June 30, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Islamist Rebels in Somalia Kill 3 as Ramadan Starts

29 Jun – Source: VOA/Reuters – 247 words

Islamist rebels shot dead three members of Somalia’s security forces in the capital on Sunday, police and witnesses said on the first day of Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month when insurgents had warned they would stage attacks. The government and African Union peacekeepers have stepped up security to try to prevent assaults during the month by the Islamist al-Shabab group, which has waged a seven-year campaign to impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law. Two traffic policemen were gunned down by militants on Maka al-Mukaram road, a major thoroughfare through the center of Mogadishu, the commander of traffic police, Ali Hirsi, told Reuters. “The attackers escaped,” he said. In a northern district of the city, a soldier was shot dead by men with pistols, shopkeeper Ali Abdullahi said, adding it happened on the street outside his store.

Key Headlines

Somali Gov’t announces strict security measures during Ramadan (Radio RBC/Radio Mogadishu)
Al Shabaab Threaten That They Will Carry out Different Attacks during Ramadan (Radio Dalsan)
Puntland and Jubba interim administration work on strengthened bilateral relations (RBC)
UN-chartered Russian helicopter under fire in Somalia no causalties reported (Radio Shabelle)
Somaliland accuses federal government of breaching Istanbul agreements (Radio Goobjoog)
Al Shabaab militants attack army base near Beledweyne (Garowe Online)
Somali PM meets with Ban Ki-Moon in Equatorial Guinea (Bar-kulan)
Al Shabaab has ‘regional agenda’ beyond Somalia warns UN (Daily Nation/AFP)
Gunmen assassinate prominent teacher in Beledweyne (Radio Goobjoog)
Islamist Rebels in Somalia Kill 3 as Ramadan Starts (VOA/Reuters)
Ban Ki-Moon pledges to support Kenya in fighting terror (Standard Media)
Baidoa residents show support to recent South Western agreement (Radio Bar-kulan)
Puntland President meets Kenyan President (Horseed Media)
Abandoned KDF war boys return to unleash terror (Daily Nation)
Puntland President returns home after Dubai Kenya trip (Garowe Online)
Somali expats fear bank curbs on sending money home (Reuters)
Al Shabaab vows to intensify attacks on Djibouti (Africa Review)

PRESS STATEMENT

Somali President: “I welcome the Italian Government’s Commitment to Continue to Assist Somalia.”

29 Jun – Source: Office of the President – 184 words

His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accepted the credentials of the new Italian ambassador to Somalia, Farbizio Marcelli. The Ambassador thanked H.E. the President for accepting his credentials and noted his government’s pleasure at having an ambassador in Mogadishu and a period of absence.

He also conveyed a personal message from the Italian Government that expressed their intention to work closely with the Federal Government of Somalia to assist in the reconstruction of the country. H.E. the President commented: “I welcome the Italian government’s commitment to continue to assist Somalia.”

H.E. the President welcomed the ambassador, saying: “The Somali and Italian governments have a long relationship and I say to the new ambassador, strengthen that relationship. Even when Italy did not physically have an embassy here in Somalia, the commitment was still there and the projects to help the people continued.”

H.E. the President concluded by commenting: “The appointment of a new ambassador to Mogadishu is a sign of the continuing relationship between Italy and Somalia and I am pleased to accept the credentials of the new Italian ambassador.”

H.E Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed welcomes the blessed month of Ramadhan

29 Jun – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 245 words

Bismillah Rahmani Rahim

The Prime Minister of Somalia sends his salutations to the people of Somalia and to our brothers and sisters within the Muslim Ummah on the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadhan. H.E Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed fervently hopes this Ramadhan brings happiness, success and peace to the Somali people and the entire Ummah.

A time for self-reflection and devotion through prayer and fasting, Ramadhan is also an occasion when Muslims around the world reaffirm their commitment to their families and communities. Furthermore, Ramadhan offers Muslims a chance to practice self-cleansing and increase their good deeds.

Here in Somalia, we must remain united and build strong bonds during this blessed month and focus on the good we can create. The Prime Minister also extends his best wishes to the SNA and Police Force who have sacrificed their well-being in the face of senseless violence.

Muslims around the globe should hold tight to the rope of Allah, the rope of peace and the rope of mercy. H.E Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed desires that all calamities and misfortunes cease during this blessed month and that it may be continuous. Peace, mercy and justice are necessary in Somalia when people across the globe continue to suffer from senseless conflict and violence. This sacred time reminds us of our universal obligation to pursue peace and to uphold the dignity of the Somali people and mankind.

Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister hosts DGs and PSs to push for civil service reforms ahead

28 Jun – Source: office of the Prime Minister – 374 words

His Excellency Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister Omar Hassan Osman today hosted a meeting with Director Generals and Permanent Secretaries of the ministries of the government of Somalia to expedite the civil service reforms and the public policy development initiatives of the Federal Government of Somalia, telling them “it’s important for the civil servants to remain separate from politics”

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs H.E. Abdalle Haji Ali, the Director Generals and Permanent Secretaries of the ministries, senior advisers for the prime minister and other government officials. It was organized by the office of the Prime Minister in conjunction with the ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

The main aim of this meeting was to have a collective vision and action towards the work of the government institutions by focusing on the technical level. The government is planning to commence a civil service reform in order to promote the skills of its civil servants. It was also discussed the public policy development process of the institutions of the federal government of Somalia.

Addressing the PSs and DGs the Permanent Secretary of the OPM Omar Hassan Osman, said: “The work of the DGs and PSs of the ministries is the driving force of the government of Somalia. You stood up for making Somalia a better place to live and you have greatly contributed the institutional and state building efforts of this country.

“Somalia has been facing a political, economic and scurrility difficulties in more than two decades, but now there is a light at the end of tunnel as we are dedicating our time, energy and lives for this country, It’s my hope that we will achieve a better Somalia in the near future.

“Somalia is matching on the road of peace, democracy and development, but still we are facing critical challenges such as poor capacity of the civil servants and inadequate funds. The Most important thing that I want share with you is that we need the civil servants to remain separate from politics”.

Newly appointed Deputy Head of AMISOM embarks on familiarization tour of AMISOM Contingents

28 Jun – Source: AMISOM – 407 words

The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC), Hon. Lydia Wanyoto-Mutende, officially kicked off courtesy visits to the various sectors in AMISOM.

The purpose of the familiarization visits is for the troops in the contingents to acquaint themselves with the leadership of the mission, and to share their achievements, hopes, as well as challenges pertaining to the execution of their role towards the eventual liberation of Somalia.

Speaking to the soldiers, the DSRCC emphasized the regard with which the mission’s leadership upholds their sacrifice in supporting the Pan-Africanism ideology, and immensely appreciated the role they have played in the mission since deployment first started in 2007.

“On behalf of the African Union, I would like to appreciate your respective countries and yourselves for the acceptance to join this noble cause to support Somalia to liberate its people from extremist insurgency,” she said. “Africa has 53 countries, but out of all those, very few are here, and we want you to know we greatly value this selfless contribution.”

The DSRCC further emphasized the role of women in the mission and in conflict resolution around the world, and lauded the contingents for their gender sensitiveness and inclusion of female soldiers in their battalions. The honorable added that AMISOM aims to see that women get space in leadership roles, both within the mission and Somalia as a whole.

The DSRCC assured the troops that the leadership of the mission will do their utmost best to address all their challenges as explained to her, saying she relates with them about how destructive a war can be to a nation. “War destroys houses, roads, but most callously, it destroys people and human resource. Hence, on top of the military liberation, there is need for us to work together and help Somalia rebuild the capacity of its people, starting with the national army, so they can ably take charge of their country.”

So far, the Deputy Head of mission has visited the Burundian and Ugandan bases in Sector 5 and 1 respectively, and is in preparations to follow with the other sectors during the next few days. These visits are part of the DSRCC’s activities in all the key military location points aimed at boosting the morale of the troops by reminding them of the unwavering support and appreciation from the African Union senior leadership.

Weekly Press Conference on Government Progress

28 Jun – Source: Ministry of Information – 2223 words

H.E. Mustafa Duhulow today spoke to the media in Mogadishu to provide an update on government progress over the last week. The Minister spoke on various issues: first European direct flight operator (Skygreece Airlines) in decades begins flights between various Europe cities and Mogadishu; Government plans to build new airport facilities in Dolwo district; the implementation of clean water and toilets projects in Afgoye district; illegal buildings destroyed in Mogadishu as part of the clean-up program; the Somali Cultural Festival; Somali Independence Day on 26th June; Somali Media Development and the month of Ramadan.

Somali Information Minister spoke on SkyGreece Airline flights: “On 22nd June SkyGreece Airlines, an international flight provider, started flights from European cities direct to Mogadishu. SkyGreece Airline brought over 200 Somali Diaspora members from Stockholm on its inaugural flight.

SkyGreece Airlines will provide huge opportunities for Somalis in the Diaspora to get direct flights to Somalia. This initiative will support the recovery of the Somali economy as well as linking current Europe and Somali flight schedules. SkyGreece is the third international airliners to operate in Somalia (Turkish Airlines and Uganda Air were operating in the country before) but this is the first European operator to offer flights to the capital. This clearly shows the progress being made towards peace and stability in Somalia.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the new airport facility implementation in Dolow: “Deputy Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation led a delegation including MPs and construction engineers on a visit to proposed airport in Dolow district, Gedo region to inspect the site. The construction of the airport will hugely help the movement of Somalis inside the country. The delegation was welcomed by representatives from Jubba Administration as well as Dolow district administration. The new airport will also help the recovery of Somali economy and it will create jobs for local people.”

The Minister of Information spoke on new clean water and toilets project: “On 24th June the Ministry of Water and Energy and the Banadir Regional Administration presented the plans of clean water and toilet projects that will be implemented in 28 villages in Afgoye district. The project will provide clean water and toilets to families in the area. The Government is committed to providing basic services to the people and these and other, similar projects will be brought to all regions of Somalia. These basic projects will contribute greatly to the overall plans to make a difference to the livelihoods of the people, which in turn will help progress in the country.”

The Minister of Information spoke on Somali Cultural Festival: “On 22nd June 2014 the Ministry of Information re-launched the Somali Cultural Festival in Mogadishu. 1500 citizens took-part in the event, while the many more people watched live via Somali TV and radio stations. This was a great moments for Somali history: the Somali Cultural Festival was a landmark and 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.

The Somali Cultural Festival represented ALL of Somalia, with artists from Baidoa, Beledweyne, Kismayo, Garowe, Hargeisa and elsewhere performing as well as those from Mogadishu. The aim of the Somali Cultural Festival was to bring old memories back and since the country is becoming peace and stable to counter terrorist’s narratives of violence and destruction.”

The Minister of Information spoke on 26 June Independency day for Northern part of Somalia: “The President of Somalia took part in an event to celebrate the 54th Anniversary of independency day, when the northern regions of Somalia got their independency from British colonial rule on 26 June 1960. The aim of the event was to remember the struggle of our great grandfathers, and the excitement of Somalis raising their own flag in Hargeisa for the first time.

The regions of Somalia as well as Somalis in the Diaspora feel respect and solidarity to the struggle to get our independency and sovereignty. It is important for Somalis to look back on our rich history to a time when the people were united in support of independence. Now, sadly, in the 21st century we are fragmented society and we need to learn from our history and to bring our unity back.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the Media Development in Somalia: “I was very pleased to attend the Somali Media Support Group (SMSG) meeting on 26 June in Mogadishu, the first time it took place in Somalia. The SMSG consists of members of the donor community, UN agencies, Civil Society Organisations, and representatives from the European Union. The aim is to support the development of Somali Media.

In the meeting I provided an update on the current situation in Somali Media, the progress the Ministry of Information is making such as devising a Comprehensive Communications Strategy for the Government, establishment of the Media & Strategic Communications Coordination Group that enhances the coordination between government institutions, the Media Law that is currently debated in the cabinet, reviving the Somali Pop Idol competition, and the re-launch of Somali Cultural Festival. The SMSG reiterated their commitment to supporting media development in Somalia.”

The Minister of Information concluded the press conference and spoke on the coming holy month of Ramadan: “First of all, I congratulate to all Somalis for Ramadan. The month of Ramadan gives us an opportunity that we should all take advantage of. We should pray more, we should come together to help each other and we should show through our actions the true, peaceful nature of our religion by promoting peace, stability, unity, respect, understanding and forgiveness.

It is a time to reflect on our past and to look to a bright and shining future. Our religious leaders, intellectuals, and all segments of the society have a huge role to play in the month of Ramadan in bringing unity and prosperity back and in rejecting the extremist narratives of violence, intimidation, fear and destruction. We should all help out poor people so that they can get food aid.”

UN Special Representative for Somalia on the occasion of Ramadan

28 Jun – UNSOM – 108 words

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, today extended his best wishes to all Somali people as they prepare for the holy month of Ramadan.

“Ramadan is a time for families and communities to share the happiness of gathering together for iftar and prayers. It is a time for thoughtful reflection, reconciliation and to remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

We are reminded that peace, equality and compassion bind us together and are far stronger than anything that divides us. In this spirit I wish all Somali people and their families a peaceful and blessed month. Ramadan Kareem! ” Mr Kay Said.

AMISOM extends Ramadhan best wishes to the Somali people

27 Jun – Source: AMISOM – 182 words

The African Union Mission in Somalia conveys its best wishes to the Somali people as they prepare to observe the holy month of Ramadhan.

The AU Special Representative to Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif acknowledged the importance of the holy month to Muslims around the world as special time of both sacrifice and purification and called on Somalis to remain steadfast.

In solidarity with the Muslim community, the SRCC reminded them to renew their commitment to obey and serve God and be compassionate to the needy. Ambassador Annadif particularly called on all Somali youth to disengage from al-Shabaab and avoid being used as suicide bombers during the sacred month of Ramadhan.

Ambassador Annadif also made special note of the serving Muslim troops in the different AMISOM contingents and commended them for their sacrifice and selflessness.

“This holy month symbolizes humility, sacrifice and above all, an embodiment of unity amongst all of us,” said Ambassador Annadif. “I call upon all of us to make a difference in the lives of those we encounter and to ensure that our sacrifice is not in vain.”

Somalia signs StandBy Force Agreement

27 Jun – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 265 words

H.E Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, Prime Minister of Somalia who is in Malabo for the African Union Summit welcomed the East African Standby Force; this agreement has been signed by 10 nations including Somalia. The East African Standby Force (EASF) is a regional organization whose mandate consists of enhancing peace and security in the East African region.

This organization includes five regional multidimensional Forces of the African Standby Force including Military, Police and Civilian components. This organization was created in order to fully commit to the vows African Union has made in regards to peacekeeping. It will ensure rapid intervention,peace and support which will make certain African Union implements preventive deployment within the region.

The main objective for this organization is to create fundamental bonds of friendship throughout the continent and to ensure that Africans control their own lands; and to ensure continuation of peace, stability and preemptive strategies to withstand future obstacles. Ten African nations have unanimously agreed upon this mandate and have vowed to uphold their commitment to strengthen security and preserve peace throughout the region.

“I am glad that Somalia is part of this new initiative although Somalia is still stabilizing, this event shows that Somalia is determined to aid itself against violence and aid their brothers and sisters throughout the continent. “ Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed said.

The need for a common African Defense and Security mechanism is incredibly necessary to the well-being of innocent lives. The African leaders felt compelled to develop African solutions that would respond to the multifaceted challenges threatening stability, security and cooperation on the continent.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali Gov’t announces strict security measures during Ramadan

29 Jun – Source: Radio RBC/Radio Mogadishu – 149 words

Somali government security officials have announced strict security measures during the Holy Ramadan month which is expected to start on Sunday.Police Spokesman Colonel Qasim Ahmed Roble has said that hundreds of police forces were deployed into several junctions in the capital where the security forces started day and night check up for cars. “These forces comprise the Somali police, the Somali intelligence and the AMISOM police,” Colonel Roble said. He has mentioned that the police will also maintain a strong measures against possible attacks in the capital during the Holy Ramadan month following threats from the militant groups of Al Shabaab. “We know that the extremist groups are planning to carry attacks and bombings in Mogadishu and other places as they have did in the previous years, so we are alert and our forces are ready to foil any attempt from these groups” he added.

Al Shabaab Threaten That They Will Carry out Different Attacks during Ramadan

29 Jun – Source: Radio Dalsan – 107 words

Sheikh Ali Mohamed Hussein who is the chairman of al Shabaab for Banadir Region said that their men will carry out different attacks on AMISOM and the government troops. He said no one can avert the attacks and that they can attack Mogadishu any time they want. He gave the attack they carried out at the parliament as an example. He also accused the government program dubbed as ‘nabad ku afur’ which as he said the government intends to use for robbing the people’s properties. This comes a day after the government pledged that it will beef up the security of Mogadishu during the holy month of Ramadan.

Puntland and Jubba interim administration work on strengthened bilateral relations

29 Jun – Source: Radio RBC – 160 words

Somalia’s semi autonomous state of Puntland has announced its bid to augment the bilateral relations with Jubba interim administration. Puntland said it will help their pro-state Jubbaland on ways of stepping from interim administration into a full regional administration. Following working tour, Puntland justice and environment ministers and members of Puntland parliament, met with Jubba interim administration heads in Kismayo. Increased cooperation and exchange of skills on good governance was main topics of discussion. Guled Salah Barre, Putland environment minister speaking to a local radio station said that they will issue a press statement subsequent to conclusion of the ongoing dialogues between the delegation from Puntland and Jubbaland heads regarding the strengthened bilateral relations between the two states.

UN-chartered Russian helicopter under fire in Somalia, no causalties reported

29 Jun – Source: Radio Shabelle/Radio Goobjoog – 100 words

A Russian helicopter chartered by the United Nations came under fire in Somalia; no one was hurt, an informed source told Interfax in Moscow on Sunday. “Engineers examining a Mil Mi-8 helicopter after a flight on Friday night found a hole, which was presumably made by a 10-15 mm round, in the main rotor. Most probably, the bullet passed clear and none of the crewmembers was hurt,” the source said. According to his words, the helicopter flew from Mogadishu to Ceelbuur, Buloburde and Beledweyne on contract with the UN.

Somaliland accuses federal government of breaching Istanbul agreements

29 Jun – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 135 words

The administration of Somaliland has accused the federal government of Somalia of breaching several agreements over the management of the airspace. Somaliland aviation and transport minister Mohamud Hashi Abdi holding press conference in Hargeisa stated that the two sides agreed to transfer the control of airspace traffic control from Nairobi to the hands of Somali people from 1st January 2014.He added that the delegates also agreed to form a joint committee based in Hargeisa, the capital of the breakaway state of Somaliland to supervise air traffic control but the federal government of Somalia failed to fulfill the deal.

Al Shabaab militants attack army base near Beledweyne

28 Jun – Source: Garowe Online – 121 words

Suspected al Shabaab militants launched attack on Somali Government and Djibouti forces base in the outskirts of Hiraan regional capital of Beledweyne of central Somalia overnight on Friday. Beledweyne residents tell GO that heavy gunfire could be heard in Beledweyne neighborhoods. No casualty figures have so far been disclosed to the media but Somali army commanders said they have repelled militant attack on their base. Gun battle triggered when the clock ticked towards 12:00 PM in the night after militants targeted the base with pre-planned assault, sources noted.

Gunmen assassinate prominent teacher in Beledweyne

28 Jun – Source: Radio Goobjoog/Radio Shabelle – 78 words

A prominent teacher was assassinated in Beledweyne, the headquarters of Hiran region by gunmen. Radio Goobjoog correspondent reports assailants armed with pistols shot Abdi Captain several times in the head, while he was going to his residence after the Taraweeh prayers. The man is said to have been a lecturer at Hiran University and a teacher at secondary school in Beledweyne district. The motive behind the murder is not known as no one immediately claimed the responsibility.

Baidoa residents show support to recent South Western agreement

27 Jun – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 136 words

Hundreds of people today gathered in Baidoa to show support to the recent agreement reached in Mogadishu by the two opposing sides to end months of political deadlock in south western Somali regions. The protests were organized by members of the three-region South Western State and hundreds of people attended the protests in the city center. Mohamed Hussein Elay, one of the three-region South Western State officials who addressed the demonstrators said that the people of Baidoa are fully behind the recent agreement between the two sides. He said that the people of Baidoa played an active role in bringing the two sides to the table and hailed the federal government for its role in ending the political deadlock between the two opposing sides in the region.

Puntland President meets Kenyan President

27 Jun – Source: Horseed Media – 132 words

Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali (Gaas) and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta met and discussed ways of intensifying bilateral relations between both sides. The meeting took place on Friday in the Nairobi Presidential Palace and was attended by Puntland’s minister of Trade and State minister for International Cooperation. According to a statement from the office of Puntland President, both sides agreed to open consular offices in one another’s capital cities. The opening of the consular will allow the two sides to provide assistance to its citizens residing in their respective foreign countries.

Somali PM meets with Ban Ki-Moon in Equatorial Guinea

27 Jun – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 140 words

Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed has met with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon in Malabo city, Equatorial Guinea. During their talks in Malabo, the two officials raised a number of issues including Somalia’s recent progress and the United Nations role in the stabilization efforts in the country. Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed briefed the United Nations Secretary-General on his government’s commitments and efforts to restore peace and stability to the country after more than two decades of chaos and civil war. He called on the United Nations to step up its efforts to supply much needed aid to thousands of Somali citizens affected by incessant drought and conflicts in many parts of the country.

Puntland President returns home after Dubai, Kenya trip

27 Jun – Source: Garowe Online/Universal TV – 212 words

The President of Somalia’s Northeastern State of Puntland Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas has returned to the state capital of Garowe after over a week-long visit to the United Arab Emirates and the neighboring country of Kenya on Saturday. Vice President Abdihakin Abdullahi Haji Omar Amey, Parliament Speaker Saed Hassan Shire, Puntland Defence Forces Commander-In-Chief Gen. Saed Mohamed Hirsi (Saed Dhere), cabinet ministers, parliamentarians and members of the public received President Gaas at Garowe International Airport where he was saluted by army division. Addressing media members at Puntland State House, Dr. Gaas initially conveyed his best wishes to Somalis more generally and Puntland people on the occasion of fasting month of Ramadan.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Al Shabaab has ‘regional agenda’ beyond Somalia, warns UN

29 Jun- Source:Daily Nation/AFP – 224 words

Al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militants have the “capability and intent” to spread their attacks beyond their strongholds in Somalia, a UN special representative warned on Saturday, calling for greater regional cooperation to combat the threat. Al Shabaab “is an organisation that has a regional agenda,” said Nick Kay, the UN’s special representative in Somalia. “The very top leadership of the organisation see themselves as pursuing something above and beyond just a Somalia national agenda. “It has had the capability and intent to carry out attacks across the region for some time,” he said, adding that this intent is “stronger now”. Al Shabaab has recently stepped up attacks against countries that contribute to the 22,000-strong, UN-backed African Union force deployed against them in Somalia since 2007.

Abandoned KDF war boys return to unleash terror

29 Jun – Source: Daily Nation – 327 words

At the height of the al-Shabaab dominance in Somalia five years ago, Kenya grappled with ways of preventing the extremist organisation from spreading into the country. The Transitional Federal Government of Somali (TFG), which had the backing of Kenya and that of the IGAD, was quickly losing its grip of the country and was confined mainly to areas around Mogadishu. Kenya, worried by this state of affairs, decided to team up with IGAD and the American government to help the TFG fight off the al-Shabaab by training its soldiers and boosting their numbers. Security agencies in Kenya, with the help of IGAD, also mooted the concept of creating a secure buffer zone between Kenya and Somalia to stop insecurity from Somalia spilling across the border. With that settled, Kenya embarked on a military recruitment process of Somali nationals to secure the Jubaland region, which neighbours Kenya on the eastern border. However, the noble process was infiltrated by unscrupulous Kenyan elders, who recruited Kenyans instead.

Ban Ki-Moon pledges to support Kenya in fighting terror

28 Jun – Source: Standard Media – 206 words

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon held talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta Saturday and assured him the UN would support Kenya in the fight against terrorism. The meeting between the two leaders followed the United Nations Environmental Assembly forum earlier in the week, attended by 112 ministers from across the globe who were among the 1,200 participants from 160 delegations in Gigiri.“I have had a very fruitful discussion on major political and security issues concerning counter- terrorism in Somalia, South Sudan and the Great Lakes region,” the UN Secretary General said at State House, Nairobi.

Al Shabaab vows to intensify attacks on Djibouti

27 Jun – Source: Africa Review – 306 words

Al Shabaab spokesman Sheikh Ali Mohamoud Raghe alias Sheikh Ali Dhere has said that his militants will keep Djibouti for sending troops to serve under the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom). Speaking on Thursday to Al-Andalus radio which is run by the radical Islamist group, Sheikh Ali Dhere praised the militants who attacked a hotel in Buloburte town, which is about 200 km north of Mogadishu, and which was used as command base by the Djiboutian contingent. “Our fighters will keep on attacking the Djiboutian troops until they withdraw their forces from Somalia,” said Sheikh Ali Dhere. He accused the Djiboutians of working for “foreign forces” in Somalia who are taking advantage of their ability to communicate with the local people in the Somali language.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Islamist Rebels in Somalia Kill 3 as Ramadan Starts

29 Jun – Source: VOA/Reuters – 247 words

Somali expats fear bank curbs on sending money home

27 Jun – Source: Reuters – 225 words

Each month, 42-year-old Abdirizak Alibos shows up at a money transfer business in the heart of Minneapolis to send $500 to his three children in war-torn Somalia. “I send them money that they can pay for … groceries, school fees, that they can buy health insurance, medication,” said Alibos, who escaped to the United States seven years ago and now has a business driving people to medical appointments. “I can say that 50 or 60 percent of my children’s lifeline is remittance,” he said. But he and other Somali expatriates fear that they soon might not be able to give their families any more financial help. It is not money that they are about to run out of but the legal options for sending it home.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“My hope is that, with the benefit of hindsight, the Somali Government will handle this in a more competent and less grandiose fashion than has thus far been the case.”

The renewed US focus on Somalia is a welcome development

28 Jun – Source: Somali Current – 241 words

The renewed US focus on Somalia is a welcome development. But it must be put in its proper context. The primary interest of the US in this regard is containment of terrorism within Somalia’s borders. Another motivation could be the desire to head off competition from China and Russia for Somalia’s natural resources. Further, we should not forget that the Somali peninsula continues to hold especial allure to the world’s powers for its strategic location. And, finally, let’s face it, the US expects Somalia to toe the line behind Ethiopia and Kenya both of which loom much larger in America’s geopolitical calculus for the region than does Somalia. Somalia is too fragile, too needy, and too unskilled in the ways of diplomacy, to take advantage of this situation. What’s more, this development has the potential of providing the Somali Government with a false sense of success in much the same way when the Government of President Hassan Sh. Mahamoud was granted full recognition by the US.

“Yet numbers of questions remain: Is this really a “new” U.S foreign policy? What does it mean anyway and what driving this “new” policy? And what can the United States and the Somalia governments get out of this, if any?”

“New” U.S. foreign policy in Somalia

28 Jun – Source: Somali Current – 161 words

Wendy Sherman, the United States under Secretary of the State, Political Affairs Office – gave much talked about speech on U.S foreign policy towards Somalia at the United States Institute for Peace. The hour-long speech covered many areas and produced a significant announcement: After more than 20 years, the United States government is planning to appoint an ambassador to Somalia “soon.” It has been 20 years since Washington closed its mission in Mogadishu on January 5th, 1991. Now, the Obama administration, according to the under Secretary, has decided to name an ambassador to Somalia “soon” based on its deepening relationship with the country and the “faith that better times are ahead.”