November 10, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Somali Speaker calls for dialogue to end political tension

09 Nov- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Kulmiye/BBC Somali Service – 106 words

The speaker of Somali national assembly Mohamed Osman Jawari has called upon members of Somali parliament to use dialogue to end the political tension in the country. Speaker Jawari has said parliamentarians supporting vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed government have agreed to take their time to solve the political dreadlock through negotiation. Speaker of the national assembly is expected to meet both the President and the Prime Minister in an effort to end their political standoff ignited by the recent cabinet reshuffle in the war torn horn of African state.

Key Headlines

Somali Speaker calls for dialogue to end political tension (Radio Mogadishu)
MPs reject suspension of no confidence motion against Prime Minister (Radio Goobjoog)
IJA transfers 31 soldiers to Galkayo for treatment (BBC Somali Service)
Brig Kavuma takes command of Ugandan AMISOM troops (New Vision)
South-west state endorses a new constitution (Radio RBC)
Al Shabaab militants take back Strategic Kudhaa Island (VOA Somali Service)
Egypt calls for urgent meeting on Somalia crisis (Kuwait News Agency)
Four al-Shabaab militants killed in a fresh fighting (Radio Bar-kulan)
Report reveals decline of al-Shabaab militia (Daily Nation)
Intelligence official gunned down in Marka (Radio Garowe)
Kenya: Police arrest key terror suspect recover pistol in Garissa (Coastweek)
UN report: Leader’s death won’t end al-Shabab (Aljazeera)
Somalia donors warn spat between president and PM risks recovery (Reuters)
Floods displaced 21000 people in Somalia (Cihan News Agency)
Soaring charcoal prices hit livelihoods in Somaliland (IRIN News)

PRESS STATEMENT

Weekly Press Conference on the Progress of the Government

08 Nov- Source: Ministry of Information-1933 words

The Minister of Information, Mustafa Duhulow, today addressed the media, providing an update on the progress of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) over the last week. The Minister discussed various issues: the progress of Operation Indian Ocean; parliamentary approval of the closing accounts of 2013 budget; the agreement between Somalia and Italy; progress on Human Rights; the rebuilding of airports in Somalia; the development of Mogadishu Seaport; the fight against Female Genital Mutilation; Somali Pop Idol; further development in the Media Sector; and the progress of the Stabilization Process.

The Minister of Information began by speaking on the progress of Operation Indian Ocean: “Operation Indian Ocean continues to progress very well as forces are continue to recover areas from Al-Shabaab. On 4th November, after heavy fighting, Somali forces supported by AMISOM recovered areas near Kismayo in the vicinity of Jubba River. Mursal Gedi, who led the forces, stated that Somali forces had killed 10 Al-Shabaab militiamen during the fighting that resulted the capture of Wirkooy, Far-Waamo and other towns.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the parliamentary approval of the closing accounts of the 2013 budget and of the Agreement between Somalia and Italy: “On 3rd November 2014, the Parliament discussed the closing accounts of the 2013 budget as submitted by the Ministry of Finance and the agreement between the Ministries of Defense of Somalia and Italy in relation to military cooperation. On 3rd November, the parliament, in its 5th session, held its 7th meeting with 156 MPs present. The Speaker of the Parliament, the Hon Mohamed Sheikh Osman (Jawari) chaired the meeting. After discussion and debate the parliament first voted on the agreement between Italy and Somalia for military cooperation. 134 MPs voted yes, 3 voted no, and 5 abstained. Therefore, the parliament passed into legislation an agreement that will allow the Ministry of Defense to receive capacity building support for Somali National Army. The parliament then, after discussion and debate, voted on the closing accounts of the 2013 budget as presented by the Ministry of Finance. 135 MPs voted yes, 4 voted no, and 15 MPs abstained. Therefore, the closing accounts of the 2013 budget were approved as accurate accounts by the parliament, which helps the Ministry of Finance in its efforts to establish transparent and accountable systems.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the progress of Human Rights in Somalia: “On 3rd November, H.E. Khadija Mohamed Dirie, the Minister of Women & Human Rights Affairs opened a 5 day seminar in Mogadishu to discuss ways to develop and improve human rights in Somalia. The aim of the seminar was to stop all practices that engender violations of human rights, in particular those that affect vulnerable groups such as women, children and the disabled. 70 participants from regions of Somalia were present including representatives from civil society groups and women’s groups. AMISOM and UNSOM representatives also took part the seminar. Issues discussed included on best ways to stop the practice of the female genital mutilation and other violations of the human rights of women. Representatives from AMISOM and UNSOM who spoke at the seminar praised the efforts and the development in human rights in Somalia. H.E. Khadija Mohamed Dirie stated that Somali leaders are committed to stopping all human rights violations, in particular those that are aimed at women, and the ministry is very pleased at the leadership shown which will help us to increase our efforts to support vulnerable groups in Somali society. The country’s success and prosperity depends on how we tackle human rights violations and, more importantly, how we respect every citizen, which are the rights accorded us in our provisional constitution.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the planned rebuilding of airports in Somalia: “The Minister of Transport & Aviation attended a two day seminar in Nairobi to discuss the rebuilding of airports in Somalia. UNSOA and UNSOM facilitated the seminar on 4th – 5th November 2014. The aim was to look at the evaluation carried out by the Ministry of Transport, which involved officials visiting over 80 airports in Somalia with a view to starting the rebuilding of these facilities. The Somali Ambassador to Kenya was also present in the seminar. H.E. Said Jama Ali Qorshel, emphasised the importance of rebuilding airports to create jobs for young people, which in turn can boost the economy of the country. These airports will also help travellers, as some of the regions do not currently have airport facilities. Participants established a committee consisting of 11 representatives from the Ministry and the UN who will work the agenda to start the implementation of projects to rebuild the airports. Participants also established a committee of 4 officials that will visit Mogadishu on 12 November in order to install lights at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport so that aircraft will be able to use the airports during the hours of darkness.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the development of Mogadishu Seaport: “The Turkish Al Bayrak company that manages Mogadishu Seaport published its first monthly management report. The Director of Al Bayrak, Mustafa Levent Adali, stated that there has been a huge development in every aspect as shown by Al Bayrak handing over to Somali Port Authority the amount of $1,582,000, the FGS proportion of the port services (revenues of the Seaport) for that month. In addition, the tax collection of the seaport by the customs department of the Ministry of Finance increased. The increase of seaport services came while the company has reduced the service charges on goods passing through the seaport. Mogadishu Seaport will soon be modernized and it is expected to collect even more revenues which will help to stimulate the recovery of the national economy.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the debate on stopping Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): “On 5 November, HE Ridwan Hirsi Mohamed, the Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Religious Affairs, opened a 3 day seminar to discuss the urgent need to stop FGM. The Ministry of Religious Affairs organized this important conference for religious authorities and intellectuals. The focus of the course was how religious leaders can help the public awareness campaign on FGM. After long discussions and a great deal of research it was agreed that all participants needed to work together to end the suffering of girls and women as a result of FGM. Religious leaders stated that the practice of FGM has no basis in Islam and that Islam doesn’t allow girls to be subjected to FGM. Religious leaders also promised to consider the issuing of a Fatwa in the near future after wide discussions with all stakeholders in religious groups. Sheikh Yusuf Ali Aynte, Sheikh Abdulkadir Somow and Sheikh Omar Herow were among those who spoke at the event and they all agreed and encouraged the Federal Government of Somalia to take a leading role in campaign against FGM, while at the same time consulting with religious leaders and all stakeholders in society so that such violations against girls can be stopped. Religious leaders stressed the important of public awareness on this issue as the Islam prohibits violations of the dignity of women and girls, and FGM has no place in Somali society. The Deputy PM requested religious leaders to play their role to convincing society to stop the FGM. “We want to completely stop the FGM in Somalia and we call on everyone to support this and to seek advice from religious leaders as some people are still confused about traditional practices and religious practices.”

The Minister of Information spoke on Somali Pop Idol: “On 1st November 2014, the Ministry of Information sponsored Somali Pop Idol and four young people competed in the singing competition. Three former singers were the judges who looked at the performance of the four young people including their voice, dancing, words used in the song and how these words inter-related, as well as the appearance of the performers during the singing. Waberi band was entertaining the audience during the competition as well as encouraging the four young singers. The Independent Judges for the singing competition were Shimali Ahmed Shimali, Abdirisak Gedi Akhiro and Mohamed Abukar Angazi. The four youths taking part the Singing Competition were Miss Umi Sharif Ahmed, Mr Aweys Mohamed Said, Mr Sadik Sharif Mohamud and Mr Mohamed Ahmed Share’o. Somali Pop Idol has a long history and it was a well-liked program: most of Somalia’s famous singers came up through the Somali Pop Idol competition. The aim of the program was to develop and enhance young talents in the Arts, particularly singing, but also poetry, dance, music and other forms. The judges deliberated their decision and as a result Mohamed Ahmed Share’o was awarded 90 out of a possible 100 points and was therefore the winner, Miss Umi Sharif Ahmed came second with 67 with Sadaq third and Aweys fourth. The Ministry of Information has committed to holding the program every month and calls on all young people with a talent who want to enter the Arts to register themselves to see whether they can become the future famous singers of Somalia.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the development of the Somali Media Sector: “I visited the AMISOM Public Information Workshop in Djibouti on 5th – 6th of November at the invitation of the Commander of the Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, US Army. As a keynote speaker I provide an update on the development of the Somali Media and how the Ministry of Information is advancing coordination and messaging between the government and the population through the media. I raised the importance of better coordination and partnership between AMISOM, the US Government and the Federal Government of Somalia. I also updated them on the role of SNTV and Radio Mogadishu with regards to publicizing the success of security forces in the battle with Al-Shabaab and how religious leaders are coming together to counter Al-Shabaab and terrorist narratives. I had a very productive meeting with the Commander, Major General Wayne W. Grigsby Jr and officials from the US State Department and the US Embassy in Nairobi to discuss the ways in which they can support media sector development in Somalia and how the Ministry of Information is committed to developing the media sector in Somalia, including the private media. I also discussed the urgent need for us to expand Radio Mogadishu’s reach to all the areas recently recovered from Al-Shabaab.”
The Minister of Information finally spoke on the progress of the Stabilization process: “Security institutions have been conducting house to house search operations in Mogadishu, which have been hugely successful. So far the security forces have successfully captured members of Al-Shabaab who were preparing for a campaign of terrorist attacks in Mogadishu. As a result of tip-offs from the public, some of the houses were found to be hides for guns, bombs, and explosive items intended to harm members of the public and to cause terror in the capital city, Mogadishu. Security forces thanked public for their continuing support in the fight against the terrorists. Security forces also thanked people who cooperated willingly during the search of their houses. The Federal Government of Somalia is committed to bringing peace and stability back to the country and we call on people to continue supporting the security forces so that the public can enjoy peace and prosperity, which in turn will boost the economy of Somalia and provide jobs for young people. Without security there will be no peace and prosperity, so security is the key to a better life.”

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali Speaker calls for dialogue to end political tension

09 Nov- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Kulmiye/BBC Somali Service – 106 words

MPs reject suspension of no confidence motion against Prime Minister

09 Nov – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 123 words

A committee representing the members of federal parliament who filed no confidence motion against the prime minister of Somalia Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed held meeting in Mogadishu today. The MPs said the aim of their meeting is to declare that they have not changed their decision of tabling no confidence against PM Abdiweli. They called the speaker of federal of federal parliament Mr. Jawari to present the motion to the parliament for debate. This comes after the speaker of federal of federal parliament Speaker Jawari stated that the members of the parliament who filed no confidence motion against PM Abdiweli agreed to suspend the motion and instead give room for discussion between the leaders.

IJA transfers 31 soldiers to Galkayo for treatment

09 Nov – Source: BBC Somali Service/Radio Goobjoog/Dhanaan Online – 140 words

The Interim Juba administration in Southern Somalia has transferred soldiers wounded during fierce fighting between IJA forces and Al-shabab in Kuda Island on Saturday to Galkayo for treatment. Reliable sources in the port city of Kismayo state that 31 soldiers were transferred to Galkayo for treatment. The spokesman of Interim Juba administration Abdinasir Serar Mah holding press conference in Kismayo gave details about the recapture of Kuda Island Al-shabab and the casualties of clash between the sides. Serar stated al-shabab militias attacked IJA bases from all directions but the forces resisted after hours fighting Al-shabab managed to retake town. He reiterated that Juba administration forces withdrew from Kuda Island but will go back and recapture the city as reinforcement they sent reached the area. He denied Al-shabab claims that they captured eight IJA forces after retaking the Island.

South-west state endorses a new constitution

09 Nov – Source: Radio RBC – 116 words

The new Somali south west administration had endorsed a constitution that will guide the government expected to be elected for the new state. Hundreds of clan representatives from Bay, Bakol and Lower Shabbele regions had unanimously voted for the approval of a constitution today in Baidabo. Representatives numbering 384 had voted for the approval of this new constitution while 14 others have voted against its approval. Senior Somali Federal government officials including deputy national security minister Ibrahim Yabarow and deputy minister of defense Abdullahi Hussein Ali, as well as officials from United Nations Assistance office in Somalia, were also in the conference that paves a way for the formation of a government for south-west Somali state.

Al Shabaab militants take back Strategic Kudhaa Island

08 Nov- Source: Radio Garowe/VOA Somali Service- 119 words

Somalia’s Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab militants have taken back strategic Island in Lower Jubba region of southern Somalia from Jubaland forces on Saturday morning according to residents, Garowe Online reports. Al though Al Shabaab severed telecommunication lines, initial estimates unveil at least 23 deaths. The retake of Kudhaa Island came after heavily armed Al Shabaab militants launched raid on Jubaland forces positions. Heavy gun-battle that lasted nearly three hours flushed Jubaland forces out of the key position. Kudhaa, 45 km south-west of the southern port city of Kismayo fell to Kenyan-AMISOM peacekeepers and Jubaland forces on 1st of November.

Four al-Shabaab militants killed in a fresh fighting

08 Nov – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 106 words

Somali security forces killed four Al Shabaab militants group near El Garas in Galgadudud region in a renewed fighting in the area. Somali national army sector 21 commander Col. Sulub Ahmed Diriye has told Bar-Kulan that Somali security forces attacked Al Shabaab base in the area. He said his forces will continue pursuing the militants until cleared out of the remaining areas still under under their control. Al Shabaab has lost several key strategic towns including their stronghold port city of Barawe.

Intelligence official gunned down in Marka

09 Nov – Source: Radio Garowe/Al Shahid Online/Radio Dalsan – 75 words

As Al Shabaab reverted to planned assassinations, largely in central and southern Somalia, unidentified gunmen shot and killed intelligence official in Lower Shabelle regional capital of Marka of southern Somalia on Saturday evening, Garowe Online reports. Late Bashir Haji Osman Guule was driving through Marka’s Wajeer road when assailants armed with pistols approached him according to Marka mayor Mohamed Osman Yarisow. The attackers fled the scene shortly after the shooting.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Brig Kavuma takes command of Ugandan AMISOM troops

09 Nov – Source: New Vision – 489 words

A contingent of Ugandan peacekeepers under the African Union Commission in Somalia (AMISOM) has returned home after serving more than a year in Somalia. A plane carrying the last group of peacekeepers from Uganda Battle Group (UGABAG12) touched down at Entebbe Air force base at about 11:00am local time on Saturday. The troops led by the outgoing Uganda AMISOM contingent commander, Brig Dick Olum, were received by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Katumba Wamala, the Commander Land Forces, Maj Gen David Muhoozi and several other top UPDF officers.

Egypt calls for urgent meeting on Somalia crisis

09 Nov – Source: Kuwait News Agency – 321 words

Egypt on Sunday called for holding an urgent meeting at the Arab League at the level of permanent delegates to discuss the current crisis between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmud and his Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed. “The initiative by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stresses the importance of the Arab role and Somalia Committee that contribute to mediation efforts aimed at solving the crisis,” Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The negative consequences of the crisis may hinder the process of building the Somali state, achieving national reconciliation and Somalia Vision 2016 which enjoys the consensus of the international community, as well as completing constitutional instructions, the statement added.

Report reveals decline of Al-Shabaab militia

09 Nov – Source: Daily Nation – 484 words

Somalia-based terrorist, Al-Shabaab, could be on a steady decline, according to a news report. The New York Times, relying on multiple interviews with former fighters, paints a picture of an organisation that has been weakened by defections amid sustained military pressure from forces under the African Union Mission in Somalia. “Dozens of defectors have been staying in a drab, one-storey, heavily guarded concrete-block building in Baidoa, a scruffy town in central Somalia,” reports the Times.

Kenya: police arrest key terror suspect, recover pistol in Garissa

09 Nov – Source: Coastweek/Xinhua – 304 words

Kenyan police on Sunday night arrested a key terror suspect and recovered a pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunitions in Garissa County in the country’s northern region. Regional CID commander Musa Yego confirmed the arrest on Monday, saying three other suspects escaped with gun shot wounds in the 9 pmincident amid a string of insecurity incidents in the border region. Yego said the four terror suspects whom the police believe are behind a spate of crimes in Garissa and its environs were all armed with guns and were planning on carrying out an attack at an undisclosed location within the town.

UN report: leader’s death won’t end al-Shabab

07 Nov – Source: Aljazeera – 782 words

The killing of Ahmed Abdi Godane, the leader of Somalia’s al-Shabab group – although significant – will not herald the end of East Africa’s most dangerous organisation, said a confidential UN report that also warned of attacks in the region in coming months. The report, presented to the UN Security Council last month, said it was unlikely that Godane was involved in day-to-day operational decision-making, and commanders with operational responsibility will continue to retain the freedom to implement the “Emir’s intent” – prosecuting attacks in Somalia and in the region.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somalia donors warn spat between president and PM risks recovery

09 Nov – Source: Reuters – 405 words

The United Nations and the European Union have warned that a dispute between Somalia’s president and prime minister could inflame tensions and undermine the country’s recovery from more than two decades of conflict. Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, an economist who has been running the cabinet since December 2013, fell out with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud last month over the composition of the new cabinet. A similar row between Mohamud and the previous prime minister paralysed the government for months last year, leading to the eventual ouster of the then-prime minister by lawmakers.

Floods displaced 21,000 people in Somalia

07 Nov- Source: Cihan News Agency- 368 words

An estimated 21,000 people have been displaced by floods in Beletweyne, in the Hiran region in South-central of Somalia. Seasonal torrential rains experienced in the region for the last two weeks have seen River Shebelle break its banks, leaving hundreds of families displaced and in need of urgent assistance. The affected families have settled in temporary shelters at a camp close to the AMISOM base camp, North Eastern Beletweyne.

Soaring charcoal prices hit livelihoods in Somaliland

07 Nov – Source: IRIN News – 417 words

The livelihoods of vulnerable families, including the poor and internally displaced, in the self-declared independent republic of Somaliland have been hard hit by steep rises in the price of charcoal, the main fuel for cooking in the region. A 25kg sack of charcoal cost 90,000 Somaliland shillings (US$13.84) in October – up from 60,000 shillings ($9.23) in September. A similar sack was selling at 18,000 shillings ($2.76) in 2007. “We used to buy two full sacks of charcoal per month but due to the high price we buy one jaqaf [tin] daily,” Asha Ahmed, a mother of five, told IRIN. A jaqaf is equivalent to one-tenth of a 25kg sack.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Don’t get surprised if you find spies posing as camel herders in Somalia’s countryside today.”

Somalia: the new Lebanon of the secret intelligence community part II

09 Nov – Source: Wardheernews – 654 words

The stateless situation of Somalia, the rise of religious extremism, sea-piracy, enormous porous borders, historical territorial disputes and conflicts, greedy Somali traders willing to sell anything and everything Somalia to the highest bidder, destruction of Somali fauna, strategic oil/mineral interests in the country, among other things, made Somalia uniquely attractive to the intelligence community. Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya became permanent centres for operation of these foreign spies on Somalia. These countries provide convenient centres of interdiction for apprehended terrorist suspects from Somalia. Many Somalis and non-Somalis were targeted for elimination whenever it was convenient. Former Somali military officers and professionals in other fields were eliminated in mysterious circumstances. No national institutions existed to investigate the murders and the horrendous crimes against the stateless people of Somalia. It was like hunting them for sports or game in eliminating anybody important enough for the future rise of Somalia as a state.

“Somalia does not have constitutional crisis; it has clannism crisis masqueraded as politics.”

The Power Tussle!

07 Nov- Source: Hiiraan Obline- 403 words

The dichotomy of a powerless/powerful prime minister and a powerless/powerful president has confused many ordinary Somalis. Some say the president has too much power & others say the president is powerless. Somali pessimists’ latest conspiracy theory is the Somali constitution has been designed to create conflict among the executive. They point out repeating historical conflicts between Somali presidents and their prime ministers whereby each has used the constitution to justify his position. Is it the Somali constitution that creates the conflict or it is the individual that causes the conflict? The current conflict has the president and the prime minister tussling over constitutional power.