June 10, 2013 | Morning Headlines.
President Hassan calls for an immediate end to fighting in Kismayo
09 Jun- Source: Radio Mustaqbal/Shabelle/SNTV/
The President of Somali Federal Government Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has talked about the current situation in Kismayo. At a press conference on his return to Mogadishu, President Hassan call for an immediate end to the fighting in Kismayo. “I am very sad to hear of the renewal of conflict in Kismayo. It is so wrong to see Somalis fighting each other in this way, and violence cannot be used as a means to achieve political ambitions. “The time for fighting is over. We must unite and seek to resolve our differences peacefully. We must unite for the fight against al Shabaab.
Key Headlines
- With clashes reported in port city UN political mission chief calls for immediate end to fighting ( UN News Centre)
- The African Union (AU) Special Representative for Somalia Statement on Kismayo (AMISOM)
- Somali PM urges Kismayo rivals to stop fighting (Radio Mogadishu)
- Prime Minister salutes Saudi Arabia and OIC on launch of landmark relief programme (Office of the Prime Minister- 366 words)
- At least 18 dead in battle over disputed Somali port city (Reuters)
- Somali government officials narrowly escape IED attack (SNTV)
- Thousands protest in Mogadishu against recent killing of Somalis in South Africa (Universal TV)
- Kenyan troops continue to defend Somali port (Al Jazeera)
- Djiboutian troops serving in Somalia celebrate Djibouti Armed Forces Day (AMISOM)
- Row over Somalia’s Kismayo could upset fragile peace strengthen al Shabaab militia ( Standard)
PRESS STATEMENT
The African Union (AU) Special Representative for Somalia Statement on Kismayo
09 Jun- Source: AMISOM- 216 words (AMISOM)
The African Union (AU) Special Representative for Somalia and Head of AMISOM, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif has called on the feuding parties in Kismayo to immediately end the fighting.
Ambassador Annadif notes that while the overall situation in Somalia continues to evolve positively, the country nonetheless remains confronted with serious challenges which require the utmost attention of its political, religious and community leaders at all levels.
‘The Somali people and leaders must necessarily capitalize on the security gains made by AMISOM, the Somali security forces and their allies, to further peace and prosperity. They must seize this opportune moment to bring to an end the political disputes that complicates the process of stabilizing Somalia,’ states Ambassador Annadif.
‘I welcome the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) initiatives to engage regional authorities through outreach and dialogue, as informed by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) national reconciliation and dialogue process. I urge the Somali leaders, particularly those in the Jubas and other regions to therefore demonstrate the required maturity and goodwill as their country grapples with the challenges of this new page in their history.’
The AMISOM, working with IGAD and other partners, remains committed to supporting ongoing efforts towards national reconciliation and unity, as well as the efforts to rebuild the armed forces and integrate the militias.
Prime Minister salutes Saudi Arabia and OIC on launch of landmark relief programme
09 Jun- Source: Office of the Prime Minister- 366 words
His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon today welcomed the launch of a major Saudi-funded relief programme covering health, education and welfare in Somalia.
“The world has acknowledged the enormous progress recorded in the past couple of years and we are moving steadily from emergency relief to recovery,” the Prime Minister said. “We used to receive international assistance for famine and humanitarian disasters. Today we receive it for rebuilding Somalia. At the same time we recognize that after two decades of war many of the most basic needs of Somali people – especially health and education – are not being met, which is why the programme launched today is so critical.”
The Prime Minister praised the Saudi and OIC contribution, which would be directly aligned with government priorities.
“My government has a clear agenda and plan for stabilizing and rebuilding Somalia, which is supported by the international community. I am confident that with the level of support announced today and our clear political direction we will be able to bring critical assistance to many Somalis. I thank the Saudis for their great generosity and I also appeal to other members of OIC, of which Somalia was a founding member, to support our recovery with additional contributions.”
The first phase of the programme launched today will see $24m spent in five sectors – health, education, water projects, social welfare and emergency relief. The programme is funded by the Saudi National Campaign for Relief of Somali People, represented by Sheikh Abdullah Sheikh Mohammed, and will be supervised by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The breakdown of activities will be 45% education; 20% health; 22% social welfare; 5% agriculture; 8% emergency relief. The programme aims to build and renovate 30 primary and secondary schools, four health centres, and rehabilitate four hospitals and three mobile clinics delivering health services to IDPs. The Saudi initiative has already completed 50 boreholes in 11 regions. The three-phase programme will be worth $72m in total.
Thanking the Somali government for facilitating and coordinating the intervention and the Saudi government for supporting it, the OIC representative Ahmed Mohamed said it was “a great example of cooperation between OIC member states and countries in development”.
Djiboutian troops serving in Somalia celebrate Djibouti Armed Forces Day
07 Jun- Source: AMISOM- 234 words
The Djiboutian contingent serving under the umbrella of the African Union Mission in Somalia in the Beledweyne city of Hiraan region yesterday marked the anniversary of the creation of the Djibouti Armed Forces (DJAF).
36 years ago on 6th June, the army was established and celebrations were held across Djibouti to commemorate the event.
The celebrations in Beletweyne 332 kms north of the Somali capital Mogadishu were officiated by the AMISOM Chief of Staff Brig. Gen Osman Soubagleh who represented the AMISOM leadership.
In his message to the forces, the AMISOM Force Commander Lt. General Andrew Gutti, praised the work done so far in the Beletweyne area by the Djiboutian troops, said, “I salute you for doing a commendable job for the Somali people in the region not only in providing security but also humanitarian assistance and reconciliation efforts for the community and local administration”
The work of the Djiboutian troops has been varied. They have improved security in Beletweyne city and acted as mediators between warring clans. The troops have also conducted training for the Somali National Forces and brought members of militias together for training and integration into the Somali National Army.
They are also responsible for the reconstruction of the airstrip and other local infrastructure and have provided support to the establishment of local government administrations.
“The Somali people appreciate the reconstruction of the local infrastructure as it will help to facilitate their movements and businesses. The African Union and Somalis appreciate the sacrifices you are making to bring peace to your brothers and sisters of Somalia as they start to rebuild their country.”, said the AMISOM chief of Staff Brigadier General Osman Nour Soubagleh.
In December 2011, Djibouti became the third country to contribute to AMISOM. The country has deployed a contingent into Somalia and is based in sector 4 which is centered in Beletweyne and covers the Hiiran region.
SOMALI MEDIA
President Hassan calls for an immediate end to fighting in Kismayo
09 Jun- Source: Radio Mustaqbal/Shabelle/SNTV/
The President of Somali Federal Government Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has talked about the current situation in Kismayo. At a press conference on his return to Mogadishu, President Hassan call for an immediate end to the fighting in Kismayo. “I am very sad to hear of the renewal of conflict in Kismayo. It is so wrong to see Somalis fighting each other in this way, and violence cannot be used as a means to achieve political ambitions. “The time for fighting is over. We must unite and seek to resolve our differences peacefully. We must unite for the fight against al Shabaab.
Somali PM urges Kismayo rivals to stop fighting
09 Jun- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu- 94 words
The Prime Minister of the Somali Federal government Abdi Farah Shirdon has appealed to the fighting sides in southern Somali port city of Kismayo to stop shedding blood.
Prime Minister urged Kismayo sides to stop the tension and bring their differences into the negotiation table. “I suggest Kismayo sides to stop fighting and solve their difference through dialogue, Kismayo and its population cannot avoid fresh tension, I urge the fighting sides to look for another solution rather than fighting”, said in a press release issued from the office of the Prime Minister.
Thousands protest in Mogadishu against recent killing of Somalis in South Africa
09 Jun- Source: Shabelle/ Universal TV/Qalin News-163 words
Thousands protested in the streets of Mogadishu expressing their anger towards the killing of Somali refugees in some parts of South Africa. The demonstrators criticized the South African authorities who did nothing to protect the innocent Somalis seeking refuge in their country. The demonstrators carried photos of the men who were recently killed brutally by native South Africans.
Somali president returns to Mogadishu
08 Jun- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Shabelle/Radio Mogadishu- 188 words
The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his delegation has returned to the country after attending several conferences in Kenya and Japan for the last couple of days. The President was cordially received atAden Adde international airport in Mogadishu by Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon, Somali Federal Parliament speaker Mohamed Osman Jawaari among other government officials. Addressing the media at Aden Adde international airport in Mogadishu, the minister of information of the Somali Federal government Abdillahi Ilmoge Hirsi said that the delegation attended the Tokyo conference on Africa development, adding that Japan government vowed to support Somalia. Hirsi stated that during the delegation’s visit in Japan, the government of Japan announced that it will extend its aid for Somalia, and will help the troubled horn of Africa country emerge from two decades of civil-war. Somali information minister said that the Somali president met his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta, discussing the bilateral relationship between the two east African nations.
Somali government officials narrowly escape IED attack
08 Jun- Source: Radio Garowe/ SNTV- 89 words
At least two government security officers were killed after an IED intended for Somali Federal Government officials exploded in Mogadishu on Saturday. Banadir region Deputy Governor Ali Ahmed Gure was leading a delegation of Mogadishu district commissioners to a site in Dayniile district when the explosion happened. The officials did not sustain injuries but the brute of the force hit the officials’ private security. Two personnel were killed and another 2 injured in the blast. SFG officials accused al Shabaab of carrying out the deadly attack.
Spokesman: Fighting in Kismayo was between al Shabaab and Ras Kamboni
08 Jun- Source: BBC Somali Service/Shabelle/Dhanaan Online- 78 words
The spokesman of the pro-government Ras Kamboni Brigade Abdi Nasir Serar said that the fighting in Kismayo is between al Shabaab and his group. Speaking to BBC Somali service, Serar said that they will end the fighting once they wipe out the al Shabaab militants out of the region. He added that the federal government was supporting the “other side” and accused the Somalia defense minister who is now in the region trying to lead reconciliation efforts in the region.
One killed, another wounded in Galkacyo clashes
08 Jun- Source: Radio Bar-kulan-116 words
At least one person is reportedly killed while another was wounded after clan militias fought in a military base in the western side of Galkacyo central town of Somalia. Speaking to Bar-kulan, Galmudug state senior police official Mohamed Nur Gadar said that they have deployed troops to the area as probes on what caused the clashes are underway. Gadar stated that the killed and wounded people were among the fighting sides, adding that the wound person is being treated at Galkacyo general hospital.
The exact cause of the clan clash is not yet known as this becomes the second of such a clash in Galkacyo town within this week.
Middle Shabelle villagers rely on boats during floods
07 Jun- Source: Ergo-102 words
A remote village of around 5,000 people in Balad district of Middle Shabelle region has been cut off by flood waters for the past three weeks, leaving the locals to rely on boats to bring in food and essential supplies. Hawadley village is some 40 kms north of Balad town. A local elder, who did not wish to be named, said: “The village is completely cut off…for more than two weeks now we are stranded here, the only means of transport outside is by boat, and we call on the international community for aid.”
REGIONAL MEDIA
Kenyan troops continue to defend Somali port
08 Jun- Source: Al Jazeera- 02: 34 min
Kenyan troops who took over the Somali port of Kismayo, once a stronghold of al Shabaab fighters, continue to fight against the armed group. Eight months ago, the Kenyan forces, supported by local fighters, drove al Shabaab out of the city. But members of the armed group remain in the area and African Union forces are trying to maintain security in the town. Al Jazeera’s Mohammed Adow reports from Kismayo.
EU navy asks for help to end piracy in Somalia
08 Jun- Source: Star (Kenya)- 187 words
The EU Naval Force has called for cooperation to eradicate piracy.Force commander Jorge Novo Palma yesterday said despite the significant reduction of piracy in the last 14 months, more efforts are needed to curb the vice . “As you know, piracy is contained. It is not over. This would be my message,” said Palma.The EU Navfor’s Operation Atalanta has delivered over 800,000 tonnes of World Food Programme shipment into Somalia since 2008.
Row over Somalia’s Kismayo could upset fragile peace, strengthen al Shabaab militia
08 Jun- Source: Standard- 499 words
Al Shabaab could take advantage of the row between Somalia government and leaders of the Kismayu-based Jubaland State, a new report has warned. Researchers called on key stakeholders to resolve the crisis immediately and strengthen Mogadishu’s authority. The report called on leaders in Somalia’s capital to “robustly engage” Nairobi and reassure their legitimate security concerns by sharing a workable plan to stabilise border regions.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
At least 18 dead in battle over disputed Somali port city
09 Jun- Source: Reuters- 370 words
At least 18 people have been killed in gunbattles in southern Somalia’s Kismayo, residents said on Saturday, in the heaviest fighting the disputed port city has seen in more than four years. The clashes, the first since several former warlords staked rival claims on the lucrative port and fertile hinterlands in May, has stoked fears among locals of a return to the clan wars that tipped the country into anarchy two decades ago. Residents counted at least 13 bodies, nearly all militiamen, in the sandy streets of two neighbourhoods which witnessed the brunt of Saturday’s fighting. Five people were killed a day earlier when the clashes first broke out.
With clashes reported in port city, UN political mission chief calls for immediate end to fighting
08 Jun- Source: UN News Centre- 254 words
The head of the new United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) called today for an immediate end to fighting in the southern port city of Kismayo, where clashes have reportedly led to civilian deaths. “I urge all parties to commit to resolve differences peacefully. I deplore reports of the loss of civilian life,” the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, declared today in a press statement.
Hundreds flee Kismayo as clashes reignite
08 Jun- Source: BBC- 331 words
Hundreds of people are fleeing the southern Somali port city of Kismayo after fighting broke out between two self-declared leaders of the region. At least 10 people were killed on Saturday as clashes between the rival militias flared for a second day. Seven were killed on Friday, residents said.
Somalia facing emerging political threat
07 Jun- Source: UPI-197 words
The fledgling government in Somalia could face a volatile future given political rivalries developing along the coast, the U.N. deputy secretary-general said. Somalia last year established a formal central government in Mogadishu for the first time since the 1990s. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has boasted of the country’s fundamental gains, but expressed concern about the ongoing threat from militant group al Shabaab. U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson told the Security Council political progress could unravel in Somalia without enduring international support.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Moderating voices on Twitter are currently trying de-polarize the discourse to a point in which the different sides can speak to one another in the same universe.”
Social Media Reactions to Kismayo Clashes
08 June- Source: SomaliaNewsroom-590 Words
Militiamen loyal to Colonel Iftin Hassan Baasto–who along with others declared himself Jubaland president after Ahmed Madobe’s initial election–clashed with Madobe’s Ras Kamboni troops reportedly after being denied access to see Somali Secretary of Defense Abdihakim Mohamoud Fiqi for a meeting. The fighting allegedly killed three civilians and four of the fighters from the warring sides.Outside the battlefield, a fiery discussion took place on Twitter regarding the nature of the events. (Updated note: these tweets reflect sentiments right before clashes re-erupted on Saturday morning.)
“A cursory look at the off again on again negotiations between Somalia and Somaliland would clearly shed light on the core and contentious issues that continue to bog down the negotiations. Some of the key principles of mediation, namely compromising and finding a common ground, are either being ignored or not being followed at all.”
Conflict Resolution the Islamic Way: Somalia and Somaliland
09 June- Source: Hiiraan Online-2101 Words
Those who are well versed in the biography (Seerah) of Prophet Muhammad, peace and the blessings of Allah be upon him, would agree that the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was an important event that occurred at a pivotal time in the history of Islam. It is reported in both Sahih Muslim and Sahih Bukhari that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions marched from Medina towards Mecca to perform Umrah after the Prophet dreamt that he entered Mecca and did tawaf around the Ka’bah. The Prophet and his companions had left Medina in a state of ihram, a premeditated spiritual and physical state which restricted their freedom of action and prohibited fighting.