November 25, 2013| Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Somali Government unveils 2014 budget proposal

24 Nov- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Risaala/Somalicurrent/Universal TV-179 words

Somalia’s Federal Government has on Sunday unveiled its 2014 budget proposal, which is more than this year’s budget. In total, the government plans to spend $219 million, which $128 million of the budget is local income from tax, according to the Ministry of Finance and Planning. Somali Minister of Finance and Planning Mohamud Hassan Saleban, who read the budget in front of the cabinet, said that the government will spend more than the budget of this year. “The budget is more than the one of this year, $128 million of the money is local income, while $91 million will come from the donors,” Mohamud said, adding that there is $137 million of fund intended for development, which is not included the government’s budget. Earlier November, Ministry of Finance and Planning reported that the income of the government has significantly increased, indicating that 11 months ago the government used to receive income of $2.2 million. The budget now awaits the approval of the Cabinet, before its presented to the Federal Parliament of Somalia.

Key Headlines

Somali Government unveils 2014 budget proposal (Radio Mogadishu/Radio Risaala/Somalicurrent)
Six al Shabaab fighters killed in Beledweyne outskirts (Radio Bar-kulan/Hiiraan Online)
Judge assassinated in Mogadishu (Radio RBC/Radio Risaala)
Lenku now orders all refugee camps closed (Daily Nation)
Somaliland President hosts dinner for Turkish delegation (Somaliland Informer/SLNTV)
Officials step up measures to maintain security in Baidoa ( Radio Bar-kulan)
Hundreds protest in Garowe against Federal Government (Somali Channel/Radio Garowe)
Genel Energy to resume operations in Somaliland (Somalilandgov/Somaliland Informer)
Somali parliament to debate motion against PM (Daily Nation)
Somalia needs more help says VP Ssekandi (New Vision)
Donors call for caution on refugee return (East African)
Kenya urges relief agencies to relocate to Somalia (Xinhua)
Somalia arrives first for Cecafa tourney (supersport)

PRESS STATEMENT

UN Envoy for Somalia concludes visit in Puntland, electoral process on track but some issues still to be addressed

22 Nov- Source: UNSOM- 346 words

The UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Nicholas Kay concluded today a three-day visit in the Federal State of Puntland with stops in the cities of Garowe, Galkayo and Bosasso ahead of the Puntland Parliamentary selection process in December and the Presidential elections scheduled to take place 8 January 2014.

Mr. Kay met Puntland President and presidential candidate Abdirahman Mohamud Farole, as well as several presidential candidates, traditional leaders and members of the civil society including women’s groups.

“Overall I heard that the electoral process is on track. I was impressed by everyone’s commitment to ensuring peaceful, fair and transparent elections. But one or two items still need to be addressed to achieve results which will be credible for everyone” said SRSG Kay.

“Traditional leaders, candidates and civil society welcomed the President’s intention to consult before nominating the members of the vetting committee (known as the Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Committee). They underlined the importance of such consultation,” said SRSG Kay, “Many I met, including the President, also shared my deep concern about the low number of women in the last Parliament and stressed the importance of having at least one female Member of Parliament per each of the five original regions this time.”

SRSG Kay was briefed by General Said Dheere, who is responsible for security for the elections. Candidates expressed their confidence in his leadership and commitment to providing appropriate security arrangements for each candidate. SRSG Kay called on all candidates to campaign responsibly and make their own contribution to ensuring elections were peaceful. He further noted that “it is important that as candidates move to Garowe, security arrangements are satisfactory for everybody.”

Mr Kay highlighted the role of the media in reporting the campaign responsibly and independently.

“Every candidate should have the opportunity to access the media, including State-owned media. Journalists should continue to be free to cover the electoral process as they are now,” SRSG Kay said.

“The United Nations will follow the election process closely and make every effort to encourage and support a free, fair and peaceful process,” he concluded.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali Government unveils 2014 budget proposal

24 Nov- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Risaala/Somalicurrent/Universal TV-179 words

Six al Shabaab fighters killed in Beledweyne outskirts

24 Nov- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Hiiraan Online- 152 words

Six al Shabaab fighters have on Sunday been killed in the outskirts of Beledweyne town in central Somali region of Hiran by Somali forces along with their African allies. A Somali commander within the Somali forces has confirmed to Bar-kulan that the six fighters were found extorting livestock from Somali pastoralists near Jellow village in Hiran region. He added that they tried to resist with force but were eventually overwhelmed by the allied forces. Meanwhile, Somali troops and Ethiopian forces have on Sunday morning left Beledweyne and headed to Bulo Burte town. The forces have reportedly conducted security operations in Baragta Elow, Afar Irdod and other villages 30 KM from Beledweyne on their way to Bulo Burto town. This follows al Shabaab’s attack on a police station in Beledweyne last week which claimed the lives of at least 29 people, mostly civilians.

Judge assassinated in Mogadishu

24 Nov- Source: Radio RBC/Radio Risaala-145 words

Unidentified gunmen have assassinated a well known Somali court judge in Mogadishu’s Huriwa neighborhood. Late Hassan Nur Mohamed who was a member of Somali well known judges and worked for the ministry of justice of the federal government of Somalia was killed near the Huriwa district market by men armed with pistols who have immediately escaped from the crime scene. The police reached the area but nobody was arrested for the killing of the judge. The Justice Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia Abdullahi Abyan Nur has condemned the assassination and called for immediate arrest for the murderers. The Minister said the judge was killed in the line of duty as he was heading to the district court office and police must apprehend the perpetrators soon. “His assassination will not bring any impact on the work of the country’s justice system.” Minister Nur added.

Somaliland President hosts dinner for Turkish delegation

24 Nov- Source: Somaliland Informer/SLNTV- 123 words

Somaliland president Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Silanyo has on Saturday night hosted dinner banquet in honor of the visiting Turkish delegation headed by Mr.Turin, Turkish ambassador to Somalia and Somaliland. The banquet was held at the presidential palace in Hargeisa, Somaliland cappital city. The ambassador has been on two day official visit to Somaliland and met with the head of state and other government officials. Somaliland president in the dinner banquet was accompanied by the vice president and other government ministers. The president gave map on Somaliland to the visiting delegation. Mr. Turin, Turkish ambassador to Somalia and Somaliland has extended thanks to the president in hosting them to the dinner banquet and added that he received cordial welcome upon arriving in Somaliland.

Officials step up measures to maintain security in Baidoa

24 Nov- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 86 words

Security officials in Baidoa town have stepped up security measures to maintain the fragile security in the area, according to officials. Somali government chief in Bay region, Col. Mahad Abdirahman Aden said that the measures were designed to beef up the security of the city. He added that acting on a tip off, the security forces arrested a number of people accused of organizing crimes in the town. Security officials in the town stated the measures will continue in order to ensure the security is maintained.

Hundreds protest in Garowe against Federal Government

23 Nov- Source: Somali Channel/Radio Garowe- 160 words

Hundreds of people took to the streets in Puntland capital of Garowe against Federal Government of Somalia. Demonstrators at the peaceful rally chanted Anti-Federal Government slogans calling on President Mohamud to take action against armed clan militias who they said have razed buildings, set farmland on fire and killed innocent civilians by using government weapons and ammunitions. Mukhtar Abukar Hussein, a traditional elder belonging to Jareer-Weyne clan which staged Anti-President Hassan rally said they have gathered on Garowe Square in the center of the capital to express their dismay over the ongoing politicized moves in Middle Shabelle region. “I am calling on the International Community to closely monitor the situation in Middle Shabelle region. I can describe what is going on there as land grabbing and reinforcing particular clan over the other one,” he said. Addressing the protesters, Fadumo Mohamed Dalash Jareer-Wayne Mothers Association member declared they have withdrawn confidence from Somali government.

Genel Energy to resume operations in Somaliland

24 Nov- Source: Somalilandgov/Somaliland Informer- 154 words

Today, in a joint press conference with the Government in Hargeisa, Genel Energy committed to resume its operations in Somaliland. A large delegation from Genel Energy led by the Company’s CEO, Tony Hayward, arrived in Hargeisa this morning to meet with the Somaliland Government. Genel Energy acquired significant acreage in Somaliland in 2012, investing in two large blocks in central Somaliland and assuming operatorship for both blocks. The company committed to and implemented an extensive exploration work program and completed environmental impact assessments and aerial surveys. Preparation work for acquiring seismic data began in earnest and nearly 400km of lines were cleared to shoot 2-D Seismic when the company halted its operations in early September 2013 due to operational challenges, including some security concerns. Throughout the halt in operations the Government of Somaliland and Genel Energy continued a constructive dialogue, culminating in the company’s return to Hargeisa.

Somalia Interior Minister arrives in Beledweyne

23 Nov- Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Hiiraan Online- 101 words

Somalia’s Minister of Interior and National Security Abdikarim Hussein Guled Friday visited the scene of Tuesday’s deadly attack in Beledweyne. The minister arrived in Beledweyne to have firsthand assessment of the destruction left behind by al Shabaab’s assault on a police station in Beledweyne.
He was accompanied by some members from the Somali parliament as well security officials. Bar-kulan correspondent in Beledweyne said that the officials have also visited historic sites in the town. Gunmen loyal to al Shabaab militants have on Tuesday stormed a police station in Beledweyne and then opened fire on police officers, killing at least 28 people.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Somali parliament to debate motion against PM

24 Nov- Source: Daily Nation- 384 words
The Somali Federal Parliament is set to debate a motion against Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon which was submitted on Sunday. Following the distribution of the document that was reportedly endorsed by 168 MPs, the Speaker of the Parliament Professor Mohamed Osman Jawari announced that the lawmakers were handling an important issue which they have to study for five days. “The honourable members of the house are going to debate the motion seeking a vote of confidence for the government of Somalia led by Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon,” proclaimed Speaker Jawari.

Somalia needs more help, says VP Ssekandi

23 Nov- Source: New Vision- 466 words
Uganda’s vice president Edward Ssekandi has called on Arab and African leaders to support peace mission efforts in Somalia and the entire greater Horn of Africa. During the wrap-up of the Third Africa-Arab Summit in the Arab state of Kuwait, the VP pushed for stabilization of the political, security and humanitarian situations in the region. The two-day meeting, attended by 50 heads of state and delegations from Africa and the Arab world, ended with calls for stronger economic ties between the two regions.

Lenku now orders all refugee camps closed

23 Nov- Source: Daily Nation- 256 words

Kenya Saturday stepped up its push to have half a million Somali refugees return home after Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku ordered all camps closed. Mr Lenku said the government was not looking back on refugee repatriation and ordered all refugee camps shut. He also directed all agencies supporting refugee operations in Kenya to move those programmes to safer areas in Somalia, saying the repatriation of refugees had begun and that it was time to say goodbye.

Donors call for caution on refugee return

23 Nov- Source: the East African- 260 words

Some donors are calling for caution in the implementation on the recently signed agreement to repatriate one million Somali refugees in the next three years. However, many charity and humanitarian organisatiuons are optimistic that the Tripartite Agreement signed by the Kenya and Somalia governments on November 10 with the support of United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), will end the suffering of the refugees, who have lived in Dadaab camp for over 20 years.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Kenya urges relief agencies to relocate to Somalia

24 Nov- Source: Xinhua-523 words

The Kenyan government on Saturday called on international agencies providing humanitarian services to thousands of Somali refugees in Dadaab to relocate to Somalia. Cabinet Secretary in charge of internal security Joseph ole Lenku called on the agencies to prepare to provide the services to refugees who will be repatriated back to the Horn of Africa nation starting in January 2014. “The Nongovernment Organizations working in the Dadaab refugee camp should move their services into Somalia to enable the returning refugees go on with their lives,” Lenku said at Dadaab refugee camp, the world’s largest refugee settlement.

Somalia arrives first for Cecafa tourney

23 Nov- Source: supersport- 205 words

The teams that are scheduled to take part in the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup tournament which is set to kick off on Wednesday have started arriving in the country with Somalia being the first to be booked in. The team, popularly known as the Ocean Stars arrived in Nairobi at 1300hrs in a contingent of 25 involving players and team officials.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“The federal form of government will be accepted by all Somalis if the powers and functions of federal organs would secure the unity of the country, promote co-operation throughout the republic, maintain the single international personality of the state, promote the unity of the internal market and economy, and contribute to the harmonization of federal and state organs.”

Can Somalia Be Federated?

22 Nov- Source: Hiiraan Online/Somali Current-2097 Words

Somalia as a nation is an unquestionable reality. Somalia as a State however is a much more tenuous concept despite being one of few mono-ethnic entities in Africa with a common language, culture, and religion throughout the territory. From 1960, when Somalia gained independence, to1969 Somalia was governed under a multi-party democracy. The constitution and electoral laws was drafted by foreign experts who failed to take into account the inherent threat of contestation among Somalia’s clans and sub-clans. A relatively clan-representative civilian government grew increasingly , but the absence of political parties that compete on the basis of ideas, the tribal politics has become the foundations for political competition ,which became a powerful tool through which politicians mobilised supporters for narrow political motive, and where the principle of politics become not the achievement of public goals of state building, but the promotion of individual interest of status, prestige and power.

“The backstory of Captain Phillips demonstrates that we’re living through an era of buccaneer business, where multinational corporations act like lawless pirates. They roam the globe and operate where they will, regardless of international law, territorial waters, national boundaries, environmental impact and the noxious effects their investments have on local populations.”

Corporations conducting high-seas piracy in Somalia

23 Nov- Source: Kentucky-471 Words

Prairie schooners transporting goods across the plains are attacked by savage Indians. The cavalry comes to the rescue and slaughters the “tribals.” We all feel safe and proud of our forces. Mutatis mutandi, that’s the basic story of Captain Phillips starring Tom Hanks and the splendid Somali actor, Barkhad Abdl. The film spins a gripping account of the 2009 piracy of the container ship, Maersk Alabama, on the open seas. The ship is waylaid by four Somali fishermen turned pirates. The Navy Seals are called in, kill the pirates and rescue the captain. The inattentive will experience the simple catharsis afforded by such action thrillers. However, there is more to the true story, with much to tell about globalization, national sovereignty and the military-industrial complex.