October 28, 2013 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

President welcomes “historic visit demonstrating the UN’s unwavering support for Somalia”, as UN opens new office in Somalia

26 Oct – Source: Office of the President – 350 words

His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, today welcomed Ambassador Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, to Villa Somalia, praising the visit as “historic” and the opening of a new UN office as a “vote of confidence in the new Somalia”. The President and the Deputy Secretary General held press conference after their meeting. The President said:

“Today’s visit is a historic event demonstrating the UN’s unwavering support as we welcome the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Ambassador Jan Eliasson, to Somalia. “The UN has shown its support and established a new office in Mogadishu. An effective partnership with the UN is essential for the new Somalia and this will enable us to work even closer together. Greatly improving coordination of humanitarian aid and support, decision-making, efficiency and accountability.”

The President and Deputy Secretary General met to discuss the UN’s ongoing support for Somalia and the challenges that lay ahead; including the upcoming UN Security Council session on increased support for AMSIOM and Somali National Security Forces. “Al Shabaab are down but not dead, the Security Council must help to provide Somalia and AMISOM with the tools to finish the job. The future security and stability of Somalia relies on building a well-trained and resourced Somali National Security Forces.”

“Our relationship goes back many years, through good times as well as bad. We welcome your continued support of our government’s agenda of peace, security and nation-building. With the support of UN, AMISOM and our international partners we have already come a very long way in the past year. The world has seen the progress we have made but we still have a long way to go on the road to a more peaceful and prosperous Somalia.

We are working for a Somalia that is at peace with itself and its neighbors’, where its citizens can go about their daily lives in safety, and provide for their families with confidence and dignity. “I am delighted that the UN will be here to walk along that road with us” the President said.”

Key Headlines

AU Peace and Security Council in historic visit to Mogadishu(AMISOM)
Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General Regrets Killing of a Journalist in Mogadishu(UNSOM)
Somali Defense Minister: We need World’s support to fight against al Shabaab
(Radio Mogadishu)
Somalia is ready to take advantage of the new UNSOM mandate(Office of the Prime Minister)
Note to correspondents on the Deputy Secretary-General’s travel to the Federal Republic of Somalia(UNSOM)
Somali media houses to register within 14 days(Radio Bar-kulan)
Italy pledges revival of stalled projects to Puntland(Garowe Online)
Somalia to implement new passport application procedure(SNTV)
Somalia police force radio station off air(Standard Media)

PRESS RELEASE

Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General Regrets Killing of a Journalist in Mogadishu

27 Oct – Source: UNSOM – 178 words

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, has learnt with deep sorrow of the death of Mohamed Mohamud Tima’adde, a reporter with Universal TV, on the evening of 26 October.

Mohamed succumbed to injuries he sustained on 22 October, when he was ambushed and shot several times in Mogadishu’s Wadajir district by unknown assailants who managed to escape. He becomes the seventh journalist to be murdered in 2013; Somalia continues to be one of the most dangerous places to practice journalism in the world.

SRSG Kay noted that the media had a crucial role to play in fostering peace and stability in Somalia, and stressed the need to protect journalists and press freedom in the country.

“My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mohamed Mohamud Tima’adde, and to all media practitioners in Somalia,” SRSG Kay said. “UNSOM continues to work with the Federal Government of Somalia to strengthen the security and justice sectors in order to ensure that the streets of Somalia are safer and violent criminals are brought to justice.”

President welcomes “historic visit demonstrating the UN’s unwavering support for Somalia”, as UN opens new office in Somalia

26 Oct – Source: Office of the President – 350 words

Somalia is ready to take advantage of the new UNSOM mandate

26 Oct – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 376 words

His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon today welcomes Ambassador Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, to Somalia. He congratulated for the launch of UNSOM and its new mandate supporting government’s agenda of peace, security and nation-building.

“Somalia’s relationship with the UN is never stronger and we will take maximum advantage of the new UNSOM mandate,” Prime Minister said. “Somalia has had no better friend than the UN in recent years. You have been stuck with us through good years and bad. And now we are making a new beginning. An effective partnership with the UN is essential for the new Somalia”.

Prime Minister stated that the Somali government is very pleased with the UN response to government’s call for a streamlined organization to deal with. We asked for “a single UN door to knock on, and you have provided it,” Prime Minister said, before announcing the establishment of the International Aid Coordination mechanism, one way of making the most of the UN support.

“We have established an Aid Coordination Unit – this will help you help us”. Prime Minister said. “We are committed to the principles of Aid Effectiveness, from aid ownership and mutual accountability, to coordination and alignment with government priorities”.

Prime Minister informed Jan Eliasson that the government is now in the process of operationalizing the new deal compact, which was signed in Brussels Conference on 16th of September. “The New Deal is going to change the landscape for all of us with regard to how we conduct our partnership and collaboration,” Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister pointed out that a significant progress is made in a short period of time on security, governance, reconciliation and human rights protection. He also stated that there are still significant challenges as Somalia continues to stabilize. He urged international partners to support enhance Somali National Security Forces capabilities to defeat al Shabaab.

“We believe that Somalia’s peace and stability can only be ensured by our own security forces. We have requested the Security Council to provide our National Army Forces with non-lethal force enablers, including food, fuel and medical assistance”. Prime Minister said, hoping that international community will step up to support Somalia to secure its borders and head to a much better future.

Note to correspondents on the Deputy Secretary-General’s travel to the Federal Republic of Somalia

26 Oct – Source: UNSOM – 174 words

The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Jan Eliasson, arrived in Mogadishu this morning on a visit to the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Mr. Eliasson held meetings in Villa Somalia, the seat of the Federal Government, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Speaker of the Federal Parliament Mohammad Sheikh Osman Jawari and Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon.

Mr. Eliasson is visiting to see for himself the progress made and challenges faced in stabilising Somalia after 22 years of conflict.

“We will be at the side of Somalia at this crucial time,” said Mr. Eliasson. “The meetings we have had today I think show the solidarity that flows from many parts of the world towards Somalia.”

“We want to send a message to the Somali people: you are not alone. We are there beside you.” During his visit the Deputy Secretary-General will also engage with civil society, the diplomatic community and UN staff in the country.

Mr. Eliasson last visited Somalia as Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs in September 1992. The UN Secretary-General visited in Mogadishu on 9 December 2011.

AU Peace and Security Council in historic visit to Mogadishu

25 Oct – Source: AMISOM – 505 words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif today hosted African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) on a historic first field visit to Mogadishu. The PSC is the AU’s standing decision-making body responsible for the maintenance of continental peace and security. It has 15 members, elected by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

The delegation was led by Djibouti’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, who is also the Permanent Representative to the AU and Chair of the PSC for the month of October, H.E. Mohamed Idriss Farah.
On arrival at the Aden Adde International Airport, the delegation was met by Ambassador Annadif as well as Somali government officials. They then proceeded to Villa Somalia where they were received in audience by Somali President, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

During the meeting, they discussed the progress that Somalia has made in recovering from decades of anarchy. Ambassador Farah expressed the AU’s full support for the efforts of the Somali government in pursuing peace and reconciliation and thanked AMISOM for the sacrifices the mission has made for the sake of peace in Somalia.

On his part, President Mohamud also expressed his government’s appreciation for the support the country had received from the AU, saying that the Somali problem was an African problem to be dealt with by all Africans.

“Somalia is hugely indebted to AU for helping us emerge from war and for the relative stability the country is experiencing,” he said. He also welcomed the PSC’s recent endorsement of the recommendations of a joint AU-UN assessment mission, key among them being increased support to the Somali National Security Forces and a reinforcement of AMISOM to aid in the fight against extremism in Somalia.

Specifically, the PSC has called for the provision of logistical support to the SNSF including food, petrol and medical evacuation. It also called for an extra 6300 troops and police for AMISOM as well as enhanced engineering capabilities and much needed equipment including military utility helicopters and armoured personnel carriers.

Ambassador Annadif said the visit was a demonstration of the commitment of the AU to the peace process in Somalia. “It is a sign of the importance the continent attaches to the fight against extremism and to supporting the efforts of the people of Somalia to re-establish security, stability and the rule of law,” he said.

He also urged the UN Security Council to quickly act on the PSC’s requests, saying that the window of opportunity for cementing the gains in Somalia must not be missed. “AMISOM is continuing to train and build up the capacities of the Somali forces to eventually take over responsibility for securing the nation.

support of the international community is crucial in this effort and in denying Al Qaeda affiliated terrorist group to plan and plot attacks on innocent civilians in Somalia and beyond,” he added. The PSC delegation also toured the AMISOM Hospital located at the Halane base in the southern part of Mogadishu.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali media houses to register within 14 days

27 Oct – Source: Bar-kulan – 104 words

The Ministry of Information, Telecommunication, Posts and Transportation of the Somali Federal government has on Sunday issued an ultimatum date for the privately-owned media houses and communication companies in the country to register. In a decree issued from the office of the information, telecommunication, posts and transportation minister Abdullahi Elmoge Hirse set 14 days for privately-owned media houses and communication companies operating in the country to register and get licenses from the ministry. The decree further added that whoever does not abide by the order from the ministry will be transferred to the interior and security affairs ministry where they will face the law.

Italy pledges revival of stalled projects to Puntland

27 Oct – Source: Garowe Online – 98 words

Italian government pledged the revival of Italy-sponsored development projects to Somalia’s northeastern state of Puntland, Garowe Online reports. Italy Ambassador to Somalia Andrea Mazzela made the pledges during a joint press conference with Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole at Puntland State House in Garowe on Sunday. “I am urging UNHABITAT and FAO to immediately discuss the Italy-funded projects aimed at boosting Puntland economic infrastructure with Puntland government,” said Mazzela. “Italy recently funded the construction of Bossaso airport, Garowe Hospital, Galkayo livestock market and other development projects intended for Eyl and all of these projects should be completed soon”.

Somali Journalist Mohamed buried in Mogadishu

27 Oct – Source: Radio Mustaqbal/Bar-kulan/Radio Kulmiye/Dalsan- 96 words

Somali Journalist Mohamed Mohamoud Tima-Ade who has been injured in an attack on 22nd October has succumbed to his injuries. He has been laid to rest in Madina Muslim graveyard in Mogadishu on Sundaymorning. Mohamed Tima-Ade, 27, died at Madina Hospital in the Somali capital days after unidentified gunmen wounded him on his way to work. Hundreds of people including journalists, family and friends attended his burial that took place at Madina Hospital Muslims Cemetery. Some of the Journalists who were present at the burial vowed to continue with their as journalists and will not be cowed.

Kismayo traditional elders call for unity

27 Oct – Source: Bar-kulan – 76 words

Some of Kismayo traditional elders have on Sunday met in the key Somali town urged clans in Jubba regions to put down their arms and maintain unity. Speaking at the meeting, elder Ahmed Hirey suggested clans hailing from Jubba regions to come to the negotiating table to resolve outstanding issues and ensure innocent lives are spared. He stressed that the regions’ development depends on people’s unity and bringing the prolonged dispute and conflict to an end.

Somalia to implement new passport application procedure

26 Oct – Source: Somali Current/SNTV – 106 words

Somalia’s Federal Government is planning to implement new requirement for citizens to obtain the country’s biometric passport, Department of Immigration and Nationality said on Friday. Head of Immigration and Nationality Department, Abdullahi Gafow Mohamud told reports that with in a month the new application process –which will begin from the local district offices-, will be implemented. “In a matter of days or a month, every Somali citizen applying a passport will go to his district’s local government office, he will have to obtain a birth certificate and identity card.” Gafow said.

Armed man kill well-known businessman near Dhusamareb

27 Oct – Source: Radio Dalsan – 96 words

Armed man has shot and killed a renown businessman in Gadon village near Dhusamareb town, the capital of Galgadud region of central Somalia. According to Dhusamareb district commissioner Mo’alim Abdurrahman Gedaqorow, the businessman Calas Adam died in a hospital after armed man shot him on Saturday night. Late Adam was shot inside his business place in Gadon village.It was not immediately known what was the motive of the killing against the businessman. The security forces in central Somalia reached the village to arrest the killer but he escaped from the area after the shooting.

Somaliland Officials Hold Discussions with Egyptian Minister of Higher education

26 Oct – Source: Somaliland Press – 122 words

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hon Mohamed Bihi Yonis and the Minister of Education and Higher Learning Zam Zam Abdi Aden today met with the Egyptian Minister of Higher learning Dr. Husam Essa and the head of Education and Heritage department Dr. Mohamed Samir Hamse in Cairo, Egypt. During the meeting which lasted about one and half hours Somaliland officials and their Egyptian counterparts discussed issues relating to education in country and the hurdles faced by students of Somaliland origins learning in that country and most importantly the issue regarding scholarships which Egypt award’s Somaliland through Somalia and how such scholarship should be award in the future so that it would be easy for Somaliland to gain the fair share.

Somali Defense Minister: We need World’s support to fight against al Shabaab

26 Oct – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Mustaqbal- 113 words

Somali Defense Minister has called the international community to support the government’s efforts to fight against the militants of al Shabaab. While speaking to state-run media, Abdihakin Haji Mohamud Fiqi said militant group’s ability to launch attacks has been weakened and have now resort to hit and run attacks. The minister added that it is the time for the international community to help in ending what he called ‘ terrorists’ in east African nation. The minister of defense also stressed that the government needs to be backed up in the provision of combat equipments, arms and ammunition so as to enforce the operation against the militants of al Shabaab.

Major fishing investiture opportunity availed to Awdal residents

26 Oct – Source: Somaliland Press – 90 words

The fishing company that is in the process of establishing intensive and extensive services in the country, Pointus Marine Ltd was at Borama yesterday to introduce their services to potential share holders. The country representative for the fishing group Mr. Mohamemd Guleid Liban told the audience at the function, that was attended by the town’s major Cllr. Suleiman Hassan Haddi and Presidential Adviser on Gender Affairs Lady Amaal Haji Ahmed Missaan, that they had” brought the company to Borama to give chance to the residents in being part of it”.

Tension flares up between FG forces and Ahlu Sunna reported in Gedo region

26 Oct – Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 90 words

Reports from Beled-Hawa town in Gedo region say that tension is high following buildup of army between Somali federal government forces and Ahlu Sunna, moderate group. The two sides reportedly prepared combat equipments and militia is preparation for what residents in the district say is military confrontation. Reports said both forces fought on Friday inside of the town, the casualties were not known immediately. Independent sources also said the government forces that confronted the Ahlu Sunna on Friday was marred by division with some of them reportedly joining Ahlu Sunna forces in Beled-Hawa.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Deputy UN Chief visits Somalia to show solidarity with people, gov”t – UN

27 Oct – Source: KUNA News – 144 words

UN Deputy Secretary General, Jan Eliasson, arrived in the Somali capital Mogadishu earlier today to show solidarity with the people and Government at this crucial time, the UN press office said in a statement. He held meetings in Villa Somalia, the seat of the Federal Government, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Speaker of the Federal Parliament Mohammad Sheikh Osman Jawari and Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon. “We will be at the side of Somalia at this crucial time,” he said. “The meetings we have had today I think show the solidarity that flows from many parts of the world towards Somalia. “We want to send a message to the Somali people: you are not alone. We are there beside you,” he added. During his visit the Deputy Secretary General will also engage with civil society, the diplomatic community and UN staff in the country.

Somalia police force radio station off air

27 Oct – Source: Standard Media – 132 words

Police in Somalia have stormed the Mogadishu headquarters of the independent radio station, Shabelle, forcing it off the air. The authorities said they were taking back possession of the building, which belonged to the government. The radio station is well known for being critical of senior officials. The move is the latest in a series of attacks on independent journalists by the government and the Islamist group, Al-Shabaab, media activists say. The station had previously been ordered to leave the building.
Radio Shabelle reported on its website that police forced their way into the studio and beat journalists. Witnesses told the AFP news agency that radio employees were seen being loaded into trucks. A police officer said that the raid had “nothing to do with Radio Shabelle’s current activities,” the agency reported.

Riots in Mombasa after arrest of Tanzanian cleric

25 Oct – Source: Daily Nation – 118 words

Police in Mombasa are holding a Muslim cleric from Tanzania who entered the country a few days ago under unclear circumstances. The arrest of the outspoken preacher last evening at Musa mosque in Majengo suburbs triggered violent confrontations between supporters of the preacher and the police. Coast regional police Commander Aggrey Adoli said officers from the Anti Terrorism Police Unit seized the preacher and whisked him away moments after he stepped out of the mosque.He said the cleric is known for stirring controversy and confrontations. There were pitched battles between police and hundreds of the preacher’s supporters shortly after Friday prayers. Five protesters were arrested and will be arraigned in court on Monday, according to Mr. Adoli.

15 top immigration officers fired in Westgate probe

25 Oct – Source: Daily Nation – 137 words

Fifteen senior Immigration officers have been sent home over illegal issuance of identity cards to foreigners as investigations into Westgate attack proceed. The fifteen are senior and mid-level immigration officers who endangered national security with the issuance of the illegal ID cards, according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku. He said the officers would appear in court to face the law. Seventeen senior administration officers have been re-deployed to the Department Of Immigration to help streamline and reorganise the department to “avoid a recurrence of security lapses like we have seen in the past,” Mr Lenku added. The government will also carry out a thorough audit of identity cards and passports issued in the country in the last two years, Mr Lenku said while briefing the media on security matters at Harambee House office in Nairobi.

Kenya Urges Somali Refugees to Go Home in Immigration Crackdown

25 Oct – Source: Business Week – 114 words

Kenya’s Interior Ministry said it will prosecute 15 senior and mid-tier immigration officials for issuing fraudulent identity documents in a crackdown on illegal immigration as it urged more Somali refugees to go home. “The purge has started today and will extend to many other government departments,” the Nairobi-based ministry said in a statement on its Twitter account. “This exercise will enable us to flush out all those who have been issued with illegal passports and other identification documents.” Kenya, which hosts one of the world’s largest refugee camps of more than half a million mostly Somalis, is working with the United Nations and the Horn of African government to accelerate repatriation, the ministry said.

Discussions Held With Ethiopian Community in Somaliland

25 Oct – Source: ERTA News – 86 words

A community meeting jointly organized by the Ethiopian Community Association and the Ethiopian Consulate General office in Hargeisa was held on Thursday. Over five hundred Ethiopian community members living in Hargeisa and its surroundings including Burao, Borama and Togo Wajale participated in the meeting. Participants were briefed on the new Ethiopian Diaspora Policy aimed to deepen participation of Ethiopians in development efforts and harness the benefits. The community members were also briefed about the Ethiopian Government’s housing scheme intended to benefit all Ethiopians in the Diaspora.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somalia government struggles with famine

27 Oct- Source: eNCA-240 Words
October marks World Hunger Month and has become a crucial time to examine solutions to the social challenge. Somalia experienced its worst drought in 60 years in 2011, prompting the United Nations to declare a famine after tens of thousands died and millions were left affected. A group of South African doctors visited the capital Mogadishu on a mission to save as many children from the famine as possible. World Food Programme doctor Stefano Porretti said: “There are still about a million people in Somalia that are considered in crisis. And then about two million considered extremely vulnerable. What has been changed is that the assistance that has been provided from the famine has been permitted to respond in an adequate manner.” For the last two years, aid groups have worked tirelessly to rebuild Somalia’s food safety network.

Government shuts down Somali radio station

26 Oct – Source: AFP – 146 words

Security forces shut down one of Somalia’s most respected independent radio stations today in Mogadishu, accusing it of illegally occupying a government building, witnesses and police said. Armed officers cordoned off the building located near the Somali capital’s airport and arrested journalists inside in a raid that comes four days after the interior ministry ordered Radio Shabelle to leave the premises. The interior ministry claims the building, which Radio Shabelle has used for four years, is government property. “I saw some of the workers of the radio being forced onto a truck. They were taken to the criminal investigation department,” said Osman Ayanle, a witness. Journalists in the building broadcast news of the raid as it was happening, before being shut down. “Radio Shabelle has ignored and even rejected a letter from the interior ministry ordering them to leave the government building,” a police officer said.

Uganda denies investigating arms sale to Shabaab

26 Oct – Source: World Bulletin – 179 words

The Ugandan army is questioning 24 of its personnel serving in the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on charges of selling supplies, not arms, to Somalis. “We are not investigating the sale of weapons at the moment,” Ugandan military spokesperson Lt .Col. Paddy Ankunda told Anadolu Agency in a phone interview. “The soldiers who have been arrested are being investigated for the alleged sale of fuel and food,” he added. Ankunda said he had read reports about some Ugandan peacekeepers selling arms and ammunitions, which might have found its way to Al-Shabaab militants. “But we are not investigating those reports because there is no credible evidence yet.” A group of soldiers returning from Somalia had met Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni last week and briefed him on the challenges they were facing there.

Al Shabaab: using social media to fight the jihad

25 Oct – Source: Channel 4 – 137 words

Last month’s terror attack at the Westgate shopping centre in Kenya showed how media-savvy al Shabaab is. As Jamal Osman writes, the jihadist group’s media office is small but determined.The latest video by al Shabaab (members of whom are seen above, in a photograph taken in Mogadishu in 2011) demonstrates how difficult it is to stop them from getting their side of the story to an international audience. Western governments have invested millions in order to discredit the Islamist group and turn people against them. In particular, the US and EU fund some local media and also influence international journalists. That appears to have achieved some success. When it comes to the overall propaganda war, the west has the upper hand. Al Shabaab fighters are not as popular as they used to be, at least within the diaspora community.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“The Somali authorities must turn their words into action so they can put the killers on trial.”

Somalia, it’s time for action

25 Oct- Source: CPJ Blog-688 Words
On the morning of Tuesday, October 22, 2013, Somali television journalist Mohamed Mohamud, nicknamed “Tima’ade,” was seriously wounded when unknown armed men attacked him on his way to work. He was shot more than five times. Colleagues and local residents in Wadajir district, where the attack took place, immediately rushed him to Madina Hospital in Mogadishu. His attack and previous assaults have increased the security concerns of journalists in the field who need greater protection and basic safety training. Every day we witness and hear unpleasant news about our dear fellow journalists. Attacks against the press in Somalia are common. Assassinations continue. Few investigations have taken place to find the perpetrators.
http://cpj.org/blog/2013/10/somalia-its-time-for-action.php

“Security is improving, political institutions are taking root, a new constitution and democratic elections beckon, and our enemies are on the run.”

Somalia’s Great Progress

25 Oct- Source: New York Times-176 Words
Nuruddin Farah is a distinguished Somali writer, but after reading “‘Somalia’s leader: Look past the hype” (Opinion, Oct. 15) I fear that he has dwelt too long in the world of fiction. Contrary to Mr. Farah’s accusation, the Somali government has not shied from standing up to clan elders and is engaged in talks with several regions as part of its commitment to building a federal state. As for the former al Shabaab leader Sheik Hassan Dahir Aweys — for whose capture Mr. Farah gives the government no credit — all options are on the table. It is premature to write off Somali justice even before any legal proceedings have begun.