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Somaliland: “Imbalance” Talks further Empowered Criminality of Somalia

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The Remains of People killed by Force’s loyal to the Former Federal Government of Somalia unearthed by rains from one of the many Known Mass Graves Scattered all over the country

By Abdirahman Mohamed Dirye

The talks in Turkey many people thought would be an exit of Somalia’s irreparably cracked cesspool have, instead, further empowered Somalia official delegates: after three days or so of waste of time and money, Somaliland accepted to call the ethnic cleansing and extermination of entire people from the face of earth by the Somalia’s brutal military regime an “ atrocity!” whereby downgrading from utter genocide which implicates its perpetrators to be brought to International Criminal Court  to mere killing of insignificant number of people! Faysal Ali Warabe of UCID has alerted the grave historic mistake taking place in full view of everyone from ordinary to jurist—maybe there is no Jurist in Somaliland at the all—legal terms differ in meaning and have legal consequences and some have not, a forgotten fact.

Black Law Dictionary’s definition of atrocity: Aggravated assault is one committed with the intention of committing some additional crime; or one attended with circumstances of peculiar outrage.

 

This technical flaw committed by insanity-partisan-politics of the Kulmiye led government disregarding the national consensus and consultation with other national parties in overriding issues has revealed the magnitude of disaster of exclusion of legal advisors from the delegates let alone national parties.

The inclusion of the word atrocity into the communiqué has extra ramifications on Somaliland, in other words, Somalia’s ex-war criminals like Morgan, the few perpetrators of Somaliland Genocide alive so far, can be reinstalled as defense minister according to the recent deal. One cannot criminalize him of any wide-scale massacre he committed unless one is idiot or oblivious of what one has signed or the risks associated with the reckless inconclusive accords one always impulsively sign. So if the cap fits, wear it.

One camp says Somaliland delegates comprised of veteran diplomat of three decades at the UN along with Dahab Shiil ex-staff who dazzled by the Othman empire’s contemplation in caravans in 17 centuries without single international jurist have remarkably outmaneuvered over their counterparts. On the other hand, Somaliland’s yes-men camp says it is more than enough to travel to Istanbul and bring back some gifts to Hargaysa. Somaliland can gain recognition via blueprint bought from lobbyists of Turkish Cyprus, so hold on don’t be pessimist, things will get better, but let us see whether this optimism is wishful thinking or have clue.

No benchmark, however, to measure if talks have moved on or withdrawn an inch from its fixed point.  Clichés are oft heard “ Maqaasare ayaa nalagu qaabilay” which very ambiguous but many construed to  mean“ red carpet being rolled out or high ranking official hugged us.” but this time one thing was added to Somaliland political lexicon: “atrocity being acknowledged”. Was that what brought them to Turkey? Late Mohamed Farah Aided already acknowledged what happened in Somaliland is tantamount to crimes against humanity and continued on and on.

 Whatsoever happened has happened and that is thing of the past, but delegates were entrusted to talk about the future, not the past. What they’ve done in regard to the future?

The First-Time Devastating Legacy motto coined by the former foreign minister to boost his diplomatic underachievement has been played out by innocent members of the delegates “the first time the atrocity to be apologized!” Does apology bring lives back? Rather than signing an agreement that clarifies the absolute end of unity, they uttered “to sit with Somalia is big victory, bigger than anything else we could imagine” with triumphant-looking faces though returned empty-handed! If that a sufficient achievement, let it be.

Turkey is neither fond of genocide approval nor the proper venue of such thing because Ankara calls Armenia’s genocide over millions of people a small massacre of some sort   rather than what it is: genocide. Similarly, Ankara does not want to co-sign such embarrassing deal as human rights defenders would describe Ankara pot calling kettle black.

During World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Turkish premier b lasted at the Israel president Shimon Peres “…you kill kids playing in Gaza beach….”  But Israeli response was swift and accurate “look at the mirror” it means, I think, you kill Kurdish masses with F8 jets like flies.  Is Kurdish blood allowed to shed according to the Turkish constitution while paying lip service to Palestinians?  But Palestinians are not Somalinders.  I like lives being spared.  

Somaliland global position is diminishing by the day, of being in state of limbo to nonentity. What made Somaliland delegates believe their compromise of genocide to mere atrocity will make Somaliland acceptable to Mogadishu?  Somaliland’s future is in the balance yet.

 

 

Istanbul Communique’ II: A Resounding Victory for People & Government of Somaliland

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Never before had it been so clearly stated in an international forum, in the presence of the leading world governments, such as the UK, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey that the Somaliland claim for sovereignty is a legitimate argument in the eyes of the international community.  The communiqué released of the talks between the Government of Somaliland and the Government of Somalia in Istanbul, Turkey, is the latest victory for Somaliland since it started a diplomatic offensive to promote the Somaliland independence reclaimed in 1991 from the ruins of an ill-fated union with Somalia in 1960.

In at least FOUR prominently and strategically placed notations; the words Government of Somaliland stand out on the recently signed communiqué between Somaliland and Somalia in Istanbul, Turkey.

The Istanbul Communiqué begins with the words: Document for the process of political dialogue between the Government of Somaliland and the Federal Government of the Somalia on future relations establishing that the legitimacy of the document and its outcome rests on a dialogue between two equally delegated parties talking of mutual interests and future relations – the Federal Government of Somalia and the Government of Somaliland.

 

The second sentence in the preamble introducing the event states In accordance with framework agreement reached in Chevening, Dubai, Ankara, and Istanbul I, delegations from the Federal Government of Somalia and the Government of Somaliland met in Istanbul between 16-19 January, 2014 with the assistance of Turkish Government”. Here, it is made clear that the delegations meeting on equal footing in Istanbul are, respectively, from the Federal Government of Somalia and the Government of Somaliland.

Under Dialogue Process Design of the Communiqué, the first point, again, makes clear that the get-together in Istanbul hosted and presided over by the government of Turkey is a dialogue process between the Government of Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia to reach agreement on future relations.

Finally, the signature concluding the agreement reached was put as below:

sign

In addition to above, the nine-point principles, the two parties agreed represent a second victory for Somaliland. Point 5, for example makes naught of Puntland claims on regions of Somaliland, as it is part of the Federal government of Somalia, which is bound by the words parties make a firm commitment to the resolution of differences through exclusively peaceful means and dialogue. In other words, if any of the parties infringe on the territories of the other in a military offensive, which will constitute a blatant violation of an agreement that can be considered by any international court. 

Secondly, that all previous agreements reached by the two parties, the principles state, as they have agreed to  fully approve the contents of previous agreements which are in the best interests of both parties.

Thirdly, the two governments agreed to resuscitate the afore-agreed terms on control and share of Somali air-traffic proceeds on equal terms.

That a Somali government seated in Mogadishu has admitted that ‘atrocities’ committed against Somaliland (… particularly Somaliland, Pt 9) is a clear ownership of culpability on all factors related to the genocide, the political oppression, the looting, the arbitrary detentions, the targeted assassinations, and all the resultant trauma following it. This paves the way for the Somaliland government to stand their ground and point out to all and sundry that they will never, ever expose their people to a similar experience which nobody can eliminate from probability.

In light of above, the  recent, unthought-of allegations of Somaliland opposition figures regarding  the status of Somaliland at the negotiating table, and how they constantly portrayed it in the past, is a slap on the face to them, an own goal, indeed. Of particular interest to Somalilanders is the opposition leader –turned-English-teacher dismissing the word ‘atrocity’ as a simple word that included everything but what it truly does. One of the word’s basic definitions is “a shockingly cruel act, especially an act of wanton violence against an enemy in wartime”. If what happened in Somaliland in the hands of Somalia-led forces, fulfilling the executive orders of a Somalia-born dictator, were not atrocities, then they tell us what it is in another unworldly language that they only can understand – again.

 

Dr. Ibrahim J Abdi

Hargeisa, Republic of Somaliland

Africa:Fighting the war in the mountains of Sudan with a camera

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How to tell the story of a war no one’s ever heard of? Nuban Ahmed Khatir is using the only ‘weapon’ he has: a camera.

John Dickie’s Eyes of Nuba screens on Sunday, 26 January 2014 at  22:30 GMT on Witness, Al Jazeera’s flagship documentary strand.

The 25-minute documentary tells the story of Ahmed Khatir from Nuba Reports, a small-band of self-taught journalists based in the Nuba Mountains on the border between Sudan and the newly formed South Sudan.

When the war broke out there in June 2011, Ahmed watched, powerless, as Sudanese soldiers burned his family’s home.

But instead of taking up arms to join with the rebels, he joined a group of citizen journalists who are determined to make the world take notice.

“At the start of the new century, the genocide in Darfur in Sudan and the atrocities committed there made headlines,” says John, the film’s director. “Foreign governments and humanitarian organisations, prompted by global news reports filled with graphic images of death and mayhem, finally took action. Aid and outrage poured into the region and Sudan’s president Omar al-Bashir subsequently became the first sitting head of state to be indicted by the International Criminal Court. But the tragedy of genocide had not been confined to just this one corner of Sudan. In the neighbouring province of Southern Kordofan, and particularly in the Nuba Mountains, a similar catastrophe is currently underway and yet nobody seems to know about it.”

Sudanese bombers randomly attack and burn villages, all in an effort to drive out the local population they suspect are in bed with the SPLA-N (Sudan People’s Liberation Army-North).

Eyes-of-Nuba-1

Many now live in nearby caves, forced from their land and on the brink of starvation.

But this is a forgotten war. “The U.N. and most NGOs abandoned the region when the war began in 2011 as the Sudanese government could not – or would not – guarantee their safety,” says John. “The Nuban population is essentially cut off from the rest of the world due to the remoteness of the region, the fact that journalists and NGOs are banned from entering the area, and cell phone and television coverage being cut off.”

Ahmed and his team know that for the people living in Nuba, information and reaching out to the rest of the world may be their only hope of survival. Their aim is to prevent the region from descending further into genocide, to avoid becoming the next Darfur.

But in the time since the documentary finished, the situation has already escalated with the eruption of the new conflict in South Sudan. “Yida Refugee Camp is home to 70 000 Nubans, including Ahmed’s family,” says John. “It’s in Unity State in South Sudan, which borders Sudan. This has been a flashpoint region as rebels briefly took control of Bentiu, the state capital, which is around 100 kms from Yida. Fighting raged as government forces took back the town in early January, with reports of dead bodies lining access roads. As a result, the UN and other NGOs have left Yida Refugee Camp, leaving Nuban refugees without relief services. Many are now returning to the Nuba Mountains. So an already horrific situation for them just got worse.”

Meanwhile, in the Nuba Mountains, the Sudan Armed Forces have recently begun new efforts to take back the territory from the rebel SPLA-N, with large troop mobilizations being reported. A battle took place at Toroje in which the rebels repelled the Sudanese army incursion and captured tanks and weapons. Ahmed arrived at the front line after the fighting and his report can be viewed here: http://nubareports.org/srf-repel-saf-attack-hold-road-to-south-sudan/

For more information, visit http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/witness/ or check out www.nubareports.org for up-to-date coverage of the crisis, including a powerful recent report about a new ‘parachute bomb’ tactic being deployed by the Sudan government: http://nubareports.org/on-the-ground-update-parachute-bombs-and-new-offensives/

AL JAZEERA MEDIA NETWORK

 

Somaliland: Human Rights Center demands the immediate release of Guleid Dahir Samatar

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Press Release

21/1/2014

Guleid Dahir Samatar, ex-deputy governor of Togdheer region, east of Somaliland, was arrested by Somaliland Police who raided his house about 2:00 am local time on 3rd January 2014 at Buro’a town of Togdheer region. The procedure he was arrested violates article 25 of Somaliland Constitution which states that no person may be arrested, searched, or detained, except when caught in the act of committing the crime or on the issue of a reasoned arrest warrant by a competent judge.

The Police entered the dwelling house of Gulied by force in contrary to article 29 of Somaliland Constitution. He was immediately transferred to Berbera Prison where he was held in three days without court warrant.

Guleid was release on 6th January 2014. But on 9th January 2014 when he decided to go back to his hometown, Buroa, the Police apprehended him again without court warrant.

Guleid, member of Wadani opposition party, is not formally charged with any offence, but the Police accused him of organizing public protest held in Buroa on 23rd December. Guleid denies these accusations.

 According to article 32 of the Constitution every citizen has the freedom to organize or participate in demonstrations.

 Human Rights Center recommends Somaliland authorities to immediately release Guleid Dahir Samatar.

 

Ms. Mulaho Mohamed Ali

Spokesperson, Human Rights Center

Hargeysa Somaliland

Djibouti:NATIONAL UNION FOR SALVATION (USN)

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Djibouti, January 16, 2014

Press release

 

Today, Thursday, January 16, 2014, corresponded to the first anniversary of the birth of the Union for national salvation (USN), a coalition of opposition parties Djibouti. A good law, USN commemorate this historic event inside its new headquarters (HQ) located in Ward 4, former sector of the Djiboutian capital. Why inside? Because the regime prohibits the USN, under false pretenses, to organize any public meeting, as evidenced bans rallies USN 6 December 2013 and 01 January 2014.

At 10:30, while the president of the USN, Ahmed Youssouf Houmed, delivered his memorial speech, a police detachment of a hundred armed with clubs, tear gas and even firearms officers, raided the headquarters and put an abrupt end to the celebration. Not without physically assaulting several militants.

In the aftermath, the police arrested all the leaders present USN Ahmed Youssouf Houmed, president of the USN, Omar Elmi Khaireh, vice-president of the USN, Ismail Gedi Hared, president of the National Assembly Self (ANL), Farah (DAF), a spokesman for the USN, Abdurahman Mohamed Guelleh, general secretary of the USN, Mohamed Daoud Chehem, Deputy Finance USN doctor Ebbo Adou Abbate, Vice President the model, but also the leaders Adan Mohamed Abdou, 1st Vice-President of the NLA, Ali Mohamed Dato, legitimate president of the municipality of Balbala Aden Dalieh Dirieh legitimate president of the municipality of Boulaos and Master Djama Amareh Meidal, Legal Adviser of the High Council USN. They also arrested a large number of members ANL, executives and activists USN both sexes, came to celebrate this event in a calm, order and joy. All or sixty people were loaded onto police cars and taken to the detention center administrative Nagad known for its unhealthy cells where mosquitoes swarm and other unwanted insects. First crammed into a single cell and deprived of their cell phones, officers and members of the USN were then separated to be split between two cells, with physical violence and degrading treatment against some. Then the spokesman USN, Daher Ahmed Farah, and Master Djama Amareh Meidal were isolated, each the Bastille in a dilapidated room that holds more toilets without evacuation that cell retention.

This sixty people were not released in the evening to 18 hours.

In addition to these arrests, police confiscated five personal cars parked near the headquarters including those Adan Mohamed Abdou Mohamed Daoud Chehem, Ishmael and Dr. Ahmed Waberi ABBATTE Ebbo Adou vehicles were however not in breach road.

Last act of this senseless repression, the new headquarters of the USN was vandalized in the early afternoon he suffered a burglary and destruction of furniture and toilets. And for the second time since December 4, 2013, when the first rampage. The perpetrators obviously in the pay plan, and have won camcorders, cameras and a backpack.

We strongly condemn these actions that speak volumes about the excitement and the fragility of the regime against the strength and determination of the USN. We require including end to repression and provocation, the arrest of the perpetrators of theft and looting, and the return of the equipment carried, the vehicle removed and all objects previously confiscated from members and supporters of the USN.

The struggle continues. Free all political prisoners. The people win.

 

 

The President of the USN

Ahmed Youssouf Houmed

 

 

Ward 4 House 10 Avenue 16 – Tel: (00253) 21 35 84 73

Djibouti Republic of Djibouti

 

 

 

 

Somaliland:Raising a Flag without its credentials approved by the United Nations General Assembly

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‘’Raising a Flag without its credentials approved by the United Nations General Assembly’’’’

Abdi Rahman Hamud Alleel

Tuesday, 21 January 2014

 

Since we know the Ottoman Empire and their civilisation, but this act of raising a flag on the 16th of January 2014 in Istanbul without its credentials accepted is surely a new challenge against the existence of the United Nations and International community who both promotes the democracy and prosperity. 

 

‘We all know that States are admitted to membership in the United Nations by decision of the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. The procedure is that the State submits an application to the Secretary-General and a letter formally stating that it accepts the obligations under the Charter. Then Security Council considers the application. Any recommendation for admission must receive the affirmative votes of 9 of the 15 members of the Council, provided that none of its five permanent members — have voted against the application. If the Council recommends admission, the recommendation is presented to the General Assembly for consideration. A two-thirds majority vote is necessary in the Assembly for admission of a new State. Finally, Membership becomes effective the date the resolution for admission is adopted. At each session, the General Assembly considers the credentials of all representatives of Member States participating in that session!!!

Therefore, AwDAL State of Somalia in partnership with the other Somali States, strongly condemn the act of raising Somaliland flag in Istanbul, during the Somali and Somaliland final communique. This act deliberately committed by the Turkish government without any consent from the United Nation Security Council nor a credentials accepted by the office of the Secretary General. All Somali States, particularly those within in the boundary of the British Somaliland territory, disapprove the credentials and existence of so-called Somaliland, because Somaliland is not a peace-loving and democratic state and it does not accept or respect the obligations contained in the United Nations charter, such as, diversity and equal distribution of seats among resident. Hence, Somaliland government have committed and still committing crimes against humanity such as bloodsheds in Khatumo region, murders in CeelBardale, corruption, revenge, arrests without trials, Alshabab controlling some government departments, killing of western humanitarian activists etc.

 

In conclusion, all Somali States condemns the outcome of the communique and the dialogue process itself, because all other Somali States consider these communiques between only two clans. Somali people will review the confidence given to the Turkish government within the talks towards the restoration of hope and stability in Somalia. Overall, the outcome of these dialogues is an insult to our intelligence, because we will not accept partial apology towards some while others still suffer the killings, such as mass-murder in Borama-City in 1991 and pains and the traumas caused by SNM to Gadabursi and Dhulbahante people.

 

Overall Somali States support a collective debates, dialogues and communiques between all the Somali States led by the Somali Federal State, his excellency Hassan Shekh Mohmoud and The Prime Minister Abdi Weli Sheikh, who will accountable to the transparency and to the general development of each state and backed up by the international community and the united nations with respect to its credentials and the credentials of each state submitted to the Somali Federal Government.

 

 

SOMALILAND: THE ERA FOR WARS AND TERRITORIAL EXPANSIONSM IS OVER

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Last night I watched a highly publicized Somalia live televised talk show. The talk show celebrity host was none but Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, the selected President of Somalia.  Answering to a question from one of the audience and wearing his usual swindling wide smile, Mr. Mohamoud let drop one of his secrets – hatred towards the Republic of Somaliland.  

Mr. Mohamoud’s timing for the live televised talk show was inappropriate both in its content and in its unreasonableness of timing. On the content of his talk, the man was confrontational and demeaning in his speech towards the Republic of Somaliland, he disregarded the historic and new facts on the ground in the Republic of Somaliland. On the timing side, the man disregarded in bad faith the Somaliland and Somalia talks that were concluded just a day earlier in Istanbul, Turkey – where for the first time, Somalia officially acknowledged the atrocities committed against the innocent civilians in Somaliland.

Mr. Mohamoud went on to say that he supports and is working on the breaking up of the Republic of Somaliland into something akin to the mini administrations in Somalia by recognising and bringing back to life a small turncoat group that is now disbanded and does not exist, but once illegally claimed a small area in the territory of the Republic of Somaliland and called itself a member state of Somalia. Mr. Mohamoud fell to the propaganda machine of that small group, which advocated, but failed to break warring hostilities between Somaliland and Somalia.

Not only that, but Mr. Mohamoud went a step further and kept using without any sign of embarrassment the word “Somalia” instead of the former Somali Republic  and in reference to the 1960 failed union, which was made up of Somaliland and Somalia.

I would have expected this superficial talk from a Mogadishu street corner teashop entertainer, but not from a self-respecting President of a country that has enormous problems and challenges to surmount.  Therefore, I would advise Mr. Mohamoud to desist from his impertinent speeches towards the people and the government of the Republic of Somaliland.

Mr. Mohamoud ignored the fact that he was being watch all over the world and his speeches and actions are monitored both in the region and in the wider world. Such reckless actions by Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud will endanger future talks with the Republic of Somaliland and will put his sincerity in having a bona fide dialogue with Somaliland into question.

If Mr. Mohamoud continues to be behave this way, not only the talks with Somaliland will be endangered, but this will also irreversibly damage Somalia regime’s already dented political and moral image and will lead to Somalia losing the remaing bits of International credibility and support.

Mr. Mohamoud must end insolence against the intelligence of his people and that of the International Community. H e must learn to listen to those who want to pragmatically deal with the dangerous and complex issues facing his country and the wider Horn of Africa region.

It was more than two years ago, when in a London conference for Somalis, the International Community made up of more than fifty countries and tens of International Organisations set the foundation for talks between Somaliland and Somalia on their future relations.

Somaliland joined Somalia in diplomatic dialogue on their future relations in Istanbul, Turkey. The fifth round of talks just ended last Saturday and a day before Mr. Mohamoud’s infamous talk show.

Somaliland participated in that dialogue with Somalia in good faith and in the spirit of creating two neighbouring, independent and cooperating states out of the failed Somaliland and Somalia union – the now annulled Somali Republic.

The Horn of Africa is now tired and sick of hostilities and of territorial expansionism.  People expect their governments to work towards economic development, better education and sanitation that will bring tangible improvements to their lives and not what Mr. Mohamoud is advocating.

 Yusuf Dirir Ali,MD

 

Somaliland:Istanbul Meeting Lacks Meaningful Outcome –Jamal Ali Hussien

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By Mustafe Janaale

The UCIDS Presidential aspirant Hon Jamal Ali returned to the country after concluding a working visit  and was among passengers traveling aboard the airplane carrying the remains of the late Sheik Ahmed Ali Weerar who passed away in Djibouti one day ago while undergoing medical treatment.

Hon Jamal Ali Hussein speaking to the press shortly after arriving in the country inside the VIP lounge said, “I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Sheik Ahmed Ali Weerar May Allah (SWT) bless his soul, Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time .His untimely death is a great loss to his family and to the Somaliland nation at large. May Allah (SWT) bless his soul in his final abode?

On the other hand the youthful UCID Presidential hopeful termed the recently concluded Istanbul talks as lacking any meaningful outcome and waste of time as long as the real issues of contention are still been avoided at the talks we need them to be made public for all to see lack of close consultation with the official opposition parties and the Non state Actors, in order to seek guidance and advice on these sensitive negotiations with Somalia calls into question the legitimacy and sincerity of the current government in handling the talks alone.

“We in Somaliland have as long tradition of popular public participation, negotiations and consensus building in all important national issues. In line with this tradition, the Somaliland government has failed to establish a mechanism for popular national consultations that would allow the participation of all sectors and by going to great lengths to exclude the two official opposition parties shows the absence of an inclusive and broad-based national committee and also which shows the lack of national consensus,” He said.

UCID’s Presidential aspirant went on to say, “One thing is clear, our sovereignty, independence and liberty are none-negotiable not decided by the current government or an individual but the people of Somaliland. The Republic of Somaliland and its people are chanting never again, meaning they will never again become guests to their destiny, future and self-determination.

Hon Jamal Ali Hussein as my colleague Hon Feisal said, “The SFG continues to downplay the scope and scale of the overwhelming force, and the indiscriminate bombardment of cities and the deliberate targeting of unarmed civilians such as in Hargeisa whereby more than 50,000 lives lost, an action that lay the grounds of a war crime, and crimes against humanity and which amounts to a genocide but this isn’t case as clearly stated in the second Istanbul communiqué.

“The defection of three party members doesn’t mean the end of UCID as a political organization, the reason been, the defecting official have their own interests or have differing views from the party hence their decision to part ways but they should know by now ,the Justice and Welfare party UCID is the only political party to have maintained a clean record since multi-party politics were first introduced in the country and also continues to enjoy the support of a good number of citizens across the country and that it’s a well-known fact justice,” stated Hon Jamal Ali Hussein.

Lastly the bunker cum politician had this to say to the current government, “I urge you to stop the unnecessary imposition of new taxes on the ordinary citizens who already are been over taxed and also should stop the misuse and embezzlement of public funds which they usually use in staging stage shows political misfits joining KULMIYE and should emulate the previous government of the former President Dahir Riyale Kahin which no matter the political differences with its opponents tried the best by swallowing its pride and establish a mechanism for popular national consultations in the interest of the nation.

SomalilandPress.Com

The Unfinished Journey of Somalia & Somaliland Talks

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By Mohamed Ahmed

As the new Istanbul II communique suggests, Somalia and Somaliland accepted a joint solution of almost all the agendas and substance that were raised. However, it should be noted that both sides were eminently incapable in addressing the issue of secession. The delusion that have been sweetening our pots leading up to these talks has once again disappointed the Somaliland citizens. The absence of Somaliland secession agenda again on the table is nothing more than a music to our skeptical ears. The avoidance of this agenda is particularly remarkable because of its relevance to the unity of Somalia and Secession of Somaliland. One might think both sides are not taking the most pressing agenda seriously.

 Beyond the pictorially staged and carefully choreographed settings, If you closely looked at the nine precision points agreed upon there was no new game changing development that has really been introduced. Except the acknowledgement of the atrocities committed by the late regime of Siyad Barre, nothing new was introduced on the table. Sure some may say this was not a small feat, but still it is only one issues among many contentions. The other main point that deserves a mention is the issue of air travel control. Both sides agreed to form a four member party (two from each party) that will prepare the term of reference of the air travel control board. I’m pleased that this was added since last time Somalia was not able to live up to its previous agreements of the air control.  Of course, hardly is Somalia nor Somaliland able to control their air space. Except in dividing equally the revenues collected I don’t see the big significance.

It is utmost important that Somaliland takes note at the pace of the talks. My caution today concerns the point of timing! We all agree diplomacy takes time, lots of time. But unfortunately the snail pace of these negotiations is unsurprisingly in favor of Federal government of Somalia. The biggest weapon in their arsenal is TIME. And, sad to say, most indication suggests that Somalia has nothing to lose in delaying to address the issue of secession, since they are legitimately recognized as a government.

Hence they have no government business in limbo. One might even suspect they are just buying time to carve out a sphere of influence on Somaliland once they get to sort out their ever spiraling government. A time might come when Somalia would be able to move vigorously diplomatically and gain a more leverage over Somaliland. This said, Somaliland should explicitly demand that the next round of talks address the elephant in the room. No more should Somaliland allow Somalia to treat the issue of secession as unwelcome burden! Ultimately, moreover, if there is no assurance that exists in addressing this issue, Somaliland should not reignite any more talks. Since the agendas have to be set prior to meeting now, Somaliland shouldn’t reflexively assume they are on the same page with their counterparts.

 Crucially Somaliland citizens must not be allowed to perceive that the outcome of these talks without secession agenda on the table is an inch closer to achieving their noble goal of secession. Somaliland authority should express concern over the inability to convince Somalia to start real negotiation. In the coming months, instead of recycling politicians in the current administration, the task should be to assemble a different group including Somaliland willing scholars this time.

The current foreign affairs minister of Somaliland Mr.Mohamed Bihi Yonis is a highly regarded diplomat with ability to shape Somaliland foreign policy compared to his predecessor! He seems to be a man of unsurpassed integrity and intelligence. Even though diplomats see the world differently and with different priorities I have faith in Somaliland foreign affairs minister!

In all fairness, diplomacy calls for listening, respecting and understanding. For that we should praise both sides for their temperament. In the realm of diplomatic possibilities there is of course nothing impossible!  So let’s hope both sides get the courage to move on forward!

What Mo Farah Can Teach You About Building Business Momentum

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Written by  Dean Williams

It doesn’t take me to tell you that a successful business never stands still, it’s continually moving forward, searching out new and innovative ways to stay ahead of the competition and identify new opportunities.

The need for constant development, improvement and evolution is never more apt then during a time of prolonged economic downturn. If you simply tuned into the economic news over the past few months, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the world was all doom and gloom, however you’d have allowed one of Britain’s proudest sporting moments pass you by.

For 17 days in the summer of 2012, the UK was the centre of global attention as London 2012 delivered one of the greatest sporting spectacles in history. In amongst the countless golden moments, from the worlds’ most talented athletes, one stands out for me, Mo Farah, double Olympic champion in the 10,000m and 5,000m. For consecutive Saturdays he had a nation on it’s feet, cheering, gasping and celebrating wildly as he became the first British man in history to win a long distance Olympic gold medal, let alone two.

After his remarkable win in the 10,000m he would have been forgiven for sitting out the second race, putting his feet up and unwinding after an energy sapping twenty seven minutes on the track and countless press commitments after his triumph. Instead, with a nation cheering him on he stepped up to the mark and produced a dazzling display in the 5,000m, perhaps an even finer achievement than his victory a week earlier and the result saw him move from national hero to global sporting icon. Put the natural talent and training to one side for now and I’ll let you in on the secret to that 5,000m success; MOmentum.

Momentum is critical to your success, it enables entrepreneurs and managers to move beyond past mistakes quickly, to inspire stakeholders and where one success quickly follows another, it delivers scale and growth.

The key to achieving momentum begins with the trickiest part, creating an initial forward movement. Reflect for a moment of the basic principle of inertia “the vis insita, or innate force of matter, is a power of resisting by which every body, as much as in it lies, endeavours to preserve its present state, whether it be of rest or of moving uniformly forward in a straight line”. Momentum, therefore is what happens when you break the inertia and you create positive forward movements, building towards your own success and here are four key tips from the undisputed champion of distance speed, Mo Farah:

1. Plan for Success

Muhammad Ali, arguably the greatest ever sports star, once said that “the fight is won or lost far away from witnesses – behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.”

The foundations of that double Olympic glory was built many years earlier, as Farah and his team plotted the route to glory. His intense training regime ultimately saw him and his family relocate to the United States to assist in his preparation. For every golden night inside the Olympic stadium, there were many more spent on running tracks, often at midnight under floodlights with his coach Alberto Salazar and training partners perfecting every aspect of his race from start to sprint finish.

Just as athletes spend months preparing mentally and physically in the build up to competing, so your business needs a clear vision of what it wants to achieve and how you intend to successfully deliver that goal. You must prove to yourself and team the precise steps you plan to take each day to accomplish your objective and the resources and support you intend to commit. Without being able to visualise and ‘sell’ the potential of your business or idea, you will fail to energise those around you and bring together all those individuals who can help make your potential a reality.

2. Momentum Requires Leadership

Leaders are responsible for the success of an entire team. Elite athletes are surrounded by teams; teams which consist of coaches, doctors, physio-therapists, psychologists, managers, sponsors and not forgetting friends, family, supporters and spectators. The livelihoods, success and happiness of all these stakeholders ultimately depends upon the vision, commitment and performance of one individual; it’s never a task to be taken lightly.

In delivering your vision you hold responsibility for the performance of your team and thus you need to be both motivated and confident in yourself in order to succeed. The most successful companies use this vision as the driver behind continual momentum. The desire to continually innovate and evolve for the better means that their job is never complete and that the culture of the company is dynamic and success orientated. Continual constructive or positive feedback and transparent leadership means that all stakeholders understand and share in that vision.

The author John Maxwell describes momentum as “a leader’s best friend. Sometimes it’s the only difference between winning and losing.” You’ll no doubt have heard sports commentators on TV talking about how the momentum of a football match has shifted.  It is that act of turning inertia or negativity into a positive forward momentum that sets the successful leader apart from the less so.

Four years ago in Beijing, Mo Farah failed to even qualify past the heats of the 5,000m event, a few weeks ago in London, in front of a jubilant home crowd, the momentum of success swept him home to one of the most remarkable track results in British history.

3. Kick Start Your Success

Anyone who watched the 100m finals at the Olympics understands that the most important part of a sprint race is getting out of the starting blocks. But what athletes like Usain Bolt and Mo Farah have proved to us is that the key is not being the first out but rather putting yourself in a position from which you can kick start your race and win.

With startup businesses, the hardest part is the getting started. We could all sit around working on mountains of business plans and projected financials but until you stop the talking and start the doing you have no business. The key therefore is to gain sufficient positive momentum and develop a position from which you can kick on to greater success.

Even existing businesses from time to time need to convert slow growth into fulfilled potential. If for instance, sales are going slow then dedicate sufficient time and resources that you next batch of calls or campaigns will yield better results. Plan such bursts with the launch of a new promotion or updates to your products or services.

A critical part of creating explosive momentum is making effective use of your resources, including your team. Real teamwork helps to build momentum. Mo Farah’s team of experts prepared him physically and mentally for the challenges on the track at London 2012. But it was the final critical cog in his team that delivered him victory, 80,000 supporters inside the stadium and millions at home helped sweep him past his opponents to victory. Each part of your team has a role to play so delegate wisely so be sure to avoid micromanaging tasks and instead deliver a vision of a successful team.

4. Follow One Success With Another

Momentum is never ending, the second you stop to celebrate a success, so the momentum slows. As I mentioned earlier, momentum begins with the leader and is instilled in team and stakeholders. The best way to build teams who believe in success is thus to deliver success and that means as a business leader you must enable them to see the success in what they are doing. The more successful your team, the easier the success is to replicate, the greater the craving for success and ultimately the greater the momentum.

Success, must be followed by success. Mo Farah didn’t chose to settle for national hero after winning the 10,000 metres. He stood at the start line a week later determined to win the 5,000m gold and ensure himself the status of global sporting icon.

In the same way, the best time to make a sales call is directly after making a major sale. If you’re lining up a major client presentation, have a smaller one lined up for the next day. If the first isn’t successful then you can dive straight into the next without creating a feeling of failure. If it’s successful you have the potential to win two defining new pieces of business.

The same applies to your company vision. If you set yourself an objective or goal, the day you succeed simply means you have the chance to move straight on to the next one. As and when an opportunity presents itself, it is your responsibility as a business leader to be ready to take it. Don’t let opportunity pass you by, simply because you are unprepared or scared to seize the opportunity.

Do the Mo-Bot

Whatever your business may be it is your role as a leader to build the momentum needed to take the company forward and to seize every opportunity that comes your way. Plan meticulously, work hard and develop the team and strategy that enables you to ride the positive momentum that you create.

Reward yourself when the time is right but don’t take your foot off the pedal. Develop a culture that expects success and equates being busy with accomplishing your objectives and dreams. However you choose to develop your business growth, start by creating momentum by doing whatever you believe it takes to deliver your dream. For Mohammed Farah, double Olympic Champion, two Saturday nights in August 2012 cemented his name in the history books and in the hearts of a nation!