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Book presentation: Black Mamba Boy Nadifa Mohamed.

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(SomalilandPress)-Kayd Somali Arts and Culture is pleased to invite you to the presentation of new book; ‘Black Mamba Boy’ by Nadifa Mohamed. Join us to discuss this new novel with the author on Friday,12 Feb. 2010 at 6:30pm -9:00pm, Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8E7HLUaRF4&feature=player_embedded

The story begins in Aden,1935; a city vibrant, alive, and full of hidden dangers. And home to Jama, a ten year-old street boy. When his mother dies unexpectedly, and he finds himself alone in the world, Jama is forced home to his native Somalia, the land of his nomadic ancestors. War is on the horizon and the fascist Italian forces who control parts of east Africa are preparing for battle.. Yet Jama cannot rest until he discovers whether his father, who has been absent from his life since he was a baby, is alive somewhere. And so begins an epic journey which will take Jama north through Djibouti, war-torn Eritrea and Sudan, to Egypt. And from there, aboard a ship transporting Jewish refugees just released from German concentration camp, across the seas to Britain and freedom. It is a unique tale, based on the experiences and life of the author’s father, which also tells us the story of the many people of his generation who did not survive.

Nadifa was born in Hargeysa, Somaliland in 1981 and was educated in the UK, studying history and politics at St Hilda’s College, Oxford. She lives in London and is working on her second novel. Please join us for this exciting discussion with a new author. For more information contact: Ayan Mahamoud on 07903712949 or ayan_mahamoud@kayd.org

Somaliland: From A Danish Prespective.

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(SomalilandPress)-Somalia itself is now dissolved as a state or country while Somaliland has reverted to its post July 1st, 1960 status as an independent nation.

In the northern part of Somalia, which for nearly 20 years been a country called Somaliland. And Somaliland is not Somalia – rather the contrary.Somaliland has led a bitter and bloody liberation war to regain its historical autonomy, and have managed to create a country and state. A border, resting on historical experience and divisions are also located between Somalia and Somaliland, and it is now well protected by security forces from Somaliland, which has had luck and skill to intercept terrorists from Somalia who want to destabilize the government in Hargeisa, capital of Somaliland.

And one must remember that although Somaliland is only a small part of the former Greater Somalia, however, it covers an area the size of Great Britain minus Scotland. It is thus a major task to protect the border between Somalia and Somaliland, and Somaliland solve this problem themselves without outside assistance.

The war that ravaged Somalia in the 1980s and early 1990s, was also the beginning of the end for the Greater Somalia, from the beginning was an artificial construct, created by the colonial powers and with no internal consistency, and has never posed any nation. The war raged since 1982, with enormous human and material casualties, but the people of Somaliland wanted autonomy and freedom from the various regimes that succeeded one another in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Somaliland declared itself (again) independent in 1991 as a response to the deteriorating political, security and social realities, not least after strong public pressure. Somaliland had and has a strong and united people desire to be an independent country and in particular to escape from the reign of terror in Somalia. The country has had a democratically elected government, political stability and good protection of human rights.

The boundaries of Somaliland, follows the former British protectorate borders, and the British presence in the area is not the prettiest example of good governance – the area was grossly neglected and starved, and on top of this neglect must Italiano historical ravages and neglect in this area certainly highlights. There should be a bill to pay for the former colonial powers, but it does not happen, and it should not discourage others from contributing!

Without going too deep back in history, it sadly noted that while enormous sums from the international community are posted in Somalia, hoping to bring this’ country on its feet, the international community have turned a blind eye to the fact that there now exists a well established and legitimate and peace-loving country, based on historical roots in the northern region, Somaliland. It has neither received international recognition or been accepted as a partner in international development cooperation. Somaliland survives because of transfers from citizens with a background in Somaliland, which sends money home to their families and villages, which far exceeds what the UN make contributions in the development, even with small grants from some donor countries.

Somaliland has a constitution and other key legislation that fully meets international standards in terms of good governance, democratic rights of the people and the rights and opportunities for all groups in society. There is a democratically elected parliament and their democratically elected councils in districts that are comparable to our municipalities. There are always important reforms are underway to improve the systems and to try to create better living conditions, including reforms of municipal autonomy. These reforms are advanced and good for all parties to draw lesson from.

Throughout Somaliland national budget is much smaller than for example the municipality of Roskilde social spending. Here, Denmark could make a difference.

It is at all interesting to observe that for the visitor in Somaliland, which looks at the social and political environments, it is obvious that Somaliland on a range of issues is far ahead of its neighbors. This is particularly true for legislation and political institutions, and not least in terms of social stability. One can perhaps argue that the isolation, Somaliland has experienced for many years, have contributed to the development of the particular political institutions, which combines a modern form of government with the traditions and experience from Somaliland history.
The problems in the country is all about extreme poverty, the series of droughts and water shortages, threats from Somalia as well as obstacles to international cooperation with other governments.

Deprivation and poverty are the major problems in this country, and unless these issues are resolved, it is feared that extremists would find better living conditions in Somaliland, than it would otherwise have been the case.
Somaliland is a Muslim nation, but in strong opposition to the more fanatical regimes and in particular the various warlords in Somalia who base their reign of terror of violence and extreme interpretations of Islam.
In Somaliland, I met with an able and competent woman minister and senior female officials, so there is absolutely also developing to see when it comes to women and gender in Somaliland. How would this image be in Somalia? It is not hard to guess.

The meeting with the people, civil servants, mayors and others is a positive occurrence, that shows the contrasts in the region. Somaliland wants peace, stability, human rights and does so strongly opposed to the way the warlords act on in Somalia, which they in any possible way.

Unfortunately, very few media or politicians interested in the people’s destiny and overlook the opportunities for positive development and strategic alliance with a well-organized country in the middle of a sea of violence and terror.

Denmark could here the forefront of an active foreign policy, not based on military intervention.

When you consider what other areas have declared themselves as independent, has received in development assistance – Kosovo is an obvious example – it is sad to note that while the so far fruitless massive military and other investments in the desperate situation in Somalia could feed a whole continent of the poor, so the international community has chosen to ignore Somaliland. I wonder why Denmark and the EU and others react so negatively in this case and why the media are their faithful followers?

Somaliland is in a way a bright spot in an otherwise depressing and negative story about how bad things can go when the colonial powers and local forces are not in harmony
Why is it apparently so important to cling to the false hope that a Greater Somalia may arise based on human rights and good governance? Somaliland has long realized the hopelessness of this and have built their own country based on law and order, security, good governance and democracy.

The general answer to why Somaliland should remain the forgotten and neglected country, is that African leaders from states that are also threatened by its democracy. Why Denmark and the EU contribute to the Somali disaster should also include areas that have chosen a life of independence from the mayhem in Mogadishu?

In addition, there are examples of breakdowns of state power in African countries has not led to chaos, but rather better conditions in the affected areas. The best example is perhaps Namibia, which South African occupation became independent and democratic in 1998 with a constitution that probably could and should inspire aspiring constitutional fathers and mothers in many countries.Another example is Eritrea. It can thus be done, and why not? In addition, a significant interest in finding stable partners in the region, and Somaliland is a good example of such a potential partner.

But why have we in Denmark, in parliament and in the media as a narrow and negative attitude to Somaliland?

What has this country but made other than to seek his freedom and development?

Why could there not at least set up a Danish representative office in Hargeisa – the capital of Somaliland?

It has indeed been made in Palestine, but it is far from meeting the same criteria for international recognition as independent state, as is the case of Somaliland.Part of the explanation is probably the media impact of focus on the violent incidents in Somalia and U.S. strategies in the area and UN acceptance of an indivisible Greater Somalia.

There has not been in Denmark any political or media-related attention to the fact that Somalia over the years has been divided into autonomous regions, covering a remaining and internally divided Somalia, where various warlords haunts and aspiring terrorists to hatch, a breakaway country , Puntland, which has not quite the same history and the democratic legitimacy of Somaliland and finally just Somaliland, which meet all criteria for international recognition.

There are many political, strategic and humanitarian reasons in the current situation to support Somaliland. On the one hand, one could thus support a very poor country and meet our international commitments to fighting poverty and on the other hand, one could support Somaliland, its institutions and preserve it without the Somali terrorist regime.

Denmark could here the forefront of an active foreign policy, not based on military intervention.

Denmark and Europe have a strategic and political interest in supporting and recognizing Somaliland. The country has a strategic location in relation to shipping in the area and are highly interested in all initiatives to support law and order in this part of the world. The country will under no circumstances be integrated in Somalia – and why should it be integrated into one of the world’s worst regimes? A strong European alliance with Somaliland would be a strategic holding.

Denmark supports indirect Somaliland, but with a very modest amount, and through the overall UN strategy, geared towards the former Greater Somalia and not to the specific circumstances of Somaliland. So there is nothing special DANIDA project or program in Somaliland, and support for UN work, apparently and according to staff in the organization seeks a Somali reconciliation is perhaps not the way forward.
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It is inappropriate that the assistance to Somaliland are channeled through one organization, namely the UN, and not through several donors working in Somaliland conditions. There is tremendous need for a reassessment and improvement of our efforts. While the killings, executions and cutting off limbs escalates in Mogadishu in Somalia, Somaliland was trying to create a future of security and prosperity. But without international support looks difficult for a country where wages are one USD per day.

The desperate situation in Somalia breeds violence and terror. We have now also discovered in Denmark. The building of democratic, but destitute Somaliland could be a good counterweight to these developments in Somalia. During my collaboration with government and with municipalities in Somaliland, it has been clear that the country is seeking cooperation with democratic societies, recognition and social and economic development supported by an improved central and local government. The problem is lack of money. Throughout Somaliland national budget is much smaller than for example the municipality of Roskilde social spending. Here, Denmark could make a difference.

Finally, could the media – instead of helping it staged the secrecy of Somaliland – help with real information about this country and its unduly harsh fate. Somaliland is in a way a bright spot in an otherwise depressing and negative story about how bad things can go when the colonial powers and local forces are not consistent, and structures are created that nobody wants. Somaliland wants at least not to be or become a part of Somalia, which they know too well. Since you can move freely and safely in Somaliland, it is easy for reporters to work there.

Soren Villadsen
PhD in public management
and a partner in the Nordic Consulting Group, Denmar

Interpol Heading Down Piracy's Money Trail

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Lyon, 19 January 2010 (Somalilandpress) – Interpol’s No. 2 official says big-money payoffs from pirate attacks off the Horn of Africa don’t yet appear to have reached terror groups like al-Qaida.

Jean-Michel Louboutin also says Africa – a hub of the drugs trade, terrorism and pirate attacks – has become a crucial area of focus for the international police agency.

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Louboutin insists he has “no certainty” that al-Qaida or an affiliate insurgent group in Somalia known as al-Shabab receive cash from piracy, “but nothing indicates that it won’t get there.”

Louboutin spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday in an interview as Interpol opened a two-day, closed-door conference on piracy financing at its headquarters in Lyon.


Source: The Washington Post

Have you ever attended a Somali Wedding?

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HARGEISA, 19 January 2010 (Somalilandpress) – A new trend of modern Somali weddings is getting bolder every passing day in the Muslim dominated Northeastern Province of Kenya, replacing the old forms of traditional ceremonies that are now getting extinct.

Among the new Somali generations, marriage culminates into an expensive wedding day often characterized by a complete ceremonial mantra. Economic analysts here argue that Somali weddings are among the most expensive in the world.

The ambitious new generations are now discarding their old traditions — the way of their grandparents — moving into a full-fledged, Western-styled ceremonies that has made marrying so expensive, discouraging many of the youths who are surviving on the edge due to ravaging poverty.

Some decades ago, Somali weddings were symbolic of communal unity, where families of both the bride and the groom had distinct cultural roles to play. The once prevalent tradition is now hard to come by as modern civilization takes deeply entrenched roots in most parts of Africa.

“What we are seeing these days are a total diversion from our traditional practice; we can describe it as just mere escapism,” argues aged Ahmed Abdille, a Somali traditionalist. “And if the current trend of lifestyle is anything to go by, our rich tradition is getting extinct.”
Old vs. New
Many self-proclaimed traditionalists recall what they describe as a rich cultural set up that has enabled marriage among the youth to be a very cheap and simple practice during the good old days.

Resting on a mixture of Somali cultural and prevalent Islamic tradition, old Somalis say marriage customs have been adored in their time as it offered a chance of marriage for both the poor and the rich.

“Somali traditional wedding ceremonies were seen as a major communal activity where two families or even clans were emerging to make some form of unity, unlike these days when it has become to serve only two individuals,” adds Mr. Abdille.

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Traditional wedding ceremonies were elaborate, involving feasting and singing poems that lasted for few days. Apart from turning the youths from childhood to adulthood, the rituals carried a clear message of bonding families to share both problems and profits.

“For instance, weddings were conducted only when it was rainy season, even the poor youths could be assisted by families and relatives to enable them marry,” notes a Somali traditionalist.

Newlyweds follow a series of wedding customs, and attention was paid to social-cultural milieu of the large Muslim community.

“There were many communal rituals to be performed right from the nikah (tying of knot) to Gelbis (going home). All these rituals were symbolic, carrying clear messages meant for the newlyweds,” observes Abdille.

“If you want to follow the good old weddings, it starts from the first meeting of the in-laws to exchanging customary gifts, as well as rituals to be followed leading up to the eve and on the wedding day,” says Hassan Salat, who recalls his wedding day some three decades ago.

Much of the ceremony’s paraphernalia that was practiced during those days were passed on down along the way, but now the trend is far from normal.

A traditionalist here says that ravages of ill-presumed modernization completely wiped their good old culture, scathing the Somali’s community well-to-do customs.

“All these put the Somali community on the frontline of global civilization, which for us is totally unaccepted,” says Abdille.

But apart from simplicity, youths argue that it takes a lot of effort and planning for the traditional ceremonies, which may explain why they have to choose to do away with old customs. Here some traditionalists agree.

“I believe myself; traditional weddings were hard to categorize on religious basis, but I can argue that they were much better than the modern styles when it comes to its conformity to Islam,” comments Farah Adan.

Now, modern wedding ceremonies with lavish colorful celebrations became the choice for many newlyweds. It became a concern for listless old Somalis, who are helplessly watching the extinction of a complete way of life.

“It is more about passing on a legacy, but it is continuity in the future is very unrealistic,” observes a traditionalist.

Modern self-styled wedding ceremonies serve to keep the old Somali customs at a distance. Civilization has evolved over the past three decades with the cropping up of a modern society.

“Many young Somalis have done away with old customs, such as wedding reception, changing to elegant and much expensive ceremonies,” says Mohamed Hirsi one of the youths.

Now, the extent of exposure to other cultures, especially to Western countries is enormous, but the youth have a case to argue.

They say modern weddings are much shorter and do not involve all the rituals of the traditional ceremony.
“Nowadays, weddings are much expensive and sophisticated, especially with the new technology: Invitations are done through SMS, e-mail, and preprinted invitation cards; this makes planning much easier than the old styles,” says newly married Mohamed Jamaa.

In classical Western and Hindu styles, ceremonies are organized in ballrooms and big halls where entry is vetted — a sharp contrast to previous ways where uninvited guest could attend at wish.

“Every activity of the wedding is organized and done by professionals from the furniture in the house, decorations at the venue, and to rolling cameras for recording every bit of the event. No traditional regalia used, and there is no waste of time,” observes Jamaa.

But religious leaders are critical of the emergency of the new civilization in marriage and wedding routines, which they say is bent on discouraging African traditions.

They depreciate young people who are getting stronger by the day to nurture new practices.

“Both our Somali and Islamic traditions are very much rich. There is no need to imitate other cultures; it is indeed shameful,” says Sheikh Abdiwahab Sheikh Osman, a member of Wajir town’s Council of Imams and Preachers.

“Some of these things are shameful; you can imagine people gathering to dance, men and women alike. It is against our African tradition as well as Islam,” he adds.

But the new transformations, whether good or bad, is here to stay, as long as many youths continue to embrace.

“We don’t think we will go back to old customs; what we can work on is only to shape the current styles so that it conforms to Islamic traditions,” says Halima Abdi a youthful girl.

Written By:
Abdullahi Jamaa

Source: islamonline.net

Somalia's instability is not Ethiopia's fault.

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London, 17 January 2010 (Somalilandpress)Your article “Violence, fear and confusion: Welcome to the Horn of Africa” (World News) implied Somalia was at peace before Ethiopia’s intervention in 2006. Assumptions used to criticise Ethiopia in relation to the instability are unfounded and fallacious. Lack of peace and stability in Somalia date from the overthrow of Siad Barre in 1991.

The instability in Somalia is the result of lack of a state structure and responsible government since that time. Ethiopia has assisted the political forces in Somalia to find a solution, and from the outset Ethiopia has called upon the international community to help. The two transitional governments of Somalia are the result of a protracted political dialogue and it is ridiculous to conclude that these governments are the making of Ethiopia. Furthermore, it is an insult to the Somalis who have been engaged in these negotiations.

The intervention of Ethiopia in Somalia was not, as claimed, initiated by the US. Ethiopia acted in response to a threat to its national security. The Islamic Courts Union (ICU) declared a jihad against Ethiopia and promised that its acolytes intended to establish a caliphate government in Addis Ababa. The ICU had assassinated officials in Ethiopian border towns, terrorised civilians and destroyed public and private property. The attempt to relate the border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea to the instability in Somalia is misleading.
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Ethiopia’s concern at what is happening in Somalia is genuine as the two countries share a 1,300km border. The interventions of Eritrea, which has no common border with Somalia, are dangerous and opportunistic.

Berhanu Kebede
Ambassador
Ethiopian Embassy
London SW7

Somalia Prepares For Assault On Al- Shabaab

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Mogadishu, 17 January 2010 (Somalilandpress) – Countries bordering Somalia are planning to coordinate a major assault against positions held by al- Shabaab militia in Somalia, using ethnic Somali military officers being trained in their respective boundaries.

Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti who share the border with Somalia are all training military personnel on behalf of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia, which though boxed-in by militias, enjoys international recognition.

Under the United Nations laws, TFG can request another UN member to train military officers on its behalf.

Independent intelligence reports suggest the assault could start “in the next few months” but will depend on the assessment of the preparedness of the recruits now being trained by the trio. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) is expected to offer logistical and moral support to the assault but will not directly participate.

“Our role will continue to be that of purely peacekeeping,” said Gaffel Nkolokosa, the public information officer of the mission in a telephone interview.

Responding positively

AMISOM’s spokesman Major Barigye Ba-Huko told journalists that Somalis are responding positively to the training by the peacekeepers that is intended to counter attacks by al-Shabaab.

AMISOM is, however, helping train Somalia military officers and even new recruits only within Somalia, its officials told the media.

Reports suggest that Kenya is training 3,000 army recruits on behalf of the TFG, Ethiopia 1,500 and Djibouti 3,000. These numbers were however not confirmed independently with the TFG government.

Although respective countries maintain that those being trained were proposed by the Somalia government, reports suggest that the trainees are ethnic Somalis drawn from the participating countries including Somalia itself.

Because of the geographical position of Somalia, ethnic Somalis are to be found in Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti whose borders form an arch around the troubled country with one of the longest coastlines in the world.

Statistics drawn from several sources indicate that ethnic Somalis number around 15-17 million and are principally concentrated in Somalia itself at 9 million.

Others are to be found in Ethiopia (4.6 million), Yemen (a little under 1 million), Kenya (about half a million), Djibouti (350,000), and an unknown but large number live in parts of the Middle East, North America and Europe.

Intelligence reports suggest that as a result of this planned assault, al-Shabaab has also been strengthening its numbers by establishing a single command rather than its previous organization that comprised several militia groups, each with its own political head.

The militia group has also acquired freshly painted tanks that is has been parading in areas of Mogadishu where it controls.

Reports also suggested that al-Shabaab is planning to stage dedicated suicide bombing attacks in countries that are involved in the training of the government forces, but it was not clear if this will happen before or after the assault is launched.

The planned assault has been spearheaded by both the government and AMISOM and will be a major test for the Africa Union on whether it will succeed in taking over territory from the radical Islamists associated with Al Qaeda.

Previous attempts to restabilise Somali have been thwarted by the higher fire power possessed by the militias and clan differences that have led to the proliferation of militias.

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As a consequence, the country is awash with small arms at the hands of non-state actors which security experts say are major catalyst for instability.

Success in reclaiming the country would require strength in numbers and military hardware on the part of the TFG army which should disarm insurgents in areas it takes over from the militia.

The exercise would also require an adequate pool of officers trained in community policing, who will them take over the liberated areas and establish law and order.

The United States is footing a huge chunk of the bill for training the TFG forces with the other finances coming from donors like the European Union. US last year admitted that it is supporting the Somalia government in money and equipment.

Michael Ranneberger, the ambassador of the US for Kenya has said this support will continue in 2010

But according to Ramtane Lamamra, the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Peace and Security, the support that Somalia is receiving from the international community is not adequate.

“The International community must step up its efforts to save Somalia from further ruin in 2010,” he said. “The interests of the rest of the world would be at stake unless al-Shabaab and Yemeni terrorists are tackled.”

The underlying reason for the planned assault is the growing concern that the Somalia issue has become a global problem with the profile of the country’s capacity to become a terrorist training and hiding ground increasing every day.

“The situation [in Somalia] is getting out of hand and it is going to affect everybody in this region, not only Somalia,” said Wafula Wamunyinyi, Deputy African Union Representative to Somalia.

The assault is also linked to the planned increase in the number of AMISOM troops because liberated areas will require peacekeepers to take over.

Last week, the AU extended the mandate of AMISOM beyond January 28 for one year. Reports not confirmed by AMISOM officials by the time of going to press indicated that the number of troops will be increased from the current 5,200 soon.

The AU Peace and Security Department also in mid-December approved plans to train more peacekeepers on maritime security and air defence capabilities to better protect war-ravaged Somalia.

“There exist operational limitations to the performance of AMISOM in the areas of maritime and air defence capabilities,” said the AU in a statement..

Restabilising Somalia has been a challenge for the region and is now emerging as a global focal point especially because of growing instability in neighbouring Yemen, both of which are in the Arabian Peninsula and which have insurgents driven by similar ideologies.

Conciliation Resources

A group known as Conciliation Resources which works on peace building and conflict resolution initiatives recommended that international action would be more effective if the world responded to the war in Somalia as an elite and clan-based conflict over power, territory and resources; a regional struggle for supremacy between Ethiopia and Eritrea and a jihadist insurgency.

“Stable areas of governance in Somalia such as Somaliland and Puntland show that Somalis can achieve durable political structures when these are built on genuine reconciliation,” the group said.

It said international mediators have been slow to recognize the significance of Islam and of engaging with religious leaders in Somalia.

Somalia’s TFG’s mandate expires in October 2011, by which time a new government will be put in place through elections.

It remains to be seem if those elections will be held in a peaceful, stable Somalia with a central government.

Source: Business Daily

YEMEN-HORN OF AFRICA: African arrivals in 2009 up 55 percent

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SANAA, 17 January 2010 (Somalilandpress) – The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) received 77,802 new arrivals from the Horn of Africa in 2009, a 55 percent increase over 2008 and the first time Somalis were not the majority nationality, the agency’s external relations officer Rocco Nuri told IRIN in Sanaa on 16 January.

The biggest change over 2008, he said, was that the number of Ethiopians making the perilous boat journey across the Gulf of Aden more than doubled to 44,814, while 32,988 Somalis reached Yemen’s shores.

“There are various push factors behind the increasing number of Ethiopians, such as conflict, famine, drought and lack of job opportunities,” Nuri said.

He added that the global financial crisis and subsequent rise in commodity prices “also played a role in pushing more people to leave their countries in search of better opportunities”.

Over 700,000 immigrants

There are more than 700,000 African immigrants in Yemen, the majority of whom are Somalis, deputy foreign minister Ali Muthan told a symposium in Sanaa on 12 January at the launch of a new initiative entitled ‘Supporting Yemeni Government and Civil Society to Meet Migration Challenges’.

He said that “out of the total number of African immigrants in Yemen, only 200,000 have refugee status”.

“The government has made tireless efforts to reduce the influx of Africans into its territory through contributing to enhancing stability and security in Somaliland,” Muthan said.

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According to UNHCR, all Somalis arriving in Yemen are granted prima facie refugee status while non-Somalis wanting to claim asylum are required to apply at a UNHCR office.

Hazardous journey

For those escaping war, violence and persecution, the hazardous journey to East African ports and then across the Gulf of Aden in the hands of ruthless people smugglers only adds to their suffering, according to UNHCR officials.

“They walk sometimes for days or travel in risky conditions prior to reaching one of the main departure points in Somalia and Djibouti. Once a deal with smugglers is made, they are put on over-packed, rickety boats and are likely to be subjected to psychological and physical violence at the hands of smugglers, as well as being left with no water and food for days under a blistering sun,” Nuri told IRIN.

He added that smugglers often beat passengers to prevent them from moving and putting their small boats at risk of capsizing. Sometimes people were forced to jump overboard. “When a boat capsizes, many drown and the likelihood of finding the missing alive is very low,” he said.

According to UNHCR, at least 309 people drowned or did not survive the trip in 2009. However, this was less than half the 590 that died in 2008.

Source: IRIN

SOMALILAND: Kulmiye delegation meets with U.S. officials

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WASHINGTON (Somalilandpress) — The leader of Somaliland’s main opposition Kulmiye Party, Mr Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud ‘Silanyo’ affirmed that Somaliland would be committed to contribute to the peace, stability and democratisation of its own region if elected, Somalilandpress reports.

He made the remark at a meeting held at the office of National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in Washington, DC, with Mr Princeton N. Lyman, the former Council on Foreign Relations, who is also a member of American Academy of Diplomacy and the Aspen Institute.
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Panel members and other attendees at the meeting included Amb. David H. Shinn, the former US Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mark Billera, USAID Regional Coordinator for Africa, Dave Peterson, Senior Director of NED in Africa, members of US State department including Mathew Walsh, intellectuals and aid agencies.

Mr Silanyo gave a brief overview of the country’s history, current politics and challenges it faces. He also assured them if his Party wins the April-election they were committed to education and training, diplomacy and stability, economic development, democracy and good governance.

Mr Silanyo was accompanied by his foreign Secretary, Dr Mohamed Abdullahi Omar, who stated in a speech to the NED that Kulmiye’ foreign policy will actively seek to raise to a higher level existing ties with countries around the globe – neighbours and abroad. He added Somaliland under Kulmiye would constructively engage in its own region and at the same time would contribute significantly to global issues and concerns.

After completing their speeches, the two leaders faced a number of questions from US officials on democracy, relationship with neighbouring countries, the Party’s policies, education and the economy.

The visit to the headquarter of National Endowment for Democracy came as a surprise to many Somalilanders at a time when government sources were suggesting Mr Silanyo was deported from the United States.

On Thursday [14th Jan.] Mr Silanyo and Dr Mohamed met with US Congressman Donald Payne and number of other officials from the US State Department. The government led by President Rayale insist that Donald Payne is strongly opposed to Somaliland independence, however to Kulmiye party and many Somalilanders, it’s rather a reflection of Somaliland’s failed foreign policy under president Rayale.

Somaliland, which restored its statehood in 1991 is not internationally recognized but has formed a hybrid system of governance under the Constitution of Somaliland, combining traditional and western institutions. It maintains its own government, institutions, police, military and three political parties as well as a parliament.

The Presidential elections are expected to be held in April and over one million of the republic’s three million are eligible to vote for UDUB , UCID or Kulmiye party.

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The pictures below are from Kulmiye’s conference in London on Saturday [18th January], photos courtesy of QaranNews. The conference was organised by Kulmiye London branch led by Kayse Hidig as well as Kulmiye Cardiff branch chairman Mr Abdi Ba’aw. The delegation welcome Kulmiye chairman Mr Ibrahim Hussein.

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Source: Somalilandpress, 17 January 2010

Somaliland: recognition in June? future scenarios

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A video we thought would be worth sharing with your visitors, we are as clueless as you properly be after watching this. The video is said to be originated from “National Defense University” and its part of its annual “war games”.

Can this be a possible scenario? Are they already practicing to see what it would look like if Somaliland is recognized?

This is no way it’s going to be recognized by June or this year but it seems even Washington institutions such as the National Defense University are now looking at the possible future scenario in this region.

Whether it’s just a video or greater plan by Washington, one thing is certain it will not ease the minds of Pro-Somali union camp. I’m sure they will start making calls now to the National Defense University, but as usual they will tell us “oh its nothing” but they will be busy with the phone without our presence.

For Somalilanders, its just clear to us the world is taking more notice of Somaliland and exploring their possible possibilities even in war games.

You decide it for yourself.

Update: The first video has been blocked from youtube by the owners, it seems like they do not want anyone to see such video, too late!

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Personally from Yonis Ali
Melbourne, Australia.

Ivory Coast outclass Ghana to reach last eight

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CABINDA, Angola (Somalilandpress) — Ivory Coast became the first team to reach the African Nations Cup quarter-finals after beating Ghana 3-1 with 10 men in Group B on Friday.

A Didier Drogba header in the last minute finished off the Black Stars after Gervinho put the Ivorians ahead in the first half and Siaka Tiene added another midway through the second.

The win put Ivory Coast, held 0-0 by Burkina Faso in their opening game, top of the group with four points from two matches. Burkina Faso are second with one point and Ghana, playing their first game in the three-team group, are third.

Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue was sent off in the 56th minute but Ghana failed to take advantage although they got a consolation goal with a stoppage-time penalty by substitute Asamoah Gyan.

Ghana must now beat Burkina Faso in Luanda on Tuesday to progress.
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The group is a three-team affair after Togo withdrew from the competition following last week’s deadly gun attack on the bus taking their delegation to the northern enclave of Cabinda.

After throwing away a hatful of chances against Burkina Faso, Vahid Halilhodzic’s side proved far more efficient against Ghana at Cabinda’s Chiazi National Stadium.

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien, who only joined the Ghana team on Wednesday after bad weather delayed his departure from London, was left on the bench as four members of last October’s under-20 World Cup-winning squad started the game.

Bakary Kone, who wasted several chances against Burkina Faso, was replaced on the right wing by Salomon Kalou in Ivory Coast’s starting line-up.

DROGBA HEADER

In a clash pitting two teams who have qualified for this year’s World Cup, the Elephants dominated the early stages.

Midfielder Didier Zokora shot from 30 metres but keeper Richard Kingson tipped the ball away.

In the 23rd minute Yaya Toure found Kalou with a defence-splitting pass down the right flank and the Chelsea forward fed Gervinho with the perfect cross for him to tap in.

Ghana went close to an equaliser when keeper Boubacar Barry was forced to stretch to deny Kwadwo Asamoah.

Coach Milovan Rajevac brought Essien on at halftime for Moussa Narry and striker Gyan replaced Dede Ayew.

Ghana’s hopes were boosted when Eboue was shown a straight red card for a nasty tackle on Opoku Agyemang.

Mathew Amoah’s volley then smashed the foot of Barry’s post as the Black Stars piled on the pressure.

Tiene though made it 2-0 in the 67th minute with a stunning free kick that went straight into the top left corner.

Drogba put the result beyond doubt in the last minute when he headed home an Abdul Kader Keita cross.

Gyan converted a consolation penalty for Ghana three minutes into stoppage time.

By Julien Pretot

Source: Reuters, 15 January 2010

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