September 4, 2018 | Morning Headlines
May Pledges Sh908m For AMISOM In Fight Against Shabaab
03 September – Source: Daily Nation – 612 Words
The United Kingdom has committed £7 million (Sh908 million) to fund the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) that is fighting jihadist group Al-Shabaab. UK Prime Minister Theresa May, during her visit to South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya last month, said Somalia’s instability will have a knock-on effect on other nations. “Somalia is at a critical juncture. And sustainable, predictable funding and support for the troops who are building stability in the region is vital to support a transition to Somali-led security, when the conditions for a handover are right,” Ms May said on August 31 in a press statement issued by the British High Commission in Uganda.
Ms May emphasised the importance of durable security, calling for combined efforts to end terrorism. In Nairobi, she visited a UK-supported counter-improvised explosive devices centre where British troops train soldiers deployed under Amisom. The soldiers are trained on how to identify and destroy home-made bombs.
UK’s Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the UK is determined to promote security in Africa by building the capacity of its troops. “From supporting counter-terrorist operations in Mali to improvised explosive device disposal training in Kenya, our armed forces are helping to build a more secure Africa. By tackling the terrorist threat abroad we are helping to keep our streets safe at home,” he said.
The UK also pledged another £60m to help more than one million conflicts and drought victims.Regarding the status of Somalia, Ms May said access to potable water, medicine, food and jobs will help the citizens in the long term, and will also lower their dependence on humanitarian aid. The UK also committed more than £25 million to support the country as it works to establish a stable and democratic political system.
Key Headlines
- May Pledges Sh908m For AMISOM In Fight Against Shabaab (Daily Nation)
- OIC Secretary General Strongly Condemns Blast In Mogadishu (Shabelle Media)
- SNA Forces Conduct A Military Operation In Lower Shabelle Somalia (Goobjoog News)
- Shelling And Ground Offensive In Lower Jubba Region (Radio Dalsan)
- Turkey Condemns ‘Treacherous’ Attack In Somalia (Anadolu Agency)
- ‘I Get Scared But I’m Staying’: Poignant Words Of Murdered Mogadishu Florist (The Guardian)
NATIONAL MEDIA
OIC Secretary General Strongly Condemns Blast In Mogadishu
03 September – Source: Shabelle Media – 150 Words
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned the terrorist attack claimed by the terrorist Al-Shabab movement on Sunday 2nd September 2018 in Mogadishu. At least six people, including two school children, were killed in the attack as many others survived with serious injuries.
The Secretary-General of OIC, Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, offered his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the Government and people of Somalia, on the tragic loss of lives and wished those undergoing treatment, a quick recovery. He noted that this cowardly attack targeting government buildings and civilians “was an attempt by the enemies of Somalia out to peace undermine peace and stability of the country.
The Secretary-General restated the principled position of the OIC against all forms of terrorism and extremism, which have emerged as a daunting threat not only to the member states but also to international peace and security. He reaffirmed the need for increased international partnership to counter the menace of terrorism.
SNA Forces Conduct A Military Operation In Lower Shabelle, Somalia
03 September – Source: Goobjoog News – 163 Words
Somalia National Army (SNA) backed by Jubbaland forces have today conducted a joint military operation to flush out Al-Shabaab militants in Lower Shabelle region. Colonel Mohamed Bulle, one of the military officials, told Goobjoog News the joint military operation was aimed at flushing out the Al-Shabaab terror groups from the strategic areas of Lower Shabelle.
Colonel Mohamed added that the operation was carried out by the Somali government forces and the Jubaland administration forces. He claimed they had so far killed Al-Shabaab fighters in the operation. Government forces in recent days have conducted operations against Al-Shabaab in some parts of Juba regions and succeeded to kill “so many militants during the operation”.
The Al-Shabaab group has several bases in the area, where it often organizes attacks against the military bases belonging to Somali and foreign forces in the region. The Al-Qaeda linked group has carried out hit and run attacks in major towns under government and unleashed deadly explosions in the capital Mogadishu.
Shelling And Ground Offensive In Lower Jubba Region
03 September – Source: Radio Dalsan – 150 Words
Mortar shell attacks were launched jointly by the Jubaland and AMISOM forces on Sunday at villages in Afmadow district in Lower Juba region. This area is largely controlled by Al-Shabaab militants.
Officials from the Jubbaland administration said they had taken control of the villages of Weelmarow, Suuboow and others, following the air and ground shelling operation. Colonel Mahad Mohamed Islam, one of the members of the Jubbaland forces, said that the operation was aimed to secure the Jubbaland state. He noted the air strike had been carried out by AMISOM forces while the Jubaland Dervish Force had carried out ground direct attack.
He said they had received intelligence reports to the effect that Al-Shabaab was gathering in these areas and wanted to attack Afmadow town. Salise Lalamba, one of AMISOM Force Commander in charge of the operation, praised the Jubbaland forces for their commitment in the war against Al-Shabaab, particularly in the villages controlled by the militant group.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Turkey Condemns ‘Treacherous’ Attack In Somalia
03 September – Source: Anadolu Agency – 90 Words
Turkey has condemned the suicide attack in Somalia that killed at least five people: “We strongly condemn treacherous attack in Mogadishu that aims to undermine the stability of Somalia,” said a Foreign Ministry statement.
“We wish God’s mercy upon those who lost their lives, a speedy recovery to the wounded and convey our condolences to the government and the people of Somalia,” it added. At least five people, including three police officers, were killed and 14 others, including six children, injured Sunday in a suicide car bomb blast in Mogadishu.
OPINION, ANALYSIS AND CULTURE
“To me flowers bring in a new light, a solution to the problems faced. It provides an opportunity to see beauty and gain sanity from all the problems surrounding us.”
‘I Get Scared, But I’m Staying’: Poignant Words Of Murdered Mogadishu Florist
03 September – Source: The Guardian – 544 Words
Mohamed Mahamoud Sheik, who opened Somalia’s first flower shop, was killed on 2 August. In this previously unpublished interview, he talks about life in war-torn Mogadishu. Dozens of young people wearing white headbands took to the streets of Mogadishu this month. They walked through the city demanding justice for the young entrepreneur Mohamed Mahamoud Sheik.
Sheik, a businessman known for bringing flowers to Somalia, was shot and killed on 2 August. Sheik had opened Mogadishu’s first florist, and launched Somalia’s first laundry and dry cleaner’s since the state’s implosion in 1991. Born to Somali parents in Italy and raised in Tanzania, Sheik was among a number of expat entrepreneurs who went back to Somalia to open businesses, following the country’s two decades of conflict.
In an interview in 2015, he spoke about why he believed flowers could bring normality to his country. “Most people wonder why [Somalia] is unable to gain peace and stability and have a functioning government. It is not because people do not want peace or a government. It’s because they cannot. They are still haunted and traumatised by the decades of war,” he said. “It has not set it into their minds that peace can truly happen. “On a daily basis [people] witness bombs going off and see bodies and hear of death. They help those injured and bury their dead. They mourn and pray that God helps them. Then they move with their lives. The next day is again the same and nothing seems to change. “To me flowers bring in a new light, a solution to the problems faced. It provides an opportunity to see beauty and gain sanity from all the problems surrounding us.”
Some people thought his decision to open a florist’s was mad, he said. Security was always a concern, and fresh flowers had to be imported from Kenya. But his business grew steadily, with international UN staff making up the majority of his clients, as well as young couples on Valentine’s Day.
To make flowers more attractive to Somali customers, Sheik used chemicals to preserve them for longer. He would recommend different types, based on customers’ favourite colours and smells. But most wanted to order a red rose.Over the years, on Valentine’s Day, he defied the warnings of some clerics, who said celebrating the event was illegal. A steady trickle of 20-somethings would come to his shop to buy baskets with flowers and chocolates, and post pictures on Instagram. Some bought a single red rose. “I didn’t mind if they didn’t buy a bouquet,” he said. “It wasn’t about selling the flowers. It was about people appreciating them.”
He said he didn’t worry about being arrested, although he did fear being attacked. Despite this, Sheik was determined to stay. “I’m giving services people love and like,” he said. “If I just leave to another place, I won’t have the joy I’m having right now. I do get scared, but I’m staying here.” No one has been arrested in connection with Sheik’s murder. The Mohamed Sheikh Ali Foundation has been established to continue his legacy, and a Twitter account, @WeAreNotSafe, has been set up in his memory. It is demanding security and justice for Somali citizens, and for the government to be held accountable.