'We Offer Our Condolences to the Somali People'

Jay Carney, White House Press Secretary

Carney Comments on the Attack on the National Theater in Mogadishu, Somalia

The United States strongly condemns the outrageous attack today in Mogadishu that resulted in a tragic loss of life. We offer our condolences to the Somali people, particularly those who lost family and loved ones. Somalia, with the support of African Union peacekeepers, has made great strides in the past months to improve security and rebuild Mogadishu after two decades of civil strife. Al-Shabaab’s attack on the newly reopened National Theater is another sign that it is standing in the way of Somalia’s path to peace and stability, and demonstrates why it is being rejected by the Somali people. We remain committed to the people of Somalia and assisting them in countering al-Shabaab’s violence and in returning peace to their country.

Details on the attack available here: Los Angeles Times article

Navy SEALs Rescue Somalia Captives

Navy SEAL Insignia

Statement by the President on Successful Hostage Rescue

On Monday, I authorized an operation to rescue Jessica Buchanan, an American citizen who was kidnapped and held against her will for three months in Somalia. Thanks to the extraordinary courage and capabilities of our Special Operations Forces, yesterday Jessica Buchanan was rescued and she is on her way home. As Commander-in-Chief, I could not be prouder of the troops who carried out this mission, and the dedicated professionals who supported their efforts.

Jessica Buchanan was selflessly serving her fellow human beings when she was taken hostage by criminals and pirates who showed no regard for her health and well-being. Last night I spoke with Jessica Buchanan’s father and told him that all Americans have Jessica in our thoughts and prayers, and give thanks that she will soon be reunited with her family. The United States will not tolerate the abduction of our people, and will spare no effort to secure the safety of our citizens and to bring their captors to justice. This is yet another message to the world that the United States of America will stand strongly against any threats to our people.

Details on the series of events can be obtained here: Miami Herald: Navy SEALs Rescue

Navy SEAL insignia courtesy of http://www.navycs.com

Somalia Cholera Epidemic

The WHO says Somalia is facing a cholera epidemic - brought on by famine and militants obstructing aid.

Sources:National PostXinhuaThe Daily BeastTelegraphThe New York Times

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

By Stephanie Redding

Anchor: Anthony Martinez

Video provided by Newsy.com

Obama Approves Additional $105 Million for Horn of Africa Famine

The Horn of Africa

Statement by the Press Secretary on Additional Funding

Amid the worst drought in East Africa in 60 years, the United Nations has declared that famine now affects five regions in Somalia and predicts that famine could soon expand throughout southern Somalia. Thousands of Somalis are fleeing the famine and seeking refuge in Kenya and Ethiopia, which are also affected by the drought. According to the United Nations, more than 12.4 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

Today, on behalf of the U.S. Government and the American people, the President has approved an additional $105 million for urgent humanitarian relief efforts in the Horn of Africa, including funds from his Emergency Relief and Migration Assistance Fund. This year alone, the U.S. has provided approximately $565 million in humanitarian assistance. U.S. assistance will continue funding the urgently needed food, health, shelter, water and sanitation assistance to those who desperately need help.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia
Author: Sam Fentress
Permission: GNU Free Documentation License

World News: Did al-Shabab Retreat from Somalian Capital? Or Regrouping?

Reports say the al Qaeda-backed organization al-Shabab have left the capital city Mogadishu, which they controlled for years.

Sources:Los Angeles TimesBBCAl JazeeraSuna Times

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

By Jing Zhao

Anchor: Blake Hanson

Video provided by Newsy.com

World News: Somalian Militant Group Rejects Famine Aid

Somalia's militant group Al Shabab is continuing to block aid to famine-stricken parts of the country.

Sources:Al JazeeraThe Christian Science MonitorCNNThe Guardian

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

By Alejandra Quintela

Anchor: Austin Kim

Video provided by Newsy.com

Biden Meets with African-Union Panel for Sudan

Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and Darfur Points of Critical Discussion

Vice President Biden today met at the White House with former South African President Thabo Mbeki, Chairman of the African Union (AU) High-Level Implementation Panel for Sudan, along with fellow panel members, former President of Nigeria Abdulsalami Abubakar, and former President of Burundi Pierre Buyoya.

The Vice President and the delegation committed to continue their work together with the parties to resolve outstanding Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) issues by July 2011, particularly the issue of Abyei. The Vice President expressed appreciation for the Panel's role in brokering the recent commitment by Sudanese leaders to withdraw Northern and Southern forces from Abyei and underscored the commitment of the United States to coordinate our efforts regarding Sudan with the African Union.

On the critical issue of Darfur, the Vice President expressed great concern that security conditions on the ground continue to deteriorate and are further aggravated by restrictions on peacekeepers’ and humanitarian workers’ access to vulnerable populations. The Vice President underscored the importance of ensuring the establishment of two viable states in Sudan after the South’s independence in July and stressed that a resolution to the situation in Darfur must be part of that process.

Both sides committed to working together to galvanize international support for addressing our shared interests in the coming months. The meeting builds on Vice President Biden’s trip to Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa last June that helped to build regional cooperation on CPA implementation.