July 2, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Somali army launches its own radio station

01 Jul – Source: Hiiraan Online/Radio Mogadishu/Universal TV – 148 words

Somali National Army with the help from the Ministry of Information has launched its own radio station which will be broadcasting on the behalf of the Somali Army. Being the sister of Radio Mogadishu voice of the Somali Republic, the army radio will be based at the ministry of information compound and will only air news, interviews and comments about the military activities, according to Information Minister Mustaf Sheik Ali Dhuhulow. Defence minister Mohamed Sheik Hassan Hamud who delivered a short address at the launching ceremony of the new station thanked the ministry of information for the implementation of Radio Mogadishu voice of the Somali army. Somali Prime minister Abdiweli Sheik Ahmed who inaugurated the new station said that the creation of such station was part of the struggle to liberate the country from what he termed as invading terrorists.

Key Headlines

Somali army launches its own radio station (Hiiraan Online)
Celebrations continue as Somalia marks the 54th anniversary of the Independence Day (Radio Mogadishu)
Italy Deputy Foreign Minister Visits Mogadishu (Horseed Media)
Al Shabaab kills three Somali soldiers in latest Ramadan attack (Reuters)
Kenya: Court defends Lenku on transfer of refugees (Daily Nation)
Al Shabaab vows to target soldiers on the streets and inside bases (Radio Dalsan)
Mogadishu Mayor warns that govt hospitals cannot be misused (Radio Shabelle)
Somali al Shabaab claim attacks vow more Ramadan violence (Capital News/AFP)

PRESS STATEMENT

AMISOM congratulates Burundi on its independence anniversary

01 Jul – Source: AMISOM – 155 words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Mission to Somalia (SRCC) Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif has congratulated the Republic of Burundi on its 52nd independence anniversary.

“On behalf of the mission, I extend our warm wishes and message of goodwill to the people of Burundi on the occasion of their independence. We join Burundians in celebrating this important chapter of their history,” said Ambassador Annadif.

“We also acknowledge the immeasurable sacrifice that the Burundian National Defense Forces (BNDF) have made in the peace efforts in Somalia. The troops rely on immense support at home thanks to Burundi’s national spirit of unity with its African brothers,” added Ambassador Annadif.

Burundi is one of six troop contributing countries in AMISOM and has the second largest contingent in the mission. The troops are currently in charge of AMISOM Sector 5 which covers the Middle Shabeelle region of Somalia.

Today is a day of celebration, a day for Somalia to look towards the future

01 Jul – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 355 words

The Prime Minister of Somalia H.E Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed wishes the great people of Somalia, both in the country and those abroad, a happy 54th Somalia Independence Day. H.E. Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed said:

“Today is a remarkable day for Somalia, which officially received its independence in the year 1960. I would like to wish all Somalis a happy Independence Day. The Federal Government of Somalia will continue the work of rebuilding this nation that fought hard to achieve independence and we will stay steadfast on our vision of a prosperous and stable Somalia.

We honour the men and women who gave us this opportunity to forge our own destiny and to ensure our nation lives up to its best potential. “This day reminds Somali people across the globe of the immeasurable bravery of the men and women who continue to fight for peace and justice. Somalia faces a daunting set of challenges that can be achieved with strength and unity.

This day inspires Somalis all over the globe to gather as one against those who seek violence while commemorating all that was achieved by our forefathers 54 years ago. “Today is a day of celebration, a day for Somalia to look towards the future. It is a day we renew our solemn duty to Somalia and the Somali people to live up to our promises.

Somalia is a blessed land with extraordinary people who have suffered too long; I reaffirm my commitment to uphold the principles of peace and justice and to serve the great people of Somalia to the best of my ability.

“To the extraordinary men, women and children in Somalia and across the globe, celebrate today and commit to a great future for Somalia. Celebrate while working towards a day when Somali children will live a life free of poverty and accomplish all their dreams.

Celebrate this day for the Somali women who are the strength and backbone of this nation. The Federal Government of Somalia looks forward to rebuilding this great land, forging unbreakable bonds with our Somali brothers and sisters and reaffirming our commitments to the great Horn of Africa.”

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali army launches its own radio station

01 Jul – Source: Hiiraan Online/Radio Mogadishu/Universal TV – 148 words

Celebrations continue as Somalia marks the 54th anniversary of the Independence Day

01 Jul – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio RBC/Universal TV – 150 words

Somalis inside and outside the country continue to celebrate as the nation marks the 54th anniversary of the Independence Day on 1st July noting the importance of the country’s national unity.In a very well organized event held in Mogadishu, the government top officials addressed the people announcing the government’s vision to secure the country and keep united. Speaker Mohamed Osman Jawari has reminded the people of Somalia to continue their patience toward the pain they feel while struggling to achieve peace and security in the post conflict period. Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed has highlighted that Mogadishu remains to be the symbol of the national unity as he also declared a nationwide conference which will focus on shaping the new Somalia. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has sent the congratulations of the Independence Day ad the union of two Somali regions North and the South as a united Somali Republic.

Al Shabaab vows to target soldiers on the streets and inside bases

01 Jul – Source: Radio Dalsan – 116 words

Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia has witnessed many attacks despite government efforts to strengthen security. Al Shabaab has claimed the responsibility of the attacks. “Mujahedeen fighters carried out operations inside Mogadishu killing several of the government soldiers,” al Shabaab spokesman Abdulaziz Abu Musab told AFP on Tuesday. Al Shabaab vowed to strengthen the fight and attacks against government bases during the holy month of Ramadan. He warned soldiers that the group will attack them everywhere, on the streets and inside their bases. Earlier on Tuesday, two persons, local government worker and a guard were killed by gunmen armed with pistols in one of the busy junctions in Mogadishu.

Italy Deputy Foreign Minister Visits Mogadishu

01 Jul – Source: Horseed Media – 98 words

Italy Deputy Foreign minister Lapo Pistelli visited Somali capital and met top Somali government officials. An Italian air force plane carrying the minister and his delegates touched down the Mogadishu airport on Mondayand was received by the Somali Foreign Minister Abdirahman Beileh. Mr Pistelli later on met the President, Speaker of Parliament and Prime Minister of the Federal Government at the Presidential Palace. Meetings were concerning on the current situation of the war-ravaged nation and ways of intensifying the bilateral relations between both sides, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign affairs.

Mogadishu Mayor warns that govt hospitals cannot be misused

01 Jul – Source: Radio Shabelle – 115 words

The Governor of Benadir & Mayor of Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussein “Mungab” has said that medical clinics under the Ministry of Health are not serving the needs of Somali residents like they used to. Mr. Mungab described that the Benadir Regional Administration is committed to make sure that state hospitals operate like it used to, pre civil war. Furthermore, the Mayor added that the Benadir Regional Administration will work closely with the Ministry of Health so that they can improve and serve the Somali people, in Mogadishu and elsewhere. The Governor concluded by calling on all parties to unite in serving Somali citizens.

Ethiopia, Somaliland set to meet in Diri Dawa

01 Jul – Source: Somaliland Informer – 192 words

Technical Committees meeting between Ethiopia and Somaliland is due to kick off in Diri Dawa and issues high on the agenda include trade, security and cross border movements. Somaliland delegation consisting of Director Generals, Berbera Port Manager and the Chairman of Chamber of Commerce left from Hargeisa on Monday heading to Diri Dawa where the two committees will have face to face talks aimed to address issues of common interest. The committee met several times in Diri Dawa and in Hargeisa. Ethiopia being a landlocked country is heavily dependent on the services provided by the port of Berbera where 30% of her imports and exports use Berbera port.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Kenya: Court defends Lenku on transfer of refugees

01 Jul – Source: Daily Nation – 340 words

The High Court has defended Interior Cabinet secretary Joseph Ole Lenku’s directive to close refugee camps in urban centres and instructing refugees to go to designated camps. Justice David Majanja, while dismissing a petition filed by 500 Eastleigh traders, said the minister had the powers to issue the notice published in the Kenya Gazette requiring refugees to report to Thika Municipal Stadium and three other camps. The judge ruled that the Eastleigh businessmen had not proved that their rights had been violated or that their businesses or existence had suffered following that directive. They were challenging the March 26 directive. In his ruling, the judge said the traders were subject to the regulations that govern refugees and that the Cabinet secretary’s directive did not violate anyone’s right or freedom and was constitutional.

Somali al Shabaab claim attacks, vow more Ramadan violence

01 Jul – Source: Capital News/AFP – 235 words

Somalia’s al Qaeda linked al Shabaab has claimed responsibility for a string of attacks in the capital Mogadishu and warned that violence will intensify during Islam’s holy month of Ramadan. “Mujahedeen fighters carried out operations inside Mogadishu killing several of the government soldiers,” al Shabaab spokesman Abdulaziz Abu Musab told AFP on Tuesday. He warned soldiers that the group will “target them on the streets and inside their bases.” Five blasts were reported on Monday, including a roadside bomb that killed at least two people when it ripped through a market busy with shoppers buying food to celebrate the breaking of the Ramadan fast with their families at sunset. A car bomb later killed a government official, while three other blasts at checkpoints killed at least one soldier.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Al Shabaab kills three Somali soldiers in latest Ramadan attack

01 Jul – Source: Reuters – 275 words

Al Shabaab militants shot dead three Somali soldiers in the capital Mogadishu on Tuesday, their fourth attack since the start of the Ramadan fasting month that the Islamists have threatened to target. Sheikh Abdiasis abu Musab, al Shabaab’s spokesman for military affairs, said they carried out the attack in the southern Mogadishu district of Afarta Jardiin. “We have shot dead nine government soldiers in Mogadishu since Ramadan started. We shall continue and intensify the operation,” abu Musab said.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Al Shabaab might no longer have the capacity to control large areas, but its defeat will likely produce a failed country with a failed state vulnerable to foreign domination.”

Defeating al Shabaab and dismembering Somalia

01 Jul – Source: Al Jazeera English – 1120 words

Two years ago, the African Union Military Force (AMISOM) liberated the Somali capital, Mogadishu, from al-Shabab. More recently AMISOM and the Somali Army declared victories over al-Shabab by capturing major towns. The international community which supports AMISOM has touted these advances, yet the Somali population is more circumspect about these victories given the resurgence of terrorist bombings in the capital. At this point, it is important to examine whether the military and political strategy of the international community and the African Union to stabilise Somalia will advance the cause of peace and enable Somalis to regain control over their country or whether this approach will permanently dismember Somalia. The origin of al-Shabab dates back to the failure of secular politics to deliver peace and common belonging for the Somali people, particularly since 1991. Somalia’s brutal dictatorship decimated civic politics in the country in the late 1980s and fanned the flames of civil war by politicising clan divisions among the population. The regime used its security forces to collectively punish communities it deemed hostile and therefore sowed the seeds of national fragmentation. Such political dynamics shattered trust among Somalis and created opportunities for warlords, and others whose objective has been to subjugate Somalis to collect the spoils of the civil war. After more than a decade of war, Somalis’ only remaining source of moral and political alternative to chaos was the population’s staunch adherence to Islam.