November 12, 2012 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Somali federal parliament meet, delay on ratifying cabinet

11 Nov- Source: Radio Mogadishu/ SONNA- 80 words

Members of the Somali federal parliament had their ordinary session on Saturday but failed to ratify the cabinet that Somali premier, Abdi Farah Shirdon was due to bring before the lawmakers. Speaker of the Somali federal parliament Mohamed Osman Jawari told radio Mogadishu that giving vote of confidence to the newly appointed executive council was postponed for technical reasons, but lawmakers continued their duties on discussing debates on parliamentary leadership and procedures.

Key Headlines

Heavy fighting erupts in Bay region (Radio Mustaqbal/Radio Shabelle/Jowhar Online)
Somali federal parliament meet delay on ratifying cabinet (Radio Mogadishu/SONNA)
Vessels carrying relief aid dock at Kismayo port (Raxanreeb/Bar-kulan)
Top al Shabaab figures reportedly hiding in central Somalia (Radio Gaalkacyo)
Jubaland committee arrives in Kismayo (Kismaayo News/Radio Mogadishu/Radio Garowe)
Somaliland to Attend Regional Conference focused on Security (Somalilandpress)
Somali president hosts journalists in Villa Somalia (Radio Risaala)
Somali speaker urges new cabinet to support ban on charcoal export (Shabelle)
Jubaland protests against ‘divisive policies’ of Somalia President (BBC Somali/Garowe Online)
Chaos will resurrect if Uganda leaves Somalia (New Vision)
China gives $12 million towards AU peace security efforts (African Review/AFP)
Somalia’s al Shabaab squeezed in south move to Puntland (Reuters)

PRESS STATEMENT

UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General Statement on Presentation of Proposed Cabinet to Parliament

09 Nov- Source: UNPOS- 116 words

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG), Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga, warmly welcomes the anticipated presentation of the proposed Somali Cabinet to Parliament, 10 November, in Mogadishu.

The SRSG notes that the proposed slate represents the leanest Cabinet in Somalia’s history and is particularly pleased that Prime Minister Shirdon’s list of potential Ministers includes 20% women, including a candidate for the high profile post of Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“I call on the Parliament to move expeditiously to ensure that Somalia has a duly endorsed Council of Ministers as soon as possible. A transparent, participatory and comprehensive hearing is in the national interest. We must move quickly,” said the SRSG.

AUC AND CHINA SIGN AGREEMENTS in the area of peace and security

09 Nov- Source: AMISOM- 160 words

The African Union Commission (AUC) and the Chinese government have signed an agreement and a protocol aimed at strengthening their bilateral cooperation in the area of peace and security. The agreements were signed at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa by Mr Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the AUC and Rear Admiral Guan Youafei for the Chinese side.

Under the agreements, the Chinese side will provide a total of 80 million RMB Yuan (+/-USD 12 800 000) to cover the expenses of logistical materials supplied to the AU’s peacekeeping operations. The agreements came after a commitment by Chinese President Mr Hu Ji Ntao at the Forum on China Africa Cooperation earlier this year, to increase support to Africa.

Mr. Mwencha expressed the AUC appreciation for the support extended by the Chinese government. “This will help us improve our operations in Somalia where we are now moving into a stabilization phase”, said the AUC Deputy Chairperson after the signing ceremony.

SOMALI MEDIA

Heavy fighting erupts in Bay region

11 Nov- Source: Radio Mustaqbal/Radio Shabelle/Jowhar Online- 125 words

Ethiopian forces in Somalia reportedly attacked several military bases of al Shabab militants in Bay region of southern Somalia, as they seek to open up the road from the Baidoa to the capital, Mogadishu. The attack took place late on Saturday and continued till late night at Gofgadud area, where Ethiopian forces targeted al Shabaab, igniting bitter clashes between the two sides, according to the local residents. No further details on the casualty following the combat as both officials from al Shabaab and Ethiopian forces were not available for comments. The latest reports indicated that the situation in the conflict zone is calm and the local residents resumed their daily activities.

Hamarweyne’s Ba’adle Market reopens after two decades of closure

11 Nov- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 110 words

Mogadishu’s Ba’adla Market in Hamarweyne district has been officially reopened after remaining closed for more than two decades, officials said.
Five hundred traders who recently won places in market will soon start conducting business for free in the first fifty days, according to Banadir region spokesman Mohamed Yusuf Osman.The market’s complex comprises of 2056 stalls and was formerly one of the largest open-air markets in East Africa.
The market was repossessed by the Somali government last February when the then interim president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed ordered people squatting in the area to vacate immediately as part of the government plan to reclaimed illegally occupied state-owned properties in the capital.

Somali federal parliament meet, delay on ratifying cabinet

10 Nov- Source: Radio Mogadishu/ SONNA- 80 words

Vessels carrying relief aid dock at Kismayo port

10 Nov- Source: Raxanreeb/Radio Bar-kulan- 194 words
Two vessels that carry relief food for IDPS and locals have docked at the city seaport on Friday. officials said. Omar Ali Yussuf, the head of local aid agency, Yaglel, told local media that the relief food was donated by USAID agency and that it is about 900 tonnes. ‘’ the vessels are two, one is carrying 400 tonnes of wheat, it would be distributed to locals in the Juba region who did not receive any relief aid for the past few years.’’ said, Omar. It is the first time relief food to arrive in Kismayo since al Shabab was kicked out.

Top al Shabaab figures reportedly hiding in central Somalia

10 Nov- Source: Radio Gaalkacyo- 122 words

‘Senior al Shabab officials are said to have created a safe haven in parts of Hiiraan Region, central Somalia, privately-owned Radio Gaalkacyo reported on 9 November. According to the radio, among the officials hiding in Hiiraan Region are the leader of al Shabaab, Sheikh Muqtaar Abu Zubayr, the group’s spokesman Sheikh Ali Mohamud Raage aka Ali Dheere, Muqtaar Roobow Abu Mansur and other key members. Deputy governor of Hiiraan Region Mohamed Ma’alin Yusuf told the media that his administration has held meetings with Ethiopian troops about nabbing key al Shabaab leaders in the area. The official further stated that traditional elders and the region’s community have called on the top officials not to cause any insecurity in the region, the radio said.

Somaliland to Attend Regional Conference focused on Security

10 Nov- Source: Somaliland Press-104 words

Somaliland Delegation led by Foreign Minister and International Relations Dr. Mohamed Abdillahi Omar and the Minister of internal Affairs Hon Mohamed Nuur Araale flew out of the country headed for Nairobi the Kenyan capital. The Somaliland Delegation is to take part in a conference focused on the political and security situation of the East Africa region and that the Somaliland delegation is expected during their stay they’re expected to meet Kenyan government officials and other officials from the various diplomatic missions based there.

Jubaland committee arrives in Kismayo

10 Nov- Source: Kismaayo News/Jowhar Online/Dhanaan Online/Radio Mogadishu/Radio Garowe- 131 words

A delegation consisting of a technical committee charged with the formation of Jubaland state in southern Somalia arrived in the port town of Kismayo on Saturday to boost state-building efforts, while some members of the technical committee are stranded in Mogadishu overnight Saturday. Around 30 members of the technical committee consisting of Somali officials and representatives from IGAD regional bloc arrived in Kismayo, while a second 9-member delegation of the technical team arrived in Mogadishu to visit Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The delegation received a warm welcome at Kismayo airport. Both delegations are part of the technical committee tasked with Jubaland state-building process and flew from neighboring Kenya. Kismayo authorities said the technical committee is tasked with ongoing process to establish Jubaland state consisting of Lower Jubba, Middle Jubba and Gedo regions.

Clan elder shot dead in Mogadishu

10 Nov- Source: Hiiraan Online- 112 words

A group of armed men shot and killed a well known clan elder in Somalia’s capital on Friday. The clan leader was among the delegation who selected the Members of Parliament in August. Witnesses reported seeing Malaaq Issaq Ibrahim walking in Waaberi district when the assailants attacked him. He was hit by several gun shots. The gunmen managed to flee and escape after the attack.

Two killed in heavy fighting in Gedo

10 Nov- Source: Shabelle- 118 words

At least two people have been killed in a fierce battle between Somali National Army (SNA) and al Shabaab militants in Gedo province, the latest in surge of attacks in the southwestern region. The violence reportedly erupted after heavily armed al Shabaab fighters launched a surprise assault on Somali forces at a checkpoint located on the outskirts of Garbaharey, a town largely controlled by Somali government.

Somali president hosts journalists in Villa Somalia

09 Nov- Source: Radio Risaala/Jowhar Online- 88 words

Somalia President, Prof. Hassan Sheikh Mahamoud received journalists and media personnel at his office in Mogadishu. The journalists included those who were in the company of Government and AMISOM joint delegation, that was recently denied entry to Kismayo. The President expressed his dismay about the atrocities journalists face in the war-torn country. The president promised to form a taskforce that will investigate and come up with suitable recommendations. Finally, the President called on the international Community and the Somali public to help the security forces in restoring peace and stability.

Jubaland protests against ‘divisive policies’ of Somalia President

09 Nov- Source: Garowe Online/Kismaayo News/BBC Somali Service- 634 words

Hundreds of Somalis demonstrated in support of the formation of Jubaland state in southern Somalia on Friday and protested against what demonstrators called “interference” in the Jubaland state formation process by Somali Federal President Hassan Sheikh, Garowe Online reports.
The demonstrations took place across districts and towns in Lower Jubba and Gedo regions, including the key port town of Kismayo.

Somali speaker urges new cabinet to support ban on charcoal export

09 Nov- Source: Shabelle- 89 words

Mohamed Osman Jawari, Somali speaker has on Friday urged the newly appointed cabinet ministers to support the ban on charcoal shipments from Kismayo port city. Somalia in its efforts to stamp out the trade of charcoal got a boost after in February this year, the Security Council banned the trade to stop both the flow of money to al Shabab and the environmental damage.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Chaos will resurrect if Uganda leaves Somalia

11 Nov- Source: New Vision- 952 words

“I hope that is just a bad dream that will come to pass,” says Abdunor Ahmed, a Somali based in Kisenyi, Uganda, on his view about Uganda’s intention to withdraw her forces from Somalia. This is the wish of nearly every Somali, obviously apart from the militant al Shabaab group. For the last two weeks, Uganda has been threatening to withdraw from Somalia if a leaked UN report blaming Uganda for supporting the M23 rebel outfit in DRC is published. Uganda vehemently denies supporting the rebel outfit. But in the event that Uganda leaves, the likely scenario is that AMISOM will cease to exist in the short run and Somalia will once again plunge into chaos.

Life after al Shabaab in Mogadishu

11 Nov- Source: Aljazeera- 2:30 min

A year after the armed group al Shabaab was driven out of Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, life is returning to normal in the city. But the relative calm has presented a problem. Somali police, whose tactics during the two-decade-long civil war led many in the country to fear them, are now struggling to operate in a changing post-war environment. Speaking to Al Jazeera from the Somali capital, Fatuma Abdulahi, a Somali blogger, said despite the setbacks, Mogadishu is very peaceful and that she has felt “very secure” over the last three months. Though the capital’s police forces used to have a “bad reputation” in the fight against al Shabaab and other groups, Abdulahi said it is the Somali and African Union soldiers who suffer from a negative reputation. When they enter al Shabaab controlled areas today, Abdulahi says locals have reported cases of abuse, including the looting of homes.

China gives $12 million towards AU peace, security efforts

10 Nov- Source: Africa Review/AFP- 194 words

China and the African Union Council have signed an agreement aimed at boosting the AU’s peace and security efforts on the continent.
“Under the agreements, the Chinese side will provide a total of $12.8 million to cover the expenses of logistical materials supplied to the AU’s peacekeeping operations,” read a statement received Friday from the AU.

Business in Mogadishu comes to life

10 Nov- Source: Standard/KTN- 2:04 min

Mogadishu international port is returning to life, as Somalia emerges from decades of civil war that brought this once thriving port to its knees. Today, business has picked up with trucks arriving to offload tons of cargo from ships that are lining up at its harbor. African union peacekeepers recently took control of various al Shabaab strongholds paving way for entrepreneurs to launch their ventures once more.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Security slowly returning to Somalia

11 Nov- Source: Reuters- :1:13 min

Influx of 17,000 foreign peacekeepers returns some security to the war-ravaged Somali capital, Mogadishu. Andrew Raven reports.

Somalia’s al Shabaab, squeezed in south, move to Puntland

09 Nov- Source: Reuters- 555 words

Somalia’s al Qaeda-linked militants are moving north into the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, long regarded as a relatively peaceful area, after having been squeezed out of their strongholds further south, the president of Puntland said. Until now, Puntland has largely escaped the worst of the upheaval in Somalia, which has been deprived of an effective central government for the past two decades.

“Gutted” Uganda reiterates Somalia withdrawal threat

09 Nov- Source: Reuters- 387 words

Uganda feels “gutted” and “betrayed” by a U.N. report saying it is helping rebels in eastern Congo and will pull its troops out of peace-keeping operations in Somalia unless the allegations are withdrawn, its junior foreign minister said on Friday. Speaking four days after a senior U.S. official said she expected Kampala would keep its forces in the war-torn Horn of Africa nation, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Okello Oryem was adamant his government had not softened its stance.

SOCIALMEDIA

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

“OK, so the image most people have of Mogadishu is that it is a ghost town with nutcase suicide bombers, which is not all accurate. Part of the city is very busy and you won’t even feel you are in an unstable city, with lots of traffic, noisy traders, police every corner. The other part, lives up to the reputation. Ghostly, ruined buildings, empty of its former residents and just a stark reminder of how far this civil war has gone.”

Letter from Mogadishu

10 Nov- Source: Postcards from Africa Blog-1568 Words

On the 5th of September, 2012, I packed up my bags and moved back to Mogadishu! I know, sounds mad to choose to live in a city known as the “most dangerous city in the world” when I have options. But you see, I am absolutely tired of visas, immigration offices, work permits, deportation threats, sneaking out of countries coz my visa expired, and learning new languages. I will rather dust off my Somali than improve my Portuguese or Swahili, I figured.

“The continued export of charcoal is tantamount to a further fuelling of insecurity and devastation in Somalia. The countries that have illegally benefited from our charcoal must accept to internalize the social costs of the environmental externalities, and help Somalia in its reforestation programmes.”

The Export of Charcoal: A Colossal Loss of Somali Forests

10 Nov- Source: Wardheernews-1232 Words

The production and export of charcoal represent a colossal loss of the country’s forests. The environment in Somalia has already been severely degraded due to conflict and unsustainable use of natural resources. The ecosystems and livelihoods of the people have been heavily impacted due to floods, famine, droughts, and climate change. Moreover, water depletion is a permanent crisis in many areas. Illegal harvesting of marine resources by foreign vessels and wildlife exploitation are of major concern.