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The damaging cost of the political violence in Somaliland

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HARGEISA, 16 September 2009 (Somalilandpress) – These two last weeks without doubt have been among the most difficult in Somaliland’s short political history. From absolutely nowhere and without any warning it appears as though what was a month ago a calm nation in the process of preparing for a delayed but democratic general election had turned into a violent, thug ruled state where even the Police and Honourable Members of Parliament were sucked in by the violence and turmoil taking place in the streets.

This bloody and shameful episode in Somaliland’s history has cost the lives of three demonstrators in Hargeysa, led to the brief closure of Parliament by the president as well as ruined the reputation of the now dishonourable Abdirahman Mohamed Jama (Xoog) who disgracefully pulled out a gun in the Parliamentary chamber whilst it was still in public session.

Even worst, this incident by the dishonourable Member has not only shamed his own political party but has also brought the entire Political system into disarray as it implies that where dialogue fails or is not useful as a means of achieving what parliamentarians seek, it is acceptable to bring a concealed weapon as an insurance policy to getting what one want through the legislative process. As a result of all of these events and the continually delayed general election, it is not hard to see why some supporter of and investors in Somaliland could be having second thoughts about the nation as whole for it appears to be losing its peaceful, friendly and forward looking direction.

The cost of the political violence in Somaliland is immeasurable and will have a lasting affect politically, socially and economically for all those who live and work in the country. Ironically, in this months (September 2009) issue of the National Geographic magazine, published weeks before the violence started, Somaliland was described as an oasis of calm and gradual progress whereas Somali was referred to as the worlds most failed state and where the best and most reliable employer was the terrorist organization Al-Shabab which allegedly pays $150 a month to their fighters.

The pictures that accompanied the articles showed stark contrast between the war torn Somalia with its many empty shelled buildings and militia run streets and the tranquil streets of Hargeysa where in a side street the Photographer managed to capture a picture of young Somaliland women enjoying beauty and hair treatments at Zamzam’s beauty parlour. However, after the last two weeks of unrest and violence it would appear that this comparison maybe some what unreliable and premature as the Somaliland leadership cannot honestly claim that the nation has any moral or political authority over its war torn neighbour in the South.

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The rapid deterioration of peace and the heightening of the political tensions before, during and after elections in Africa are not uncommon but this toxic mix’s ability to destroy community relations, national economies and scar the collective national psyche is well documented in most African country’s, especially Kenya and Zimbabwe. Although the pre-election situation in Somaliland is not as bad as these two nations were at the time they were going to the polls, it has the potential to escalate and create the same level of damage. It is this damage that Somaliland must avoid at all costs for it will crush all hopes of future recognition and progress of any kind.

The main worry for the majority of law abiding, hardworking citizens of Somaliland is that these latest rounds of violent unrest will lead to some form of political sanctions from donor nations and groups such as the EU who may limit funding or cut political ties. In addition many NGO’s providing vital services such as medical treatments, health and welfare advice as well as contributing to the rebuilding of the old, battered infrastructure may feel that they need to suspend their operations as a result of fear for their workers safety. Furthermore, the large leisure industry which is supported by international tourism will suffer heavily as without the guarantee of peace, stability and safety, tourist will not come to spend their money in Somaliland. The consequences of this would be catastrophic for both seasonal workers as well as large and small business entities that are reliant on the tourism trade for survival.

The facts of the matter are not disputed nor should they be downplayed as the demonstrators are angry because of delayed Presidential elections and they just want their concerns to be heard. However, what a seasoned politician like Abdirahman Jama ought to have learnt through his own experiences and from Somalia by now is that violence rarely works as a vehicle of change and never can it be seen to be the route to progress. Violence is the enemy of democracy and the bedfellow of dictatorship and authoritarianism and as such should not be allowed anywhere near the political process let alone engaged in during a Parliamentary session.

Whilst Somaliland awaits the presidential elections the Somaliland government and people need to understand the importance of continuing the peace the nation has enjoyed for the last 16 years. Everybody has a part to play in the reconciliation process and Political parties, especially the opposition, must encourage their supporters to seek peaceful methods of venting their anger or waiting for the elections to vote in the government of their choice.

Somaliland has been the real democratic model for East Africa for the last 16 years. It has grown and developed above and beyond all expectations and all this has been possible because of the peace and political stability the people and government nurtured. Having come so far and achieved so much, one is optimistic that recognition will not be far off and for this dream to be recognised all those who have a stake in the nation must refrain from violence and once again return peace, stability and patience to the heart of Somaliland social policy. This is the nations only hope of restoring its former reputation.

Liban Obsiye
libanbakaa@hotmail.com

The end of Siyad Bare's disciples in Somaliland

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Tuesday,Sept 15,09 (SomalilandPress)-Somaliland’s infant Democracy is on the brink of collapse! The courageous people of Somaliland have been betrayed by few of Siyad Barre’s disciples. These thugs who never believed in the independence of Somaliland have simply taken charge of Somaliland.

These are the people who were at the forefront of the destruction of the country when Barre’s military was waging indiscriminate warfare against the people of Somaliland.

Their participation of the genocide on the Issaq People is well documented. Now, they are at it again! They are sowing the seed for another civil war, because that is what they know best. And they believe nothing will happen to them, after all no one held them accountable for the gruesome crimes they have committed in the past.

The president’s abuse of power is beyond comprehension and to add insult to an injury, we have a parliament who is incapable to hold him accountable for his actions. IT IS A GRAVE SITUATION AND IN MY OPINION THE STAKES FOR OUR NATION ARE HIGH. The truth is that no one is above the Law and if we allow Riyaale to violate, ignore and blatantly disregard the constitution, then God help us all!

Thousands of Somalilanders have paid the highest price, their life, for the democracy and freedom we have been enjoying for the last 18 years. But If Riyale and his henchmen have their way, we are going to loose our democracy and with that our dignity.

The constitution requires president Riyaale to follow and enforce all the laws enacted by the legislative body, whether he agrees with them or not. Failure to obey the law leads to grounds for impeachment. Now rumors are spreading like wildfire that Riyaale is fulfilling Mr Ismail Omar Gelleh’s hidden agenda to destroy Somaliland once and for all, which if it is true is unlawful heinous act of treason. The people of Somaliland remain as poor, uneducated, and unhealthy as ever and instead of putting the money earned from the collection of revenues into transparent government account and using the proceeds for social services, Riyaale chose to hoard the money into secret accounts he personally controls in Djabouti and France. If the poor people of Somaliland ravaged by one of the worst droughts are dying by the thousands, Riyale does not care. Instead of solving the country’s current problems and quelling the growing inter-clan conflicts he chose to attack the House of Representatives. He ordered the police force siege on the parliament, preventing members of the parliament from entering. Then, thousands of angry protesters have taken to the streets demanding the reopening of the parliament. Police forces opened fire and gun down thousands of peaceful protesters with no reservations, which lead to the killing of at least three unarmed protesters. Nonetheless, Riyaale is responsible of the massacre of these innocent people. This was an attempt to subvert the democratic process in Somaliland by a group that hopes to gain power through violence. Some politicians who are power, position and privilege seekers are often behind those who stoke the flames of tribal conflict, particularly in El-Berdaleh.

The magnitude of the poverty is unimaginable which creates powerlessness among the citizens and that is why he was able to make people competition over meager resources which will easily lead to tensions and civil unrest. This country urgently needs a sensible leadership who will fight against poverty, illiteracy, and underdevelopment .We cannot afford another 7 years of mistrust and underdevelopment. .

Somaliland has been facing a political crisis ever since he started playing delaying tactics of presidential election which should have been held in April last year. President Riyal’s term expired more than one year ago, calling in to question his legitimacy to run the country in the meantime. The incompetent electoral Commission insisted that the second presidential election in Somaliland will take place 27th of September this year. Yes, the electoral commission is statutory body set up by Somaliland constitution in 2000 to oversee the democratic process and in particular to promote integrity, involvement, and effectiveness in our democracy. But, they only work by guidelines set out by the Somaliland constitution so if there are any breaches or flaw within the commission then it is down to the initial setting process. It is crystal clear that the current Electoral commission cannot fulfill its responsibilities efficiently, impartially and professionally, because they are not independent from the control of the authority of the President and its members are subject to too much government intervention.

The president’s term has expires September 27 and the only acceptable solution is Riyale to relinquish power a caretaker government chosen among all three parties until elections can be held. In my opinion a provisional administration should be chosen and an acting president appointed by the decision of all political parties and House of Representatives, it will then go before the Guurti to pass/approve the agreement reached by all sides.
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From 27 of September this year if there is no presidential Election in the Motherland, then every single decree issued by Riyaale’s administration is illegitimate and any decision he makes is null and void. He has no right to run the country after that date. Let’s hope this will be the end of Siyad bare’s disciples in Somaliland and we will overcome. On the other hand, our neighbouring countries policy objectives should support good governance, democratic institutions and respect for the rule of law so that there will be a healthy and an enabling environment in which the people of Somaliland can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Take care in advance,
London, UK
Yassin Hassan Abdillahi
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Views expressed in the opinion articles are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the editorial

Insurgents vow to avenge US raid in Somalia

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MOGADISHU, 15 September 2009 (Somalilandpress) – A U.S. raid killed one of Africa’s most wanted al-Qaida suspects sought in connection with a deadly hotel bombing, and Somalia’s powerful insurgent group vowed Tuesday to avenge the American attack.

Two senior members of al-Shabab, who asked that their names not be used because they are not authorized to speak publicly, said their fighters will retaliate for the raid that killed Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan on Monday.

“They will taste the bitterness of our response,” one of the commanders told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.

The commando-style action took place amid growing concerns that al-Qaida is gaining a foothold in this lawless nation.

Many experts fear Somalia is becoming a haven for al-Qaida, a place for terrorists to train and gather strength much like Afghanistan in the 1990s. Last year, U.S. missiles killed reputed al-Qaida commander Aden Hashi Ayro — marking the first major success after a string of U.S. military attacks in 2008.

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Nabhan is a Kenyan wanted for questioning in connection with the car bombing of a beach resort in Kenya and the near simultaneous attempt to shoot down an Israeli airliner in 2002. Ten Kenyans and three Israelis were killed in the blast at the hotel. The missiles missed the airliner.

Two U.S. military officials said that forces from the U.S. Joint Special Operations Command were involved in Monday’s raid in southern Somalia. The officials gave no details about the target, and they spoke on condition of anonymity because the operation was secret.

But the deputy mayor for security affairs in Somalia’s capital, citing intelligence reports, confirmed Nabhan was killed. Abdi Fitah Shawey did not elaborate.

Somali witnesses to Monday’s raid say six helicopters buzzed an insurgent-held village near Barawe, some 155 miles (250 kilometers) south of Mogadishu, before two of the aircraft opened fire on a vehicle, killing two and wounding two.

Ernst Jan Hogendoorn, Horn of Africa Project Director of the International Crisis Group, said the “surgical” precision of Monday’s raid shows that U.S. has specific intelligence in Somalia.

“I think it will certainly make al-Shabab leaders much more cautious when they are operating because obviously the United States has very precise intelligence about their movements,” he said.

Like much of Somalia, Barawe and its surrounding villages are controlled by the militant group al-Shabab, which the U.S. accuses of having ties to al-Qaida. Al-Shabab, which has foreign fighters in its ranks, seeks to overthrow the government and impose a strict form of Islam in Somalia.

The U.N.-backed government, with support from African Union peacekeepers, holds only a few blocks of Mogadishu, the war-ravaged capital.

Source: AP

Somaliland Parliament Resumes Its Sessions

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HARGEISA, 15 September 2009 (Somalilandpress) – The Somaliland parliament resumes its normal sessions today with the presence of 70 MPs. Today’s session which was chaired by the parliament speaker, Mr. Abdirahman Irro was attended by a large number of Somaliland traditional leaders who have been mediating between the two sides.

The parliament said they have only two days left for their extra-ordinary session. The speaker said they will vote if they should go for a month holiday or make an extension to their session. After the voting, 36 members voted in favour of the extension while 32 others voted for the holiday. The speaker did not vote.

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The speaker then informed the MPs that the traditional leaders asked the parliament to halt their sessions for two days in order to finalize the mediation process which the MPs agreed.

In his opening speech, the parliament speaker condemned the government of not letting the press cover their sessions. He said the press should be allowed to attend the parliament sessions as they have to right to exercise their freedom and serve the nation.

The press was then allowed to go inside and cover the news from the parliament.

Opposition leaders visit the injured civilians during the recent protest

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Hargeisa, Somaliland (SomalilandPress) – The leaders of Somaliland’s opposition parties visited those who were injured during the recent protests at Hargeisa hospital today.

The Opposition leaders, Mr. Siilaanyo and Eng. Faisal spent several hours with the injured civilians and their families. They said most of them are wounded because of gunshots. They also provided some financial assistance to the patients.

The visit which came after three days when the incident happened is believed to be one of the opposition’s cards to gain the people’s support during the expected elections. In a brief press conference during the visit, the leaders called the government of releasing those who were arrested during the protest.

Government officials did not visit those who were injured during the violent demonstrations on Saturday. The oppositioin leaders said it is against the Somaliland’s constitution to arrest people because of demonstration as they were supporting democracy in the country.

Source: SomalilandPress

Southern neighbour puts Somaliland on Horn of a dilemma

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AFTER almost two decades as a failed state torn by civil war, perhaps the world should begin to admit that Somalia – as currently constructed – is beyond repair.

Some of the country, however, can meet at least a basic standard of governance. The northernmost region, Somaliland, situated at the opening to the Red Sea and home to roughly 3.5 million of Somalia’s ten million people, is more or less autonomous and stable.

But this stability fuels fears that Somaliland’s people will activate the declaration of independence they adopted in 1991.

At the end of September, Somaliland will hold its third presidential election. Unlike many developing countries, it will welcome foreign observers to oversee the elections, though, unfortunately, most Western countries and agencies will stay away, lest their presence be seen as legitimising Somaliland’s de facto government.

But Somaliland’s strategic position near the world’s major oil-transport routes, now plagued by piracy, and chaos in the country’s south, means that independence should no longer be dismissed out of hand.

Indeed, following a fact-finding mission in 2007, a consensus is emerging within the European Union that an African Union (AU) country should be the first to recognise Somaliland’s independence.

A 2005 report by Patrick Mazimhaka, a former AU deputy chairman pointed out that the union in 1960 between Somaliland and Somalia, following the withdrawal of the colonial powers (Britain and Italy), was never formally ratified.

Ethiopia is the obvious candidate to spearhead recognition, given its worries about jihadi unrest within Somalia. Moreover, landlocked Ethiopia uses Somaliland’s port of Berbera extensively. Yet Ethiopia may hesitate, owing to its fears that formally recognising Somaliland’s independence could undermine Somalia’s fragile, western-backed transitional federal government (TFG). But, as Somalia’s new president, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, is a former head of the Islamic Courts, Ethiopia may choose the status quo in Somaliland over the dream of stabilising Somalia.

The key regional obstacle to recognition is Saudi Arabia, which not only objects to the secular, democratic model promoted by Somaliland, but is also a strong ally of Somalia, which is a member of the Arab League (despite not being Arab) and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference. Saudi Arabia supports the TFG financially and politically. Saudi pressure on Somaliland has ranged from banning livestock imports to threatening to reject the Somaliland passports of Hajj pilgrims.

When Somaliland’s people vote at the end of the month, they will not be deciding explicitly on secession, but their steady effort at state building does amplify their claims to independence. So it is high time for diplomats and statesmen to provide some guidelines as to when and in what circumstances secession is likely to be acceptable.

Does any self-selected group anywhere have the right to declare independence? If so, the richest parts of any country could decide to go it alone, thus impoverishing their fellow citizens. Even if greed is ruled out as an acceptable motive, in favour of traditional ethno-cultural nationalism, a profusion of tiny tribal states might make the world far more unstable.

Thus clear principles are needed, as neither self-determination nor the inviolability of national borders can be treated as sacrosanct in every case.

So let me attempt to outline some basic principles: no outside forces should either encourage or discourage secession, and the barriers for recognising secession should be set high. Secession is in itself neither good nor bad: like divorce, it may make people more or less content.

A declaration of independence should be recognised only if a clear majority (well over 50 per cent-plus-one of the voters) have freely chosen it.

The new state must guarantee that any minorities it drags along – say, Russians in the Baltic states, or Serbs in Kosovo – will be decently treated. Secessionists should have a reasonable claim to being a national group that, preferably, enjoyed stable self-government in the past on the territory they claim. Nations need not be ethnically based; few are entirely. But most nations are unified by language, a shared history of oppression, or some other force of history.

On this, admittedly subjective, measure, Somaliland qualifies as a nation. It was briefly independent (for five days) in 1960 after the British withdrawal, before throwing in its lot with the formerly Italian south, a decision its people have regretted ever since. In this brief period, 35 countries, including Egypt, Israel, and the five permanent members of the Security Council, recognised Somaliland diplomatically.

Given the interests of all the world’s great powers in stabilising the Horn of Africa, there does seem to be movement toward accepting Somaliland’s claims and it could be a force for stability and good governance in an otherwise hopeless region.

By Charles Tannock

Somalia: Foreign Helicopters Attack Alshabaab Convoy

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HARGEISA, 14 September 2009 (Somalilandpress) – At least two helicopters belong to foreign troops attacked a convoy near Roobow village in southern Somalia. The convoy which was believed to consist of Alshabaab leaders has became under attack. At least two vehicles were destroyed and a number of persons were killed.

Witness said the attackers were French commandos but the French government said they don’t want to talk about the issue now.

It is not clear who are the victims but rumors say one of the Alshabaab leaders might be among the dead.

SAC Condemns Rayale for Killing Innocent People & Closing Down the Parliament

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HARGEISA, 14 September 2009 (Somalilandpress) – Somaliland American Council (SAC) is dismayed by the excessive use of power by Rayale’s government and condemning the actions of President Dahir Rayale’s government that resulted for the death of 3 innocent and unarmed people who were simple exercising their right to demonstrate. SAC also strongly condemns Rayale government for closing down the people’s house (the parliament). There are three reported deaths of innocent people today and dozens of injured people. The police fired live bullets on unarmed citizens who were demonstrating in front of the Somaliland parliament to show their support to the members and the leadership of the parliament. This is a direct violation of the Somaliland constitution, international human rights, and the young democratic process in Somaliland. The government action is precipitated when the parliament debated a motion to impeach President Rayale for failing to hold elections in Somaliland.

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The Somaliland government has been in office for 7 years and failed to hold elections so far; the government was elected to office for 5 years, at the end of its term in office, President Rayale failed to hold elections, then members of Guurti have extended the term of the government for 12 months once and 6 months the second time to hold elections; the election has not taken place yet, and the second 6months extension will expire at the end of October 2009. The reports from Somaliland last week indicated that President Rayale is planning to sent a 3rd request for extension to the Lower House of Guurti very soon.

The people are exercising their right to protest by demonstrating against the actions of the government to close down the parliament and its failure to hold the elections after being in office for 7 years. SAC calls on the Somaliland government to exercise restraint and respect the rights of its people. SAC calls on the people to strongly defend their rights peacefully and do not accept the dictatorial actions of the Rayale government. The people has suffered tremendously and paid dearly with over 100,000 lives lost (under Siad Barre’s regime ) to gain these rights and they are prepared to die to protect their rights again.

The Somaliland parliament is doing the right thing to pressure the government to hold elections immediately and to give he people the right to choose their leaders. SAC calls on the members of Guurti to do the same; by standing with the people and protecting democracy in Somaliland. SAC calls on the “Guurti” to refuse to give 3rd extension to President Rayale – after his letter of request for 3rd extension is received in few weeks. Rayale’s government has indeed damaged the hard-won reputation of Somaliland and its people. SAC calls on Rayale to resign and give the people the right to elect their president.

Rashid Nur
Somaliland American Council
www.somalilandamerican.com
contact@somalilandamerican.com
Phone: 703-334-7508

AU Soldiers Mistake Camels For Somali Rebel Attack

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HARGEISA, 14 September 2009 (Somalilandpress) – African Union soldiers shot dead 11 camels in the Somali capital on Saturday night, mistaking the galloping animals for an insurgent attack, residents said. Al Shabaab rebels sometimes use passing civilians and vehicles to give them cover before attacks, police said, and the peacekeepers from AMISOM mission thought they were behind the camels which ran past the entrance to Mogadishu’s airport.

“We thought Islamists and AMISOM were fighting last night, but this morning we just saw 11 dead camels,” resident Farah Aden told Reuters. “Each camel had at least 10 bullet wounds — the whole area was covered with blood.”

We admit there was a mistake and we’ve spoken to the owners,” said Barigye Ba-hoku, spokesman for the AU troops who face nearly daily attacks from hardline Islamist rebels.

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“It was our new forces and they were not aware of the camels’ movements. They say they were attacked, and so opened fire,” he told Reuters.

Violence has killed more than 18,000 Somalis since the start of 2007 and displaced another 1.5 million. Insurgents who want to impose their own harsh version of sharia law have been battling the country’s Western-backed governments and AU forces. (Reporting by Abdi Sheikh; Editing by David Clarke and Louise Ireland).

Geel_la_laayey_1

Source: Reuters

Somaliland Forum : Baaq ku Saabsan Dhacdadii Hargeisa

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HARGEISA, 14 September 2009 (Somalilandpress) – Ururka Somaliland Forum waxuu ugu horreyn tacsi u dirayaa dhamaan eheladii intii ku geeriyootey iska hor imaadkii foosha xumaa ee shalay ka dhacay Magaalada Hargeisa. Wuxuu ururku Illaahey uga baryayaa dadkii ku dhaawacmay in uu caafimaad degdeg ah siiyo.

Ururka Somaliland Forum waxa uu cambaarayn u soo jeediyaa Xukuumada Somaliland oo iyadu masuul ka ahayd xidhitaanka Golaha Wakiiladda taasoo sababtay iska horimaadkii ay ku nafwaayeen kuna dhaawacmeen muwaadiniinta shicibka ah ee aan waxba galabsan, sidoo kale waxaanu cambaaraynaynaa Ciidamada Boliska ee rasaasta hoos ugu dhigay lana beegsaday dadweynaha, iyada oo isla markaasna aanu canbaaraynayno Xubnaha Dadweynaha ka tirsan ee boobay Hantidida Dadweynaha, isla markaasna gubay Gaadiidka Qaranka.

Wuxuu Ururku aad uga xun yahay cagajiidka Masuuliyiinta Mucaaridka iyo Dawladu ay ka cago jiidayaan inay wada hadal iyo nabadgelyo ku dhameeyaan muranka siyaasadeed ee dalka maanta ka jira, waxa aanu usoo jeedinaynaa in si bilaa shuruud ah ay Xisbiyada Siyaasadu wadahadal ula galaan Xukuumadda, oo ay si degdeg ah fadhi uga yeeshaan xaalada dalka manta marayo

Ugu danbayn wuxuu ururka Somaliland Forum ugu baaqayaa shacabka Somaliland inay marwalba ku dedaalaan inay bananaanbaxyadoodu nabad ku qabsadaan, ayna ilaaliyaan nabad gelyada, kala danbaynta iyo nidaamka guud ee Qaranka Somaliland, anagoo Xukuumadana ugu baaqayna inay faraha kala baxdo Golyaasha Sharci Dejinta kana codsanayna in ay si degdeg ah ay ciidamada uga dulqaado Golaha Wakiiladda.

Gobanimo bilaash maaha

Ururka Somaliland Forum

———— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— Somaliland Forum is a nonpartisan and an independent organization that brings together Somaliland citizens in the Diaspora. The Forum helps Somaliland Communities and friends around the globe to work together and contribute to the socioeconomic and political development of the Republic of Somaliland. For more information about the Somaliland Forum please visit www.somalilandforum .com

Somaliland Forum Executive Committee:
Chairman: Ali Abdillahi Dahir (Somaliland)
chair@somalilandfor um.com
Vice-Chair:
Osman Hashi Awed (Canada)
vice@somalilandforu m.com
Secretary:
Kaysar Mohamed Abdillahi (UK)
secretary@somalilan dforum.com
Treasurer:
Ayan Osman Jibril (Somaliland)
treasurer@somalilan dforum.com
Member-at-Large:
Ali Ibrahim Handule (U.A.E.)
xubin@somalilandfor um.com