Xiin: we are not in agreement because you are in denial. This statement by security council its support what the IGAD outlined, let me remind you. " IGAD tasked Somali Federal Government to ” timely convene and lead reconciliation conference with the support of IGAD while consulting key stakeholders in the Juba Regions with a view to chart out a roadmap on the establishment of interim administration and formation of a permanent regional administration in accordance with the Provisional Constitution with IGAD playing a supporting role".

xiinfaniin;961887 wrote: ^^Aaheey Your comprehension is failing you, Dabrow. SC clearly endorsed the provincial constitution as it is. This interim nonsense will only derail Somali government, the sooner they realize this Kismayo thing is hard to reverse and move on, the better their chances in governing the country will be. But again some folks have never had an interest in governance ... There is no way to spinn this xiin. It's clear as day, security's councils supports this and stands for it. Hassan sheikh will name a temporary governor for the region and hold peace meeting to avoid further bloodshed. That's why all the so called presidents of jubaland are going to xamar hoping they get this temporary admin. As I said these steps are in right directions. All other options risks putting the country back in civil war and reverse the gains against alshabab.

Good devolopment. It seems like security council's support the recommendation of naming a inter-rim admin by FG and the holding of a new reconciliation meeting with all stakeholders as outlined in the IGAD report. This is the way forward.

Lol atleast president Hiraale is walking on his own legs. That's more one can say about the other "presidents"

Somalia took a giant leap towards full control of its airspace today, as Cabinet approved a draft civil aviation law that will revolutionise sovereignty of the country’s skies. “This law is going to help Somalia take charge of its airspace,” said Minister of Information, Transportation and Telecommunication Abdullahi Elmoge Hersi. “It helps economic growth, it helps job creation and it helps develops aviation skills for our nation. And it shows once again that we are in charge.” The draft legislation now goes to parliament for debate and, once passed, will form the foundation of the new Somali aviation framework, with full control of Somali airspace being transferred by the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organisation later this year. Cabinet also agreed full government participation in the forthcoming National Education Conference for Somalia, a three-day congress between 18-20 June involving civil society and local administrations to develop a national curriculum. The Conference will “review current needs, achievements and challenges facing the education system to generate consensus on the critical challenges among all stakeholders”. In a landmark, unanimous decision, Cabinet called upon foreign donors to route their support exclusively through the Ministry of Finance and Planning. “For too many years aid to Somalia has been delivered in a very fragmented fashion, which is neither efficient nor desirable,” said His Excellency Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon. “From now on we would like all international donors to channel their funding through the Ministry of Finance and Planning. We believe that will help achieve donor objectives and meet the needs of Somali people, while demonstrating appropriate respect for the Somali government and its policies.” Finally, the defence minister reported the findings of his recent visit to Kismayo, discussing the progress achieved on security, centred on the important ceasefire agreed and the willingness of all sides to begin negotiations. Ahmed Adan Prime Minister’s Media Office Mogadishu, Somalia http://www.raxanreeb.com/2013/06/somalia-prime-minister-moves-to-take-charge-of-somalias-airspace/

The alleged abuses by Kenyan Police were an apparent response to a grenade attack on a city commuter minibus. Police suspected the attacks were carried out by gunmen with links to the Somali local fighters Al-Shabab. Seven people were killed and another 30 wounded in the predominantly Somali suburb of Eastleigh in the capital Nairobi, also known as the mini-Mogadishu. The alleged abuses took place between November 2012 and January 2013, a little more than a year after Kenyan troops entered Somalia to fight with al-Shabab. Witnesses told Human Rights Watch the Police carried out 70 days of QUOTE "terror" in the neighborhood, leading to the loss of many innocent lives. Twenty-seven year old Yaya Ahmed was just one of the many Somali refugees who lost their lives in those 70 dark days... Seven months after his execution, his sister, Nima Ahmed, is in grief and in search of an elusive justice. Nima Ahmed has lived in Kenya as a refugee for the past 6 years. She recalls that fateful day. Fatuma Abdi Haji, Yaya Ahmed's aunt lives just 500 meters away…She recalls Yaya was having his medicine andthe breakfast that she had prepared for him. According to Nima, her brother Ahmed was shot dead by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). The postmortem reports indicate two bullet wounds were found in Ahmed's chest. This is where Ahmed took his last breath.. When he had just innocently peeped to see what was happening, he was among the few who unfortunately fell victim to the vicious police operations being conducted that day. The Rights Watch report also documented how Kenyan Police kept calling their victims "terrorists" and extorted money from them. What has shocked HRW is the conspiracy of silence over the whole issue. Not a single entity has ever raised a voice; no one attempted to stop the attacks. The government of Kenya has repeatedly promised to investigate accusations leveled against its security forces. But according to Human Rights Watch, they have remained silent over the issue and so far no serious action has been taken

Nairobi-The European Union's Political and Security Committee (PSC), the key body that contributes to define and monitor the EU's crisis response as part of the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, made its first visit to Somalia. The visit underlined the commitment of the EU to the new political dispensation and the people of Somalia, and the extensive support for the normalisation of the situation in Somalia both politically and in terms of security. The PSC Ambassadors met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the Federal Government. They welcomed the progress in the political and reconciliation processes and in the field of security and development, and discussed the challenges the Government is still facing to rebuild the country. The EU PSC reiterated the EU's continued support to creating peace, stability and prosperity in Somalia and in the wider Horn region. They encouraged continued consolidation of the peace and governance achievements. President Hassan Sheikh and the PSC Ambassador's underscored that "The New Deal for Somalia Conference", which will be jointly hosted by Somalia and the EU in Brussels in September this year, will provide a unique opportunity to galvanise the international community around the New Deal and the Government's vision up to 2016. The representatives of the PSC also visited the EU Training Mission that recently moved from Uganda to Somalia. Security remains a key aspect for stability in Somalia and the EUTM operation's move to Mogadishu is part of the paradigm shift of engaging inside Somalia and in close partnership with the authorities.

Mogadishu 12 June 2013 – The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hosted the first ever visit of the EU Political & Security Committee Ambassadors in Mogadishu. The Political & Security Committee (PSC) is the main decision-making body of the EU and comprises Ambassadors from the 27 EU Member States. The President addressed the event saying “I am very pleased to receive you in Mogadishu on this first historic visit of the EU Political & Security Committee to Somalia. Welcome to the capital of Somalia. Your presence here today is indicative of the change that is happening here.” The President thanked the EU for their unwavering support to the Government and the people of Somalia, which he said shows the commitment of the EU and their determination to see Somalia succeed in their recovery. “The Somali nation and I thank the EU for its sustained and total support over the past few years. As things have got steadily better, you have increased your work with us to build on that confidence and maintain the momentum.” The President also thanked the EU and its Member States for sending their Ambassadors to present credentials and re-establish diplomatic relations and hoped that soon a full fledged EU Mission will come to Mogadishu. The President briefed the Ambassadors saying, “We have made very considerable progress over the past year on security sector reform, political issues, and rebuilding state institutions. But I am not under any illusion about the challenges that remain, and nor should you be. This is a job in good progress but with much still to do.” Speaking on the upcoming Somalia Conference in Brussels in September, the President said, “I very much appreciate the friendship and the initiative of Baroness Ashton to co-host with me the Brussels Conference on 16 September. I have established a high level Task Force for the New Deal process and we will be launching consultations throughout Somalia to prepare the COMPACT that will be presented in Brussels. The COMPACT will provide my Government’s framework for the next three years in terms of our political, security and developmental priorities and I very much look forward to the engagement of your Heads of State and Foreign Ministers.” The President also thanked the EU-ACP Council of Ministers for accepting Somalia’s bid for membership of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement on 7th June 2013 and said “This is a milestone of our cooperation and allows Somalia to join the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) family after 22 years absence.” http://www.raxanreeb.com/2013/06/somalia-president-hassan-hosts-eu-political-security-committee-ambassadors-in-mogadishu/

Im serious. The reason the warlord and former alshabab ras kambonis Axmed madoobe is courted in kenya is because he is pushed by them. He is their puppet in south Somalia. In return he uses their diplomat contacts however this not how legitimacy work. It don't matter how many outsiders madoobe meet or begs. In the end it will be decided by the will of local Somalis and the Somali goverment who will become the real president. My guess is it will be Barre or iftin basto. madoobe has burned to many bridges imo.

Majority of Jubbaland are indeed united. They are united in peace xiin. Noone wants the return of alshabab nor will the locals accept ras kamboni to rule them with the help of Kenya. This will be the hard learned lesson in this conflict. President Barre is chilling in Kismayo xiin, without the KDF tanks just like president Iftin Basto:D

xiinfaniin;961110 wrote: Kenya and Ethiopia, both of which border Jubbaland, have backed two rival candidates That says it all ---this is poorly written , thin on facts article One sentence? You can do better xiin. Actually this is not poorly written but very close to the ground. This is not a biased clan website who wrote it and you can check all the references.

The source is http://www.criticalthreats.org/somalia/zimmerman-challenges-americas-counterterrorism-strategy-somalia-june-10-2013 Full of facts and references.

The Jubbaland Convention The Somali federal government’s inability to exert influence and control over Kismayo and the greater Jubbaland region allowed room for the Jubbaland convention to take place without the government’s consent. The convention initially brought clan representatives together to attempt to negotiate a division of power within the regional administration. Since the start, however, the process has been plagued with hindrances. Inter-clan fighting broke out even before the convention could get under way, which pushed the start date from February 23 to February 28. ******* fighters attacked a Ras Kamboni-controlled police station on February 23, after a ******* leader was killed in custody. Somali government troops tried to intervene to prevent further violence, but instead, were forced to engage militarily with the Ras Kamboni militia. By the time fighting ceased, at least 11 soldiers and civilians had been killed.[18] Once the convention was underway, it began losing support from regional delegations quickly. Representatives from the Lower Jubba and Middle Jubba regions left the talks on April 19, citing unfair representation of regional clans and the influence of Kenyan and Ethiopian interests.[19] Another delegation left the convention on April 24 saying it was unable to voice its opinions.[20] The Jubbaland convention, in addition to neglecting regional powerbrokers, undermined the Somali federal government by shutting government representatives out of any meaningful discussions. The Somali federal government, which declared the process unconstitutional, was denied access to the convention on multiple occasions.[21] For example, a plane carrying Somali government officials was forced to turn around and fly back to Mogadishu on May 12, after being held for several days at the Kismayo airport.[22] High-level government engagement with the convention participants also failed. When Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon traveled to Kismayo to meet with Ahmed Madobe on March 25, talks collapsed after five days of negotiations and both sides accused the other of inflexibility.[23] Recently, a Somali government delegation headed by Defense Minister Abdihakim Mohamed Haji Fiqi was sent to resolve the conflicting presidential declarations on May 28. His group was reportedly held at the airport for three days before being granted limited access to the city with a constant and armed Ras Kamboni guard force.[24] The Somali federal government’s lack of power and military presence in the city allowed negotiations to unravel and the convention eventually ended with four different clan leaders claiming the Jubbaland presidency. Ahmed Madobe, the leader of the ******i-dominated Ras Kamboni brigade, was the first person to declare himself president on May 15. He has strong support from the Kenyan government and the Kenyan troops, operating under the AMISOM mandate, stationed within the city. Reportedly, Kenyan troops are monopolizing revenues from the Kismayo port and are splitting the money with Ras Kamboni forces, which underscores their strong bilateral relationship.[25] This Kenyan influence, and more accurately dominance, in the Jubbaland process has sparked protests within the city. Thousands of Kismayo residents flocked to the streets on May 19 to protest against Ahmed Madobe and Kenyan interests.[26] At least three other clan leaders have come forward to claim the presidency following Ahmed Madobe’s May 15 announcement. The second most prominent contender for the presidency, Barre Hirale, is from the ******* clan, a rival to the ****** clan. Hirale is a well-known warlord, who once served as the Somali minister of defense under the Transitional Federal Government. He was also the chairperson of the Jubba Valley Alliance and controlled Kismayo from 1997 to 2006. Hirale has been a long-time ally to the Ethiopian government, and it is likely that Ethiopia will support his bid for presidency in order to counter the Kenyan support for Ahmed Madobe. Two lesser-known political challengers are Omar Burale Ahmed from the ******, and Abdi Huseen from the ****** clan.[27] Both Ahmed and Huseen have some support from local communities, but a lack of formidable fighting power could prove problematic if the situation devolves to violence. Security concerns are indeed escalating now that four different candidates, from four different clans, have claimed the Jubbaland presidency. Immediately following Madobe’s presidential declaration, residents in the city began evacuating for fear that clan-based violence would erupt.[28] Reports of Ras Kamboni troops looting and killing civilians have also surfaced.[29] Thus far, the Somali federal government has been unable to exert any amount of control over the situation. The government has denounced all of the claims to the presidency, but those protestations fell on deaf ears. The most recent Somali government delegation to Kismayo, sent on May 28, was allegedly detained at the airport for three days. A spokesman for Ahmed Madobe even threatened the Somali federal government, saying the deployment of Somali government troops to the Jubba regions would be considered an act of war.[30] The United States, European Union, China and the Intergovernmental Authority of Development (the bloc of East African states) have all sent representatives to remedy the situation, but have been unable to bring Jubbaland political actors to an agreement.[31] The rising instability in Kismayo has opened the door for a renewed al Shabaab presence in the city. As security deteriorates, al Shabaab, which has remained active in the city, may seek to continue to launch attacks inciting violence and creating a foothold in its old military and economic safe haven. Al Shabaab’s Continued Presence in Kismayo Al Shabaab seems to be increasing its pressure on the already fragile city of Kismayo as security and order deteriorate. Al Shabaab announced a withdrawal from Kismayo in September 2012 in the face of a joint AMISOM, Somali and Ras Kamboni offensive operation to retake the city. There are reports that some fighters present in the city simply went to ground rather than withdraw, however, and al Shabaab leaders promised continued asymmetrical attacks. Since Kismayo fell, al Shabaab has carried out a series of successful bombings and targeted killings in and around the city. Just days after the retreat from Kismayo, an improvised explosive device detonated outside a Somali military base on October 2, forcing troops to evacuate the city and conduct search operations in the city.[32] Another example of an al Shabaab attack in Kismayo is a coordinated double bombing that targeted a Ras Kamboni position on March 25.[33] Bombings such as these prompt concentrated security operations throughout the city, during which hundreds of suspected militants have been arrested.[34] It is not clear, however, how effective these operations are in dismantling al Shabaab cells. More recently, al Shabaab has carried out large-scale, heavy artillery attacks on Somali and AMISOM bases. Attacks targeted Somali and Kenyan positions at the Kismayo airport on April 30 and May 1.[35] Almost a month later, al Shabaab once again targeted the Kismayo airport, shelling the area with heavy artillery on May 28. The Somali defense minister and his delegation were being held at the airport during the attack and may have been the intended targets.[36] While al Shabaab raids, explosions and suicide bombings have occurred with some regularity in Kismayo, the large-scale artillery attacks are most worrisome, as they demonstrate increased al Shabaab military capabilities. These attacks may illuminate al Shabaab’s readiness to launch a campaign to retake the city should an inter-clan fight for control break out. The Somali federal government has exhibited its inability to exert political and military control over Kenyan and Ras Kamboni forces in the city, and will not have the power to fend off al Shabaab advances. If an acceptable Jubbaland government is not negotiated and peace fails, al Shabaab operatives in the city and the surrounding area will be able to re-emerge and make a convincing push for Kismayo. Al Shabaab’s success in regaining its former stronghold would jeopardize recent advances throughout the rest of the country. Looking Forward While recent advances against al Qaeda’s affiliate in Somalia, al Shabaab, have received international praise and established relative stability throughout much of the country, the current situation in Kismayo may threaten any new gains. The potential for the outbreak of inter-clan fighting between the four declared presidents of Jubbaland threatens the peace, not only in Jubbaland, but throughout the entire country. Kenyan and Ethiopian interests are overpowering the will of the weak Somali federal government, which is unable to exert control or influence in Jubbaland. So far, the international community has been ambivalent in mediating the situation in southern Somalia, but that is a grave mistake. If the current political crisis does devolve to violence, and Kenya and Ethiopia are not kept in check, war could re-emerge in a country too used to it. The issue is not limited to the Jubbaland region. Currently, less prominent disputes over control of local administrations in key cities and towns recaptured from al Shabaab may imperil the longevity of the gains toward stability in Somalia. These local disputes could provide al Shabaab with an opportunity to re-establish itself, especially if it is able to co-opt support from one of the parties to the conflict. A re-established, reinvigorated al Shabaab would likely setback Somalia’s success, and would re-create the permissive conditions in the country that allowed al Shabaab to rise to power in the first place

Introduction Al Qaeda’s affiliate in Somalia, al Shabaab, has suffered a series of defeats at the hands of Somali clan militia forces, internationally-backed African Union peacekeeping troops, and Somali federal government forces. Notably, al Shabaab lost a major stronghold in the southern Somali port city of Kismayo at the end of September 2012.[1] As al Shabaab suffered setbacks, the Somali government made major progress: The United States formally recognized a government of Somalia in January 2013 for the first time since 1991, for example.[2] The government controls the majority of Mogadishu today, whereas it held only a few blocks of the capital city in 2010. Yet the Somali federal government’s sovereignty over the territory recognized as Somalia is far from complete, and faces significant challenges. Somaliland, which declared its independence in 1991, has been relatively stable and has sought recognition as a separate state. Puntland established a separate government shortly thereafter, but the semi-autonomous region remains nominally part of the federal Somali state. The defeat of al Shabaab in southern Somalia has galvanized a movement to establish a similar region – Jubbaland – that would also be nominally part of a federal state. The initiative did not stem from the federal government, but rather from local warlords, threatening a codification of the form of the warlordism that originally collapsed the Somali state. America’s counter-terrorism strategy in Somalia relies heavily on having a partner there that will continue to combat al Shabaab. The U.S. invested heavily in training and equipping the African Union peacekeepers, who for a long time served as one of the few forces opposing al Shabaab.[3] It now seeks to work with the Somali federal government to stand up the national security forces to replace the peacekeeping force. But the reconstitution of the Somali state to the point where it will be a meaningful counter-terrorism partner for the United States requires a level of stability and federal control unlikely to be achieved should the Jubbaland initiative succeed. The outside-of-government push for a semi-autonomous region in the south, and the federal government’s inability to manage the crisis, exemplifies the challenge ahead not only for Somalia, but also for American counter-terrorism strategy in the Horn of Africa. Supporters of Jubbaland – constituted by the three southern-most regions of Lower Jubba, Middle Jubba, and Gedo – have organized and are moving forward with plans to establish their own government based in Kismayo in direct opposition to the federal government’s plans. The port revenues from Kismayo are substantial, and the ability to control their distribution has historically driven local conflict over control of the city. Despite the withdrawal of al Shabaab from the city last fall, there is still no local government administration recognized by the Somali federal government sitting in Kismayo. Instead, local powerbrokers with foreign support are attempting to determine the shape of the local administration. There are now four candidates claiming to be in control. Kenya and Ethiopia, both of which border Jubbaland, have backed two rival candidates and the Somali federal government has denounced all claims to power, but cannot enforce its will. Meanwhile, al Shabaab does remain a threat and should the opportunity present itself, the al Qaeda affiliate may also seek to re-establish its control over Kismayo and the city’s resources. Background: Conflicts over Kismayo Debate over who controls Kismayo, one of only three deep-water ports in Somalia, has long driven local conflict as different clans vie for access to its resources. The city is arguably one of Somalia’s most economically important cities. It is a key node in the lucrative charcoal export trade, a highly sought-after source of revenue for local actors. Al Shabaab’s hold over the city and the significance of the charcoal trade as a source of funding for the al Qaeda affiliate prompted the UN to ban the export of charcoal from Somalia in February 2012.[4] Additionally, recent oil and gas discoveries off the coast of East Africa have driven up the potential future value of Kismayo.[5] The city itself changed hands multiple times over the past decade as local clans have received external support to oust the sitting power.[6] Al Shabaab, then part of the Islamic Courts Union (ICU), was initially pushed out of Kismayo in early 2007 by Ethiopian forces during the fight against the ICU. In August 2008, al Shabaab and allied Islamist militias, including one led by ******i warlord Hassan al Turki, fought heavily for control of the port city.[7] ******* clan militias, led by warlord Barre Hirale, suffered heavy losses during the battle.[8] Clans that supported the Islamists were reportedly rewarded for their loyalty through representation in the new administration.[9] Fighting broke out again in October 2009 between al Shabaab and formerly allied militias, including Hizb al Islam, over the distribution of resources.[10] ******i militia leader Ahmed Madobe led one of the Hizb al Islam factions that unsuccessfully fought al Shabaab for Kismayo.[11] Al Shabaab would continue to control Kismayo until September 28, 2012, when its forces withdrew from the city as Madobe’s militia, the Kenya-backed Ras Kamboni Brigade, Kenyan troops fighting under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) mandate, and Somali government forces closed in.[12] Despite the withdrawal of al Shabaab from Kismayo in September 2012, the Somali federal government has been unable to appoint a local administration that exercises control of the city and surrounding areas. Clan militias that had fought on the side of the government against al Shabaab are divided over who will control the port city now, but are also unwilling to turn control over to the government itself. Instead, local powerbrokers have been engaged in negotiations as to the constitution of the Kismayo (and Jubbaland) administration that would, in effect, override any decision made by the federal government. Clan interests, particularly those of the ****** and ******* clans, are driving these negotiations. In the meantime, de facto control has fallen to Ahmed Madobe’s Ras Kamboni Brigade, which has exhibited its monopoly of force in Kismayo by either refusing to provide security for or even preventing the entry of visiting federal government officials.[13] Both of Somalia’s neighbors have historically backed separate clan militia forces to take control of Kismayo, and these lines of support appear to continue today. There are reports that Ethiopia and Kenya held closed-door meetings to discuss the formation of a multi-clan, representative government even before Kismayo fell from al Shabaab control.[14] Such neighborly meddling in internal Somali affairs, and competing attempts to shape the outcome in Jubbaland, may undermine the Somali federal government and scuttle the state-building process underway in the country. Kenya has thrown its support behind Ahmed Madobe, empowering him against al Shabaab under the so-called Jubbaland initiative, which sought to create a buffer zone between al Shabaab and Kenyan territory. Madobe’s success would bolster the ****** clan in the region. This is a concern for Ethiopia, which has attempted to put down an ******i rebellion whose supporters fight under the name of the ******i National Liberation Front (ONLF) in its ethnically-Somali, and oil-rich, ****** region bordering Somalia. To stymie ******i dominance in southern Somalia, Ethiopia has reportedly been subtly backing ******* clan leader, and a long-time Ethiopian ally, Barre Hirale.[15] Kenya and Ethiopia have each publicly denied these reports, and have instead issued statements in support of Somalia’s federal government.[16] Current reporting indicates that revenue from the Kismayo port is not going to the government, however, but is being distributed in part to the Kenyan troops present in the city under the peacekeeping mission and to Ahmed Madobe’s Ras Kamboni Brigade.[17]

If he does that now while he still have room and relevance with the backing of Kenya then surely he will get the credit and respect for such action. But don't hold your breath over it. I think he will be forced away into irelevance as warlords before him has. Would like to be proven wrong but I don't think madoobe has this kinda of political foresight.

Hundreds of people are fleeing the southern Somali port city of Kismayo after fighting broke out between two self-declared leaders of the region. At least 10 people were killed on Saturday as clashes between the rival militias flared for a second day. Seven were killed on Friday, residents said. Fighting began when one of the leaders tried to meet the defence minister, who is seeking to resolve the situation. African Union troops are in charge of security in Kismayo. The city was captured from Islamist militants last October. A new UN-backed government in Mogadishu is trying to regain control of the country after more than 20 years of conflict with the help of the AU force. Intense Kismayo residents say the fighting is intense, with militiamen firing continuously from pick-up trucks mounted with heavy weaponry. There are many different clans in the region - known as Jubaland - who compete for lucrative port revenues in Kismayo and access to the most fertile land in Somalia. Currently there are several self-declared presidents of Jubaland and the government has said it recognises none of them. It wants the groups to attend a meeting in Mogadishu to resolve the issue - this is why Defence Minister Abdihakim Mahmoudis Haji went to Kismayo. Friday's fighting started when fighters loyal to Ahmed Madobe stopped his rival Istin Hassan from meeting Mr Haji, who was staying at a hotel in central Kismayo. Mr Haji told the BBC Somali Service that the fighting "would not be tolerated and should stop forthwith". He denied allegations that members of the Somali army had joined the rival militias. Losing Kismayo in October was a blow for al-Shabab, the al-Qaeda-linked Islamist group which controlled larges swathes of country in recent years. Although the AU and Somali government have driven al-Shabab from most major cities, its fighters still control smaller towns and rural areas in central and southern Somalia and they sometimes launch attacks in government controlled territory.

At least 18 people have been killed in gunbattles in the disputed southern Somalian port city of Kismayu, residents have said. Hundreds were fleeing the clashes on Saturday, the first since several former warlords staked rival claims on the lucrative port and fertile hinterlands in May. Gunmen from the Ras Kamboni armed group of Ahmed Madobe, recently self-appointed "president" of the southern Jubaland region, battled against forces loyal to Iftin Hassan Basto, another leader claiming to be president. "Fighting started when soldiers from Ras Kamboni attacked and tried to arrest me," Basto said. "But my men fought back and defended me." Several rival factions claim ownership of Kismayo, a former stronghold of the Al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab, where Kenyan troops in an African Union force are now based. Kismayu residents counted at least 13 bodies, nearly all armed men, in the sandy streets of two neighbourhoods which witnessed the brunt of Saturday's fighting. Five people were killed a day earlier when the clashes first broke out. "The Ras Kamboni militia now controls this part of the city," said Bile Nur, a resident of Kismayu's Calanleey district. Residents bury dead "Residents are burying the dead of the militia driven out while Ras Kamboni are burying theirs." Residents hid indoors earlier as fighters riding in machine gun-mounted pick-up trucks battled for territorial control. Businesses remained shut and the streets of Somalia's second biggest city were empty of civilians as mortar blasts rang out. Kismayu was controlled by al-Shabab until last September when the armed groups fled an offensive by Kenyan troops supported by Ras Kamboni, an armed group loyal to a former governor of Kismayu, Ahmed Madobe. A local assembly last month declared Madobe president of the southern Jubaland region, handing him back control of Kismayu. But Somalia's central government, which does not view Madobe favourably, said his appointment was unconstitutional. Within days three other men had pronounced themselves president, including Barre Hirale, a pro-Mogadishu former defence minister. Fighting broke out when Madobe's fighters stopped another of the claimants from visiting a hotel were Somalia's defence minister and other officials were meeting. Regional capitals and Western donors were nervous of any reversal of security gains made in Somalia by African Union peacekeepers in the fight against the al Qaeda-linked fighters, seen as a threat to stability in east Africa and beyond. Mogadishu has said there is no going back to civil war, but government-led talks on Kismayu were being stymied by the divisive clan politics that dog Somalia. Many residents weary of years of turmoil hold little hope for a negotiated end.

MOGADISHU (Reuters) - At least 18 people have been killed in gunbattles in southern Somalia's Kismayu, residents said on Saturday, in the heaviest fighting the disputed port city has seen in more than four years. The clashes, the first since several former warlords staked rival claims on the lucrative port and fertile hinterlands in May, has stoked fears among locals of a return to the clan wars that tipped the country into anarchy two decades ago. Residents counted at least 13 bodies, nearly all militiamen, in the sandy streets of two neighborhoods which witnessed the brunt of Saturday's fighting. Five people were killed a day earlier when the clashes first broke out. "The Ras Kamboni militia now controls this part of the city," Bile Nur, a resident of Kismayu's Calanleey district told Reuters by telephone. "Residents are burying the dead of the militia driven out while Ras Kamboni are burying theirs." Earlier residents hid indoors as fighters riding in machine gun-mounted pick-up trucks battled for territorial control. Businesses remained shut and the streets of Somalia's second biggest city were empty of civilians as mortar blasts rang out. Kismayu was controlled by Islamist al Shabaab until last September when the militants fled an offensive by Kenyan troops supported by Ras Kamboni, a militia group loyal to a former governor of Kismayu, Ahmed Madobe. A local assembly last month declared Madobe president of the southern Jubaland region, handing him back control of Kismayu. But Somalia's central government, which does not view Madobe favorably, said his appointment was unconstitutional. Within days, three other men had pronounced themselves president, including Barre Hirale, a pro-Mogadishu former defense minister. LITMUS TEST FOR RECOVERY Fighting broke out when Madobe's fighters stopped another of the claimants from visiting a hotel were Somalia's defense minister and other officials were meeting. Regional capitals and Western donors are nervous of any reversal of security gains made in Somalia by African Union peacekeepers in the fight against the al Qaeda-linked militants, seen as a threat to stability in east Africa and beyond. How the fate of Kismayu and the Jubaland region is resolved is a litmus test for Somalia as it rebuilds from the ruins of war and cements a fragile peace. Mogadishu insists there is no going back to civil war, but government-led talks on Kismayu are being stymied by the divisive clan politics that dog Somalia. Many residents weary of years of turmoil hold little hope for a negotiated end. "The fighting has died down for now," said mother-of-five Seinab Ali. "But Ras Kamboni seem determined to continue until they eliminate the other militias." Madobe's apparently close relationship with the Kenyan military has raised tensions between the Mogadishu and Nairobi governments. A Kenyan ally in southern Somalia could provide Nairobi with a welcome buffer along their porous border. On Saturday, Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud returned to Mogadishu after talks with Kenya's new leader. The pair have met at least five times since Uhuru Kenyatta's inauguration in early April, aides say. Al Shabaab blamed Kenya for the latest violence. "The Kenyan government will be held fully responsible for every drop of blood," Sheikh Xudayfa Abdirahman, a senior al Shabaab official, told Reuters. Al Shabaab wants to impose a strict version of Islamic law on Somalia and has been blamed for many attacks on Kenyan soil. (Writing by Richard Lough; Editing by Janet Lawrence)

China on Thursday called on the United Nations and the international community to continue to play an active and constructive role in addressing the Somalia issue and advancing the peace process in the country. Li Baodong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, said at an open Security Council meeting on the situation in Somalia that “We support the new government of Somalia in implementing an interim Constitution, carrying out its six-point plan, strengthening institutional capacity, exercising government functions and extending effective authority over all its national territory.” The Chinese envoy stressed that national reconciliation is the only way to build lasting peace in Somalia, urging different factions in the country to renounce violence and to join the peace process unconditionally as soon as possible. “We hope the Somali parties will, for the greater good of national stability and development, strengthen unity and cooperation, and bridge their differences through dialogue and consultations, preserve the national integrity and stability, and promote economic and social development,” he said. Li also drew attention to the efforts of the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other regional organizations in addressing the Somalia issue. “We hope that, when dealing with the issue, the United Nations and the international community will further strengthen coordination with regional countries and organizations, and take fully into account their views,” he said. However, he noted, this should be done on the basis of respecting Somalia’s sovereignty. In addition, Li called for rapid and full deployment of the recently established UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (USM), as well as increased financial assistance to the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM). Last month, the Security Council unanimously voted to establish a new UN mission in Somalia to gradually take over the peacekeeping tasks currently performed by AMISOM. The mandate of this political mission began on Monday for an initial period of one year. Somalia has been torn asunder by factional fighting since 1991 but has recently made progress towards stability. In 2011, Islamist Al-Shabaab insurgents retreated from Mogadishu and last year new government institutions emerged, as the country ended a transitional phase and will hold national elections in 2016.

UNITED NATIONS, June 7 (UPI) -- The fledgling government in Somalia could face a volatile future given political rivalries developing along the coast, the U.N. deputy secretary-general said. Somalia last year established a formal central government in Mogadishu for the first time since the 1990s. Somali President Hassan Sheik Mohamud has boasted of the country's fundamental gains, but expressed concern about the ongoing threat from militant group al-Shabaab. U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson told the Security Council political progress could unravel in Somalia without enduring international support. "Somalia will require sustained and generous international support to continue on the path of progress," he said in a statement Thursday. "This means a clear commitment to the federal government to rapidly develop its plans and build its capacities." Delegates at a London donors conference for Somalia in May expressed similar concerns, saying Somalia has a long road to stability ahead. Eliasson raised concerns about the central government's authority after delegates to a May conference declared a regional state in the coastal city of Kismayo. "While there have so far been no reports of military confrontation, the situation remains volatile," Eliasson said. The central government declared the state to be unconstitutional.

BRUSSELS, June 7 (KUNA) -- The ministerial meeting between the European Union and the countries of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Friday approved Somalia's request to access the Cotonou Agreement. "The decision in relation to Somalia's accession opens a new chapter in relations between the EU and Somalia and constitutes a visible sign that Somalia has regained its status as a fully-fledged member of the international community," Irish Minister of State for Trade and Development, Joe Costello, told a press conference after the meeting in Brussels this afternoon. Costello chaired the meeting on behalf of the EU as Ireland holds the current EU Presidency. The EU-ACP Ministerial Council, which meets on an annual basis, is composed of representatives from over 70 African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States as well as representatives of EU Member States and the European Commission. Since 2000, the Cotonou agreement has been the framework for the EU's relations with ACP. Phandu Skelemani, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Botswana, who chaired the meeting on behalf of ACP welcomed the decision to support Somalia's membership. "Somalia will benefit greatly from this," he told the joint press conference. On his part, the ambassador of Somalia to the EU, Nur Adde, said he feels honourd and grateful for the accession in the EU-ACP partnership agreement. "After 20 years Somalia is now back to to EU-ACP family as a full member. This accession will open for Somalia a new avenue, a new opportunity of the Somalia people," added Adde. Meanwhile, the ministerial meeting also approved over 31.5 billion euro of funding for EU development cooperation with ACP countries for the period 2014-20. http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2315550&language=en

British and Chinese ambassadors to the United Nations called on the international community to continue to support peace-building and development in Somalia during a UN Security Council briefing on Somalia Thursday (June 6th). United Kingdom's Foreign Office Minister for Africa Mark Simmonds praised Somalia's dramatic progress over the last 12 months, which saw the end of transitional government and the appointment of a new leader and legislature in "the most representative political process in a generation". He also commended the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the recently launched United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). "Along with this Council, the UK will stand shoulder to shoulder with the Somali people and their government as they continue their journey towards a brighter tomorrow," he said. Li Baodong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said China hopes the "international community will further strengthen co-ordination with regional countries and organisations". "We support the new government of Somalia in implementing an interim constitution, carrying out its six-point plan, strengthening institutional capacity, exercising government functions and extending effective authority over all its national territory," he said, according to China's Xinhua. Li stressed that national reconciliation is the only way to build lasting peace in Somalia, urging Somalis to renounce violence and participate in the peace process.

To avoid further escalation the different sides should head the Pm suggestion about a reconciliation meeting. This infighting between various warlords will only strengthen alshabab in the region.

The head of the new United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) has pledged to support the Government and the people of the country in their quest for security and prosperity, as he arrived in the country’s capital for the Mission’s start of operations. “I am very pleased to be in Mogadishu and to have this opportunity to support the federal Government and people of Somalia to bring peace, security and prosperity back to Somalia,” said the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, upon his arrival in the country. “Somalia is a proud country with ancient traditions, a vibrant culture, and strong values. I will not forget that as I strive to support the Somali Government and people in their quest for peace.” Last month, the Security Council unanimously voted to establish a new UN Assistance Mission in Somalia to be based in Mogadishu. The Mission’s mandate begins today for an initial period of 12 months. As part of its mandate, UNSOM will support State building and peacebuilding with a focus on good governance, security sector reform, rule of law, human rights, providing “good offices” for mediation and political reconciliation and coordination of international assistance. “This is an historic moment for Somalia,” said Mr. Kay, who will lead UNSOM efforts. “The people of Somalia rightly have high expectations. We need to aim high. We look forward with hope towards a national election in 2016. The challenges are tremendous, but we must work hard to seize the moment.” Somalia has been torn asunder by factional fighting since 1991 but has recently made progress towards stability. In 2011, Islamist Al-Shabaab insurgents retreated from Mogadishu and last year new Government institutions emerged, as the country ended a transitional phase toward setting up a permanent, democratically-elected Government. UNSOM will incorporate the work of the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) and the UN Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA), which had backed the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) since its inception in 2007. Mr. Kay paid tribute to the UNPOS team, stating it had completed its mission, and added that UNSOM marks the beginning of a new phase for the UN in Somalia. “The people of Somalia have asked the UN for a new partnership to match their aspirations,” he said. “The UN effort will become more unified, more joint and more effective – based on the principles of true partnership with the African Union and all other partners of Somalia. The international community has recognized this through its commitment to support UNSOM.” Over the next few days Mr. Kay will meet with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Government officials, as well as representatives from AMISOM and civil society groups. Mr. Kay had previously served as Africa Director at the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, a position he has held since 2012. Prior to this, he served as Ambassador to the Republic of the Democratic of the Congo and Sudan from 2007 to 2010 and 2010 to 2012, respectively.

Al-Shebab fighters in Somalia on Sunday publicly displayed two soldiers they claim are Kenyans, captured during skirmishes that left five people dead last month after a cross-border attack. Al-Shebab fighters displayed the two prisoners to thousands of people gathered in southern Somali town of Jilib. The Islamists used vehicles mounted with loudspeakers to order residents to participate in the event before they paraded the two prisoners in front of the crowd. Witnesses told RFI that they saw two handcuffed Kenyans in worn-out clothes in the middle of the crowd as the fighters were giving a scornful look to the prisoners. Opinions about the prisoners in the town are split. Some sympathise with their plight while others are indifferent, regarding them as invaders. Kenyan forces are not neutral in their dealings with the Somali clans so they have to pay the heftiest price, said Mohamed Adam, is one of the residents who witnessed Sunday's event. " I have seen with my own eyes, two Kenyan prisoners who were paraded by the Islamists and really I don't feel any sympathy for them because they invaded our motherland and started siding with one clan," he said. The two men were abducted last month along with rifles and ammunition allegedly captured at the time. Al-Shebab has previously demanded the release of Islamist prisoners held in Kenya in exchange for the freedom of the Kenyan hostages. Al-Shebab has been fighting since 2007 to topple Somalia's weak central government and has long been accused of destabilising the border area between Kenya and Somalia.