May 27, 2013 | Morning Headlines.
Somali lawmakers propose motion against Kenyan troops in Kismayo
26 May- Source: BBC Somali Service/Radio Mustaqbal/Shabelle- 173 words
Some Somali lawmakers have proposed a motion against Kenyan troops in Kismayo, the head quarter of Lower Jubba region, accusing them of violations on confused policy of Kismayo where several presidents claimed to be chosen by the elders of Jubba regions and Gedo. Abdullahi Jama’ who is the chairman for business and economic committee of Somali parliament told BBC-Somali that some of the legislators are preparing motion against the Kenyan troops in Kismayo, and announced that they are committed to remove Kenyan troops from Kismayo town.
Key Headlines
- Communique of the 22nd IGAD Extra-ordinary Summit of Heads of States (Source: IGAD)
- Statement of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in IGAD summit (Source: Office of the President of Somalia)
- Heavy fighting between AMISOM troops and al Shabaab in Dhobley (Source: Shabelle)
- Dozens rounded up in Mogadishu as forces search for al Shabaab operatives (Source: Garowe Online)
- Government troops seized new areas from al Shabaab ( Radio Bar-kulan)
- Somalia lists 1345 foreigners in Mogadishu (Source: Africa Review)
- Jubbaland administration warns Somali Federal government (Radio Bar-kulan)
- E.U. Donates U.S. $48 Million For Somalia Anti-piracy Operation (Source: Coastweek)
- British soldier murder suspect had been held in Kenya (Source: Daily Nation)
- Kenyan police kill Muslim cleric with ties to Somali militants (Reuters)
PRESS STATEMENT
Communique of the 22nd IGAD Extra-ordinary Summit of Heads of States
24 May- Source: IGAD- 948 words
The IGAD Heads of State and Government held its 22nd extraordinary summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 24th of May 2013, under the Chairmanship of H.E Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn, the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and current Chairperson of the IGAD Assembly to discuss the political situation in the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The Assembly was attended by H. E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda;H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti; H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia; H. E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya.
The Summit was also attended by H.E. Mr. Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E Ambassador Hussein Elamin Elfadil, Ambassador of Sudan and permanent reprehensive to IGAD, H.E. Nicholas Westcostt , Director General for Africa , European Union, and H.E.Amb. Renzo Mario Rosso the Ambassador of Italy to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU and IGAD in his capacity as the Co-Chair of the IGAD Partners Forum (IPF).
The Assembly was preceded by the 48th Extra-ordinary Session of IGAD Council of Ministers held on 24thof May 2013, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
As a follow up to its decision on 3rd May 2013 of its 21st extra-ordinary session, the Summit received a briefing from the chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers H.E Dr. Tedros Adhanom, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and also a report from H.E Amb.(Eng.)Mahboub M. Maalim, Executive Secretary of IGAD on the high level fact finding and confidence building mission delegated by the Summit to Mogadishu and Kismayo in the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The Summit deliberated on the report and the overall political and security situation in Somalia,
In this regard,
The Summit:
After listening to the briefing byH.E Dr. Tedros Adhanom,Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, on the Council consultation in its 48th Extraordinary session and Further considering the report from H.E Amb.(Eng.)Mahboub M. Maalim, Executive Secretary of IGAD on the fact finding and confidence building mission to Mogadishu and Kismayo ,
Having taken Note of the findings of the mission and the recommendations made and furtherconsidering the various views observed by the Somali Federal Government as well as major stakeholders in Mogadishu and Kismayo;
Recalling the previous decisions of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government and the Council of Ministers on Somalia;
Considering the major political and security priorities of the Federal Government of Somalia, and the efforts for peace and stability within the framework of the provisional constitution;
The Summit;
1. Commends the successful fact finding and confidence building mission led by H.E Amb.(Eng.)Mahboub M. Maalim;
2. Endorses and adopts the report of the fact finding and confidence building mission to Mogadishu and Kismayo;
3. Notes with Satisfaction the agreement of all stakeholders to respect the provisional constitution, to accept the government leadership, to conduct the process in an all inclusive manner, the need for IGAD’s supportive role and conduct the process in a way that helps the fight against al Shabaab;
4. Urges that the Federal Government of Somalia should timely convene and lead reconciliation conference with the support of IGAD while consulting key stakeholders in the Juba Regions with a view to chart out a roadmap on the establishment of interim administration and formation of a permanent regional administration in accordance with the Provisional Constitution with IGAD playing a supporting role;
5. Noted with concern the situation in Kismayo and appeals for calm and restrain by all parties as such actions may threaten peace and stability mainly the fight against al Shabaab;
6. Calls upon all parties in Mogadishu and Kismayo to uphold the tenets of the five principles enumerated in the communiqué of the 21st Extra-Ordinary Summit ;
7. Re-iterates its previous call for the Federal Government of Somalia to as soon as possible integrate the various militia forces into a unified national command of Somali National Army;
8. Stresses the need for enhanced engagement by the international community and the AU in improving the operational capacity and coordination of AMISOM and Somali National Forces in view of supporting the on-going operations for peace and greater stability;
9. Reaffirmed the strong commitment of IGAD countries to assist the peace building and the reconstruction process in Somalia;
10.Recognises the important role to be played by the Somali refugees in the reconstruction of Somalia , and calls on international community to support the initiative by the governments of Somalia and Kenya and UNHCR to convene an international conference on repatriation of Somali refugees to be held later this year;
11. Directs the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers and IGAD Secretariat to make the necessary arrangements to ensure continuous consultation and dialogue in Somalia;
12. Expresses appreciation to international partners and Organizations that are currently providing financial, material and technical assistance to the Federal Government of Somalia and appeals for increase in the level of support;
13.Underscored the efforts made by the Ethiopian Prime Minister H.E Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn, in his capacity as IGAD Chair, in facilitating member countries efforts for the regional peace and security;
14. Directs the IGAD Secretariat to transmit these decisions to the African Union Commission and the United Nations Security Council;
15.Congratulates the AU on the occasion of the celebration of the 50th anniversary and its accomplishments;
16.Expresses its appreciation to the Government and the people of Ethiopia for hosting this Extra-ordinary Summit and for shouldering the heavy responsibility of hosting the 50th Anniversary of the AU;
17. Decides to remain seized of this matter.
Issued this 24th of May 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Statement of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in IGAD summit
25 May- Source: Office of the President of Somalia-1424 words
H. E. Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Current IGAD Chairperson of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of IGAD
H.E. Ismail Omar Gelle, President of the Republic of Djibouti
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya
H.E. Yawori Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda
H. E. Amb (Eng.) Mahboub Maalim, IGAD Executive Secretary
H.E. Erests Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission
Excellencies and Distinguished participants;
Ladies and Gentleman;
Mr. Chairman.
It is an honor to be here with you today. Let me take this opportunity to thank the People and the Government of Ethiopia for hosting this important 22nd Extra-Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of IGAD and the 50th Anniversary of the African Union. I also thank Ethiopia for the warm welcome accorded to me and my delegation here in Addis Ababa. I also want to thank IGAD Executive Secretary and the Secretariat for organizing this timely and important Summit. Having this meeting twice within the month of May shows our collective commitments and dedication on Somalia.
Happy Birthday to all on our special occasion that we are celebrating our 50th Anniversary of the African Union and most importantly, it is time to look forward over the next 50 years and set a course to develop the Africa that our people so richly deserve. Combined under our leadership, we have the potential to make the 21st century, Africa’s century. Somalia has been at the heart of the African Union since its inauguration. As one of the founding fathers, we are proud to stand here today emerging from decades of trauma, supported by you all. This is the spirit of the African Union today. A community of nations who stand side by side and find our own solutions to our problems.
On behalf of the Federal Government and the people of Somalia, Let me begin to express my gratitude and appreciation to IGAD member States for their relentless efforts, dedication and sacrifices to assist Somalia in bringing peace and stability. In Particular your attendance, solidarity, support and standing shoulder to shoulder with me during the recent Somalia Conference in London, is hugely welcome and I cannot thank you enough for that. I hope that you will also come to Japan to attend the special meeting on Somalia on 31st May 2013 that the Prime Minister of Japan and I will co-chair.
Excellencies,
Since our last meeting there have been developments in Somalia such as the London Conference on 7th May, our continual discussions on issues that matter to all of us, the IGAD Confidence Building Mission to Mogadishu and Kismayo and today’s meeting of IGAD Council of Ministers. I have no doubt that our collective desire to achieve our common goals will prevail. Your commitment and sustained company in support of our agendas, policies and priorities is more critical now than ever with an aim to see an end of the events in Somalia.
Once again I thank AMISOM contributing countries and Ethiopia for truly sending their soldiers to Somalia. Without your sacrifices, we would not have defeated al Shabaab. The threat posed by al Shabaab, which is an al Qaeda affiliate in the horn of Africa is a local, regional and global, which needs regional and global solution. A true mission that we started together must be accomplished by all of us.
My government whole heartedly supported the recent IGAD communiqué on 3 May and its five agreed principles, which clearly spells out how IGAD leaders are committed to supporting the Federal Government of Somalia’s National Stabilization Plan. We value greatly the role of IGAD in order for us to lead the stabilization of the country and to bring peace and stability.
As I said before My Government is aggressively engaged in outreach programmes, and to further our previous political outreach we have recently sent a committee from the cabinet and the parliament to Kismayo on 15 May 2013 to initiate dialogue with the local stakeholders. However, AMISOM contingent in the area did not treat the committee well.
Excellencies,
In our last meeting I mentioned the need to transform the culture of impunity, the culture of lawlessness and the culture of adapting 22 years without functioning state authority. For this end, I regret to inform you that Kismayo process unilaterally made declarations which created dispute of the outcome, insecurity in Kismayo and demonstrations against the outcome of the conference. This unilateral decision is what we have been warning for sometime as our people cannot afford another conflict. We wish that they would have listened to us as what we have been offering was a cohesive, inclusive, reconciliation based process to lay down the foundation of locally owned administrations. This process in Kismayo is done against the spirit of the constitution, without the government leadership, lacks inclusivity. This type of outcome may help al Shabaab to take advantage of the grievances of some of the stakeholders.
My government is ready and committed to hold a genuine reconciliation conference to key stakeholders in the Jubba regions in order to devise program and plans to establish interim administrations that can lead to the formation of Federal Unit States in accordance with the provisional constitution.
The Federal Government of Somalia is mandated to represent the interest of all Somali people those who are silent and powerless as they look for the Federal Government to safeguard their constitutional rights.
Excellencies,
The culture that formed for the last 2 decades in Somalia due to lack of functioning state is for everyone and every group to claim the rightful representation of the Somali people. The International Community also adopted a culture to be neutral to all groups. We can understand when it comes to humanitarian situations; however, we need to look the situation through different lenses when it comes to politics.
Nevertheless, the International Community put energy, commitment and time to overcome this culture by hosting conferences to get legitimate authority that can speak for the people of Somalia. We are ever grateful for this commitment which in the end resulted the ending of the transition to a legitimate and permanent government in Somalia. All these commitments and energy that the international community and in particular the IGAD member states put to Somalia resulted representative and all inclusive federal institutions from all walks of life and regions in Somalia.
I therefore, would like to strongly emphasize the importance of this as some of the International Community is still giving wrong signals to some groups or regions in Somalia. This will only create more problems to the prolonged political fragmentation that we are trying so hard to solve.
My government is committed to implementing our mandated priorities which include the development of the constitution and the implementation of the Federal system in Somalia.
Excellencies,
There is no silver bullet and there are no quick fix solutions in Somalia, as the issues we are dealing with are complex and sensitive which require holistic approaches to overcome. We have to be pragmatic and realize that we cannot solve all the ills of the society in one day. Rome wasn’t built a day. State and Nation building in Somalia are very delicate which require time, space, understanding and consensus that our people is desperately in need.
So what is the solution to the setting up of Regional Administrations in Somalia?
Excellencies,
The Federal Government sent a committee to Kismayo to start dialogue and reconciliation based on a roadmap that outlines the way forward until a federal unit is established in these regions.
Although Kismayo process produced unilateral decision that undermines the spirit of the provisional constitution, the legitimacy of the Federal Government, inclusivity of local stakeholders and the guidance of the 5 principles of IGAD as per the IGAD communiqué on 3rd May 2013, the Federal Government of Somalia is persistently remain open for dialogue and leadership of a broad-based process that is transparent and inclusive of all local stakeholders.
In conclusion, Excellencies,
I would like to thank IGAD Secretariat for their quick response to deploy the IGAD trust building mission to Mogadishu and Kismayo. We welcome the recommendations of the mission.
Finally, I would like to thank H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia for hosting this wonderful summit, as well as to IGAD Secretariat for organizing this summit and I hope that it will not be a long time before we hold these meetings in Mogadishu in the near future.
Thank you.
SOMALI MEDIA
Heavy fighting between AMISOM troops and al Shabaab in Dhobley
26 May- Source: Shabelle- 87 words
Reports from Dhobley town situated at the Kenya, Somalia border confirm that heavy fighting broke out at a place 40 km south of the town. It happened when al Shabaab militia attacked a Kenyan military base situated at the lower juba region of Somalia. Casualties have been reported from both sides.
Dozens rounded up in Mogadishu as forces search for al Shabaab operatives
26 May- Source: Garowe Online/Radio Mogadishu/Universal TV- 369 words
AMISOM and Somali authorities rounded suspected al Shabaab agents in a morning raid in Mogadishu’s Wadajir district on Saturday eventually release most of the suspects. The joint operation conducted by Somali government forces and AMISOM forces carried out Saturday morning occurred in the neighborhood of Bulo Hubey where men all ages were rounded up and taken to the Crime Investigation Department (CID) located on KM4 road. According to local sources, authorities were searching every home in that neighbourhood thoroughly as they arrested dozens.
Jubbaland administration warns Somali Federal government
26 May- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Mustaqbal/Kismaayonews- 120 words
The newly established administration of Jubbaland has warned the Somali Federal government to deploy troops to the port city of Kismayo, in southern Somalia. Speaking in a news conference in Kismayo, Jubbaland administration spokesman Abdinasir Serar declared that they will get ready for a war if the government attempts to bring troops in Jubba regions. Jubbaland administration has accused a delegation from the Somali Federal government led by members of the Parliament to have made insecurity acts in the city. Serer also accused the Somali Federal government of not playing its part to end the Kismayo dispute, adding that the government has exaggerated a communiqué by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) members’ summit in Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
Somali lawmakers propose motion against Kenyan troops in Kismayo
26 May- Source: BBC Somali Service/Radio Mustaqbal/Shabelle- 173 words
Some Somali lawmakers have proposed a motion against Kenyan troops in Kismayo, the head quarter of Lower Jubba region, accusing them of violations on confused policy of Kismayo where several presidents claimed to be chosen by the elders of Jubba regions and Gedo. Abdullahi Jama’ who is the chairman for business and economic committee of Somali parliament told BBC-Somali that some of the legislators are preparing motion against the Kenyan troops in Kismayo, and announced that they are committed to remove Kenyan troops from Kismayo town.
Somaliland Interior Minister inspects Government Sponsored Projects in Awdal Region
25 May- Source: Somalilandpress- 152 words
Somaliland’s Minister of Interior Hon Mohamed Nur Arraale Duur yesterday opened new tarmac roads in the town of Borame at the same time attending a ground breaking ceremony for a new road. The new tarmac roads which were today opened by Hon Duur the constructed by funds made available by the central government, Borame municipality and contribution made by the local residents.
Government troops seized new areas from al Shabaab
25 May- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 82 words
The Somali government administration in Bakool region in southern Somalia has given details about recent operations to drive out the al Qaeda affiliated al Shabaab militants in many parts of the region. Speaking to Bar-kulan, Huddur district commissioner Mohamed Moalim said that operations to dislodge insurgents from the area is underway, adding that key areas have already fallen to the hands of the government troops.Somali Federal government and the militants associated with al Qaeda often clash in many parts of the southern region of Bakool.
Explosions target Ethiopian troops in Baidoa
25 May- Source: Shabelle/ BBC Somali Service – 89 words
Explosions targeting Ethiopian troops occurred at Baidoa the capital town of Bay region in central Somalia. News sources confirm that the explosion occurred while the Ethiopian troops were shopping at a busy market inside the town. 15 civilians are reportedly injured.
REGIONAL MEDIA
Al Shabaab claim deadly Kenya-Somalia border attack
26 May- Source: Capital FM/AFP- 256 words
Gunmen have killed six people including two police officers in an attack along Kenya’s volatile border with war-torn Somalia, with Somali insurgents making a rare claim of responsibility. Somalia’s al Shabaab insurgents said they carried out the attack, in which gunmen fired on a police post near the border town of Liboi late on Saturday, killing two police officers and four civilians. “A small unit of mujahedeen raided the Kenyan base,” the al Shabaab said in a message on Twitter, one of the first times they have confirmed that they had launched raids inside Kenya.
E.U. Donates U.S. $48 Million For Somalia Anti-piracy Operation
25 May- Source: Coastweek/ Xinhua- 249 words
The EU on Tuesday boosted the fight against piracy in the Horn of Africa region by providing 37 million euros (U.S. $48.1 million dollars) towards strengthening the fight against the vice in Eastern and Southern African countries. In a statement, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said the new funding under the Regional Maritime Security program will help to develop the legal and judicial system of countries in the region, so that they are better equipped for the arrest and transfer of pirates.
British soldier murder suspect had been held in Kenya
26 May- Source: Daily Nation- 430 words
One of the main suspects in the brutal murder of a soldier in Britain was arrested in Kenya three years ago and questioned over alleged links to a group of Islamist insurgents, it emerged on Sunday. The Kenyan government confirmed that Michael Adebolajo was detained in 2010 under a false name and handed over to British intelligence agents. A Kenyan anti-terrorism police officer said Adebolajo was arrested and questioned over links to the al Shabaab insurgents. Al Shabaab is an Al-Qaeda linked group fighting in Somalia, but with ties in neighbouring nations including Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastal region.
Somalia lists 1,345 foreigners in Mogadishu
25 May- Source: Africa Review- 353 words
The Government of Somalia has registered,1,345 foreigners in the capital Mogadishu, official said. General Abdullahi Gafow Mohamoud, the Director of Immigration and Citizenship of Somalia, stated those listed included diplomats, NGOs staff and business people. “The operation to register the foreigners in the city was for the Somali government to remain informed about the people in the country,” said Gen Gafow.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Somali militants launch deadly Kenya raid
26 May- Source: BBC- 252 words
At least six people have been killed in an attack by Somali militants on police posts over the Kenyan border, the Kenyan police have said. At least two of the victims of the attack on the Abdisugow and Damajale posts were policemen. A spokesman for the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab said it carried out the attack and that eight people had been killed.
Kenyan police kill Muslim cleric with ties to Somali militants
26 May- Source: Reuters- 380 words
A Muslim cleric accused of possessing explosives and radicalizing Kenyan youths into joining the Somali rebel group al Shabaab was killed in a shootout with police on Sunday, Kenyan authorities said. Police said Khalid Ahmed, a Somali with a Kenyan passport, had been a close friend of Aboud Rogo, a slain Muslim cleric whom the Kenyan government and the United States accused of helping al Qaeda-linked militants in Somalia.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“As the legislative body of the government, the work of MPs is the pillar of reconstructing institutions that are based on justice, equality, and inclusiveness. Somalia is at a critical juncture and the Somali people need public institutions that can provide services and deliver on basic human needs.”
Impeachment Motion: Fair process or foul play!
25 May- Source: Hiiraan Online-1733 Words
Recently, 93 Members of Parliament (MPs) exercising their constitutional powers, filed a motion for a vote of confidence against Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon’s government (PM Shirdon). Though the Motion was since retracted due to 40 MPs who changed their minds, it alleged that the PM and his cabinet have neglected their duties with the exception of submitting the annual budget. The latest Motion failed to address whether proper legislative procedures had been observed. The Parliament is entitled to summon the PM, the Council of Ministers, or any other public official for any purpose including the power to scrutinize or ask questions related to their performance. However, there is no indication that a preliminary investigation had been conducted and corrective actions had been taken by law makers prior to the filing of the motion in question.
“In Somalia reconciliation was engineered to look like reconciliation, because it started with a selective process where clan is promoted to the level of political ideology and exempted other legitimate groups and stakeholders. Ending such clan monopoly is precondition on sustainable progress and government capacity building.”
Taking Stock: Somalia’s Post Transition and its Discontent
25 May- Source: Hiiraan Online-1497 Words
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on various occasions underscored his commitment to security, but he is yet to formulate coherent and sustainable strategy that is capable to improve security by weakening and defeating al Shabaab, ideologically and militarily. Some people may as can the president and the government of Prime Minister Abdi Hashi Shirdon – alias Sa’id – able to deliver this promise? The answer to this question is of course yes, but with a clear strategy and government reform that alter the way current leadership views the security challenges, and develop capability to carry out this new strategy.