POLITICS
Horseed Media - The Palestinian authority Ambassador for Somalia, Kamil Abdallah presented his credentials to the Somali president in Mogadishu today. Ambassador Abdallah has expressed his gratitude to President Sharif Ahmed in representing the Palestinian authority in Somalia.Somali language
Garowe Online - Puntland Planning Minister Daud Mohamed Omar responded to Somaliland’s claims during a BBC interview on Friday. Minister Daud said: "Puntland is part of Somalia and shares land with Somaliland so it is very important that Puntland is part of the dialogue." Minister Daud continued: "Puntland is a state in Somalia and is entitled to representation but Somaliland officials for whatever reasons want to discontinue dialogue and they should rethink their decisions." Authorities in Somalia's separatist region of Somaliland have abruptly pulled out of proposed dialogue with TFG of Somalia after President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed included two Puntland ministers in the dialogue committee he appointed last week, Radio Garowe reports. Somaliland Foreign Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Omar told a press conference in Hargeisa said that Somaliland would not hold talks with the TFG as long as Puntland officials remain on the committee.
Somaliland Press - The President H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud received yesterday the United Nation Secretary General’s special envoy to Somalia and Somaliland Mr Augustine Mahiga who arrived in Hargeisa a day after Somaliland government announced its decision to pull out of the proposed talks with Somalia. Mr. Mahiga said that the international community is ready to double its support to SL, a country they see and deem as one that has set an excellent example in socio-economical and political circles in the region.
SECURITY/AL-SHABAAB
Shabelle - Tension as fighting and military exercises reportedly rose on Saturday in parts of Somalia's Lower Juba region as both Somali and Kenya army make advances againts militant strongholds. Locals in Afmadow town, 620 Km south of Mogadishu said that heavily armed Somali soldiers together with Kenyan military have moved this morning to rebel-held areas near Afmadow which is currently under al-Shabaab control. The situation is tense as al-Shabaab agents begun intensifying their defensive drills around Afmadow town in a bid to protect the coalition forces from capturing their base.
Hiiraan Online - The African Union Forces known as AMISOM is expected to investigate groups behind the recent suicide bomb at the National Theater. AMISOM leaders claimed that their involvement of the investigation is requested by the Somali government and the AMISOM experts in a joint collaboration with TFG's security forces will be fully engaged in the investigations. Somali Language
PHOTO ESSAY
Hiiraan Online - Over 40-photos showcasing a Diaspora forum on the reconstruction of Somalia held at Chicago and organized by the Somali Strategy Forum and supported by the World Engagement Institute and National Strategy Forum.
OP-ED
IPS News - The author, US political science Professor, Ken Menkhaus claims that the United States' Patriot Act has also contributed to the starvation of the millions Somalis, though al-Shabaab militants played a major role in the famine and loss of lives. "humanitarian organisations suspended food aid delivery to drought- struck areas controlled by Al-Shabaab for fear of violating the USA Patriot Act."
RADIO ROUNDUP
Radio Mogadishu - A pro-government radio station
Somali Prime Minister Abdiwali Mohamed Ali, on Saturday toured the fighting frontlines of Dayniile. The PM listened to information about the latest military operations in the capital from the military officials, including the chief commander of Somali National Forces. The deputy Chief commander of Somali military General Abdihakim Dhego Badan informed the PM that the national forces are ready to advance to Mogadishu outskirts, including Elasha-Biyaha. The PM thanked the national forces for their effort in liberating the country. He asked the people to cooperate with the government security.
Radio Al-Furqaan - A pro-al-Shabaab radio station
The Somali clan elders opposed the upcoming TFG constitution by pointing out that the new constitution is not aligned with the Islamic religion. The elders are to hold a meeting in Merka town of Lower Shabelle region and sources close to the elders have indicated that the elders will issue an official statement on Sunday and they will be warning the Somali people about the new constitution. Radio Andalus - A pro-al-Shabaab radio station
The al-Shabaab Mujahideen Administration of Bay region have concluded a training for more than 700 hundred new Mujahideens who will take part in the fighting between the Muslims and the infidels in Somalia. The Chairman of Bay region Sheikh Mahad Abdi Karim advised the newly trained fighters to fear Allah and be patient due to the hard times they will face during the fighting.
Radio Shabelle - An independent radio station
Prison officials say at least 1 person was confirmed dead and 10 others injured on Friday during a jail break followed by deadly gunfire at Mogadishu central detention center. According to witnesses who spoke with Shabelle Media station, the clash erupted after some soldiers tried to release two other soldiers who were held in the prison by the Somali government. The soldiers also used grenades in their attack and gunfire that lasted for several minutes between the two sides, killing a prisoner and wounding ten other inmates who have been taken to local hospitals in the capital.
Radio Kulmiye - An independent radio station
The African Union peacekeepers in Somalia known as AMISOM have donated medical equipment for Banadir Hospital in Mogadishu on Saturday. The Head of Banadir Hospital Dr. Abdirisak Hassan Ali thanked the AU peacekeepers for their humanitarian assistance to the Somali people by donating much needed medical equipment.
At least two people were killed and three others injured as two pirate groups fought in Daba-Galo village of Mudug region on Saturday. According to the local residents, the fighting erupted when a group of pirates attacked another pirate gang's base on the outskirts of the Daba-Galo village.