June 10, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.
Prime Minister welcomes foreign investment law as business-friendly step in the right direction
10 Jun- Source: Office of the Prime Minister-252 words
His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon today signed a foreign investment law and said Somalia was “ready to do business with the world”.
The draft legislation, prepared by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry with government lawyers, sets the framework for foreign investment. The Prime Minister welcomed the progress, saying laws were the foundations of a functioning state.
“For obvious reasons we have been starved of foreign investment for decades. Anyone looking at our economy today knows how much we need it in all sectors,” the Prime Minister said. “Investors need a secure legal framework and that is what we will provide. I now call on parliament to scrutinize and debate this legislation and get it onto our statute books in good time, recognizing the need for Somalia to receive foreign investment as a strategic priority.”
The legislation, approved by Cabinet, now goes to parliament, where Mohamoud Ahmed Hassan, Minister of Commerce and Industry, will be questioned by legislators and a committee will conduct a line-by-line examination and provide additional detail on procedures.
“Today is a new beginning. It is a sign of many positive things. The draft legislation shows a government hard at work to bring benefits to the Somali people. Sending it to parliament for debate shows a young democracy holding a government to account. Now we need to complete the process, pass the legislation and start delivering the services businesses need to invest in Somalia.”
Key Headlines
- Three people wounded in mortar attack in Garbaharey Gedo region (Shabelle/ al Shahid/Radio Mustaqbal)
- Somali MPs call on ceasefire in Kismayo (Radio Bar-kulan/Mustaqbal)
- Somalia’s Government plans to fly injured civilians in Kismayo to Mogadishu (Shabelle)
- Demonstration against governor of Lower Shabelle takes place in Marka Town (Radio Mustaqbal)
- Puntland VP alleges Federal Gov’t is supporting conflict in Kismayo (Garowe Online/Universal TV/ Horn Cable)
- Somaliland president meets Yemeni investors (Somalilandinformer)
- Accord key to end Jubaland stalemate says Somali leader (Daily Nation)
- Ten wounded in double Kenya attacks: police (Daily Nation)
- Madobe strengthens control over parts of Somalia (enca/Sapa)
- Somalis protest in London against murder of Somalis in South Africa (the South African)
PRESS STATEMENT
Prime Minister welcomes foreign investment law as business-friendly step in the right direction
10 Jun- Source: Office of the Prime Minister-252 words
His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon today signed a foreign investment law and said Somalia was “ready to do business with the world”.
The draft legislation, prepared by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry with government lawyers, sets the framework for foreign investment. The Prime Minister welcomed the progress, saying laws were the foundations of a functioning state.
“For obvious reasons we have been starved of foreign investment for decades. Anyone looking at our economy today knows how much we need it in all sectors,” the Prime Minister said. “Investors need a secure legal framework and that is what we will provide. I now call on parliament to scrutinize and debate this legislation and get it onto our statute books in good time, recognizing the need for Somalia to receive foreign investment as a strategic priority.”
The legislation, approved by Cabinet, now goes to parliament, where Mohamoud Ahmed Hassan, Minister of Commerce and Industry, will be questioned by legislators and a committee will conduct a line-by-line examination and provide additional detail on procedures.
“Today is a new beginning. It is a sign of many positive things. The draft legislation shows a government hard at work to bring benefits to the Somali people. Sending it to parliament for debate shows a young democracy holding a government to account. Now we need to complete the process, pass the legislation and start delivering the services businesses need to invest in Somalia.”
President Hassan hails accession to the Cotonou Agreement as an opportunity for the recovery of Somalia
09 Jun- Source: Office of the President- 292 words
The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, expressed his gratitude for Friday’s decision at the European Union to allow Somalia to be a signatory to the Cotonou Agreement, the EU – African, Caribbean, Pacific States Partnership Agreement.
Speaking of the benefits, the President said, “The benefit of the Cotonou Agreement is that Somalia will be eligible to receive development projects from the EU, which will help us to rebuild our country.
These development projects will bring provide jobs to our young people so that they can take part the in the reconstruction of their nation prosperity to Somalis in their country.
“We have placed considerable effort into improving our international relations and this represents a great step in our return to the community of nations.
The recent EU-ACP ministerial meeting in Brussels between 3rd to 7th June 2013 Co-Chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Botswana, Mr Phandu Skelemani, and the State Minister of Commerce and Development of Ireland, Mr. Joe Costello, approved the request from Somalia and after the meeting in a press conference Mr Joe Costello said “Today’s agreement for Somalia to be a member of Cotonou Agreement opens a new door for the Federal Government of Somalia and the European Union, which is sign that Somalia has reclaimed membership of the international forum.”
Mr Nur Hassan Hussein (Nur Adde), Somalia Ambassador to Belgium, Italy and EU was present in the meeting representing the Federal Government of Somalia.
Somalia has been granted observer status immediately, with subsequent accession to full membership next year. Somalia was part of the then LOME Agreement before 1991, which became Cotonou Agreement in 2000.
SOMALI MEDIA
Three people wounded in mortar attack in Garbaharey, Gedo region
10 Jun- Source: Shabelle/ al Shahid/Radio Mustaqbal- 94 words
Al Shabaab militants launched a mortar attack last night in Garbaharey, capital city of the province of Gedo south-western Somalia.
The reports from the town says that a number of mortar shells fell in different areas of Garbaharey, injuring 3 civilians. The injured people in the attack were taken to hospital in Garbaharey.
Al Shabaab militants are waging hit and run attacks and bombing in the areas controlled by the Somali government in the center and south of the country.
Somali MPs call on ceasefire in Kismayo
10 Jun- Source:Radio Bar-kulan/Mustaqbal- 161 words
Some members of the Somali Federal Parliament among the government delegation in Kismayo have called on ceasefire in the southern Somali port of Kismayo after two days of heavy gun battle between two heavily armed sides.
Address the media, MP Abdillahi Sheikh Ismail urged all parties to resolve their differences peacefully, adding that Kismayo stakeholders should abide government’s direction of this issue.
Peace appeals for Kismayo tension begun to emerge after forces loyal to, Ahmed Madobe, a Jubaland leader in Kismayo battled gunmen led by a self-declared president, Iftin Hassan Basto.
Somalia’s Government plans to fly injured civilians in Kismayo to Mogadishu
10 Jun- Source: Radio Shabelle- 71 words
The Somali government is reportedly planning to evacuate the injured civilians in the Kismayo fighting to Mogadishu. The reports added that the government sent a plane to transport those who were in critical conditions as hospitals in the coastal city are in poor conditions and have less medical services.
Demonstration against governor of Lower Shabelle takes place in Marka Town
10 Jun- Source: Radio Mustaqbal- 182 words
Reports from Marka Town, the headquarter of Lower Shabelle region in Southern of Somalia say that demonstration took place in the town on Sunday, where hundreds of People have come out,to protest against the district commissioner of Marka and governor of Lower Shabelle region in Southern of Somalia. These people were complaining about corruption and lack of justice on the part of the administration of Lower Shabelle.
The demonstrators were chanting, ” We don’t want corruption, we don’t want the leaders of Lower Shabelle for Somali government, we lack respect from the administration of Marka”.
Radio Mustaqbal contacted the governor of Lower Shabelle Abdikadir Nor Sidi and asked about the demonstration that occurred in the town.
Mr. Sidii said he was in Marka as the demonstration was happening, adding that the demonstration was peaceful one and that the people can express their expression for what they need.
Puntland VP alleges Federal Gov’t is supporting conflict in Kismayo
09 Jun- Source: Garowe Online/Universal TV/ Horn Cable- 307 words
Puntland Vice President Abdisamad Ali Shire accused the Somali Federal Government (SFG) that they had a part in the 2 day clashes that led to over 15 dead in Kismayo.
Vice President Abdisamad who returned to a warm welcome by Puntland Ministers in Garowe discussed his trips to Qardho and Bossaso in a press conference in Garowe on Sunday. He thanked the residents of those cities for their cooperation and their welcome.
He then spoke about the heavy clashes in the port city of Kismayo between Jubaland state forces and what Jubaland state officials alleged was al Shabaab fighters. Abdisamad said he “believed” that the SFG had a role in the clashes.
Somaliland president meets Yemeni investors
09 Jun- Source: somalilandinformer -192 words
Somaliland president of Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Silanyo met with Investors from Yemen on Saturdaythat was headed by Yemeni tycoon by the name of Shaag to theyo Abdul-Haaq and accompanied by Yemen government officials and other traders.
The president received the delegation at his office in the presidential palace according to the president’s spokesman. The purpose behind the delegation’s visit to Somaliland was said to observe if investment opportunities exist in Somaliland.
President Silanyo has told the delegates that they are welcome to the country if they are investing in the country. The president stated that Somaliland has maintained peace that may open doors for investment opportunities to happen in Somaliland.
Puntland President Farole returns to Australia
09 Jun- Source: Garowe Online- 192 words
After 5 years, Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole returned to Melbourne Australia on Sunday. President Farole arrived to Melbourne his residence for many years to a huge crowd of Somalis who greeted the Puntland state president and his delegation.
It is expected that President Farole will stay in Australia for a week where he is scheduled to meet with Australian officials including Ambassador to Somalia Geoff Tooth. Ambassador Tooth visited Puntland where he met to discuss strengthening cooperation between Somalia and Australia.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Accord key to end Jubaland stalemate, says Somali leader
10 Jun- Source: Daily Nation- 690 words
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud has denied relations between Kenya and Somalia had soured following the setting up of a new administration in Jubaland headed by Sheikh Ahmed Madobe.
In an interview with Nation’s Rashid Abdi, in Nairobi, President Hassan said his “special retreat” with President Kenyatta had put ties on a sure footing.
The Somali leader also hinted an accord was imminent to end the political deadlock over Jubaland. Excerpts from the interview:
Q: Mr President, there is a great deal of interest in the region over your current trip to Kenya. What was the purpose of the two-day retreat?
A: We had so many things to discuss – principally, security and the well-being of our people.
Somalia Cabinet rejects appeal for talks on border dispute with Kenya
09 Jun- Source: Standard- 851 words
Somalia has turned down request from Kenya to re-open talks to demarcate maritime boundaries.
This is the second time the issue is raising diplomatic rift between the two neighbours.
The decision by Somalia’s Cabinet has the potential of discouraging oil companies from conducting offshore oil and gas explorations in contested waters. Some of the offshore exploration blocks that have been identified in the area include Block L5.
In 2009, former Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetangula and then Somalia Minister for International Cooperation Abdirahman Warsame signed a demarcation agreement. But the agreement ignited a heated debate about its legality among lawmakers in Somalia, who finally threw it out.
On May 31, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed raised the issue with her Somali counterpart Fauzia Yusuf Adam in the hope of winning approval of the current, internationally recognised government.
Ten wounded in double Kenya attacks: police
09 Jun- Source: Daily Nation- 251 words
At least 10 people were wounded in two separate attacks in Kenya, police said Sunday, including a blast at a church in Mombasa and a grenade hurled in a crowd in Nairobi.
In the port city of Mombasa, attackers on a motorbike threw a homemade bomb into a church service, wounding seven, while in Nairobi, a grenade was thrown in the largely Somali district of Eastleigh, police said.
The attacks are the latest in a string of grenade blasts or shootings to have hit Kenya, although it was not immediately clear if the two attacks were connected.
Kenyan chief speaks out on Garissa attacks
09 Jun- Source: Daily Nation- 736 words
Omar Khalif, a Chief in Kenya’s northern town of Garissa, where Somali militants recently killed six people, has described for the first time the grizzly details on the attack in his location. On May 27, more than 50 heavily armed al Shabaab militants carried out simultaneous raids at the two police bases in northern Kenya. They killed four civilians and two policemen and also abducted another two police officers who are still believed to be in their custody.
Speaking on Thursday at his hospital bed at the Garissa Provincial General Hospital where he is currently admitted, Omar said that the events of that fateful day are still fresh in his mind. The long serving administrator who was at first reluctant to open up for fear of being targeted by the al Shabaab or their sympathizers said that the local authorities had received intelligence reports that the militia were planning to strike but did not take the reports with the seriousness they deserved.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Madobe strengthens control over parts of Somalia
10 Jun- Source: enca/ Sapa -379 words
Fighters loyal to Somali warlord Ahmed Madobe strengthened control of the key southern port of Kismayo, residents said Monday, after days of clashes between rival militia forces for control of the city.
Heavy fighting broke out Friday when the Ras Kamboni Brigade of Madobe recently self-appointed “president” of the southern Jubaland region battled against forces loyal to Iftin Hassan Basto, another leader claiming to be president.
“The situation is quiet now and most parts of the town are controlled Madobe’s men,” said resident Abdulahi Mire, adding that rival forces had been forced outside town, but “are not far away”.
Several rival factions claim ownership of Kismayo, a former stronghold of the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab, where Kenyan troops in an African Union force are now based.
Somalis protest in London against murder of Somalis in South Africa
09 Jun- Source: the South African -367 words
British Somalis held a demonstration on Friday afternoon outside the South African High Commission in London to protest against ongoing attacks on Somalis in South Africa.
A large group of Somalis gathered outside the embassy on Trafalgar Square, chanting and holding placards that read ‘Zuma we demand you to stop Somali killing in South Africa’, ‘Justice for Somalis in South Africa’ and ‘Crime against humanity and we condemn it’.
This comes after Somali shopkeeper Abdinasir Mahamud was brutally stoned to death by a mob in Port Elizabeth and two Somali brothers were allegedly hacked to death with an axe in Limpopo province on Thursday. Shops in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, were also looted after a Somali man allegedly shot dead two suspected robbers, one of them a Zimbabwean.
NATO and the EU work together to thwart a pirate attack off the coast of Somalia
08 Jun- Source: NATO- 340 words
On Wednesday 5th June 2013, the NATO counter-piracy warship HNLMS VAN SPEIJK worked together with the European Union to provide support to an Indian dhow that was being attacked by suspected pirates off the coast of Bosaso (North-eastern Somalia).
Earlier that day, United Kingdom Marine Trade Operation (UKMTO), which is the shipping industry’s primary point of contact for piracy incidents, reported an attack on the Indian fishing dhow SHAHI FAIZE NOURE to all naval forces in the area. Rear Admiral Antonio Natale, the then NATO Operation Ocean Shield Commander, immediately ordered HNLMS VAN SPEIJK, the closest warship to the attack, to proceed to the suspected pirates’ location.
Tiny Djibouti creates coast guard to protect its territorial waters
09 Jun – Source: ajw.asahi -1557 words
About 10 minutes after heading out into the harbor in a boat, a group of a dozen or so oil tanks came into view along the coastline. A large oil tanker was moored in front of them.
“That’s our vessel,” said Omar Osman, a member of Djibouti’s fledgling coast guard and our guide, as he pointed to a small boat about seven meters in length.
“Garde-côtes” (coast guard) was written in French along the hull. The boat had no roof, and just a solitary crew member sitting in the stern. Comparing it to the size of the oil tanker was like comparing an ant to an elephant.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“The government should facilitate everything for merchants to invest our natural resources like those job creating industries mentioned above. Technical institutes should also be implemented in the country which will give young people skills and opportunities for getting jobs. Otherwise the emigration will reach its maximum point.”
Somaliland: The emigration, a huge burden on poor families
09 June- Source: Somalilandpress-1058 Words
It is nature for living things to seek better environment that can sustain life. Saying living things is very general but animals move from place to another looking for food, water and shelter, the basic biological needs. Such movements of animals are based on real circumstances from the environment that can no longer support life. So, to move about is necessary. But, the story of this article is a different one.
Humans are above all living things on earth having sophisticated brain that can turn deserts into farm land when all required opportunities meet on the ground. Technical education and applied sciences can pave the way to do so. Because on proper management of the natural resources and people’s power helped mankind to produce all sorts of products on hand today.
To the point, these years our young generations leave the country to immigrate to the west countries especially Europe crossing thousands of miles through big deserts and on seas risking their lives just to reach the escaped fortune of their imaginations! This is widespread national disaster which claimed many lives of young generation who were fed with the blood of their poor mothers that sell vegetables and milk through the streets of our cities.
“If only sporting tournaments were done on regular basis from ground or grass roots level we would have had more interactions and friendship bonds cemented on top of producing a culture of harmony plus top rated sporting skills and abilities.”
Somaliland: Sporting policies should be prioritized
08 June- Source: Somalilandpress-499 Words
Given our self-determination efforts for the past two decades, it should be more than clear to all that our aspirations should be reflected by a penchant for rallying solidarity and setting harmonious cords.
Quite vivid as it was in this column of our previous issue, it is indeed imperative that concerted efforts, are not only needed, but a must from/ by all stakeholders to not only have successful tournaments, but in this case, advance unity, stability, brethren ship, sense of belonging, integration etc.
While it is sad to note that hiccups in sporting, in the context of Somali history, has always been a thorn in the fabrics of the social norms, we should not be relegated to the oblivion but we must rather see to it that something be done to turn around the tables.
The saga of the Togdeer regional soccer team that happened yesterday is a dark, sad and disgusting thing to happen hence sharply counters the spirit of sports and sporting.
While a research is not needed to delve into the factors inhibiting progress in sports, but both short and long term solutions must be prioritized and its policies set.
Top tweets
@UNSOMALIA Watch video of #UN Envoy for #Somalia Kay meeting with #Somali President Mohamud@TheVillaSomalia http://bit.ly/12zDS47 @UN_DPA@Somalia111
@amisomsomalia PHOTO OF THE DAY:#Somali president & #SRSG at a press conference calling for peace in#Kismayo http://on.fb.me/YJ6HUdpic.twitter.com/igBuiwPobT
@SomaliPM We used to receive international assistance for famine and humanitarian disasters. Today we receive it for rebuilding #Somalia
@MattBryden #Somali President hints at accord with#Kenya over #Jubaland, says national reconciliation conference planned http://goo.gl/nlnEx
@fuguni How did the Somali community in Minnesota fair in the 2013 legislative session? Read #Somali #DFL #Caucussummary http://bit.ly/14qcXps
Image of the day
Hundreds of people have gathered in #Mogadishu to protest against the killings of Somalis in South Africa. Photo: @Daudoo