March 31, 2015 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Another Al-Shabaab Official Surrenders To Federal Government

30 March – Source: Garowe Online – 193 Words

Amidst bitter dissension and severe setbacks on the frontline, another senior Al Shabaab official gave himself up in Bakool region of southern Somalia on Sunday afternoon, Garowe Online reports. Somali National Army (SNA) commander, Abdirahman Mohamed Osman (Tima Adde) said in an interview with a Mogadishu-based station on Monday that Al Shabaab intelligence official and terror attack mastermind Mohamed Ali Hassan surrendered to army units in Bakool. “Al Shabaab emir and Aminiyat member who had since been operating in Lower Shabelle region has surrendered to the government forces,” said Tima Adde, adding that the Al-Shabaab official initially contacted government soldiers for discussions on his surrender. Hassan is believed to have coordinated suicide bombings and ambushes along the Mogadishu-Afgoye road. The man conceded launching an attack on Lower Shabelle Governor Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Siidi near Ambarreso village. In December 2014, top Al Shabaab official Zakariye Ismael Hirsi handed himself in on the border of Gedo region. In early March, the US delisted Hirsi, prompting a welcoming statement from the Somali Federal Government. Al Shabaab lost a string of strategic towns in central and southern Somalia to allied forces over the last two years.

Key Headlines

UN Human Rights Council Observes Minute of Silence for Passing of Ambassador “Bari-Bari” of Somalia (Puntlandi News)
Militants Threaten More Hotel Attacks In Somalia (Hiiraan Online)
SOSCENSA Urges Auditor General To Detail Corruption In Government Departments (Goobjoog News)
Another Al-Shabaab Official Surrenders To Federal Government (Garowe Online)
Veteran Somali Representative Laid To Rest In Garowe (Radio Dalsan)
Terror Suspects Detained For 20 Days (Daily Nation)
Senior Al-Shabaab Intelligence Commander Surrenders In Somalia (Xinhua News)
Mediation Could Be Key To Curbing School Suspensions (SC Times)
Germany Extends Military Deployment In Somalia (WSWS.org)
Female Police Officers Call For More Involvement In The Somali Police Force (AMISOM)
Fashion Model’s Unlikely Path To Fame (CNN)

SOMALI MEDIA

UN Human Rights Council Observes Minute of Silence for Passing of Ambassador “Bari-Bari” of Somalia

30 March – Source: Puntlandi News – 282 Words

The United Nations Human Rights Council observed a minute of silence this afternoon in memory of Ambassador Yusuf Mohamed Ismail “Bari Bari”, Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, who lost his life on Friday as a result of a terrorist attack in Mogadishu. Members of the Human Rights Council were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the death of Ambassador Bari, who was a well-known figure in Geneva, widely respected and admired for his strong leadership and unwavering commitment to human rights. “Ambassador Bari was a true champion of human rights. His tireless work within the Human Rights Council to promote and protect human rights, in particular in Africa, was recognized by many and is honoured by us all”, stated Ambassador Joachim Ruecker, President of the Council.

Since taking up his post in Geneva in 2008, Ambassador Bari has helped translate the work of the Human Rights Council into real results on the ground. Only last week, the Council established an Independent Expert on Albinism, an issue that Ambassador Bari was deeply committed to and fought hard for over the past years in close cooperation with civil society. “Ambassador Bari’s tireless efforts with regard to the human rights situation in his own country were exemplary regarding him as a true advocate for his people and his country”, Ambassador Ruecker added. On behalf of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the President of the Council expressed to Ambassador Bari’s family and friends, as well as the people of Somalia, the Council’s most sincere condolences.

Militants Threaten More Hotel Attacks In Somalia

30 March – Source: Hiiraan Online – 314 Words

One day after fighters from the Al-Qaeda-linked group in Somalia staged a deadly siege at a popular hotel in the Somali capital in which more than 25 people were killed, the group threatened more similar attacks in the country, warning hotel owners against renting their hotels out to government officials. The latest attack at Maka Almukarama hotel highlights security challenges facing the UN-backed government which is trying to extend its rule across the country, even though the militants still control villages and towns in Somalia. Sheikh Ali Mohamed Hussein, the Al-Shabab official in charge of the group’s insurgency in Mogadishu said their fighters were plotting more attacks targeting hotels frequented by Somali government officials and the African Union forces in the horn of Africa nation. “We are committed in continuing such attacks, we are warning hotel owners [not] to rent their hotels to members of the government,” he told the Al-Shabab-run radio on Sunday.

In the wake of the attack, security analysts were quick to point out security lapses within the country’s security apparatus, noting lack of coordination and sleeper cells. “At this point, tackling the infiltration on the edge should be the priority,” said Ali Hassan, a retired former army general. “Otherwise, the threat in the waiting will make the government the gateway along which militants use to carry out such attacks at will. The forces’ organization is very poor as well,” he said. Somali intelligence forces which analysts say are in better shape for now have successfully foiled several attacks, however despite the small progress, security threats from Al-Shabab remain. Last year intelligence forces netted several ‘terrorist’ networks they said carried out many attacks, mostly drive-by shootings. Dozens of suspects were executed by the government, an action aimed at deterring militants who blend among the city population.

SOSCENSA Urges Auditor General To Detail Corruption In Government Departments

30 March – Source: Goobjoog News – 238 Words

Somalia South-Central Non-State Actors (SOSCENSA) members who met in Mogadishu have called on Auditor General Noor Farah Jim’aale to publish the findings of his office’s investigations on some of the government departments allegedly involved in corruption. The meeting focused on a wide range issues including abuse of power, tribalism, nepotism, and lack of accountability and transparency in the government offices. Abdi Jamaa Geedi, who spoke at the meeting, said there are different types of corruption and mismanagement which some government officials exercise as normal practice. “There are so many different corruptions and mismanagement which include nepotism, embezzlement, mismanagement contracts, mismanagement of scholarships offered to the government by its allies, and even some individuals have suffered various forms of injustice in varying degrees because they either [part of a] minority or they do not have defenders,” Geedi said. “We urge the auditor general to display the results of the investigation to public.” The chairman of SOSCENSA Abdullahi Mohamed Shirwa’a urged both the attorney general and the auditor general to implement accountability and transparency measures, and show the public how their tax is used. This comes after the Auditor General said his office had investigated all 25 government ministries and would publish the findings when lawmakers return to the parliament next month following a recess.

Veteran Somali Representative Laid To Rest In Garowe

29 March – Source: Radio Dalsan -157 Words

Somalia’s permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, who was killed in an attack in Mogadishu has been laid to rest in Garowe. The ambassador’s body was taken from Mogadishu following memorial held at Adan Adde Airport on Sunday. In Puntland, regional President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas with high profile officials including cabinet ministers, parliament members and other key Garowe clerics attended the Ambassador’s funeral service at Kheyr Sexay cemetery. “Yusuf Mohamed Ismail Bari-Bari was a great man and the Somali people will remember his outstanding activities [in the] Somalia peace process and [for] pan-Africanism,” Abdiweli Gaas said. Federal Justice Minister Abdullahi Ilkajir told reporters in Garowe that the “Federal Government will not let perpetrators run from justice, we are giving our utmost efforts to capture the assailants.” Somalia’s Al-Qaeda linked militants, Al-Shabaab, claimed responsibility for the attack which killed more than 20 people including Yusuf Bari-Bari on Friday.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Terror Suspects Detained For 20 Days

30 March – Source: Daily Nation – 377 Words

Three women arrested while trying to cross into Somalia allegedly to join Al-Shabaab will be detained for 20 days to allow police to complete investigations. Mombasa senior resident magistrate Irene Ruguru allowed the application by the prosecution seeking to have Ms Khadija Abubakar Abdulkadir, Ms Maryam Said Aboud and Ms Ummulkhayr Sadri Abdulla remanded at Kilindini, Makupa and Nyali police stations respectively. Ms Ruguru noted that it was not in dispute that the suspects were arrested while going to Somalia hence if granted bond pending investigations there are “chances of them leaving the jurisdiction of the court thereby prejudicing the investigations”. “The right to liberty is not absolute as provided under Article 24 of the Constitution,” said Ms Ruguru. “The fact that the suspects have not been charged with any offence does not mean that they cannot be detained legally.” According to documents filed in court, the three were arrested at El Wak on the Kenya-Somali border in Mandera County last Friday while attempting to cross to Somalia. In his application, prosecuting counsel Eugene Wangila told the court that investigations are still ongoing.

Mr Wangila said investigations are expected to cover the “larger” East Africa. He told the court that the women’s right to liberty is not absolute and that laws regarding issues related to terrorism allow a suspect to be detained for 90 days. However, the suspects through their lawyer Hamisi Mwadzogo opposed the application to have them remanded. Mr Mwadzogo argued that the submissions by the prosecution were allegations with no material placed before court to sustain them. “No viable reasons have been placed before court to grant the application,” said Mr Mwadzogo, adding that the court had not been told how the suspects were a threat to warrant them being in custody for 20 days. He argued that investigations could still be carried out while the suspects are free. “They can be given bond pending investigations, they have been cooperating with police,” he said. He urged the court to take judicial notice of the “overpolarisation” of the matter. The magistrate allowed the suspects to retain the right to communicate with their advocate and relatives while in custody. The case will be mentioned on April 20.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Senior Al-Shabaab Intelligence Commander Surrenders In Somalia

30 March – Xinhua News – 190 Words

Senior Al-Shabaab intelligence commander Mohamed Ali Hassan on Monday surrendered to government forces in Bakol region, southwest of Somalia, military authorities said on Monday. A military commander with the Somali National Army Abdirahman Tima Ade said Hassan first made contact with government authorities in Hudur town of Bakol region before ultimately giving himself in. Hassan who is said to have been in charge of the Bakol and Lower Shebelle regions took advantage of the government amnesty offer for Al-Shabaab militants to surrender which began late last year. The military said Hassan admitted to having been responsible for several attacks.

“I am the senior Al-Shabaab intelligence commander and I have been responsible for the planning of several attacks which have killed many people in Somalia,” Hassan is quoted as having said. Hassan asked for forgiveness from the Somali government and the citizens of Somalia. Hassan joins a number of senior Al-Shabaab commanders to surrender including Zakariye Ismail Ahmed Hirsi who had a 3 million U.S. dollars bounty on his head and was recently delisted from the U.S. list of most wanted persons.

Mediation Could Be Key To Curbing School Suspensions

30 March – Source: SC Times – 944 Words

Many adults may remember the high emotion, reactionary behavior and seemingly devastating consequences of various slights and drama from their middle school years. Principal Jason Harris lives in this world every day at South Junior High School. “What we see at this age with students is they don’t know how to communicate how they feel, so they act on impulse and it’s usually physical,” he said. That leads to behavior problems and the consequences that come with them, like suspensions. In an attempt to catch that behavior before it escalates, Harris is teaming up with the Conflict Resolution Center and a St. Cloud State University professor and students to start a pilot mediation program. The voluntary program will work with students to come up with mutually accepted resolutions and build or rebuild relationships.

Monday marks the third week of mediation sessions in the school. Harris hopes the mediation helps students develop skills in problem-solving, communication and self-regulation. “That’s a lifelong skill that kids need,” Harris said. “So the earlier we start to work on those skills and how to deal with your emotions and feelings, the better it’s going to prepare them for the world.” Roseanna Ross, communications studies professor, mediator and coordinator of the St. Cloud State Employee Mediation Program, is helping organize the program. The details of the sessions are confidential, so Ross couldn’t report many specifics about them.

“The young persons were very engaged,” she said. Mediators try to create an atmosphere where both parties can feel equally heard, tell their story and voice concerns. “What often happens, in that process, they hear each other, and with facilitator support, see where they have common interests, and mutually come together to solve a problem,” she said…The district has some precedent for similar programs, including restorative justice efforts. Harris knows that creating a safe environment by dealing with bullying and harassment is key to students’ success. “If kids don’t feel safe in school, they’re not going to learn,” Harris said.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“The spokespersons for the Greens and the Left Party, who voted against extending the deployment, made clear in their remarks that they only have tactical differences with the government. Frithjof Schmidt of the Greens proposed to temporarily suspend the deployment, owing to the insufficient dependability of Somali forces. He underscored, however, that his party supported German militarism in Africa: “We Greens stand by the buildup of security structures—especially in crisis-ridden African countries—and are open to the deployment of the military. My fraction supports the European training mission in Mali and has also supported the military mandate in the Central African Republic, in South Sudan and Darfur.”

Germany Extends Military Deployment In Somalia

30 March – WSWS.org – 1, 033 Words

On Thursday, the German parliament voted by a large majority to extend its military operations in Somalia. Of the 578 votes cast, 454 delegates voted for the continuation of German involvement in the mission. There were 115 “no” votes and nine abstentions. The decision provides for a continuation of earlier commitments to the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM SOM). Up to 20 soldiers are also to be used in the training of the Somali army and as advisers to the Somali defense ministry. The German military has been active in the Somali mission since 2010, in addition to its other deployments in the Horn of Africa, including Mission Nestor and Operation Atalanta. The extension of military commitments is part of the effort of German imperialism to establish itself in Africa and, increasingly, to ensure its economic and strategic interests militarily. Most of the 15 theaters in which the German military is currently active are in Africa. According to the military’s latest progress report, in addition to Somalia, German soldiers are active in Mali, Senegal, Central Africa, the Horn of Africa, the Western Sahara, Sudan and South Sudan. In January, Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) announced Germany would support the fight against Boko Haram.

As early as May of last year, the government adopted its “African policy guidelines,” which noted “Africa’s growing relevance for Germany and Europe.” Among other things, “Africa’s potential” derived from its growing, dynamic economy and “rich natural resources.” The German government therefore wanted to substantially strengthen “engagement with Africa’s politics, security policy and developmental policies,” to act “early, quickly, decisively and substantially” and “coordinate the use of … the entire spectrum of available means.” That is the purpose of the German military intervention in Somalia. Dagmar Freitag, a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) on the parliament’s foreign affairs committee, justified the extension as follows: “Somalia, as a so-called failed state, threatens the stability of the entire region in the Horn of Africa.” She added, this “remains a central problem in this region.” The second spokesperson for the government coalition, CDU foreign policy strategist Roderich Kiesewetter, indicated that the mission in Somalia was only the prelude to a much larger intervention in Africa and worldwide. He cynically declared: “We Europeans are not there because we want direct military intervention, but because we want to help people to help themselves. … Above all, however, the roots of terrorism must be fought. It comes not only from Somalia, but also Boko Haram, Kenya and other countries like Nigeria and Libya. It also threatens, as we have just seen in Yemen, the security of Africa, the Arabic world and Europe.”

“One of the things that came out vividly is their role in intelligence and information gathering, which they appreciated and has in most cases been successful and we applauded them for that. They also felt that this seminar could be shared or extended to the rest of the sectors or regions so that not only the Banaadir region benefits. We hope that at the end of this seminar, most of them will share the ideas that came up in the seminar and share them with the rest of the female police officers to make them better equipped in their day today running of policing activities.”

Female Police Officers Call For More Involvement In The Somali Police Force

30 March – Source: AMISOM – Video – 3:36 Minutes

At least forty female officers from the Somali Police Force (SPF) have today concluded a one day seminar convened to assess the needs of female officers, with the view of improving their work conditions and enhancing their role in the force. The needs and capacity assessment seminar for the officers drawn from all police stations in Banaadir Region was organized by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Fashion Model’s Unlikely Path To Fame

24 March – Source: CNN – Video – 13:34 Minutes

You may not know her name, but chances are you have seen Ubah Hassan in commercials for Macy’s or Ralph Lauren. This short film takes you into the world of this up-and-coming model, whose life has not always been picture perfect.