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Islamist groups vying for control of Southern port city

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Kismayo, Somalia (Somalilandpress)-A major rift has formed between Al-Shabab and the Raas Kambonii Brigade over the control of Kismayo, the capital of Lower Jubba Region in southern Somalia, and residents are anticipating armed clashes.

The two militant Islamist groups had banned together to drive the Jubba Valley Alliance, the now-defunct militia allied with the Transitional Federal Government and headed by Col Barre Hirale, out of Kismayo in August 2008. But now, the two groups are vying against each other over the control of Kismayo city.

The Kambonii faction, which is headed by Sheikh Hasan Turki, says that the mandate of Kismayo’s Al-Shabab-dominated Islamic administration has expired. But Al-Shabab insists that the administration should continue to rule Kismayo.

The disagreement started when Sheikh Ahmad Madobe, one of Kambonii’s senior leaders, wrote a letter to Al-Shabab demanding that it hand over control of the Kismayo administration, arguing that the transfer of power was long overdue. Al-Shabab rejected the demand, saying it would rather fight than hand over control of the Kismayo administration to Kambonii.

Sheikh Ahmad Madobe, who has a lot of support in Waamo regions of Gedo, Lower Jubba, and Middle Jubba, sent a distress call [[ON WHAT DAY? THIS WEEK?]] to towns in his home region, including Afmadow and Dhoobley. He has now mobilized his fighters to stage military maneouvers from Dhoobley, which lies close to the border with Kenya.

In response, Abdirahman Muhammad Ali (Filow), the commander of Al-Shabab forces in Lower Jubba and Middle Jubba regions, has put Al-Shabab fighters on heightened alert and ordered them to execute anyone found engaging in activities against Al-Shabab.

Over the past few nights, leaflets signed by Kambonii members declaring that there is no administration in Kismayo and advising Al-Shabab to leave the city have been found scattered in the port city. It appears that fighting might break out in Kismayo between the two Islamic groups.

Senior leaders of the two groups have not issued any statements.

Anole, an armed Islamist group that has close links with both Al-Shabab and Raas Kambonii, has been trying to mediate between the two. Worried that armed clashes will lead to the weakening of Islamist forces, Anole does not want the two factions to come to blows.

Al-Shabab and Kambonii jointly created the current Islamic administration in Kismayo last year with the understanding that its tenure would be temporary, lasting six months. Kambonii supports the establishment of an all-inclusive administration elected by the people, but Al-Shabab insists on continuing to rule the Kismayo administration.

Sheikh Hasan Turki, the father of armed Islamist movements, has mediated between the two groups, but several attempts to form a broad-based administration have failed.

Now, local residents are increasingly fearful that fighting will break out between the two armed groups.

Somalilandpress

Mogadishu-Somalia

Riyale is ultimately Accountable for the Current Constitutional Crisis in Somaliland.

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Aug 27,2009(SomalilandPress)-Somalilanders elected Dahir Riyale as their first elected president after a long-drawn-out contested election of 2003. The people of Somaliland entrusted Mr. Riyale with the crucial task of ushering the road to a real change based on fairness and justice among the people both in social and economic development, furthermore, to distribute meager resources in all regions, districts, and villages throughout Somaliland equitably. However, after competing his elected five years term and two unconstitutional extensions totaling seven years in power, the president and his ministers squandered and used the limited revenues collected from the poor as regressive taxation and allowed big companies and proprietors to avoid paying their fair share of taxes for their own personal and political gains. The president has nothing much to show of tangible and concrete achievements while in power. The administration in their briefings and press releases often argues that they accomplished a great deal in terms of democratization and good governance and always sates and stress that three consecutive elections were held while in power. But, often fell short to state the fact that it was their responsibility and national obligation to hold those elections and not as political expediency. As such the most anticipated second presidential election would have been held after the first five years term of his presidency expired as delineated in the constitution.

Peace and stability that endured in Somaliland for the last nineteen years was not a product of this administration, but rather a continuum of processes that lasted for more than twenty years and included an armed struggle, genuine reconciliation among the clans initiated by the victorious Somali National Movement (SNM), the Council of Elders GUURTI and the establishment of durable public institutions by the two preceding administrations. It is well established fact that the current administration was elected with all means of governance in place including strong military and police force to maintain peace and stability to continue its mandate. However, as of today and with the lapse of long seven years in power the Somaliland Armed Forces has no rank and seniority to execute their national duties to defend the country. It is mystifying to many people why the president has allowed his military forces to be without ranks, although he is the commander in chief.

If the hard fought peace and stability that distinguished Somaliland from Southern Somalia for nineteen years is lost at the behest of Riyale and his administration and should his administration goes ahead with its presidential election without the full participation of all political parties and attested voter registration in Somaliland, a well thought case ought to be filed at Huge the seat of the International Criminal Court (ICC), spear headed by Somaliland Diaspora against the Government of Dahir Riyale for thwarting democratic processes, violating of International Human Rights, and ushering Somaliland to abyss.

After completing his full term of office and subsequent two extensions, it is apparent that the Riyale Administration is adamant about staying in power to exploit any plausible tactic. Henceforth, it is incumbent upon the Somaliland Diaspora to sought and petition for the support of their respected elected politicians round the world to facilitate them to file a strong case against the Riyale Administration in order to bring him at the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face charges if violence and disorder reign in Somaliland after nineteen years of stability due to his penchant for power an means necessary and belligerent and dictatorial tendencies.

Not long ago, the whole world had witnessed the then contested Kenyan election of December 2007 and its violent aftermath. Currently, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is perusing to press charges but, waiting for the Kenyan government to establish special tribunals to take legal action against those politicians accused of masterminding and behind the violence that brought mayhem and destruction to many properties and the death of more than 1500 people.

The Government of Somaliland and its leaders ought to be cognizant of the consequences of their defiance to held free and fair elections using the voter registration list regardless of its limitations. The just completed and published voter registration list by Interpeace it the only feasible way that would facilitate a verifiable free and fair election results free of rigging. If the government goes ahead with it is unwarranted plan and held the impending presidential election without full and unhindered participation of all political parties contesting it, would undeniably cause a rebellion among the disenfranchised citizens, and the outcome would undoubtedly bring turmoil, violence, and chaos not only in Somaliland but throughout the Horn of African region. The peace and stability that the people of Somaliland had forged and protected for nineteen years is momentous than appeasing one man dictatorship and his cohorts who would like to see it destroyed by any means doable. The Riyale government is tirelessly working to provoke the people of Somaliland towards utter destruction and forcing them to act in an undesirable manner to facilitate him to declare that Somaliland is in state of disorder and chaos to enable his administration to extend his unlawful stay in power.

The opposition parties should not compromise with the fundamental constitutional issues that would undermine their credibility and that of the country. Under no circumstances should the opposition consent a compromise that would allow the president to stay in office after the second extension expires on September 27 2009. and execute the recent agreement among the three political parties. In light of the above matter it is unwise for the opposition to consent a third extension if the international mediators exert pressure on them. The most prudent way to go ahead after September 27, 2009 and held free and fair presidential election is to appoint a care taker government to allow an equal opportunity and plain field for all presidential aspirants.
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If Riyale and his administration continue their typical unyielding position as far as this election is concerned, he must take into account that he and only he should bear the full responsibility of any perilous consequences resulting from such fraudulent and concocted election. The Riyale administration is creating and sawing the seeds of general and discontent fear among the people of Somaliland to support his agenda to stay in power indefinitely which is unacceptable to political parties, peace loving world and all Somalilanders.

Riyale should keep in mind that the watchful eyes of all Somalilanders inside and outside the country and that of the international community is watching upon his actions and the manner in which he reaches a just resolution for current constitutional crises in Somaliland in which he is ultimately accountable for it.

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Fowzi Kamal
fowzi2005@hotmail.com

Somalia President Defends US "Cooperation"

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MOGADISHU, 27 August 2009 (Somalilandpress) – The Qatari Arabic television of Aljazeera held 40-minute interview with Somali President Shaykh Sharif Shaykh Ahmad, correspondent Fahd Yasin in Mogadishu. Interviewed him.

Yasin begins by asking the president about the fall yesterday of the (Beled Xaawo) town on the Kenyan-Somali border to the Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama’a Islamic group after the Al-Shabab al-Mujahidin [Mujahidin Youth Movement] evacuated it, and the government’s relations with the Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama’a. He says that this is part of the recent clashes between the two, and adds: “The current position is that all must support the government because without the presence of a central government to control all the Somali areas there will be further bloodshed. The attempts to implement the shari’ah law on individuals and groups and impose this on the people by force will lead to many problems. We believe that Islam orders us to uphold unity and reject disunity. Their current interpretation of Islam is a wrong interpretation.”

Asked about his previous stand in support of the Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama’a, he replies: “We supported them because they came under attack by the Al-Shabab. This is our duty because we are responsible for protecting them.” Asked if there is no contradiction in an Islamic awakening movement like his movement supporting a Sufic group, Shaykh Ahmad replies that all Sufic movement in history called for the Islamic religion. He adds: “In my capacity as president, I must deal with people without any discrimination. That is what Islam demands. Islam orders us to treat people kindly.”

Yasin asks Shaykh Ahmad about reports that the Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama’a group is supported by the Ethiopian forces and regime, and if his government contacted Ethiopia to stop Ethiopian support for the Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama’a, given that the transitional government does not control the Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama’a politically or in matters of security, he says: “Of course any interference in any Somali groups by any state is considered interference and we reject it. We have made our position clear to the Ethiopian government and others that no state should support them except their own country, and we are prepared to deal with them and support them.”

Asked with which group he prefers to deal, Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama’a group or the Al-Shabab al-Mujahidin, he says he deals with all movements and all sectors of the society as president of the Somali people. Asked what achievements he has realized for the Somali people since he took over seven months ago, he replies: “There are great achievements that many might not know about. First of all, the government moved to the capital after the elections, and this is a great achievement because its presence in the capital demonstrates its seriousness in establishing security in the country. Secondly, the Al-Shabab and the Islamic Party prepared a plan to pounce upon the government, but the government was able to survive and pass this stage. Thirdly, the most important aim of the Somali people is to find a government to rule them by Islam. God be praised this has been realized. We have improved the administration – the banks and financial institutions – and improved relations among the various sectors of the Somali society, and they had never experienced this before.”

Asked about “what you have described as terrorists and foreigners who entered Somalia,” and when they arrived in the country and if he had known about their entry, he says: “Most probably they appeared during the reconciliation talks in Djibouti because this was a period of struggle and transition to a new authority. After the withdrawal of the Ethiopian forces, they found an opportunity to enter the country and they infiltrated the ranks of the resistance and began recruiting youths and others.” He says he cannot specifically say when they entered the country.

Asked if he does not feel that his rhetoric and his statements about terrorists and foreigners are similar to the rhetoric and statements of former president Abdullah Yusuf, given that he rejected Yusuf’s claims in the past, he says: “To begin with, all the acts that the Al-Shabab al-Mujahidin and others are perpetrating, in terms of bombing and the killing and displacement of people are considered acts of terrorism. The Al-Qa’idah’s rhetoric, including that of Usamah Bin-Ladin and Ayman al-Zawahiri and their call for overthrowing the government, and the new policy that Al-Qa’idah is implementing in the Islamic world is a proof that what we say is right.” He adds: “A short while ago, we spoke about the infiltration of terrorist individuals and groups of Somalia and when this happened. This declaration and these acts, as well as the recordings that we have now and the positive response of the Al-Shabab al-Mujahidin to this call do not require much explanation.”

Asked if he had known during his leadership of the Islamic Courts that the persons who planned the attacks against the US embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam in 1998 were present in Somalia as the United States claimed, he says: “Not at all. Moreover, it might be true and it might not be true that they were present because the Islamic courts did not control all areas. We had no information on this.” Asked to react to Western reports that he had personal relations with these men, he replies: “This information is baseless. We know how the Islamic courts began and spread,” adding that the Al-Shabab Movement was not present during the time of the Islamic courts.

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Asked if he does not think that “he was a terrorist” by US standards and that he should have known these men, he says: “This was not my responsibility. I was fighting for the cause of my homeland and I am still fighting for it. I cannot influence the US views and I think your question should be addressed to the US administration.”

Shaykh Ahmad says: “We want security and stability to return to Somalia. The Al-Qa’idah organization does not believe in this. If you speak on any form of a Somali state, be it Islamic or non-Islamic, they will not support you. The US government now realizes that its war against the Islamic courts and the Somali people is not being fruitful. The shari’ah principle is a legitimate demand and the Somali people will never concede this in any case whatsoever. Therefore, the United States is reconsidering its attitude towards Somalia.”

Asked if he agrees with the United States that the Al-Shabab al-Mujahidin is a terrorist group, he says: “Their actions and ideological principles make this description appropriate to the Al-Shabab al-Mujahidin because they cannot approve of any Muslim outside their organization. This never happened in Islamic history. Differences in views happen among Muslims and among the members of the same family. This never reached the extent of holding other Muslims to be infidels or kill them. This group in my opinion is holding people to be infidels, killing them, and permitting the shedding of their blood and the transgression on their honour. It is inventing various methods to terrorize the people. It seems that they want to rule people by terrorizing them and this tarnishes the image of Muslims.”

Asked if those who belong to the Al-Qa’idah organization in Somalia are violating the Somali law, he says: “No doubt Al-Qa’idah organization is a terrorist organization. It uses all sorts of terrorist methods, including bombings and terrorizing people and killing them. Regrettably, their ideas have nothing to do with Islam because Islam cares for Muslims and spares their blood, their honour, and property. This group hurts Muslims more than others. No doubt this organization is a terrorist one and it plays a negative role in its attitude towards Muslims and Islam.”

Asked how he succeeded in having himself elected president given that be has an Islamic background, Shaykh Ahmad says this is due to God’s will, adding that when he was in the Islamic Courts he never tried to be a president but “I wanted to play my role as a Somali citizen who wants to restore security and stability to Somalia,” and adds: “However, fate has led me to this place.” Asked if he still considers himself an Islamist, he says: “No doubt I consider myself Islamist and I am proud of my Islam.”

Asked what topics he discussed with the Ethiopian prime minister during his recent visit to Addis Ababa, he replies: “We agreed with him that this government is not an enemy of Ethiopia and is trying to realize Somalia’s interests, and that the Somali interests are the most important at this stage. The painful legacy of the past battles and tragedies must be shaken off.”

He says: “Our relations with Ethiopia are within our joint interests. As Somalis and Somali government we want stability in Somalia. I think that the Ethiopians and the Ethiopian government have the same vision.” Asked how he can treat the sensitivities that the Somalis feel towards Ethiopian, he says: “Such sensitivities do not exist because what we want is security and stability in Somalia. We do not give Ethiopia any negative role in Somalia. Since they are neighbours, it is more appropriate to reach common grounds with them.”

On relations with Eritrea, he says: “Regrettably, our relationship is extremely bad. The Eritrean government interferes in the Somali affairs and rejects this government and the continuation of dialogue among the Somali people. We had never expected Eritrea to have an agenda in Somalia except the restoration of peace and security to Somalia because the Somalis played a role in Eritrea’s independence. We thought they would return our favour but we discovered that they wanted to use the Somali territory against Ethiopia and Somalia and to perpetuate instability in Somalia. Therefore, we have no relations. This is the only state in the African Union that did not recognize this government. “He says if they want normal relations, they must stop interfering in Somali affairs.

Asked how his government was able to improve relations with the United States, he replies: “I believe that the Americans themselves felt that the danger that threatened the Somalis might harm the Americans themselves. If the anarchy that has been prevailing in Somalia for the past 16 years continues they will have to pay a heavy price. They realized that this government can control the situation. Therefore, we felt that the US administration was interested in supporting this government.”

Asked to react to the notion that his government will now be prepared to “cooperate with the United States concerning the so-called war on terrorism and strike at the Al-Shabab al-Mujahidin” and if this “led to his meeting with Hillary Clinton,” he says: “Not only this, because there are other big and strategic political and economic interests, in addition to the problems of the pirates and the terrorist groups and international terrorist organizations like Al-Qa’idah. However, the basis of this cooperation is that each state has its own interests. Our interest is to restore security and stability to Somalia and have sufficient support to enable us to restore peace and security to Somalia.”

Shaykh Ahmad says that the anarchy in Somalia has harmed the Somalis to a great extent and it also affected the neighbouring states and world countries.

On Somali reconciliation, he says it is continuing and “contacts are being held with those who are against us.” He adds: “Certain groups have joined the government, such as the Party of Islam as well as the Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama’a group.” He says his government “enjoys a wide scale popular support, but terrorist attacks against the government have prevented us from maintaining close contacts with the Somali people. Now we want to build state institutions – army, police, and others.” He says he cares for relations with world countries, especially the Western countries to help the Somali people, “because we cannot repair the destruction in Somali all by ourselves.”

Asked why he shook hands with Hillary Clinton in front of a large audience, despite his Islamic background and his being from a religious family, and if this was “a political requirement,” he replies: “No doubt those who understand the rules of the shari’ah and the current needs and circumstances will understand this.” He says there are many shari’ah rules on this issue. He adds” In view of the circumstances, those who understand Islam will understand that this is the right way.”

Asked about his plans to effect reconciliation with Shaykh Hasan Dahir Aways and others, he says he still entertains hopes that the reconciliation will be reached, noting that “they do not want reconciliation or understanding with us.” He also says that he is prepared to talk with any group or person who wants to hold talks with the government, including the Al-Shabab al-Mujahidin. On the issue of the Puntland autonomous region and the president of the province’s claim that Shaykh Ahmad’s government does not believe in the federal system, he says we have no problem with them, and that this “government was based on the federation covenant,” adding: “We have not changed anything.” He says that “his claim was based on misunderstanding.”

Asked when the AU forces will leave, he says the AU forces want to realize security and stability, noting that the government plans to strengthen the police and the army. Asked why the African forces continue to guard the palace, he says that the government is coming under attacks and they are protecting the government, adding that “we intend to train our forces to enable them to carry out this task.” Asked about claims that the AU forces are shelling civilians from the Palace area, he replies that the armed groups intentionally open fire from the market place and from residential areas, adding that sometimes, “we are forced to return the fire and we sometimes miss the target, and we regret what happens to innocent people, but we try as much as possible to hit only the fighters.”

Answering a question, he says there is no tribal fighting because the entire Somali people support the government and there is a “large-scale international backing for this government, which is determined and which has a plan to restore security and stability,” noting that there are also plans to reconstruct the country. On the economy in Somalia, he says improvement in economy requires security, noting that the recent drought has exacerbated the poor humanitarian conditions. He says the humanitarian assistance that arrived to the government was distributed to those affected.

Asked about reports on a cabinet reshuffle, he says this is natural and the prime minister has the right to do that. He says neither his own tribe nor others oppose the government.

On Arab relations, Shaykh Ahmad is asked why the Somali government rejected Arab assistance that was conditional on reconciliation and, subsequently “you withdrew your request” for assistance, and if the matter was resolved later on, he replies: “Not at all. It was not resolved. I do not know why the Arab governments do not want to help Somalia. We had expected that they would contribute towards restoring security and stability and the establishment of the Somali state. So far we do not know the reason but the problem is still there and the request is still suspended.” Asked why he does not visit the Arab states so that the Somali issue can be presented to Arab heads of state, he says he has been endeavouring to visit Arab states and urge them to help Somalia but “nobody has met our request.” He says Somalia has good relations with Yemen and “we hope to visit it shortly, God willing.”

In conclusion, Shaykh Ahmad says: “The Somali people have been suffering from lawlessness for the past 19 years and this government represents a genuine opportunity for the Somali people. The continuation of anarchy will weaken the Somali people. We want our people to continue their support for the government. We ask all those who have relations with the opposition to approach them because many Somalis joined these organizations, which are trying to undermine the government in this country, and this will only lead to bloodshed and anarchy. Everybody shares responsibility, not only the government. What we need is effective participation.

“To the Arab world, we say: You have a moral, religious, and historical obligations to help the Somali people, who are trying to overcome this crisis. It is not right for you to wait until this government controls all the areas without your support. We appeal to you, from this forum, to back the government and the Somali people.”

Abdinasir Mohamed
Somalilandpress
Mogadishu-Somalia
Email:abdinasir4@gmail.com

Somaliland Genocide Back To Haunt

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HARGEISA — A mass grave containing the remains of at least nine bodies thought to have been killed during Siad Bare’s rule were found on Thursday after heavy torrential rains in the out skirts of Hargeisa, in the Boqol Jireh district.

The people buried here were part of hundreds of thousands of people that have been killed in Somaliland after Somalia’s dictator Siad Bare’s military operations. In 1988, Somalia’s military junta hired Rhodesian (Zimbabwe) mercenaries that were acquired by United Arab Emirates to bombard Somaliland’s three major towns – Hargeisa, Burao and Berbera, an estimated 50, 000 were killed and more than 800, 000 people were forced to leave their homes.

barbed wires were often used to tie victims together

Many of the refugees fled to neighbouring Ethiopia. Those who survived the bombings or the deliberate starvation by denying them food were often rounded up, tied together using barbed wires and gunned down from a point-blank range. If that method did not work, they would often tie them together in barbed wires and run bulldozers over them and were left to rot in the streets where they bulldozed.

Genocide: Children fell too under Siad Bare

Officials from Somaliland’s department of defense were present and quickly sealed the area to protect the graves before their relocation and proper burial.

Several mass graves as well as corpses containing the remains of civilians have been found across Somaliland since the fall of Somalia’s dictator regime in 1991.

Two decades on, the 1988 Somaliland genocide will haunt the world for generations. The only justice Somaliland seeks is to be part of the international community as sovereign nation and not be forced into a union with a country that only knows how to kill it’s own civilians. Somaliland might be living in peace but Somalia continues to carry out the genocide it’s own for in its own turf today.

Somalilandpress | August 2009 (first published May 2009)

The Somaliland Government must Change the Course.

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The Somaliland was successfully won the mind and the hearts of international community, building by high-quality democracy institutions, respecting the world order, and working hard with friends of peace lovers around the world. In fact, diplomatic progress dramatically was changed recently when Somaliland government increased the abuses of its citizens and changed its behavior.

For the last couple of months the head line was not virtuous, politicians were arrested, human right groups were in forced to have new leaders, media groups were survivals rather pointing out the government’s messes, and to be held a free and fair elections were neglected. The Somaliland’s political science toward to the world was modified one that based on not consultations and absolute not fulfilling the demands from the international community.

To be part of the world’s most messy countries, the government declared war international community and lead Somaliland to be one of the declining states when it comes the security and diplomacy. The world’s super powers were worried about the Somaliland’s progress and security. The best known news media around the world was clearly verified for the last couple of days the apprehension. The well recognized politicians in Washington DC are indicated their alarm.

Today, the world confirmed any consequences that caused this dispute would be held on its responsibility the Somaliland government.  It is the first time in a week the international community delegates come to Hargiesa and touch politically taboos and norms and open a new discussion to cooling down the argument among the Somaliland political parts.  Visiting will show the government a huge diplomatic sit back if it is not fulfill the international demand which is really making a free and fair election.

All and all, The Washington DC pictures were wonderful and remarkable when president visited. In fact, the lunch between the president’s delegation and officials from state was the key of the future Somaliland.  At that time, more than five best political news papers wrote their front pages the tales about Somaliland.

Although Somaliland was included today the watch list, and seriously concerned about the government’s violation of human right and freedom of media, and elections, but the government, on the other hand, can make unbelievable and extraordinary move now to solve and changed this course proving that to the world again when it comes the interest and the unity of the people of Somaliland, we are serous about it. 

ENG.Caynaab

Somaliland: Don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater

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The English wisdom (Don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater) teaches us what is important in life; what to treasure and what to throw away. Our people in Somaliland are travelling through trying times which are testing the character of our people. I have no doubt which way they will go. There is no doubt they will pull through. However, our collective advice is to tread carefully and not allow the delaying of elections erode vital issues such as peace, cohesion and stability.

For the past 18 years there was peace and stability in Somaliland unlike most parts of our country. The government of President Dahir Riyale Kahin has been in power for 7 years since 3rd May 2002. His government’s biggest achievement has been continuity and stability. This is by no means a minor achievement and our people should guard their achievement with their lives.

It is easy to condemn but nothing is ever achieved by condemning anyone. In Somaliland the election has been delayed many times owing to a number of reasons. But that is now water under the bridge. What is now important is how soon and when to hold the election without complicating matters. Moreover, there are a number of issues that need to be taken into consideration.  

Patience and time are needed
Opposition parties in Somaliland who are anxious to take part in the election should also set their eyes on how to make the elections safe and without repercussions. Winning an election would be meaningless if anarchy descended. For that reason, the most important task which the opposition parties should be pressing hard for is: voter registration.

Voter registration: a must!
Without voter registration there can be no election. Voter registration is important to differentiate between voters in the registry and those who had not bothered to register so that on polling day only the registered would be allowed to vote. Also the importance of the campaign is to help plan how many voting stations and poll-workers are needed and to gauge voter turnout and so forth.

How long should it take to register voters?
The government and the opposition parties in Somaliland should jointly decide on how long it should take to register all voters eligible to vote. It is not for me to say here how long it should take but to successfully register voters may take up to 12 months.
 
Resources and logistics
Voter registration campaign shall require resources such as capital, manpower, and transportation. By now these issues should have been resolved. However, Somaliland needs to appeal to the world community to find funds for the campaign to register voters.
 
Election immediately after voter registration
Once the campaign to register voters has been concluded successfully the election itself should be held within three months. The three months limit would allow time to plan and prepare polling stations, assign and train polling-workers, invite observers etc.
 
Work together to achieve a peaceful election
Rather than make a lot of hoo-ha about the delay of the election which would serve no purpose, our people should work together to achieve the conduct of a peaceful and transparent election. To do so the government and the opposition parties should appoint emissaries to work out a timetable to conduct a campaign of voter registration and a date for the election itself.
Demonstrations are unhelpful
There is nothing to be had from staging demonstrations. Demonstrations can also cause instability and worse can lead to mob rule. Anyone who comes to power through staging mass demonstrations can be thrown out of power by using the same method.  Demonstrations can also cause counter demonstrations and usher in a cycle of violence. The best way for opposition parties who have something to offer is through hard work and perseverance.

What would a year cost to conduct voter registration?
Haste is the work of the devil. The opposition in Somaliland will be equally blamed if things get out of hand. At least a year is now needed to conclude voter registration. The opposition would be wise to accept that it is always to the incumbent’s advantage to decide when to hold an election.

An opposition party of the highest order
When it comes to the virtue of patience an opposition party which merits the highest admiration is the MDC (Movement for Democratic Change) party of Zimbabwe. This is a party which has continued its journey despite having been cheated of victory for four elections. Why do it? There can be no reason other than love of country.

Why free and fair elections are important?
The aim to join politics is to serve and to help further one’s society and its interests. The purpose of elections is the wish and choice of the public to reign to either retain the serving or allow the elected take the mantle. It is also to allow the transfer of power peacefully when the public have voted for a change of leadership. Those who did not win the election are required to give way and allow the incoming take the seat. This is in the best interest of the country otherwise one may make a mess of things or a mockery of one’s society.

Rigging elections is un-Somali
One of the things which is never part of our character is rigging elections. The answer lies in the nature of our people. Somalis are from an open society where everything is known and nothing can be hidden.  For that reason rigging elections is not only un-Somali and impossible within our society: all the more reason why the issue in dispute in Somaliland is not over rigging an election.

A message for Dahir Riyale and his government
By now voter registration should have been concluded and the outcome of the election should have been known. However, that is not the issue now. The government should work with the opposition to establish the timetable for voter registration and the actual date for the election. The government should also find the funds and put in place the logistics to register voters. Above all, the government should show genuine willingness to conduct the election once the voters have been registered. President Dahir Riyale should be careful not to go down in history as the man who [on his watch] presided over the collapse of Somaliland. He should know better that if the country goes down there will be no power to hold on to.

We care about our people in Somaliland and we have reason to be concerned what is happening there. Elections are important. They serve to renew society and governance. However, without voter registration there are pitfalls which make holding elections impossible. There is no way of knowing voters and the number of voters which is a major requirement for holding elections.

Somaliland has always been proud to conduct its affairs by itself within its confines without outside involvement. Governments in the region and the world community can only do so much to help those who throw their own country into the furnace. A year and three months is a small price to pay for the wellbeing of one’s country and society. Our people should be careful not to jeopardize their achievement. They should work together (government, opposition and the public) to pave the way to a peaceful and transparent election. Somaliland should tread carefully not to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Somaliland should pull itself from the precipitous!

Finally, we have a message here for individual Somalis who hate Somaliland. He is a moron who does not know what Somalis mean to one another. It goes without saying that the wellbeing of Somaliland is the wellbeing of every Somali and the message for those who love unity among Somalis is: Unity cannot come by wishing ill to our brothers and sisters in Somaliland. Unity will come one day when we have a government and a leadership which can make possible Somalis from different communities and backgrounds living side by side in peace and harmony working together to further our nation, its interests and wellbeing. Our people in Somaliland should be commended, not vilified, for administering themselves over a long period of time when there was only mayhem and anarchy in much of the rest of our country.  

Abdullahi Dool
Hornheritage@aol.com

A vision Became Reality

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HARGEISA, 26 August 2009 (Somalilandpress) – Time just seems to go by, some times with painful regularity and others with the beauty of natural rhythm of the seasons. People around different corners of the world are born to be successful but conditioned to lose. What makes people highly respected while others are absurd is just a little knowledge.

Iam merry to share my last words with my cherished graduates whom I halves an excellent time of my life. It is not an easy chore to be four years in University, but our keenness, dedication and commitment made us to signpost one of our memorable years of our lives. Today we are commemorating the ending of a new chapter in our lives which is four years of sacrifice and handwork.

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I have always dreamed of the completion of my degree of economics during the four year in University of Hargeisa. It was sheer hard work which made it possible for me to become one of the first economic graduates that obtain a degree from the university. As an ambitious student it is necessary that you know your self and your ability very well. May be you are talented person. May be you are naturally full of zip and robust. Even if you are keep your mind to turn your vision into reality.

With regards to my first year at the university, most students enter university eager-eyed, excited about learning, and anxious to learn. Their parents are excited too. But lack of orientation towards how university works and even choosing their studying career disappointed many parents and their children and same lost the goodness at the university.

With out guiding the students, many friends urge you to go into very specific professional fields. These are mainly the business studies, such as accounting and administration and technological studies. Very few students go into the sciences, such as medicine and other sciences and make a career out of it.

There is a widespread myth among high school graduates that choosing sciences are very hard and takes long time according to the other fields. These professionals have financially more expensive than careers of business and information technology. It is important to note that it is petty which profession you choose; what is imperative is that you utilize your skills successfully, and get all there is to obtain within that field of study.

Dear graduates your university days are over. You are finally in the real world. You have graduated, walked across the stage and climbed down from the stairs of the academy, leading you right into the real world. Your first job awaits you now. But you’re not worried because you’re ready: After spending all those sleepless nights. Keeping in mind that there are so many challenges ahead of you. The whole world wants us because we are special persons.

My brothers and sisters in faith let me remind you that we are going to the next plateau in life. Learning doesn’t end with obtaining degree but it is long life adventure. Keep in mind that life outside there is harsh and it is only for the hardworking people. Continue learning and apply the skills and experiences that you acquired in University of Hargeisa to the real life of your society.

Finally, I would like to use this chance to sincerely appreciate to my beloved lecturers with out their persistence and endorsement I wouldn’t have reached this level. Thanks also to the faculty of Economics and Business Administration for their busy academic year, the faculty is working around the clock to ensure we attain our intended courses as well as finishing the course outline of each subjects. Let me leave behind my genuine appreciation to the university management team who has prepared every effort to run the university slickly and smoothly.

The library is one vital tool for writing our thesis paper. Our library has got enough resources to enable our students a culture of reading specially those who are ready to graduate in the university. I would like to thank the librarian for his tireless effort to help the students and lecturers.

To cut my words short, you graduate the question is “AFTER THE UNIVERSITY WHAT IS NEXT?

Our motto is “Keen to learn, motivated to help, and eager to be recognized as important contributor to your society”.

Written by: Farhan Abdi Suleiman (oday)
Farhan Abdi Suleiman is a social worker, fresh graduate at university of Hargeisa and youth activist. You can be contacted at oday1999@yahoo.com
Tell: 4401132

Election Ruling Rings Alarm Bells In Somaliland

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HARGEISA, 26 August 2009 (Somalilandpress) – A ruling that Somaliland will hold its oft-postponed presidential election without a voters’ list has prompted demonstrations, a boycott threat and warnings that the secessionist state’s relative stability is in jeopardy.

Somaliland, which unilaterally broke away from the rest of Somalia in 1991, is due to go to the polls on 27 September. The poll was originally scheduled for April 2008.

In late July, President Dahir Riyale Kahin announced that he and the National Election Commission (NEC) had decided to discard a hi-tech biometric voters’ register that had recently been completed after two years of work, claiming that computer server problems had generated an unreliable list. A representative of Interpeace, a Geneva-based organisation that developed the new system and disputes the extent of the problem, was abruptly deported.

The two main opposition candidates, Faisal Ali Warabe of the Justice and Welfare Party and Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud of the Development and Solidarity Party, have threatened to boycott the election and refused to even meet Riyale unless he reconsiders his decision.

For his part, Riyale has ignored a parliamentary order to reinstate the voters’ list, whose suspension the assembly deemed illegal.

The suspension led to demonstrations by opposition supporters, the latest on 19 August in Hargeisa, the capital, with thousands of people.

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“We want to show the president that we are fully committed to holding the election using the voter registration lists,” Mustafe Abdi, one of the protesters, said.

According to reports from Lasanod, at least 37 individuals have been arrested since the demonstrations began, including regional officials of the two opposition parties.

Credibility questions

Yusuf Abdi Gabobe, leader of the Union of Somaliland Journalists, said: “Everybody in Somaliland is worried about the country’s current situation. If we continue without mediation the situation could worsen and conflict could arise.”

Meanwhile, concern is mounting outside the country. The African Union’s envoy, Nicholas Bwakira, arrived in Hargeisa on 25 August and was scheduled to meet leaders of all major political parties. His visit follows that of Ethiopian Deputy Foreign Minister, Tekede Alemu.

Earlier in August, the US government expressed “profound dismay” over the registration issue. “We believe the list forms a sound basis for use in the elections scheduled for 27 September. We have directly urged President Riyale to reconsider his decision,” according to a press statement released in Nairobi.

Timothy Othieno, a regional analyst with the Overseas Development Institute, a British think-tank, told IRIN that if the minority ruling United Peoples’ Democratic Party (UDUB) went ahead with the election without the opposition, “they will have no credibility domestically and internationally and this may lead to instability. The lack of credibility may lead to pressures within Somaliland for change, which may not be attractive for Riyale both domestically and internationally.”

But he warned even under current circumstances, the election date should be maintained. “Any further delays will have denied Somalilanders an opportunity to express themselves through the ballot box. There will never be a perfect election and a consistent tradition of elections will sort out these intricacies over time. The point being that Somaliland needs to get into the habit of having regular elections even if they are not perfect.”

Three UK-based organisations invited to coordinate international observers during the elections have also sounded the alarm. In a statement released on 20 August, Progressio, the Development Planning Unit at University College London, and Somaliland Focus (UK) expressed “deep concern” at recent developments and hinted they would pull out.

“We feel that under the current circumstances, the only possible outcome [of the election] would be seen by a significant proportion of Somalilanders as lacking legitimacy. We are therefore concerned about whether we are able to provide the coordination and observation role to which we have been committed to date, unless the situation changes markedly,” they said.

Source: IRIN

French hostage in Somalia escapes from captors

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HARGEISA, 26 August 2009 (Somalilandpress) – One of two French security advisers kidnapped by insurgents in Somalia last month has escaped from his captors, Somali police said on Wednesday.

The hostage was believed to be held by militants of the al Shabaab Islamist group and senior police officer Abdiqadir Odweyne told Reuters he killed three of his captors before fleeing to the presidential palace.

“One of the two Frenchmen escaped from al Shabaab and now he is in the palace,” Odweyne said.

“We understand he killed three al Shabaab guys who were guarding him. I cannot understand how this good story happened but now he is in the hands of the government.”

The two Frenchmen were seized from a Mogadishu hotel.

The U.N.-backed government in Somalia has been facing a stubborn insurgency from al Shabaab and another group called Hizbul Islam.

An al Shabaab source confirmed three of its members were killed, but it was not known by whom.

“Three of my friends died but who killed them is the question. We were expecting a ransom this morning,” the source said.

Source: Reuters

The Skeletal Face Of Persistent Hunger In Somaliland.!!.

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The Widespread Panic Over Up Comingin Election Somaliland Has Obscured A Far Larger, And Far More Far-reaching Threat: That Of Hunger And Chronic Malnutrition . Hunger is a man-made disease. It is political will – or lack of it – which outlines the contours of what idiot has called the geography of hunger. It is the political decisions that we as a supposed democracy make that determine who goes hungry, when and why. These decisions – or non-decisions, which is the same thing – include the fixing of basic procurement prices for farm output, implementing (or non-implementing) irrigation programmes, ensuring (or not ensuring) adequate supplies of subsidised fertiliser and other inputs to farmers, monitoring the transport, trade, storage and distribution of foodgrains on an equitable basis. The skeletal face of persistent hunger -All Somalia,today has nutritional levels as low as those of starving Somaliland – shows only too painfully that we collectively have failed to make and implement the necessary decisions. Hunger remains the most damning indictment of our deeply flawed democracy.

And when the monsoon fails – or falters, as it has done this year – our signal failure to win the war against hunger becomes even more disastrously obvious. Chronic malnutrition, suffered over generations, results in progressive physical and mental debilitation. Hungry people, who breed hungry children, will over time become weaker and weaker in body and brain. What price our much-vaunted democracy when a quarter of the electorate is crippled physically and mentally by lack of basic sustenance? So why does our media play up Elections and power anger, or terrorist attacks, or Tribilesm (which actually is an inevitable offshoot of rural deprivation) instead of the far greater menace of mass hunger, with all its ramifications (which includes all )? The short answer to that question is that – apart from the catchy slogan for a political party chain, ‘Hungry?’ – hunger is not seen to be ‘fun’ enough in attracting public attention – and enhancing TV ratings and newspaper circulations. Hunger is a poor man’s disease. It doesn’t directly affect those who can afford to watch television and read newspapers. Hunger doesn’t affect you and me. Or doesn’t it? Let’s throw away our election masks. And let’s not eat for a day. Then perhaps we’ll know what hunger is. And why we have to get rid of it.

Before it gets rid of us.There is no denying of the fact that today it is extremely difficult to survive for a general person in India. Projections can be made any way but everything is becoming out of reach from common person. Whether we talk of food or water or electricity or housing or health or education.

Everything is becoming scarce and every care is being taken to protect and flourish those in power and it is true for every one whether in politics or in bureaucracy or media or business and so on.

I hope other will also be inspired from this issue. Unless hunger becomes a national issue no political formation will give any weightage for the eradication of hunger while framing the policy decision.

Those who could influence the govt. policy decisions on economy and business should shoulder their responsibility for the deaths due to hunger and chronic malnutrition. Lack of Political will has created hunger. Casual approach of our Ministers created this crisis for food and political crisis.

All the subsidies seems to be created for the middle men and political brokers. Media always looks for some instantaneous “breaking news” rather than throwing light on the long standing issues which can bring money and increase their ratings.

Had all the issues of hunger had been highlighted and brought to notice of the government.

Amiin D. Caynaanshe

Columbus,Oh / Usa

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