May 5, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Ethiopia to enhance support to Somalia: PM

04 May – Source: Turkish Press – 103 words

Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has pledged more support from his country to next-door Somalia, state-owned Ethiopian Radio and Television Agency reported on Sunday. According to the agency, the pledge came during a Saturday meeting between the premier and visiting Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. During the meeting, Desalegn said the Ethiopian forces, working under the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM), have been significantly contributing to facilitating the rapid delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Somali people and also in the fight against al-Shabaab militant group. The premier went on to say that Ethiopia would continue to support infrastructure development in Somalia.

Key Headlines

Somali President Marks World Press Freedom Day: “Those who target the press fear the press” (Office of the President of Somalia)
Prime Minister: “A free press is at the heart of every democracy” (Office of the Prime Minister)
Somali government forces thwart Al Shabaab attack in Mahas (Bar-kulan)
AMISOM Commemorates worls press freedom day (AMISOM)
Prime Minister presents Work Plan to Parliament (Office of the Prime Minister)
Minister for ports faces tough questions from Somali lawmakers (Radio Goobjoog)
UN Representative for Somalia pays tribute to media and calls for press freedom to be protected and respected (UNSOM)
Two suspects behind explosions arrested in Musa Mosque raid (Standard Media)
Puntland president meets Yemen top leaders (Puntland TV/Goobjoog)
Al Shabaab threatens to kill sacked commissioners (Garowe Online)
Somali President Arrives in Ethiopia (Somali Current)
Al Shabaab takes credit for Mogadishu blasts including one that killed 10 (CNN/BBC)
Blasts hit buses in Kenyan capital (Al Jazeera/Capital FM)
Security forces seize two sacks of drug in Jowhar district (Radio Goobjoog)
President Uhuru’s dilemma in dealing with Somalia and South Sudan crises (East African)
Former Mogadishu Mayor calls for prompt investigation into Saturday’s blast (RBC)
Puntland President meets US Assistant Secretary of State (Horseed Media)
Over 80 Somali deportees arrive in Mogadishu (Hiiraan Online)
Mombasa attackers died in the blast – police (Capital FM)

PRESS RELEASE

Somali President Marks World Press Freedom Day: “Those who target the press fear the press”

03 May – Source: Office of the President of Somalia – 240 words

His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud today issued a statement marking May 3rd, World Press Freedom Day. The President said: “On this, World Press Freedom Day, I we recognise the men and women of the press who work tirelessly to inform the population, often at great risk to themselves.

I particularly extended my gratitude to those members of the media who have lost their lives in the course of their work. They are the victims of the enemies of freedom and advancement and we should remember their sacrifice. Those who target the press fear the press because they know they have something to hide.”

The President continued: “A free press is a sign of a free society and that is why my government is doing everything it can to support media sector development, including new media legislation which we expect to be passed into law in the near future.”

The President concluded: “The press has a vital role to play in the development of Somalia. It can highlight the progress we are making and it can raise awareness of issues that require action: it can investigate wrongdoing as well as holding those in positions of authority accountable.

These are tremendously important in a free society. Journalism is a profession that brings with it great responsibility. As we mark World Press Freedom Day, I call upon the journalists of Somalia to keep your standards high and continue your excellent work.’

Prime Minister: “A free press is at the heart of every democracy”

03 May – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 143 words

His Excellency Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, speaking on World Press Freedom Day, said:

“On World Press Freedom day I want to reiterate my government’s steadfast commitment to a free press and freedom of speech. A free press is at the heart of every democracy and is guaranteed under the constitution.

“Journalists perform a critical function in society and it is important to recognise on this day their contribution to democracy and development. We want them to be able to work without fear or favour as they carry out their key role in the continued rebuilding of our nation and institutions.

“The government pays tribute to the brave journalists who have sadly lost their lives or been injured protecting freedom of speech in Somalia. This government will continue its work to create an environment where journalists feel safe, respected and can operate impartially.”

AMISOM Commemorates worls press freedom day

03 May – Source: AMISOM – 239 words

As the world marks World Press Freedom Day, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif expressed AMISOM’s recognition and admiration of the critical role the Somali media is playing in contributing to national development and the attainment of democratic governance, of which freedom of expression is fundamental.

“AMISOM stands with members of the Somalia media fraternity who are sacrificing their freedom of personal well-being as they perform the crucial role of informing the population on issues of national importance.”

Ambassador Annadif said that AMISOM is working closely with the Federal Government of Somalia to protect members of the fourth estate by providing a safe environment free of violence and intimidation; an essential precondition for the full enjoyment of human right.

“I call upon the Somali authorities to continue to advance the development of a responsible press as well as a free media environment in the country including bringing to justice all those responsible for the murder and abuse of journalists” said Ambassador Annadif adding that AMISOM will continue to cherish the sacrifices and contributions made by fallen journalists and the role they play in the overall development of a more peaceful, safer and more democratic Somalia.

AMISOM continues to support the Federal Government of Somalia in its ongoing efforts to improve the security situation in the country so that all citizens can go about their lawful endeavours without fear.

Prime Minister presents Work Plan to Parliament

03 May – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 508 words

His Excellency Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, today presented the government’s Work Plan for 2014 to Parliament. The Work Plan focuses on strengthening on-going security operations, establishing inclusive political processes, launching justice reform, laying foundations for economic recovery, enhancing social services delivery, mobilizing domestic revenue, and building capacity of government institutions.

The Work Plan has been developed in line with the New Deal Compact and the Peace and Stabilisation Goals and by taking into consideration its importance to realize Vision 2016, achievable in the timeframe and within the capacity of the government.

Addressing Parliament Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, said: “The recent progress in liberating many places from Al-Shabaab allows the Somali people to see a new hope for peace and development across Somalia. “My government will work to establish an inclusive political processes, strengthening the peace and security of the nation, judiciary reform and review of our national foreign policy. My government will be accountable to the people of Somalia on the Plan I am presenting today and will work tirelessly to achieve these targets.

“The implementation of the federal system, regional administrations and review of the provisional constitutional will be among the top agendas of the government. The implementation of the federal system is key in our desire to be close to the people and also to restore and safeguard the unity of our people. “Regulation on private companies will be reviewed to create the space for business creation and production. We are committed to creating an environment that attracts businesses and encourages free trade. The government will work with Somalia’s export industry to help speed up economic recovery and job creation.

We believe that the promotion of decent jobs is the vehicle towards eradicating extreme and pervasive poverty, ensuring food security, restoring stability, reducing inequalities and social exclusion. “Our infrastructure has been devastated by the protracted war lasting more than two decades. We need to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure including the energy, water, roads, airports and seaports and the services of the cities.

“The capacity of revenue collection will be improved by creating and implementing transparent and accountable structures. Regulations on revenue raising and collection will be reviewed as well as putting in place anti-corruption institutions.

“Delivering social services to the citizens will be a core agenda of my government in this year. We will open schools and hospitals while continuing to secure and stabilise Somalia. The rights of workers, women and vulnerable people will be safeguarded. We will encourage the youth by giving them opportunities. Sports centers will be created as we believe sport can be a key weapon in the fight against extremism.

“Lastly, my government will improve the capacity of the governmental institutions by rehabilitating the buildings of the ministries. Regulations on governmental institutions will be reviewed and updated.” The Prime Minister praised the work of Parliament at this critical time and encouraged them to expedite the process of passing key legislation that will ensure the delivery of the government’s agenda. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to closely work with Parliament.

UN Representative for Somalia pays tribute to media and calls for press freedom to be protected and respected

03 May – Source: UNSOM – 259 words

As World Press Freedom Day is celebrated across the globe today, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG), Nicholas Kay, paid tribute to Somali journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty. He called for the freedom of the press to be protected and respected by all and commended the vibrant and growing media sector in Somalia.

“Somalia is emerging from decades of conflict, but it remains one of most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. A vigorous, independent and diverse press is vital. Journalists have an important role to play as Somalis tackle an ambitious agenda of state and peace building. A free press gives people access to the information they need to make critical choices in their lives. It raises awareness of issues affecting them, their families and their communities and it helps people to hold authorities to account for their actions.

“I pay tribute to Somalia’s brave journalists who have lost their lives or have been attacked in the line of duty. We have seen a significant reduction in attacks against journalists in recent years, but much more needs to be done. Press freedom remains fragile in Somalia and must be protected.” SRSG Kay added.

“I welcome the consultations between Somalia’s media community and the Federal Government to finalise a new media law. This law will be an important step in building respect for the fundamental principles of press freedom. The new law should empower journalists to make a vital contribution to peace and stability in Somalia.”

Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed sends condolences to the families of those killed in today’s explosion in Mogadishu

03 May – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 337 words

The Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia H.E. Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed expressed his grief about today’s explosion in Mogadishu that claimed the lives of innocent civilians. The explosion also killed the former Secretary General of Administration of Banadir Regional Administration Abdikafi Hilowle Osman and some of his personal guards. The prime minister described the incident as an act of terrorism by insurgents who have no place in Islamic tradition.

Speaking about the explosion, the Prime Minister said: “I am sending my condolences to the families of all those who were killed in today’s attack in Mogadishu that targeted innocent Somali civilians. I am also sending my condolences to the families of Mr. Abdikafi Hilowle Osman and some of his personal guards who were also killed in today’s attack.

The deceased was someone I knew personally who worked tirelessly for the people of Somalia and the Somali Government. “We lost individuals who were important to our society. They were taking part in development and our efforts to move the country beyond this difficult period. These types of attacks will strengthen our resolve to eradicate terrorists who are causing problems for the people and the country of Somalia.

“Shedding the blood of innocent civilians has no basis in our Islamic religion or in Somali culture. By the grace of God, we will prevail against those who are distorting our righteous faith and killing our people.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abdiweli spoke about an attempted assassination in which a Member of Parliament was targeted.

He described as heroic the action of a Somali civilian who thwarted the aim of the terrorists by alerting the Member of Parliament that his car had been rigged with explosives. This act saved the lives of the Member of Parliament and two of his colleagues who were with him. “I am praising the brave action the civilian took to alert the Member of Parliament. This act shows that our people are ready to take part in ensuring security,” said the Prime Minister.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali government forces thwart Al Shabaab attack in Mahas

04 May – Source: Bar-kulan – 114 words

Somali federal government forces in Mahas district of Hiran region have reportedly foiled an explosion attempt on government forces’ base on Saturday. Mohamed Saney, the commander of the government forces in Mahas district told Bar-kulan that Al Shabaab militant fighters attempted to attack and cause massive destruction to the government base. He added that the attempt was successfully thwarted by the security forces. Saney emphasized that his forces are committed to tackle anyone who engages in activities to cause disorder or attack government forces with an iron fist. Meanwhile, the commander stated that his forces are currently conducting security operations in all neighborhoods of Mahas district to beef up the security of the town.

Minister for ports faces tough questions from Somali lawmakers

04 May – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 102 words

The federal parliament of Somalia are questioned the minister for ports Yusuf Moalim Baadiyow who appeared before the parliament today in the parliament sitting chaired by Jailani Noor Ikar the second deputy speaker of the federal parliament. Over ten MPs listed themselves to ask questions to the minister, most questions asked focused on the management of Mogadishu sea port and the conditions of the labourers in the sea port. The minister while responding to some of the questions asked said that 6600 people currently work in the port who have their own management to solve the arising problems independent from the ministry.

Puntland president meets Yemen top leaders

04 May – Source: Puntland TV/Goobjoog – 99 words

The president of semi autonomous regional state of Puntland Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas is having discussions with Yemen top leaders on many issues. Their discussion focuses on trade relations between Puntland Yemen and the illegal fishing on Puntland waters by Yemen vessels. President Gaas is accompanied by some of his cabinet Ministers, Ministers for education and security Ali Haji warsame and Hassan Osman Aloore respectively. Solid sources report that the ministers who accompany president Gaas in official visit will also meet their counterparts. This is the first official visit of Puntland president to Yemen since his election last January.

Al Shabaab threatens to kill sacked commissioners

04 May – Source: Garowe Online – 114 words

Somalia’s Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab group threatened that it would target the sacked commissioners of Mogadishu districts with assassinations, highlighting the knack of beleaguered Al Shabaab, Garowe Online reports. Al Shabaab’s representative to Banadir region Ali Mohamed Hussein said in a recorded statement that the killing of former secretary of Banadir regional administration Abdikafi Hilowle Osman was a lesson to the sacked Banadir officials. “Anybody who held a responsible post and harmed the Somali people won’t be forgiven but he/she will be held accountable for their actions,” noted Hussein. Referring to botched attack on federal lawmaker, he added that a federal lawmaker narrowly survived a bomb planted in his minivan on Saturday.

Security forces seize two sacks of drug in Jowhar district

04 May – Source:: Radio Goobjoog – 93 words

The security forces of Somalia in Jowhar apprehended two businessmen and seized two sacks of drug (Hashish) after they launched massive operations in all the villages of Jowhar, the headquarters of middle Shabelle region. Sheik Osman Hidig, Jowhar court judge confirmed to Goobjoog FM that two men selling hashish were arrested by the forces whose investigations are underway. He sent stern warning to the individuals who sell Hashish in the region. The past two weeks government forces in a planned crackdown have destroyed many farms where hashish was planted in the outskirts of Jowhar.

Former Mogadishu Mayor calls for prompt investigation into Saturday’s blast

04 May – Source: RBC – 150 words

Former Mogadishu Mayor Mohamud Ahmed Nur Tarsan has called for prompt probe up towards a bomb blast that killed former Benadir regional secretary Abdikafi Hilowle on Saturday in Mogadishu, RBC reports. Mr Tarsan has said that he felt very upset when the new of the death of his former colleague Abdikafi Hilowle was revealed to him. At least 10 people among them the former Secretary of Benadir regional administration and four of his bodyguards were assassinated in roadside bomb that targeted their vehicle in Mogadishu’s KM4 junction on Saturday. “It was a tragic and very upset news for me. Nothing more painful than the death of a colleague.” he said. The former Mayor said he and Late Hilowle spent time a night before and chatted for hours. “I want to express my condolences to the family and the whole Somali people for the death of this great person.” he added.

Somali President Arrives in Ethiopia

03 May – Source: Somali Current – 114 words

A delegation led by President of Somali Federal Government Hassan Sheik Mohamoud have paid 2 days visit to Ethiopian Head Quarters Addis-Ababa where he is expected to have meetings with Ethiopian Federal Government officials. President and his entourage will have discussions with the Ethiopian government on issues pertaining strengthening the historical relationship, as well as security and development cooperation between the 2 neighbours. Somali Federal President Hassan after the meeting with Ethiopian government officials will be heading to United Arab Emirates (UAE) after he received an official invitation from UAE’s King Sheik Kalifa Binu Zeyid Al-Nahyan, according to Mohamed Sheik Osman Jawari, Parliament Speaker and the acting President of the federal government of Somalia.

Puntland President meets US Assistant Secretary of State

03 May – Source: Horseed Media – 93 words

Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, alongside with his ministers of Security and Education met senior U.S. officials led by the Assistant Secretary of state for the Bureau of African Affairs in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa. At the meeting, the sides discussed a wide range of cooperation between the two sides. Discussions also focused on the regional security issues, including the current political and security developments in other parts of Somalia. Reliable sources confirmed that the Puntland leader requested the U.S. officials to support his government in the combat against terrorism.

Over 80 Somali deportees arrive in Mogadishu

03 May – Source: Hiiraan Online – 143 words

At least 84 Somali nationals deported from Kenya have arrived in Mogadishu on Saturday marking the end of very poor living standards they experienced while at Kenyan detentions for nearly a month. The deportees including women, children and old people were warmly received at Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle International airport by key government officials including Aviation and Transport minister Said Jama Qoorsheel and Somali ambassador to Kenya Mohamed Ali Nur who has been in Mogadishu for the past several days after the Somali government recalled him in protest over the arrest of a Somali diplomat in Nairobi late last month. “These people have experience very terrible living conditions during detention in Kenya for weeks, while thousands more are still under arrest in Kenya” ambassador Nur told the media at the airport as he and other officials received the deported Somali nationals on Saturday.

Three children die of thirst in Galgadud region

04 May – Source: Bar-kulan – 114 words

Three children were reported to have died of thirst in villages near Balanbal district in the central Somali region of Galgadud. Hareri Hassan Bare, a government official in Balanbal district said that several villages near Balanbal district have been experiencing severe water shortages that left several people and a number of their livestock dead in the past few days. He called on the federal government, relief agencies and business communities to assist the affected families in the area. Water prices have seen a sharp rise in the past few weeks in the region, a barrel of water is being sold a staggering 120 to 150 thousand Somali shillings, a price that many cannot afford.

Puntland Parliament Speaker warns Youth against Risks of Migration

03 May – Source: Somali Current – 13 words

Puntland Speaker of Parliament Saed Hassan Shirre called Somali youngsters in general and Puntland youth in particular not to take part the risky journey to Europe as he supported targeted efforts to enable youths to get employment opportunities. Saed Shirre said the flow of the country’s teenagers and the risks experienced by our youths through the deserts and oceans is completely unacceptable that needs to be tackled swiftly. “Increasing rates of youth unemployment that exist in the country is the main cause of youth’s migrating from their country. Lack of jobs also makes the youths to risk their lives in the deserts and seas where they met degrading treatments by perpetrators as many of them are facing the greatest dangers when they become part of human trafficking ring,” Said Puntland Parliament Speaker.

Somaliland Senior Officials Reshuffled

03 May – Source: Somaliland Sun – 100 words

President Ahmed Silanyo has reconstituted senior civil servants by transferring DGs to new ministries while at the same time appointing new faces to head other ministries. President Silanyo by virtue of presidential decree referenced JSL/M/XERM/249-2448/052014 appointed Adan Abdilahi Abdille as the new DG in the ministry of Religious Affairs while Mohamed Elmi Hussein was named in similar capacity at Fisheries ministry.DG at Justice & Judicial Affairs Abib Ahmed Ali switched roles with Education’s Khadar Ahmed Diriye while Fisheries’ Mohamed Elmi Adan was transferred to Information, Culture & National Guidance whose occupant was fired out of civil service.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Blasts hit buses in Kenyan capital

04 May – Source: Al Jazeera/Capital FM – 113 words

Powerful explosions have ripped through two passenger buses in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, causing casualties, the Kenyan Red Cross and police said. Kenyan media reports said that explosive devices, possibly powerful grenades, had been thrown at the buses from the side of the road. The buses blew up on Sunday in the Thika Road area close to the city centre. There was no official indication of how many people were killed or wounded in the attack, nor any claim of responsibility. Images on Kenyan television showed a large red passenger bus with a large hole ripped out of its side, and a green bus with its roof and sided buckled by an explosion.

Mombasa attackers died in the blast – police

04 May – Source: Capital FM – 130 words

Detectives are investigating a possibility that two of the three people who died on the spot in Saturday’s blast at Mwembe Tayari, Mombasa may have been part of the attackers. The preliminary investigation conducted from the bomb experts indicates that Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were detonated at the bus stop in Mwembe Tayari and near Reef Hotel in Nyali. Reports suggest that there were more than three IEDs that exploded in Mwembe Tayari. The impact of the blast ripped through three buses shattering windows during the 7.45 pm incident. The two victims under probe are Jamal Mbarak Awadh and Suleiman Mohammed Said. Mombasa County criminal investigations boss Henry Ondiek said they were investigating the possibility that the two suspects died while assembling the explosives at the busy bust stop.

Two suspects behind explosions arrested in Musa Mosque raid

04 May – Source: Standard Media – 146 words

Two men suspected to be behind the bombing of a bus in Mombasa on Saturday had been arrested by police in February after a raid on the Musa Mosque to flush out alleged radicalised youth. The two are believed to have died in the explosion. One of the men, Mr Suleiman Mohamed Said, was even on death row, but was allegedly freed after the court overturned his conviction of robbery with violence early this year, The Standard has established. His suspected accomplice was allegedly a Mr Jamal Mohamed Awadh, who was also in the Masjid Musa during the February police raid. “These two were arrested early this year during the Musa mosque incident,” Mombasa’s top CID officer Henry Ondiek told The Standard last evening. It was unclear how they were freed to execute the bloody attack that killed Emily Katana at Mwembe Tayari on Saturday night.

President Uhuru’s dilemma in dealing with Somalia and South Sudan crises

03 May – Source: East African – 138 words

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta is facing a dilemma in dealing with two key neighbours — South Sudan and Somalia. After barely a year in office, Kenya’s political leaders are now realising that their country’s economic power cannot always translate into a foreign policy clout. Kenya and Somalia are at loggerheads over how to govern southern Somalia, currently controlled by Kenyan troops belatedly brought under the aegis of the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom). The Kenyan government has supported an initiative to set up an interim Jubbaland administration whose links with Mogadishu will be tenuous at best. Diplomatic sources said that Kenya is planning to open consular offices in Jubbaland and Hargeisa in the self-declared independent Somaliland, but Mogadishu is concerned that Nairobi is planting a seed of self-determination for other regions that could cut links with Mogadishu.

3 killed, scores injured in Mombasa attacks

03 May – Source: Standard Media – 124 words

Three people, including a woman, died in an explosion at the busy Mwembe Tayari bus stage in Mombasa on an evening when twin terror attacks were reported in the coastal town. Reports show that an attacker or attackers targeted a parked bus belonging to Chania Bus Services in Mwembe Tayari with what is believed to be a hand grenade hurled from the back side of a stationary bus. The driver of the bus, James Gataka, said he saw a man hurling what appeared to be a hand grenade from a car towards commuters at the crowded bus stage. “It appears the man was aiming at the large multitude,” Gataka said, and added that the attacker or attackers sped towards Saba Saba along Kenyatta Avenue.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Ethiopia to enhance support to Somalia: PM

04 May – Source: Turkish Press – 103 words

Al Shabaab takes credit for Mogadishu blasts, including one that killed 10

04 May – Source: CNN/BBC – 131 words

A former government official was among 10 people killed in a bombing Saturday in Somalia’s capital, with Al-Shabaab — the Islamist militant group that’s long been tied to violence in the region — claiming responsibility for the attack. The slain official, Abdikafi Holowle Osman, was a former Benadir regional administrative secretary and an active campaigner against Al-Shabaab. He died when a bomb went off as he was driving in KM4, a busy junction in Mogadishu, police said. Police Col. Kamal Farah said the explosive device was attached to Osman’s when it went off shortly after noon (5 a.m. ET). Three security guards and six civilians who were nearby also died in the blast, according to Farah. Hospital sources said at least eight people injured were being treated at Media Hospital.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Al Shabaab as a religious, political and militant organizations operating in Somalia, with active support from Al Qaida, has fostered an enabling environment for youth radicalization. Confronting youth radicalization requires a holistic approach that supports eradication of poverty, unemployment, hopelessness, addressing historical injustices and education alternatives to reduce the space for groups that espouse violence in the name of an exclusive false Islamic identity.”

Muslims Must Lead War Against Youth Radicalisation

04 May – Source: Star- Kenya – 472 words

On Saturday April 26, the Muslim leaders held the first Annual Islamic Conference at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi, attended by Muslims and non-Muslim alike. According to the Muslim leaders, the core Islam teaching has been hijacked and distorted by a few dishonest Imams with the intent of radicalizing the youth. Kenya is now realising the danger posed by homegrown terrorism and youth radicalisation or criminalisation. It is essential and necessary for Muslims and their leaders to take the lead in putting to an end youth radicalisation rather than be reactive like the country security’s forces. In the last five years, the country has suffered 80 terrorist attacks, leaving many dead and scores more injured. Attacks by domestic terrorist have implications on security, but they also impact on the socio-economic and political fabric of the society. Insecurity has drastically increased in the past year and can be contributed to internal factors such as poverty, unemployment, historical injustice, radicalization; and external factors, particularly the conflict in neighboring Somalia and our military incursion.

“Therefore, time is of essence and if no concrete actions towards the review of the constitution, the implementation of federalism and the democratization process by Novemeber, then the Federal Government will lose its status. This is the most critical test to the leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and it is a real wakeup call that cannot be ignored.”

A wake-up call to the President of Somalia

02 May – Source: Hiiraan Online – 426 words

The hope and the aspiration of the Somali people is diminishing by the day due to lack of concrete actions and delivery from the part of the Federal Government of Somalia and the International Community. The ship is sinking deeply and it needs 360 degree shift if it were to put the truck back on course. All the signs are showing that there is a final wake up call to the President of Somalia who seems that he is in a comma situation; unaware or unwilling to realize that time is running out against him. This article attempts to shed a light why Somalia is failing drastically despite the hope and the aspiration that was created during the election of President Mohamud in September 2012. The hope and the aspiration of the people can be reinstated if the leader sees the momentum and the opportunities that exist and to come up with policies and strategies to bring that hope alive. Yes, it can be done. It was 10th September 2012 when H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was elected as the next President of Somalia for a four year term. Somalis and international community hugely welcomed the peaceful transfer of power and President Mohamud was seen at the time the best alternative to former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.