Salem-News.com Somalia articles Page 1

Somalia: We Cannot Let the Somali People Down, Says Humanitarian Chief

Diseases and high child-mortality rates persist, and more than 320,000 children are acutely malnourished.

(GENEVA) - Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos called for a coherent approach to addressing the humanitarian, development and political challenges in Somalia today at the London Conference.

Ms. Amos emphasized the importance of dealing with the immediate needs of millions of Somalis and the longer-term development issues critical to helping the country build resilience.

Somali Pirates Release Greek Bulker After 11-Month Hostage Ordeal

Ship manager of MV Blida is Sekur Holdings Inc. of Piraeus, Greece and registered owner is International Bulk Carrier of Algeria.

(NAIROBI, Kenya) - The Motor Vessel Blida was released today and the crew is in good condition, given the circumstances, Ecoterra Intl. reports. Captain Vitali and the Chief Officer called Ecoterra Intl. at midday to relay the message to the diplomatic missions, thanking everybody involved in the release efforts.

The captain confirmed that the remaining crew of 25, two sailors had to have a medical evacuation earlier, is all right and happy that they will reach in about five days Mombasa in Kenya.

Withdrawal Symptoms: Curtain Rises on Second Act of an Endless War Crime

We are not ringing down the curtain on the Iraq War; we are simply beginning the second act, with new scenery in the backdrop, some new plotlines and characters -- but the same old dirty, bloody business of aggression.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Barack Obama has announced that all American troops will be withdrawn from Iraq by the end of the year.

This was presented as America honorably adhering to the agreement signed years ago by the Bush Administration.

Two US drones crash in south Somalia

Two unmanned aerial vehicles operated by the US military have crashed in southern Somalia near the border with Kenya, Press TV reports.

(TEHRAN) - A Somali government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Press TV that the American remote-controlled drones went down in close proximity to Dhoobley town late Tuesday.

This is situated 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the Kenyan border and about 500 kilometers (312 miles) southwest of the Somali capital Mogadishu.

Famine in Somalia: It`s Not a Natural Disaster: It`s Murder

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words… the Famine in Somalia: “Billions For Bombs… Peanuts for Bread”… That’s what the Right Wing wants…

(CHENNAI, India) - THE FAMINE in Somalia has once again focussed attention on the problems of the less developed countries.

Much of the response to the crisis is a short term one in the form of food aid. However in order to understand the causes of this and other famines in Africa it is necessary to race back the roots of the problem to colonisation and imperialism.

Counter-Piracy Updates: Somalia, Gulf of Aden & the Indian Ocean

Includes video of German Navy attacking and destroying suspected pirate boat.

(NAIROBI, Kenya Ecoterra) - At least 30 ships plus 18 smaller foreign vessels are kept in Somali hands against the will of their owners, while at least 504 hostages or captives - including a South-African yachting couple - suffer to be released.

But even EU NAVFOR (European Union Naval Force Somalia), who mostly only counts high-value, often British insured vessels, admitted now that many dozens of vessels were sea-jacked despite their multi-million Euro efforts to protect shipping.

Sharing Excerpts from a Thought Provoking and Inspiring Piece

“The secession of Somaliland failed not for lack of effort, determination, or lack of resources, human or otherwise. If tenacity, commitment, and diligence would deliver a goal, Somaliland would have been recognized long ago.”

(UGANDA) - The following excerpts are gleaned as inspiring quotes from what Mr. Mohamed Heebaan posted on www.wardheerNews.com under the title “Time to Reconstruct Somali Politics--.”

Status of Seized Vessels and Crews in Somalia, Gulf of Aden & Indian Ocean

Since EU NAVFOR's inception at the end of 2008 the piracy off Somalia started in earnest and it has now completely escalated. Only knowledgeable analysts recognize the link.

(NAIROBI, Kenya) - Since 1986 - ECOTERRA Intl. and ECOP-marine serve concerning the counter-piracy issues as advocacy groups in their capacity as human rights, marine and maritime monitors.

The group works in co-operation with numerous other organizations, groups and individuals as information clearing-house. In difficult cases we have successfully served as mediators.

The Silence over the CIA Prison in Somalia

This report raises another interesting area of concern. Several Governments in the region have Prisons that for the lack of a better term have horrible conditions.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - In the August 1st-8th edition of the Nation Jeremy Scahill wrote a piece that has been met with silence from some of the people one would assume would have something to say about it.

Somalia`s Education Sector Further Threatened by Famine Exodus, UN Warns

Over $20 million will be needed to help 435,000 children & maintain education.

(GENEVA) - Immediate action and funding are urgently needed to prevent a dramatic worsening of the educational situation in war- and drought-wracked Somalia.

Some 1.8 million children are already out of school, with a knock-on effect on access to health care, the United Nations warned today.