May 6, 2013 | Morning Headlines.
Mogadishu suicide blast kills 11 and 20 others wounded, officials said
05 May – Source: Raxanreeb/Radio Mogadishu/Garowe Online/Bar-kulan/Shabelle – 150 words
At least 11 people mostly civilians were killed in today’s suicide car bomb that hit a convoy belonged to the National Security and Interior Minister of Somalia Federal Government Abdikarin Hussein Guled at KM4 junction, health officials said. The convoy was carrying four persons delegation from Qatar those were visiting Mogadishu these days but were unhurt despite the two cars escorting them were seriously injured. The head of emergency of Madina Hospital, Duniya Ali said they have received 20 injured people including four of them in critical condition. Two persons died inside the hospital. Among the killed people were a mother of 32 and her young baby who were both caught on the explosion at around 9:30 a.m (local time). Two other women walking past the road and security officer were also killed. Two land cruisers including the minister’s private car was seriously damaged by the blast.
Key Headlines
- Mogadishu suicide blast kills 11 and 20 others wounded officials said (Source: Raxanreeb/Radio Mogadishu/Garowe Online/Bar-kulan)
- President Hassan sheikh condemns attacks during his visit to Daynile district (Source: Shabelle)
- 25 arrested in Beledweyne over insecurity (Radio Bar-kulan)
- Djibouti President to Attend Somalia UK-Djibouti Conference in London (News Business Ethiopia)
- UN Special Representative’s statement on attack in Mogadishu (UNPOS)
- UN deputy chief to participate in Somalia Conference in London (China Daily/Xinhua)
- Somaliland leader returns to Hargeisa after UK US visits (BBC Somali Service/Garowe Online)
- President Kenyatta heads to Britain for Somalia meeting (Capital FM/Daily Nation)
- African leaders call for more effort to stabilise Somalia (Capital FM)
- Suicide bomber targets Qatari delegation in Somalia 8 dead (CNN/Al Jazeera/AFP/Telegraph/Global News/BBC)
PRESS RELEASE
UN Special Representative’s statement on attack in Mogadishu
05 May – Source: UNPOS – 137 words
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga strongly condemns today’s suicide car bomb attack at Kilometer 4 junction in Mogadishu, in which several people were killed or wounded. The attack apparently targeted a convoy carrying an international delegation.
“These cowardly and senseless acts of violence will not undermine the remarkable progress Somalia has made in the past months” said SRSG Mahiga. “Attacks against civilians are never justifiable. I call on all parties to renounce violence and contribute positively to peace and stability,” he added.
SRSG Mahiga sends his condolences to the friends and families of the victims and he wishes the wounded speedy recovery. “The UN will continue to support the Government’s efforts to improve security in the country and will not be deterred in supporting the peace building effort in Somalia.” he added.
AU Special Representative says the upcoming Somali Diaspora Meeting is crucial for the country’s reconstruction efforts
04 May – Source: AMISOM – 317 words
The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif has expressed optimism that the upcoming Somali Diaspora meeting will enhance participation of the Somali Diaspora in the implementation of the Federal Government’s Six Pillar priority agenda.
Ambassador Annadif said the two-day meeting which is scheduled to take place in London from 9th -11th May is aimed at engaging the views of the Somali Diaspora on the situation in their country, mobilizing the Diaspora for the peace process including the implementation of the Six Pillar priorities with a view to enhancing the stabilization of Somalia, and mobilizing the necessary skills from the Diaspora and facilitating their return home to provide skilled manpower for the rebuilding of the Somali state.
The AU Special Representative said he was hopeful that the two day event will also enhance appreciation by Somalis in the Diaspora of the mandate and activities of AMISOM in support of the peace process. “Somalia has reached a very critical stage in its political and economic history.
Through the Somali Diaspora meeting therefore, we in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) seek to provide a platform through which skilled professionals from the Diaspora can be mobilized to provide the much needed skilled manpower for the rebuilding of their country. Beyond that, the event will also help in developing effective communication and network to foster regular engagement between Somalis in the Diaspora and AMISOM.” Said Ambassador Annadif.
He noted that although AMISOM has continued to interact and engage with various stakeholders within the country, there has been limited interaction with the Somali Diaspora. “This limited interaction and engagement with the Somali Diaspora which is a critical constituent and stakeholder may have contributed to a lack of sufficient appreciation of the mandate and activities of AMISOM in the AU’s efforts of restoring peace and stability in the country.” He said.
Communique of the 21st extraordinary summit of Heads of State and government of IGAD
03 May – Source: IGAD Office – 1011 words
The IGAD Heads of State and Government held its 21st Extraordinary summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 3 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. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya; H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. SalvaKiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan; H. E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda; H.E. Ali Ahmed Kharti, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of The Sudan; and H.E. Ahmed Ali Silay, Minister of International Cooperation the Republic of Djibouti.
The Assembly was preceded by the 47th Extra-ordinary Session of IGAD Council of Ministers held on 2 May 2013, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Assembly conveyed its congratulations to the Republic of Djibouti and the Republic of Kenya on the conduct of peaceful and democratic elections. The Assembly also congratulated H.E Uhuru Kenyatta President of the Republic of Kenya on his assumption of office and welcomed him to the summit. The Assembly further welcomed H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the summit.
The Summit received a report from the chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers H.E Dr. Tedros Adhanom Minster of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and a briefing from H.E Amb.(Eng.)Mahboub M. Maalim, Executive Secretary of IGAD on the situation in the Federal Republic of Somalia. After deliberations, the Assembly:
1. Noted with appreciation the efforts made by the Government of Federal Republic of Somalia and the positive developments in recent months;
2. Commended the ongoing and significant engagements of the Somali Federal Government with the Somali regions in relation to the set up of regional administration structures;
3. Condemned the recent escalation of violence against civilians in Mogadishu and condemned all spoilers;
4. Noted with appreciation the increased engagement, convergence of ideas and solidarity among IGAD member states in support of Somalia. In this regard, noted with appreciation the meeting between H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, the President of Kenya, and H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia of April 27th 2013 in Mombasa, Kenya and welcomed the joint statement of understanding which elaborates principles of engagement. In this regard, urgedfor its full implementation;
5. Appreciated the efforts made by the Ethiopian Prime Minister H.E Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn, in his capacity as IGAD Chair, in facilitating these engagements;
6. Noted with appreciation and welcomed the Somali Federal government’s document titled National Stabilization Plan and reiterated the need for all processes particularly the ongoing efforts towards setting up Somali regional administration and stabilization efforts, to be anchored on the following principles:
– Leadership of the government of the Federal Republic of Somalia in the process;
– Respect of the provisional constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia;
– All inclusive consultative process with the peoples of Somalia;
– supportive role of IGAD based on the priorities of the Somali government; and
– Fighting the Al Shabab as the primary focus of the Somali Federal government; AMISOM; regional and international partners;
And further requested the Somali federal government to align the document with the aforementioned agreed five principles.
7. Reiterated the ownership of the Somali federal government to lead and set the priorities for its stabilization and reconstruction in an all-inclusive manner;
8. Stressed the need for these processes to include a framework for sustainable and gradual return programme for refugees with the active participation of the Somalis in the Diaspora and in this regard called on UNHCR and the international community to develop modalities for safe and orderly return and resettlement of Somali refugees with definite timelines;
9. Called for a commitment by all stakeholders to support the ongoing political outreach and reconciliation processes led by the Somali Federal government, and the building of the capacity of the Federal Government of Somalia particularly on governance, economic development and security sector reform;
10. Decided to conduct a confidence-building mission to Kismayu led by the IGAD Executive Secretary and composed of representatives of the federal government of Somalia and one senior delegate from each member state of IGAD with the aim of assessing the situation and submitting a report to the IGAD summit to be held on the sidelines of the upcoming AU summit in May 2013;
11. Underlined the speedy implementation of the Integration of Forces Plan including the enrolment and training of young officers and NCOs; and underscored the need for coordinated efforts of all stakeholders under the leadership of the Somali government;
12. Noted with appreciation the continued commitment of the AMISOM forces, the courage and commitment of the Somali National Security Forces, and the support by all troops/ police contributing countries (Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Uganda) as well as Ethiopia;
13. Appealed to the troop contributing countries/ police contributing countries and the Somali National Force to expand their operations and immediately recover the remaining areas controlled by Al Shabab;
14. Reaffirmed the strong solidarity among IGAD members and their commitment to continue supporting the government-led reforms in the various priority areas, and in light of upcoming International Conferences on Somalia in particular the London conference to be held on 7 May 2013, appealed to the international community to redouble their support to the stabilization, reconstruction and long-term development of Somalia, on the basis of interalia the principles referred to in paragraph 6;
15. Noted UNSC Resolution 2093 and expressed the hope that it will enhance the reconstruction efforts and the role of Somalia in the region; that it will build on progress made by AMISOM operations, and that it will form a sound basis for the reconstruction and development of Somalia;
16. Underlined that the fight against al Shabaab remains the primary concern in ensuring Somalia’s stabilization and reconstruction;
SOMALI MEDIA
President Hassan sheikh condemns attacks during his visit to Daynile district
05 May – Source: Shabelle – 113 words
A delegation led by the president of the federal republic of Somalia Mr. Hassan sheikh and other top government officials that included, Justice Minister, Internal Security Minister and Deputy Mayor of Banadir region Sunday visited Daynile district in Banadir region. The delegation was received and welcomed by a large crowd that consisted of the district administration, government troops that operate in the district and hundreds of civilians. The president listened to the members of the public’s appeals and what they needed from the government. After listening to the requests made by the citizens, the president promised whatever they appealed for and added that his government will ensure to do whatever its citizens needed.
Mogadishu suicide blast kills 11 and 20 others wounded, officials said
05 May – Source: Raxanreeb/Radio Mogadishu/Garowe Online/Bar-kulan/Shabelle – 150 words
At least 11 people mostly civilians were killed in today’s suicide car bomb that hit a convoy belonged to the National Security and Interior Minister of Somalia Federal Government Abdikarin Hussein Guled at KM4 junction, health officials said. The convoy was carrying four persons delegation from Qatar those were visiting Mogadishu these days but were unhurt despite the two cars escorting them were seriously injured. The head of emergency of Madina Hospital, Duniya Ali said they have received 20 injured people including four of them in critical condition. Two persons died inside the hospital.
Among the killed people were a mother of 32 and her young baby who were both caught on the explosion at around 9:30 a.m (local time). Two other women walking past the road and security officer were also killed. Two land cruisers including the minister’s private car was seriously damaged by the blast.
President Hassan address at IGAD summit in Addis Ababa
04 May – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 83 words
The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended 21st Extra-Ordinary Summit of Heads of State of Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Somalia’s president spokesperson Abdirahman Omar Yirisow told Bar-kulan that the conference has just been concluded as the head of state delivered his speech. Yarisow added that the president talked about various issues including the country’s security situation, stabilization, judiciary reforms, and Somalia Conference in London which is due to open on 7th May.
Somali Parliament speaker back after Turkey visit
04 May – Source: Raxanreeb – 118 words
Somalia Federal parliament speaker Mohamed Osman Jawari has returned back to Mogadishu on Friday after two weeks long visit to Turkey republic where he held talks with Turkish government officials, RBC Radio. “I have concluded my visit to Turkey. We had a fruitful talks with Turkish parliament head, the prime minister Erdogan and president Abdullah Goul.” the speaker said speaking to the reporters in Mogadishu’s Aden Adde airport on Friday. “We have agreed that two parliaments will have bilateral and working relations, as well as they will assist us in many things.” he added. He also highlighted that the reconstruction of the old Somalia parliament building in Mogadishu will begin soon following of an earlier pledge from Turkey.
25 arrested in Beledweyne over insecurity
05 May – Source: Bar-kulan – 119 words
Police in central Somali town of Beledweyne on Sunday arrested 25 people in connection with insecurity in the town. Area regional police boss Issack Ali Abdulle told Bar-kulan the suspects were all arrested in an operation that police carried out in parts of the town. Abdulle also said police recovered assorted weapons and explosives during the operation. He added that all the suspects will be thoroughly investigated, and those found guilty will be taken to court while those others found not guilty of the said charges against them will be released. The operation comes days after acts of insecurity happened in the town including an explosion that targeted at Somali troops which has injured soldiers and civilians as well.
Somaliland leader returns to Hargeisa after UK, US visits
05 May – Source: Radio Garowe /BBC Somali Service – 136 words
The president of the separatist administration of Somaliland, in northwestern Somalia, Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo, returned to Hargeisa on Sunday after a four-week trip overseas, Garowe Online reports. Somaliland officials received President Silanyo at Egal International Airport in Hargeisa and he told the BBC Somali Service that his overseas trip was successful. “We visited Turkey, the U.K., the U.S., and Ethiopia and had discussions with officials in those countries regarding our [Somaliland] national interests,” said President Silanyo, who returned to Hargeisa since departing on April 8, 2013. The Somaliland leader said: “The world has not recognized Somaliland as an independent country, however, the world deals with us [Somaliland], invites us, visits us, invests in Somaliland. We took the opportunity to explain Somaliland’s struggle for independence, our accomplishments in security and development, and our people’s aspirations.”
Government forces capture Tiyeglow town in southern Somalia region
04 May – Source: Raxanreeb – 105 words
Somali government forces have on Friday captured Tiyeglow town, 100-km south of Xudur town in Somalia’s Bakool region, official told RBC Radio. Xudur district commissioner, Mohamed Moalim told RBC Radio that the troops reached the town after heavy gun battle between the government security forces and al Shabab fighters on Friday afternoon. “We are in full control of Tiyeeglow town and the security forces are now securing the area,” he told RBC Radio on phone on Saturday morning. According to local sources the fighting started late on Friday after Somali government forces backed by local militia attacked the town. At least 10 people were killed.
Security operations in Mogadishu affect business
04 May – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 127 words
Somali business community said they are complaining of impact resulted from the security operations that have been conducted in Mogadishu by Somali government forces and AMISOM troops for the last four days. Some of Mogadishu’s business community who talked to Bar-kulan said the security operations hampered and slowed down their businesses. The security operations are aimed at bolstering security and nabbing criminals in the city, according sources privy to the operation. Business along the Maka al-Mukarama road is said to have been the most affected by the operations as it remained closed down for four consecutive days. The movement of people and vehicles were restricted during the operations with business operations in parts of the city coming to a standstill as security officers continued with their crackdown.
Citing Somalia currency crisis, Puntland to ‘pay govt salaries with U.S. dollar’
03 May – Source: Garowe Online – 123 words
Puntland government in northern Somalia has announced that it will pay government salaries and expenses in U.S. dollar, due to the currency crisis that hit Somalia in early 2012, Garowe Online reports. Puntland Finance Minister Farah Ali Jama, speaking to reporters at his office in Garowe on Thursday, said that the Somali Shilling’s value has shifted dramatically over the past year due to a number of factors. “Puntland government managed a steady Shilling-Dollar exchange rate at 30,000 Shillings per U.S. dollar between 2009 and 2011,” said Minister Jama, adding: “However, a sudden shift occurred after U.S. dollar hard currency entered Mogadishu markets in 2012 and many Puntland traders took Shillings to southern Somalia to exchange for U.S. dollar.”
REGIONAL MEDIA
President Kenyatta heads to Britain for Somalia meeting
05 May – Source: Capital FM/Daily Nation – 166 words
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was due to leave for London on Sunday night for his first official visit to a western capital since assuming office in April. The president will be attending a conference co-hosted by the United Kingdom and Somalia intended to secure international support for the rebuilding of the horn of Africa nation following decades of conflict. A statement from the Presidential Press Service adds that “the Head of State will also hold bilateral meetings with UK Prime Minister David Cameron and other UK government officials during his three day visit.” The question of Somalia’s stability has taken prominence in President Kenyatta’s first month in office given he just came back from an extraordinary Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) summit on Friday where Somalia was the subject of discussion. The president also held talks with the British High Commissioner to Kenya Christian Turner on Tuesday during which Somalia was discussed and the two governments pledged to work toward the continued stability of the war-ravaged country.
Djibouti President to Attend Somalia UK-Djibouti Conference in London
05 May – Source: News Business Ethiopia – 130 words
A high level Djibouti Government delegation led by President Ismail Omar Guelleh is set to visit London and attend the Somalia Conference and the UK-Djibouti Trade & Investment both convened in partnership with the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The delegates visit from May 7-8, 2013, includes Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahamoud Youssouf and Finance and Economy Minister Ilyas Dawaleh. As one of Somalia’s neighbours Djibouti has played an active role in securing the growing stability in the country and the greater region. Djibouti currently has roughly 1,000 troops stationed in Somalia as part of the broader African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).Djibouti was the third country to join AMISOM in December 2011. In Somalia, Djiboutian troops have helped in both combat situations and in mediation, reconstruction and administration.
African leaders call for more effort to stabilise Somalia
04 May – Source: Capital FM – 116 words
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has called on the international community to intensify efforts aimed at stabilising the long term development of Somalia to complement efforts for the safe repatriation of Somali refugees. Through a communiqué, the African leaders urged the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to develop modalities for the repatriation of the refugees with definite timelines. IGAD Chairman Hailemariam Desalegn, President Uhuru Kenyatta, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan, Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni and representatives from the Sudan and Djibouti were all present during the one day 21st IGAD extraordinary summit. Western countries have in the past spoken against repatriating the refugees before the war torn country stabilises.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Suicide bomber targets Qatari delegation in Somalia, 8 dead
05 May – Source: CNN/Al Jazeera/AFP/Telegraph/Global News/BBC – 141 words
A suicide bomber drove a car packed with explosives into a convoy carrying a Qatari delegation in Mogadishu Sunday, killing at least eight people and wounding seven, authorities and witnesses said. Farah Hassan, who witnessed the aftermath of the attack, said those killed were all bystanders at the busy intersection in Somalia’s capital. Earlier reports about the attack said Somalia’s interior minister was traveling in the convoy, but the minister’s office said he was not there. Somali prime minister spokesman Ahmed Adan and District Commissioner Abdi Warsame said no one in the convoy was hurt in the attack. The radical Islamist group al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the bombing, and said six soldiers were killed and nine wounded. “The mujahideen have today carried out a martyrdom operation in Mogadishu, targeting Somali interior minister convoy,” the militant group posted on a pro-al Shabaab website.
UN deputy chief to participate in Somalia Conference in London
05 May – Source: China Daily/Xinhua – 156 words
UN Deputy Secretary- General Jan Eliasson will depart for the capital city of the United Kingdom (UK) on Sunday to participate in the Somalia Conference to be held next week, a UN spokesperson told reporters here on Friday. “On 5 May, the deputy secretary-general will travel to London to participate in the Somalia Conference, which will take place on 7 May,” said Martin Nesirky, UN secretary-general’s spokesperson, at the daily briefing. According to Nesirky, the governments of the UK and Somalia will be hosting the conference. At the conference, the deputy secretary-general will deliver a keynote speech on behalf of the UN chief, said the spokesperson. “On the margins of the conference, he will hold bilateral meetings with high-level government officials from Somalia, the United Kingdom and other relevant stakeholders,” Nesirky said. When asked about the invitees for the conference, Nesirky noted that the co-hosts of the conference, the UK and Somali governments, handled those arrangements.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS
“Nowadays, the picture of young teenagers dribbling football along bullet-ridden buildings is very common in Mogadishu.”
Images Of A Changing Mogadishu
05 May- Source: Sahan Journal-920 Words
I had come to visit a friend in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital. His second-floor apartment was in a building by the Indian Ocean. It was an idyllic setting: a kaleidoscope of colors. The apartment’s balcony was recently painted pink; the roving eye also took in the earth-brown of the former lighthouse. Further on the horizon was the deep blue ocean and the orange rays of the setting sun. It was a most impressive view. I slipped into a reverie, and felt that I was as free and light as the wind.
“On World Press Freedom Day, a Somali reporter offers a first person account of covering a dangerous beat.”
A day in the life of a Somali journalist
03 May- Source: Al Jazeera English-1075 Words
After the death of many of our colleagues we in the media industry here in Somalia have developed a unique way of greeting each other.
“You are still a live?” One will ask with a smile. “Dead people don’t walk or talk,” the other will respond with laughter. Behind the smiles and laughter are serious safety worries. Meeting or bumping into fellow journalists is becoming a luxury. Because of the alarming number of targeted assassinations against journalists many of us are choosing not to gather in groups to socialise or stray far from their work place – even for work. Every chance we meet could be our last one.