September 8, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Somalia removes security chief, warns of al Shabaab retaliation

07 Sept – Source: Reuters – 287 words

Somalia replaced its national security director on Sunday and put its army on alert for retaliation after the Islamist militant group al Shabaab confirmed its leader had been killed in a U.S. air strike. Al Shabaab vowed revenge on Saturday for the killing of Ahmed Godane, named the little-known Sheikh Ahmad Umar Abu Ubaidah as its new head, and reaffirmed its affiliation to al Qaeda. National Security Director Abdullahi Mohamed Ali had only been in his post since July. In an announcement after a cabinet meeting, government spokesman Ridwan Abdiweli gave no reason for the change but said Ali’s deputy would stand in for him.

Key Headlines

Head of Somali National Intelligence fired (Radio Dalsan/RBC/Goobjoog/Risaala)
Two more radio stations shut down in Mogadishu (Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Kulmiye)
Somali government warns on possible revenge attacks from al Shabaab (Radio Mogadishu/RBC)
Al Shabaab’s new leader a devout ruthless hardliner sources say (Daily Nation/AFP)
Federal government prepares to deliver emergency food aid to drought hit residents in Gedo region(Radio Goobjoog)
Allied forces capture villages in Bakool region from al Shabaab (Radio RBC)
UN alleges ‘plot’ to steal Somali assets (Al Jazeera)
Al Shabaab confirms Godane’s fate selects new leader (Radio RBC/Dalsan/VOA Somali Service/BBC Somali Service)
KDF will stay in Somalia and Barack Obama will visit Kenya nominees tell MPs (Standard Media)
Al Shabaab divided over new leadership (Somali Current)
Statement by the Press Secretary on the Death of Ahmed Godane (White House)

PRESS STATEMENT

Weekly Press Conference on the Progress of the Government

06 Sept – Source: Ministry of Information – 1426 words

The Minister of Information, Mustafa Duhulow, today addressed the media in Mogadishu, providing an update on the progress of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) over the last week. The Minister discussed various issues including: Consultations in Baidoa; political-outreach to regions; the success of Operation Indian Ocean; Media Sector Development in Somalia; the looming drought in the country; progress on Justice & Constitutional Affairs; the efforts to implement Federalism in the country, and efforts to open the Adan Adde airport at night times.

The Minister of Information began by speaking on the consultation process in Baidoa: “The Speaker of the Parliament, the Honorable Mohamed Shiekh Osman (Jawari) visited Baidoa on 1st September in order to push forward the consultation process for forming the new Federal Unit in the area.

The Speaker had a series of talks with key stakeholders including traditional leaders, politicians and representatives of all segments of society as well as the technical committee that was tasked to form the new federal unit called South West State of Somalia. The Speaker, for the past 7 days, has been trying to convince all sides to unite their efforts and to come to a consensus that can be beneficial to all sides.”

The Minister of Information spoke on political-outreach to the regions of Somalia: “On 4th September the Prime Minister, H.E. Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed and the Minister of Defense, H.E. Mohamed Sheikh Hassan visited Baidoa and Tayeglow. The Prime Minister and his delegation had talks with key stakeholders in the area including traditional leaders and all segments of the society as well as meeting the Somali and AMISOM forces deployed there.

The aim of the visit was to reach out to newly liberated areas and to provide basic services to the people. On 4th September, the Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. Ridwan Hersi Mohamed, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Transport and Djibouti’s Ambassador to Somalia and other officials visited Buule Burde district in Hiran region in order to assess the humanitarian situation in the area. As a result, the Federal Government provided food aid to the residents of the area. Buule Burte was recently liberated from terrorists groups and people in the area are now enjoying peace and stability. The aim of political outreach by Somali leaders is to assess the situation in the regions as part of the stabilization process and at the same time to show people the peace dividend.”

The Minister of Information highlighted the importance of media sector development in Somalia: “The cabinet approved the draft Media Law on 1st September 2014. The draft Media Law lays down the laws governing Somali media and is in line with the Provisional Constitution, specifically Chapter 18. There is an urgent need for this law, which will help the reform and the development of the Somali media, and it will also modernize the Somali media, it will create jobs for young people, and it will protect the rights of Somali media workers.

Importantly, this law will also protect civilians from any violation of his or her dignity in the media. On 1st September, ACCORD facilitated a 4 day training programme in Kampala for 20 journalists from inside Somalia as well as Somali journalists based in Kampala. The aim of the seminar was to enhance the knowledge and experience of the journalists including the ethics of journalism in terms of reporting news and programming.

The seminar focused specifically on media reporting of key issues such as the review of the constitution, reconciliation and building institutions in Somalia. This seminar will greatly help Somali journalists in playing their part in preparing for the democratization process and the national elections in 2016.”

The Minister of Information praised Somali forces and AMISOM for the success of military operations: “The Indian Ocean Military Operations are going very well and Somali forces, with the support of AMISOM, liberated many areas from the terrorist group, Al-Shabaab. On 3rd September the forces liberated Jalalaqsi district in Hiran region, a town with strategic importance.

The Federal Government welcomed the killing of Al-Shabaab Leader Ahmed Abdi Godane and this is an opportunity to advance the peace process in the country. The cabinet on 2nd September agreed to further strengthening of the campaign against al Shabaab, including offering amnesty within 45 days on those who want to renounce violence and want to join the peace process.

The cabinet also appealed to the public to support military operations against terrorists and also made an appeal for religious leaders to lead a campaign to expose the terrorists’ warped ideology and falsehoods. The Federal Government is committed to eliminating the threats posed by terrorists groups to Somalia in order to bring peace and stability in the country.”

The Minister of Information made an appeal for humanitarian assistance: “The ministerial committee on the humanitarian crisis in Somalia has been working continuously to address the looming drought in parts of Gedo, Bakol, Hiiraan and Galgadud. The Djiboutian government has provided food aid and we are very grateful for their assistance.

The Federal Government itself has provided another 280 tons of food aid on 4th September for the residents of Bule Burde. The committee previously provided food aid to the regions of Bakool and Gedo. On 3rd September, Qatar Charity handed-over five containers of dates to the committee, destined for the people in affected areas.

The committee thanked Qatar Charity for their generosity and appealed to all concerned parties to provide an urgent humanitarian assistance to those who desperately in need. The Federal Government of Somalia once again makes an appeal to Somalis and in particular the business community and the Somali Diaspora around the world to provide urgent humanitarian assistance in order to prevent our people from dying of hunger and thirst.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the progress of Judiciary & Constitutional Development: “The Minister of Justice & Constitutional Affairs has been advancing the reform of the judiciary and the constitution-making process in the country. The parliament has previously approved legislation on the Judicial Service Commission and an independent review of the provisional constitution commission, both of which were key developments.

In order to advance this agenda, on 3rd September the ministry delivered a 3 day training course for staff. The aim of the training was to redouble efforts in the constitutional making process and the reform of the judicial system in the country, which are key milestones within Vision 2016.

The Federal Government is committed to ensuring that the process of the review of the constitution is a transparent and accountable process so that people are giving an opportunity to exercise their democratic rights. During the period of the referendum the government will conduct a series of public awareness events so that the people can make an informed decision based on the truth and the reality on the ground.”

The Minister of Information praised the efforts to implement Federalism in Somalia: “The President of Somalia H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the Prime Minister H.E. Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed met the Technical Committee tasked to form a new Federal Unit in Central Regions of Somalia.

Both leaders stressed the importance of public consultation and bringing all stakeholders in the process during the preparation of the conference and beyond. Both leaders stated their commitment to advance the Federalism agenda in Somalia which is key milestone towards Vision 2016. The Technical Committee it is expected to visit the area and to start their mandated task of consulting with local people so that they can make an informed decision about their future.”

The Minister of Information concluded by speaking on efforts to open Mogadishu Aden Adde airport at night: “On 3rd September the Minister of Air & Land Transport, H.E. Said Jama Ali (Qorshel) had a meeting with business community, airlines, the management of the airport, the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the UN, H.E. Nicholas Kay and the Deputy Minister of Commerce & Industry.

The aim of the meeting was to discuss the improvement of the airport facilities and, in particular, the requirement to open the airport during the hours of darkness, so that people can travel both day and night.

All sides agreed on the importance of enhancing airport facilities, to provide competitive opportunities for airlines and to allow airlines to offer 24 hour a day travel and freight options, a reflection of the improvements in security Mogadishu is experiencing. The Federal Government is committed to providing essential services to people and the airport is one of key means that we can provide access for Somalis and outsiders.”

From HE Excellency the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud: “Godane is Dead: Now is the Chance for the members of al Shabaab to Embrace Peace”

05 Sept – Source: Office of the Somali Presidentâ€¨ – 395 words

HE Excellency the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud spoke today on the death of the leader of al Shabaab, Ahmed Godane: “US forces conducted an airstrike against an identified al Shabaab training camp in southern Somalia on the evening of Monday, 1st September, using manned and unmanned aerial vehicles against identified enemy personnel and vehicles. The leader of al Shabaab, Ahmed Godane, was killed in the strike along with all of his companions. I say to the members of al-Shabaab: Godane is dead and now is the chance for members of al Shabaab to embrace peace.’

HE the President continued: “US forces conducted the airstrike with the full knowledge and agreement of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS). This is an international battle against the scourge of terrorism and the government and the people of Somalia greatly value the support of our international allies whether it be direct intervention such as on this occasion or longer term capacity building through the training and equipping our reconstituting Somali security forces.”

HE the President commented: “While an extreme hardcore may fight over the leadership of al-Shabaab, this is a chance for the majority of members of al-Shabaab to change course and reject Godane’s decision to make them the pawns of an international terror campaign. The FGS recognises that many al Shabaab members had no choice in that decision. We are also aware that many joined al Shabaab for money and to support their families or were tricked. The FGS is willing to offer amnesty to al Shabaab members who reject violence and renounce their links to al-Shabaab and al Qaeda – but for the next 45 days only. There is work to be done rebuilding Somalia and the FGS guarantees those who renounce al Shabaab a chance to take part in that effort.”

HE the President added: “Those who choose to remain know their fate. Al Shabaab is collapsing. Our own troops, assisted by the AMISOM forces as part of Operation INDIAN OCEAN are clearing out the remaining pockets of al Shabaab out of the countryside and allowing the population to see good governance in action. Security is improving in Mogadishu and in other cities: education, health care, justice, thriving businesses, construction but most of all freedom. We are offering life, not death.”

SOMALI MEDIA

Head of Somali National Intelligence fired

07 Sept – Source: Radio Dalsan/RBC/Goobjoog/Risaala – 126 words

Somali government has sacked the general director of the Somali National Intelligence Security Agency Abdullahi Mohamed Ali alias Sanbaloolshe. In special cabinet session chaired by Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed, members of the cabinet have discussed the firing of director of NISA Abdullahi and finally agreed to a verdict that removed the director from the office. Although there is no clear explanation as to why the director was sacked but reports suggest the possibility of existence of a rift between the sacked director and the government of Somalia. The president of the federal government of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud appointed the head of intelligence Abdullahi Ahmed Mohamed on July this year.

Two more radio stations shut down in Mogadishu

07 Sept – Source: Radio Bar-kulan/Radio Kulmiye – 218 words

Somali government forces have closed down Kulmiye and Simba radio stations in the Somali capital, Mogadishu according to officials from the National Union of Somali Journalists. NUSOJ Secretary-General Mohamed Ibrahim Pakistan who spoke to Bar-kulan said that the security forces arrested the director of government-run Radio Mogadishu, Abdirahim Isse Addow and director of Radio Kulmiye, Osman Abdullahi Gure as well as a number of Radio Simba staff. He said the two stations and the journalists are accused of broadcasting the voice of al Shabaab spokesman Sheikh Ali Dhere who spoke about the death of al Shabaab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane, who was killed by a US airstrike near Barawe town last week. Somali government has earlier warned local based media outlets not to report al Shabaab related news and reports.

Somali government warns on possible revenge attacks from al Shabaab

07 Sept – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio RBC – 153 words

Somali Ministry of National Security has warned of possible revenge attacks from al Shabaab as an answer to the killing of their leader Godane in U.S drone airstrike. Somali minister of national security Khalif Ahmed Ereg has appealed to the government officials and the people of Mogadishu to remain alert saying that al Shabaab are plotting revenge attacks in the country. He stated that security agencies are put into high alert and are ready to respond to any threat as it emerges. “I’m urging the people of Somalia and the government officials to stay alert and protect themselves from those groups against peace who can launch suicide attacks, the government is ready to tackle and all security agencies are alert,” Said National security minister M.r Ereg. Ereg has also urged people to cooperate with the security to win the efforts of foiling these possible revenge attacks.

Federal government prepares to deliver emergency food aid to drought hit residents in Gedo region

07 Sept – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 136 words

The federal government of Somalia is making efforts to deliver emergency support to families affected severe drought in Gedo region. A member of Somali federal parliament Noor Farah Jama’a many families in the region are faced with dire humanitarian conditions that is worsening day after day. He called the federal the federal government of Somalia and humanitarian agencies to deliver support to the residents. With drought spreading to the all regions of Somalia, especially Gedo region many people say more people and livestock might die if emergency support is not delivered to the resident. At least three people died due to food and water shortages in Gedo region and many others moved to other areas in search of food and water.

Allied forces capture villages in Bakool region from al Shabaab

07 Sept – Source: Radio RBC – 154 words

Somali government forces backed by African Union troops have taken control of villages under Tiyeglow district of Bakol region in southern Somalia, which was under al Shabaab’s control before. A joint operation carried out by the allied forces in Tiyeglow have driven out the al Qaeda linked militants al Shabaab frin Biyeeleey, Sakaaroole and War-galoole villages in Bakool region. Informing the press, Col. Abdullahi Mohamed Ugaas stated that after gunfire confrontations which lasted for hours and left at least ten militants died adding that the joint forces have seized weapons and vehicles from the militants. On the other hand, al Shabaab has not commented on this fighting which the government of Somalia stated ten of their members were killed. Bakool administration has uncovered that this operation that joint forces captured these villages from al Shabaab as part of the “Indian Ocean” operation that is ongoing in parts of the country.

Al Shabaab confirms Godane’s fate, selects new leader

06 Sept – Source: Radio RBC/Dalsan/VOA Somali Service/BBC Somali Service – 167 words

Following the killing of al Shabaab’s leader Ahmed Abdi Godane in U.S drones airstrike on Monday in southern Somalia, the militants reported to have appointed a new leader with the name of Abu Ubeid Ahmed Omar. The group has picked a new leader confessing the killing of their former leader in a joint operation carried out by United States and Somali governments. Despite United States and Somalia government’s confirmation on Godane’s killing, many people asked whether the group will disclose the fate of their leader. Amid massive onslaught against the militants in south and central parts of the country intended to clear the al Qaeda affiliated militants from Somalia, the groups picks a new leader to maintain their presence in the country.

Al Shabaab divided over new leadership

06 Sept – Source: Somali Current – 279 words

Al Shabaab, Somalia’s Islamic militant group, are divided over the appointment of its new leadership, after the death of its former leader Ahmed Abdi Godane, Somali Current can reveal. US defense department, The Pentagon, has on Friday said that Godane was killed in an air strike in Somalia, earlier this week. Al Shabaab confirmed the killing, appointing Ahmed Omar Abu-Ubeyda aka Ahmed Dhere or Ahmed Dirie as his replacement. Al Shabaab also confirmed the death of two other unnamed top officials, who are believed to be his close and trusted friends.The militant group wanted to announce the death of its leader last Wednesday, but the appointment of the successor created dispute between the commanders, resulting six days of silence, Somali Current understands.

Herders desperate to sell off thin animals to survive drought

07 Sept – Source: Radio Ergo – 192 words

Livestock prices across markets in Mudug region have dramatically declined largely due to the drought intensifying in rural areas. Herders and traders say there is no pasture nor water for the animals, which are all extremely thin. “We used to sell a goat for two million Somali shillings before, but the price has been going down since the drought began,” Abdi Isse Sahal, a livestock trader told Radio Ergo’s local reporter in the largest livestock market in Galkayo. “We now hardly sell a goat for one million shillings.”

REGIONAL MEDIA

Al Shabaab’s new leader a devout, ruthless hardliner, sources say

07 Sept- Source: Daily Nation/AFP – 425 words

The new leader of Somalia’s al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab rebels is thought to be a devout and ruthless hardliner who was one of the most trusted lieutenants of the group’s late chief, according to experts and analysts. Al Shabaab acknowledged in a statement on Saturday that Ahmed Abdi Godane, it’s previous leader, had been killed in a US air strike on Monday. The Islamist group named Ahmad Umar, also known as Abu Ubaidah, as its new head. Very little is known about Abu Ubaidah, and a senior al Shabaab official only described him as having been very close to Godane, a hardliner who had overseen the group’s transformation from local insurgency to major regional guerrilla threat.

UN alleges ‘plot’ to steal Somali assets

07 Sept – Source: Al Jazeera – 789 words

A confidential UN report alleges that Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, his former foreign minister and an American law firm conspired to steal public funds by engaging in secret contracts that gave them hefty percentages from the country’s recovered overseas assets. The report, compiled in July and obtained by Al Jazeera, urges the UN to call on member states and financial institutions to freeze Somali assets under their jurisdiction until “a genuinely transparent and accountable recovery process can be established”. “Continuation of a recovery process in secret … risks further exposure of overseas assets to misappropriation,” said the report, urging the Somali government to disclose the original list of identified assets, which now is only known to President Mohamud and the Maryland-based law firm Shulman Rogers as well as two other individuals.

KDF will stay in Somalia and Barack Obama will visit Kenya, nominees tell MPs

06 Sept – Source: Standard Media – 320 words

Kenya’s troops cannot leave Somalia until the security of the areas where it had chased al Shabaab out is guaranteed. The outgoing ambassador to Somalia, Josephat Maikara, said it was the job of the Kenya Defence Forces to keep peace in the territories it had liberated from the al Qaeda linked militia. Maikara told MPs that Kenya should not withdraw its troops from Somalia. However, he admitted that failure to effectively set up local administrations in the liberated areas is to blame in the slow process of stabilising the war-torn country. “Kenya has a regional and international obligation to ensure peace is restored in Somalia,” he said.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somalia removes security chief, warns of al Shabaab retaliation

07 Sept – Source: Reuters – 287 words

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Death of Ahmed Godane

05 Sept – Source: White House – 435 words

The Department of Defense confirmed that Ahmed Godane, the leader of al Shabaab, is dead as a result of a U.S. military targeted airstrike in Somalia undertaken over the weekend. Godane’s removal is a major symbolic and operational loss to the largest al Qaeda affiliate in Africa and reflects years of painstaking work by our intelligence, military and law enforcement professionals. Even as this is an important step forward in the fight against al Shabaab, the United States will continue to use the tools at our disposal – financial, diplomatic, intelligence and military –to address the threat that al Shabaab and other terrorist groups pose to the United States and the American people. We will also continue to support our international partners, particularly the African Union Mission in Somalia, that are working to support the Federal Government of Somalia build a secure and stable future for the Somali people. The U.S. Department of State named al Shabaab a Foreign Terrorist Organization under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (as amended) on February 26, 2008, and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity under Executive Order 13224 on February 29, 2008.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Somalia still needs to hash out issues surrounding federations, and ignore the setting up of superstates under political leaders and clans. A federation should not only be there for the elites, but it should permeate to the grassroots and be founded upon dialogue, public consultation – as is mandated by the Somali Provisional Constitution. Somalia needs an all-inclusive consultative process with all relevant stakeholders.”

Will Devolution Work in Somalia?

06 Sept – Source: Star-Kenya – 864 words

Somalia is again at crossroads. Amisom and the Somali National army are grinding out the last remaining holdouts of al Shabaab. Most parts of the country have been liberated alongside all the major port cities. The main challenge now is governance, and building a strong and acceptable civil administration. The country is now embarking on laying the foundation for what will be a prosperous federation. The premise informing those who seek a federation is sound. Somalia is a country that has endured a landscape blighted by a prolonged civil war. There are smaller clans fearing domination by larger clans. Some regions are entertaining secessionist ambitions. There are people with grievances couched under past injustices, couched under marginalisation. There is no shortage of atrocity. Every group in the nation, it seems, has a chip on their shoulder for some past slight. All these concerns serve as a potential minefield to the implementation of the constitution, and the rights of individuals are best guaranteed under a federation with powers devolved from the centre. A federation is the balm required to soothe the pain of civil wars and clean out the sutures of clan competition.

“Now as Shabaab deals with confusion, power vacuum, defections, in fighting and opposition, their need to increase the base and train the next generation of fighters will get more aggressive and more young people are in danger of their savvy appealing message to fight for the cause of Islam.”

What is next for al Shabaab?

06 Sept – Source: Wardheer News – 1349 words

Somalia’s militant group al Shabaab has been thrown into confusion and is currently in deep mourning after an American drone dropped a precision-guided bomb on a convoy of its leaders, instantly killing six of its top brass including Emir Ahmed Godane who is also known as Abu Zubeyr on Monday Sept 1st. In like measure, an American drone killed the Afghan-trained Aden Hashi Farah Ayro, who was the head of the Hizbul Shabaab, an arm of the Islamic Courts Union, on the first day of May, in 2008. The recent assault by the lone aerodynamic drone left an excruciating mark among al Shabaab brethren with orphans and widows consequently looking to a future laden with absolute uncertainty and outright trepidation. While the names of the others pulverized by the drone attack remain unknown, according to American press releases, repeated Somali government press statements, and international media highlights, the killing of Emir Ahmed Godane has been profoundly mentioned repetitively beyond doubt. Al Shabaab grew monstrous in recent years with its spate of car and suicide bombings, political assassinations, foreign incursions, stoning to death and public executions, and unprecedented propaganda instilling fear and unease inside and outside of Somalia such that neighboring Ethiopia and Kenya have been forced to partake in the fight against the dreaded group by contributing sizable military force to counter further escalation of hostilities. The scars inflicted on Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Uganda by al Shabaab will take many years to heal.