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Somaliland Upcoming Elections And The Strategy Of The Spoiler Opposition

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HARGEISA, 9 August 2009 (Somalilandpress) – Egal-Riyaalle ticket depicted the SNL-USP coalition which led the Somaliland independence and the eventual union with Somalia, thus forming the Somali Republic. The tribal balance embodied in this combination, glued Somaliland together even after the state failure. The limitation of the practicing political parties to three, by the non-inclusive emergency constitution, was based on the traditional entities SNL, USP and the NUF.

Udub( central pillar party) represents the Somali national league(SNL), Kulmiye is a literal translation of National United Front(NUF) and is a continuation of that entity in its political orientation and die hard tribal following. “Ucid”, means supportive relative and/or a cushion to fall back on. Functionally the party fits that role of auxiliary pressure group.

The missing link in the political party spectrum is the United Somali Party (USP), representing the south eastern and western flanks of Somaliland. The endeavors of the tribal based political affiliations bent on paralyzing the flanks must be confronted with the revitalization of that party as an instrument of stabilization, perhaps, under the Somali denomination (Daljir). In its absence, there will be no fair play in the political arena of Somaliland.

The unholy alliance between the spoiler opposition and foreign intrigue, for that matter, is not only scary but a destructive scheme purporting to undo our national fabric of traditional connectivity and a conduct of syndicated tribes collectivity. Under no circumstance, can stipulations in the non- inclusive constitution, create legal loopholes leading to demographic dictatorship and ethnic exclusivity as upheld by the spoiler opposition. The traditional tribal equality and inter-tribal customary protocol (Xeer) had consolidated the parameters of the Somali society and its unwavering pastoral democracy.

By choosing Riyaalle as his de jure and de facto successor, the founding father President Mohamed I. Egal (Allah bless his soul) had manifested a tenuous spirit of fair play in power sharing and tribal equilibrium. His wise vision has proven to be a success story of healing and housekeeping mutuality. The hue and cry of abrasive absurdity vis-a-vis Egal-Riyaalle-fatigue, fomented by the spoiler opposition, with all its content of aggressive belligerence and naked phobia would lead not to a healthy conduit of Somaliland statehood. On the contrary, it will disturb the qualitative culture of egalitarian nature unique to the Huwan family. And would negatively impact on the tempo of Somaliland still going strong.

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Additionally, if the spiteful “Tola-Ayey” gets its way, that would mean cleansing non-clan presence in the power house of Somaliland. At this juncture, Riyaalle would go hibernating together with the pool of other high caliber roosters waiting in the wings, like Xaabsade Qaybe iyo qaar kaloo badan(and many others). These hard-beaten veterans know-not the foolhardy of failure, nor the futility of lamentation. They are forward looking visionary leaders , who unflinchingly face fate and fear no consequences. In a phlegmatic mood, they keep smiling and bid their time. In the process however, the Presidency, Guurti and House speakers and all political parties would be exclusive institutions. Not to mention, the clan predominance across the national board. It’s this lopsided structural equation that the founding father was sensitively alert.

The blatant designation of non-clans as Faqash and Hangash by some hierarchical leadership, is very troubling. It is not only political arrogance, metaphorically, but it’s a pointed signal of discriminatory phobia. The trend of the upcoming elections is conducted in a purge-like pattern by the chauvinistic spoiler opposition. The alleged fatigue syndrome of Egal- Riyaalle era, drummed up by the opposition, is a tactical approach to an embryonic coup tentatively in the press.

Here goes again, the divisive agenda which the timely intervention of the founding father backed by the wisdom of the Huwan tribes had foiled. The ideals of the spoiler opposition were misleading from the start and, never represented inclusiveness of the totality of Somaliland. It was always elusively one-sided and assertively power maniac.

Hopefully, Udub(the ruling party), with its interwoven membership of diversified origin: qualitatively, and quantitatively motivated for the common cause, will win the day and will vindicate the legacy of the founding father. United we stand. Divided we fall

Mohamed M. Khawi
President
Somaliland natives association
Somalilandnativesassn@gmail.com

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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

Somaliland: Journalists Charged

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HARGEISA, 9 August 2009 (Somalilandpress) – Somaliland court has sentenced three journalists Six months jail and fined Six Million Somaliland shillings today.

The case has been going on since last few weeks where the three journalists were accused of misinforming the public and contributing to the clan conflict in Elbardale.

The court said that Ahmed Suleiman Dhuhul, Mohamed Osman Mire and Muse Inji have been found guilty and will be jailed six months each. They will also pay Six Million Somaliland shillings as a fine.

More to the news will be coming soon ………..


Somalilandpress.com

Democratic Vs Peace in Somaliland

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Somalilandpress- It has been 18 years ago when Somaliland initiated peace and political stability in the country. Established government operating under unrecognized state, which was not an option but was fact, started to revive state institutions to delivery public service. Founding political landscape and formation of state apparatus were not properly structured toward long-term goals and even not paralleded recognision seeking efforts. Citizens had no capacity to comprehend model of government which reflected on individual benefit rather than national interest, and they often anticipated immediate recognition and prosperty so that most government hidden agendas were legitimate in eyes of ordinary citizens, those who accepted constitution which is tailored to prolonged elite in office. Despite all these, people determined to protect peace, meaning that as long as political tolerant and peaceful mean of resolution are intact, they are pleased and can overcome any arising issues.       
 
Ironically, people realized that peace is under threat in course of democratic process which can nether produce head of state nor protect existing peace in country. Then, nation’s destination is in a shadow and speculation of country collapse in horizon since some people started to feel panic that election would bring crises rather than recognision. The question immediately jumps to one’s mine is weather traditional way of peace mechanism can be a option in order to prevent violent conflict and power struggle or state destruction, the answer remained unconventional and ambiguity. Others have valid argument to oppose democratic process in the county saying that enough is enough as suffered a lot, last two years of election which pause development, including daispora investment, tourism and foreign aid flows to country because all types of investors and similar projects are in hold position watch and see positions.

Though people unanimously agreed parliamentary in 2005 could be considered as ‘fair election’ but democratic elected members ended up with their term in touring abroad, ceremonial speech – they not only neglect their constituency demand for better service but they also refused go back to villager, districts and regions to stay sit-in dusty towns to highlight the plight of the poor. To presidential election, despite its suspicious of fraud, produced current leader, Dahir Rayale who has been administering the country based on identity politics; his will was or is the constitution and there is no distinction line between his pocket and nations treasure – he come across more like an ordinary man who usually manage his private home not act as head of republic.

 Democratic era has been characterized by vagrant and fragile state, leave alone development, but devastated vast amount of country’s asset, thus, contributing to poverty, political canvas, adversely affecting on minds of thousands of Somalilanders, as to weaken rationality and mutual interest but rather create harter, political bias and party dogmantism, lack of constitionalism and social fabric and deterioting of public sector and bad governance, and eroding traditional nation building system. The crises of today peace is perhaps best embodied by recent incident in Ceel-bardale – land dispute between Gabiley and Borama – that  could not be resolved by both traditional ways and government though blame rested squarely with president’s delayed actions. Various groups rescued and are united to end this incident only by lack of focus or approach to employ, and, this is symptom of dysfunctional of traditional conflict resolution mechanism and lack of substitute.

In many ways clan approach has become a victim of its own success. Public anger and frustration will be witnessed if grand clan conference is raised, at same time; clan is basic political unit, security, social welfare and so on. It is always seen on TV screens of other media certain clans shifting from one party to another by naming their clan. This means that almost individual choices are in rare when it comes to voting but rather clan views dominate in Somaliland political landscape. So, the question is why people perceive clan conference as sharp contrast to successful democratic process. 

  
Be as it may, but it is suffice to mention that democracy has not get balanced ingredient formula to generate peaceful means of power transfer so that  it always necessary requirement to develop an appropriate democracy which respects nation’s inherited of political, socio-cultural, religion and historical settings otherwise it would can lead country to full scale disaster and fragmentation . Yet, in Somaliland, negative side of election is feasible unless traditional mechanism restored as back up or adopted as last resort to survive the nation from collapse. 

Mohamed A. Warsame
Hargeisa, Somaliland
Email: iamwarsame@yahoo.com
Tell: 4150677

Tribute to Ali Marshal

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Marxuum Cali MaarshaalSomalilandpress- I was in Addis-Ababa Airport heading to Hargeisa, Somaliland, when I was told that Ali Gualid has passed away due to car accident between Berbera and Hargeisa road.  Even though, the death is waiting for all of us and no one can not escape from it, there is a Somali proverb that says, “The death is ok with Camel Boy and someone you don’t know”.

I have known Ali Gualid for a long time which we were in California, USA.  Ali Gualid was a Certified Public Account (CPA), Banker, Broadcaster, Activist and well-educator Somali Lander. Ali always puts the interest of his country and his people before anything else with passion, grace and conviction.

Ali Gualid sudden death is not alone to his family but it touches all Somali Landers inside our country and in Diaspora. I am extremely lucky to participate his funeral which I have not seen the magnitude which all Somali Landers has given their respect with this great man.

Ali Gualid was composed with multiple talents: he was a visionary, man of principal, Certified Public Accountant, great thinker, activist and a man with a profound sense of history. He instructed to the proposition that the history of the past must be a path to the future, that the mistakes of the past should not be repeated again, but rather learned from it and move the country forward not backward and that Somaliland had no option but to reclaim its independence, that democracy is the right ingredient for the country’s social and economic development, and that democracy is the country’s flag-ship to international recognition

Ali Gualid was a man of vision; he was the first man who opened the Waberi Radio in San Jose, California which he named, the voice of Somali People. Ali was a podcaster and he always brings on his Radio many issues that were very useful to our people. Ali never afraid of telling the truth to everyone including the Somaliland elected officials. He was always very articulate on his Articles and even on his Radio Podcasting air time.

Ali Gualid has every thing that an individual will dream of, a decent job with high pay, living in the United States of America, especially the best state which is San Jose, California, but he chosen rather to make useful and help his country and his people for his knowledge and expertise without looking back a bit his own interest but rather his countries ’interest.

For the first meeting of SOPRI in Los-Angeles, Ali Gualid has helped the late founder of the Somaliland Policy and Reconstruction Institute (SOPRI). He was a keynote speaker of that meeting and presented a great paper that he laid out effectively the road-map of Somaliland and how to achieve a quick recognition with a clear vision and to promote international recognition for Somaliland.

It is very difficult to put a scale on Ali’s contribution in the quest for development of democracy and Somaliland recognition, but there is no doubt in my mind that he assisted and ignited the recognition cause and effort, which was not active before his effort.  Ali was always so busy not to leave the job solely to the government but that the Diaspora educators should be actively involved too and, as Ali had demonstrated, they could give back something to their country of origin not the country that someone took their residency or citizenship.
Ali was a dreamer, a visionary, loyal to his country, his party and a doer. And so we all Asked Allah to forgive him and enter his paradise. Ali has played a major role for supporting his party agendas and his country progress. The level of his involvement was evident by the amount of time he spent in the preparatory work. During the last presidential elections, those of us in the Diaspora remained in regular contact and he was always very keen when it comes on fair elections and fair voting registrations. Recently, Ali was appointed by his Party to the Chairman of the up-coming Presidential elections on the Western Regions of Somaliland and he was the right person for that job. Now he is gone, the Party and the country will have a vacuum that needs to be resumed.
May Allah put his soul rest and peace and wash with cold water and enter his paradise.
Dr. Mohamed Osman Nur
Hargeisa, Somaliland.

WHERE THERE IS NO DONOR

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Somalilandpress- From militia disarmament, through reconciliations, building a national army, government institutions, to holding free and fair election for presidency, parliamentarian and local councils, Somaliland did all these in the absence of external donors. One thing that is attributable to this success was, unlike many African countries, the protection of its traditional democratic values and process from the domination of western liberal democracy. During the colonial period, Britain wasn’t only refused to rule directly but British children were not allowed  to be born in Somaliland as well.
 
The principles of democracy and democratic values are neither novel nor alien but rather
Indigenous to the African nations in general and Somaliland in particular.  Indeed, the desire for representation, inclusion, and participation in public affairs—essential elements of democracy—are universal to all humans; the difference rests in the methods of attaining these goals. To what extent a society “democratizes” is incontestably dependent on its sociocultural milieu, whether it is African, European, American, Asian, or even Islamic societies.
 
In Somaliland’s history, no election was more problematic than the upcoming presidential election which, after many delays, is to be held on September this year. This is due to the degree of donor involvement and their mindset. As a precondition for funding, donors demanded certain requirement to be fulfilled. These requirements are based on their definition of democracy and completely ignored the type of democracy already in place. Intentionally or unintentionally, it seems that Western democracy benchmarks are being used to evaluate ours. It is quite auspicious to ask: what do the Donors desire for Somaliland?  Democracy! What type of democracy and for whose benefit?
 
To some extend, Somaliland’s failure for international recognition was a bless in disguise. In its two decades of existence, unknown to the outside world, it prospered economically, politically and socially. I feel that there is a strong link between the involvement of donors in our internal affairs and the wind of political uncertainty blowing. Much of Somalia’s trouble, for instance, is external rather than internal. Should anyone asked me the after-before-donor  Somaliland, I’d surely choose before-donor Somaliland where life was easy and simple.
 
 
Ugbaad
Hargeisa, Somaliland
ugbaadahmed@rocketmail.com

Will there be new US Actions in the Horn?

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Aug 06 (SomalilandPress)-The US Secretary of State is making Her first Official visit to Africa and initial observations are that Mrs. Clinton is doing remarkably well in this capacity.

Her First stop was in Kenya and this was where two major concerns of the Obama Administration were being addressed. We all remember back in January 2008 when the country convulsed in an orgy of Violence after a controversial Presidential Election. The Country has a Coalition Government but has yet to bring those responsible for the killings to Justice.

Currently Kenya has a crucial role to play in US Policy towards the Horn of Africa. The Port of Mombasa is the location where the Somali Pirates are brought to when they are captured on the high seas. Its Proximity to Somalia also makes it a key point of interest to Counterterrorism Specialists here in the US. There are some people who believe that Somalia could become to Kenya like what Afganistan is to Pakistan.

The Other Point of Interest is Somalia. The US has had an interesting History in Somalia since the end of the Cold War. Allies after the Ogaden War of the late 1970s and then US Troops in the Country during the early 1990s which led to 18 Elite US Soldiers being killed in a Firefight and now concerns over Piracy and Islamic Extremism are the highlights of US Concern.

The US Secretary of State made two crucial statements regarding US Interests in Somalia. First of all is the Fact that the US will again be providing an Arms Shipment to Mogadishu. Earlier this year the Obama Administration provided 40 tons of Ammunition to the Transitional National Government as it attempts to keep an Islamist Militia from gaining power. Sadly the US has not taken any position regarding Somaliland except for that it is concerned over the recent discarding of election rolls. Elections in Somaliland are scheduled to occur on September 27th.

And Once again the US had strong criticism for Eritrea and its reported involvement in Somalia. For several years the US has claimed that Eritrea was supporting the Islamist Insurgents in Somalia. The Situation in Somalia is not the only place where relations between Asmara and Washington have become sour. Tensions between Eritrea and both Djibouti and Ethiopia are still simmering at this time. However the US has threatened to retaliate against Eritrea for its Policies in Somalia.

Before some people get giddy over the idea of Air Strikes there has to be some time for Economic Sanctions to work. There are ample areas of concern regarding Human Rights in Eritrea as well so there could be some action taken in the near future in the Horn of Africa. But some people may not think the action taken is tough enough.

The Author Publishes Confused Eagle on the Internet and Comments on US Policy in Africa.

Confused Eagle can be found at morganrights.tripod.com

Former Somaliland Resistance Fighter: Arm Us, to Beat Islamists

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Washington is worried about Somalia. After 18 years of civil war, a insurgent group loosely aligned with Al Qaeda has threatened to conquer the country. In a March audio recording, Osama Bin Laden encouraged the hardline group Al Shabab to overthrow Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, the leader of the U.S.- and U.N.-backed “transitional government.” This summer, Al Shabab surrounded the government’s Mogadishu headquarters, forcing African Union peacekeepers (pictured) to deploy tanks to help repel the attackers. And in July, the Obama Administration sent the defenders millions of dollars worth of small arms and ammunition, with more promised.

But the current strategy of propping up the weak transitional government will never work, according to one retired Somali freedom fighter.

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In the 1980s, Ahmed Egal helped found the Somali National Movement, which successfully fought back the forces of Somali dictator Siad Barre, in the country’s north. The freedom fighters then stepped aside, to allow clan leaders to organize a new government. Today, “Somaliland,” with 3.5 million people, is a rare bright spot on the Horn of Africa’s bloody landscape. It has its own laws, currency and army, and has remained peaceful, and growing, as the rest of Somalia has fallen apart. Still, no other country officially recognizes Somaliland, instead preferring to back the TFG.

“It is necessary to embrace the only peaceful, functioning, Muslim, representative government in the Horn of Africa, namely Somaliland,” Egal told me, for my latest piece in World Politics Review. Rather than sinking more cash into a doomed effort to save the transitional government, he said, the U.S. should ally with Somaliland and use it as a base for fighting Al Shabab. Egal envisions a new African Union peacekeeping force operating out of Somalia, alongside Somaliland forces trained and equipped by the U.S., Russia and the E.U.

It’s a controversial proposal, to be sure. Washington is steadfast in its support for the transitional government, and politely declines to recognize any new state that would shatter Somalia’s existing borders. But there is precedent for the U.S. backing a breakaway region of a troubled country. Washington is the major sponsor for South Sudan, a fully autonomous region of Sudan that is quietly arming itself with modern weaponry, in anticipation of a 2011 vote that could see South Sudan formally secede.

WIRED.COM

Somaliland: Opposition Official Dies Others Injured in a Car Accident

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HARGEISA, 6 August 2009 (Somalilandpress) – Reports coming from Berbera say members from the opposition party, KULMIYE have been injured in a car accident an hour ago.

Ali Marshal, the campaign manager of Kulmiye in the Western regions instantly died in the accident. The Second Vice Chairman of the party Mr. Abdirahman Abdiqadir and Mohamed Hashi Elmi have have also been injured and admitted to Berbera hospital. One of them is reported to be in a very serious condition.

The officials were on their way to Berbera airport to welcome the opposition leader who is expected to arrive from Nairobi today.

Somalilandpress reporter, Mr. Abdiqani Baynah was also among the injured and rushed to Berbera hospital. Efforts are ongoing to transfer the wounded to Hargeisa hospital for treatment.

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This is the first of its kind the political parties witness prior to the presidential election scheduled on the 27th of September.

The leader of Kulmiye party was slightly injured about two weeks ago while he slipped in his house. He was taken to Nairobi for treatment and said he is ready to resume his duty. He was coming back to the country today after reports say he had a meeting with Mr. Donald Payne, the chairman of the US congress sub-committee for Africa in Nairobi.
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There is no official statement from the party as per now but this will be a painful moment for the opposition as the elections are coming nearer.

Somalilandpress

Puntland Chief of Police Dies in a Mysterious Incident

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GAROWE, 6 August 2009 (Somalilandpress) – The chief of Police in Puntland who was appointed to the post few months ago died last night in what is believed to be a mysterious incident in his house in Garowe. After hearing a gunshot, his family members rushed to the house only to find him shot on the head.

Mr. Muse Ahmed Salah was then rushed to the hospital where he died on the way due to the serious injury on his head.

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Unconfirmed reports suggest that Mr. Salah was assassinated by one of his bodyguards for reasons not specified. Police are questioning his bodyguards after they were arrested in the scene.

Muse A Salah

Other sources believe that Mr. Salah was not mentally fit for the last few months and he recently went to Kenya for medical check. He came back a week ago to resume his work but some family members said he was not feeling very well. Sources told Somalilandpress that Mr. Salah committed suicide for unknown reasons.

This is the second Puntland official dies in 24 hours as the Minister of Information was assassinated in Galkayo the same day by unknown gunmen.

Somalilandpress

Somaliland political crisis was avoidable.

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(SomalilandPress)-Somaliland political landscape is now filled with accusations and counter-accusations about Somaliland government’s decision to expel Interpeace from the country. The Somaliland president, Dahir Riyale Kahin, has questioned the role of Interpeace in the voter registration process. In a Press Statement, Interpeace challenged the Somaliland government’s allegations that the “international peacebuilding organization” was in the country illegally, but acknowledged that the voter registration system was “seriously abused during its implementation”. The two main Somaliland opposition parties, Kulmiye and UCID, banded together to challenge what they see as an attempt by the Somaliland president, “ to remain in power illegally”. A somewhat similar accusation can be leveled against the two opposition parties: that they want to grab the power by the endorsing the flawed registration system. President Dahir Riyale Kahin told the Somali Universal TV that “major flaws have surfaced in the registration system. We are investigating the matter.” Translation: if the registration system is used for the forthcoming Somaliland elections, opposition parties will stand better chance to win.
The issue of voter registration was hotly debated in pro-Somaliland websites more than six months ago. “The results are absurd” argued one writer. Some commentators have alleged that multiple registrations had taken place in several districts.

Neither the two opposition parties nor the ruling party, UDUB, have sought to address the voter registration issue. The National Electoral Commission of Somaliland stated that elections will take place without the voter registration system. The opposition parties said they had withdrawn confidence in NEC. Where does this crisis leave the fledgling Somaliland democracy? Is the opposition parties’ allegation that NEC is not an independent body true? The opposition parties have not shown evidence for government meddling in the work of NEC but would like to have Somalilanders believe that NEC is a partisan body, just as Somaliland government wants Somalilanders to look upon the opposition parties as a group of power-hungry men for whom the voter registration system is a reliable ticket to the Somaliland presidency.

Liban Ahmad
libahm@gmail.com

Liban Ahmad is the authof A Map of Confusion: Somaliland, Puntland and People of Sool Region in Somalia

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