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Somaliland: SEPARATION TODAY, SEPARATION TOMORROW, SEPARATION FOREVER

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WHAT SOMALILAND WANTS?

This is the question asked most frequently by both the Somalis and non-Somalis. I shall state the answer to this question as simply as possible:-

1- We want recognition, a full and complete recognition.
2- We want justice, equal justice under the law; we want justice applied equally to all, regardless of class.
3- We want equality of opportunity. We want equal membership in society with the best in civilized world.
4- We want our people to be allowed to establish a separate State, or territory of their own. Since we cannot get along with the Southern Somalia in peace and equality, after giving them 30 years of our sweat blood and received in return some of the worst treatment human being have ever experienced, we believe our contributions to this land and the suffering forced upon us by Somalia’s government, justifies our demand for complete separation in a state.
5- We want every Somaliland man and woman to have the freedom to accept or reject their votes, or rights, and establish a land of their own.
6- We do not believe that after 30 years of free or nearly free labour, sweat and blood, which has helped Somalia ‘s government and some people become rich and powerful, when so many thousands of our people do not have justice and freedom. There are some of the things that we, the Somalilanders want for our people in our home land, we want peace, freedom, equal justice and to protect Human rights with dignity.
NO MORE OR LESS
PEACE AND MILK

ANIIS A. ESSA. HEAD
SOMALILAND ADVOCACY GROUP
WASHINGTON DC USA
ANIIS@YAHOO.COM

 

Somaliland seeks official apology from brothers of Somalia for the atrocities and genocide

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Euphemism writing here explores deeply what happened to the nation of Somaliland short after the great amalgamation of Somalia and the Somaliland unforgettable leading role for that unification, without condition enthusiastically the republic of former British protectorates of Somaliland determined hastily to join the other former Italian republic of Somalia short after independence, that was obviously union of two states that historically from diverse backgrounds and different dialect Somali speaking governments, and also English and Italian speaking nations.

As international communities witnessed that marriage of been come about in 1960s between Somali former Italian colony and also the former British Somaliland protectorates, but somehow international communities are not interested in to give further attention of recognition for Somaliland Government for period of twenty one years. Because politically natural barriers believed to be existed for every particular administrations that Somaliland expected the humanitarian support of recognition and other supports of developments in order to extinct poverty, terrorism, piracy that Africa wobbling nowadays to guarantee the regional and international security of the world.

Somaliland people have good reasons to raise these issues to take full independence from the previous marriage of their brothers of Southern Somalia when neutrally examine profoundly the extreme and serious genocides took place in Northern or Somaliland for the hands and the responsibility of the former regime or reign of that year, that destroyed it’s people in brutal and inhuman process of operations with in mass killing that resulted over 1 million deaths as Somaliland watchdog and crime historian agency mentioned or registered in Somaliland now

The voice of the citizen does not intend/mean to wake up or create new vendetta or point fingers out towards specific tribes or individuals directly involved in undisclosed atrocities against innocent people of women, children, elderly people and extra , but only identify here the scale of the catastrophic massacre happened there in 1980s. For little picture of those situations of cruel, mass killing were the executions of the most courageous army commanders for pretexts of assassination mission for the name of command refusing and similar nonsense issues, Scholars and business people sentenced death and have been executed for the propose of extermination mission and extinction plan, but the program did not go as planned quite successfully, because there is saying (man proposes and god disposes). There were also very severe bombardment of the ground and air both for the civilian people of Somaliland, in those above mentioned years, war planes and artillery shelling daily hit hardly to the main cities turned the cities into slaughter house of unmerciful killing with unarmed civilians which resulted enormous displacement and forced the population to vacate out of their cities, properties and as well as their loved weak elderly ones who might not able to walk totally or run the serious activities of indiscriminately killing widely operating there.

Somaliland people is neither going to revenge nor feel hostility of those responsible all these lost of lives or difficulties and atrocities took place in the past. But want respectfully a mature and sensible talks with Somalia to accept all problems Somaliland believe in that no sorry has not been officially said so far since by Somali republic, in order to move on and resolve matter in way of Reliable, trustworthy, friendly, flexible and consistent, it is more important Somalia must give a great consideration and priority in the past and present for demand and complaints as well.

The question that needs to be answered here is who Somaliland will speak to for in the past and in the present issues? If a treatment of that ailment needed to be solved or cured, Somalia must avoid clearly and completely Somaliland nationals hired wrongly to make things worst not to be involved in which will derail talks and make so complicated further more. Let’s keep the ball rolling and continue the active talks in London and Istanbul properly and friendly to progress the current position.

Abdilahi John

UK

Where Somaliland Is Heading To?

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A boat without a captain always floats over the sea with the mercy of
wind and waves. These days Somaliland looks like a boat without a
captain, or even a crew. One event after another propels it centre
stage, where the sensation proliferates questions: Where Somaliland is
heading to, how Siilaanyo is prepared to defend it, feel it, lead it;
symbolize it, celebrate it and be proud of it?

If months are a long time in knowing people, then years are a life
time. Knowing about people is a natural habit of social life. But one
cannot know a man completely, his character, his principles, sense of
judgment, not till he has shown his colors, ruling the people, making
laws. Experience, there is the test.

Siilaanyo is not new to Somaliland people. His pert but pertinent
history tells his own tale. The people of Somaliland felt the effects
of Siilaanyo leadership behavior before he was elected as a president.
Many people  knew his mentality and moral obligations.We knew that his
mind did not usually go hand in hand for what he preached  and what he
practiced.  It was not Siilaanyo who symbolized SNM struggles. It was
his own demons that divided SNM into foes and factions.

From what we have seen of Siilaanyo, he does not seem a grown-up, in a
nation that badly needs an adult supervision. His two and half years
old rule gives us useful pointers. It is one huge stress of
Siilaanyo’s temperament, ideas, tolerance, judgment, strategic
capacity,
organizational skill, and resilience. Take the last first. Initially
considered as a veteran politician, Siilaanyo has not proved that he
is durable by any practical sense. He is empty of plans and programs.
He is idle and inactive. He is slow of feet, and has no important
voice explaining how he should lead the nation. His tone and bluster,
if there is any, ensure as if the people listening to him are only
those who blindly agree with him.

There are many things that are wrong with Siilaanyo administration.
Proven corruption and favoritism are not the only obvious ones. His
manners of handling internal affairs are dubious and disgrace that
honest hearts cannot accept. His foreign policy is wishy-washy; and
his efforts to seek international recognition is fraught with
disaster.

There has not been a single occasion when Siilanyo tackled a problem
in a presidential way. Every time a problem rises or incidents take
place, he appoints a committee; and that is a testimony to his lack of
intellect. A leader who can contain a small problem cannot lead a
nation, leave alone that he can turn crisis into opportunity.

The one thing we we’d think the Somalilaind people did not need any
more was of leader who neither has the ability nor the intellect to
know the weakness of those leaders before him and learn from mistakes
and get better. There really was no point to elect a president who has
not improved his readership qualities by a learned education and
experience. What leaders with no inclination to honest ruling ever
done for Somalis, except that they made them lag behind?

The harder the contest, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain
too cheap, we esteem too lightly.It is dearness only that gives
everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, the
one that can gather strength from stress and grow wise by reflection.
Tough tasks keep the little mind shrinking, but he whose mind is firm,
and whose conscience approves his conduct, will prove his principles
and ability onto end.

Leadership is not limited to the battlefields of the election
campaigns.The real tests of leadership are much deeper and much
brooder. They are the  inner tests, like remaining faithful when
nobody is looking, like enduring pain when the moment is hard, like
proceeding to the issues at hand with great celerity.

There is something in the current system that does not allow
Somaliland to achieve glory. The notion of leading a nation is simply
the union of great feeling with great vision. The feeling would give
one a sense of devotion and dedication, and the vision a sense of
duty.The mess and immaterial that we are currently witnessing is a
testimony to the lack of that spirit.

Buried bones never bleed and breed again. Roses never rise from a
rotten flower. Siilaanyo would not rake the soil gently and water the
lowers; he would weed the beds and gather the occasional nosegay.That
is his target.

Where Siilaanyo would lead Somaliland to? Does Siilaanyo have the
qualities that could lead this nation into heaven or hell? The answer
is a resounding no. With Siilaanyo in power, Somaliland people would
only chase their own old tradition. .

What this would mean is that Somaliland needs firm hands to hold it,
minds more ingenuous, more subtle, more cultivated, more cultured,
more trained consciously to the task of devotion and mental
development.

By: Jama Falaag
Saudi Arabia, Jeddah,
Eamil:jamafalaag@gmail.com

A third way for Somaliland and Somalia

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A loose union between Somaliland and Somalia is being put forward as this third option in solving a 22-year-old dispute

 

Negotiations between the governments of Somalia and the autonomous breakaway state of Somaliland are set to resume within the next month.

The question of Somaliland’s status as an independent country or as a region within Somalia has previously proven impossible to resolve. However, a softening of attitudes in Somaliland and the appointment of Fawzia Adan, a Somalilander sympathetic to the desire for independence, as Somalia’s Foreign Minister is creating hope that with time progress can be made.

The two governments are starting talks from very different positions. Whilst the government of Somalia wants to form a united republic with Somaliland, the Somaliland government has long rejected this. Instead the government in Hargeisa has been attempting to gain international recognition of its statehood ever since it declared its independence from Somalia in 1991.

These attempts have been unsuccessful and Somaliland has made little progress in achieving its goal. Although many countries accept that Somaliland fulfils legal criteria for statehood, none of them have recognised it. In Hargeisa the blame for this is placed at the door of their southern neighbours and the geopolitical interests of the international community.

There is a fear that recognising the independence of Somaliland will fuel conflict in the region. Al-Shabaab is committed to a united Somalia and, despite the recent success in pushing the group out of major towns and cities, it still poses a significant threat. Regular bombings and assassinations indicate that al-Shabaab is launching an insurgency against the newly established Mogadishu government. Recognition of Somaliland independence may worsen this situation.

Discussing international recognition is a national obsession in Somaliland. People believe that the country will only develop if it is afforded the status of an independent state. “Only if we have recognition can we get all the things like insurance companies and banks, which will encourage investment to come here and Somaliland is desperate for foreign investment” explains Mowlid Mohamoud Ibrahim, Somaliland’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Somaliland certainly is in desperate need of investment.  The country’s infrastructure is basic at best but mostly non-existent; youth unemployment is estimated to be over 60 percent and a fast growing population is exacerbating these problems.

But it is not just economic development that people believe will come from recognition. “Recognition will not only help Somalilanders, but the whole region. For example, piracy and al-Shabaab cannot be solved without working together [with Somalia] as equals,” continues the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. Although there is some truth in this, there is still the risk that recognition will destabilise the region. It will be necessary to balance these two positions if these talks are to bring progress.

Questioning whether a single-minded obsession with recognition is the right option for Somaliland is considered taboo, but it is a taboo which is beginning to be challenged. Abdifatah Tahir, a Hargeisa-based researcher on Somali politics explains: “Ultimately the possibility of getting Somaliland recognised by Somalia is highly unlikely.  Because of that Somaliland may reconsider its position. I think the talks are more to do with how to form a sort of union. People are sympathetic to that.”

This change in attitudes amongst many in Somaliland displays a realisation that a different approach is required. Somaliland cannot get recognition so is unable to develop, but the Mogadishu government’s plan for a complete reintegration of Somaliland into Somalia is unacceptable to the people. Instead, a third option is needed.

A loose union between the two states is being put forward as this third option. It would not involve a complete integration of the two states, but instead regional governments would administrate Somalia and Somaliland separately. Only on matters of joint interest, such as piracy and al-Shabaab, would the regional governments work together. It is hoped that this will be acceptable to staunch unionists in the south, whilst still giving Somaliland the legitimacy it needs to attract foreign investment.

Those in favour of independence argue that Somalia’s insecurity and undeveloped government make it incompatible with Somaliland. The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somaliland takes this position. “Unity won’t work as there is no balance between Somaliland and Somalia.  They have nothing to give us in unification”, he explains.

However, the differences between the two may not be so great as to make a loose union unworkable. The newly formed government in Mogadishu is making significant progress in establishing formal governance in Somalia and an improving security situation is encouraging brave investors to look at the country.

Meanwhile Somaliland’s governance record has been tarnished in recent years.  The Parliament is increasingly seen as a rubber-stamping chamber, whilst the government of President Ahmed Silanyo has been accused of divisive nepotism favouring particular clans. The November 2012 local council elections were followed by reports of multiple voting and accusations of bias in the National Electoral Commission. This led to unrest in which over 20 people are believed to have been killed.

Questions are also being raised about just how committed to independence the Hargeisa government actually is. “I think the position of Somaliland is influenced by individual interests.  Someone wants to stay in power so doesn’t want to say that the past twenty years have not worked,” tells researcher Abdifatah Tahir. If the idea of a loose union with Somalia gains public acceptance, the official position of the Hargeisa government is likely to change.

A loose union between the two states may well be a workable solution and if stances continue to soften a more pragmatic approach to Somaliland’s future could be emerging. Yet it is highly unlikely that the upcoming negotiations will result in any agreement. Politicians on both sides are still mindful of the need to be seen to be sticking up for their people and this means not making any concessions.

It will take a great deal of time if the idea of a loose union is to gain widespread public support and until then little progress in resolving this 22-year-old dispute can be expected.

Jesper Carlsen Cullen is a freelance journalist based in Kenya. He recently returned from Hargeisa, Somaliland

Source: Commentator

 

 

The doomsday trio and the coming Armageddon for Somaliland

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I am always amazed at the number of opinion pieces that appear on Wardheernews (or as some call it Ogadennews) that are always critical of Somaliland, its government and people.  The people who write these pieces repeatedly accuse Somaliland of sowing the seeds of disunity of the former Somali ‘state’ through its withdrawal from the union, and the restoration its independence. Again, Somaliland is accused of committing all sorts of crimes under the sky against some large segment of its people in Sool and Awdal regions.  The accusations range from simple exclusions and occupation of ‘their territory’ to committing genocide and other crimes against them. Interestingly, the accusations are made repeatedly to the point of insanity by the same three people, Mohamed Farah Yabarag, Osman Hassan, and Ali Haji Abdulla who, it seems, take turns in Somaliland bashing. It is as if these three individuals fill a monthly quota of ill-disguised, clan oriented diatribes against the people and government of Somaliland.

The people of Sool and Awdal regions belong to Somaliland and the way the government of Somaliland treats them is not by any measure different from how it treats its other citizens. Citizens from Sool and Sanaag regions have been holding real positions of power in Somaliland from Speakers of the Parliament to Vice-Presidents in the past twenty two years of Somaliland’s independent existence.   In the current government of Somaliland, people from Sool and Awdal regions are represented by not less than a Vice-President, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Defense, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Minister of Rehabilitation, Reintegration and Reconstruction, Minister of Industries, Minister of Commerce,  Minister of Public Works and the State Minister for Peace in Eastern regions. People from these regions also hold positions of power in other governmental institutions. Moreover, the longest serving president in Somaliland’s existence, Mr. Dahir Riyaale Kahin, came from Awdal region. This is a very unique experience of Somaliland and its democratic system of governance.

The trio seems to forget that the people of Sool and Awdal regions participated in the peace and reconciliation conferences that resulted in the restoration of sovereignty and the independence of Somaliland in 1991. In fact, Borama town played a host to one of the biggest peace and reconciliation conferences in Somaliland in 1994.

Again, the trio seems to underestimate the will of the people of Somaliland and their decision that Hargeisa will never be ruled again from Mogadishu. They also forgot that Somaliland was reconstructed from the ground up after the brutal destruction of the military regime of Siad Barre, without much support to speak of from the so-called international community.

All that the trio writes about Somaliland comes from secondary sources, reinforced by their well-primed vivid imagination and/ or their hallucinations. The armchair ‘experts’ can predict from their mini Mayan calendar the coming demise of Somaliland. The prophesied Armageddon for Somaliland changes from one month to another according to the dreams of the trio.  The various forms it will  take include, from one time to another, the creation ‘Khaatumo State’ (territorial or terrestrial?); the resurgence of ‘Darwiishes’  in Sool region;  and a dodged election as the latest article from Yabarag predicts.

Clearly, the tirades against Somaliland by the trio will not even have a marginal impact on the situation in Somaliland. However, one might wonder what motivates the trio to tirelessly launch diatribes and propaganda against Somaliland. I do not claim to be endowed with the same vivid imaginations as them, but I can only assume that the trio, perhaps, benefited illegally from the past Somali state, and is dreaming of doing the same with a future utopian, strong centralized Somali state that will have control over all the territories of former Somali state, including Somaliland.

As things stand, it is the collective will and determination of the people of Somaliland to maintain their separate existence and independence. If and when that stand will change will be solely determined by the people of Somaliland, and will not be externally imposed by outside actors.

The noted professor from Awdal region, Abdi Ismail Samatar, recently realized how futile it is for the people of Somaliland to attempt to assume the highest reins of power in Mogadishu. The noted professor secured only the votes of the eight ‘representatives’ from Awdal region in the Somali parliament.  This should be a good lesson for anyone who unconditionally campaigns for the reunification of Somaliland with the former Italian colony in the South, and then tries to take advantage of it.

Finally, the trio should know that if Somaliland ‘bites the dust’, it will unfortunately bite the dust as well with the people of Awdal and Sool regions.  Following is a sample of a long list of articles against governments and people of Somaliland that the trio has been posting on various websites, but mainly on Wardheernews:

Osman Hassan:

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_12/Dec/Osman_Hassan/02_Mahiga_Somalia_Somaliland_and_the_clashes_in_Khatumo.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_12/Dec/Osman_Hassan/11_PM%20Saacids_Shameful_cover-up_of%20Somalilands_aggression.html

http://wardheernews.com/Khaatumo/May_25_2012_Mahigas_hypocritical_Statement_on_Somalilands_disturbances.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_12/Jan/Osman/23_Massacre_in_Las_Anod.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles%202012/Feb/29_talks_osman.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_12/Jan/Osman/07_Somalilands_threats_against_the_SSC_Conference.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_12/April/Osman_Hassan/22_An_Open_Letter_to_Sheikh_Shariif.html

http://wardheernews.com/Khaatumo/08_Open_letter_Henry_Bellingham.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles%202012/Jan/14_darwishland_osman.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_11/May/Osman_Hassan/08_Countdown_to_Somalilands_collapse.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_12/July/Osman_Hassan/26_Xagle_toosiyes_mission_to_destroy_Khatumo_state.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_11/Dec/Osman/07_Mahiga_must_go.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_12/June/Osman_Hassan/19_Somaliland_and_Puntland_Joint_attack_on_Khaatumo.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_12/June/Osman_Hassan/04_Odingas_invitation_to_Somalilands_leader.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_12/October/Osman/28_Las_Anod_more_than_Kismayo_deserves_the_Presidents_attention.html

http://www.wardheernews.com/Khaatumo/08_Open_letter_Henry_Bellingham.html

Ali H Abdulla:

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_12/Dec/Ali_Abdulla/07_Khatuma_state_of_Somalia.html

http://www.wardheernews.com/Articles_11/May/Ali_Abdulla/10_Students_in_Las_Anod_Stand_against_Injustice.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_12/November/Ali_Abdulla/14_Somalilands_current_aggression_in_Hudun_is_likely_to_escalate_into_Kalshale_II.html

http://www.wardheernews.com/Articles_12/Feb/Ali/23_standing_up_for_Somali_unity.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_11/Sept/Ali_Abdulla/26_Mahiga_another_UN_operative_who_may_have_fallen_in_love_with_Somaliland.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_2010/April/Ali_Abdulla/07_Sado_sings_for_Las_Anod.html

http://www.wardheernews.com/Articles_09/March/15_challenges_ali.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_11/Feb/Ali_Abdulla/10_Silanyos_Darfur_in_the_making.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_12/May/Ali_Abdullah/15_July_1st_the_day_we_celebrate_somali_unity.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_12/Jan/Ali_Abdulla/25_The_Khaatumo_concept.html

Mohamed Farah Yabarag:

http://www.wardheernews.com/Articles_11/May/Yabarag/22_Somaliland_Twenty_years_of_Relative_Peace_Stability_and_Wasted_Opportunities.html

http://www.wardheernews.com/Articles_11/April/Yabarag/05_The_Frailty_of_Somaliland_Democracy.html

http://www.wardheernews.com/Articles_11/March/Yabarag/24_Somaliland_politicians.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_2010/Nov/Yabarag/02_Re-inventing_the_Wheels_of_Somali_History.html

http://wardheernews.com/Articles_11/Dec/Yabarag/21_who_are_the_real_Tonton_Macoutes.html

http://harowo.com/18th-may-the-day-of-division-mistrust-and-isolation-by-mohamed-f-yabarag/

Hon. Minister Hussein Abdi Dualeh: Has devised an alternative approach to speed up the efforts of the Long-sought Recognition.

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The people of the Republic of Somaliland have been successfully occupied in rebuilding their destroyed country, consolidating its democracy process through free and fair elections for the fifth time, from the local government councils, the national parliament as well as for the presidency. The Republic of Somaliland has inimitably met all the international criteria and standards that were required to qualify as an independent, separate and sovereign country.

 

Somalilanders have shown to the outside world their perseverance, resilience, nation spirit, value, belief and exceptional quality with respect to dealing with and embrace of universal norms and values regarding democracy, peace and stability. Somaliland should have been long time ago recognised as a member of international community, at least it had deserved to be regarded as de facto independent nation. Unfortunately, the World Community have systematically neglected and ignored this nation. Time and again, the international community denied the rights for self-determination and the aspiration of Somaliland people.

 

Before the current Government of President Ahmed Silanyo came to power, Somaliland seemed to be an anonymous and out of sight country that no one missed or noticed of its presence at regional and international political and economic arenas. In line with his government’s forward thinking long-term policy agenda; based on reforming and redefining of Somaliland’s Socio-Economic and Foreign Affairs Policy, the President and his cabinet have unquestionably put back our country on the right track. At the present time, our country is more and more valued and respected as a regional and global partner for peace, stability and democracy.

 

2.     Smart, intellectual and committed Minister within the government of President Ahmed Silanyo.

 

With a great admiration, I had the opportunity to watch and witness the performance and presentations of Somaliland’s Minister of Energy, Mining & Water Resources during the Middle East Energy Forum in UAE/Dhabi. It was quite fascinating to see our Hon. Minister Hussein Abdi Dualehat the centre of a world-stage-conference in which the global energy issues was debated. In a very accurate, civilized and resourceful keynote speech he presented the Somaliland’s case properly and even more than ever before. With an elegant and breathtaking style the Minister emphasized the added value and necessity why the rest of the world should invest in and do business with the Republic of Somaliland. With the right tone and full of self confidence, he put forward the incredible natural resources in Somaliland which eventually, to a certain extent, can contribute to the regional and global economy.

 

Again we have there another smart, intellectual and committed minister within the government of President Ahmed Silanyo. When the President asked him to accept the position, he did not hesitate for a moment. Simply because he knew that his country and people needed him. He is someone who never aims for self-enrichment or personal gain, but driven by sense of civic duty to serve for his country and people. In his adopted country (USA) he had an admirable career and several managerial positions. He had a well-paid job, a very pleasant life; less pressure and frustration…. He left all behind and chose an ultimate challenge, fulfilling a ministerial responsibility for an impoverished and not yet recognized country.

 

3.     Dual-track strategy

The Minister has devised an alternative approach to speed up the long awaited recognition.This is a very clever approach and the right way to uplift the political and economic opportunity of our country. By raising the attention, awareness and interest of World Major Oil Companies and potential investors for the substantial natural resources in Somaliland and to get stuff out the ground in one hand. On the hand, the Minister encourages to maintain a warm contact, rapprochement and multifaceted cooperation (on economic, cultural and security relevant issues) with the Arab World; in particularly with the rich Gulf States. In a sense, this dual-track strategy can directly contribute to the mission for the much coveted recognition of Somaliland as well as delivering benefits for the economic prospects of our population.

 

The minister understood clearly that this strategy is the way forward and the basis for ensuring the people and the country of Somaliland for a potential investment and global economic involvement and that today’s government dual-strategy can be converted and translated into tomorrow’s durable economic and social developments for the benefit of its people. This will not only boost the civic participation to take more active role and make real contribution to nation-building programmes, but it will elevate the moral, belief and trust of Somaliland citizens in their ability as a nation and in their own government.

 

In his keynote speech at the Middle East Energy Forum/UAE/Abu Dhabi, with an unmistakable prominence the Minister highlighted the geo- economic-political significance of the Republic of Somaliland, thanks to its geographical location and maritime infrastructure, where the Minister has stated: In light of its geographical position, long coastline and deep sea ports, Somaliland is strategically positioned to be one of East Africa’s major energy supply bases and play a key role in the regions energy future.”

 

In November 2012 he attended an “African Oil Conference in South Africa”, organized by Global Pacific & Partners. Ophir Energy Plc, Jacka Resources (Australia) and Genel Energy (headed by the former boss/ CEO of BP, Mr. Tony Hayward) are all agreed to start oil and gas exploration in Somaliland.

 

4.     Conclusion:

The Minister of Mining, Energy & Water Resources of Somaliland Republic Eng. Hussein Abdi Dualeh is so dynamic, committed and convinced for the Somaliland’s cause.Alph Within the Cabinet of President Ahmed Silanyo, he is one of the leading figures and driving force. In his ministry, (which previously was a tattered and deserted department) he implemented numerous reforms and innovations whereby the results are actually visible everywhere. Minister Hussein A. Dualeh is a member of a government that steadfastly is committed to fulfil its social responsibilities towards Somaliland citizens. This government is inspired by the trust and believes in their ability, collective sense of social responsibility, good governance, effort and transparency.

The Miniter’s performance and the way in which he has presented and put forward the Somaliland’s case, in both style and substance, were extremely interesting. He is on the right track to contribute to Somaliland’s long overdue plea for recognition.

 

May I take this opportunity to congratulate The Minister of Mining, Energy & Water Resources of the Republic of Somaliland Eng. Hussein Abdi Dualeh for his brilliant engagement, endeavour and determination in fulfilling his Ministerial duties. I utterly recognize the valuable and dignified tasks he is undertaking each and every day and his constant commitment and dedication to work for his country and people.

 

Wa Billaahi Tawfiiq

 

May ALLAH (SXWT) protect the true and genuine patriot!

 

By |Architectural-Eng. Hussein Adan Igeh |Hussein Deyr |UK|

Shabelle journalist gunned down in Somalia

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Nairobi, January 18, 2013A veteran producer for the Shabelle Media Network was gunned down today in Mogadishu, the fifth Shabelle journalist killed in 13 months. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns this murder and calls on Somali authorities to not only investigate, but to follow up on the investigative task force on journalist murders that was promised by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud in November.

Unidentified assailants shot Shabelle producer Abdihared Osman Aden at around 7 a.m. today while he was walking to work in the Wadajir district of the capital, according to local journalists and news reports. The journalist, who was shot at least three times, died at a local hospital, the sources said.

Shabelle released a statement after the attack, calling Abdihared a veteran TV and radio producer and “outstanding colleague.”

At least four journalists working for Shabelle Media were killed by unidentified gunmen in 2012, three of them near their homes, according to CPJ research. Twelve journalists were killed in Somalia in 2012, all of them targeted murders, making the country the most dangerous in Africa for journalists, CPJ research shows.

In November, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud said he would be setting up a task force to investigate the cases of journalist murders in the country. News reports quoted the president as saying, “The era of impunity must stop immediately.” But the president has not yet followed through on his pledge to set up the task force, according to local journalists.

“President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoudmust make good on his promise to reverse the terrible record of impunity in Somalia, a process that can begin with the creation of the investigative task force he has outlined,” said CPJ East Africa Consultant Tom Rhodes. “We send our deep condolences to Abdihared Osman Aden’s family and his colleagues at Shabelle Media Network.”

Somalia ranks second-worst on CPJ’s 2012 Impunity Index, which spotlights countries where journalists are murdered regularly and killers go free. None of the 12 Somali journalist murders last year were resolved, according to CPJ research.

·      For more data and analysis on Somalia, visit CPJ’s Somalia page here.

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CPJ is a New York-based, independent, non-profit organization that works to safeguard press freedom worldwide.

Contact:

Mohamed Keita

Africa Advocacy Coordinator

Tel. +1.212.465.1004 ext. 117

Email: mkeita@cpj.org

 

Tom Rhodes

East Africa Consultant

Email: trhodes@cpj.org

Somaliland: Found In Translation

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Recently I was able to read some very intriguing and quirky news about Somaliland, and as is my fashion, I thought it would be good to pass that news along to my readers. The first of the stories is a brief visit that Somaliland government leaders have taken to enhance their relationship with the United Arab Emirates. The second story is news that one of Somaliland’s most notable poets has had the honor of his work being translated into English for greater accessibility. Let us now discuss these stories in turn.

Relationship Enhancement

Some time ago, this blog discussed the entrance of the United Arab Emirates into Somaliland’s affairs over shared concerns about piracy [1]. There was recently an update from Somaliland247 [2] on a recent visit by two of Somaliland’s ministers (including the minister of foreign affairs) to Dubai to enhance relations with the United Arab Emirates. Such behavior, of course, is fairly typical for most states to engage in shuttle diplomacy and periodic visits with regional allies, but as Somaliland is a nation which still struggles to find recognition from the world, and is correspondingly more isolated from global affairs, any foreign meeting with the intent of solidifying economic and bilateral political relations is news, especially as the meeting included representatives from both the public and private sector of the UAE, including maritime interests.

Somaliland, of course, sits on the southern edge of the Gulf of Aden, and is massively important territory involved closely in efforts against piracy from neighboring Puntland as well as the usefulness of developing the strategic port of Berbera. Any news that would indicate an increase in Somaliland’s international profile, especially as Somalia attempts to develop its own government and wrestle with the legitimacy of Somaliland’s desires for independence, is news of interest in a very vulnerable and dangerous part of the world. Hopefully there will be further reports of plans to further help Somaliland develop its potential as well as help overcome its isolation.

A Poet Like Me

Some readers of Edge Induced Cohesion will be aware of my interests in poetry and playwriting and in the way my own writings have dealt with romance as well as politics. Given these interests, it was rewarding to read a report that the Somaliland poet Maxamed Ibraahim Warsame Hadraawi will be awarded the prestigious Prince Claus Award in the Netherlands for his contribution to the field of poetry [3]. The Somali people as a whole have a notable gift of long epic poetry, and Hadraawi is widely recognized as the most significant living Somali poet with a wide variety of works dealing with nomadic Somali life, love and romance, and the problems of Somali politics.

Hadraawi’s life has been dramatic and full of incident. After achieving initial fame as a young poet writing romantic poems, his turn into political playwriting landed him a five-year jail sentence in the 1970′s. He then started (with some associates) a long chain poem called The Deeley which involved Somali poets in a massive political poetry duel (!) that divided the artistic community of Somalia into pro- and anti-government factions. His political activities took him to Ethiopia, where he continued writing political poetry, and he even spent five years in exile in London where he refused to seek asylum and settle there and where he wrote more poetry expressing his deep appreciation for nomadic culture and Somali life as a whole, despite his suffering. He returned to Somalia and engaged in a lengthy one-man peace march that inspired a great deal of support, and has remained active in writing against the addiction of Somali men to khat/qaat, the stimulant that has fueled a great deal of Somali piracy and added more misery to a pretty miserable section of the world. He now lives and teaches in his Somaliland hometown of Burao, where he inspires others to follow his example of principled and poetry.

Now that some of his poems have been translated into English, a wider audience can appreciate his works and his life. This sounds like a man I would like to eat with and talk with, given our shared semi-nomadic ways, our love of poetry and drama, and our unfortunate and passionate interests in peace and justice as well as education. His recognition as a master poet in a culture that especially values and appreciates poetry demonstrates the vitality of Somali culture even given its extreme suffering. Hopefully his work can continue to inspire his people and encourage them to greater deeds as well as moral conduct in overcoming drug addiction and despair.

[1] http://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress.com/2011/04/24/somaliland-update-the-united-arab-emerites-enter/

[2] http://somaliland247.wordpress.com/2013/01/16/somaliland-ministers-on-uae-relations-enhancement-visit/

[3] http://somaliland247.wordpress.com/2013/01/16/some-work-of-the-greatest-somali-poet-mahamed-ibrahim-warsame-hadraawi-translated-into-english/

 

Source:Edge Induced Cohesion

Time to put pen to paper

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 Liban Obsiye

The opening of the new printing factory in Hargeisa is a welcome relief for students, authors and those interested in diversifying the advertising of their business offerings. This is a sign of progress and an understanding of the key role publishing plays in education,
communication, entertainment and knowledge sharing. However, as a writer I know that more Somalis prefer to argue in coffee shops in the middle of the streets than to sit and read an article of any length.

The printing factory is a great and much needed endeavour. The presence of the key Ministers and the cutting of the ribbon by the president were, for once, required to welcome in a new age of enlightenment in the self-declared independent state of Somaliland.
Perhaps now grassroots local authors, playwrights and academics will be able to publish widely in their areas of interest in any language they wish. Even more importantly, Somalis can break the western knowledge monopoly and the encroaching Chinese one, by creating their own and disseminating it widely to their peers in their own mother tongue. There
is much to write about as Somalis are a people of poems, stories and endless debates. Aside from ideas, thoughts and the vast quantities of paper needed to publish them, the success of the printing factory would depend on external factors which if not in place, can shut it down before it is able to put a full stop in its first publishable sentence.

Where are the readers?

Very few people in Somalia read as most prefer to carry on their traditional oral culture. While it is great news and a testament to their incredible memories, Somalis cannot hope to share their poems, stories, history and words of wisdom by transferring it from their tongues into the ears of the next generation in an information age. The younger Somalis today prefer to listen to music on their Iphones and watch Western and Indian movies made in Hollywood and Bollywood. Cultural globalization is re-enforced by the dominance of these two major movie makers as well as international musicians and fashion designers that are making the Somali culture almost irrelevant among the youth. This is dangerous for a nation which wants to preserve its unique identity, history and culture. It may even lead to a backlash and a security nightmare led by radical religious groups which aim to plug the vast gap between what they see as westernization, their religion and the Somali culture.

Most Somali families living in Somalia and the Diaspora have cable TV which they find difficult to turn off and while some Somali channels have finally started to penetrate the market, they are unable to compete due to poor content, management and irregular programmes. The Somali public are sick of political talk shows, repeat news and Turkish soap operas, as well as unknown singers stealing classic songs from dead and living legends.

The best way to preserve the unique Somali culture, literature and heritage is to write about it and educate the young through the national curriculum. This would require scholars, entertainers and poets to write and debate through publications. Even if some ideas are weird or controversial and some interpretation adventurous, how are we to know the future generations may not find them useful and act on them? And why limit literacy to the classroom and the young? Why not initiate community based and led literacy projects and debates in every city and village?

Some Somali poems and stories date back to the nation’s early ancestors, even older than Shakespeare himself but while the latter is a global literary icon, studied in almost all languages, no Somali writer is ever mentioned even in the narrow fields of African and Colonial and post-colonial literature. Nigeria has Chinua Achebe, who will be his equivalent in Somalia? Whoever, they are needs to start putting their work on paper and publishing it.

A national literacy project is easy to establish and with better aid co-ordination, since every NGO seems to be doing something towards advancing education in Somalia, easy to finance and implement. However, before this dream can materialize the government must provide an incentive for the public to learn to read and communicate in writing. This is easily achieved through ensuring all government communication with the public is in writing and not just on the television or radio. If the government in Somalia and the self-declared independent state of Somaliland was to provide meaningful public services like free education, training and support for the vulnerable it may have been able to force applicants to apply via writing and encourage literacy this way. But this path is obviously closed for now. In the absence of this, the government should nudge the public through persuasion and the promise of a more fulfilling life if the public are able to learn to read and develop a reading habit. The proven message is that those who read get ahead. Further, they enjoy a better quality and a more meaningful life.

Publication is a natural next step for a nation of expressive people. The key impediment to progress and peace for the Somali people is a lack of dialogue about their very future which involves them. Key decisions are always made by unaccountable donors, in distant lands and enforced by those that have appointed themselves to lead them. Publications will tackle this by allowing likeminded people from all tribes to share ideas and unite behind an ideology as oppose to tribe which is currently the case. Many great ideas are either killed off locally or never have the chance to reach a national audience because of a lack of publication. Talk is truly cheap and easily forgotten. If authors published and were allowed to freely, their ideas can escape the confines of their cities and villages to gather support nationally and internationally. Who knows what changes they may inspire?

Publishing cannot exist independently of regulation and it must not be allowed to. Knowledge development, sharing, improvement and preservation are all important but individual rights to privacy must be balanced against this. A media law which protects copyrights, so as to incentivise authors to publish as well as protects key individual freedoms against the spreading of falsehood needs to be formulated to enable the success and quality of the publishing companies and what they produce. In the absence of sensible real policies of this nature, the publishing company would be wise to take the lead in this matter to protect its reputation, authors and advance the education of the local and national leaders of tomorrow.
Libanbakaa@hotmail.com

@LibanObsiye (Twitter).

 

Somali militants say they killed French hostage

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MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Somalia’s most dangerous militant group said Thursday that it killed a French hostage that French military forces tried to rescue last weekend during a botched raid.

Al-Shabab said in a Twitter posting that the agent, Denis Allex, was killed Wednesday evening Somalia time.

French officials have said they believe Allex was killed the night of the raid and that claims by al-Shabab of an execution were simply propaganda. Allex, a French intelligence agent, was taken by the militants in July 2009 and had been held ever since.

A French raid Friday night and early Saturday failed to rescue him and resulted in the deaths of two French troops and 17 Somalis, French officials say.

The Islamist extremists said in an Internet posting on Wednesday that they had decided to kill Allex in retaliation for the weekend operation. The group has offered no proof that Allex was alive any time after the raid.

Adm. Edouard Guillaud, France’s military chief of staff, said Wednesday that there had been no indication since the night of the raid that Allex was still alive, and that French official believed he was already dead.

Transported by helicopters, the French commandos attacked the al-Shabab position early Saturday in an attempt to free Allex. France’s defense minister has said the government decided to stage the rescue a month ago, when Allex’s location seemed to have settled down “in a spot accessible by the sea.” U.S. military aircraft briefly entered Somali airspace to support the rescue operation, President Barack Obama said Sunday, but did not use weapons.

French officials said they killed 17 of the Islamist rebels. Al-Shabab said many villagers were killed.

Al-Shabab once controlled all of south-central Somali, including the capital, Mogadishu. African Union troops pushed al-Shabab out of the capital in 2011, but the Islamist rebels still control wide swaths of rural southern Somalia.

 

Source: AP