September 2, 2015 | Morning Headlines

Main Story

Islamist Militants Attack African Union Base In Southern Somalia

01 September – Source: Reuters – 303 Words

Al-Shabaab militants attacked an African Union (AU) base in southern Somalia early on Tuesday, the Islamist group said they had killed dozens of soldiers. The al Qaeda-aligned militants said one of their fighters rammed a car bomb into the base and then gunmen poured inside the facility run by the AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia, AMISOM. Al-Shabaab said 50 peacekeepers were allegedlly killed in the attack on Janale base, about 90 km (55 miles) south of the capital, Mogadishu.

“Now Janale base of AMISOM is under our control,” Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, Al-Shabaab’s military operations spokesman, told Reuters.AMISOM disputed Al-Shabaab’s claims that the militants had routed its peacekeepers: “ AMISOM can confirm that the base is still under AMISOM control. Reports that the base has been taken over and our weapons captured are false,” the AU peacekeeping force said on its Twitter feed, without giving details on casualties.

Key Headlines

Islamist Militants Attack African Union Base In Southern Somalia (Reuters)
Deadly Battle Leaves 10 Al-Shabaab Dead Says Official (Shabelle News)
U.S. Announces $6 Million Aid For Djibouti And Somali Refugees From Yemen (Goobjoog News)
Ethiopian Forces Kill Four People In Cold Blood (Wacaal Media)
Somalia President: We Are Working Tirelessly To Get The Country On Track (Somali Current)
Piracy: Outbreak Off Somalia Despite International Effort (BBC)
Khalifa Foundation Distributes Food Aid In Somalia (Gulf News)
AMISOM and Federal Government of Somalia Officials Visit Marka (AMISOM
Changing The Capital City Of Somalia – The Only Way Forward (Wardheer News)
The Annual Washington DC Metro Somali Family Picnic 2015: Tradition Continues (Hiiraan Online)

PRESS STATEMENT

AMISOM Condemns The Attack On Its Base At Janaale, Lower Shabelle Region, Somalia

01 September – Source: AMISOM – 180 Words

The AMISOM base at Janaale, Lower Shabelle Region in Somalia came under attack from Al-Shabaab militants today. The militants used a car loaded with explosives to trigger the attack and to facilitate their forced entry into the camp after which they engaged our soldiers in a gun-battle. Although our troops undertook a tactical withdrawal following the initial vehicle borne explosive attack, they have since consolidated and regained full control of the base. Given the complex nature of the attack, AMISOM is currently verifying the number of casualties and extent of the damage. The Special Representative of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of AMISOM, Ambassador Maman Sidikou has condemned the attack as reprehensible and praised the heroism of the peacekeepers who were killed during this attack noting that they have paid a worthy price while serving the people of Somalia. Ambassador Sidikou commiserates with the government and people of Uganda on the losses suffered during this heinous attack.

NATIONAL MEDIA

Deadly Battle Leaves 10 Al-Shabaab Dead, Says Official

01 September – Source: Shabelle News – 163 Words

At least ten militants were left dead in the latest gun battle between government soldiers backed by AMISOM troops and Al-Shabaab fighters in areas near Elbuur town in central Somalia, government officials have said. The battle started after armed militants launched heavy attacks on bases manned by the Somali National army, along with African Union troops in the town, Elbuur District Commissioner Noor Hassan Gutale said. Guutaale confirmed that at least 10 Al-Shabaab fighters had been killed in the ambush against military bases under control of allied forces (Somalia and AMISOM) troops. Meanwhile, the commissioner said he was unaware of reported killings of civilians by Ethiopian troops operating under AMISOM: “I am not totally aware of any such development but investigation is underway.”

U.S. Announces $6 Million Aid For Djibouti And Somali Refugees From Yemen

01 September – Source: Goobjoog News – 327 Words

The United States has announced more than $6 million humanitarian assistance for refugees in Djibouti and Somalia who fled from Yemen following the ongoing conflict in the Arabian Peninsula nation.The new funding brings the total U.S. humanitarian assistance for the Yemen region to $81 million this year. In a statement to the media, the Somalia Unit of the State Department in Nairobi said the funds would be directed to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to enable the agency to provide much needed humanitarian assistance to the refugees in the two countries.

“The additional funding will allow UNHCR to provide refugees in Somalia and Djibouti with shelter, access to clean water and sanitation facilities, health care, essential household items, legal assistance, programs which protect children, and activities to prevent and respond to gender-based violence,” read the statement in part. Over the last three months there has been an influx of refugees into Somalia and Djibouti most of them nationals of the two countries who had fled to Yemen following conflict especially in Somalia.

The U.S. has also hailed the two countries for opening their borders for those fleeing the violence while pledging to work closely with humanitarian agencies and countries in the region to alleviate suffering among the refugees. The U.S. aid will go a long way in bolstering efforts by the Somali government and local organisations and the business community who have played a critical role in not only hosting the refugees but also marshalling ships to evacuate those trapped in the conflict. Hundreds of Yemeni nationals are housed in camps in Mogadishu while many others have pitched tent in the port city of Bosaso in northern Somalia. The aid support comes a day after the UN humanitarian agency, OCHA warned of close to a million Somalis facing a food crisis with 3.1 million in total in need of food supplies in the country.

Ethiopian Forces Kill Four People In Cold Blood

01 September – Source: Wacaal Media – 132 Words

Ethiopian forces in Hiiraan region have reportedly killed civilians in the outskirts of Galgaduud town reports indicate. Confirming the incident to the local media, a traditional elder in Eel-Qoohle Ali Faarah Kheyre said that the forces killed four people including a famous religious leader in the area. The rest were teachers at the local Islamic schools – dugsi. Kheyre said the forces picked the victims from their homes and shot them dead at close range. He added that they have taken with them eleven others whom cannot be accounted for up to now. The slain famous Muslim cleric was identified as Sheikh Abdirahman Isse. The killings comes a month after the Ethiopians were accused of killing 6 elders in the outskirts of Halgan town, 35km to the west of Baladweyne district, headquarters of Hiiraan region.

Somalia President: We Are Working Tirelessly To Get The Country On Track

31 August – Somali Current – 453 Words

The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said he was hopeful the country would soon reel from the negative labels tagged to it. In an Op-Ed published on The National newspaper in the United Arabs Emirates, the president sounded ambitious and overly confident about Somalia, its people and the vast opportunity in the country. “Somalia has been working hard to throw off this title, despite the fact that the mythology remains all-pervasive. This is due in part to an uncertain security situation that has fed the unwillingness of international policymakers and journalists alike to spend significant periods of time in the country,” he wrote. President Hassan, who is in the Emirates, pointed out that the situation in the country was not favourable, but hoped that all would change with time. He admitted that Somalia was among the 10 least under-developed nations in the world.

“Somalia is one of the 10 least developed countries in the world. We emerged just two-and-a-half years ago from 22 years of civil war. We play host to the brutal Al Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabaab. Only 42 per cent of the children who should be in school are. More than 1 million internally displaced people are waiting to be re-homed. UNHCR predicts an influx of around 100,000 refugees from Yemen to northern Somalia. Literacy rates hover around 40 per cent. Unemployment sits at 60 per cent. Around 70 per cent of our population is under 40,” he continued. He said in Somalia, choices and priorities were important because the government has a lot to take care of as it’s surrounded by 22 years of destruction and anarchy. “This all means that in Somalia almost everything is a priority: from security, political inclusivity, health care, education and private sector development, to basic economic reform.We face the challenge of building institutions for government and governance, while needing to deliver tangible benefits for Somalis: schools, hospitals, roads. We are doing this while fighting a war against terrorists on our own soil,” he said.

He concluded in the piece with a resounding hope that Somalia would soon be different in the eyes of the international community. “We are not daunted by the task ahead of us. We have all the reasons in the world to get it right. With an unparalleled position as the bridge between Africa and Arabia, the longest coastline in Africa, vast ocean resources, valuable mineral deposits, viable oil and gas opportunities, solar and wind power potential, a young, ambitious population and a determination to make a mark, we are confident the days of “saving Somalia” will soon be over.”

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Piracy: Outbreak Off Somalia Despite International Effort

31 August – Source: BBC – Video: 3:57 Minutes

There are warnings about a new outbreak of piracy off Somalia’s coast. It comes despite an international naval task force and British backed efforts to build stability onshore in the Horn of Africa. The BBC’s Africa correspondent Andrew Harding was one of the first foreign journalists to visit the pirate stronghold of Eyl. He has returned to the northern Puntland region, to see why the causes of piracy have not yet been fixed.

Khalifa Foundation Distributes Food Aid In Somalia

01 September – Source: Gulf News – 98 Words

In Hargeisa the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation presented yesterday 500 food packages to Somali families affected by drought in remote mountainous areas. An official source at the Foundation said that these packages come as part of efforts to help the Somali people. The aid is in line with the directives of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs,

AMISOM and Federal Government of Somalia Officials Visit Marka

29 August – Source: AMISOM – 298 Words

A delegation of AMISOM and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) led by Deputy Force Commander Maj. Gen. Zeyna Mohamad esha and President Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan of ISWA toured Marka to assess the security and humanitarian situation. The team was received by Col. Mutambi, Battle Group 16 Commander at Ceel-Jaale, who briefed them on myriad challenges facing AMISOM including attacks by armed group Al-Shabaab, the inter clan fighting between Bimal and Habar-Gedir clan militias, lack of administration and governance in the city, killings of Somali Police officers and the absence of a District Commissioner in Marka.

President Adan thanked AMISOM for their sacrifices and expressed concern that Al -Shabaab was taking advantage of clan divisions by fueling clan conflicts and lodging attacks. He stressed the need for reconciliation in Marka. The FGS almost reconciled all clans a year ago and is planning to convene a major reconciliation meeting for all clans in Marka. Aden also stressed the need to recover the areas between Marka and Gendershe if Al-Shabaab have to be defeated in Marka and Lower Shabelle region. He also introduced a new District Commissioner and Deputy Governor for security, who will also act as an interim Governor. He asked AMISOM to assist and work with the new administration.

Speaking during the meeting, Brigadier Sam Kavuma explained the presence of AMISOM: “We came to Somalia to help you. Our one aim is to make peace in Somalia. We love you and are making a lot of sacrifices to give you peace.” He appealed to the locals to denounce tribalism and collaborate with AMISOM in “pacifying Marka”. Minister Zahra Samantar of FGS said she had come to take stock of the human rights situation and assess how she could be of further assistance to the locals.

OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE

“Due to personal grievances, some are still frightened to come back, while others were denied access to their homes. Due to these unremorseful and heartless situations, it’s very unlikely and truly intimidating for victims to come back and resettle in Mogadishu. Similarly, publicly owned assets and properties in Mogadishu are still occupied illegally by local militia.”

Changing The Capital City Of Somalia – The Only Way Forward

01 September – Source: Wardheer News – 1,242 Words

Is Mogadishu a capital city of unity or epicenter of all Somali problems? Before I answer this question, I would like to briefly highlight the historical background of Mogadishu, before and after the civil war.

Circa 1905, Italian administration has made Mogadishu the capital of its newly established colony. Officially, Mogadishu became the capital city of Somalia, on July 1st, 1960. It was the country’s largest city and its major commercial and financial hub. With no doubt, Mogadishu has always been a center of Somali unity, resources and prosperity. It was the only metropolitan city where economic and political power converged. Mogadishu has always been a symbol of Somali culture and history. Because of its beautiful beaches along the Indian Ocean, Mogadishu was known as “White pearl of the Indian Ocean”, while Somalis call ‘Xamar Caddey’.

As Somalia’s capital city, Mogadishu was once hailed as city of opportunity; it has attracted people from all walks of life, in particular Somali intellectuals, business communities, as well as those in search of a better life. Those of us who had the opportunity to live in Mogadishu before the civil war remember it as a lovely and vibrant city where every age group enjoys plenty of entertainments throughout the year that includes, but not limited to, live concerts at Somali National Theatre, several Movie Theatres, disco clubs, football and basketball tournaments, bars and restaurants along the beaches and so on. These are just a few traces of past glory in Mogadishu.

“Mr. Gure’s daughter Nahid Gure who attended the event has called her father as a ‘genius’, a remark echoed by other event speakers.”

The Annual Washington, DC Metro Somali Family Picnic 2015: Tradition Continues

01 September – Source: Hiiraan Online – 215 Words

20 years ago, Hassan Hagi Elmi Gure along with some of his friends gathered to devise a social impact event that would aim to organize fun activities for the Somali community in Washington DC Metro area who rarely gathered for the comfy occasions. Aproximately 400 Somalis and friends of Somalis attended the Annual Washington, DC metro area Somali Family Picnic event that took place on Saturday August 29, 2015 at Four Mile Run park Arlington Virginia. Everyone enjoyed the food, drinks and fun activities.

Hawa Yusuf Warsame, the event organizer has paid tribute to Mr. Gure and his co-founders who she said created an event which has profound impact among Somali community in Washington DC area. Having put their vision into operation, Mr. Gure and his friends have earned respect from the Somali community who organized an annual event commemorating and paying tribute to the men behind the event which is devoted to social gatherings.