March 13, 2012 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Ethiopian troops set to leave Somalia by end of April: AU

09 Mar – Source: Reuters – 190 words

Ethiopia, which has deployed hundreds of troops inside Somalia to rout Islamist insurgents, is set to withdraw from the war-ravaged country by the end of April with Djibouti, Uganda and Burundi poised to step in, the African Union said on Friday.

Key Headlines

TFG al Shabaab clash in parts of Bay region (Radio Bar-Kulan)
Al Shabaab shell IDPs camp 7 wounded (RaxanreebBBC Somali Service)
WFP delegation arrives in Baidoa town; pledges help (Shabelle)
TFG names admin for Hiiraan region (SONNA)
U.S supports Somalia’s political process says Wendy Sherman (Radio Bar-Kulan)
Central Somali region bans Unicef WHO from operating in area (Radio Galkacyo)
Four arrested over grenade attacks (The Star)
Kenyan gov’t blames al Shabaab for bus park blasts (NTV)

PRESS STATEMENT

SRSG Mahiga’s letter to the Somali People

10 Mar – Source UNPOS – 1149 words

As-Salaamu Alaikum.

It has been nearly six weeks since I last wrote, having newly relocated to Mogadishu. I have settled in the capital where being our close proximity to and daily engagement with our Somali interlocutors is helping us to “make up for lost time.” I continue to encourage other members of the international community to join us here without delay to show their continued engagement with Somalia and to be on the ground to help advance the peace process.

The past few weeks have been full of dramatic events. The country is still embroiled in a parliamentary crisis which has frozen even the most basic activities of the lawmakers. Parliament cannot pass legislation or carry out routine tasks. Somalia simply cannot afford to be in this impasse at this key point in its history.

Not only does the ongoing power struggle risk derailing the substantial gains that Somali stakeholders and their partners have so painstakingly made, it is holding key processes hostage, such as the approval of the National Security and Stabilization Plan. I am concentrating my efforts on engaging the parties to find a way out of this crisis and to ensure that they get back to work for the benefit of Somalia.

Despite the sobering backdrop of the current situation, we are successfully meeting significant milestones in the Roadmap to end the transition. Following the first Somali National Consultative Constitutional Conference in Garowe, Puntland State, in December, where the steps to end the transition were introduced, we held a second successful Constitutional Conference from 15-17 February. This event, known as Garowe II, articulated a clear vision for Somalia’s future government, comprising a federal system with an upper and lower house and membership comprised of at least 30 percent women. Adoption of the draft Constitution by the National Constituent Assembly has been set for 22 May 2012.

If there is a key point that has emerged from the Garowe process, which has been broadly inclusive and has relied heavily on the input and influence of a broad array of civil society members, it is the realization that the transitional processes are neither exclusive nor top down. A Constituent Assembly that looks like Somalia – with as many as 1,000 Somalis from various communities – will be established. Representation will come from the grassroots. This will require an enormous amount of work to meet the deadlines that have been set. The world is watching and we have no time to lose.

This past week I briefed the UN Security Council via video link from Mogadishu on the considerable progress that has been made in the Somalia peace process. With the Security Council resolution 2036 (22 February 2012) to expand the strength of and the UN’s support to AMISOM, the AU forces will be in a position to further stabilize the security situation in Mogadishu and beyond. Already AMISOM has made significant gains, and with the addition of the Kenyan Defense Forces, we expect with that this trend will continue. As the number of recovered areas grows, it will be a priority to support the TFG to promote social reconciliation, restore law, order and justice and encourage the timely formation of local administrations through consultative and inclusive processes. As I have often said, the Somali population must feel the benefit of the peace dividend as soon as possible.

Another message I shared with the Security Council was a word of warning to ‘spoilers’ – those who are benefiting from exploiting the protracted conflict that has prevailed in Somalia over the past two decades. Recently a number of unflattering comments have been made in the media about my opinions in this regard. Let me clarify this point: there is a role for all people of goodwill in the political process. Spoilers, however, who do not want stability in Somalia or who are trying to circumvent the political process whether groups or individuals and regardless of their political or religious affiliations, must be identified and deterred.

It is against this backdrop that my remarks ought to be understood. I remain deeply concerned by the conscious efforts by groups and individuals to derail the Roadmap, engineer another extension of the transition and to obstruct inclusiveness which the Roadmap and the Garowe process seek to accomplish.
I regret that my comments have been interpreted in some quarters as anti-religious and counter to freedom of political expression as well as a criticism of the Executive Branch of government.

I apologize for any misunderstanding. On the contrary, my goal was to highlight the dangers inherent in any one group exerting undue political influence due to their proximity to political power. Over the past week, I have had a series of productive and enlightening discussions with religious leaders, elders and statesmen concerning the Al-Sheikh group and their interpretation of Islam. In these discussions, my interlocutors confirmed their support to the Roadmap process and, for my part, I reaffirmed my enduring commitment to the overall success of the Somali peace process. I encourage and welcome political pluralism in the run-up to ending the transition in electing the next leadership as well as of the post-August dispensation.

I travelled recently to the United Kingdom to participate in the London Conference on Somalia. It was not just another international meeting the conference injected fresh momentum into the political process and demonstrated the commitment from key members of the international community to help move the Somali peace process forward in a constructive and coordinated manner. Somalia has yearned for this type of high level attention for years. A clear message that emerged from London was that outreach and national reconciliation must embrace the whole of Somalia and must span all levels of society. We are looking forward to addressing these issues further at the Istanbul II conference in Turkey in June. I call on all Somalis to seize this moment of opportunity.

I was saddened this week to learn of the killing of Ali Ahmed Abdi, a contributor to Somalia Online and a former journalist of Radio Galkayo. He is the fourth Somali journalist killed this year. So far no one has been arrested in relation to any of these murders. This is unacceptable. Somali journalists are working in incredibly difficult conditions to keep the pressure on the criminal elements trying to intimidate the Somali population. Freedom of expression is a critical element of the peace and reconciliation process. I have offered the support of the UN Political Office for Somalia to assist in any way possible.

I close this message with a word of recognition to the Somali Civil Society, such as those journalists who are risking their lives to get their stories out, the youth groups who are working for change, and the women’s groups struggling for representation. The Somali status quo will change and the way forward is being led by you, the Somali people. We stand beside you and shall continue to do so.

Warm regards

AU troops to replace Ethopian forces in key Somali cities

10 Mar – Source: AMISOM – 246 words

Somali – African Union troops are set to replace Ethiopian forces in two Somali cities recently taken from Shebab rebels, the AU Commissioner for the Peace and Security Council said Friday.

By the end of April, over 2,500 Djiboutian, Burundian and Ugandan soldiers with the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) are set to move into Beledweyne and Baidoa, where rebels were forced out by Ethiopian forces in recent months.

“Ethiopian troops will not be needed anymore in both places,” AU security head Ramtane Lamamra told reporters. Ethiopian troops and tanks rolled into Somalia in November to support the Somali transitional government in their fight against the al-Qaeda-linked Islamist militants.

Ethiopia says it will leave Somalia as soon as stability is established, although it is far from clear how long that could take. Lamamra did not confirm whether Ethiopian troops will continue their push into Somalia. “For now, it’s mission accomplished and AMISOM would be able to take over in both places,” he said.

Ethiopia’s military incursion is currently receiving no outside financial support, Lamamra added, but he did not rule out extending Ethiopia’s presence in future if greater funding could be secured.

“If we succeed to work out some support package for Ethiopia, we may be in a position to request the government to consider the possibility to help us elsewhere,” he said. The UN Security Council increasedAMISOM troops by nearly 6,000 to 17,731 last month and agreed to provide equipment including helicopters and planes.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali PM returns back home

11 Mar – Source: Radio Mogadishu, SONNA – 133 words

The Somali Prime Minister , Dr Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has Sunday returned back to Mogadishu after attending international talks abroad, reports said. Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali and his entourage had paid visits to Britain, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden and Kenya where he had talks with leaders of those countries.

TFG withdraws its recognition of Khatumo state

10 Mar – Source: Shabelle, VOA Somali Service – 116 words

The TFG has on Saturday announced that it has withdrawn its recognition of the newly established Khatuma state in northern Somalia. A statement from the office of Somali Deputy Prime Minster and Agriculture Minister declared that the Somali government has withdrawn all its recognition of Khatuma state of Somalia in a bid that TFG says the state of Khatuma did not accomplish all needed legal requirements.

TFG, al Shabaab clash in parts of Bay region

11 Mar – Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Hiiraan Online – 134 words

A fierce gun-battle between TFG troops backed by Ethiopian forces and al Shabaab rebel fighters reportedly erupted at an area called Nekeede, 15 km southwest from Baidoa town on Saturday night.
The clash erupted after armed rebel fighters launched attacks on TFG and Ethiopian troops’ bases in the area in an effort to seize control of the area.

Al Shabaab shell IDPs camp, 7 wounded

11 Mar- Source: Raxanreeb, BBC Somali Service-134 words

At least seven IDP’s were wounded after al Shabaab rebels attacked with mortars an IDP camp in Afgoye corridor late on Sunday, witnesses said.
The mortar shelling targeted former factory of medicine near Ex-control junction where hundreds of IDPs are located. Two old women and two children were among the injured people.

WFP delegation arrives in Baidoa town; pledges help

11 Mar – Source: Shabelle – 161 words

A high level delegation from UN’s World Food Program and led by Mark Bowden, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, on Sunday arrived in the town of Baidoa town, 250 km away from Mogadishu, an official said. The trip took place weeks after the Islamist militants were driven away from the city last month by Somali and Ethiopian troops without a single shot.

U.S supports Somalia’s political process, says Wendy Sherman

09 Mar – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 115 words

US Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Wendy Sherman, has said that the U.S supports Somalia’s political process in ending the current transition period in the country. Addressing a press conference in Nairobi on Friday morning, Sherman said she will hold talks tomorrow with the Somali leaders to discuss ways to strengthen security in areas recently wrested control from al Shabaab militant group.

TFG names admin for Hiiraan region

11 Mar- Source: SONNA- 135 words

Reliable sources confirmed to the Somali national news agency that the minister of national security and Home affairs, H. E. A/samad Mo’allim Mohamud is supposed to announce Hiiraan Administration for the coming hours.Reports say that Somali president, H. E. Sharif Sh. Ahmed issued a decree naming the officials of Hiiraan regional Administration recently.

Somaliland detains several government officials for corruption charges

10 Mar – Source: Hiiraan Online – 98 words

Security forces in break-away Somaliland detained several officials for charges related to corruption. Those arrested by the security forces include Hargeisa Provincial Commissioner Ahmed Omar Abdullahi, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Relocation Ahmed Elmi Yare and Adviser of Vice president Osman Said. Somaliland accused these officials of being involved in a corruption scandal linked to misappropriated food aid.

Tense fighting in southwestern Somalia region

11 Mar – Source: Radio Shabelle – 174 words

Tense fighting has been reported on the outskirts of Yurkud village where on Saturday took place a deadly battle between Somali soldiers backed by Ethiopian forces and al Shabaab militants, residents said on Sunday. Locals confirmed that the Ethiopian troops have positioned a new defensive location beyond yesterday’s battlefields around Yurkud village, an area that divides the Gedo and Bay regions of southwestern Somalia.

Central Somali region bans Unicef, WHO from operating in area

11 Mar- Source: Radio Galkacyo- 99 words

Somalia’s Galmudug regional administration has “banned” two UN agencies from operating in its territory. At a news conference held in Gaalkacyo town central Somalia, the deputy health minister of Galmudug Abdullahi Mohamed Hasan has accused two UN agencies – Unicef and WHO – of failing to assist drought-affected people by distributing food and medical assistance.

Galmudug elders voice concern about the ban of Aid agencies

11 Mar – Source: Shabelle – 118 words

Elders and scholars in Mudug’s capital city Galka’yo town of central Somalia have voiced concern about the ban of four international aid agencies from operating in the region after being accused of corruption and other allegations.

Puntland constitution finalized by April 15

11 Mar – Source: Garowe Online – 404 words

Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole signed a decree that states that the Puntland constitution will be officially finalized by the 15 April, Garowe reports.
A press conference for the official signing of the decree was held on Saturday in the presidential palace during which many government officials made remarks about the finalization of the Puntland constitution, including Speaker of Parliament Abdirashid Mohamed Hersi, director of the electoral committee Dr. Mohamed Hassan Bare and finally President Farole.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Shock as six die in grenade attack and 53 still hospitalised

12 Mar – Source: the Standard – 700 words

Kenyans reacted with anger and shock at the grenade attack linked to al Shabaab that killed six and left 53 nursing serious injuries in Nairobi. In total those injured in the criminal attack over which police hve arrested a suspect and questioning three others.

Six al Shabaab killed by KDF in Aglibax

10 Mar – Source: The Star – 249 words

Six al Shabaab fighters have been killed by the Kenya Defence Forces in southern Somalia. The six were killed during a joint KDF and Transitional Federal Government troops in Aglibax, north of Afamadhow. Kenya military spokesman Emmanuel Chirchir said KDF and TFG forces laid an ambush at Aglibax on Thursday afternoon and killed the six. They recovered two AK 47 rifles, two hundred rounds of PKM ammunition and four mortar bombs.

Four arrested over grenade attacks

12 Mar- Source: Standard/Daily Nation- 287 words

Police investigating Saturday night’s grenade attacks are questioning a suspect, as Internal Security Minister George Saitoti blamed Somalia militia al Shabaab for the incident. Also arrested are three other men who were helping the man to move into a house in Umoja Estate hours after the blasts.
Witnesses said police from Anti-Terror Police Unit and Flying Squad confronted them as they unpacked. Sources said the man had been under police watch over a past grenade attack on police officers.

3 killed in suspected Shabaab Nairobi attack

10 Mar- Source: Capital News, AFP- 968 words

At least three people were killed and scores of others injured when multiple grenade explosions rocked downtown Nairobi moments after 8pm on Saturday. Witnesses said the three died on the spot while about 20 people were wheeled into ambulances and rushed to hospital as rescue teams rushed to the scene of the attacks. The witnesses also claim that the grenades were hurled out of a moving vehicle popularly known as pro-box (make Toyota).

Kenyan gov’t blames al Shabaab for bus park blasts

11 Mar-Source: NTV, Daily Nation, Standard- 2:37 min

The government now believes the Somalia-based militant group al Shabaab, may have been behind the grenade attacks on Machakos Country Bus station on Saturday night. Police have also established that the devices used in the attack were hand grenades. The death toll now stands at six.

Kenya military beefs up security along border with Somalia

10 Mar- Source: Coastweek, Xinhua- 525 words

Kenyan authorities said on Saturday they will beef up security along the border with Somalia after the re-hating of the KDF soldiers into AMISOM.
Deputy Police Spokesman Charles Owino said that even after the envisaged re-hatting, the threat of an attack is still present, noting that arrangements will be made to seal off the border where the militia has been getting access.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Nairobi bus station blast toll rises to five: Red Cross

March 11 – Source: Reuters – 315 words

A grenade attack at a bus station in central Nairobi killed five people and wounded 69, the Kenya Red Cross said on Sunday.There was no immediate claim of responsibility. The attack was similar to two strikes at a nearby bus station and a bar that killed one person and wounded more than 20 in October, soon after Kenya sent troops into Somalia to fight Islamist rebels.

Ethiopian troops set to leave Somalia by end of April: AU

09 Mar – Source: Reuters – 190 words

Two killed in Yemen bomb plot, Somali militants caught

11 Mar- Source: Reuters- 186 words

Two men were killed in southern Yemen when a bomb they planned to use in an attack on government forces exploded accidentally late on Saturday, the Interior Ministry said in a statement. “The bodies of the two were ripped apart in the explosion, which happened before they were able to execute their attack,” the ministry said in the statement posted on its website.

Turkish presidency supportive of Kızılay foundation to be established in Somalia

11 Mar- Source: Zaman – 263 words

The Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) aid organization is preparing to establish a foundation that aims to introduce and represent Turkish culture in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, under the auspices of the Turkish presidency. Humanitarian and development assistance from Turkey to famine and conflict-hit Somalia has been ongoing.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“Troubled candidates like Somalia come to the community because they are running away from their demons, and come humbled by the knowledge that they cannot solve many of their problems on their own. They are, as someone put in, “all ripe and ready for marriage.””

Kagame is right: Why not invite Somalia to the EAC?

10 Mar – Source: The East African – 522 Words

When it emerged that the frail government of Somalia had written to Kenya’s President Mwai Kibaki, the current chairman of the East African Community, applying to be admitted into the organisation, I sought the views of Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame. Kagame tends to be outspoken on matters of regional integration, and is the regional leader who was easiest to reach. All I did was post the question on his Twitter page: “So Somalia wants a seat in the East African Community. How do you vote?” He replied; “They and we, are better off having them in EAC.”

“At the end of the day, it is up to the Somalis themselves to lead this campaign of nation-building. I sense that the people of Somalia are already committed to achieving this and that they are no longer willing to compromise their future. They appreciate the Turkish help and any other assistance extended to them, but they are determined to carry the flag themselves. And rightly and deservedly so. By unleashing real human potential in this vibrant Somalia, the people will definitely change the fate of the country for what seems to be a promising future.”

Unleashing people power in Somalia

09 Mar – Source: Todays Zaman – 1406 Words

When I was invited to accompany Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdağ on the Turkish Airlines (THY) maiden journey from İstanbul to Mogadishu this week, I did not hesitate to accept it. The trip gave me the chance to take a tour of the Somali capital and assess the extent to which Turkish humanitarian and development assistance are making a difference on the ground. I must say it is hard not to be impressed with the pace of the massive Turkish effort to help rebuild war-ravaged Somalia in such a short period of time.

In an earlier visit, Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali told Bozdağ that Turkey has done more in three months than the UN did in five years. “UN officials told us that $1.2 billion was transferred to Somalia. We do not know where this money went. There was no hospital or school built or investment in infrastructure made. Only Turks have done all this in a short period of time,” he explained. It is not easy to dismiss Mr. Abdiweli’s bitter remarks, although the UN claims most of the money went to corrupt officials and warlords.

“Somali culture is relatively untouched by outside influences. This makes it very appealing to the adventure traveler. Hopefully, some day soon, Al-Shabab will be defeated, peace will come to Somalia, and visitors will be able to come in. This montage of Wikimedia Commons images shows what Mogadishu used to look like. Sadly, the city doesn’t look so good these days. Here’s hoping it will improve. For now, though, those Turkish Airlines flights will mostly be carrying Somalis coming on business or visiting loved ones.”

Adventure travel in Somalia?

09 Mar – Source: Huffington Post Blog – 672 Words

Will Somalia become the next big adventure travel destination?

Short answer: Not anytime soon.

Long answer: For the first time in two decades, there’s a ray of hope shining across that chaotic land. The Islamist terrorist group Al-Shabab is on the defensive as it gets pummeled by Kenyan, Ethiopian, African Union, and Somali “government” forces. They’ve fled Mogadishu and several other key areas. The battered capital is beginning to enjoy something resembling normal life, as a BBC report shows. They even have traffic police!