June 3, 2013 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Japan to resume direct aid to Somalia

01 Jun- Source: Shabelle/Mareeg Online/Sabahi Online- 261 words

Japan will resume direct aid to Somalia, focusing on improving socio-economic conditions, maintaining law and order and invigorating industries, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Friday (May 31st), Japan’s Kyodo News International reported. Japan has already pledged $55.4 million in aid to Somalia through various international organisations, but will now begin direct aid in order to “contribute to Somali nation-building in earnest”, Abe said at a meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and other dignitaries on the side-lines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development. President Mohamud and Prime Minister Abe will co-chair Special Conference on Somalia in Yokohama on Friday.

Key Headlines

President Mohamud says Somalia has no conflict with Kenya (Standard)
Somali African Union forces launch major security operation in Mogadishu (Radio Mogadishu)
AMISOM welcomes more peacekeepers from Sierra Leone (AMISOM-HQ)
Italian troops arrive in Somalia on EU training mission (AGI)
AU peacekeepers foil al Shabaab attack (AMISOM-HQ)
AMISOM decorates Ugandan Formed Police Officers (AMISOM-HQ)
As Somalia rebuilds regional foundations fracture (AFP)
Mahiga: rebuilding national forces is key challenge for Somalia (VOA Somali Service)
AMISOM police trains Somali Police Force (AMISOM-HQ)
Puntland President meets U.S Ambassador while in Kenya (Raxanreeb)
UN backs Kenya bid to resettle Somali refugees ( Daily Nation)
Kenyan VP asks Somalis go back and rebuild homeland (Star (Kenya))

PRESS STATEMENT

AMISOM welcomes more peacekeepers from Sierra Leone

01 Jun- Source: AMISOM-HQ- 298 words

The African Union Mission in Somalia has welcomed some members of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) to the Mission Headquarters in Mogadishu.AMISOM Force Commander, Lieutenant General Andrew Gutti; Sierra Leone Contingent Commander, Colonel Mamadi Keita and senior AMISOM officers welcomed the troops off the plane at Mogadishu Airport before addressing them at a welcome parade.

The Sierra Leoneans constitute AMISOM’s fifth contingent, after the Burundian, Djiboutian, Kenyan and Ugandan contingents and have been deploying into South Central Somalia since early April. This deployment of troops is destined for the port city of Kismayo.

While welcoming the Sierra Leone troops to Somalia, AMISOM Force Commander, Lieutenant General Andrew Gutti said; “This deployment has now become a reality. You will be working alongside Somalis, Ugandans, Kenyans, Burundians and Djiboutians and also supported by Ethiopian forces and our partners. It’s a consolidated force and your presence here shows the spirit of Africa, you experienced your own problems and are now here; we are all African and here working together to stabilize Somalia.”

The Sierra Leone troops will be working alongside Kenyan troops in Sector 2 where AMISOM forces have made major gains in the fight against insurgents.

“You will work in Lower and Middle Juba with the Kenyan Defense Force, going out and working to stabilize the area, I thank you and welcome you to the mission area and remind you that you are here to serve on behalf of your country and Africa, back home they expect great work from you.” Said Lieutenant General Gutti.

Over the past year the African Union troops alongside their Somali counterparts have significantly expanded the area of control of the Federal Government of Somalia as the government embarks on stabilization efforts in these regions.

AU peacekeepers foil al Shabaab attack

31 May- Source: AMISOM- 191 words

African Union troops this morning thwarted an attack by insurgents on the main road between Ballidogle and Berweyn along the Mogadishu – Baidoa road. The ambush was targeted at disrupting the reconstruction and repairs of this main road by AMISOM. The reconstruction of this road is improving a key trade route benefitting the local economy as well as increasing the ease and safety in which Somali people can travel between these major towns.

During the morning’s operation, several al Shabaab militants were wounded and captured, with allied forces recovering a range of explosives, weapons and ammunition, helping to prevent future attacks.

AMISOM Force Commander, Lieutenant General Andrew Gutti said AMISOM, in support of Somali National Security Forces, would continue to carry out stability operations in liberated areas to clear them of threats to the local population and facilitate a conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts.

The linkage of Mogadishu to Baidoa has enabled free movement between these two key cities and opens up the interior for stabilization work to be conducted by the African Union Mission in Somalia in support of the government.

AMISOM decorates Ugandan Formed Police Officers

30 May- Source: AMISOM-HQ- 419 words

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has awarded medals to members of the Ugandan Contingent of its Formed Police for outstanding performance during a parade ceremony held at the Somali Police Transport Department Headquarters in Mogadishu.140 officers of the Uganda Formed Police Unit serving under AMISOM were awarded with medals by the Chief Administrative Officer, Colonel Timothy Kiguti (rtd) on behalf of the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia,Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif.

On behalf of the SRCC and the entire AU Commission, Colonel Kiguti (rtd) expressed satisfaction with the performance of the officers, men and women of the Ugandan Formed Police Unit. “This award ceremony is in recognition of the commitment and hard work that you have displayed during your tour of duty with AMISOM Police Component.” He said.

The Uganda Formed Police officers were deployed in Somalia under AMISOM on August 1st last year and became the first Formed Police Contingent to be deployed in the history of the African Union peacekeeping efforts. Since its deployment which was later followed by another unit from Nigeria, the police component of AMISOM registered tremendous achievements towards the implementation of its mandate. Such achievements include; the conduct of 24 hour joint patrols with the Somali Police Force, regular joint operations, increased mentoring activities for the Somali Police Force, enhanced training activities, provision of security escorts to AMISOM, UN and other VIPs. The 140 officers will end their tour of duty in July this year and will be replaced by another Formed Police Unit.

The Mayor of the City of Mogadishu, Mr. Mahamud Nur, commended the medal recipients for their dedication to peace and security in Somalia saying “AMISOM Police has done a good job for this country and this city in particular. It’s a great day for us to be present at this medal parade as recognition of your commitment and sacrifice for Somalia.”

Speaking on behalf of the Somali Police Commissioner, the Director of SPF Criminal Investigation Directorate thanked the commendable work done by AMISOM Police in helping towards the maintenance of peace and security in Mogadishu.

Apart from two Formed Units each comprising 140 officers, AMISOM Police has 166 Individual Police Officers drawn from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Uganda. In his remarks, Acting AMISOM Police Commissioner, Mr. Benson Oyo Nyeko said the AU Police is expected to roll out its activities to all the four AMISOM sectors of Mogadishu, Kismayo, Baidoa and Belet Weyne.

SOMALI MEDIA

Mahiga: rebuilding national forces is key challenge for Somalia

02 Jun- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/VOA Somali Service- 144 words

The outgoing United Nations Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia Augustine Mahiga said that rebuilding of Somalia’s armed forces which is one of the administration’s six pillars for restoring national stability and unity is a among the government’s main obstacles ahead. Speaking to VOA Somali Service, ambassador Mahiga stated that his has been able to do a number of key issues during his term in office such as emerging the country from transition to a permanent government. Mahiga, whose term in office finishes on 3rd June, added that the formation of local administrations, completing the draft constitution, forming administrations for the librated areas from al Shabaab insurgents and also rebuilding the Somali national forces are among the key challenges ahead of the Somali Federal government.

Curfew imposed on Jowhar town

02 Jun- Source: Radio Shabelle- 101 words

Security operations are underway in Jowhar town, conducted by federal government troops. Residents of the town told Shabelle media station that thorough security operations started yesterday evening and are still underway. It is reported that many people suspected to be members of al Shabaab have been arrested during the operations and are now being interrogated by the police.

Somali, African Union forces launch major security operation in Mogadishu

01 Jun- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mogadishu- 74 words

The Somali national security forces supported by the troops from African union mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have begun a massive operation around the Somali capital city of Mogadishu. The joint troops have conducted door-to-door operation in search of illegal weapons, explosive materials and alleged militants causing instability in various district of the Somali capital. The security operation was conducted in Warta-Nabada (formerly known as War-Dhigley).

Japan to resume direct aid to Somalia

01 Jun- Source: Shabelle/Mareeg Online/Sabahi Online- 261 words

AMISOM police trains Somali Police Force

01 Jun- Source: Raxanreeb- 266 words

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) with the support of the Federal Government of Somalia formally completes a two weeks re-training course in specialized Public Order Management facilitated by AMISOM at General Kahiye Academy in the capital, Mogadishu. The 1071 Men and Women successfully finished the retraining which was conducted by AMISOM Police Trainers.

The trainees conducted training lessons on Public Order Management, Rescue operations, VIP escort services. The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif appealed to the participants to make the most of the training and ready to implement their newly acquired skills in improving the security of Somalia.

Polio case reported in Bay region, as conflict frustrates vaccination campaign

01 Jun- Source: Radio Ergo- 124 words

The head of Social and Public services in Bay region, Dr Sidik Jeylani Awow, has confirmed one case of polio in Burhakaba district, 80 kms east of Baidoa. He said it was crucial that every child in the region be vaccinated to stop the poliovirus from spreading. However, health workers engaged in the polio immunization exercise in Bay and Bakol regions have expressed frustration over the lack of access to areas controlled by Al-Shabab forces, who have banned the vaccination programme. The Mayor of Baidoa, Hassan Maalin Ahmed Bikolo, told Radio Ergo that it was impossible to carry out the immunization exercise in many locations because of security reasons and lack of access.

Puntland President meets U.S Ambassador while in Kenya

30 May- Source: Garowe Online- 187 words

Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole met with U.S. Ambassador to Somalia James Swan in Nairobi Kenya on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports. In his first foreign trip in 10 months President Farole left Garowe on Wednesday to Kenya where he met with U.S. Ambassador Swan where according to sources, the two discussed progress in Puntland. Before meeting with the ambassador, sources tell GO that President Farole and Somali Federal Government (SFG) President Hassan Sheikh met briefly at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport while President Hassan was enroute to Japan. It is unclear what the two leaders discussed in their meeting.

REGIONAL MEDIA

UN backs Kenya bid to resettle Somali refugees

02 Jun- Source: Daily Nation- 405 words

The United Nations has pledged to support Kenya in its bid to repatriate Somali refugees saying hosting them has been a difficult task. Speaking during a meeting with Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto at the UN offices in Yokohama, Japan, Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said that UN would support efforts to resettle the refugees who have been living in refugee camps in Kenya. Ki-Moon said Kenya’s push for resettlement of more than 600,000 refugees who live in camps in the northern part of the country should be supported by the international community. Ruto said that a summit on Somalia will be held in September in Nairobi to map out the way forward on the resettlement of refugees.

As Somalia rebuilds, regional foundations fracture

02 Jun- Source: Capitalfm /AFP- 282 words

After decades of war, Somalia is taking small steps toward recovery, but breakaway regions, rival clans and the competing interests of neighbouring nations are threatening its fragile progress, analysts warn. In the past two years, African Union troops have wrested town after town from al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgents, hauling down their black Islamist banners and raising Somalia’s flag.

Kenya plans to return refugees

01 Jun- Source: Daily Nation- 391 words

Kenya is looking at ways of returning home thousands of Somalia refugees on its soil. Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed met with Somalia Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Fawzia Yusuf Adam on Friday and discussed the translocation of the refugees. A statement from the ministry of Foreign Affairs said the ministers agreed on convening an international conference on Somalia in Nairobi, during which, modalities for the safe and orderly return of Somali refugees would be discussed.

Somaliland seeks stronger ties with Kenya

01 Jun- Source: Standard- 388 words

The (self-declared) Republic of Somaliland is turning to creating strong economic and trade ties with its neighbouring and friendly neighbour as it heightens its quest for recognition. With an impending application at the African Union (AU) for recognition of sovereignty, the semi-autonomous country has embarked on a charm offensive with its neighbours and other international allies to woo investors to the Horn of Africa country. In this way, the country’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Omar says the country’s visibility in the region as an economic and political powerhouse can be noticed.

Kenyan VP asks Somalis go back and rebuild homeland

01 Jun- Source: Star (Kenya)- 281 words

Kenya has asked people of Somalia to return and build their country. Speaking during a conference in Somalia in Yokohama, Japan, Deputy President William Ruto said only locals can stabilise a country. He said: “The Somali population should return and rebuild their country. The Deputy President spoke as other world leaders praised Kenya’s role in bringing stability in Somalia.

President Mohamud says Somalia has no conflict with Kenya

01 Jun- Source: Standard- 425 words

Somalia President Sheikh Mohamud has stated that his government had no conflict with Kenya over tackling security issues and restoring peace in the country ravaged by 20 years of civil strife. Mohamud said recent media reports of the alleged conflict between the two countries was not only misleading but malicious and hell-bent on causing unnecessary tension between the Nairobi and Mogadishu administrations.

Karangi refutes Somalia President allegations that KDF is imposing a leader on Kismayu residents

31 May- Source: Star (Kenya)- 58 words

The Chief of Defence Forces Julius Karangi yesterday refuted allegations that Kenya Defence Force is propping up unpopular leaders in Jubaland state and said that Kenyan troops are there on an African Union mission. General Karangi said that KDF troops entered south Somalia in October 2011 because of the state of the security of the country but later joined the African Mission in Somalia at the request of the African Union who continue to determine the operations in the country. He said the KDF has not in any way been involved in any political process in that country adding that AU will determine the length of the mission.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Italian troops arrive in Somalia on EU training mission

02 Jun- Source: AGI-77 words

A squad of 23 Italian soldiers arrived in Mogadishu to join the EU training mission for Somali forces (MATE). The soldiers, based in Djibouti, will be training rapid reaction forces. The mission was planned by the EU in 2010 and is part of international efforts to stabilise the Horn of Africa.

In Somalia, polio vaccines rejected over rumours spread by militants

01 Jun- Source: CTV News/AP- 819 words

Militants are fighting a campaign in Somalia to administer a polio vaccine, charging that it contains the virus that causes AIDS or could make children sterile, a battle of words that is frustrating health workers. Al Shabaab, the rebels linked to al Qaeda, have discouraged many parents from getting their children inoculated against polio, a disease that is an incipient problem in this Horn of Africa nation long plagued by armed conflict and disease, according to health workers who spoke to The Associated Press.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Violence against Somalis in Port Elizabeth has prompted claims of a ‘silent genocide’ against immigrants”

An ill wind blows in the windy city

01 June- Source: Al Jazeera Blog-251 Words

Port Elizabeth is known as the windy city, and it has lived up to its name every time I have visited. But this time there is an ill wind blowing and the mood is different. Newspaper headlines tell of a “silent genocide” against Somali immigrants. The residents of the township of Booysen Park are angry and scared after days of looting and the murder of immigrants from Somalia. Just being there appears dangerous. An angry woman screams at me when I ask her a question, telling me to get out. She is scared that she and her family will be killed if gang members see her talking to a journalist. Her exact words were “sliced open”.

“Failed states can climb out of the mire and then fall back, or they can keep climbing. That could be Somalia’s destiny. There seems to be oil in Puntland, and in the Indian Ocean. The waters are full of unfished stocks. Bangladesh used to be a byword for catastrophe; now it’s just a mess. For Somalia, that would be just fine.”

From Black Hawk Down to Standing Up

31 May- Source: Foreign Policy Blog-1414 Words

On June 3, the United Nations mission in Somalia celebrates a milestone, by moving — to Somalia. For the last 18 years, the U.N. Political Office in Somalia (UNPOS) has had to operate from Nairobi, Kenya, since the Somali government, when it existed at all, controlled only a few spots in Mogadishu, the capital city, and virtually nothing beyond that. But in the summer of 2011, an African Union force finally pushed the Islamic militants known as al-Shabab out of the capital, and since then both people and money have poured in. OnMay 2, the U.N. Security Council voted to replace UNPOS with the U.N. Assistance Mission in Somalia, and actually put it in Somalia. If you’ve held the top spot in FP’s Failed States Index five years running, that’s a real achievement.