June 23, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

AMISOM airstrikes destroy al Shabaab hideout

23 Jun- Source: AMISOM- 221 words

AMISOM forces have conducted airstrikes in Anole and Kuday in the Lower Jubba region as part of a sustained effort to destroy al Shabaab’s military capabilities.

The airstrikes in Anole left more than 30 al Shabaab fighters dead, 3 technical vehicles and one Land Cruiser loaded with ammunition destroyed. In Kuday, the airstrike killed more than 50 insurgents. AMISOM continues to up the pressure on al Shabaab with a view to liberating more areas in forthcoming operations.

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif commended the KDF contingent of AMISOM for the operation’s success.

“Our forces will relentlessly keep up the pressure on al Shabaab and we will employ all the means at our disposal to end their reign of terror,” said Ambassador Annadif while lauding the surgical precision of the airstrikes. “We are here to work with the Somali forces to make life better for Somalia and her people. Fundamental to that is eliminating the insurgents who have wrought havoc and misery to so many and for so long.”

The airstrikes complement the ongoing joint offensive between the Somali National Army and AMISOM forces. More than 10 key towns have been liberated in this offensive as part of a final push to liberate Somalia from the brutal grip of al Shabaab.

Key Headlines

Foreign Minister seeks strengthening relations with world and regional states (Radio Mogadishu/Radio RBC)
AMISOM airstrikes destroy al Shabaab hideout (AMISOM)
First Somali Cultural Festival In Decades Held in Mogadishu (Ministry of Information)
Mogadishu Mayor announces plans to continue destruction of illegal structures in Mogadishu (Radio Shabelle)
Turkish government declares continued support to Somalia (Radio RBC/Radio Mogadishu)
Somaliland Interior Minister announces Somaliland’s E-Passport (Radio Dalsan/Hadhwanaag News)
Government forces arrest dozens of people in Afgoye (Radio Goobjoog)
Information Minister says cabinet will approve the Media Law during its next meeting (Radio RBC)
Fatalities sustained after intense clashes near Qansahdere (Radio Shabelle)
Abdi Barud chosen as the Executive Director of new Diaspora organization in Istanbul (Hiiraan Online)
Vehicle burned in Lower Shabelle as it was transporting khat (Radio Shabelle)
Kenya Defence Forces kill over 80 al Shabaab fighters (Standard Media)
Federal Govt to recognize three-region state following lengthy mediation (Radio Dalsan/Garowe Online)
Banadir Regional Administration Demolishes illegally built Hotel (Radio Dalsan)
Somaliland: Hijab Man Arrested (Somaliland Sun)
Somalia: Refugees concerned about returning home (Trust.org)
AMISOM supports set up of Judicial systems in Somalia (AMISOM)
Somaliland: Defense forces Chief Operations Commander calls on President Silanyo to reshuffle cabinet (Somaliland Informer)
AMISOM supports set up of Judicial systems in Somalia (AMISOM)
Uhuru Kenyatta: KDF will stay in Somalia until job is done (Standard Media)
Puntland rejects oil deal by Somalia (Daily Nation)
Somalia war exported across East Africa as Al Shabaab wreaks havoc (East African)
Khat ban hits almost 30 Bristol businesses (BBC)
US not closing Nairobi embassy (AFP/eNCA)

PRESS STATEMENT

AMISOM airstrikes destroy al Shabaab hideout

23 Jun- Source: AMISOM- 221 words

AMISOM forces have conducted airstrikes in Anole and Kuday in the Lower Jubba region as part of a sustained effort to destroy al Shabaab’s military capabilities.

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif commended the KDF contingent of AMISOM for the operation’s success.

First Somali Cultural Festival In Decades Held in Mogadishu

23 Jun – Source: Ministry of Information – 402 words

The Ministry of Information hosted the first Somali Cultural Festival in decades today in Mogadishu. “This is an exceptional celebration for the new Somalia that seeks peace and stability while reviving social spirit toward unity and development through its rich common culture.” Said Minister of Information Hon. Mustafa Duhulow during opening of the festival.

The Somali Cultural Festival was a landmark for a number of reasons. Firstly, it was the first time such a large event has taken place anywhere in Somalia in over 25 years, a quarter of a century. Secondly, it was unique in the number of different forms of Somalia’s rich and vibrant culture being represented, ranging from music to dance, from poetry to drama, and even reaching back in time through a series of broadcasts from the archives of Radio Mogadishu.

Finally, and most importantly, the Somali Cultural Festival represented ALL of Somalia, with artists performing from Baidoa, Beledweyne, Kismayo, Garowe, Hargeisa and elsewhere as well as those from Mogadishu.

Festival starting 3pm late in the afternoon and lasting until 9pm in the evening today had attracted high profile guests including H.E. Excellency the President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, H.E. Excellency the Prime Minister, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed and H.E. the Minister of Information, Mustafa Duhulow.

Thousands Mogadishu residents participated take pride of their cultural heritage and enjoying the beautiful Somali songs and music. The event was also live from Somali media channels especially from all three major television stations namely Somali National Television, Universal Television and Horn Cable Television all made possible of Horn Connect Live Streaming capability.

The security was tight throughout the event while still allowing the revelers to enjoy all the acts and the event went off without incident – a major success for the Somali security forces. At the end of the long evening festival event The Minister of Information had the opportunity to thank both the security forces and Banadir Regional Administration for their supportive role. He also thanked all the arts and performers who contributed the festival this year.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud shortly spoke at the festival sharing joy with all the participants he thanked Ministry of Information leadership and support staff for making possible The Somali Culture Festival a reality and he also appreciated the generous support of the Embassy of France in Somalia, the Federal Republic of Germany, the United Nations and the US Department of State.

SOMALI MEDIA

Foreign Minister seeks strengthening relations with world and regional states

23 Jun- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio RBC- 165 words

Somalia’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdurahman Duale Beileh has on Sunday expressed that his ministry is seeking to improve and strengthen the country’s foreign relations with the world and the regional nations.
After returning from two weeks long visit to different countries in the world on Sunday, Foreign Minister Dr Abdurahman Dualeh Beileh has said that he has met with numerous officials from Norway, New Zealand, Turkey to UNDP and discussed the relations with Somalia and the needs of the country during this crucial period of post conflict.

“We want to strengthen the country’s foreign relations by seeking the ties we have with both world and regional nations be improved and strengthened,” the minister told reporters at Aden Adde International Airport late on Sunday.

The Minister expressed the government’s policy was to encourage Foreign Direct Investment [FDI] for Somalia while taking advantage of the country’s large resources and the potential opportunities Somalia has now.

He acknowledged that currently various states and organizations have shown the commitment to stand by side with Somali people and Somalis should continue to cooperate with each other in this important period.

Mogadishu Mayor announces plans to continue destruction of illegal structures in Mogadishu

23 Jun- Source: Radio Shabelle- 90 words

The Governor of Benadir and Mayor of Mogadishu, General Hassan Mohamed Hussein (Mungab) told the press that the Benadir Regional Administration shall continue to demolish illegally-constructed properties on main roads and neighborhoods in Mogadishu.

Mayor Mungab said that the administration will revive the beauty of Mogadishu and will modernize it to become one of the best cities in the world, and the destruction of certain properties are a necessity for that to happen.

On Sunday morning, a hotel in the KM4 intersection was demolished by direct orders from Benadir Regional Administration.

Turkish government declares continued support to Somalia

23 Jun- Source: Radio RBC/Radio Mogadishu- 178 words

Turkish Government has promised that it will continue to support Somali people until their country stands fully and its institutions become enough stronger.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey Emrullah Isler has called on Somalis to put their differences aside and start rebuilding their lost nation.

His speech came during Global Somali Diaspora Conference in Istanbul where more than 200 Somali diaspora members gathered to discuss their role on the reconstruction of Somalia in the post conflict period.

“I urge Somalis to take advantage of the many opportunities they have,” Isler added. He said Turkish Government and ts people are still committed to assist their brothers and sisters of Somalis. “We will continue supporting Somalis until the nation fully stands on its foot,” he added.

The Global Somali Diaspora Conference in Istanbul was funded by the Turkish Government in order to seek a unified role of the diasporas toward their country. Thousands of Somali diasporas have returning to the country since 2011 following relative peace that returned to the country’s capital attracting national and foreign investment.

Turkish PM hosts Somali Diaspora members in Istanbul

23 Jun- Source: Radio Bar-kulan-117 words

Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has on Sunday night hosted some members of the Somali Diaspora community that attended the Global Somali Diaspora Conference in Istanbul.

Abdirahman Aynte, who is one of the organizing members of the conference, said that the Turkish Prime Minister has stated his support to the conference and its outcome.

Erdogan stressed his government’s unwavering support to conference and to the development of Somalia as a whole.

Meanwhile, Global Somali Diaspora Conference has been concluded in Istanbul where a unified leadership for the Somali Diaspora community was elected.

Abdi Barud from Britain was elected Executive Director of the newly formed Somali Diaspora Organization while Sadik Warfa was also chosen as his Deputy Executive.

Somaliland Interior Minister announces Somaliland’s E-Passport

23 Jun- Source: Radio Dalsan/Hadhwanaag News/Boorama News- 279 words

Somaliland Interior Minister, Ali Mohamed Waran-adde said the Somaliland government issued E-passport for its citizens, replacing the old passports.

The minister added that Somalilanders will be able to go to Hajj using this e-passport and that will forgo the Somali passports. He said so while he recently visited the Guurti Parliament where he gave the members of that house information on the security of Somaliland.

“Somaliland made E-Passport, a passport that is more advanced than the Somali one. We have spent a lot of money on it-one million dollars”. Waran-adde said. “We hope that the Saudi Government will approve the passport before the Hajj time. We shall request the Saudi Government to allow us use this passport during the hajj time and that the Saudi Government will not force us to use a passport from another country”. He added.

The Interior Minister of Somaliland also asserted that the Somaliland authorities have issued orders to improve the security and that any killer will be killed. He said killers will not be kept in jails. He added that any person who confronts the operations of the security forces using gunfire will face the consequences and no one will be blamed for what will happen to them.

On the other hand, the head of Somaliland Police General Abdullahi Fadal Iimaan said that the police caught a man who was dressed in woman’s clothes and that they are doing investigations as to why he was dressed like that.

“We shall announce the results of the investigation and what forced him to dress like that. We don’t want to speak on that before time.” Fadal said.

Government forces arrest dozens of people in Afgoye

23 Jun – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 117 words

Government forces have conducted massive operations in Afgoye district of Lower Shabelle region, dozens of people mostly youth were arrested by the forces during the crackdown. The security forces say that the operations are meant to maintain security of the region and prevent attacks al Shabaab intends to carry out in the area.

The crackdown has interfered with the public transport and business activities in Afgoye district came to stand still as most business people fearing to be affected by the operations stayed indoors.The security officials declined to give comment about the operations since investigations are underway.

Over twenty people were apprehended in a similar operation conducted in Afgoye district before four days by the government forces.

Information Minister says cabinet will approve the Media Law during its next meeting

23 Jun – Source: Radio RBC – 143 words

The Minister of Information of the Federal Government of Somalia Mustaf Dhuhulow spoke on the draft Media Law consultation with journalists after the cabinet passed it to the parliament last week. In his weekly progress update to public, the minister said that the new draft media bill has seen a large consultation since it was re-established in last year.

“On 18th June members of the Review Committee held a consultative meeting with Somali journalists in Nairobi. The purpose of the consultation was part of the ongoing consultation with Somali journalists, in order to provide opportunities for Somali journalists to share their views on the draft Media Law,”” the minister said.

“I took part this consultation meeting over the telephone and I was encouraged by the commitment and dedication of the Somali journalists taking part in the development of the Somali media,” he added.

Fatalities sustained after intense clashes near Qansahdere

23 Jun- Source: Radio Shabelle- 97 words

A fierce confrontation broke out in-between Bardaale and Qansahdere districts between alleged al Shabaab fighters and co-allied African Union troops (AMISOM) and Somali National Army soldiers.

The conflict broke out after the terrorist insurgents ambushed pro-government soldiers’ convoy as it left Bardere district en-route to Qansahdere, both in Bay region.

Officials from the Somali Federal Government told Shabelle that they are in the process of pursuing the al Shabaab perpetrators that managed to survive the fighting and flee the battleground.

Al Shabaab has recently attacked several military and police bases of both AMISOM & SNA in the Bay and Bakool regions.

Abdi Barud chosen as the Executive Director of new Diaspora organization in Istanbul

23 Jun – Source: Hiiraan Online – 170 words

The Global Somali Diaspora Conference in Istanbul Sunday night elected Abdi Barud of the United Kingdom as the new Executive Director of the newly formed Diaspora organization Global Somali Diaspora born out of this two day conference. His deputy also chosen by the same committee of 9 Diaspora delegates from all over the world chosen themselves by their peers earlier in the day also elected Sadik Warfa of America as the Deputy Executive.

The results were reported back by the Chairman of the Selection Committee Dr. Abdirashid Sheikh Yusuf a cardiologist from Turin Italy who explained that both candidates were chosen by locations as the UK and USA are where the majority of the Somali Diaspora reside today.

He went on to praise both candidates for their contribution to Somalia, communities in the adopted homes and for the leadership they have shown throughout the conference. Abdi Barud’s election success came just after he returned from visiting the Prime Minister of Turkey Mr. Erdogan with other selected Diaspora conference delegates this evening.

Vehicle burned in Lower Shabelle as it was transporting khat

23 Jun- Source: Radio Shabelle- 126 words

According to impending news reports, a vehicle transporting khat was burned in the Lower Shabelle region by people alleged to be al Shabaab insurgents.

The car was burned on the outskirts of Qoryoley district, and the district commissioner did indeed confirm to Radio Shabelle that the incident took place and stated that the al Shabaab insurgents are enemies of life and peace.

“The reason they burned that car was to demonstrate they are against life, but my administration and residents in Qoryoley will not give in to their cowardly actions and we will do our best to prevent any further incidents,” said Commissioner Mohamed Haji Osman

Qoryoley district was recently liberated from the hands of al Shabaab by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali National Army.

Former PM Nur Adde back home

22 Jun – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Goobjoog – 114 words

The former Prime Minister of Transitional federal government of Somalia Nur Hassan Hussein aka Nur Adde came back to Mogadishu. The former PM was warmly welcomed by ministers and members of federal parliament including Ministers for Information, Women Affairs and Assistant for Foreign Affairs, District Commissioners in Banadir region and Banadir Regional Commissioner and Mayor of Mogadishu.

Speaking to the media at the airport, PM Adde said he came to Mogadishu after getting official invitation from Banadir regional administration.

He added that he opted to fast the holy month of Ramadan in Mogadishu, he urged the community to co-operate with the government and give valuable information that gives room for stabilization and maintaining security.

Federal Govt to recognize three-region state following lengthy mediation

22 Jun – Source: Radio Dalsan/Garowe Online – 86 words

Federal Government of Somalia has sealed the fate of rival regional state who have been at the loggerheads over the legitimacy of two administrations in southwest Somalia.

According to reports, the federal government, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Parliament speaker Prof. Mohamed Osman Jawari and Prime Minister Abdweli Sheikh Ahmed have backed the three-region state that would compose of Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle regions.

The event to declare the backing was hosted by the speaker of parliament in Mogadishu on Monday.

Banadir Regional Administration Demolishes illegally built Hotel

22 Jun – Source: Radio Dalsan – 91 words

Banadir Regional Administration demolished a hotel and other business premises near KM4 in Mogadishu. The Mayor of Mogadishu Hassan Mohamed Hussein aka Muungaab who is also the chairperson of Banadir Regional Administration was present there witnessing the demolitions.

The Mayor said, the administration has given notice to the owners of the premises that the land belongs to the public and that they were supposed to vacate but they failed to do so.

During the demolitions, there was heavy security presence. The mayor advised other people who are occupying public land to vacate.

Somaliland: Defense forces Chief Operations Commander calls on President Silanyo to reshuffle cabinet

22 Jun – Source Somaliland Informer – 103 words

Somaliland Defense Forces Chief Operations Commander Brigadier General Abdilahi Jama Allas has urged President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo to restructure his government in order to gain the hearts & minds of public support and which will also pave the way for winning the upcoming elections in 2015.

He added that President Ahmed Silanyo is true leader but there members in his government that have shortsighted political views and with vested interests.

He accused of certain government ministers abused power that they were bestowed upon. He revealed that government ministers instead of holding hands to unite for discharging their duties are divided on minor issues.

Somaliland: Hijab Man Arrested

22 Jun – Source: Somaliland Sun – 96 words

Police are questioning a man they arrested in Hargeisa dressed as a woman. The man was arrested at a Hargeisa market by police after a tip-off from suspicious residents.

While Somalilanders are trying to fathom the effect of Khat on goats that chew the herb this new phenomenon of men dressed as women imported from Somalia is difficult to discern, is he a terrorist, a thief, a gay or what? Anyway glad that his is in the hands of police who have the authority to investigate.

AMISOM supports set up of Judicial systems in Somalia

21 Jun- Source: AMISOM- 329 words

The Somali Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development in collaboration with AMISOM convened a roundtable discussion on the country’s judicial system, with a view of working towards establishing effective structures.

The discussions drew representatives from the Federal Government of Somalia, the civil society as well as AMISOM’s Legal, Political and Gender, Women and Child Protection units.

The day’s discussions focused on assessing the current Judicial systems, current challenges and how these can be addressed to ensure access to justice for the Somali people.

Speaking during the round table discussions, the Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee of the Federal Parliament of Somalia, Hon. Maryan Aways emphasized the importance of effective systems, especially to ensure justice for victims of violence.

AMISOM hosts workshop on Somali Draft Gender Policy

18 Jun- Source: AMISOM- 210 words

The AMISOM Gender Unit convened a consultative workshop on Somalia’s draft National Gender Policy. The workshop attended by representatives of the Federal Government of Somalia and civil society women representatives discussed how the policy can be further developed to ensure protection of the rights of women and children.

The policy seeks to establish a framework to guide the process of developing legislation and implementation of programmes that will promote equal rights and opportunities for men and women in all spheres of life.

Speaking during the workshop, Kaoutar Kaddouri, AMISOM Consultant Women and Child Protection Officer noted the importance of engaging women in discussions aimed to address issues that affect them.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Uhuru Kenyatta: KDF will stay in Somalia until job is done

23 Jun – Source: Standard Media – 120 words

Two years after Kenya Defence Forces ( KDF) crossed the border in pursuit of members of al Shabaab terror cell, Kenyans have begun asking whether it is prudent to continue keeping our military in Somalia, particularly considering the rising wave of terrorism in the country.

The debate was given momentum by Opposition leader Raila Odinga’s call for withdrawal of KDF because of the recent terror attacks against Kenya linked to al Shabaab.

But officially, President Uhuru Kenyatta who took over the reins of power while KDF was already in the trenches in Somalia, has insisted that KDF’s mission in Somalia will go on and that the deadly attacks at home would not make the Government to flinch and recall the soldiers.

Kenya Defence Forces kill over 80 al Shabaab fighters

23 Jun- Source: Standard Media- 265 words

Kenya Defence Forces ( KDF) have killed more than 80 Al Shabaab fighters in airstrikes in Anole and Kuday in the Lower Jubba region, Somalia. KDF said through AMISOM airstrikes in Anole, more than 30 al Shabaab fighters were killed, 3 technical vehicles and one Land Cruiser loaded with ammunition destroyed. In Kuday, the airstrike killed more than 50 insurgents. AMISOM continues to up the pressure on Al Shabaab with a view to liberating more areas in forthcoming operations, a statement from AMISOM said of the Sunday attack. The statement added the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif commended the KDF contingent of AMISOM for the operation success. Our forces will relentlessly keep up the pressure on Al Shabaab and we will employ all the means at our disposal to end their reign of terror, the statement quoted Annadif while lauding the surgical precision of the airstrikes.

Puntland rejects oil deal by Somalia

22 Jun- Source: Daily Nation- 218 words

Mr Issa Mohamoud Farah alias Dollawaa, the Director General of the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Petrol for Puntland has rejected an accord entered by the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) with two fuel companies, namely Shell and ExxonMobil.

Talking to the BBC Somali Service, Mr Farah reacted to details given by the Somali Director General for Petroleuma and Mineral Resources Farah Abdi Hassan.

While responding to enquiries Mr Hassan had said on Saturday that his administration entered into agreement in The Hague in the Netherlands with Shell and ExxonMobil over oil exploration.

Somalia war exported across East Africa as Al Shabaab wreaks havoc

21 Jun- Source: East African- 274 words

A week ago, Mpeketoni was a small, sleepy town near Lamu Island on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline. Today it is at the heart of a loud argument about the changing face of terrorism and extremist violence in Kenya and the wider East African region.

Gunmen swept through Mpeketoni on the night of June 13, took control of the town for several hours, and systematically shot or slaughtered male residents. Women and children were spared, as were boys younger than 12.

A week later, the death toll was at 60 and could go higher as residents continue to stumble over bodies in the surrounding bush. The identity of the gunmen, however, remains unclear and controversial.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somalia: Refugees concerned about returning home

23 Jun- Source: trust.org -375 words

The 2011 famine in Somalia killed more than a quarter of a million people and displaced hundreds of thousands within the country and elsewhere throughout the Horn and East Africa region. This was a double blow to the people of Somalia who were and still are being displaced by conflict.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Somalia has been responding to the displacement with a variety of programs ranging from healthcare to cash vouchers. The IRC in Kenya also runs a hospital in Hagadera, part of the sprawling Dadaab refugee complex in northern Kenya, treated hundreds of severely malnourished children at the height of the crisis. The IRC has been operating health and nutrition programs there since 2009 as well as Protection and Women’s Empowerment initiatives.

The European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO) has, since 2009, been funding the IRC’s health services at Dadaab’s main hospital; five health posts; hospital and community level nutrition services as well as protection in both Hagadera and Kambioos refugee camps.

Khat ban hits almost 30 Bristol businesses

23 Jun- Source: BBC- 296 words

Almost 30 businesses in Bristol selling khat – a legal herbal drug used by the Somali community – may have to close when it is banned in the UK on Tuesday. Most of the city’s Somalis welcome the ban but are worried the community has not had time to “prepare and adapt”.

Community activist Khalil Abdi said the issues were both economic and social, with traders losing income and users who will have “nowhere to go”. The council said it was working together with the Somali community.

US not closing Nairobi embassy

22 Jun – Source: AFP/eNCA – 230 words

The US ambassador to Kenya on Saturday moved to dismiss what he said were “false and misleading” rumours, asserting that embassy staff were not evacuating and the facility would remain open. “A number of rumours have circulated regarding the US embassy and our relationship with Kenya that are false and misleading. The US embassy in Nairobi has not closed and is not closing. embassy personnel are not evacuating,” Ambassador Robert F Godec said in a statement.

Washington announced last month it was preparing to cut staff levels at its Nairobi embassy because of the mounting threat of attacks in Kenya by Islamist militants. Godec had signalled internally that the “footprint” of the Nairobi embassy, which has more than 1 000 staff, needed to be reduced. “We are making modest staffing changes at the embassy that will not affect our commitment or assistance to Kenya,” Saturday’s statement said.

He also asserted that “the United States and Kenya are long, close friends” and that Washington “remains a committed partner and will continue to work side by side with Kenya in the fight against terrorism.”

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Iraq lies in ruins, its once superior infrastructure destroyed and its people divided. What started as a war against al Shabaab appears to have become an occupation”

Lessons Kenya can learn from the misguided military foray into Iraq

22 Jun- Source: Daily Nation-677 Words

In 2003, The EastAfrican ran a startling story on its front page that clearly illustrated that the war in Iraq was the result of a disinformation campaign that had begun months before the first bombs were dropped on Baghdad.

The story recounted how, during a crucial four-month period leading up to the attacks on Baghdad, US and British officials had falsely accused Saddam Hussein’s government of trying to buy huge quantities of uranium from Niger, one of the poorest countries in Africa.

An article by investigative reporter Seymour Hersh published in the New Yorker revealed that the documents used to support the uranium link between Iraq and Niger were fake. In fact, one letter dated July 2000 even bore an amateurish forgery of the signature of Niger’s President.

“Somalia at present needs a new capital city, a new formula to replace the endless Mogadishu desolation, and open a new chapter of peace and reconciliation as change is as good as rest.”

Mogadishu is in crises: Garowe a perfect alternative for Somalia’s capital city

21 Jun- Source: The Reporter-1225 Words

The Somalis, as part of their tradition, are more often than not, attached to historical events so as to make ruling or find a solution to any standing problems. In that regard, the history of war and peace is a unique reference in the eye of Somali elders. Barely any events and stories pass without necessarily quoting war sayings and peace proverbs.

Somalis are fussed by three forces as part of identity and survival, these are: pastoralism and culture which are a way of life, secondly the Somali language that stands out to be an exceptionally unique identity and order that brings them together and isolates them from other non-Somalis, the third force is the clan politics-the latter is a vital fact as all Somalis believed political clan representation as a “matter of life and death.”

Somalia remained a stateless society up until the emergence of the Ethiopian Somali freedom fighters and the commander of the Dervish forces, Sayyid Mohamed Abdulle Hassan, alias Mad-Mullah who liberated them from European colonization. The Dervish, which was the strongest army in the history of all Somalis in the Horn of Africa during the 19th century, had its headquarters in Puntland of Somalia.

Top tweets

@harunmaruf 1st direct flight from Europe to #Somalia in more than 23 yrs arrives in #Mogadishu with more than 213 passengers. pic.twitter.com/fJnSgDQClh

@LiveFrMogadishu It takes just a moment to add your voice to our campaign for peace in #Somalia. Right here:http://thndr.it/1ns3nIw pic.twitter.com/UbTQQXk0W4

@FranceinSomalia proud sponsor of the first #Somali cultural festival in #Mogadishu pic.twitter.com/nZ06vAFljl

@ActForSomalia Congrats to our secretary Abdi Barud who just been elected as the CEO of the New Global Somali Diaspora Organisation pic.twitter.com/zpQ85WCag5

@TC_Mogadishu [Photo] Somali and Turkish Ministers of Foreign Affairs @BeilehMofa and @Ahmet_Davutoglu after the UNDP Conf Istanbul pic.twitter.com/L7glo1g3Ov

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Image of the day

Image of the day Members of the Somali National (SNA) at Graduation Ceremony after completion of training conducted by AMISOM working together with the European Union that targeted platoon and battalion commanders at the Jazeera Camp, Mogadishu. Photo: AMISOM