September 23, 2015 | Morning Headlines
AU Fighter Jets Bomb Militants’ Bases In South-Western Somalia
22 September – Source: Hiiraan Online – 213 Words
Fighter jets from the African Union forces in Somalia have conducted attacks on military bases that belong to the Al-Qaeda linked fighters in Bay region, killing a ‘number’ of fighters on early Tuesday, military officials said. The military helicopters have targeted bunkers used by Al-Shabaab fighters in Labatan-Jirow, a village that lies 60km north of the provincial capital of Baidoa town, according to local officials in the region. Hassan Hussein Mohamed, the Minister for Rehabilitations and Militia Disarmament for the Baidoa-based South-western state told reporters that the aerial attacks have inflicted ‘heavy’ losses on Al-Shabaab fighters.
“They have suffered significant losses in numbers but I cannot confirm the exact number at this time.” He told reporters in Baidoa. Al-Shabaab hasn’t so far commented on the latest attack which despite facing a multi-pronged offensive increases pressure on its fighters. African Union officials often cite lack of aerial capability to fight the battle-hardened Al-Shabaab fighters who have staged several major attacks in which their fighters overrun and loot AU army bases, mostly in rural areas in Southern Somalia. Among the multinational forces, only the Ethiopian contingent has an aerial power to support its scattered across Somalia where Al-Shabaab fighters continue to ambush their troops in towns and villages in South and Central Somalia.
Key Headlines
- AU Fighter Jets Bomb Militants’ Bases In South-Western Somalia (Hiiraan Online)
- Somali Youth Parliament Pledge To Raise Awareness On Perilous Journeys To Europe (Goobjoog News)
- UN Envoy For Somalia: We Welcome The Forum On The Electoral Process For 2016 (Mareeg Media)
- As Muslim Eid Approaches Livestock Prices Soar In Somalia (Hiiraan Online)
- Car Bomb Attack Near Presidential Palace Kills 11 People (UPI)
- African Union Envoy Urges Increased Support To Stabilize Somalia (Xinhua)
- Somalia: Oh What a Lovely Drone! (Mareeg Media)
NATIONAL MEDIA
Somali Youth Parliament Pledge To Raise Awareness On Perilous Journeys To Europe
22 September – Source: Goobjoog News – 466 Words
The quest to migrate to Europe for better life through perilous journeys across the Mediterranean is detrimental to the future of Somalia as the country loses human resource and lives every day, the Youth Parliament declared yesterday. In a well attended meeting bringing together youth, Federal MPs and their regional counterparts organised by the Youth Parliament, the participants resolved to find practical solutions to the migration issue among the youth in Somalia. They noted that the youth can contribute in a more proactive and beneficial way to the reconstruction and development of the country rather than risking their lives to Europe especially with the regular reports of hundreds plunging into the Mediterranean sea en route to Italy.
Somalia Federal Member of Parliament, Mohmmad Omar Dalha called on the youth to hold on and find better ways to earning a living locally noting that he would pursue the matter in parliament to find a lasting solution. “Comrades I know what makes you go away from this country. I am going to discuss this issue with other parliament friends and I hope we will put this to an end and you can contribute in positively in the development of Somalia,” said Dalha. Zakiriye Mahmoud Haji , a prominent politician and scholar encouraged the youth to consider investing in their country. “Friends there is no place like home; of course I know we are facing hardships but look at you, I know you are coming from leading universities. Please think of ways to invest in this country and I know it’s rewarding,” noted Haji.
One of the participants particularly shared his story of failed attempt to work in Saudi-Arabia. “I got on the edge of drowning on my way to Saudi –Arabia and when I reached there I was immediately deported back to Mogadishu,” he said. Every year hundred of thousand of Somali youth risks their lives to their way to foreign countries mainly Europe, South Africa or Arabian Gulf for hope of better life but sometimes the drama ends sadly. Mohamed Ahmed Abore, the General Secretary of Somali Youth Parliament who organized the three day seminar said there was urgent and critical need to create awareness among the youth on the risks involved in migrant journeys and the importance for them to find a living at home.
“Somali Youth Parliament will continue organizing seminars like this. We know we stand to help youth issues like these and Somali Youth Parliament is determined to address issues like this. We have lost our friends, brothers and sisters through these journeys and time has come for us to talk and campaign against this,” said Abore. MP Mahmoud Ahmed (Kullaleh) congratulated Somali youth leadership for their effort to help the youth and asked them to campaign against corruption, promote justice and advocate the rights of minority groups.
UN Envoy For Somalia: We Welcome The Forum On The Electoral Process For 2016
22 September – Source: Mareeg Media – 346 Words
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, has welcomed the formal launch of the consultative process on the electoral process for 2016. “I welcome the agreement today to establish the National Consultative Forum on the electoral process for 2016,” said SRSG Kay. “The Forum will be critically important to Somalia’s peacebuilding and statebuilding efforts, and will lead to a political transition when the mandates of the Somali executive and legislature end next year. I am especially delighted the progress has been achieved on International Peace Day. I salute the efforts of the Federal Government, Federal Parliament and the leaders of Puntland, Jubbaland, Galmudug and the South West Administration. Today they were united for peace,” added SRSG Kay.
SRSG Kay underscored several key elements for the consultative process, noting it should be Somali-led, open and transparent and consistent with the Guiding Principles that were agreed to at the High-level Partnership Forum in July 2015. SRSG Kay stressed the importance of inclusivity and representation in the next Parliament to be formed in 2016, noting that the Somali people want to see a Parliament that reflects of the diversity of Somalia. Women, youths, and minorities should be properly represented to ensure a more united and more dynamic Somalia than ever before. “A very ambitious timetable lies ahead. After today, a National Consultative Forum will convene on 14 October, followed by a series of regional public consultations. Views of Somalis from the diaspora will also be important,” said SRSG Kay.
“The United Nations will support the consultation process, together with the Federal Government and other partners. It is despicable that on International Peace Day and in the wake of such a major step towards building peace and stability in Somalia that terrorists exploded a bomb on a busy street in the center of Mogadishu, killing several people,” said SRSG Kay. “I condemn this barbaric act of terrorism and attempt to undermine the political progress, and offer my sincere condolences to all those affected.” The United Nations remains committed to supporting Somalia’s peace and state-building process.
As Muslim Eid Approaches, Livestock Prices Soar In Somalia
22 September – Source: Hiiraan Online – 195 Words
At animal markets in the Somali capital, a festive mood is raging as people are making hectic preparations for the upcoming Muslims’ Eid-Aldha which is expected to start on Thursday. Muslims around the world make feasts and sacrifices during the three day-long festive days with demands for slaughter animals are upswing, jumping from their usual market prices during the non-festive seasons to the peak. “The Eid is almost here, and the prices are a lot higher than before,” said Yasin Mohamed, a livestock merchant at a Mogadishu market. The tubby camel prices range from $1000-$1500 per head on Monday with goats go for $80-$100, according to animal merchants. In addition, animal farms see an increase in demands for market animals with thousands of animal herders flocked into market with animals for sale.
Meanwhile, Somalia’s animal merchants are exporting thousands of animals to Gulf States, mainly Saudi Arabia and Oman, making it difficult for many middle-class families to buy animals for Eid feasts because of the fluctuations. Nevertheless, Somali markets are in general experiencing money-spinning days with families are making last minute shopping for the festival days they are eagerly waiting to observe.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Car Bomb Attack Near Presidential Palace Kills 11 People
22 September – Source: UPI – 256 Words
A car bomb detonated at the gates of Somalia’s presidential palace in Mogadishu on Monday, killing at least 11 people and injuring 14 others. The dead include two Somali soldiers, four civilians and three foreigners, Xinhua news agency quoted police officer Ahmed Shire as saying Monday. The number of dead was on Tuesday revised to 11, and African Union forces retaliated by conducting airstrikes in the southern Bay region against militant group Al-Shabaab, which claimed responsibility for the attack. The explosion occurred as a debate over Somalia’s 2016 election concluded. The BBC reports Turkish delegates were believed to be among the dead.
The Villa Somalia is Somalia’s seat of government, where several senior officials, including the president, live and work. “We will not be cowed nor be deterred by this dastardly act,” Ambassador Maman Sidikou, head of the African Union Mission in Somalia, was quoted as saying in a statement. Sidikou characterized the attack as an attempt by Al-Shabaab to disrupt peace efforts. The al-Qaida-affiliated militants have attacked the same compound in the past. The group took over most of southern Somalia before losing its main strongholds during battles with Somali and Ethiopian troops in 2006. It lost control of Mogadishu in 2011 but still conducts attacks in the city and the rest of the country, as well as in neighboring Kenya. Much A-Shabaab activity has been reported in southern Somalia as of late. Earlier this month, the militants overran a military base in the region before AU troops regained control over the facility.
African Union Envoy Urges Increased Support To Stabilize Somalia
22 September – Source: Xinhua – 194 Words
African Union (AU) envoy has urged increased efforts for peace building initiatives in Somalia. Maman Sidikou, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission for Somalia and Head of the AU Mission to Somalia (AMISOM), said “peace dividends are already evident” as Somalia is rebounding from decades of war. “We cannot underestimate the power of those who have made deliberate efforts to shun violence and embrace peace. “A bright future for Somalia depends on collaborative efforts that will enhance that peace,” Sidikou said in a statement issued in the capital Mogadishu to mark the International Day of Peace that falls on Monday.
AMISOM has been very active in the recent past, stepping up their onslaught to crush ‘Al-Shabaab’ militants, the envoy said. ‘Al-Shabaab’ has vowed reprisal attacks in Somalia and neighbouring Kenya. The envoy said the Somali government, with support from the AU force and other international partners, are spearheading the efforts to restore “complete peace” in the country and allow socio-economic and political growth. The International Peace Day was established in 1981 through a UN General Assembly resolution and is observed around the world every year on Sept. 21.
OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE
“The International Community would be well advised to bring the marginalised groups on board as principal players of peacebuilding in Somalia. If we are to move away from the endless security quagmire and perpetual politics of hunger, the marginalised groups have to be aided and be treated as equal citizens of the country. Treat them with respect and dignity. In an era of Globalization, democracy, productivity, creativity and peace are vital. Other rising powers are eyeing at the Horn of Africa especially Somalia, as the cold war creeps in uninvited. A stable Somalia is in the West’s best interest.”
Somalia: Oh, What a Lovely Drone!
22 September – Source: Mareeg Media – 2,521 Words
Drones. Slick, slim, slender, smart and elegant. They effortlessly glide through the sky. Drones, whatever else they may be, they are most definitely a work of art. This fine artwork is unlike any other we have seen before; this is a war machine designed to perfection. It soars through the sky unmanned, no warriors needed. It hits its target then gracefully returns to base like an unfaltering and unwavering boomerang. It smites its enemies with no scars to show for it. The drone causes maximum devastation to the enemy competent; no body bags return home as a consequence. No casualties to send home. The future of warfare has been irretrievably changed.
An elegant machine becomes blessed one, when it has the ability to remove a hardened terrorist with surgical precision. However, a blessed drone may become a cursed one when it acts upon false and fabricated information, staged terrorist hideouts or their location. Although the command, control and execution of drone operations are flawless, the same cannot be said about ground intelligence. RPA remotely piloted aircrafts, these hunter-killers totally depend on reliable intelligence. Agents operating covertly to gather intelligence on the ground should be loyal, highly motivated and reliable. In the case of Somalia there is high chance that on- the-ground intelligence-gatherers have either ulterior motives or their loyalty cannot be relied upon, as two masters may be served at the same time (double agents). War on terror in Somalia cannot be won by drones alone. The cause of the Al-Shabaab issue has to be addressed.
Paul Hirst. (2001) War & Power in the 21st Century. Cambridge, Polity :
“If we turn from new wars to new weapons, the central organizing theme of the discussion of post-Cold War military forces has been the ‘revolution in military affairs’ (RMA). The debate about the RMA has been conducted at a high level in the USA, concentrating on future strategy, military organization, and the direction of weapons research and investment. Indeed, the RMA debate is that existing forces are largely obsolete. The US military is organized around platforms: planes, ships and tanks. Yet America’s key assets are in guided weapons. The leading advocates of the RMA argue that command, control, communications and intelligence are capable of rapid development such that they will dispel the fog of war, enabling senior commanders to see the combat situation and junior ones to command complex firepower at will”. The fog of war, albeit the fog of the Al-Shabab terror war, in the Horn of Africa has never been foggier. First, one needs to look at the nature of terrorism itself and then contrast it with Somali version of terrorism.