PRESS RELEASE The President of the Federal Government of Somalia His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the Prime Minister His Excellency Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed and the Speaker of Parliament His Excellency Mohamed Osman Jawari tonight hosted an Iftar ceremony in which the nomination of an 18-member Technical Committee on Formation of Interim South West Administration was announced and endorsed. Cabinet members, elders from various constituencies in South West Somalia and other key stakeholders, attended the ceremony. The formation of the technical committee is an important first step towards the implementation of the agreement reached by the opposing sides in South West Somalia on June 23rd, 2014, under the guidance of H.E. Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed to form an interim South West State Administration. The committee, whose members were selected based on the principle of inclusive politics and with careful consideration of the individual capacities of the members, will be supported by a team of Cabinet members under the leadership of the Prime Minister. The three leaders and the elders who attended the ceremony expressed their satisfaction with the progress of the efforts to form an inclusive interim administration in South West Somalia and reaffirmed their support for the implementation of the South West Agreement. Speaking at the ceremony, H.E. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said: “This is another important milestone achieved in our efforts towards a democratic and federal Somalia, where we aim to bring the government closer to the people and promote unity. This process was difficult, but it finally paid off through collaborative efforts and we are all happy with the outcome. We have come together tonight to celebrate all the hard work that went into the agreement and the formation of the technical committee that will facilitate the formation of an Interim South West State Administration.” Affirming the thoughts of the President, H.E. Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed said: “I would like to congratulate the committee members and wish them well in the important work ahead. I pledge my full support for this process and would like to assure the committee of the commitment of the federal government to the success of this endeavor. This process is critical to the advancement of federalism in our country and the formation of Federal Somali States in the country. My Cabinet and I look forward to working with the committee towards this noble goal.” On his part, Speaker Jawari commended the government’s commitment to federalism and said: “Congratulations to the government on this political achievement. This represents the foundation of the formation of the interim state administration, and we hope that the technical committee will successfully steer the process of forming an inclusive interim administration.” —END—

Ahmed Samatar: James Wallace Professor of International Studies at Macalester College President Barack Obama has officially welcomed Somalia's new ambassador to the United States - the first since 1991. Omar Abdirashin Ali Sharmarke served as Somalia's Prime Minister in 2009 and 2010. His arrival in Washington comes as the State Department prepares to announce a new U.S. ambassador to Somalia. Macalester College Professor of International Studies Ahmed Samatar, a candidate in Somalia's 2012 presidential elections, joins The Daily Circuit to explain what difference this diplomatic fresh start could make. http://www.mprnews.org/story/2014/07/15/daily-circuit-somali-ambassador

I guess they picked the scorched earth policy from Ethiopian neighbors. Alla ha qaboojiyo.

Mooge, would this picture change your mind?

Something wrong with Germans waving flags and their hands pointing to the sky.

I always thought Cidan escaped a mental hospital, who knew burahadeer was his room-mate.

Where's the food court?

MMA had it!

Khayr. Are you seriously comparing ISIS fighters to the companions of the Prophet? Tallaabo. What else are you okay with? Can they stop in streets and search you or visit you at work? Giving the security services a free access is the worst thing that can happen!

Dalmar. You missed my point. " President Hassan And DJ are getting stronger they have practically silented the opposition by including them in the Government , now we have all inclusive Government, they have the Parliament under control,and Regional admins under the same manner." The statement above is contrary to the reality on the ground. I think the supporters of this Government will do themselves and the Government a favor by being little bit honest with themselves. For heaven's sake, Alshabab is attacking the Presidential compound almost at will. The Government should be supported but some positive criticism is needed, they lost their way, no strategy, all words and no actions. Another security meeting or announcements will not stem the ever-increasing problems.

Elpunto I am all for educating these kids. The issue is who facilitated their journey to Syria and who recruited them to begin with. I found it hard to believe these kids 'were just caught up in the moment'. It takes a bit of nurturing (indoctrination) and resources to get them where they are now. These girls and others before them will indeed pay dearly, but the idea is to stop them before they go on just perilous journey.

Johnny. Apart from Pland bravado, what's interesting is how our people see the concept of power. They equate power with presidency and premiership, everything else is beneath them. What likes of Mooge and others failed either willfully or by lack intellectual rigor understand is that ambassadorship to the wealthiest and most powerful nation might present more power and influence than any ministry or even madaxtooyada. If one is smart, important relationships can be cultivated with the elites of DC and influence gained. Dalmar and Malistar. You seem to be suffering from 'my uncle is the president' syndrome; a condition that detaches one from prevailing reality. The condition was first diagnosed during Abdullahi Yusuf and Sheikh Sharif era; Duke was patient zero. Juje was the next victim.

Khayr. Accusing someone of anti-Muslim bigotry seems a convenient way of glossing over serious issue. How LayZie phrases her questions might sound anti-Muslim but the question remains how a seemingly, well-rounded, normal teenagers with bright future ended up in Syria. This is not first instance young Somalis going to wars. Not much awaits these young girls in Syria, they are mere pawns or worse, they will passed around as wives to the next 'brother' of the last martyr. Surely, you understand the predicament these kids have put themselves in and the need to avert any similar events.

Beneath him?

Samir iyo iiman.

He does give some insight on how they operate, fear, anonymity and employing one's relative. It seems they have well established intelligence.

The meaning of development needs to be redefined in the Somali context.

Who's radicalizing these kids? More importantly, who paid for their ticket? The reality of war will baptize them and kick some sense into thick skulls, but by then, it might be too late for them to get out. I think there were two sisters from Norway that went to Syria as well? What I don't get is Somalis taking keen interest in conflicts that have nothing to do with them. If you want to "help" Muslims, go to your country of origin and help displaced families. After all, charity is also important in Islam, not mention it is less dangerous.

Sorry Blue....

I think isbarmuto might be Faysal Waraabe, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9J0s6D_8Zuo

You are welcome. Who's advising him?

He's indifferent or simply incompetent.

Just shaking head.....

Galbeedi. Few quantifiable individuals benefit from corruption not sub-clans, The sub-clans just take the rap for the misdeeds of the few. I highly doubt Siilaanyo's sub-clan benefit from his administration, his inner circle however does.