March 16, 2015 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Somali President Dissolves Judiciary Commission

14 March – Source: Hiiraan Online /Radio Goobjoog – 174 Words

Somalia’s president dissolved a high-level judiciary commission, a strike against the judicial system, sparking controversy in the government which is struggling to build the country’s judiciary system after more than two decades of war. In a decree issued on Friday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud dissolved the judiciary commission service on Saturday saying that there is no legal basis for their existence according to somali constitution.

The development has stirred controversy across Somalia’s political circle as the dismissed officials and serving judiciary officials including the current chief justice Aideed Ilkahanaf described the dismissal as ‘illegal’ and contrary to the country’s constitution. Officials in the judiciary commission issued a statement accusing the Somali president of acting above the constitution and saying that he has no power to dismiss the judiciary commission without the parliament’s approval. Somalia’s judicial system often ranked as one of the most corrupt in the world has made a steady progress for the past two years.

Key Headlines

Ahlu Sunna Sends Stern Warning To Somali Government (Somali Current)
Puntland Reviews Education Policy (Garowe Online)
Ambassador Kay Arrives In Baidoa (Radio Bar-kulan)
IJA Forces Launch Security Sweep In Kismayo (Radio Goobjoog)
Somalia Lauds Saudi Arabia Decision To Ban Import of Charcoal (Somali Current/Horseed Media)
SNA Commanders In Jalalaqsi Claim Victory Over Clashes With Al-Shabaab (Radio Goobjoog)
Attacks Raise Concerns On Who Wants Mandera Governor Ali Roba Dead (Daily Nation)
Three Dead In Attack On Mandera Governor Ali Roba’s Convoy (Daily Nation)
Inspector General Joseph Boinnet Visits Mandera County Following Attack (Standard Media)
Senior US Security Official Sarah Sewall Tours East Africa In Bid To Counter Terrorism (Daily Nation)
Al-Shabaab Attacks Somalia Town; 2 Troops Killed (World Bulletin)
Somalia Reports Capture Of 4 Suspected Militants (VOA News)
Midwives In China-Built Hospital Bring Solace To Somali Women (Global Post/Xinhua)
The Love For Basketball Thrives On In Mogadishu. (AMISOM)
Somaliland: Independent Journalists Are Endangered Species (Hiraan Online)

SOMALI MEDIA

Ahlu Sunna Sends Stern Warning To Somali Government

15 March – Source: Somali Current – 210 Words

Statement released by Ahlusunaa Wal-Jamaca sends stern warning to the government of Somalia that they will bear the responsibilities should the peace deal breaks down.The peace deal between Ahlu Sunna Wal –Jamaca and the federal government that was signed on March 6th, 2015 indicates the two sides should stop fighting and talks to resumes March 16th, 2015 to permanently end the recurring fighting. Statement issued by the group said “we are here to remind the government should the peace deal breaks off, the government should bear the responsibilities because they failed to address the agreement of the peace deal”.

On the other hand, the Somali government has so far not issued a statement as the group earlier refused to withdraw their troops from the town of Guricel claiming that it was not part of the deal. Fifteen people died last month when fighting erupted town of Guricel, 400 KM North from the Somali capital between Somali forces and fighters allied to Ahlu Sunna Wal–Jamaca. The clashes of the two is part of a power struggle sparked by politicians and former warlords in Galgadud Region. Ahlu Sunna Wal-Jameeca is Somalia based paramilitary group consisting moderate Suffis that control towns in Central Somalia.

Puntland Reviews Education Policy

15 March – Source: Garowe Online – 273 Words

The President of Somalia’s Puntland Government Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has launched a two-day major conference on education sector with a national-level delegation, international partners and education sector stakeholders present in the state capital of Garowe on Sunday, Garowe Online reports. The event took place at Puntland Development Research Center (PDRC) building and held under the theme: “Expanding access to Quality and Equitable Education in Puntland,” was attended by Federal Government of Somalia’s Minister for Higher Education Khadra Bashir Ali, high-ranking Puntland government officials and international partners representatives.

In his opening remarks, Puntland Education Minister Ali Haji Warsame said that the review into the education policy for 2015/2016 is aimed at assessment of challenges in the ending year and setting goals and priorities in the incoming year. Warsame indicated that his ministry will improve access to quality and equitable education for boys and girls across the north eastern state. Meanwhile, Somalia Minister for Higher Education Ali expressed her delight with the progress being made by Puntland in the education sector, noting that they are keen to take advantage of the state’s experience.

Puntland President commended Ministry of Education for its efforts of ensuring viable education system, and announced a new initiative that would lead to the recruitment of additional 200 teachers for the primary, intermediate and secondary schools. “If we don’t educate our people, if we don’t get technology and if we don’t develop economic sectors, we will not enjoy development and we will not move forward,” President Ali said at the conference. Puntland, located in northern Somalia harmonized secondary school curriculum, and adopted higher education policy in August 2014.

Ambassador Kay Arrives In Baidoa

15 March – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 69 Words

A delegation that is being led by the UN SRSG, Ambassador Nicholas Kay has arrived in Baydhabo , the headquarters of Bay region. The delegation was welcomed by the President of interim administration of South–West Somalia, Shariff Hassan Sheikh Adan and some of his ministers. The two sides discussed the bolstering of the security in the area and enhancing the agenda before the interim administration of Southwest state.

IJA Forces Launch Security Sweep In Kismayo

15 March – Source – Radio Goobjoog – 95 Words

Interim Jubba Administration (IJA) forces have been conducting massive security sweep in Kismayo town and areas around it for the last 24 hours. Commanders in charge of the operation said that the inspection was intended to beef up the security of the capital administrative IJA Kismayo and undisclosed number of people suspected being Al-Shabaab members were apprehended. The security forces of IJA were seen patrolling every corner of the town. The operation which was conducted by the security forces has curtailed the movement of people and public vehicles.

Somalia Lauds Saudi Arabia Decision To Ban Import of Charcoal

15 March – Source: Somali Current/Horseed Media – 199 Words

Somalia Ministry of Livestock and forestry Saed Hassan has lauded Saudi Arabia a decision to ban importing charcoal from the war torn nation amid his government trying to stop the illegal business. Speaking to the media Saed Hassan said “My government welcomes the decision which will save our environment that has been devastated for so many years by this unlawful business”. The Minister has called other Gulf nations to follow the path of Saudi Arabia as it will help to end the illegal business. The decision will negatively impact the illegal charcoal industry since 80% of Somali charcoal is imported to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia uses Somali charcoal as a luxury item and it is used for cooking particularly grilling. The charcoal is also used as heating source in restaurants, homes and during winter. Since the collapse of the central government, Somalia has been a haven for many environmentally destruction illegal activities such as toxic waste dumping and illegal fishing by international fishing companies.

SNA Commanders In Jalalaqsi Claim Victory Over Clashes With Al-Shabaab

14 March – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 92 Words

Somali military commanders in Jalaqsi town claimed victory over clashes with Al-Shabab fighters on the outskirts of town. The commander of Somali National Army Col. Omar Hassan Omar has told Goobjoog News that they defeated Al-shabaab fighters in the area after heavy fighting. “We killed seven Al-Shabaab fighters and 15 others sustained injuries” Omar said. He added that the battle started after Al-Shabaab fighter attacked the town. The militant group has yet to comment on the claims made Somali military. There have been consistent skirmishes between SNA and Al-shabaab in many towns of Hiran region.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Attacks Raise Concerns On Who Wants Mandera Governor Ali Roba Dead

15 March – Source – Daily Nation – 910 Words

A wave of deadly attacks launched by Al-Shabaab and long-standing conflicts among rival clans threaten to turn Mandera County into a killing field. Despite assurances from the government that the county is safe, the militants, who have claimed responsibility for the attacks — the latest being one on Friday that left four people dead — seem to perpetuate violence with impunity. Mandera Governor Ali Roba, who escaped unhurt in that attack, said the government must do more to assure the safety of Mandera residents.

Speaking to the Sunday Nation on Friday, an emotional Mr Roba said this was the fifth attempt on his life, and he questioned the national government’s seriousness to safeguard his life. “I cannot stop living my life because of consistent terrorism yet security personnel are protecting another nation,” said Mr Roba, holding back tears.He was referring to the continued stay in Somalia of the Kenya Defence Forces under the African Union Mission.The youthful governor, a pilot by profession, said he was “frustrated beyond words” by the national government.

Inspector General Joseph Boinnet Visits Mandera County Following Attack

14 March – Source – Standard Media – 106 Words

Inspector General of police Joseph Boinnet on Saturday morning went to Mandera following Friday’s gun attack on Mandera Governor Ali Roba’s convoy. Boinnet was accompanied by General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Joel Kitili and senior police officers. The attack that left 4 killed and 6 injured came just days after the Boinnet was sworn in. This is his first official visit as the Inspector general. The victims are recuperating and will be flown into Nairobi for specialised treatment. The governors convoy was on a visit in one of the divisions in the area when the attack happened. Al-Shabaab has since claimed it carried out the attack.

Senior US Security Official Sarah Sewall Tours East Africa In Bid To Counter Terrorism

14 March – Source – Daily Nation – 305 Words

A high-ranking US State Department official is visiting Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to discuss strategies for preventing terrorism.Sarah Sewall, the Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, is expected to meet Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery in Nairobi.The meeting is a follow-up to last month’s White House Summit to Counter Violent Extremism. Mr Nkaiserry led a Kenyan delegation to the three-day session in Washington attended by ministers from 60 nations. The ministers discussed ways of dissuading youth from joining groups such as the Al-Shabaab.Ms Sewall’s tour comes amidst growing concerns over Al-Shabaab’s recruitment of Kenyan youth to carry out attacks.She will travel to Mombasa to meet political, religious, security and civil-society leaders.The State Department said on Friday that the tour will start on March 12 to 20.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Al-Shabaab Attacks Somalia Town; 2 Troops Killed

15 March – Source: World Bulletin – 87 Words

Al-Shabab kills senior Somali military officer in an attack. The group claimed responsibility through affiliated media outlets Al-Shabaab members raided the house of a senior Somali military officer in Gedo overnight, killing him and five family members.”I can confirm that officer Iman Adow and members of his family were killed in the night attack by Al-Shabaab militants in Luuq town,” Guled Awale, an official of the Gedo region authority, told on Sunday.The armed groups members killed Adow’s wife, two children, his mother-in-law and his brother-in-law.

Somalia Reports Capture Of 4 Suspected Militants

14 March – Source: VOA News – 186 Words

Somali government forces have captured four suspected Islamist militants, a spokesman for the state security agency said Saturday.Qasim Ahmed Roble told reporters that the four suspected members of the terrorist group al-Shabab were shown to the media in the capital, Mogadishu.He said the suspects opened fire on Somali security forces Friday night while officers were conducting a security operation.Qasim said one of the suspects is in his early 60s, adding that “many people believe that most al-Shabab members are misled young boys.”

Al-Shabab is fighting for an Islamic state governed by strict interpretation of the Quran. The group has suffered setbacks in recent years, as government troops, backed by African Union forces, regained control of the capital and other territories that had been taken by al-Shabab. But its members continue to stage sporadic attacks in Mogadishu and elsewhere in Somalia. The number of the attacks has increased in the past week.On Thursday, an apparent U.S. drone strike reportedly killed Adan Garaar, a top al-Shabab leader. Garaar was suspected of having links with the gunmen who attacked Nairobi’s Westgate Mall in 2013.

Midwives In China-Built Hospital Bring Solace To Somali Women

14 March – Source: Global Post/Xinhua – 423 Words

When China constructed the maternity wing of Somalia’s biggest public referral hospital four decades ago, little did they know that this department would stand to be the source of hope for Somali mothers.The dream of providing quality and affordable maternity services for Somali women did not stop there, as several Somalis flew to China to study various courses in the medical field in order to realize this dream. Maryam Omar Salad, a midwife at Banadir Hospital, is among a number of medical practitioners who were trained in China and are now applying the knowledge they acquired in China to save lives in their own country.

“My trip to China to study midwifery for three years was transformative. I did not only return with the knowledge and skill but also with a more expanded worldview,” Salad told Xinhua in an interview at the hospital in Mogadishu. “I got a good experience from China on best midwifery practices and I am able to apply them here for the betterment of our mothers and children,” she added.Salad, however, paints a rather gloomy picture of the state of the midwifery department which has been overstretched over the years, saying most of the only existing facilities were donated by the Chinese government some years ago and there has been no expansion despite increasing usage.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“The players say they are captivated and indeed motivated by their huge fan base.“I never thought such a huge crowd of people will come to watch this game played at night. This shows the people love sports. They never used to get an opportunity to watch games before and that is why they have filled up the stadium to come and watch us play,” said Yasin Ahmed Mahamud, guard, Heegan basketball player.”

The Love For Basketball Thrives On In Mogadishu

15 March – Source: AMISOM – 540 Words

The Haji Abdullahi Yabarow basketball stadium also known as the Wiish Stadium in Mogadishu was a buzz of activity, fun and flair on the evening of Friday 13th March 2015. Located in Abdiaziz district, this is one of the oldest neighborhood in Mogadishu, now thronged by Somali men, women, boys and girls for a fun evening, watching a basketball game. Basketball has a special place in Somalia. Each of the 16 districts in Mogadishu has a basketball court even though most of them are dilapidated, having been destroyed during the civil war.Hundreds of fans turned up for the game between the police outfit Heegan and their rivals from the military Horseed. The closely fought game ended in victory for Heegan who won by 65 baskets against Horseed’s 51 in the General Daud Cup, the second most coveted trophy in the Somalia Basketball Federal (SBF) league which kicked off on February.

“These charges were used during the 20th century by communists, fascists and other dictators to eliminate those they suspected challenged their authority. The number of people, who were killed by dictators in the 20th century, the bloodiest century in human history, is estimated to be about 260 million people. These are loaded words – treason, betrayal of the nation, enemy of the people- that should never be used in Hargeisa against anybody. The fact is those journalists are as patriotice as any body else.”

Somaliland: Independent Journalists Are Endangered Species

13 March – Source: Hiraan Online – 679 Words

On March 8, 2015, two TV journalists were imprisoned in Berbera. The two, Abdirahman Mohamed Egeh of Royal TV and Mubarak Osman Said of Star TV, were imprisoned for allegedly betraying the Nation.In November 2014, four radio journalists were jailed in Hargeisa and their radio equipment confiscated. In a piece posted on February 26, 2015, Somaliland.org, the flagship internet mouth piece for the Silanyo Administration, provided an update of the status of the radio journalists in a news item entitled: “Update of Radio BAADI-GOOB Staff & Equipment that were engaged in the Destruction of the Nation (Qaran Dumis)”.

It quoted the prosecutor for Marodi Jeeh region, Abdikarim Ahmed, as saying the case is nearing a conclusion after three sessions. According to the website, the prosecutor pointed out “the four defendants have confessed that they were the ones operating the radio and for disseminating the material they are alleged to have broadcasted” adding that “we have brought before the court the equipment for the radio and the defendants led by Yonis Farah Osman”. The prosecutor said the defendants were charged with the possession of illegal radio equipment, disseminating false information and songs inciting the people to revolt against the State. He added Yonis Farah Osman owned the majority ownership in the equipment and accused the defendants of working for WADANI party.