September 19, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Prime Minister opens international meeting on Support to Somali National Army

18 Sept – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 335 words

His Excellency the Prime Minister of Somalia, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, today opened an international meeting focussed on Support to the Somali National Army (SNA), at Lancaster House. A senior Somali delegation led by the Prime Minister and including the Minister of Defence, National Security Advisor, Chief of the National Army, Minister of Information and senior Somali military and security officers met with senior political and military representatives from the UK, UNSOM, AMISOM, EU, IGAD, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Italy, UAE, Turkey and USA.

The meeting focussed on ensuring there is a Somali solution to a Somali problem with donor support to the SNA optimised to ensure Somalia has an adequate and professional security sector.

Opening the meeting the Prime Minister reminded representatives of the unique window of opportunity there is in the fight against Al-Shabaab: “ Today’s meeting comes at a time where we have real momentum, militarily and politically. Al Shabab have been dealt some crushing blows, both through the force of the current joint operations with AMISOM and through the death of Godane. This presents a unique window of opportunity.

Key Headlines

Prime Minister opens international meeting on Support to Somali National Army (Office of the Prime Minister)
Kenya picks foreign lawyers in Somalia oil border dispute (Africa Review)
UN Conducts Weapons Cutting Training For The Somali Police Force (UNMAS)
Beledweyne residents gather to support proposed state formation (Bar-kulan)
Muslim Union speaks out against acts of terrorism (Daily Monitor)
Severe water shortages in areas under Guriel threatens lives (Radio Goobjoog)

PRESS STATEMENT

Prime Minister opens international meeting on Support to Somali National Army

18 Sept – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 335 words

The meeting focussed on ensuring there is a Somali solution to a Somali problem with donor support to the SNA optimised to ensure Somalia has an adequate and professional security sector.

“To ensure we keep this hard-won momentum, you will hear today a realistic and pragmatic look at what support is needed now, focusing on the UN mandated 10,900 SNA troops. You will also hear a medium to longer-term vision for the SNA, and the institutions and security sector around it – we must prioritise, but it is vital that we do not lose sight of the wider support needed. Partial support is divisive and a source of instability in itself.”

The Prime Minister also spoke of the need for continued political reconciliation, saying: “we are also mindful that political progress can only be made if there is real reconciliation amongst Somalis.

Continued political settlement is essential. Not just for the long term peace and security but for the here and now. The integration of forces is one of our top priorities and we intend to deliver concrete outcomes over the next twelve months.”

SOMALI MEDIA

Beledweyne residents gather to support proposed state formation

18 Sept – Source: Bar-kulan – 83 words

A large demonstration to show support for the proposed formation of a regional state for Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions has been held in Beledweyne, the provincial capital of Hiran region. Hundreds of people including women, children, traditional elders and politicians participated in the protest which was organized by civil society groups in the city. The chairman of Hiran traditional elders, Haji Hassan Kulmiye Wasuge who addressed the protesters said they support the proposal of two-region state formation spearheaded by the federal government.

Severe water shortages in areas under Guriel threatens lives

18 Sept – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 117 words

Severe water shortages in rural areas around Guriel district in Central Somalia is threatening the lives of many people mainly pastoralists. The shortage of water in the region is caused by prolonged drought and the dry up of water sources, wells and dams forcing the pastoral communities to flee their homes in search of water. Besides the prices of the inadequate available water in Guriel district and nearby areas has doubled and not affordable to most people. Social services head of Guriel administration Abdullahi Warsame Farah told Radio Goobjoog that a number of livestock have died in the area due to acute water shortages adding that more others are in danger if immediate help is not delivered.

Somaliland soldier kills two others

18 Sept – Source: RBC – 101 words

Somaliland, the break away administration has witnessed a rare incident after a soldier has killed two other soldiers prompted by a motive which is yet to be established. Two Somaliland soldiers are reported to have been killed by another soldier in Qori-ludug village of Togdheer region. This soldier has opened hail of bullets on these two soldiers leaving them dead. The soldier is also reported to have escaped the scene immediately following the killing. Somaliland police in the area and in the region are after the whereabouts of this criminal soldier. The motive of this killing is yet to be established.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Kenya picks foreign lawyers in Somalia oil border dispute

18 Sept – Source: Africa Review – 142 words

Kenya’s Attorney-General Githu Muigai has assembled a team of international maritime lawyers to defend Kenya in a long-running border dispute with Somalia as Kenya prepares for a meeting with the UN’s top court next week. Somalia on August 28 asked the International Court of Justice in The Hague to determine the maritime boundary between the two nations in a row that could decide the fate of potentially lucrative oil and gas reserves off the East African coast. Prof Muigai said Wednesday Kenya has formed a team of both local and foreign lawyers to defend the case after Somalia’s parliament rejected a deal reached between Kenya and the internationally backed government in Mogadishu. “Kenya has put together a team of local and international maritime lawyers and other experts ahead of filing documents in response to Somalia’s claim in coming weeks,” said the Attorney-General.

Muslim Union speaks out against acts of terrorism

18 Sept – Source: Daily Monitor – 109 words

Muslim leaders meeting in Kampala have condemned acts of terrorism pointing out that that they tarnish their religion. Speaking during an emergency meeting held at Hotel Africana, the Grand Mufti of Zambia Sheikh Assadullah Mwale said that terrorism is often done by people associated with Islam but that does not imply Islam tolerates it. “Islamic teachings call for peace and we are meeting here in Uganda to discuss problems affecting us,” he said. The meeting brought together the World Islam Call Society Uganda and Union of Muslims Council.He said that through the meeting, the two bodies discussed ways to bring back peace among African countries plagued by instability.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

UN Conducts Weapons Cutting Training For The Somali Police Force

18 Sept – Source: UNMAS – 109 words

This morning, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Somalia facilitated a demonstration in ‘Weapons Cutting’, held by the Somali Police Force (SPF) in Mogadishu. In response to a direct request from the Federal Government, UNMAS Somalia has completed training for two officers to support efforts to improve transparency on the management of weapons. A pilot training course took place between the 14th and 17th September 2014, training officers on how to safely destroy obsolete small arms and light weapons. This was a new step in a longstanding partnership between the SPF and UNMAS focused on strengthening the capacity of the SFP to safely deal with explosive hazards.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Many people in areas affected by resource-related conflicts in Somalia believe that only a national government can avert war between regional administrations over natural resources. The belief that those with an unparalleled access to resources and political power will fare well in new Somalia cannot be wished away.”

Federalist moves heighten Somalia’s natural resources debate

18 Sept – Source: African Arguments – 773 words

Two years have passed since Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was elected the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia. He came in to office with a view that federalism in the country needed more debate. The federalism debate revolves around two main pillars: the sharing of political power with the federal government and the sharing of national resources among ‘Federal Member States’. It is the resources part of the equation that is now getting more traction. The Federal Government of Somalia has already warned the regional administrations of Puntland and Somaliland about the exploration deals they have struck with oil companies. Somaliland views itself as an independent country not affected by decisions made in Mogadishu, whereas Puntland considers itself to be part of Somalia but argues that resource-sharing agreements among federal member states have not been finalised. Successive Puntland administrations have argued that the regional administration is entitled to sign agreements with oil companies, and cites the Provisional Constitution. The Provisional Constitution adopted on 2nd August 2012 does not give Puntland or any other regional administration the right to enter into oil exploration agreements with foreign companies. It does however, require the Somali Federal Government to consult member states on resource allocation.