May 21, 2012 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Jerry Rawlings visits Mogadishu

18 May – Source: Bar-kulan – 119 words

African Union special representative to Somalia, Jerry Rawlings, visited the Somali capital, Mogadishu, where he met officials from TFG and the AU forces in Mogadishu.

Rawlings was welcomed at the airport by officials from the African Union Mission in Somalia and TFG officials. After his arrival, Rawlings proceeded to the AU mission Headquarters where he inspected a Guard of Honour mounted by the AMISOM troops.

Key Headlines

11 al Qaeda militias killed in a battle near Mahas in Hiiraan region (Radio Mogadishu)
Eight injured in Somali capital explosions 19 May (Jowhar Online)
Turkish Airlines diverts to Nairobi after security scare in Mogadishu (Shabelle)
UN officials visit Abudwak Galgadud region (Bar-Kulan)
Somali Speaker visits largest military training camp in Bay Region (Radio Mogadishu)
RCA conducts over 500 eye surgeries in Somalia (Gulf Today)
Mogadishu on the up (IRIN)

PRESS STATEMENT

SRSG Statement on Hargeisa Incident

19 May – Source: UNPOS – 142 words
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga, expresses concern over the recent violent clashes in Hargeisa between the Somaliland security forces and Somaliland citizens which allegedly resulted in the death of several persons from both sides. Seventeen of the accused were sentenced to death and five to life imprisonment.
The SRSG regrets the loss of life on both sides and expresses concern the trial of these civilians was conducted by a military in contradiction of both applicable local statutes and customary norms of standards of international law. He urges the immediate transfer of the case to a criminal court and encourages the authorities to ensure that fair trial rights are respected in a new trial.
The SRSG calls for a full, impartial, independent and transparent investigation to be carried out into the incident and its immediate aftermath.

Communiqué of the Conference on Fundamental Rights, Media Law and Transitional Justice Mogadishu, Somalia

18 May – Source: TFG – 796 words

The conference on the Fundamental Rights, Media Law and Transitional Justice was held in Mogadishu, Somalia on May 16-17, 2012. It was organized by the Ministry of Constitutional Affairs and Reconciliations; Ministry of Information, Posts and Telecommunications and facilitated jointly by UNDP, NDI and IDLO.

The conference featured government officials, international delegates, media and representatives of regional administrations. The conference was opened by cabinet ministers, including Abdiwahab Hussein Khalif deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce & Industries; Abdurahman Hosh Jibril, Minister of Constitutional Affairs and Reconciliations; and Abdulkadir Hussein Mohamed, Minister of Information, Posts and Telecommunications.

The conference was closed by His Excellence, Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali who addressed the conference and provided updates on government’s efforts to finalize the process of selecting the constituent assembly through the traditional elders. Prime Minister Ali also praised journalists who work under difficult circumstances and assured the government’s commitment on ending the cycle of impunity against journalists.

The Mayor of Mogadishu, Mohamud Nur Tarzan, expressed an uncompromising support on press freedom. Individual liberty and right to free speech are fundamental principles that he considers to be the bases of new Somalia.

On the constitution, the Minister of Constitution, His Excellence Abdurahman Hosh Jibril, expressed satisfaction on the works that his ministry is implementing, as envisaged in the road map agreement, to finalize the draft constitution before the constituent assembly adopts it.

The Minister of Information, His Excellence Abdulkadir Hussein Mohamed, praised the media for their heroic contributions to society and advised to maintain good ethics and professional journalism standards. The Minister reminded the media their social responsibility to prevent the airwaves issues that could incite violence or jeopardize the peace that the country is experiencing.

Media and civil society groups:

The conference attracted directors from independent media outlets across the country and civil society representatives who contributed to the discussions and provided valuable perspectives on media law and reconciliation process during the plenary sessions for both days.

A diverse group from civil society organizations was present in the conference, sharing their experiences and expressing willingness to support the peace process. Representatives from the media introduced an initiative to revisit the media law to ensure the rights of journalists. The Chairman of National Union of Somali Journalists, Burhan Ahmed Dahir, indicated the importance of reviewing the media law that was adopted in 2007 by the Transitional Federal Parliament.

Dr. Omar Alasow, a human rights practitioner based in Mogadishu, provided a perspective on the guidelines of freedom of expression and human rights. Mr. Alasow pointed out the challenges faced by civil society leaders and journalists which must be addressed by enhancing the judicial system and bringing perpetrators before a court of law. Individual rights were another theme that was highlighted in the discussions by civil society and media practitioners who suggested recommendations to be considered for the draft constitution.

The conference received presentations from UNDP experts on transitional justice, discussing the experiences of other societies mired by civil strife and how Somalia could improve its justice system. By applying principles of transitional justice, traditional elders could address outstanding clan issues with support from the political leaders.

With intensive two-day addresses, discussions and presentations, the conference:

On the constitution:

1. Takes note of the progress made on the reconciliation front and the efforts of the government to implement the remaining tasks of the roadmap agreement;

2. Clarifies for the public the constitutional rights and clauses in the draft constitution that inspired the media law and reaffirms the fundamental rights of the citizens to freedom of expression and individual liberty;

3. Calls for increased participation from the public to provide input in the constitution-making process;

4. Commends the Somali experts who are tirelessly working on the draft constitution and assure transparency in the process before its adoption.

On the media law:

5. Recognizes the importance of reviewing the media law to strengthen freedom of expression and adopt contributions from media interest groups;

6. Recommends the appointment of a body on a later date that spearheads the review process of the media law;

7. Acknowledges the heroic efforts of journalists for covering the truth and paying tribute to fallen journalists who died in the line of duty.

On the fundamental rights:

8. Emphasizes cultural values of Somali society that inherently support freedom of expression;

9. Encourages right to assembly, liberty and justice for all;

10. Reaffirms government’s commitment to protect rights of citizens specially women and minority groups and harness freedom of expression principles to promote democracy and the rule of law.

On transitional justice:

11. Underscores the progress made on the reconciliation process and the role of traditional elders to collaborate on peace-building;

12. Encourages civil society members and regional administrations to play a vital role in the reconciliation process and to strengthen grassroots initiatives of integration and peace-building;

13. Commits long term peace-building activities, by addressing sources of conflicts, including resource and related pastoral clan grievances.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali president returns home, offers details on trip

20 May – Source: Shabellle/Mareeg Online – 151 words

Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, the president of the TFG on Sunday gave details about his trips to several countries in the world. After arriving home on Saturday afternoon, Somali president Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed told the media that he attended the Security Council and visited east African countries, namely Uganda and Burundi.

11 al Qaeda militias killed in a battle near Mahas in Hiiraan region

20 May – Source: Radio Mogadishu/ SONNA- 159 words

Somali National forces on Saturday afternoon foiled attacks of robbery targeting nomadic people’s livestock at Gobo village near Mahas district in Hiiraan region late yesterday afternoon, officials said.

Deputy Chairperson for the security of Hiiraan regional administration under the Somali government, Mr. Ahmed Osman Inji has confirmed reporters that TFG forces protected two attempts by al Shabaab who wanted to rob livestock camels, cows and goats from nomadic people.

Eight injured in Somali capital explosions 19 May

19 May – Source: Jowhar Online/Mareeg Online – 107 words

Explosions have occurred at Mogadishu’s Bakara market as government soldiers were demolishing illegal structures at the market. Reports say a hand grenade, hurled from a distance, hit a restaurant near Abdalla Shideye Mosque, injuring six people, one of them a soldier. Another explosion occurred at the gold market and injured two people. Security officers then conducted swoops, arresting more than 40 people. Some sections of the market have been closed as the situation in the area remains tense.

Jerry Rawlings visits Mogadishu

18 May – Source: Bar-kulan – 119 words

African Union special representative to Somalia, Jerry Rawlings, visited the Somali capital, Mogadishu, where he met officials from TFG and the AU forces in Mogadishu.

Turkish Airlines diverts to Nairobi after security scare in Mogadishu

19 May – Source: Somaliland Press/Shabelle – 203 words

A carrier operated by Turkish Airlines left its Somali passengers stranded in the wrong airport after landing in Kenya rather than their intended destination of Aden Adde airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Friday. The confusion, an airport official says, stems from security measures that advised the carrier to land from a safe direction to avoid being shot-down by insurgents.

Minister: Somali gov’t to bolster war on al Shabaab

19 May – Radio Shabelle/Mareeg Online – 107 words

The Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia and Trade Minister, Abdiwahab Ugas Hussein, announced on Saturday that he is willing to strengthen the war on al Shabaab in the country.

ASWJ to increase security measures in Somalia

20 May – Source: Radio Kulmiye – 99 words

The spokesman for the group of Ahlusunah Waljamaa Sheikh Husein Abuu Khaadi says they are making security operations in across the country, taking drastic measures to insure the security in the country. The spokesman vows to maintain security efforts and help for the current government in Mogadishu and other parts held by the government administrations and Ahlusunah Waljamaa.

UN officials visit Abudwak, Galgadud region

18 May – Source: Bar-kulan – 100 words

A UN delegation on Thursday visited central Somali town of Abudwak, Galgadud region, to assess humanitarian situation in the region. After their arrival, the visiting UN officials held talks with Ahlu Sunna officials, according to an Ahlu Sunna official, Mahad Khalif Roble. Details of their meeting still remain unknown.

Ethiopian’s military operations in Somalia delayed, says force commander

19 May – Source: Mareeg Online – 112 words

The Force Commander of Ethiopian troops in parts of southern Somalia, said on Saturday that their military operations against al Shabaab got delayed over unmentioned reasons. General John, the commander of Ethiopian troops in Bay and Bakol region of southern Somalia, told reporters in Baidoa that the operational plan was to liberate the militants from all southern regions but was delayed.

Al Shabaab claims victory over Mogadishu attacks

20 May – Source: Radio Kulmiye – 136 words

Al Shabab military spokesman Sheikh Abdi Asis Abu Musa’b says the militants have conducted several attacks against the TFG and the African Union peacekeepers in Mogadishu.
Government officials have told the media that they have captured several men suspected of being involved in the attacks.

Al Shabaab demands Somali clan for support in fight against TFG, AU forces

19 May – Source: Shabelle – 111 words

Al Shabaabhave asked Biyo-maal clan for support in fight against the Somali government and its allied regional forces in the country, reports said on Saturday. Sheik Mohammed Abu Abdalla, the governor of Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region for al Shabaab told a pro-al Shabaab local radio station that the group has asked Biyo-maal clan to offer major economic and moral support as to wage further their warfare in Somalia.

Somali Speaker visits largest military training camp in Bay Region

19 May- Source: Radio Mogadishu/ Somalia Report- 82 words

The speaker of Somali parliament, Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, on Friday visited one of the largest military training camps in Bay region. The speaker addressed 1,000 military forces who are currently taking military training in the camp and thanked them for their choice of becoming part the Somali National Forces.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Regional players want more Somalis involved for stability

19 May – Source: East African – 434 words
Key regional players and the international community, who are central to restoring stability in Somalia, want Somalis to play a bigger role in the fight against Al Shabaab insurgency. This was the central message as 603 Somali nationals completed a six month training course at Bihanga Training School, some 350km west of the Ugandan capital, Kampala, a fortnight ago.

Somali politics ‘entering most critical phase’

19 May – East African – 508 words

Time and money are both in short supply as Somalia scurries to meet an approaching deadline for establishing a new political order, the United Nations special envoy for Mogadishu warned last week.

Western forces are simultaneously piling military pressure on pirates who have contributed to the lawlessness that has plagued Somalia for the past 20 years.

RCA conducts over 500 eye surgeries in Somalia

20 May- Source: Gulf Today- 123 words

An international team of ophthalmologists, sponsored by the UAE Red Crescent Authority (RCA), has conducted surgeries of 504 Somali patients with cataract and glaucoma.The RCA mission for prevention and treatment of blindness also operated several complicated eye surgeries, including eye lens implant or intraocular lens (IOL).

Somalia wants held passports, ID cards handed to embassy

18 May – Source: Star – 478 words

The Somali government now wants a consignment of Somali passports, identity cards and machines impounded at the port last year to be handed over to its embassy. Speaking on the sidelines of a case involving a businessman charged in relation to the container, Somali ambassador Mohammed Ali Nur said detaining the consignment is illegal.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Mauritius, Somalia in deal to prosecute pirates

18 May – Source: Reuters – 277 words

Mauritius said on Friday it has agreed to prosecute Somali pirates, helping overcome one of the hurdles to cracking down on the wave of piracy that has hit international shipping. The island nation said it had reached agreement with Somalia, and the semi-autonomous regions of Somaliland and Puntland, to accept suspected pirates for prosecution and trial starting in June.

Mogadishu on the up

18 May – Source: Irin News – 1026 words

It is Friday morning in Mogadishu and Lido beach presents a scene reminiscent of seaside towns around the world. At the top of the beach, women sit with their wares, selling water and ice-lollies from cool-boxes. The middle-beach is dominated by young men playing football using driftwood as goalposts. At the water’s edge, boys and girls, the latter heedless of their long flowing garments, hurl themselves into the waves or bob on the surface like apples.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“Track one involved continuing support for the Djibouti Peace Process, the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), its National Security Forces and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Track two recognized that there were large pockets of stability in Somalia that merited greater engagement. These areas included Somaliland, Puntland and regional and local anti-al-Shabaab groups throughout south/central Somalia. Track two included additional support for Somali civil society groups and clan leaders.”

Somalia: U.S. Dual Track Policy – By David H. Shinn

20 May – Source: Harowo – 1501 Words

Over the years, I have addressed several Somaliland conferences. It is always a pleasure. On this occasion, I have been asked to speak on the U.S. dual track policy towards Somalia and Somaliland. While you would receive a more authoritative presentation on this subject from someone who represents the U.S. Government, which I no longer do, I will do my best to address this important subject. Perhaps one of your other speakers will say something about the development implications of the U.S. dual track policy. What Is the Dual Track Policy?

“No longer are Somali pirates untouchable in their safe havens, where they felt able to hide behind the 18 ships and 300 crew members they hold hostage. The realisation has finally dawned that the force used by the pirates against merchant shipping, including several Thai vessels, has to be met with an equal or greater force if the threat they pose is to be contained.”

Payback time in Somalia

19 May – Source: Bangkok Post – 608 Words

The hijacking of a Greek-owned oil tanker in the Arabian Sea last weekend did more than evoke the usual protestations by naval forces in the area that they could do nothing for fear of jeopardising the crew’s safety. This time it triggered a helicopter-led nighttime assault on Somali pirate sanctuaries during which their supply centres came under fierce air attack and boats were destroyed. Although the raid did not secure the release of the 15-man crew of the MV Smyrni, the ship or its 135,000 tonnes of crude oil, it did set a welcome precedent.