May 2, 2013 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

President of Somalia “puts the world on notice” over illegal fishing and illegal waste dumping

01 May – Source: Office of the Somali President – 390 words

The President of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made a visit to a fish factory in Mogadishu, to highlight the need for Somalia to exploit its own natural resources and encourage those businesses who are investing and creating jobs for young Somalis. The Minister of Natural Resources, Abdirizak Omar Mohamed, accompanied the President.

In a recorded speech presented to the international community in New York today, the President has “put the world on notice” over illegal fishing, illegal waste dumping and the disregard for Somalia’s territorial waters.

The President said that the government will stand up for its people and demand that the international community formally recognize its territorial waters under international maritime law, and helps Somalia to protect them, so that highly lucrative fish and oil and gas assets can begin to generate revenues for the country and the people.

The President was delighted to visit a small part of Somalia’s regenerating fishing industry and thanked the Somali Fishing Company for establishing this mini factory and encouraged them to set an example for the generation of sustainable and profitable jobs.

The Somali National Fishing Company, which works throughout South and Central of Somalia, started up in February 2012, by Director, Ibrahim Mohamed Hassan and benefits around 20,000 families and takes fish from around a thousand small boats. The factory processes Groupers & Snappers, King Fish, Swordfish, Tuna Fish and Lobster for export.

Key Headlines

AMISOM Thwart Terror Attacks on Kismayo ( AMISOM)
Female with a suicidal belt caught in Kismayo airport (Mareeg Online/Radio Bar-kulan)
Security tight in Mogadishu following reports of possible attacks (Hiiraan Online)
AMISOM Dismantles al Shabaab Observation Post and Recovers Weapons and Ammunition ( AMISOM)
Al Shabaab attacks Kismayo airport with mortars (Radio Bar-kulan)
AMISOM closes radio station in central Somalia confiscate equipment and arrests its director and editor(Raxanreeb)
Al Shabaab boss deplored for assassination attempt against al Amriki in Somalia (Raxanreeb)
Puntland authorities executes 13 al Shabaab convicts (Garowe Online)
International Workers’ Day not celebrated in Mogadishu (Raxanreeb)
Somali militants threaten to avenge Puntland killings ( Reuters)

PRESS RELEASE

President of Somalia “puts the world on notice” over illegal fishing and illegal waste dumping

01 May – Source: Office of the Somali President – 390 words

The President emphasized the urgent need for countries and rogue vessels to stop illegal fishing and toxic waste dumping and to bring to justice those responsible. The President re-iterated that the best solution for this menace is to build a Somali Coast Guard, so that they can protect their waters. But that while security capacity is improving, the international vessels already patrolling the coast of Somalia should be tasked to protect Somalia’s waters and enforce maritime law.

On the occasion of the 1st May, the President congratulated the factory workers for their hard-work, resilience and patience. The President thanked Somali laborers for their nationalism and for working under such difficult conditions. The President said that the government will do every thing it can to improve conditions for workers and asked private firms to ensure that their workers receive full rights and protection, so that they can produce more to help the country.

AMISOM Thwart Terror Attacks on Kismayo

01 May – Source: AMISOM – 251 words

AMISOM troops in support of Somalia Government Forces this morning thwarted two planned terror attacks by suspected al Shabaab terrorists in the southern Somalia port city of Kismayo.

The joint forces apprehended a woman carrying explosives as she attempted to access the Kismayo University, where delegates are participating in the ongoing Jubaland process. The woman, a casual laborer at the University, was found to be carrying a grenade and Improvised Explosive Device.

The woman is in the custody of the Somalia Government Forces and the explosives she was carrying have been destroyed in a controlled explosion.

Elsewhere, AMISOM forces thwarted an attack on the Kismayo International airport. Around midday, a group planning the attack was picked by surveillance and promptly engaged by AMISOM troops. This forced the terrorists to hastily fire their mortars, which landed outside of the airport, and flee the scene.

AMISOM Force Commander, Lt Gen Andrew Gutti congratulated the forces on their alertness saying their speedy actions had saved many civilian lives.

“This is a reminder that though there is relative calm in the city and surrounding areas, we have to be vigilant against the terrorists who wish to harm the people of Somalia,” he said.

Ever since AMISOM and Somali National Forces forced the al Qaeda affiliated terror group out of Kismayo in October last year, the area has experienced a period of relative peace. Many formerly displaced residents have been able to return to their homes and humanitarian aid agencies have resumed operations in the area.

AMISOM Dismantles al Shabaab Observation Post and Recovers Weapons and Ammunition

30 Apr – Source: AMISOM – 155 words

Somali Government forces with the support of African Union troops dismantled a recently set up al Shabaab surveillance post near Kismayo International Airport on Monday.

During the early evening operation, several al Shabaab militias were wounded and captured. The allied forces recovered three rocket propelled grenades and assorted weapons and ammunition from the site.

The capture of Kismayo port city has denied the insurgents the opportunity to extort illegal revenues from the city residents and allowed the local populace to fully participate in the country’s peace process.

The airport was secured on 2nd October, 2012 without any resistance from the al Shabaab. This is the second attempt by the militia to monitor the activities of AMISOM troops at the airport. The militia’s first observation post was dismantled 23rd October, 2012 by AMISOM troops during a night raid.

AMISOM reassures the Somali people as well as the international community that Kismayo airport continues its normal operations.

SOMALI MEDIA

Security tight in Mogadishu following reports of possible attacks

01 May – Source: Hiiraan Online – 83 words

Major roads in Mogadishu have been closed following reports of possible attacks by al Shabaab militants in the city. Police officers are guarding government positions, setting up road blocks to search cars and pedestrians. Deputy, Banadir Governor Ali Ahmed Gure urged residents to be vigilant and report to the police any suspicious acts. “We are taking these precautions to protect our citizens from terrorist attacks” said Mr. Gure. Security officials in Mogadishu say al Shabaab is on the brink of carrying out attacks in Mogadishu.

Al Shabaab attacks Kismayo airport with mortars

01 May – Source: RadioBar-kulan – 78 words

Al Shabaab militants have on Wednesday morning carried out attacks on Somali and AMISOM forces based at the airport of Kismayo, the capital of Lower Jubba region. Confirming the incident, the airport director, Arab Ahmed Ali told Bar-kulan that the militants launched a hit-and-run attack on the airport. He said Somali troops backed by the AMISOM forces repelled the attackers. Two of the mortars fired by al Shabaab militants struck an emergency tent pitched inside the airport and the airport highway.

AMISOM closes radio station in central Somalia, confiscate equipment and arrests its director and editor

01 May – Source: Raxanreeb – 169 words

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns the shutdown of radio Station in the central Somali town of Beletweyn on Wednesday morning by AMISOM. Djiboutian contingent in the town, confiscated radio equipment and arrested the radio director and the editor. At around 8:30am a convoy of AMISOM Djiboutian contingent came at the premises of the Mustaqbal – Voice of Central Somalia (Codka Bartamaha), arrested its director, Osman Abdullahi Areys and its editor, Siraji Omar Abdi, letting the radio station completely out of air. Mustaqbal Media Inc. has offices in Mogadishu and Beledweyn. “This morning around 8:30, when the radio went on air, an AMISOM convoy of Djiboutian army came to the office, ordered the shutdown of the radio station, arrested the editor and the director without pre-warnings.” Aweys Haji Nur, the Director of Mustaqbal Radio in Mogadishu said, “We believe that the shutdown follows a new report aired by the radio station on Tuesday night over attack on Ceel Gaal by the al Shabaab.”

Female with a suicidal belt caught in Kismayo airport

01 May – Source: Mareeg Online/Radio Bar-kulan/Shabelle/Radio Kulmiye – 129 words

Reports from Kismayo confirm that a woman wearing explosives on her body was caught as she attempted to commit suicide attack at a military base which hosts the Kenyan troops. Officials from the federal government troops based in Kismayo said that the Kenyan army received the message that a woman who was wearing an explosive belt was plotting to attack the site. After receiving the news, the Kenyan troops passed the message to the Somali troops who in turn started a manhunt for the culprit. After hours of searching, they stopped a lady who was loaded with explosives and the lady is said to have been heading towards the Kenyan military base which is near Kismayo University. The Somali troops confisticated the explosives successfully and arrested the lady as officials confirmed.

Al Shabaab boss deplored for assassination attempt against al Amriki in Somalia

01 May – Source: Raxanreeb – 102 words

Some of al Shabaab’s senior officials have condemned the assassination attempt against Omar Hamammi, (Abu Mansur al Amriki), foreign fighter in Somalia last week which was blamed on the group’s top commander Ahmed Abdi Godane, a Jihadi website said. A letter posted on the Al Jahad.comwebsite this week, which its subject line was “Fatwa against assassination attempt against Sheikh Abu Mansur al Amriki”strongly condemned and mentioned several previous attacks against the foreign fighters fighting aside with al Shabaab group in Somalia. “The purpose of the fatwa is to clarify the stand of the Sharia on the failed assassination attempt against Sheikh Abu Mansur al Amriki.”The letter written by five of al Shabaab’s senior commanders said.

Roads in Mogadishu closed for second day

01 May – Source: Radio Shabelle – 119 words

The main roads in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia has been closed for the second day. This has slowed down business activities in the city and movement of people.

Residents of some parts of the city walk up early morning only to find out that the main roads were closed. The federal government troops were seen patrolling along the roads and activities were limited along the once busy roads. The main highways at the heart of the city are only used by Army vehicles and personal cars are not allowed. AMISOM vehicles are also spotted in the main roads and are participating in securing the roads in the city.

International Workers’ Day not celebrated in Mogadishu

01 May – Source: Raxanreeb – 109 words

Despite most of Somalia government workers in Mogadishu taking their holiday to mark the International Workers’ Day there are no events to celebrate the day in the capital, RBC Radio reports. Heavy security operations which started on Tuesday continued until Wednesday as hundreds of Somalia government security forces were deployed into the city’s main roads blocking the movement of the vehicles including the public buses which led thousands of people to trek to reach universities or business places in the capital. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud used the media to extend his congratulations to the Somali workers during a press conference in the Villa Somalia palace.

Puntland authorities executes 13 al Shabaab convicts

30 Apr – Source: Garowe Online – 125 words

The Puntland Military Judicial Court executed 13 people on Tuesday, convicted of terrorism charges, 6 were executed for their part in the assassination of prominent Islamic scholar Dr. Ahmed Abdirahman, Garowe Online reports. The 13 convicted al Shabaab agents were executed by firing squad on Tuesday in the commercial capital of Bossaso. Puntland authorities carried out the execution of six people including one woman, who were convicted in February 2013 of conspiring to assassinate Dr. Abdirahman who was killed as he left a mosque in Bossaso in December 2011. After their conviction in February they were given 30 days to appeal their guilty verdict. According to local sources, one officer was killed by accidental gunfire during the execution of the 13 al Shabaab linked convicts.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Somali pirates release Danish vessel with six crew

01 May – Source: Africa Review/Xinhua – 147 words

Somali pirates have released the Danish coaster mv Leopard after two years in captivity, a Kenyan maritime official said Wednesday. Seafarers’ Union of Kenya Secretary General Andrew Mwangura said the vessel which was captured in January 2011, was released on Tuesday with six member crew.

“The two Danish and the four Philippine seamen have very recently been released off the Somali coast and are now in safe surroundings,” Mr Mwangura said. The latest information comes as the number of attacks off the coast of Somalia related to local pirates has reduced drastically with five incidents being reported in the first quarter of 2013, including the hijacking of a fishing vessel and its 20-member crew.

Buses without detectors to suffer

01 May – Source: Daily Monitor – 116 words

Following the looming terror threats in the country, the police have said any bus without a hand held metal detector would be stopped from operating in Kampala. Mr Michael Mugabi, the police commander for Kampala Metropolitan South, said police had earlier warned bus managers of terrorists boarding the buses with explosives. “Starting tomorrow (Wednesday) no bus without a metal detector will load passengers. All passengers must be checked before they get on the bus,” Mr Mugabi said.

Security agencies suspect that the al-Shabaab insurgents based in Somalia could be planning terror attacks in Uganda. In 2009, Uganda suffered terror attacks which killed 78 people at Kyadondo Rugby Club in Lugogo and Ethiopian Village Restaurant in Kabalagala.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somali militants threaten to avenge Puntland killings

01 May – Source: Reuters – 135 words

Al Qaeda-linked Somali militants who have dug into parts of the northern Puntland province pledged vengeance after authorities in the autonomous region executed 13 suspected Islamist rebels. Puntland long avoided being caught up in successive Islamist insurgencies that have shattered Somalia but has slowly been infiltrated by al Shabaab rebels squeezed out of former south-central urban redoubts in the Horn of Africa state. Puntland officials say many of the insurgents have taken up positions in the mountains west of the port city of Bosasso. “Puntland massacred innocent Muslims,” al Shabaab spokesman Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rage said in an audio recording posted late on Tuesday on www.somalimemo.net, a website linked to the rebel group. “We shall avenge them. All those who spied, bore false witness, judged, and shot them will face a tough punishment.”

Somaliland official says media owner attacked by police

01 May – Source: Committee to Protect Journalists – 147 words

A senior administration official in Somaliland has said that police officers were the perpetrators of an April 24 attack on the owner of a media network, according to news reports. The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on authorities in the semi-autonomous republic to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice. Two masked gunmen burst into the offices of the critical independent daily Hubaal in the capital, Hargeisa, at around 11:30 p.m. as the paper’s employees were proofreading the next day’s issue, according to local journalists and news reports. One assailant fired at least once at Mohamed Ahmed Jama, but missed, the reports said.

Mohamed is the owner and manager of the Hubaal Media Network, which publishes Hubaal and the English daily The Independent, according to Hubaal Editor-in-Chief Hassan Hussein Abdillahi. Mohamed is also the manager of both papers.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“At the end of the day, Hammami seems to be caught in the middle of these rivals’ power plays. And though the debate over his fate might not tear the organization apart, his desperate tweets do shine a light on the leadership’s stark divisions.”

Rapping jihadist’s tweets showcase al-Shabab’s internal divisions

30 Apr- Source: Foreign Policy Blog-821 Words

It’s been more than a year since Omar Hammami, an American-born jihadist in Somalia who made a name for himself with lo-fi propaganda rap productions, posted a video telling viewers he feared for his life. The threat he felt came not from the Somali government, which he had come to fight against in 2008, or from the U.S. government, which has branded him a wanted terrorist, but from his own comrades in al Shabaab, the Somali affiliate of al Qaeda.

Since then, Hammami has been hiding out in Somalia, but he’s hardly kept a low profile online. He is the apparent operator of the @abumamerican Twitter account, from which he has criticized al Shabaab’s leadership and communicated with journalists and terrorism analysts — he even gave an interview for a profile by Danger Room’s Spencer Ackerman. In the past week, though, his luck living on the lam has been running out.