March 25, 2013 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Government is in full control of Hudur, says Jawari

24 Mar – Source: Bar-kulan/Raxanreeb – 96 words

Government troops have recaptured the regional capital of Hudur, a week after militants took it after Somali and Ethiopian troops left, speaker of parliament Prof. Jawari has said. Speaking at Baidoa airport, the speaker of the national assembly confirmed that the town came back into the hands of the government. Al Shabaab took control of the town last Sunday after Somali and Ethiopian troops who had held it since March of last year left under unknown circumstances.

Key Headlines

Government launches “New Deal” Task Force to strengthen new system of aid delivery (Prime Minister’s Media Office)
The president pays a visit to the ministry of defence (Shabelle)
Al Shabaab detain elder in Burday village Hiiraan region (Bar-Kulan)
Gov’t troops and Ethiopian troops attack al Shabaab bases in Gedo (Shabelle)
Top gov’t officials in Kismayo ahead of planned PM’s visit (Bar-Kulan)
Al Shabaab destroy generators water pumps in El-der Gedo (Bar-Kulan)
Explosive kills four children in Herale Galgadud (Bar-Kulan)
UN Commends Somalia on Human Rights (Press TV)

PRESS STATEMENT

Government launches “New Deal” Task Force to strengthen new system of aid delivery

22 Mar – Source: Prime Minister’s Media Office – 225 words

The Somali government has launched a “New Deal” Task Force to work on the implementation of a radical new system of aid delivery agreed with international partners.

“As a government we welcome the New Deal and what it represents for Somalia and other countries that have been affected by conflict,” said the Minister of Information Abdullahi Elmoge Hersi. “We know that standard policy prescriptions have not been effective in achieving Millennium Development Goals in g7+ countries.

The New Deal Task Force will establish specific deliverables and deadlines to ensure we take full benefit of the new system.” The Task Force will agree on strategy, timelines, collective priorities, mutual accountability arrangements and review results after one year.

The New Deal sets out an entirely fresh aid architecture for the g7+, the group of 19 conflict-affected countries who have joined forces to lobby the international community to change the way aid is designed and delivered. It is the first major contribution of the g7+ in shaping global policy. At its heart are five Peacebuilding and Statebuilding Goals that should be used to guide aid prioritisation in member states.

The New Deal also commits the international community to changing the way aid is delivered and sets out a number of innovative proposals for improving aid practices in fragile states

The five Peacebuilding and Statebuilding Goals are as follows:

• 1. Inclusive Politics

• 2. Security

• 3. Justice

• 4. Economic Foundations

• 5. Revenues and Services

The Somali government has already embarked on detailed discussions on New Deal implementation with its development partners, including the UN, EU, World Bank, USAID and DFID of the UK among others.

SOMALI MEDIA

The president pays a visit to the ministry of defence

24 Mar – Source: Shabelle/

– 85 words

The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia honorable Hassan Sheikh Mahmud made a surprise visit to the ministry of Defense where he had a meeting with top officials. President Hassan ordered the Ministry to ensure the safety of the city and promised the Ministry that the government will offer maximum support and provide whatever they need.

Government is in full control of Hudur, says Jawari

24 Mar – Source: Bar-kulan/Raxanreeb – 96 words

Gov’t troops and Ethiopian troops attack al Shabaab bases in Gedo

24 Mar – Source: Shabelle/Bar-kulan – 122 words

A fierce battle between Somali government troops, backed by their Ethiopian counterparts, and all Shabaab militias started in different parts of Gedo. The government troops and the Ethiopian army moved from Garbaharey, a town in Gedo region and attacked positions of al Shabaab in the area. The first fight erupted at a place called Birta der, a small town 18 kilometers south of Garbaharey. Abdi Barre Abdi, a government official, informed Shabelle that Somali troops have taken over strategic places from the militia and would continue their effort to fight and remove al Shabaab from the whole region.

Al Shabaab detain elder in Burday village, Hiiraan region

24 Mar – Source: Bar-kulan – 106 words

Al Shabaab militants in central Somalia region of Hiiraan on Saturday night detained an elder at Burday village, some 20 kilometres from the regional capital, Beledweyne. The elder, Hassan Adan Deqow, was reportedly arrested after going to a militant base to secure the release of his vehicle that was earlier taken by the militants under unknown circumstances, according to his relatives. He is now being held at Halgan village which is located some 40 kilometres south of Bula-barte town.

Somaliland: President Silanyo in the UAE

23 Mar – Source: Somaliland Press – 78 words

President H.E Ahmed Mohamed Mohmoud (Silanyo) has flown out of Somaliland heading to the United Arab Emirates for a two day state visit following an invitation. The Head of State left for the UAE after boarding a plane sent by the government of the Gulf country and was accompanied by a high level delegation from various governmental organs. No specific reason was given for the visit.

Top gov’t officials in Kismayo ahead of planned PM’s visit

24 Mar – Source: Bar-kulan – 127 words

A high-level government delegation on Sunday visited the port city of Kismayo, the regional capital of Lower Juba. The plane carrying the government delegation led by Interior and National Security minister Abdikarin Hussein Gulled touched down at Kismayo airport at around 12:30 pm. The delegation, which included Defence Minister Abdikarin Hajji Fiqi and several others ministers, is said to be holding talks with officials of the area’s interim administration. Reports say security has been tightened ahead of their visit and a day-time curfew imposed on the city, with heavily armed soldiers patrolling along the streets.

Killers of Human Rights worker apprehended by police

24 Mar – Source: Garowe Online – 134 words

Mogadishu authorities have claimed to have apprehended the killers of a human rights worker on Sunday. Chief of Banadir region Police, Gen. Ahmed Hassan Ma’alin stated that 4 men are in custody and charged with the murder of “Zaynab”, who was killed Saturday morning in Dharkenley district. “Police forces have caught the group that were behind the killing of the woman who had been working for a Turkish aid agency,” said Gen. Ahmed. He added that one of the 4 men who was caught as he tried to escape the scene, had in his possession a picture of the victim.

Al Shabaab destroy generators, water pumps in El-der, Gedo

24 Mar – Source: Bar-kulan – 71 words

Al Shabaab militants in southwest Somali region of Gedo on Sunday destroyed several power generating machines and water pumps in El-der village. Area village chief Mohamed Amey said the militants set fire to six generators used to supply water and electricity in the village. Amey accused the militants of waging a war against the general public, adding that they are specifically targeting vital public installations in the country.

Tensions high in Marka following deadly clashes on friday

23 Mar – Source: Hiiraan Online – 102 words

After a day of clashes between Somali armed forces, tensions are still high in the coast town of Marka, the administrative capital of lower Shabelle region. The Somali federal government is trying to mediate between warring sides, while military officials from Mogadishu are expected; reports still confirm that both sides are reinforcing their positions. Residents in Marka are forced to stay in their homes amid fear of violence escalation, while most of the businesses are closed. Deadly clashes have erupted on Friday when Somali forces turned their guns on themselves in a checkpoint in the town following an unidentified dispute.

Message of condolence from the ministry of Defence for the late lieutenant general Abdi Guled

24 Mar – Source: Raxanreeb – 143 words

Somalia’s Defence Ministry has sent its condolences for the death of Gen.Abdi Guled the former lieutenant general of the Somali army. Minister of the Somali defense ministries Abdihakim Hajji Mohamud sent his condolences on behalf of the ministry to the family, relatives and friends of the late Gen. Abdi Guled. The minister went ahead to say, “The late General was a patriotic man who will go down in the history of Somalia for the good work he has done in the Somali army”.

Puntland police arrest child traffickers

22 Mar – Source: Garowe Online – 143 words

Puntland authorities have apprehended 2 men alleged of kidnapping 7 young girls from southern Somalia outside Garowe as they were headed to Las’anod on Wednesday. The two men were charged with kidnapping and human trafficking 7 young girls from the ages of 7 to 15 from Hawadley village, under the district of Bal’ad in Middle Shabelle region. The vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint in south Garowe and Puntland authorities told police that they suspected that the two men had no relations to the girls. After questioning the young girls they stated that they were taken forcefully from their homes and threatened with death.

Explosive kills four children in Herale, Galgadud

24 Mar – Source: Bar-kulan – 103 words

An explosive device detonated and killed four children in Herale village, Galgadud region. The Saturday evening explosion occurred when Koranic school students unknowingly hit at the device they were playing with, killing two children on the spot and seriously injuring three others. Two of the injured students succumbed to their injuries on Sunday morning bring the death toll to four while the third one is in critical condition, according to the area village chief Bashir Dahir Yussuf. Yussuf appealed to mine action organisations and the federal government to start demining activities in the entire region to avoid such incidents in the future.

Somaliland: I Have Not Resigned- Hargeisa Mayor

22 Mar – Source: Somaliland Press – 133 words

The Mayor of Hargeisa Hon Eng. Yusuf Warsame who is currently recuperating in a Dubai Hospital has refuted allegations claiming that his health was deteriorating, in a an interview he gave to veteran Journalist Mr. Mohamed Osman Mire (Sayid) from his hospital bedside. The chairman of Dawan Media Group Mr. Mohamed Osman Mire (Sayid) had the opportunity to interview the ailing Mayor of Hargeisa who is recuperating in the Al Jazeera Hospital during a working visit to the Abu Dhabi UAE.

REGIONAL MEDIA

‘SFC is on special assignment in Somalia

24 Mar – Source: Daily Monitor – 85 words

Security matters. A number of Special Forces Command operatives were sent to Somalia under African Union in Somalia (AMISOM) to join other Ugandan fighters deployed in the war-ravaged country. hey have fought fierce battles with al Shabaab since 2007 and the addition of a specialised team under the Command of Maj. Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru, has breathed new life into Somali nationals. Risdel Kasasira was in Somalia and interviewed the commander of the Ugandan contingent, Brig. Michael Ondoga, on the prevailing situation in Mogadishu and beyond.

Kibaki salutes Kenya Defence Forces as he exits

23 Mar – Source: Africa Review – 224 words

President Mwai Kibaki has paid tribute to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), saying he was proud of the military’s professionalism and achievements. The President said he was honoured to serve as the Commander in Chief for 10 years. “It has been a tremendous honour to serve as Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces. I am proud of your achievements,” he said during a farewell ceremony organised by the military at the Moi Air Base, Nairobi Friday. “The Defence forces have been a beacon of hard work, selflessness and devotion,” he said. President Kibaki thanked the KDF for its loyalty during his presidency. “I thank you for your unwavering support of me for the last 10 years, I ask you to extend the same for the next leader,” said President Kibaki.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

AMISOM says ready for Ethiopia withdrawal from Somalia towns

24 Mar – Source: Indepth News – 151 words

Ethiopian withdrawal has forced AMISOM and Somali government to take steps to fill in the potential security vacuum. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on Thursday said it was prepared for an eventual Ethiopian troop withdrawal from areas in the south of the country, barely a week after Al-Shabaab seized a town vacated by Ethiopian forces. Thousands of African Union peace keepers are deployed in Somalia to support the internationally recognized federal government fight off the insurgents of the Al Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab.

Radio station strives to connect Somalis with local news

24 Mar – Source: St. Cloud Times – 149 words

St. Cloud Somali Radio, set to launch Monday, will combine news and music made by and for the Somali community. “They’re humans, they’re individuals, they have a story to tell, and I think it’s very important that they’re heard,” said Haji Abu, the program’s project developer. The programming will feature local news and talk programs mostly in the Somali language. KVSC Radio also has purchased the rights to play 530 popular Somali songs, which will play when news isn’t on the air.

UN Commends Somalia on Human Rights

24 Mar – Source: Press TV – 121 words

In a meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud the human rights expert said that the country’s rights record has improved dramatically over the past five years. On his part, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reiterated his commitment to improving human rights conditions in Somalia. The Somali federal government says it’s looking forward to join the UN Human Rights Commission by improving its human rights record. Somalia’s president says that plan requires carrying out reforms in the country’s national security and judiciary”.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“In a later development stage after reconstruction, the creation of institutions, employment and basic key public services, the Somali government could enhance its bureaucratic capabilities and cut corruption as well as deliver service through the use of Information Technology.”

Somalia: Fixing the dysfunctional government machinery

23 Mar – Source: Hiiraan Online/Somaliland Press – 2963 Words

It was a sign of hope to see both the self declared Independent state of Somaliland and the Republic of Somalia in the same week take steps towards forming a functioning civil service. Proud graduates in Hargiesa, already government employees, paraded their Civil Service Institute certificates after the successful completion of their training and in Mogadishu on Friday 1 March 2013 would be diplomats boarded a plane for South Africa to begin the process of becoming architects of future Somali foreign policy. This caused much excitement among the watching public in the country and in the Diaspora but this is premature.

“Despite a tense peace, hospitals remain in critical condition, needing injections of investment to begin their recovery.”

Somalia healthcare remains on life support

23 Mar – Source: Al Jazeera English – 225 Words

Dr Omar Saleh first came to Kismayo General Hospital in 2007, after Ethiopian forces had stepped in to help the Somali interim government of the time. But just a year later, Dr Saleh, the World Health Organisation’s emergency co-ordinator for Somalia, found himself unable to get to the hospital, as the city fell under the control of the notorious al-Shabaab armed group. When a coalition of Kenyan troops and Somali forces – the Somali National Army allied with the Ras Kamboni armed group – ousted al-Shabaab in September 2012, hopes for humanitarian access were raised. Dr Saleh returned to Kismayo in October 2012, his first visit since the city’s days under al-Shabaab’s harsh rule. He found the hospital, built in 1931 under Italian colonialism, in a sorry state. Four years without adequate maintenance and supplies had taken its toll.