June 29, 2015 | Morning Headlines

Main Story

Somali And AU Troops Retake Lego From Al-Shabaab

28 June – Source: Dalsan Radio – 112 Words

Somali National Army backed by African Union troops have retaken Leego town from the armed group Al- Shabaab. More than 50 Burundian troops who are part of African Union peacekeeping troops in Somalia are said to have been killed when Al-Shabaab launched a dawn attack on Friday at their base in Leego, 90 kilometers northwest of the capital Mogadishu. Residents of the area said the troops reclaimed the town without any resistance from Al-Shabaab fighters who have retreated. Al-Shabaab reportedly beheaded the Deputy District Commissioner of the area who was among the people captured by Al-Shabaab. The group have intensified attacks against government and AU troops since the start of the holy month of Ramadan.

Key Headlines

Somali And AU Retake Lego From Al Shabaab(Dalsan Radio)
Anti-Federal Government Demo Held In Puntland (Garowe Online)
Speaker Of Galmudug Parliament Extends An Olive Branch To Ahlusunna (Wacaal Media)
Al-Shabab Names A New Special Unit To Fight Amisom Forces (Somali Current)
Somali President Reiterates Commitment To Election In 2016 ( Dalsan Radio)
We Will Not Relent In War Against Terror – Uhuru (The Star Kenya)
Kenya Releases Somali Pirates En Masse Despite Warnings (Arabian Supply Chain)
UPDF Overruns Al-Shabaab Camp (New Vision)
Two Tanzanians Held At Border In Terror Crackdown (Daily Nation)
Ex-local Somali Journalist Faces Deportation Death Threat (MPR News)
Somalia’s Second Coming (Somali Current)
AMISOM Chief Of Staff Visits Injured Troops (AMISOM)

NATIONAL MEDIA

Anti-Federal Government Demo Held In Puntland

28 June – Source: Garowe Online – 209 Words

Hundreds of Garowe residents staged a peaceful demonstration on Sunday criticizing the Government of Somalia’s federalism policy. The participants at the rally were waving banners that read: “Jawari [Federal Parliament Speaker], Puntland will never accept damaging constitution, and clan hatred-Hassan Sheikh [Somalia President], a clan-leaning” amongst others. The demonstrators initially took to the streets, chanting slogans in support of Puntland government’s stance on the status of Mudug region.“The Federal Government failed in the implementation of federalism system, and showed off blatant disregard for the constitution,” Nugal Governor, Abdullahi Isse Aw Ahmed told the banner-waving protesters at Garowe Square.

He lambasted Parliament Speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari for the national fragmentation: “Jawari is creating further polarization. Nicholas Kay [UN envoy to Somalia] got confused in Somali politics,” added Nugal governor. The anti-federal government protest comes at a time when Adado delegates are set to conclude state formation convention with the election of President. Galmudug claims Mudug region in a controversial constitution approved in Adado town two weeks ago. Puntland protested the move, warning of fresh hostilities in central Somalia. On Thursday, a press statement from Puntland presidency pointed fingers at some international community representatives who allegedly embroiled themselves in national politics at the expense of existing federal states.

Speaker of Galmudug Parliament Extends An Olive Branch To Ahlusunna

28 June – Source: Wacaal Media – 135 Words

The newly elected speaker of Galmudug parliament has said that they will open talks with Ahlusuna in order to bring them on board in the State making process that was going in Adaado. In an interview with the BBC’s Somali service, Ali Ga’al expressed optimism that the standoff between the group and the Federal government over the state formation process for Mudug and Galmudug will be resolved through dialogue. He added that Ahlusuna is among signatories to the Adaado process and have a big stake in the newly formed state and there was no way they could be excluded in the process. Ahlusuna has been vocal against the state formation process accusing the Federal government of too much interference. They threatened to convene a parallel conference in Dhuusamareeb and received the backing of Puntland state.

Al-Shabab Names A New Special Unit To Fight Amisom Forces

28 June -Source: Somali Current – 130 Words

Al-Shabab has named a special unit to fight the African Union forces in Somalia and the Somali security forces. In a broadcast on Radio Andalus, a radio station run by the militant group, Al-Shabab said it has renamed the unit “Sheikh Abu Zubeyr” in honour of their fallen leader, Ahmed Godane who was killed September last year in a US drone attack. The group claimed that the unit—Abu Zubeyr—was behind the deadly Friday attack on an Amisom base in Leego in the Lower Shabelle region.“This special unit was created to destroy the enemy (Amisom forces) that are in the country to siphon our natural resources,” radio Andalus said. In the Fridayattack, the group has claims that it killed 80 Amisom forces and are holding 60 others.

Somali President Reiterates Commitment To Election In 2016

28 June – Source: Dalsan Radio -151 Words

The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia has reiterated his government’s commitment to holding the first general elections in the country next year. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was speaking during an Iftar program with his party members of Peace and Development Party (PDP) held at his residence in Villa Somalia. He said most of the five key pillars that his government has promised during 2012 elections has been achieved.“My government has stepped up war against corruption, establishment of good governance and realization of vision 2016 but we still need to do a lot as we are just recovering from civil war,” he said. Sheikh Mohamud added that the parliament is deliberating on political parties’ act which will be tabled as part of preparation for next year’s general elections. The president urged peace and development party members to continue their development projects by supporting the poor and the needy in the community.

AMISOM Irons Out Dispute Within Hiiraan Administration

28 June – Source: Goobjoog News – 180 Words

Commanders of African peacekeeping mission (AMISOM) troops in Beledweyne have undertaken initiatives to mediate between Hiiraan Governor, Abdifatah Hassan Afrah and Baladweyn district commissioner, Mohamed Abdi Moalim Khalafow, who have wrangling for months. The raw between the two erupted after the Hiiraan Governor issued a decree to fire Baladweyne District commissioner and his deputy DC. Reconciliation conference was held for the two by AMISOM commanders to iron out their differences. After long, heated debate which took for days, the AMISOM officials managed to sort out the differences between the two. A vibrant ceremony to welcome the agreement reached by the sides, which attended by AMISOM officials, traditional elders and other dignitaries was held in Beledweyne town. Speaking at the ceremony, Hiiraan governor, Abdifatah Hassan Afrah has commended AMISOM for the significant role it played to solve the disputes between him and his DC. He urged the people of Hiiraan to forgive each other and cooperate for the development of the region. Beledweyne DC, Mohamed Osman, for his part welcomed the agreement and pledged cooperation.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

We Will Not Relent In War Against Terror – Uhuru

28 June – Source: The Star, Kenya – 197 Words

The Government will not relent in the war against terrorism, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said. He said the Government is working with civil society, the private sector, neighbouring states, and the international community to counter violent extremism and terrorism. “And I am, indeed, happy that Kenyans from all walks of life have appreciated the precious values that we are all fighting for,” President Kenyatta said. Uhuru was speaking today at Kenyatta International Convention Centre when he closed the Regional Conference on Countering Violent Extremism.

He said terrorists will never win because all they have done is to remind Kenyans of the fierceness and determination with which they fought for independence, and for the values they espouse in the Constitution. “Their attacks have uncovered the resolve of a nation that has overcome mighty odds to exist; a people standing in embrace of our diversity; and a profound understanding that our diversity is best protected by democracy,” the President said. He said the Conference has offered practical recommendations including the need to strengthen communities to ward off extremists, work with security agencies to root out terrorists and prevent radicalisation.

Kenya Releases Somali Pirates En Masse Despite Warnings

28 June – Source: Arabian Supply Chain – 236 Words

The Kenyan government has repatriated 62 Somali pirates who have served their jail sentences, despite warnings of a spike in attacks if release trend continues. There are currently 164 pirates still serving time in Kenyan prisons, with another 14 set for release and repatriation next week according to Meshack Okiya, deputy chief at Shimo la Tewa Prison. “The government is working with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to facilitate the transfer of pirates who have completed their jail terms in the country,” said Okiya. The Somali government has been pushing for Kenya to repatriate convicted Somalis to serve their remaining prison terms at home.

The release by Kenya comes amid a general waning of support by anti-piracy coalition partners to prosecute and imprison suspected pirates amid record low reports of attacks in the Indian Ocean. “Kenya held the pirates longer than some Scandinavian countries, who only jailed them for a year or less,” says Kevin Doherty, president of Nexus Consulting. “Kenya’s pirate court is basically no longer funded.” Global piracy at sea is at its lowest level for eight years, and a perceived reduction in the piracy threat in the Gulf of Aden has seen funding for piracy courts withdrawn in several countries. Security experts have warned that there may be a spike in incidents in the region following the release of these pirates.

UPDF Overruns Al-Shabaab Camp

28 June – Source: New Vision – 456 Words

UPDF soldiers under the African Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have liberated Tortorow, a town in the lower Shabelle region of Somalia, overrunning an Al-shabaab camp in the process. In the Al-shabaab camp, the UPDF soldiers under Battle Group Fifteen stumbled upon an assortment of material. According to battalion commander, Col. Silvio Aguma, the Al-shabaab camp was stocked with a range of assorted items like sugar (750kgs), salt (150kgs) wheat flour (600kgs), rice (900kgs), cooking palm oil (550 liters) and 01 AK47 Riffle with 41 rounds. Tortorow, with a population of about 5,000 residents had been used as a base for militants from where they trained fighters and imposed taxes on the local farmers’ livestock and crop. Al-shabaab has also been using the area to launch attacks especially along the Mogadishu-Barawe route. Governor of Lower Shabelle region, Abdulkadir Mohamed coordinated the exercise in cooperation with a team of opinion leaders of Tortorow town. “After liberation, the situation is better. The people are (moving) freely. They are making business and visiting each other freely,” said Abdulkadir.

The intervention by AMISOM troops has ushered in newly found freedom for people to socialize. This week, Brigadier Sam Kavuma, the commander of the Ugandan AMISOM contingent visited Tortorow and addressed a gathering at the market square, followed by dancing and jubilation. “This has been a hub of Al-shabaab since they were chased from Mogadishu and other areas of Afgoye. So they came and settled here and made this area to be their hub, their safe haven where they could base to launch some attacks mainly on soft targets. And when I decided to come and liberate it, there was no resistance. This shows how weak these guys are,” Brigadier Kavuma said. However, Col. Aguma says AMISOM still has work to do in order to reclaim more territory from Al-shaabab since the terror group is still a bane to the lives of Somalis outside Tortorow. To counter Al-Shabaab, AMISOM has intensified patrols along the main supply routes, as well as carrying of Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) which include offering health care services to the community.

Two Tanzanians Held At Border In Terror Crackdown

27 June – Source: Daily Nation – 532 Words

Kenyan security agents have arrested two Tanzanians at Isibania on the Kenya-Tanzania border as they attempted to recruit Kenyan women into Al-Shabaab, the Interior ministry said on Saturday. Also, a man is now in custody after his photograph was circulated by police in the media for taking part in a June 14 dawn attack on Baure military camp in Lamu County. Interior Cabinet Secretary, retired Major-General Joseph Nkaissery, said the three are among 57 people captured over terror-related offences since the April 2 attack on Garissa University College. He said the two Tanzanians were arrested on Friday.

Speaking at a press briefing to explain the state of security, Mr Nkaissery said the 57 include 48 foreigners arrested in Garissa, Mandera and Wajir counties after police were tipped off by the public. Also among them is suspected terrorist Abdulhakim Abdul Samad “who claimed to be a Briton born of Somali ancestry in Lamu but currently resides at 27 Rufford Tower, Lexeden in London”. “He claims to have settled in London in 2000 and works at Harrods Department Store,” Gen Nkaissery said. “The suspect was stopped at Witu roadblock but failed to stop. Police pursued him and arrested him at Gamba. He had no passport or driving licence.” Others in the list of those arrested, he added, are six youths “believed to be from Somalia and one person who has links with Al-Shabaab”. “The arrest was done in Makaburini area in Kakamega County. They are all under interrogation,” he said. The minister asked Kenyans to inform the police whenever they lose their identification documents.

“Foreign criminals are illegally acquiring Kenyan national identity cards and indigenous names in an effort to try and blend with our communities. We remind Kenyans that loss of personal identification documents like identity cards, birth certificates and passports should be reported to the police immediately and an abstract to that effect obtained. This will further help the authorities to flag out such documents and invalidate their illicit usage.” He said the arrest made at the Isebania border was proof that terrorists were spreading all over Kenya. “This illustrates the desperate efforts these criminals are making from all corners of our country in their effort to harm us,” he said, adding that the Tanzanians were being investigated and would be taken to court soon. “But let me point out that we are increasingly focusing on the points of operations by these groups internally and externally to exterminate them. We are gradually dismantling them and soon we will purge these criminals from our midst,” he added.

Ex-local Somali Journalist Faces Deportation, Death Threat

27 June – Source: MPR News – 880 Words

A journalist and longtime prominent member of Minnesota’s Somali community is in danger of being deported from Canada to Somalia, where the terror group Al-Shabab has allegedly threatened to kill him. Liban Dirie, also known as Ilyaas Maow, came to Minnesota from Canada in 1998 looking for asylum. He was the founder and publisher of the now-defunct Mogadishu Times, an online news site. He worked with the U.S. government in support of its outreach efforts to prevent young people from being recruited as terrorists overseas. But his past has caught up with him. The government of Canada has notified Dirie, 47, that he is “criminally inadmissible to Canada” and that it will conduct a “complete review of the circumstances surrounding your application you submitted to immigrate to Canada.” Among the possible outcomes is deportation to Somalia.

The government will make its decision after an interview with Dirie on Monday. U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., credited Dirie with exposing “Al-Shabab’s lies” and said he had helped save “a lot of kids in Minnesota. The Canadian government should do everything it can to find a compromise that does not deliver Ilyaas into the hands of the terrorists he worked so many years to defeat,” he said. The United States rejected Dirie’s asylum request in 2005, citing a decades-old Canadian charge of domestic assault against his wife. His application for a green card was denied. Trapped in an immigration limbo, Dirie began exploring his options. Some advised him to go to Somalia.

He knew that was a bad idea. At the Mogadishu Times, Dirie had made videos condemning al-Shabab, which was trying to recruit Somali-American youth from Minnesota. One of the videos attracted more than 160,000 views. Al-Shabab allegedly sent him email messages threatening to kill him if he came back to Somalia. “You hypocrite who works with the infidels, we are warning you that we’ll cut your throat,” an email from al-Shabab in 2013 allegedly said. “You will come to Somalia one day and you will pay the price of what you write on your website.” His website was also hacked multiple times. Last year, Dirie faced a new threat in the form of an illness. In early 2014, he said, he started seeking treatment for liver disease, but he could not find insurance to cover his medical expenses. “I thought to myself that I was going to die inside my home if I don’t get treatment,” he said.

OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE

“It is true, that the road ahead for vision 2016 is going to be turbulent; however it’s dwarfed by the arduous path we have just passed. We are equipped with the lessons-learned from our past and the pains we endured. The remaining journey for the nation requires one ingredient Unity, and together we will make miracles possible.”

Somalia’s Second Coming

28 June – Source: Somali Current – 539 Words

This week, the celebration for our independence has a great enormity. This time we are winning our second independence from all the evils that stemmed from civil-war and institution-failure. Today, I believe that we are unwaveringly proceeding away from the later obscurities, and observing the end of the old ways, and the beginning of a New Somalia. The end-line for our problems are visible. The state formations are an important yardstick, and in the past few months, we as a nation marked great progress towards that plan.

On Saturday, the speaker for Galmudug State has been elected. The formation of this state, following South-West and Jubbaland States, are the results that came through sheer leadership, organization, meticulous planning at the federal level and local levels, and through participatory approach with constant observation and monitoring. Today, the achievements of Vision 2016 are no longer myth, but a true mountain of tangible work. Through my position as the Deputy Permanent Representative of Somalia to the United Nations, I have been able to participate in various meetings where I got the opportunity to voice various concerns regarding the issues that Somalia is facing. At the Agenda of the UN Security Council meeting on 4th February 2015, I had the opportunity to underline that “Our government wishes to establish the remaining commissions, including the electoral commission.”

AMISOM Chief Of Staff Visits Injured Troops

27 June – Source: AMISOM – 127 Words

The AMISOM Chief of Staff (CoS) Ambassador Epiphanie Kabushemeye on Saturday visited AMISOM soldiers admitted at the AMISOM Level 2 Hospital in Mogadishu. She also delivered a get well message from the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of AMISOM Ambassador Maman Sidikou. The hospital is treating soldiers who sustained injuries during Friday dawn attack of the AMISOM camp in Leego, in the Lower Shabelle region. Amb Kabushemeye was accompanied by officials from Mission and Force Headquarters. AMISOM doctor Lt. Col. (Dr) Ambrose Oiko briefed Amb. Kabushemeye about the condition of the patients. The Chief of Staff commended the soldiers for the sacrifice they have made to keep Somalia safe from terrorists.