March 19, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

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“Your courage and conviction inspire a nation,” President Hassan tells wounded soldiers

18 Mar – Source: Office of the Somali President – 239 words

His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today praised the bravery of Somali and Djiboutian soldiers during a visit to the AMISOM hospital in Mogadishu.

“You are at the frontline of a campaign against an evil, deluded enemy who has lost sight of what is right and you have paid a heavy price in the line of duty,” the President said. “I thank you for your sacrifice, I pay tribute to your courage and conviction which inspires a nation and I tell you today that your suffering will not have been in vain as we drive extremists out of Somalia for good. I wish you a safe and speedy recovery. May Allah bless you.”

Somali National Army and Djiboutian contingent AMISOM soldiers were wounded during the liberation of Bula Burde in Hiiraan region earlier this week.

The President also paid tribute to those who had lost their lives during the al Shabaab attack and sent his condolences to their families and loved ones for their “bitter loss”.

“This military campaign has started extremely well and al Shabaab is in headlong flight across Somalia,” the President said. “But as we drive out our enemies Somalis should also expect some difficulties and bad news in the days ahead as the extremists who are on the verge of extinction lash out desperately. Be assured that we will never let up, we will fight with brave hearts and great pride and we will prevail.”

Key Headlines

AMISOM condemns attack in Buulo Burte town in Beledweyne (Amisom)
Prime Minister: We are winning the war and now is the time for al Shabaab to renounce violence (Office of the Prime Minister)
Somalia reappears at Inter Parliamentary Union (Hiiraan Online)
AMISOM confirms death of three African peacekeepers forces in Buulo Burte (VOA)
Car bomb kills senior Puntland security official (Radio Bar-Kulan)
UAE appoints new ambassador to Somalia (Radio Goob Joog)
Suicide car bomb kills 20 soldiers in central Somalia town (Raxanreeb)
14 feared dead in al Shabaab car bomb explosion (Africa Review)
Somali suicide bomber attacks newly captured town: security official (AFP/BBC)
Al Shabaab ‘planning’ major Uganda attack (AFP)

PRESS STATEMENT

“Your courage and conviction inspire a nation,” President Hassan tells wounded soldiers

18 Mar – Source: Office of the Somali President – 239 words

His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today praised the bravery of Somali and Djiboutian soldiers during a visit to the AMISOM hospital in Mogadishu.

Somali National Army and Djiboutian contingent AMISOM soldiers were wounded during the liberation of Bula Burde in Hiiraan region earlier this week.

The President also paid tribute to those who had lost their lives during the al Shabaab attack and sent his condolences to their families and loved ones for their “bitter loss”.

AMISOM condemns attack in Buulo Burte town in Beledweyne

18 Mar – Source: AMISOM – 196 words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif today strongly condemned the cowardly attack on AMISOM and Somali National Forces in Buulo Burte.

During the 3am attack, a vehicle filled with explosives rammed into one of the gates housing the soldiers in Buulo Burte town located 125 kilometres from Beledweyne in South Central Somalia, killing AMISOM and SNA troops and injuring others.

Ambassador Annadif expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Djiboutian contingent and Somali National Army following the loss of life of the soldiers, adding that AMISOM will not be deterred in its determination to secure the safety of the Somali people.

“AMISOM today stands with the fallen soldiers, these are some of the inevitable setbacks that we encounter as we fight to purge Somalia of the terrorists,” said Ambassador Annadif, as he praised the bravery and sacrifice made by the troops.

The Somali National Army and AMISOM troops captured the strategic town of Buulo Burte on the 13th of March. Buulo Burte was the supply nerve centre and home to hundreds of the al Qaeda linked terrorists, which they also used a springboard for launching their terrorist activities.

Prime Minister: We are winning the war and now is the time for al Shabaab to renounce violence

18 Mar – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 323 words

The National Security Council met today, chaired by His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and attended by H.E Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, government ministers and senior military and security officials to discuss the ongoing military operations against Al-Shabaab and government stabilisation plans.

Speaking after the National Security Council meeting Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, said:
“I want to thank and praise the bravery of the Somali National Army and our AMISOM brothers in their successful fight against al Shabaab. The Somali people have welcomed the forces with open arms and I urge them to continue to support and work with the forces in securing newly liberated areas.

“It is only right to pay tribute and send my condolences to those injured and killed in last night’s attack in Bula Burde. This is a reminder that despite the achievements of our forces over the past two weeks we can never be complacent or rest until al Shabaab is eradicated from Somalia. We will not cease our operations till all of Somalia and all Somalis are free from the horror and oppression of al Shabaab.

“We are winning the war and now is the time for al Shabaab to renounce violence.” Security Council discussed the stabilization and urgent requirements of liberated towns: “right now there is a critical need for food aid to be delivered to those affected by the fighting, with many businesses and traders destroyed or forced out by al Shabaab.

The government has started food convoys to deliver aid to the most vulnerable but we do not have the capacity to be able to support the large numbers in need. We are appealing to the international community for assistance in providing food aid,” the Prime Minister said.

The National Security Council was also attended by Minister of Defence, Mohamed Sheikh Hassan; Interior Minister, Abdullahi Godah Barre; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdirahman Duale Beyle; Commander of Defence Forces, General Elmi and Chief of Police, General Saciid.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somalia reappears at Inter Parliamentary Union

18 Mar – Source: Hiiraan Online – 6 words

A Somali delegate is participating in the International Parliamentary Union meeting which officially opened in Switzerland on Monday. Lawmaker Abdullahi Ahmed Hussein is representing Somalia in the global conference. Somalia’s attendance at the International parliament conference is the first since the country regained its Inter parliament membership recently after 40 years of absence from the global platform.
The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has officially opened the conference before the IPU Secretary General Mr. Anders Johnson takes over the conference leadership on Monday.

AMISOM confirms death of three African peacekeepers forces in Buulo Burte

18 Mar – Source: VOA Somali Service – 104 words

African union mission in Somalia( AMISOM) confirmed the death of three African peacekeeping troops and other three Somali National Army forces after Al-shabab waged a car bomb attack on a base controlled by government forces near a hotel in Bulo Burde last night. The spokesman of AMISOM Ali Adan Humud while speaking to VOA Somali Service Tuesday stated that three AMISOM troops ( Djiboutian forces) and three government forces were killed during the car bomb attack and seven al Shabaab fighters. He said over 10 people also sustained injuries. The spokesman added that all wounded people were rushed to Mogadishu where they are now being treated.

Sheikh Ali Dheere: “Our attack resulted death of foreigners”

18 Mar – Source: Radio Shabelle – 105 words
The spokesman for the al Shabaab movement Sheikh Mohamud Raage (Ali Dheere) said that they were behind the attack on an AMISOM convoy in-between Mogadishu and Afgoye. Furthermore, Sheikh Ali Dheere said that al Shabaab were also behind the killing of Jaamac Afgadud, a senior Puntland military official in Bosaso, provincial capital city of Bari. “Yesterday’s attack on an AMISOM convoy resulted in our killing of AMISOM and American officials,” said Sheikh Ali Dheere.. Al Shabaab carried out the attack by filling a car with explosives and drove the vehicle near the Calamada territory targeting an AMISOM convoy.

Car bomb kills senior Puntland security official

18 Mar – Source: Bar-kulan – 89 words

Colonel Said Warsame a senior security officer in semi autonomous region of Puntland who led war against al Shabaab militant group has been killed. Colonel Warsame died in a military hospital in the port city of Bosaso after he sustained injuries from an explosive device that was planted in his car outskirts of Bosaso. Colonel Warsame was leading Puntland security contingents fighting Al-Shabaab militant group in the mountainous areas of Galgala. Puntland President Abdiweli Ali Gas has called for international help for fight against al Shabaab militant group.

UAE appoints new ambassador to Somalia

18 Mar – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 108 words

Four new Ambassadors took an oath today at the Presidential Palace before the Vice President, prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to take over their new positions in a number of countries and international organizations. Mohamed Ahmed Osman was appointed As UAE ambassador to Somalia to represent and promote the diplomatic ties between his country and Somalia. The Vice President urged the four envoys to honestly represent their country and people, as well as pledge loyalty to the leadership and gave them confidence to serve the political, social, cultural and economic interests of the U.A.E with other countries.

Suicide car bomb kills 20 soldiers in central Somalia town

18 Mar – Source: Raxanreeb – 132 words

At least 20 soldiers, including two senior officers were killed in a suicide car bomb that hit a hotel in Buulo Burte town, where government and AMISOM officials were sleeping around 2.20p.m local time on Tuesdaymorning. The Chief military officer in Hiran region, Col. Mohamed Amin Adan Jesow was among those killed in the attack, according to former Hiran governor Yusuf Ahmed Hagar who has survived from the attack. At least six soldiers of the AMISOM forces from the Djibouti contingent were killed in the attack. According to local sources, the suicide car bomb with no lights was seen suddenly as it approached Hotel Camaloow as most of the hotel guards and security officials were sleeping. Heavy explosion was heard as then a fierce gun battle followed, the locals said.

Somaliland President Silanyo Commits to Development of Sanaag Region

18 Mar – Source: Somaliland Sun – 104 words

The government is deeply committed towards the development of Sanaag region thence bring it to par with the rest of the country. This was stated by the President of Somaliland Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo during an address to the residents of El afweyn district in Sanaag region who had turned in large numbers to welcome the head of state and his entourage to their town. The president entourage that consist of the First Lady, members of his cabinet and other senior officials have successfully travelled using the most terrain roads covering most of the western regions , northern and the furthest eastern points of Somaliland.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Mombasa terror plot mastermind arrested, more weapons found

18 Mar – Source: Capital FM – 171 words

Police in Mombasa on Tuesday arrested a third terror suspect and recovered more weapons from the explosives-laden vehicle that was seized on Monday evening in Changamwe. The suspect was arrested by anti-terror police officers acting on highly placed intelligence information among security agencies. He is believed to be the mastermind of the foiled attack and had escaped the dragnet when his two accomplices were arrested. The suspects arrested on Monday were planning to detonate explosives targeting unspecific buildings in Mombasa County. They were arraigned in court on Tuesday to answer various charges but were not allowed to take plea. According to Coast County Commissioner Nelson Marwa, bomb experts on Tuesdayrecovered additional items that include six powerful explosive cylinders weighing 60kg that were mounted in the vehicle. Marwa said a team of bomb experts also recovered six grenades, an AK-47 rifle, 270 rounds of ammunition and five detonators that included a cell phone. Addressing the media at the Mombasa Police Headquarters, Marwa said the team had managed to disable the explosives.

14 feared dead in al Shabaab car bomb explosion

18 Mar – Source: Africa Review – 176 words

Fourteen people are feared dead following a Somali Islamist fighters attack on a hotel in a strategic central town of Bulo-burde. The militants, who lost control of Buulo Burte last week, exploded a car outside the hotel where African Union (AU) peacekeepers and Somali army commanders were staying, witnesses said. Gunfire continued for five hours and about 14 people – fighters from all sides – died, they said. The al Shabaab Islamist group said it was behind the attack and that 30 AU and army commanders had been killed. The authorities have yet to comment on the attack and communications to the central Hiran region went down not long after the fighting and gunfire ended. Al Shabaab, which is linked to al Qaeda, has waged an eight-year insurgency to overthrow the weak UN-backed government and create an Islamic state in Somalia. Witnesses said the car blast happened at 02:00 local time (23:00GMT) and the fighting went on till about 07:00. About 24 people were also wounded in the raid and have been taken to hospital, they said.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somali suicide bomber attacks newly captured town: security official

18 Mar – Source: AFP/BBC – 161 words

A suicide bomber in Somalia rammed a car packed full of explosives into a hotel in a southern town, days after it was recaptured from the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab, security officials said Tuesday. The explosion, which locals said left at least eight people dead, is the latest in a string of attacks launched in apparent retaliation to a new offensive by African Union troops seeking to capture bases from the Shebab. Regional nations, whose troops are fighting in Somalia, have also warned of the threat of attacks on their own soil. “There was a suicide attack involving terrorists at a hotel in Buulo Burde,” security official Sulieman Adam told AFP, of the attack that took place late on Monday. “Four of the attackers were also killed,” he added. AU soldiers, who are fighting the al Shabaab alongside Somali government troops, and who captured the small town from the Islamists last week, were reported to have been staying in the hotel that was attacked.

Al Shabaab ‘planning’ major Uganda attack

18 Mar – Source: AFP – 151 words

Uganda warned Tuesday that Somalia’s al Qaeda linked Al-Shabaab insurgents were planning to use fuel tankers as bombs, one day after Kenya thwarted a “massive” car bomb attack. Both Uganda and Kenya are key contributors of troops to the African Union force fighting the al Shabaab in Somalia, and the Islamists have carried out major attacks in both countries in retaliation in the past. “We have received credible information to the effect that al Shabaab are planning to blow up fuel trucks in Kampala to cause extensive damage to people and property,” Ugandan police chief Kale Kayihura said in a statement. “The public is asked to be very vigilant and help the police and report any suspicious movement or activity”. Al Shabaab bombers killed at least 76 people in Uganda’s capital Kampala in 2010. On Monday, Kenyan police arrested two men driving a vehicle packed with explosives in the Indian Ocean port city of Mombasa.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“There is little doubt that Mogadishu’s real estate market is red hot, fueled by foreign capital and investment by Somalis themselves, including members of the diaspora.”

Bullets to Boomtown: The Making of Contemporary Mogadishu

18 Mar- New Left Project- 2712 Words

In a recently released report, Amnesty International draws attention to forced evictions in Mogadishu, Somalia. The target of these particular evictions are internally displaced peoples (IDPs). Many of these are refugees of the war that plagued the country for much of the past two decades, while others are refugees of poverty and famine in Somalia’s rural areas. Over the years, thousands of IDPs settled in abandoned buildings, both public and private, in the center of Mogadishu. Largely ignored, or at least tolerated, many slowly became a part of the urban fabric. But as the civil war winds down, authorities and investors have initiated a redevelopment of the city center and by many accounts the city is booming. The presence of internally displaced people in the city has, as a result, become a thorn in the side of ambitious city builders and evictions are their response. Amnesty’s report documents not only the complete absence of due process as people are forced out of their homes, but also the central role of violence in driving internally displaced populations from the city center and out into the urban periphery. It would, however, be a mistake to attribute the treatment of IDPs merely to the violent legacy of the city’s very recent past.