October 21, 2013 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

President Hassan Sheikh to visit Kismayo

21 Oct – Source: Raxanreeb – 91 words

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is intending to visit the port town of Kismayo soon, senior Presidential officer told RBC. The President will visit the town to hold talks with the interim administration in Kismayo following the reconciliation conference for the Jubba clans which the government proposes to be held in Mogadishu. “The president will visit the town as this becomes his first leg to the region since he came to office,” senior Presidential officer who chose to remain unnamed because he is not authorized to speak to the media said.

Key Headlines

UN Special Representative calls for inclusive and fair electoral process in Puntland – 21 October 2013(UNSOM)
Presi
dent Mohamud says Beledweyne attack shows how terrorists were defeated(SNTV)
AMISOM holds consultative meeting with Leader of Juba Interim Administration Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Islam ‘Madobe’(AMISOM)
AU Special Representative condemns the killing of innocent civilians in Beledweyn
(AMISOM)
Federal government Jubba administration reach agreement(Bar-kulan/SNTV)
Terrorists are only defeating themselves in Somalia says Prime Minister(Office of the Prime Minister)
Defense minister vows to sweep al Shabaab remnants from Somalia(Raxanreeb)
Security beef up In Mogadishu following new threat(Radio Dalsan)
UN envoy to Somalia visits Puntland(Bar-kulan)
Victims of Beledweyne attack flown to Mogadishu(Raxanreeb)
Curfew in Beledweyne town day after deadly suicide explosion(Raxanreeb)
Ugandan peacekeepers’ bosses ‘sold’ guns in Somalia(Africa Review)
Westgate Mall attack: CCTV ‘shows soldiers looting’(BBC)

PRESS RELEASE

UN Special Representative calls for inclusive and fair electoral process in Puntland – 21 October 2013

21 Oct – Source: UNSOM – 396 words

Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia Nicholas Kay completed a two-day visit to Garowe, the capital of the federal state of Puntland today, urging a free, inclusive and credible political process that should lead to a new Puntland parliament this year and presidential elections early in 2014.

“This will be the fourth government in Puntland and we salute the significant stability and progress made since 1998. Puntland has an important role to play in charting the way to a new federal Somalia,” Kay said. “I hope Puntland can renew its relationship with the Federal Government and help move the whole Somali state-building project forward.”

SRSG Kay met with Puntland President Abidrahman Farole, ministers, parliamentarians, clan elders, civil society and UN staff from 20 to 21 October. He heard from them the current state of preparations, timelines and issues of concern.

Community leaders and clan elders will soon begin the process of nominating 66 new MPs to the Puntland Parliament. Once in session, the MPs will elect a president of Puntland for a new term due to start in January 2014. Kay called for continued efforts to achieve one-person, one-vote democratisation for the future.

A vetting committee will review the nominated MPs to ensure they meet the criteria set out in Puntland’s constitution, and are people without a criminal record or history of violence. The appointment of the committee should be completed promptly and transparently, Kay urged.

Despite making up more than half of Puntland’s population, women occupy only two seats in the current Parliament (fewer than any time since 1998). SRSG Kay urged government, elders and civil society to work towards a greater representation of women in the next parliament. The representation of minorities and regions also needs careful attention, the envoy added.

All presidential candidates will need to be assured freedom of movement, association, security and should enjoy equal access to media. These issues are largely the responsibility of the current government. Journalists should be free to do their work without interference, Kay told government and other stakeholders.

The process should be conducted peacefully within a context of reconciliation, despite the inevitable raising of political temperatures during the campaign, he added.

At the invitation of the government of Puntland, the UN will continue supporting efforts for an inclusive, fair and credible outcome and will remain closely engaged in the coming weeks and months.

Terrorists are only defeating themselves in Somalia, says Prime Minister

19 Oct – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 230 words

Somalia Prime Minister His Excellency Abdi Farah Shirdon condemned a terrorist attack against a restaurant in Beledweyne town, in the Hiiraan region of Somalia that has killed a number of Somalis and left many others wounded.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of innocent people in Beledweyne after terrorists attacked a restaurant in Beledweyne. I would like also to extend my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those killed by the terrorists,”said the Prime Minister.

“Terrorists in Somalia only defeat themselves when they commit these atrocities. They have long ago lost all popular support as Somalis have discovered for themselves how poisonous is the ideology of extremism. The aim of this attack was to instil fear in the people of Hiiraan, but Somalis are much more resilient than that and as a nation we refuse to submit to any attempt to bully us.

This is why the country is progressing so strongly, with Somalis returning from all over the world to help rebuild the country. Somalis in Hiiraan, like those nationwide, are committed to help their country lift itself out of poverty. Together we will work as hard as possible to bring lasting peace to Somalia. My message to the brainwashed young men who launch these attacks is, think again. Allah will judge you one day for shedding innocent blood and you will be punished accordingly.”.

AMISOM holds consultative meeting with Leader of Juba Interim Administration, Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Islam ‘Madobe’

19 Oct – Source: AMISOM – 241 words

A delegation from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) held a consultative meeting with the Leader of Juba Interim Administration, Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Islam ‘Madobe’. The delegation was tasked by the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif to discuss issues regarding the implementation of the agreement between the Federal Government of Somalia and Jubba Interim Administration including integration and disengagement of militias.

The two parties reviewed the current political and security situation in the Jubba area with a view to enhance peace and stability in the regions and in the country at large. The two parties exchanged views on disengaging militias and role that the leadership of the Juba Interim Administration can play in this process.

On behalf of the AU Special Representative, the delegation applauded Mr. Ahmed Madobe and the entire Jubaland Interim Administration for its continued commitment towards peace and stability in Somalia as demonstrated by the recent signing of the Juba Agreement with the Federal Government of Somalia and the commitment to continue the fight against al Shabaab in the region.

The Leader of the Juba Interim Administration expressed his appreciation to the AMISOM delegation for paying a visit to the region and for the consultations with his administration. He reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the Juba Agreement as well as working closely with AMISOM and other partners to ensure that sustainable peace prevails in the country.

AU Special Representative condemns the killing of innocent civilians in Beledweyne

19 Oct – Source: AMISOM – 140 words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif has learnt with sadness the suicide attack on innocent civilians at a restaurant in Beledweyne.

While condemning the incident, ambassador Annadif said these cowardly and senseless acts of violence will not undermine the remarkable progress Somalia has made in the past months noting that attacks against civilians are never justifiable.

He said; “I reaffirm the commitment of the African Union and that of AMISOM in particular to helping the Federal Government of Somalia and its National Security Forces to enhance security in the country. AMISOM will continue to stand by the people of Somalia as they strive to achieve sustainable peace.”

The AU Special Representative sent his condolences to the friends and families of the victims and wished the wounded speedy recovery.

SOMALI MEDIA

President Hassan Sheikh to visit Kismayo

21 Oct – Source: Raxanreeb – 91 words

Federal government, Jubba administration reach agreement

21 Oct – Source: Bar-kulan/SNTV – 81 words

Somali Federal government and Jubba Interim Administration have on Monday agreed the upcoming reconciliation conference to be held in Mogadishu after days of standoff and disagreement. Speaking at a joint news conference held in Kismayo, Federal government’s minister of interior and security Abdikarim Hussein Gulled and Jubba Interim Administration leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Ahmed Madobe) announced the agreement. The two officials also stated that the second round of the reconciliation conference will also be held in the key Somali port city of Kismayo.

Defense minister vows to sweep al Shabaab remnants from Somalia

21 Oct – Source: Raxanreeb – 85 words

Defense Minister of Somalia Government Abdihakim Mohamud Fiqi has vowed on Sunday that the security forces will clear al Shabaab remnants from the country, RBC reports. The defense minister reached the town of Beledweyne a day after a suicide bomber killed at least 20 people in a teashop in the centre of the town on Saturday. “We have stepped up our military forces to sweep the remnants of the terrorists from the republic of Somalia,” the minister said while briefing the media in Beledweyne.

Men arrested in connection with Beledweyne blast

21 Oct – Source: Bar-kulan/SNTV – 97 words

Government forces in Beledweyne town in Hiiraan region have conducted security operations and arrested men suspected of involvement in Saturday’s blast in the city. Speaking to Radio Bar-kulan, Hiiraan police boss Isack Ali Abdulle said that the police have carried out the search to hunt down the suspects of the blast and arrested number of men, those are suspects and now undergoing investigations. Deputy Governor on security affairs, in Hiiraan region Mohamed Ibrahim Tusbahle said the security forces in the area in a bid to ensure security and urged the residents to work with security agencies.

Security beef up In Mogadishu following new threat

21 Oct – Source: Radio Dalsan – 82 words

The security forces including police and national security agency set extra checkpoints in Mogadishu streets after a suicide bombing alarm was raised in which al Shabaab are reportedly targeting government ministry offices in Mogadishu . NSA has learnt that al Shabaab are planning to target the government main offices including PM and presidential compound. “We are here to protect the innocent people and the government staff because we heard that al Shabaab planning horrific suicide bombing in Mogadishu specially the public places like government offices , hotels and all gathering places,” said Abdi Ahmed a police officer.

UN envoy to Somalia visits Puntland

21 Oct – Source: Garowe Online/Somali Channel TV/Bar-kulan – 135 words

A delegation led by the United Nations Special Representative to Somalia and head of the UN Assistance Mission (UNSOM) Ambassador Nicholas Kay arrived in Puntland capital of Garowe on Sunday. After landing at Garowe International Airport, he was received by Puntland government Ministers including Interior Minister Gen. Abdullahi Ahmed Jama Ilkajir, Security Minister Col. Khalif Isse Mudan, Finance Minister Mr. Farah Ali Jama, Planning and International relations Minister Mohamud Aideed Dirir, Health Minister Dr. Ali Abdullahi Warsame and Minister of Education Abdi Farah Saed Juha who also attended a meeting that Ambassador Kay held with Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole at Puntland State House in Garowe. Speaking at a joint Press conference, President Farole said that they have discussed the upcoming Puntland Presidential Elections, and the Somali reconciliation efforts, state-building and security.

Somali police boss visits Baidoa town

21 Oct – Source: Bar-kulan/Raxanreeb/SNTV – 88 words

A delegation led by Somali Police chief Gen. Abdihakim Dahir Sa’id has arrived in Baidoa on Moday to assess security in the southern Somali region of Bay. The police chief accompanied by senior police officials of the Somali Federal government were cordially welcomed at the airport by Bay regional administration. Addressing journalists at Baidoa airport, General Abdihakim stated that his visit is intended to assess the security situation in the region. Gen Abdikahim who was addressing police officials in Baidoa said that they will reshuffle police command in Bay region.

Curfew in Beledweyne town day after deadly suicide explosion

20 Oct – Source: Raxanreeb – 66 words

Police in central Somali town of Beledweyne imposed a curfew on a day after deadly suicide explosion killed at least 20 people, RBC reports. Hiiraan police commissioner Col. Isaq Aden Abdulle said the curfew startedon Saturday night to secure the town following the suicide explosion. “We have also begun search operation to make sure the terrorists will not get hideout in the society,” Col. Abdulle said.

Victims of Beledweyne attack flown to Mogadishu

20 Oct – Source: Bar-kulan/Raxanreeb – 77 words

At least 14 victims of the suicide attack in the Somali central town of Beledweyne have been airlifted to the Somali capital, Mogadishu on Sunday for treatment. Most of the airlifted victims who are in critical condition were admitted to AMISOM’s Halane Hospitals in Mogadishu. Addressing journalist at Ugas Khalif airport in Beledweyne, Hiiraan region governor Abdi Farah Laqanyo stated that the Somali Federal government sent a plane to rescue the victims of Beledweyne attack.

Somaliland President Silanyo Leads Nation in Combating Polio

20 Oct – Source: Somaliland Press – 107 words

Somaliland’s president became the first person to lead the nation in a country-wide anti- polio vaccination campaigns when he took the immunization drops of the vaccine yesterday at the State House. Ahmed Mohammed Mohammud and the First Lady Amina Sheikh Mohammed Jirde were given the inoculation in which the adults are incorporated in for the first time since cases of grown-ups struck down with polio was reportedly witnessed in the neighbouring countries. The countrywide campaign exercise is scheduled to kick-off this morning Sunday, the 20th of October 2013. “This vaccine is important to both the people and country at large”, said the President.

President Mohamud says Beledweyne attack shows how terrorists were defeated

19 Oct – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV – 96 words

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has strongly condemned the suicide bomber explosion who killed at least 16 people in central Somalia town of Beledweyne. “This suicide explosion clearly shows that the terrorists are against the development of the country,” the President said in a press statement pon Saturday. “The attack killed innocent civilians which only shows how the terrorists groups were defeated in the front battle,” President Mohamud added. A suicide bomber has blew himself off in the busy cafeteria frequented by the Somali and Ethiopian forces killing 16 people including soldiers and civilians, officials confirmed.

Information Minister Lauds the Burao –Erigavo roads funds collection committee Efforts

20 Oct – Source: Somaliland Press – 87 words

Minister of Information, Culture and National Guidance Hon Abdillahi Mohamed Dahir (Cukuse) said both citizens and all regions have clearly appreciated and supported the policies of the government of President Silanyo towards the plan to upgrade roads across the country. The information minister speaking to reporters said, “I congratulate the efforts of the Burao –Erigavo roads funds collection committee in accomplishing much in a short time and also for the people of Sanaag region who in a selflessness manner have contributed towards the construction of the Road”.

Al Shabaab claims it killed Ethiopian forces in Beledweyne suicide blast

20 Oct – Source: Radio Mustaqbal/Radio Andalus- 117 worda

Al Shabaab, the anti-government militants in Somalia, linked with al Qeada claimed it killed Ethiopian forces in the suicide attack that happened in Beledweyne, capital of Hiran region in the central of Somalia on Saturday. The spokesman for group’s military operations Sheik Abdi-Aziz Abu-Muscab speaking to the pro-group radio claimed the suicide bomber has killed a total 25 soldiers, 13 of Ethiopians, 5 of government forces, and 7 of Djibouti. The spokesman vowed the group will double attacks against the foreign troops in the country and federal government forces.

Puntland President meets security officials

19 Oct – Source: Garowe Online – 93 words

The President of Somalia’s Puntland Government Abdirahman Mohamed Farole met Puntland security officials led by Security and DDR (Demobilization, Demilitarization and Reintegration) Minister Col. Khalif Isse Mudan at Puntland State House in the capital city, Garowe with Vice President Gen. Abdisamad Ali Shire present on Saturday, Garowe Online reports. The meeting which focused on strengthening peace and stability of the region ahead of Puntland presidential elections in January 2014 was also attended by Puntland Defense Forces Chief Gen. Saed Mohamed Hirsi, Police Chief Mohamed Saed Jaqanaf, Deputy Police Chiefs and regional police commanders.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Ugandan peacekeepers’ bosses ‘sold’ guns in Somalia

21 Oct – Source: Africa Review – 112 words

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni was shocked to learn from soldiers returning from Somalia peace operations that their commanders may have sold guns and bullets in Mogadishu. Uganda has troops serving in the African Union peace mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The revelations were made during a meeting at an army training school in central Uganda last week. A nervous Museveni chased away all the commanders from the meeting, except the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Katumba Wamala, in order to allow the returning AMISOM soldiers to speak out freely. Some of the soldiers who were in the meeting revealed how they gave President Museveni harrowing testimonies after their bosses were out of earshot.

Four people linked to al Shabaab arrested in Nyahururu

21 Oct – Source: Standard Media – 123 words

Police in Nyahururu town have arrested four people who are believed to be connected to the al Shabaab group in different incidents. The first two, a man and his wife were arrested at Maina slums and two AK 47 rifles recovered in a nearby maize plantation in their compound. The two riffles had a total of 83 rounds of ammunition. The arrest was immediately connected to another done on Sunday in the same slums where two men of Somali origin were arrested with 51 rounds of ammunition, an axe and a dagger. The man Petro Waithaka and his wife Miriam Muthoni have confessed to the police of having the two guns for the last two weeks which they hid in the maize plantation.

Police step up war on al Shabaab

21 Oct – Source: Daily Nation – 107 words

Stringent security measures have been put in place in the North Rift region, including Kakuma refugee camp in Turkana County, to curb the entry of al Shabaab militants. The measures include thorough vetting of refugees being admitted to the camp and restricted movements to other parts of the county.
Police patrols along the border with Somalia have also been beefed up to curb entry by cattle rustlers and bandits, among other criminals. “We are no longer accepting any refugee at the camp without referral letters from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees office or relevant government office acknowledging their status,” said Turkana West police boss Jonathan Ngala.

Kenya Defence Forces arrest three alleged al Shabaab recruits en-route to Somalia

20 Oct – Source: Standard Media – 111 words

Police are questioning three Tanzanians caught crossing the Kenya- Somalia border at Kiunga to allegedly join al Shabaab militants. Officials identified the three as Ali Ramadhan, 22, Musa Daudi, 19 and Shabaan Bakari Waziri, 21. They were arrested by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), a few miles inside Somalia from the Kenyan border and handed over to police at Kiunga police station. According to police who had profiled the three, they were headed to Kismayu to join “the holy war, which they claimed is led by the militants”. Police said the men are from Dar-es-Salaam and had used the Lungalunga border to drive to Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu before getting into Somalia.

Al Shabaab claims deadly Somalia bombing

19 Oct – Source: Al Jazeera – 95 words

The armed group al Shabaab has claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed at least 13 people outside a restaurant popular with Ethiopian and Somali troops in the town of Beledweyne in central Somalia. “Our main target was Ethiopian and Djiboutian troops who invaded our country. They were sitting there,” Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, al Shabaab’s military operation spokesman, said on Saturday. He put the death toll from the attack at 25, including troops from Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somalia. There was no independent word on whether any foreign soldiers were among the casualties in the bombing.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Westgate Mall attack: CCTV ‘shows soldiers looting’

21 Oct – Source: BBC – 75 words

Segments of CCTV footage have emerged which appear to show Kenyan security forces looting goods during last month’s siege of the Westgate mall. In the footage, some Kenyan soldiers can be seen carrying white shopping bags, while others appear to take white boxes from a mobile phone store. At least 67 people died when suspected al Shabaab militants stormed the Nairobi shopping centre on 21 September. The Kenyan military says it is investigating the looting allegations.

Uganda Increases Vigilance after US Embassy Security Alert

20 Oct – Source: VOA – 142 words

Uganda’s government spokesman says the US embassy has shared intelligence with the administration warning of a possible terrorist attack, similar to the one on Kenya’s Westgate mall nearly a month ago. In response, Ofwono Opondo says President Yoweri Museveni’s government has placed all security agencies on high alert. “We have [taken] extra security measures. We have deployed both covert and overt personnel in major busy areas of the government and business districts of just not Kampala, but [also] around the country,” said Opondo. “We are sending out alerts calling on the public to be vigilant — particularly proprietors of premises that are frequently visited by many people.” The US embassy warning comes nearly a month after militants stormed Kenya’s Westgate Shopping, leaving at least 67 people dead and scores injured. The hard line Somali insurgent group, al Shabaab, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Suicide bomber strikes in Somalia

19 Oct – Source: CNN/Al Jazeera – 134 words

Soldiers were among the casualties in a suicide attack at a cafe in Somalia early Saturday, authorities told CNN. The incident occurred in the town of Beledweyne in the central part of the African nation and it drew sharp condemnation from the Somali prime minister. Authorities continue to sort out the casualty figures. Police officers said the death toll is as high as 20, but the country’s prime minister’s office reported at least 13 dead. A few dozen injuries were reported. “I condemn the attack in the strongest terms and send my condolences to the families of all the innocent civilians who were killed and wounded,” Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon said. “The motive of these attacks are to frighten Somali people, these acts of terrorism will not derail the progress made across Somalia.”

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Bomb blast in Addis Ababa that killed two Somalis raises the stakes for country’s security.”

Is Ethiopia on al Shabaab’s hit list?

21 Oct- Source: Al Jazeera English-1096 Words
The explosion went off at 2:40 on a Sunday afternoon, on a tree-lined side street in Ethiopia’s capital city. The area was a quiet one – home to foreign diplomats, domestic civil servants and several embassies – and the blast was strong enough to kill two men, startle the neighbours, and demolish a small home. But if the government’s current theory is correct, the carnage could have been much worse. Sunday October 13 was the day of a big football match – a rare shot at the World Cup playoffs for Ethiopia, which ultimately lost against Nigeria in Addis Ababa. Given the debris found at the site of the explosion, including suicide belts and an Ethiopian team jersey, investigators think the men may have been planning to detonate near the football stadium in central Addis, where thousands of fans and security workers had gathered. But something went wrong and the two suspects – Somali nationals, according to the government – never made it out of the house before their explosives went off.

“While most reports have focused on the potential role and corresponding backlash against ethnic Somalis in regard to the Westgate siege, there continues to be a steady current of activity of Sudanese militants among al Shabaab, al Qaeda (AQ), and other armed movements in East Africa.”

Sudan’s Jihadi Exports to Somalia

21 Oct- Source: SomaliaNewsRoom-927 Words
In findings about the alleged identities of the Westgate attackers, a Sudanese man known by his nom de guerre Abu Baara al-Sudani was thought to have been trained by AQ and commanded a group of at least three other militants linked to al Shabaab and AQ during the attack–including Omar Nabhan, Khattab al-Kene and Umayr. The spokesman for the Sudanese Armed Forces denied al-Sudani was a Sudanese national and insisted he was “of Somali origin”–joining the loud chorus scapegoating ethnic Somalis for violence in Kenya. In the subsequent failed U.S. Navy SEAL raid to capture alleged AQ/al Shabaab external operations planner Mohamed Abdikadir Mohamed (aka Ikrima), reports said one of those killed by Navy SEALs included a Sudanese known as Sheikh Abdirahim (aka Awab al-Uqba). Abdirahim was thought to be responsible for training al Shabaab’s highly feared Amniyaat (intelligence squad). He was also part of a long trend in Sudanese jihadis in Somalia and further abroad.