relocated back home.”
Somalia’s Puntland suspends polls, warning of violence
14 Jul – Source: Fox New/AFP – 128 words
Somalia’s semi-autonomous northern region of Puntland has suspended long-awaited local elections, its government said Sunday, saying the risk of violence was too great to hold them. “Puntland hereby suspends the local council elections” due to held Monday, a government statement read, warning of what it called “domestic spoilers and external manipulators funding and organising instability and election violence”. It gave no further details on who it feared would cause the violence. However, United Nations special envoy to Somalia Nicholas Kay called the suspension “wise” and urged restraint from all sides “following violent clashes”. Puntland, which forms the very tip of the Horn of Africa along the Indian Ocean coast and the Gulf of Aden, recognises the central government in Mogadishu, but wants autonomy within a federation of states.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“We still managed to hold some competitions, but girls weren’t even allowed to come to the court. We’ve had a lot of problems, but there’s a huge change now. Both men and women can come and play. Somalia used to be one of the leading teams in Africa.”
Somalia Basketball Bounces Back
14 Jul – Source: VOA Blog – 3:17 mins
I grew up playing basketball with my brothers on a cement court my father built in our backyard. It was a safe environment and we had lots of fun playing one of the world’s most popular sports. In Somalia, where there has been decades of war, basketball is being used as a peace-building tool in an area of the capital, Mogadishu, that previously was off-limits to the sport. Somali boys and girls are getting a chance to learn the game through daily clinics.
“During those anarchic 20 years, at least 15 private commercial carriers, many of them Somali-owned, have tried to take over pieces of the defunct airline’s market. They range from short-lived ventures like Gallad Air, which flew for two years before shutting down in 2005, to African Express Airways, which has operated in the region for more than two decades.”
Somalia’s Somewhat Friendly Skies
12 Jul – Source: New York Times – 2745 Words
One recent morning at the start of the Kenyan rainy season, I boarded a shuttle bus at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. At a distant corner of the tarmac, we stopped before an aging Boeing 737. The logo of Jubba Airways, the unofficial national carrier of Somalia, was painted on the fuselage: three horizontal stripes, each a different shade of blue, and the slogan: THE HAPPY WAY TO FLY. In its early days, 15 years ago, the Jubba Airways fleet consisted entirely of battered relics from the former Soviet Union: Ilyushin-18 twin-engine turboprops.