September 15, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

AMISOM destroys al Shabaab camps in Lower Jubba region

14 Sept – Source: Radio Mogadishu/RBC – 105 words

The African Union Forces in Somalia AMISOM said its forces destroyed two al Shabaab camps in Lower Jubba region, southern Somalia during a Friday operation. Yesterday at around 0600 hours, AMISOM forces conducted several targeted in-depth operations around the town of Badhadhe in Lower Juba region in a village called Lagta Berta targeting two camps where Al-Shabaab militiamen had converged after fleeing from the impending fall of Barawe from the ongoing Operation Indian Ocean. During the raid, al Shabaab suffered heavy losses, including foreign fighters. Many al Shabaab militias were also wounded in the attack which completely destroyed the facility which was a hideout for the terrorists.

Key Headlines

Somali PM in Baidoa for the opening of reconciliation conference (Radio Mogadishu/Bar-kulan/Goobjoog)
AMISOM destroys al Shabaab camps in Lower Jubba region (Radio Mogadishu/RBC)
Cabinet announces the intent to hold national cultural conference (Radio Mogadishu)
France aided Somalia al Shabaab leader assassination (AFP)
Banadir governor returns to Mogadishu after official visit to Turkey (Radio Goobjoog)
Somali Islamists kill national security officer (Reuters)
Beledweyne residents support military offensive against al Shabaab (Bar-kulan)
Kenyan police kill suspect in tourist deaths (News24)
Uganda carrying out anti-terrorism operation (AFP)
Al Shabaab Suspects explosive devices seized in Kismayo (Garowe Online)
Urgent talks as Somalia claims Kenya coast (Daily Nation)
Second phase of Juba reconciliation conference rescheduled (Radio Goobjoog)
Uganda foils Somalia’s al Shabaab cell plotting ‘imminent attack’ (Capita FM)
Three dead after allied forces attack Biyooleey locality in Bakol region (Radio Goobjoog)

PRESS RELEASE

AMISOM successfully carried out an in-depth operation on two al Shabaab camps in Lower Juba Region

13 Sept – Source: AMISOM – 167 words

Yesterday at around 0600 hours, AMISOM forces conducted several targeted in-depth operations around the town of Badhadhe in Lower Juba region in a village called Lagta Berta targeting two camps where Al-Shabaab militiamen had converged after fleeing from the impending fall of Barawe from the ongoing Operation Indian Ocean.

During the raid, al Shabaab suffered heavy losses, including foreign fighters. Many Al-Shabaab militias were also wounded in the attack which completely destroyed the facility which was a hideout for the terrorists.

Yesterday’s operation is a clear indication of the joint cooperation between various AMISOM sectors since the attack was carried out in sector 2 by the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) in support of Sector 1 manned by Ugandan People Defense Forces (UPDF) who are advancing towards the Al-Shabaab stronghold of Barawe.

This is part of continued efforts by AMISOM forces to root out al Shabaab from its strongholds and to protect the hard won security gains to ensure that Somalia continues on the road to recovery and lasting peace.

Weekly Press Conference on the Progress of the Government

13 Sept – Source: Ministry of Information – 1367 words

The Minister of Information, Mustafa Duhulow, today addressed the media in Mogadishu, providing an update on the progress of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) over the last week. The Minister discussed various issues including: the importance of Public Engagement, the ongoing Consultation Process in Baidoa, the importance of Public Awareness Campaigns, an update on the Humanitarian Situation, progress in the Education sector, progress in Human Rights, progress on the Stabilization process and the Clean-up Campaign in Banadir.

The Minister of Information began by highlighting the importance of engaging with the public: “On 11th September 2014, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia took part in a live event where he answered questions from the audience.

The event was broadcasted live on SNTV and Radio Mogadishu. The aim of the program was to highlight the progress of the government over the last 2 years on the anniversary of the President’s election. The President gave an update on key areas such as security, political outreach to the regions, reconciliation efforts, the implementation of Federalism, the review of the constitution, the reform of the justice system and public finance management initiatives.

The President said that much has been achieved despite the huge challenges that exist and the remaining tasks will be accomplished as scheduled. The President promised to take action on the issues raised by public and stated that our collective desire is to provide an environment that is conducive for the public to freely exercise their democratic rights and to elect their future leaders.”

The Minister of Information praised the Consultation process in Baidoa: “H.E. Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawaari, the Speaker of the Parliament is in Baidoa consulting with key stakeholders in the area. The Speaker announced a reconciliation conference that will start on Sunday 14th September 2014 that will include all key stakeholders in the South West regions.

The aim of the conference is to bring all sides together so that they can reconcile with each other and move to the negotiating table to finalise the formation of South West State of Somalia. That way the people in the area will be able to decide their future. The Speaker said that all sides need to unite for the sake of the common good and in the interests of the nation as well as the regions.

The Special Representative of the Secretary General of the UN, Nicholas Kay, visited Baidoa on 8th September 2014 to encourage the on-going consultation process and to re-affirm the support of the UN and the International Community for the formation of the South West State of Somalia as part of the implementation of Federalism in Somalia.”

The Minister of Information stressed the importance of Public Awareness Campaigns: “Our people are tired of the instability and infighting of the last quarter of a century and they desperately need of peace and for all disputes to be solved through understanding and in a peaceful manner.

On 9th September 2014, the Somali Religious Council organized an important event to discuss the importance of security and to overcome all outstanding disputes. Attendees at the Public Awareness Campaign event included religious leaders, intellectuals, poets and civil society groups.

The theme was “Peace is the key to life” and after discussion and debate it was agreed to unite for the advancement of peace and stability. Mohamud Abdullahi Isse (Sangub), a well-known Somalia poet addressed the audience on the importance of peace through poetry. It was agreed that public awareness campaigns should continue to promote peace and the solution of disputes through peaceful means.

The Chairperson of the Somali Religious Council, Sheikh Yusuf Ali Aynte, noted the urgency required to work together to advance security in the country and that Islam places huge importance on people participating in efforts to bring peace. Religious leaders appealed to public to stop fighting between communities, as Islam prohibits the killing of innocents.

The Federal Government of Somalia is committed to continue public awareness campaigns in order to bring peace and stability in the country.” The Minister of Information re-iterated the urgent need for humanitarian assistance: “The Federal Government on 11 September 2014 sent 8 lorries of food aid to Jalalaqsi, one of the areas recently liberated from Al-Shabaab.

The Minister of Interior & Federal Affairs is expected to visit the area soon to assess the humanitarian situation in the area and to speak with local people to establish critical requirements. The Federal Government of Somalia thanks the Government of Australia for their pledges of US $5 million for humanitarian assistance in Somalia.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia, Julie Bishop MP issued a press release on 10 September stating that the donation is intended for the provision of emergency food, water, sanitation, shelter and medical assistance for the people of Somalia through UN agencies.”

The Minister of Information spoke on progress in the education sector: “On the 9th September 2014 the Federal Government assessed the progress of the “Go to School” initiative that was launched a year ago. The Ministry of Education and UNICEF have been working to implement this initiative and so far over 60,000 new students have enrolled in public education institutions and the Federal Government has recruited over 2,000 teachers in order to allow more children to attend school.

The Government’s ambitious plan is for 1 million students to be enrolled within the three years. The aim of this initiative is to provide an opportunity for Somali children to study for free, which in turn will reduce illiteracy, poverty and disease, since the progress of each country depends on the education of its people. The Federal Government appeals to all concerned friends and allies to support this initiative so that all our children will be able to go to school and study.”

The Minister of Information spoke on progress in Human Rights: “The Ministry of Women & Human Rights Development has conducted a series of consultations in support of the draft Sexual Offences legislation.

Senior officials including the Minister of Women & Human Rights Development and various experts met in Nairobi last week to finalise the draft of the legislation and we will be able to implement it as soon as the parliament approves it. The legislation will greatly advance the protection of Somali women against all forms of sex crimes. The Federal Government is committed to end all sexual offenses as each of our women deserve to live in dignity and without fear.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the Stabilization Plan process: “The Federal Government has made huge progress towards implementing the Stabilizing Plan and on 9th September the Police Commissioner, Major General Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Ismail spoke to media and provided progress update.

Our security institutions have been implementing the Stabilization Plan in Mogadishu with great success. As part of these operations security forces have prevented number of terrorists’ attacks on the capital. Over the past months there have been 23 killings: in 18 of these, security forces have brought those responsible to justice. Security forces also intercepted 11 terrorist attacks before they happened.

The Federal Government plans to extend the improved security of the capital by re-opening security institutions in every newly liberated area in order to bring peace, stability and essential services throughout the country. Somali security institutions have also been working closely with AMISOM on military operations against terrorists as well as implementing the stabilization plan.”

The Minister of Information concluded by speaking on the Clean-up Campaign in Banadir region: “The Banadir Regional Administration has been conducting a series of Clean-up Campaigns in Mogadishu and Banadir Region in order to bring back the beauty of the city.

On 10th September 2014, the District Commissioners of Hodan & Wadajir Districts jointly conducted clean-up operations on the road from Banadir Hospital junction to Ex-Control Afgooye junction. People from both districts voluntarily cleaned the streets and the aim is to clean up all the streets in the city in this way, so that the capital is clean enough to attract investors and tourists. As the streets are public places it is important for people to care for their common areas. The Federal Government encourages Local Authorities to repeat this excellent idea.”

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali PM in Baidoa for the opening of reconciliation conference

14 Sept – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Bar-kulan/Goobjoog – 9 words

Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed on Sunday arrived in Baidoa, the provincial capital of Bay region to attend a reconciliation conference to be held for Somali communities in south western regions. The prime minister is accompanied by a group of legislators and was received at the airport by Somali government officials including Somali Parliament Speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari, members of the parliament and cabinet ministers. Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed and his delegation are expected to attend the opening ceremony of the reconciliation conference which is expected to last at least 45 days.

AMISOM destroys al Shabaab camps in Lower Jubba region

14 Sept – Source: Radio Mogadishu/RBC – 105 words

Banadir governor returns to Mogadishu after official visit to Turkey

14 Sept – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 84 words

The governor of Banadir region and mayor of Mogadishu Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab returned to Mogadishu on Sunday agter official visit to Ankara where he met senior officials including his counterpart. Muungaab immediately he arrived the capital supervised former center of local government( Fiisha Guverno) which under reconstruction and received donations from Hass petroleum He urged the business people to help Bandir administration build its former headquarter. Finally the governor explained what he discussed with his counterpart during the official visit to Ankara, Turkey.

Beledweyne residents support military offensive against al Shabaab

14 Sept – Source: Bar-kulan – 94 words

Residents of Beledweyne town in Somalia’s central region of Hiiraan on Sunday gathered on the outskirts of the town to show their support for the success of the ongoing military offensive against al Shabaab militant group. The demonstrations were organized by the local administration of Hiran region. Officials from the local administration and hundreds of people from society groups participated in the demonstrations. Sheikh Hussein Osman Abdi, the deputy head of Hiran administration’s social services who spoke to Bar-kulan said that they allied forces have done great job in defeating al Shabaab militant group.

Al Shabaab Suspects, explosive devices seized in Kismayo

14 Sept – Source: Garowe Online – 76 word

Jubaland security forces have captured two al Shabaab suspects along with explosive devices and pistols in security sweep in the southern port city of Kismayo on Sunday, Garowe Online reports. Security forces commander in charge of the surprise operation that saw Guulwade and Shaqaalaha neighborhoods told GO that the two are under investigation. Ahead of the upcoming Jubaland peace-building conference, police regiments beefed up their presence across Kismayo where the gathering will take place on Tuesday.

Second phase of Juba reconciliation conference rescheduled

14 Sept – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 119 words

The second phase of Juba reconciliation conference was pushed back to 1st October. Col.Barre Adan Shire, former defense minister of transitional federal government confirmed to the local media the delay of the conference in a press conference he held in Mogadishu together with his former representative of Juba first phase reconciliation conference Abdi Shire warsame. He accused interim administration of violating and undermining the planned activities of the conference. “ We agreed to back the negotiation and peace in the region and we will not tolerate any interference to the peace process” Hiraale said. He called the federal government to lead the conference fairly and keep away from self interest that may lead to fresh violence in the region.

Cabinet announces the intent to hold national cultural conference

14 Sept – Source: Radio Magadishu – 96 words

Somalia’s cabinet of ministers announced the intent to hold a national level cultural conference in Mogadishu in the following months, the Deputy Minister of Information Abdullahi Olad said.The proposed national level cultural conference will host delegates from the country’s regions and constituents to deliver and produce a national policy towards the culture of the Somali nation. “So far a technical committee from the Ministries of Information and Higher Education was appointed to go forward in the preparation and consulting on the best mechanism for hosting the conference.” Deputy Minister of Information Abdullahi Olad added.

Three dead after allied forces attack Biyooleey locality in Bakol region

14 Sept – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 95 words

Federal government forces together with AMISOM troops have clashed with al Shabaab in the outskirts of Tiyeglow district on Saturday night. Bakol military commander Abdirahman Mohamed Osman alias Timade stated that the joint forces attacked Biyolleey locality, al Shabaab hideout 12 KM East of Tiyeglow district. The commander reiterated that three persons from the fighting sides died during the clash adding that they set free several vehicles transporting food and essential goods that were stopped by Al-shabab. Mr. Timade said the joint forces will not rest until the areas under the control of al Shabaab will be captured.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Uganda foils Somalia’s al Shabaab cell plotting ‘imminent attack’

14 Sept – Source: Capital FM – 126 words

Ugandan security forces stopped a cell of Somalia’s al Qaeda linked al Shabaab insurgents apparently “planning for an imminent attack,” the US embassy said Saturday. Arrests were made, police said, in raids two weeks after Ugandan troops, fighting in Somalia, reportedly provided intelligence that helped US Special Forces kill the Shabaab’s chief in a devastating air strike. “Ugandan authorities reported the discovery of an al Shabaab terrorist cell in Kampala,” the US embassy said in a statement, adding that forces were working to see “whether there are members of the cell still at large.” Citizens were urged to stay at home on Saturday. “We remain in close contact with our Ugandan counterparts as investigations continue into what appears to have been planning for an imminent attack,” the US added.

Urgent talks as Somalia claims Kenya coast

14 Sept – Source: Daily Nation – 121 words

Kenya risks losing almost all of its territorial waters in the Indian Ocean if a case filed by Somalia in an international court succeeds. Alarmed by the grave implications of the move by its war-torn neighbour, the Jubilee Government has reopened negotiations with Somalia over its claim to a huge swathe of maritime territory considered rich in oil deposits and fish, which the ministry of Foreign Affairs says could effectively turn Kenya into a landlocked country. On Saturday, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade Amina Mohammed told the Sunday Nation the matter is so sensitive that a quick meeting to facilitate direct talks between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Somalia counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been arranged in New York.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

France aided Somalia al Shabaab leader assassination

14 Sept – Source: AFP – 161 words

French intelligence services assisted Washington in the operation that killed the commander of Somalia’s al Shabaab militant group earlier this month, local media reported Saturday. “France and President (Francois Hollande) supported with intelligence and coordination” a US airstrike that killed Ahmed Godane, the commander of the Islamist faction responsible for a string of deadly attacks throughout Somalia, the weekly Le Point magazine said. The US confirmed that Godane — one of the world’s eight top terror fugitives — was killed in a drone and aircraft strike in southern Somalia on September 1. Paris is said to hold Godane responsible for the capture of two French intelligence agents in Somalia in 2009. One, Denis Allex, was killed in an unsuccessful commando raid to free him in January 2013.

Uganda authorities foil attempted terror attack, following US embassy warnings

14 Sept – Source: Fox News – 116 words

Ugandan authorities on Saturday thwarted an attempted terror attack, just days after the terror group al Shabaab vowed revenge for U.S. airstrikes that killed its leader. Uganda police reportedly arrested several suspects and recovered explosives in the capitol of Kampala, according to The Wall Street Journal. However authorities did not say whether the suspects are members of al Shabaab, an al Qaeda affiliate. The announcement about the arrests was made just hours after the U.S. embassy in Uganda warned Americans in the country that an attack was “imminent” and to stay indoors. The embassy had warned in the aftermath of leader Ahmed Abdi Godane’s death earlier this month about the potential for a revenge attack.

Kenyan police kill suspect in tourist deaths

14 Sept – Source: News24 – 121 words

A Kenyan suspected of killing tourists in the coastal city of Mombasa in July was shot and killed by police in a raid at his home on Sunday, police said. In two separate incidents, a Russian female tourist and later a Ugandan male and a German female tourist were shot in the Old Town in the Indian Ocean port city of Mombasa and their personal belongings were taken. Mombasa county police commander Robert Kitur said police shot and killed Ismael Mohammed, a Kenyan national, in a dawn raid in Mombasa’s Bondeni neighbourhood. “We have been looking for him for months and each time we got close, he escaped our dragnet,” Kitur said, adding that they recovered a grenade in the raid.

Somali Islamists kill national security officer

13 Sept – Source: Reuters – 151 words

A senior Somali national security officer was gunned down while riding in his car in Mogadishu on Saturday, in the latest eruption of violence since the al Shabaab Islamic militants named a new leader a week ago. The man, Mohamed Qanuuni, had only recently assumed the post of deputy commander in charge of anti-terrorism activities, according to an intelligence officer who asked not to be named. He took the job after his predecessor who was killed in a similar manner two months ago, police said. “The gunmen blocked a car in front of his car and then opened fire on him,” said Major Bile Hussein, a police officer. “The man who was killed today had replaced another senior officer who had been killed two months ago.”

Uganda carrying out anti-terrorism operation

13 Sept – Source: AFP – 168 words

Ugandan security forces are carrying out an operation against a “suspected terrorist cell” in the capital Kampala, the US embassy warned Saturday. “Ugandan authorities are conducting operations against a suspected terrorist cell in Kampala,” the embassy said in a statement, without giving further details. “All US citizens are advised to stay at home or proceed to a safe location. Shelter-in-place and await further guidance.” Last Monday the US embassy warned of possible revenge attacks by Somalia’s al Qaeda linked al Shabaab insurgents, after a US airstrike killed the extremists’ chief. “Stay alert to the ongoing potential for terrorist attacks in Uganda,” the warning read. “We also caution US citizens of the possibility of retaliatory attacks in Uganda by al Shabaab in response to the US and Ugandan military actions in Somalia last week which killed al Shabaab leader Ahmed Godane.”

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“While the film also lacks background on al Shabaab and the regional politics that led to such an attack, the personal stories and images are indelible.”

An Incredible New HBO Documentary Shows What It’s Really Like Inside A Terror Attack

13 Sept – Source: Huffington Post – 556 words

On Sept. 21 of last year, four militants of the Somali terror group al Shabaab entered the high-end Westgate shopping mall in Kenya’s capital and began shooting. In the massacre that followed, scores of men, women and children were killed on what was supposed to be a Saturday spent shopping. Dozens of the mall’s security cameras captured the horrific events, which lasted days as the militants holed-up inside the building. In “Terror At The Mall,” director Dan Reed has taken these countless hours of footage, obtained without the Kenyan government’s involvement, and pieced them together along with eyewitness accounts, cell phone videos and photos from an intrepid journalist. “This is what really happens inside a terrorist attack,” Reed told The WorldPost. “This is how intimately casually violent it is.” The film focuses on the specific narratives of those caught within the mall, from a plain-clothes policeman who became part of an impromptu rescue attempt, to a wounded mother who pleads for her children to be spared. It follows the attackers as they kill a person in one moment and hand a chocolate bar to a child the next.

“I know the objections — nation-building is too hard, too expensive, too culturally imperialistic, we can’t do it everywhere, etc. But just because we can’t do it everywhere doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it anywhere. Somalia is peripheral enough that we can afford to sideline it for now, keeping the jihadists at bay with the occasional strike from afar.”

If Somalia Is a Success, What Does Failure Look Like?

12 Sept – Source: Foreign Policy – 943 words

President Obama laid out a strategy for “degrading and destroying” the Islamic State (IS) on Wednesday night. He called for targeted airstrikes, training local security forces, and more intelligence. Interestingly, he said, “This strategy of taking out terrorists who threaten us while supporting partners on the front lines is one that we have successfully pursued in Yemen and Somalia for years.” The analogy with Somalia is troubling because it suggests the Obama administration is committed to endless military strikes with no political strategy. Somalia has been without a government that is both internationally recognized and capable of enforcing its writ since 1991. In nearly a quarter-century of state failure, it has predictably become a safe haven for pirates, jihadists, drug smugglers, and arms traffickers (the textbook example of how state failure is a threat to regional order and national security). U.S. policy toward Somalia has been a series of examples of shortsightedness. Everyone knows the story of our feckless attempt at humanitarian relief in 1992 to 1993, the mission creep that led us into a miniwar against a Somali warlord, and the humiliation of the Battle of Mogadishu.