June 20, 2013 | Morning Headlines

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President Hassan: Al Shabaab are a disgrace to Somalia and will not derail our emerging peace

19 Jun- Source: Office of the President of Somalia-347 Words

Speaking in Mogadishu after the attack by Al Shabaab terrorists on the United Nations Common Compound, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal republic of Somalia, said:

“Al Shabaab are a disgrace to Somalia. Their cowardly attack on innocent, unarmed civilian UN staff and their Somali guards today shows us all that they care nothing for Somalia or the Somali people.

“It has been confirmed that eight people died in the attack, four of whom were Somali citizens. I offer my condolences, on behalf of the Somali people, to the families of all those killed and injured in the attack on the United Nations Common Compound.

“I have spoken to both Ban Ki Moon, the UN Secretary General, and Nick Kay, the new UN SRSG to Somalia, to express my horror at the attack and extend my personal sympathies to all the UN family on this sad day. The UN Common Compound is home to humanitarian staff who come to help us and must never be subjected to such violence.

“I congratulate the security forces of the SNA and AMISOM who responded so quickly and recovered the situation with discipline and professionalism. The UN staff inside the compound acted with great courage under very grave circumstances. I am relieved that so many got out safely.

“Over the past year, Somalia has turned a corner. We are now on a determined path of recovery and reconciliation. Violence and terror will not derail this.

“Al Shabaab do not represent the will of the Somali people. The UN, and all our partners, know that we are on the right path and we stand firm together, resolute in our determination to bring peace, security and prosperity to this nation.

“I must reassure people that we have overall control of the security situation and our security forces work tirelessly to protect us all. We will sadly be subject to this sort of mindless terrorism for some time, however, and I call upon all citizens to increase vigilance, report suspicious activity and help us to deter and catch these cowardly criminals.”

Key Headlines

Attack will not end UN Somalia mission (AFP/Global Post)
UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia statement on Mogadishu UN attack(UNSOM)
Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Attack on UN compound in Mogadishu Somalia (UNSOM)
Denel staff die in deadly assault on UN Mogadishu compound (Reuters)
Heavy fighting in Beledweyne Hiiraan region of Somalia (Radio Shabelle)
Somali Human Rights Commission condemns attack on the UNDP compound in Mogadishu (RBC)
Somalia’s interior minister urges Jubaland elders to attend proposed Mogadishu meeting (Shabelle)
Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed condemns attack in the UN complex in Mogadishu (RBC)
Somalia most ‘unfriendly’ to journalists (Africa Review)
President Hadi meets Somalia’s ambassador (Yemen News Agency)

PRESS RELEASE

UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia statement on Mogadishu UN attack

19 June- Source: UNSOM-228 Words

The UN Special Representative for the Secretary-General for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, condemned the violent attack on the United Nations Common Compound in Mogadishu.

At about 11:30 this (Wednesday) morning, a pickup truck rigged with explosives was detonated outside the gate of the UN compound, and attackers then entered on foot. Gunfire and further explosions followed, as staff took refuge in secure areas.

“I am truly shocked and horrified by what took place in Mogadishu today. The United Nations Common Compound houses UN personnel working on humanitarian and development issues for the Somali people. This was an act of blatant terrorism and a desperate attempt to knock Somalia off its path of recovery and peace building.”

“Thankfully, the vast majority of our staff are unhurt. I would like to express my gratitude to the Somali government and people for the support and concern they have shared with us. We also owe our thanks to the Somali forces and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) who stepped in quickly and effectively to protect dozens of UN personnel, Somali and international.”

We are verifying reports of casualties. There are certainly some injured and most likely worse.

Our Mogadishu colleagues are shaken but the United Nations remains determined to stand by the people of Somalia. My deepest sympathies and thoughts are with the friends and families of all those injured and affected.

Security Council ,Press Statement on Somalia

19 Jun- Source: UNSOM- 254 words

The Security Council is outraged by the attack on a UN compound in Mogadishu today, for which Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility and which has caused numerous deaths and injuries. The members of the Security Council extend their condolences to the victims and their families, as well as to the people and the Government of Somalia.

The members of the Security Council commend the brave response to the attack by the Somali Armed Forces and AMISOM.

The members of the Security Council underline their support for all UN personnel working to bring peace, stability and prosperity to the Somali people.

The members of the Security Council reaffirm that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, wherever and whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The members of the Security Council reiterate their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.

The members of the Security Council remind States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

The Security Council underlines that terrorist acts in Somalia will not lessen the Council’s resolve to support Somalia’s transition to peace and stability. Furthermore, the members of the Security Council reiterate their willingness to take action against those whose behaviour threatens the peace, stability or security of Somalia.

Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Attack on UN compound in Mogadishu, Somalia

19 Jun- Source: UN-191 Words

The Secretary-General condemns and is outraged by today’s violent attack on the United Nations Common Compound in Mogadishu in which UN humanitarian and development workers reside and work. The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the loss of life in the UN family, its contractors and among Somalis. Among the fatalities at the UN compound, we can confirm at this time that among those killed are one international staff member, three contractors and four Somali security guards. A number of Somali civilians were also wounded and killed outside the compound. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of all those killed, injured and affected.

The Secretary-General expresses his sincere appreciation to the Federal Government of Somalia and AMISOM for their immediate responses to secure the area and protect UN personnel. He also commends UN security guards who bravely engaged the assailants after they entered the compound following the detonation of a car bomb at its entrance.

Malicious terrorist attacks of this nature will not deter the United Nations or weaken its resolve to stand by the people and Government of Somalia as they work courageously to build peace in their country.

President Hassan: Al Shabaab are a disgrace to Somalia and will not derail our emerging peace

19 Jun- Source: Office of the President of Somalia-347 Words

Speaking in Mogadishu after the attack by Al Shabaab terrorists on the United Nations Common Compound, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal republic of Somalia, said:

“Over the past year, Somalia has turned a corner. We are now on a determined path of recovery and reconciliation. Violence and terror will not derail this.

SOMALI MEDIA

Heavy fighting in Beledweyne Hiiraan region of Somalia

19 Jun- Source: Radio Shabelle- 137 words

Heavy confrontation between federal government troops backed by the AMISOM troops and al Shabaab militia group occurred last night at the outskirts of Beledweyne city the headquarters of Hiran region. Eyewitness who requested not to be named because of security reasons informed Shabelle media station that the clash caused heavy casualties on the two opposing sides. the Hiran administration and the al Shabaab group have not yet released any statement about the battle which occurred last night. However, the top commander of AMISOM troops in Hiran region Osman Dubad has requested members of the public to cooperate and help the peacekeeping troops in the fight against al Shabaab. the colonel added that they will take tough measures to ensure security in the region is improved and promised the civilian population of a peaceful atmosphere in the near future.

Somali Human Rights Commission condemns attack on the UNDP compound in Mogadishu

19 Jun- Source: RBC- 223 words

The Somali Human Rights Commission condemns the heinous attack on the UNDP compound in Mogadishu Somalia. This barbaric attack is not just an attack on the UN but also on the Somali people who are the direct beneficiaries of the UN aid operations. We send our heartfelt condolences to the UN and to the families who lost loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of the wounded.

Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed condemns attack in the UN complex in Mogadishu

19 Jun- Source: RBC/Puntlandi Online- – 98 words

The Jubaland State President, Ahmed Mohamed Islam condemns the cowardly act in the UN complex in Mogadishu by al Shabaab terrorist, where innocent people have lost their lives. The purpose of this heinous act to disrupt relative calm that Mogadishu enjoying for the last few months. However, this will not dislocate the efforts to recuperate from violence and a peaceful place for international community. This ruthless attack of al Shabaab will not discourage our collective efforts to continue focusing to liberate the remaining districts. Jubaland State administration will bravely continue fighting al Shabaab with the support of Somalia Government and International.

Somalia’s interior minister urges Jubaland elders to attend proposed Mogadishu meeting

19 Jun- Source: Shabelle- 76 words

Somalia’s interior minister Mr. Abdikarin Hussein Guled has requested elders residing from the Juba regions and Gedo to gather the opposing sides to the grand Mogadishu meeting hosted by the federal government of Somalia. At a press conference, Mr. Guled called on the elders of the region to facilitate a reconciliation process between rival communities residing from the region. The reconciliation process will be hosted by the federal government of Somalia, added the internal security minister.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Somalia most ‘unfriendly’ to journalists

19 June- Source: Africa Review-309 Words

Somalia leads in Africa as the most hostile country for journalists to operate in, a new report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says. Ethiopia and Eritrea follow as the other journalists unfriendly countries in Africa, according to the 2012 – 2013 report.

According to the annual survey, 55 journalists from 21 countries fled their homes due to violence, imprisonment and death threats in the past year. The report, marking the World Refugee Day on June 20, spotlights the plight of journalists who have been forced into exile from some of the world’s most repressive nations and have received assistance from CPJ over the last 12 months. Iran is ranked top globally, followed by Somalia, Ethiopia, Syria and Eritrea.

President Hadi meets Somalia’s ambassador

19 June- Source: Yemen News Agency (SABA)-113 Words

Yemeni President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi met here on Wednesday with Somalia’s ambassador to Yemen Ismail Qassim Naji. During the meeting, President Hadi and the Somali envoy discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and the development in the region.

Hadi voiced happiness for the improvement of situation in Somalia that would lead to achieving security and stability for Somalia and the region. He underlined the need for further coordination to help secure regional waters on the Arabian Sea against piracy. He also affirmed Yemen’s support to Somalia until it overcomes its crisis.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Attack will not end UN Somalia mission

19 Jun- Source: AFP/Global Post-191 Words

UN leader Ban Ki-moon is outraged by an attack Wednesday on a UN compound in Somalia which left at least eight UN staff and contractors dead but the mission will “not be deterred,” his spokesman said. Ban telephoned Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud soon after the attack on the UN base in Mogadishu, said UN spokesman Martin Nesirky in a statement.

“The secretary general said the United Nations would not be deterred from delivering its mandate,” said Nesirky in a statement released from Beijing where Ban is on an official visit. “The secretary general said he was deeply concerned and outraged by the despicable attack against the United Nations,” he said. “He urged the president to ensure UN staff are protected and to coordinate closely with the African Union Mission in Somalia and his special representative in Mogadishu.”

Denel staff die in deadly assault on UN Mogadishu compound

19 Jun- Source: Reuters/BDLive-428 Words

STATE-owned arms maker Denel was on Wednesday evening trying to establish the circumstances of the deaths of three of its staff employed in the United Nations compound in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. Two South African staff members and one Somali worker died during a deadly assault carried out on the compound bySomali militants on Wednesday, an attack that dealt a blow to fragile security gains that have allowed a slow return of foreign aid workers and diplomats to the country.

Somali Interior Minister Abdikarim Hussein Guled said four foreign UN security staff and four local guards were killed in a drawn-out gun battle that left seven insurgent fighters dead. A UN spokesman said casualty numbers were still being verified. Denel spokeswoman Vuyelwa Qinga said: “Although the details are sketchy at this stage, we can confirm that we have tragically lost two of our staff.” She said Denel could not reveal their identities as it had not yet informed their families.

Majority of asylum seekers in Malta hail from Somalia – NSO

19 Jun- Source: Malta Today-407 Words

Over 65 per cent of asylum seekers to Malta last year were Somali nationals, while a quarter were Eritreans, according to a survey released by the National Statistics Office in recognition of World Refugee Day, which is being celebrated tomorrow.

A total of 27 boats arrived in Malta last year, carrying 1,890 migrants, the second-highest number in a decade. During 2012, the Office of the Refugee Commissioner filed 2,080 new applications for international protection – an increase of 10 per cent over the previous year.

More than half these applicants were males aged between 18 and 34. The majority of these applicants, 90.5 per cent, were Africans. Another 9.1 per cent originated from Asia, predominantly from Syria (80.4 per cent).

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“The military solution has contained al Shabaab but its ultimate defeat will only come with a comprehensive political settlement for Somalia.”

Al Shabaab: The key to support of Islamist rebels was their navigation of Somalia’s competing complex of clans

19 Jun- Source: The Independent-369 Words

Amid the recent talk of defeating al Shabaab it’s worth remembering where and how the militant outfit was born. In 2005 a few dozen Somalis declared themselves to be the youth wing of a new Islamic Courts movement that was becoming influential in a country ravaged by warlords and their battling militias.

Al Shabaab (Arabic for “youth”) emerged as the dominant force within the courts as they took control of the capital Mogadishu imposing some order on what had become the world’s most failed state. The Islamic authority was rolled back in 2006 by foreign powers as the United States backed an invasion of Somalia by its neighbours Ethiopia.