March 4, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

AMISOM supports Somalia Government stand on Baidoa conferences

03 Mar- Source: AMISOM-209 Words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif has taken note of the evolving political situation in Baidoa and reiterates AMISOM’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government whose mandate is to take lead in the formation of the federal states in accordance with the Provisional Federal Constitution and enabling local government act.

Two parallel political processes are on-going in Baidoa leading to the formation of the federal state comprising of the 6 and 3 regions. Delegates supporting the establishment of the 6 regions state held an election against the Federal Government of Somalia’s guidance. The likelihood for rival leadership emerging with the potential to cause conflict and undermine the Government and AMISOM military expansion and stabilization activities is real.

“AMISOM is more than ready to promote dialogue within its mandate, Somalia’s constitution and the Addis Ababa agreement of 28th August 2013, and will work with all stakeholders to resolve the current political differences for positive settlement.” said Ambassador Annadif

He called on all parties in Baidoa to observe peace, security and stability in the circumstances and open dialogue with all Somali stakeholders to resolve the current political differences in favor of positive settlement, in line with the relevant framework.

Key Headlines

AMISOM supports Somalia Government stand on Baidoa conferences (AMISOM)
Prime Minister: UAE will help Somalia rebuild our country and our institutions (Office of the Prime Minister)
Statement by the UN Special Representative for Somalia on the state-building conferences in Baidoa(UNSOM)
The position of the Ministry of Interior of the FGS on the two parallel conferences in Baidoa(Office of the Prime Minister)
Govt. ready to provide for deportees from Saudi (Radio Shabelle)
Russia restores diplomatic ties with Somalia vows to help in reconstruction (SNTV/Radio Dalsan)
Cabinet holds special meeting on Baidoa rival conferences (Radio Mogadisho)
Uganda to protect UN Offices in Mogadishu (VOA)
Al Shabaab demands money from locals in El-der Galgadud region (Radio Bar-Kulam)
Security Gaps Leave Room for al Shabaab Resurgence (VOA)
Ethiopian Leader Met the New Regional President of Puntland Administration(Al Shahid)

PRESS STATEMENT

AMISOM supports Somalia Government stand on Baidoa conferences

03 Mar- Source: AMISOM-209 Words

Prime Minister: UAE will help Somalia rebuild our country and our institutions

03 Mar – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 218 words

His Excellency Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed who is in Abu Dhabi on an official three day visit to the United Arab Emirates where he is partaking in talks with UAE officials. The talks are aimed at strengthening co-operation between Somalia and the UAE and accelerating implementation of last year’s agreement signed between the two countries.

The Prime Minister thanked the UAE for their tireless support to Somalia over the last 22 years. Progress on last year’s agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with emphasis placed on support and development of the political, security, economic and development sectors was discussed with a specific focus on speeding up that support and implementation.

Somalia welcomes the UAE’s commitment to rebuild Somalia’s government institutions and infrastructure in order to create an environment that is open for business and attractive to investors from the UAE and the rest of the world.

The UAE also committed to support capacity building through the training of those serving in Somalia’s Judiciary system, government administration and diplomacy.

“My trip is aimed at strengthening the already close relationship between Somalia and the UAE. The UAE is a great friend and supporter of Somalia, taking an active part in rebuilding our government institutions and infrastructure and aiding social and youth development,” said the Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed.

Statement by the UN Special Representative for Somalia on the state-building conferences in Baidoa

03 Mar – Source: UNSOM – 195 words

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, is closely monitoring developments in Baidoa, including the outcome of today’s conference, and has taken note of the Federal Government’s response.

“I urge all parties to observe maximum restraint and refrain from any action that could pose a threat to security,” said SRSG Kay. “This year is critical for consolidating a united and stable federal Somalia. The country has overcome many recent challenges through compromise and dialogue.”

“I encourage traditional leaders, politicians and stakeholders in Baidoa to commit to serious, inclusive and continued political dialogue guided by respect for the Provisional Federal Constitution and existing agreements,” he added. “The UN will continue to support the Federal Government of Somalia’s efforts to lead a reconciliation process.”

“The situation in Baidoa highlights the need for the Federal Government to accelerate its work on the state-building process in Somalia in an inclusive manner, including the development of a detailed plan and timetable for the formation of Federal States, a final Constitution and democratisation by 2016,” SRSG Kay noted.

SRSG Kay continues to work closely with international partners on this important issue, including AMISOM, IGAD and the EU.

The position of the Ministry of Interior of the FGS on the two parallel conferences in Baidoa

03 Mar Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 276 words

In line with the constitution and the regulations of the state, The Ministry of Interior and Federalism is mandated to federalize country through inclusive and transparent process led by the Federal government of Somalia.

The FGS express deep concern over the two parallel conferences in Baidoa and urges its fellow citizens in Baidoa to avoid unnecessary conflict that may dislocate our efforts to rebuild this country.
In many times, the federal government of Somalia tried to unify the two conferences in Baidoa, for instance, high ranking government officials and parliamentarians had visited the region to defuse the political deadlock of the two parallel conferences.

In light of the agreement between the FGS and the Juba interim administration on last August in Addis Ababa of Ethiopia, the federal government of Somalia upholds the outcome of that agreement.
The Ministry of Interior and Federalism of Federal Republic of Somalia reaffirms its position towards the Baidoa conferences as follows:

1. The Ministry of Interior and Federalism calls upon the traditional leaders and politicians in Baidoa to be mindful that the process of the Federalization is government-led process according to the provisional constitution;

2. The government maintains its commitment towards Addis Ababa agreement with Juba interim Administration;

3. The government reiterates its support to the Addis Ababa agreement. The FGS is also ready to address any possible grievances resulted from the Addis Ababa agreement;

4. The GFS is ready to lead the process of Federalization, particularly, The formation of federal state by the people in Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabeelle regions;

5. Lastly, the federal government urges its fellow citizens in the aforementioned areas to avoid unnecessary conflict and instability.

SOMALI MEDIA

Russia restores diplomatic ties with Somalia, vows to help in reconstruction

03 Mar – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/Dalsan/Kulmiye/Hiiraan Online – 138 words

Russian government said Monday that it was ready to help Somalia’s federal government in the fields of reconstruction, security and development. The announcement was made by Russia’s new ambassador to Somalia Mr. Valery Orlov after handing over his credential letters to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in a ceremony at the Presidential palace in Mogadishu on Monday. “I am very delighted that the historic relations between Somalia and Russia resumed today Monday 3rd of March 2014—The Russian government is fully committed to taking part in the reconstruction of Somalia,” Mr. Valery Orlov told the media after meeting with Somali president. For his part, President Hassan thanked the Russian government for sending its ambassador to Somalia as part of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries” President Hassan told the media.

Cabinet holds special meeting on Baidoa rival conferences

03 Mar – Source: Radio Mogadishu/RBC – 149 words

The cabinet of the ministers of the Federal Government of Somalia Monday held a special meeting to discuss the ongoing rival conferences in Baidoa town where two opposing groups are going to announce two administrations. The extraordinary cabinet meeting was chaired by the Minister of Justice and Constitution Farah Sheikh Abdukadir as Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed is currently out of the country. At the end of the meeting, the Interior Minister Abdullahi Godah Barre briefed the media describing Monday’s cabinet a very key for the issues of the federalism and the ongoing political heat up in Baidoa. “We have stressed the need for bringing a consensus on the diverse views which some people have on the Baidoa conferences,” the minister said.

Govt. ready to provide for deportees from Saudi

03 Mar – Source: Radio Shabelle – 110 words

Saciid Qorsheel, Minister of Land & Air Transport of the Somali government talked to the press at Mogadishu’s international airport and declared that the government is pleased to support the deportees returning to the country. The Minister said that they are ready to prepare tents for the immigrants being sent back from foreign countries so they can have somewhere to seek refuge within their country. “We will provide full accommodation for the deportees,” said Qorsheel. Recently, Somali immigrants have been deported from many countries and returned to the capital city Mogadishu, especially the ones coming back from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Uganda to protect UN Offices in Mogadishu

03 Mar – Source: Somali Current/VOA Somali Service – 87 words

Ugandan government plans to send Special Forces to Somalia, to protect UN Agencies’ facilities in Mogadishu, according to Ugandan Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF). Military spokesperson, Lt. Col Paddy Ankunda 410 special troops will be deployed to Mogadishu to free bulk of AMISOM forces from escort duties to pursue al Shabaab militants. In an interview with VOA Somali Service, Ali Aden Humad, the Spokesperson of African Union Mission in Somalia, said the troops would not be part of the mission, adding that it indicates lack of trust for AMISOM.

Al Shabaab demands money from locals in El-der, Galgadud region

03 Mar – Source: Bar-kulan – 106 words

Al Shabaab militant group in El-der town of Galgadud region has compelled local residents to contribute money for the al Qaeda-affiliated group. The militant group has reportedly ordered residents of the town to pay 100,000 USD to support its militant activities. Al Shabaab’s Galgadud leader, Hassan Yakub Ali ordered the community leaders to implement the order, according to several residents who spoke to Bar-kulan. Ali asked residents to evacuate the town and prepare to fight alongside the militant group against the AMISOM and Somali government forces in the region. Reports say that the militant group has deserted several bases in the area following the announcement of the offensive.

Puntland leader back from official visit to Ethiopia

03 Mar – Source: Radio Garowe/Dalsan/Bar-kulan – 122 words

The President of Somalia’s northeastern State of Puntland Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas has returned to warm welcome to Puntland capital of Garowe after a week-long visit to Ethiopia on Tuesday, Garowe Online reports. Puntland Vice President Abdihakin Abdullahi Omar Amey, Parliament Speaker Saed Hassan Shire, cabinet ministers and members of the public received President Gaas at Garowe International Aiport where he was saluted by divisions from Puntland Defense Forces. Amey briefed Puntland leader on the current political situation in the region and the latest developments since his departure for Ethiopia last week. Speaking to the media members at Garowe Airport, President Gaas on his side said that he discussed security and trade issues with Ethiopian government officials in spirit of brotherhood.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Ethiopian Leader Met the New Regional President of Puntland Administration

03 Mar – Source: Al Shahid – 123 words

The Ethiopian FM Dr. Tedros Adhanom received and held discussions with the new President of the Puntland Administration of Somalia. Puntland Administration President, Dr. Abdiweli Mohammed Ali Gaas, said he was glad to be back in Addis Ababa for what was his first foreign trip since assuming office in mid-January. He said that Puntland Administration’s recent election will usher in a new chapter in the relationship between Ethiopia and the Puntland Administration. He also said the administration “would like to open a new page with our Somali brothers”. President Ali Gaas explained his administration’s objectives and said that maintaining security and fighting terrorism; economic development; strengthening Somalia’s federal system, strengthening institutions and building the civil service and security services were his administration’s priorities.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Ugandan troops to form U.N. guard force in Somalia

03 Mar – Source: Reuters – 165 words

Uganda will send about 400 extra troops to Somalia to protect U.N. personnel in the capital Mogadishu, officials said on Monday. The United Nations requested a guard force last year after al Shabaab militants attacked the main U.N. compound in Mogadishu in June, killing at least 22 people.
“It is to provide security to the United Nations so that AMISOM is not bogged down by escorting them. AMISOM (the African peacekeeping force) will be freed to follow al Shabaab wherever they are hiding,” army spokesman Paddy Ankunda said. The 410 Ugandan soldiers will be deployed this month, Ankunda said, though a U.N. official said the timeframe was ambitious. The al Qaeda-affiliated rebels have staged many attacks in the city in the past few weeks despite the presence of the peacekeepers, including a February 21 assault on the presidential palace and a bombing that targeted a U.N. convoy outside the airport. Both showed the insurgents’ ability to hit government-controlled areas at will.

Security Gaps Leave Room for al Shabaab Resurgence

03 Mar- Source: VOA-551 Words

The al Qaeda linked militant group al Shabaab has struck at the heart of the Somali government with a string of suicide attacks in Mogadishu. The recent strikes and a fresh recruitment drive point to a resurgence of one of Africa’s most feared terrorist groups. Three years ago, the end of al Shabaab was thought to be in sight. The group had been driven out of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, by the African Union force AMISOM, and was losing its grip on cities across the country. But then the fighting stopped. AMISOM has not taken any new ground from the militants since 2012, when Kenyan troops, later integrated into the AU force, took control of the port city of Kismayo. During the lull in fighting, the group has only become more dangerous. Suicide attacks against government targets in Mogadishu, like the February assault on the presidential palace that killed 17 people, have exposed security weaknesses in the capital. While last year’s days-long siege on the Westgate Shopping mall in the Kenyan capital showed al Shabaab remains a serious terrorist threat to the region.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“In the absence of genuine political reconciliation, efforts to rebuild the Somali Army will keep Somalis further apart. The civil war has caused what I term ‘identity demotion’: clan identity has trumped citizenship. It has been a costly and deadly decision to return to tradition in the vain hope of coming back to modernity. Somalia’s parallel armies are one outcome of that trend.”

Somalia’s Parallel Armies

03 Mar- Source: African Arguments-500 Words

We have read recently that Somalia has a National Army, but is that really the case? Upon closer scrutiny one realises that Somalia has parallel armies – 3 of them – which exist independent of each other in different parts of this increasingly splintered. These are the Somali National Army, Puntland Defence Forces and the Somaliland Army and each of them has a separate commander-in-chief. Recent reports about arms sold to al Shabaab indicate that the top-down approach to rebuilding and financing the ‘Somali National Army’ is self-defeating. The nation’s founding political elites shared the common goal to form a national army for Somalia, but this is no longer the case. Somalia now has rebranded clan militias that cannot be integrated into one force. Before the state collapsed the Somali Army was not a neutral outfit. It was part of the military regime’s oppressive security apparatus and inspired opposition leaders to form armed, clan-based organisations to topple the regime. The three Somali ‘armies’ belong to the Hawiye, Dir and Darod – three of the of the five major clans in Somalia. In addition, there are powerful paramilitaries such as the Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a, Ras Kamboni as well as al Shabaab’s militias.