March 25, 2015 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Somalia President In Dhusamareb For Central State Formation Conference

24 March – Source: Garowe Online – 256 Words

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Dhusamareb, the regional capital of Galgadud for the second phase of a regional convention on Tuesday, Garowe Online reports. The trip to Dhusamareb coincides with Monday night’s decision by central Somalia clan elders to shift the second phase of reconciliation conference away from Adado town. President Mohamud, along with cabinet ministers and parliamentarians, was received at an airstrip in Dhusamareb by traditional leaders, Galgadud Governor, Hussein Ali Weheliye Irfo, and cheering crowds. “I am very happy with the progress being made by clan elders, politicians and community leaders. They are concentrating on an inclusive effort and the government gives green light to the endeavor,” President Mohamud said on arrival in Dhusamareb. Officials predict that the President’s visit to Dhusamareb may last more than a day.

Hundreds of residents took to the streets of Dhusamareb in support of the formation of a federal state consisting of South Mudug and Galgadud prior to the president’s arrival. On account of inadequate amenities and a volatile security situation, regional convention delegates cancelled the gathering in Adado. On February 10, 2015, the president arrived on similar visit to Dhusamareb to launch the initial reconciliation conference. Last month, the paramilitary group of Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama’a wrested the control of strategic Guri’el town in deadly battle with Somali government forces. In early March, mediations spearheaded by Defence Minister Gen. Abdulkadir Sheikh Ali Diini quelled the armed tensions, with Ahlu Sunna militias currently in control of Guri’el.

Key Headlines

Somalia President In Dhusamareb For Central State Formation Conference (Garowe Online)
Somalia ‘Not Aware’ Of Kenya’s Wall Construction On The Border (Horseed Media)
Former Parliament Speaker Claims Food Aid For Bakool Diverted (Radio Goobjoog)
SNA & AU Forces Launch Operation In Jowhar Town (Radio Bar-Kulan)
Economic Secretary Meets London’s Somali Community To Discuss Remittances (Hiiraan Online)
Somali Foreign Minister Visits Injured Somalis At UAE Hospitals (Emirates News Agency)
Somalis After 2 Famines Still Face Food Insecurity (VOA)
Navy Foils Attack On Iranian Tanker Near Bab-El-Mandeb Strait (Neptune Maritime Security)
Somalia: 113000 Patients Cured From Tuberculosis In 10 Years
In Somalia Hunger Isn’t All About The Rains (VOA)

SOMALI MEDIA

Somalia ‘Not Aware’ Of Kenya’s Wall Construction On The Border

24 March – Source: Horseed Media -168 Words

Despite Kenya’s announcement to construct a wall on its border with Somalia, the Federal government has said that it is not aware of the decision. Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya Mohamed Ali Amerika has told the media that the government of Kenya has not notified the Somali government on the move. “We just heard about it from the media, Kenya has not informed our government on its decision to build the wall on the border,’’ said Mr Amerika. He added that both countries have strong relations and provide information on mutual areas. Kenya’s ministry of Interior revealed that it will start to construct a wall along the Mandera-Beled Hawo border, a move to fight against the terror attacks launched by the al-Shabaab militants. According to Kenyan officials, the new move will reduce the number of entries from Somalia to the East Africa country and will enable the security forces to easily monitor the situation on the border.

Former Parliament Speaker Claims Food Aid For Bakool Diverted

24 March – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 191 Words

MP Adan Mohamed Noor aka Madobe, former Somali parliament speaker, has spoke out about the suffering of people in Bakool region, where Al Shabab has laid a year long siege. Speaking to Goobjoog, Mr. Madobe said that there is a humanitarian crisis looming in the region, and that all access roads for aid delivery have been cut. To make things worse, the former speaker said that he knows food aid intended for Bakool has gone missing in the Mogadishu port. “The last time there were any attempts to deliver aid into the region the food went missing, when the trucks arrived at the port to load the food aid, officials said there is no single sack of food available, we don’t know what has happened to the aid,” said the enraged MP. He said the only aid that has reached the region so far is by air and on the rare occasions where AMISOM has escorted an aid convoy. He called upon the newly established Interim South West Administration to do more to break the blockade, and serve the people before its too late.

SNA & AU Forces Launch Operation In Jowhar Town

24 March – Source: Radio Bar-Kulan – 92 Words

Federal government forces and African Union troops have started a massive operation in Jowhar, the headquarters of middle Shabelle. The operation has affected traffic flow in the city, and large number of troops could be seen stopping cars on the streets of the city. The operation has also affected schools in the area as kids did not go to school this morning. The operation follows a string a recent incidences where hand grenades were used for attacks in Jowhar.

Economic Secretary Meets London’s Somali Community To Discuss Remittances

24 March – Source: Hiiraan Online – 699 Words

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrea Leadsom held a meeting with various representatives from the London Somali diaspora community at Acton town hall on Monday 23rd March. The aim of this meeting was to discuss what steps the government could take to ensure the financial sector retains a legitimate channel for the transfer of remittances to Somalia. The attendees included Angie Bray, local Acton MP and concerned Somali individuals who have been directly affected by the remittance crisis. The different perspectives of the people who use remittances to support their livelihoods by sending money back to friends and family in Somalia coupled with government representatives ensured a holistic and fruitful dialogue. The discussion was led by Mohamed Ibrahim, the Chair of the London Somali Youth Forum, and Adam Matan, the Director of the Anti-Tribalism Movement. The chairs of the meeting were keen to welcome the ‘international leadership’ the UK is showing on Somali remittances and supported further work with regulators to ensure that banks can take a proportionate approach to risk rather than an end service-provision altogether approach. The Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrea Leadsom, said: “It has been vital to hear the experiences of this issue from the London Somali community first-hand, as remittances play a key role in supporting developing countries. The government is committed to ensuring that UK customers are able to access the financial services they need to keep remittances flowing, and today’s discussion will help us inform policy-making on this issue going forward. “The problem of banks withdrawing services is part of a global trend with global causes, affecting people across the world. The UK has been leading international efforts to prioritise work to address this issue, including through the G20 and global Financial Action Task Force. We have also taken substantial action at home to work through the particular challenges faced by money remitters, and we will continue our work to develop a ‘safer payment corridor’ pilot for remittances from the UK to Somalia.”

Director of the Anti-Tribalism Movement, Adam Matan said: “The issue that communities face is that the banks decided to close down the remittance service accounts because there was a fear of terrorism finance and money-laundering but that initial risks may increase due to MSB’s not having regulated banking accounts. “There must be concern for the Somali people. Before we had big issues with Al-Shabaab and FGM, Khat, and now we have problems with money flowing, which is another element we need to consider. It would be great if we could take a concrete actions to secure this money for people’s livelihoods.” Ealing Central & Acton MP, Angie Bray, said: “There has been a real problem with UK financial institutions withdrawing peoples’ ability to make remittance payments overseas, which has had a real impact on a number of my constituents. I am really pleased the Minister has been so prepared to come here to Acton to meet those affected and hear their views, and I hope the Treasury will be able to follow through with sensible policies on this issue and continue their work on the safer payment corridor.” With regards to the decision of some banks to close services to money service businesses (MSBs), the Minister enquired about specific complications the community were not faced with, informing attendees that the government had provided guidance on risk management to both MSBs and banks in order to help maintain confidence in their commercial dealings on remittances. Problems have risen whereby banks have withdrawn services to MSBs. However a global trend can be seen occurring with banks withdrawing accounts and other banking services to avoid a range of risks associated with international regulation and complication procedures for anti-money-laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (known as ‘de-risking’). The government has repeatedly stated its commitment to ensuring that UK consumers are able to send money safely and securely to their friends and family in developing countries. Today, the Economic Secretary is continuing her work to support customers affected by de-risking with a cross-sector meeting with MSBs, banks, charities and others, designed to root out common obstacles to service-provision.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Somali Foreign Minister Visits Injured Somalis At UAE Hospitals

24 March – Source: Emirates News Agency – 1,096 Words

Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Abdisalam Hadliye Omar, has visited a number of Somalis injured in the terrorist attack that occurred recently at a hotel in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, which resulted in the death of a large number of people and injured others. Earlier this month, the Somalis injured in the terrorist attack arrived in the UAE for treatment on the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. During his visit to the injured, the Somali foreign minister was accompanied by Ambassador Mahash Saeed Al Hamili, Director of International Security Cooperation at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), and Abdulkadir Sheikhey Mohammad Al Hatimi, Ambassador of Somalia to the UAE. “I visit the United Arab Emirates with an accompanying delegation at the invitation of my brother, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister. An invitation that we highly commended within the framework of the bilateral relations binding the UAE and Somalia, to discuss ways to support and strengthen the cooperation between both sides, especially in the political, military, security fields besides reviewing the crises witnessed by our region to develop a mutual vision at both regional and international levels, and we are able to solve our problems before others do,” said Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Abdisalam Hadliye Omar. “We appreciate the efforts made by the UAE to support Somalia on all security, military, humanitarian, charitable and political levels and its continuous support to the Somali people in the calamities and we offer our thanks and appreciation for the initiatives and projects implemented in this framework.

“We express thanks to the UAE people and government on the grant and the quick response of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to transfer a number of Somalis injured in the terrorist attack that occurred recently at a hotel in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, which resulted in the death of a large number of people and injured others, to receive treatment at UAE’s hospitals. I reassure them during my presence in the UAE, and note that some of the injured also received treatment at the Emirati Field Hospital in Mogadishu.” “We discussed with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed the latest developments in Somalia, areas of cooperation and bilateral coordination as well as exchanging views on a number of issues of common concern, especially the improved security in Somalia, the relative decline in maritime piracy and the crisis in neighboring Yemen, especially the recent escalation in the Yemen, which threatens the entire region, pointing to the need of the international community’s addressing these risks and avoid the Yemen entering into civil war.” The Somali minister added, “Somalia rejects the coup led by the Houthis and supports the legitimacy of the government headed by President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, and calls on all parties involved in the crisis to refrain from any action detrimental to this legitimacy and the unity of Yemen.” Minister Hadliye Omar stressed that the security of Somalia is also the security of Yemen, adding that his country is concerned with the current situation in Yemen and what may result from any encroachments on the Somali community in Yemen. He also condemned the recent attacks that targeted Sanaa and Taiz, as well as the Houthis taking control of parts of Yemen and its institutions, which, he said, undermines the process of political transition and risks its security, calling for a commitment to the GCC initiative and for the implementation of its mechanisms.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somalis, After 2 Famines, Still Face Food Insecurity

24 March – Source: VOA – 347 Words – Video – 2:37 Minutes

After decades of conflict, experts say that the humanitarian crisis in Somalia remains among the worst in the world. Three million people need aid, says Philippe Lazzarini, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator for the country. Of these, “740,000 Somalis still face acute insecurity, while an additional 2.3 million are at risk of sliding back into the same situation. “They are teetering on the edge,” Lazzarini says, “and we never know in which direction the food security situation of these people will go.” Most areas facing food insecurity are in south central Somalia. In 2011, the U.N. estimated that 250,000 Somalis lost their lives in the country’s worst famine in six decades. Oxfam International, the anti-poverty confederation, says the difference between food insecurity and famine comes down to one factor: political failure to act.Despite a dire food situation, Somalia’s young government and international donors are acting to improve people’s access to food – a second key factor in preventing famine.

In the Bay region, arable farmlands have been left bare, with most locals moving to urban areas such as Mogadishu, where U.N. and Turkish aid agencies are assisting them in camps. Food production is the third critical element in preventing famine. In Lower Shabelle region, one of Somalia’s major breadbaskets, farmers have improved output following rains and the exit of the terrorist group, al-Shabab. Lazzarini says several other factors have helped prevent the crisis from worsening, including a reasonably good rainy season, “some improvements of flow of goods in south central region” and “a sustained humanitarian response.” For years, al-Shabab blocked major supply routes. However, recent military operations by the national army and African Union forces have reopened them. And now the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization plans to start buying grains from Somali farmers. U.N. humanitarian organizations say despite all these improvements, urgent funding is still needed to improve protection of displaced people, provide durable solutions, and strengthen communities’ resilience to withstand shocks.

Navy Foils Attack On Iranian Tanker Near Bab-El-Mandeb Strait

24 March – Source: Neptune Maritime Security – 191 Words

Iranian naval forces rescued one of the country’s oil tankers from a pirate attack around the Bab-el-Mandeb, a strait between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa. Iranian Navy’s public relations office announcedon Monday that the Gulf of Aden pirates, on board two boats, launched an attack on an Iranian oil tanker on March 20 and forced the vessel to stop. Afterwards, a naval group tasked with protecting the trade vessels rushed to the zone and shooed away the pirates, who returned three hours later, this time on board six speedboats armed with semi-heavy weapons. The attackers fled ultimately after hours of heavy clash with the Iranian servicemen. Since November 2008, the Iranian navy has conducted anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb strait to protect the country’s vessels against pirate attacks. Under the terms of several UN Security Council resolutions, nations can deploy warships to the Gulf of Aden and coastal waters of Somalia to protect their vessels against the pirates and, after giving notice to Somali government, enter Somali territorial in pursuit of the pirates.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“In spite all the challenges, tuberculosis facilities have expanded from 34 to 68 treatment facilities since the program began, with a recent evaluation indicating that the treatment ratio has been brought down to 100,000 people per treatment centre in 2014.”

Somalia: 113,000 Patients Cured From Tuberculosis In 10 Years

24 March – Source: Somali Media – 349 Words

World Vision has been working with 23 local and international partners, as well as government authorities across various regions in the country for more than ten years on tuberculosis treatment. Funded by the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis & Malaria (GFATM), World Vision has now assisted the treatment of 113,000 tuberculosis patients with an 88% success rate since 2004. Somaliland currently has a specialised centre that treats Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) uberculosis and there are further plans to open new treatment centres in Puntland and South Central Somalia.

“By expanding the tuberculosis program, we hope to fast track the 2015 Millennium Development Goal of reversing tuberculosis incidence and reducing the tuberculosis mortality rate by 50%,” says Francois Batalingaya, World Vision Somalia, Country Director. Coordinated and proactive joint action between 23 local and international partners, alongside local government authorities, has dramatically improved community resilience across the country. Somalia’s two decades of civil war, severe drought, floods, famine and mass population movements have given rise to many of the factors that made tuberculosis more prevalent. The issue is exacerbated by a weak health system, unregulated private tuberculosis clinics, and unregulated tuberculosis drugs on sale, meaning patients receive inadequate or interrupted tuberculosis treatment.

“In certain cities in Somalia we have seen food prices go up four times when there’s been a conflict happening around it. Even if the market is working, the conflict causes displacement and it does cause difficulties in terms of food supply into the markets,” says Pomfret. This is not to say that climatic factors do not play a role as well, he adds, as erratic rainfall and encroaching desertification make life more and more difficult for farmers and herders.”

In Somalia, Hunger Isn’t All About The Rains

24 March – Source: VOA – 593 Words

Somalia is the only country to have suffered two famines in recent history. Its farming and livestock industries are strong but political turmoil and ongoing violence leave populations vulnerable to food insecurity. In some ways, Kassim Abdikadir is lucky. He works on farms around Afgooye, near Mogadishu, and earns money he can use at the local market. And when he goes to that market, there is food in the stalls. But in Somalia, as in many food-insecure countries, the story is never quite that simple. The price of food in the market is so expensive, says Abdikadir, that he cannot even afford to buy grains to feed his children. Somalia’s last famine, in 2011, killed an estimated 250,000 people and the United Nations calculates that about three million are still in need of some form of food aid. Somalia is certainly an arid country, and the rains do sometimes fail. But recently the rains have been normal, and the land is capable of growing crops. In some areas food production is even up, enough that the United Nations is considering buying grain from Somali farmers.

So why is Somalia so chronically food-insecure? World Food Program in Somalia head Laurent Bukera says one reason is simple logistics. “We have productive regions where some sort of harvest can take place. But the movement [from] some of the areas where there is food to other areas where there is no food is cut off by logistical access constraints. We still have a lot in Somalia of supply roads which are cut off,” says Bukera. Somalia has endured more than 20 years of chaos and violence, and more recently, militants from al-Shabab have blocked major supply ways. Several years of military operations by the national army and African Union forces have reopened some but not all of these critical routes. Bukera explains that this continues to impact the production of food, because when a country is unstable, farmers are not always able to work. “Oftentimes [they] have to flee leaving behind all their belongings, leaving behind their animals, cows, goats which can give them milk, but also leaving behind everything they have planted,” says Bukera.