September 26, 2012 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

AMISOM to take over parts of Beledweyne’s security

25 Sept – Source: Bar-kulan – 91 words

AMISOM’s Djiboutian contingent yesterday took over the security of Beledweyne’s Howlwadag neighbourhood from Ethiopian troops manning the city, officials say.Col. Osman Dibdad Hil, commander of Djiboutian troops confirmed to Bar-kulan that his forces will officially take the security task of the neighbourhood.

Key Headlines

Around 100 people arrested in Afgoye town (Shabelle)
Ahlu Suna calls Somalia’s President to nominate new qualified PM (Radio Mustaqbal)
Inter-clan skirmishes claim four in Mudug region (Bar-Kulan)
KDF and Somalia army probe killing of seven civilians (The Star)
Somalia offers new deal to al Shabaab rebels (Euronews)

PRESS STATEMENT

EU gives new support to the African Union Mission

25 Sept- Source: Europa.eu -774 words

The EU has decided to provide additional support to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which plays an essential role in securing the country on its path towards lasting peace, prosperity and stability. The renewed EU support, will allow AMISOM to continue to fulfil its mandate and to reach its total strength of 17,731, as authorised by the UN. EU support covers costs such as troop allowances, costs of the police and civilian component of the mission, medical care, housing, fuel, and communication equipment.

The EU’s latest funding decision amounts to €82 million. It comes ahead of a High Level meeting on Somalia organised by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon during the ongoing UN General Assembly in New York, which the High Representative and Vice President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton will attend.

Prior to the meeting Catherine Ashton said: “Somalia has opened a new chapter in its history with the recent election of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the adoption of the provisional Constitution, the selection of the new Federal Parliament and election of its Speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari. The EU will continue to contribute to stability and development in Somalia. Support to AMISOM is a key pillar of the EU’s comprehensive approach to Somalia, essential in delivering the security needed to govern and bring development to the country. We have been supporting it from the beginning”.
Andris Piebalgs, EU Commissioner for Development added: “AMISOM has been playing a key role in creating the ground for a better future of Somalia, giving the people of the country hope and a perspective of peace. That is why AMISOM and our support to it is essential. It creates the basic conditions for the Somali people to live their lives in safety, pursue economic activities and rebuild their country. The EU is helping them in overcoming the many remaining challenges, for example by improving food security, strengthening the rule of law and creating better schools for children.

AMISOM is an African Union-led mission, mandated by the UN Security Council. The new funding brings the overall EU contribution to €411.4 million since 2007.

SOMALI MEDIA

Foreign airstrikes hit Kismayo airport

25 Sept – Source: Bar-kulan/Jowhar Online – 99 words

Reports from the southern Somali port city of Kismayo say foreign warplanes have just launched an aerial attack targeting a rebel base inside the area’s airport. Fighter jets reportedly dropped at least four bombs on the airport; the militant group is said to have a base inside the facility.

Around 100 people arrested in Afgoye town

25 Sept – Source: Shabelle – 77 words

Forces loyal to the Somali government on Tuesday conducted a massive search operation in Afgoye district, located 30 Km south of Mogadishu, capturing 100 of people. Officials said the operations were in response to rampant insecurity in the district for the last few days. after gangs killed a civilian in the town last night.

Ahlu Suna calls Somalia’s President to nominate new qualified PM

25 Sept – Source: Radio Mustqabal – 155 words

Ahlu Sunna Walja’a, the moderate administration in Somalia called the new president of Republican and Federal Government for Somalia Hassan Sheik Mohamud to nominate a new qualified prime minister who can save and unite Somali people. In pa ress release from the executive committee of Ahlu Sunna that was signed with Mohamed Yusuf Hefow, the chairman of Executive Committee called the president of Somalia to give great attention to the appointment of the new prime minister.

AMISOM to take over parts of Beledweyne’s security

25 Sept – Source: Bar-kulan – 91 words

Galkayo’s peaceful resurgence

25 Sept – Source: Garowe Online – 111 words

Puntland’s Deputy Police Commander, Col. Muhyadin stated that Galkayo’s security has improved drastically during the past months. Col. Muhyadin Ahmed Nur gave an interview to BBC Somali Service in which he stated that in the capital of Mudug region, Galkayo’s crime rate had been reduced. “Honestly there has been a transformation in this city and it’s visible by looking at the businesses which are open till late hours, which was uncommon for this city in the past,” said Col. Muhyadin.

Inter-clan skirmishes claim four in Mudug region

25 Sept – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 158 words

At least four people have been killed and seven others wounded following a clash between two clan militias at Dumayo settlement in Harardere district of Mudug region, reports say. The fight erupted on Monday night and is believed to have been triggered by clan animosity in the area. Reports say the fight has caused massive displacement of locals, with no reports of any effort to quell the escalating violence.

REGIONAL MEDIA

KDF finally hits Kismayu port

25 Sept- Source: Capital FM- 202 words

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) jets finally hit the terrorist Al Shabaab stronghold of Kismayu in Somalia on Tuesday, destroying a warehouse and the armoury at the main airport. Several Al Shabaab militants were killed in the deadly attack that occurred when KDF jets shelled the town Tuesday afternoon. “They have destroyed the armoury and the warehouse used by Al Shabaab,” Military Spokesman Col Cyrus Oguna told Capital FM News on telephone. He could not however, state the exact casualty figures.

KDF and Somalia army probe killing of seven civilians

25 Sept- Source: Star- 296 words

Kenya Defence Forces and their Somalia National Army counterparts fighting al Shabaab in Somalia’s Lower Jubba area have began investigations into the circumstances leading to the killing of seven Somali men in Jana Cabdalla village on Sunday. Seven civilians all men, were reportedly shot dead by Amisom troops marching towards al Shabaab’s stronghold of Kismayu under unclear circumstances.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somalia’s fishermen struggle to make a living from pirate-infested seas

25 Sept – Source: Guardian – 855 words

It’s just after 11am and a group of young men, some bare-chested, others wearing tattered T-shirts, rush in carrying fresh fish of all kinds: some carry their catch on their head; others dangle the fish by their tails. They quickly unload before rushing back to the truck parked outside to fetch more fish. Inside, the potholed cement floor is covered with everything from dead baby sharks to sea turtles.

Somalia offers new deal to al Shabaab rebels

25 Sept – Source: Euro News – 145 words

Somalia has promised to find civilian jobs and training for rebels from the radical Islamist group Al Shabaab if they abandon their part in a six year old insurgency. The new deal comes after around 250 fighters from the Al-Qaeda linked group surrendered to pro-government forces over the weekend. Interior minister Abdisamed Mohamed Hassan appealed to the estimated 6,000 militants occupying areas in the south of the country to give themselves up. “If the Shabaab come back, we’ll not just send them to the streets.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“The extent to which President Hassan will be able to translate his activist experience into strategic politicking inside and outside the country will determine his political longevity and yield. And only after delivering on his election promises of reviving the Somalia State, of course with the support of the government and people of Somalia, can President Hassan become a hero, eligible for statues, songs and sonnets. Who knows, maybe we have a hero in the making!”

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud: Not yet a Hero!

25 Sept- Source: Wardheernews-1621 Words

There are some irritating political idiosyncrasies that we, Somalis, simply seem not to outgrow. As soon as Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was elected as the new president of Somalia on 10 September 2012, the fawning industry started its work with searing efficiency. Artists, the flag-bearers of this industry, composed stirring songs and obliging media-men started colliding chins for catchy paragraphs from the newly elected President.