tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49053438153203848172024-03-12T22:37:52.503-07:00Sirag ArchiveSirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-76909765251379685652010-06-15T02:34:00.000-07:002010-06-15T02:39:10.909-07:00Members of the parliament (UK) Meets with Somaliland Parliament<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeVFiSdpp4ZEDtMFZ-zvmp7moDdg6uZPHytKC2IMVHlfQusYK3JO6x-gThjr3m2XN-_l0ZfXtRIxLUYJIytUbpEQV5Fh31gn3suH5LOfnd5HxKlPNz9R53QXqQEmC3JG-vjuVJm2bS6ZA/s1600/slcrowd.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeVFiSdpp4ZEDtMFZ-zvmp7moDdg6uZPHytKC2IMVHlfQusYK3JO6x-gThjr3m2XN-_l0ZfXtRIxLUYJIytUbpEQV5Fh31gn3suH5LOfnd5HxKlPNz9R53QXqQEmC3JG-vjuVJm2bS6ZA/s320/slcrowd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482932660170933522" border="0" /></a><br />Members of the parliament (UK) Meets with Somaliland Parliament<br />Jan 26 2004<br /><br /><br /><br />Jan 26 2004 Hargeysa, (Somaliland Net) - Tory worththinton ( a member of conservative party), We are here because we wish to show solidarity Somaliland to fight against poverty. Of course we have not forgotten the relationship between us (UK) and Somaliland.<br /><br />We never did forgotten the fight against the fascists that we fought along each other, many Somali Scots fought for free world during the world war two, we recall that way Somaliland received Independence from British, which means your boundaries are known internationally, for example here is a stamp of the king that shows the map of S/Land.<br /><br />Over the last two days we have reminded your history and early independence in 1991. We saw the ruins that the war left. We saw the tragedies that you went through the war against you, the planes that were bombing civilians, the mass graves and the abuse of the human rights. Over the last two days we saw the difficult time that you had. We also so the achievement people of Somaliland have made it, almost without any assistance from the international community. You will be confident that we will report this to our government. We are committee that committed developing outside world. We will implement an extended support to this nation.<br /><br />Your elections were very successful, what is left is the parliamentary election. A parliament based on political parties. I have no doubt that the international community will recognize your fine election.<br /><br /><br />Posted by M Ghalib, Somaliland Net.<br />Email: news@somalilandnet.com<br />Reporter: Muna Mahmoud, Hargeysa, Somaliland<br /><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-57285597023426397602010-06-15T02:32:00.000-07:002010-06-15T02:34:04.647-07:00USAID Official Says Somaliland Is A Good Place For InvestmentUSAID Official Says Somaliland Is A Good Place For Investment<br />February 24, 2004<br /><br />Hargeisa, 14 Feb 2004 (SL Times)--An official of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has described Somaliland as a good place for his organization to work and make investment in development.<br /><br />Mr. Andrew B. Sisson, USAID’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, who was interviewed by the Somaliland Times shortly before his departure from Hargeisa last Monday, revealed that the US government was providing 25 million dollars a year in humanitarian aid for Somaliland and Somalia through USAID, in addition to 3 million dollars a year through the State Department.<br /><br />Mr. Sisson arrived in Hargeisa last Sunday as the head of a USAID delegation that also included Mr. Flynn Fuller, office director for Burundi, Djibouti and Somalia programs and Ms Moria Berry, USAID Somalia unit.<br /><br />The USAID delegation met with senior Somaliland government officials, as well as leaders of civil society and the private sector. The delegates also reviewed several programs run in Somaliland with the help of USAID assistance.<br /><br />Mr. Sisson, who lauded Somaliland for achieving a lot since the end of the war in rebuilding the country’s infrastructure, houses and in building democracy. He said they “hope to do more in the future [in Somaliland]”, adding, “from what we have seen and heard from friends, we will encourage our policymakers in Washington to take even more interest in development assistance in Somaliland”.<br /><br />Mr. Sisson explained that the major reason behind the remarkable increase in the US government’s economic assistance for Djibouti, was related to the role being played by Djibouti as a military base for US forces engaged in combating terrorism in the Horn of Africa. “The Djibouti government and people have become a major ally for the United States in the war on terror,” Mr Sisson asserted.<br /><br />While stressing the priority that his government attaches to the war on terror, Mr. Sisson added, “we appreciate any assistance that we can get from your government and people.”<br /><br />Mr. Flynn Fuller, who lived in Somalia during the 1980s said he was impressed to hear from minister of Commerce, Mohamed Hashi Elmi, that a little bit of technical assistance can go a long way and that Somaliland was not looking for a large amount of handouts but for a little bit of a assistance in its efforts for continued development and rebuilding. “I was also impressed to know from the minister that Somalilanders were now learning how to share resources of the country by coming together,” Mr. Fuller said.<br /><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-5866741571121501922010-06-15T02:29:00.000-07:002010-06-15T02:31:36.572-07:00SOMALILAND - THE COUNTRY THAT ISN'T! - The South African Institute of International Affairs<h1 align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span lang="EN-US">The South African Institute of International Affairs</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 12pt;" lang="EN-US"><i style="">South Africa’s Window on the World</i></span></h1> <hr width="60%" style="font-size:78%;color:#000000;"> <p align="center"><b>THE <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;" lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size:100%;">WITWATERSRAND</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-US"> </span>BRANCH</b></p> <p align="center">Cordially invites you to a Speaker's Meeting to be addressed by</p> <p align="center"><b>MIKE JOHNSTONE</b></p> <p align="center">on</p> <p align="center"><b>SOMALILAND - THE COUNTRY THAT ISN'T</b>!</p> <p>Mike Johnstone, runs a Johannesburg-based specialist travel company, Ubuntu Safaris, travels extensively in Africa, is a regular visitor to Somaliland, and for all intents and purposes has become an expert on the subject. He will touch on the country's long history and Islamic tradition and outline the developments that led to it breaking away from war-ravaged Somalia in the south 14 years ago. Somaliland currently has its own president, parliament, currency, flag, passport and universities, but officially does not exist. It's remembered as the African country with the briefest independence - five days between its independence from Britain in 1960 to its 'union' with Somalia in what came to be known as Somalia. The 'union', however, proved a disaster and collapsed in 1990. Somalia, meanwhile, was hit by severe drought and widespread starvation, compounded by chaotic political conditions and warring armed factions. An estimated 50 000 people were killed in the years 1988 to 1990, followed by a further 300 000 during 1991 and 1992. Hundreds of thousands also fled to Ethiopia. In contrast today, Somaliland boasts law and order and a potential to survive; Somalia, still retaining the name of 'Somalia', limps along as a stateless and increasingly dismembered society. Several Somaliland students, incidentally, attend South African universities.</p> <table border="0" width="462"> <tbody><tr> <td width="49"><br /></td> <td width="49"> <b>Date:</b></td> <td width="3"><br /></td> <td width="390">Tuesday 24th February, 2004</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="49"><br /></td> <td width="49"><b>Time:</b> </td> <td width="3"><br /></td> <td width="390">17h30 for 17h45 to conclude at 19h00</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="49"><br /></td> <td width="49"><b>Venue: </b></td> <td width="3"><br /></td> <td width="390">Jan Smuts House, East Campus, Wits University</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="49"><br /></td> <td width="49"><b>RSVP:</b> </td> <td width="3"><br /></td> <td width="390"> Mrs Katy de Villiers</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="49"><br /></td> <td width="49"><br /></td> <td width="3"><br /></td> <td width="390">Tel: (011) 339 2021 </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="49"><br /></td> <td width="49"><br /></td> <td width="3"><br /></td> <td width="390">Fax: (011) 339 2154 </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="49"><br /></td> <td width="49"><br /></td> <td width="3"><br /></td> <td width="390">Email: devilliersk@saiia.wits.ac.za</td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p>Should you have friends or colleagues who may be interested in joining the Branch, consider inviting them to the aforementioned meeting.</p> <p><b>LEON KOK<br /> ChairmaN</b></p>SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-30359734869102125612010-06-15T02:26:00.000-07:002010-06-15T02:29:23.123-07:00THE FORMATION OF THE SOMALI NATIONAL MOVEMENT SNM By ANIIS ABDILLAHI ESSA<p align="center"><b><span style="font-size:130%;">TARIIKH LAMA ILAWAAN DHEH : </span><br /> <span style="font-size:100%;">THE FORMATION OF THE SOMALI NATIONAL MOVEMENT </span><br /> <span style="font-size:6;">S N M</span></b></p> <hr color="#000000" size="1" width="60%"> The formation of the Somali National Movement ( SNM ) was sparked by that general mass discontent with Siad Barre's Regime. The initiative was made by members of the Isaac Communities outside the country particularly in the United Kingdom and the Middle East, who were free from the intimidation and repression of the regime. In late 1978 and early 1979 mobilizations intended to upgrade the consciousness of the Somali people started within the country. Committees comprising of elders or community leaders, officers, intellectuals, business people, students, youth and civil servants started underground campaigns in an effort to educate the people against the evils of the Siad Barre's regime. <p>At this stage in the SNM history Siyad has openly engaged in divisive and sectarian clan politics to discredit and lobby for caesura of that internal mobilization. He has created bandits who were armed by the government and were in the military payroll to destroy total communities to instill harassment and intimidation in those communities. During 1979 to 1980 hundreds of people, mostly women and children were massacred around Gabiley, Wajale, and Allay Baday areas.</p> <p>The opposition from within and from without the country had contacts and a smooth follow of communication for quite a considerable time. On April 6, 1981 the Somali National Movement ( SNM ) was officially proclaimed as an opposition organization in London, UK. In November 1981 the residents of hargeyisa initiated self-help programs intended to upgrade the educational and health facilities of their community. 38 young professionals, intellectuals, and businessmen who were the leading organizers of the community project were imprisoned, some of them tortured. In February 1982 they received sentences ranging from two years to life. As a result, the first anti-government riots broke out in Hargiesa and Burao, and Sheikh Secondary Students in Sheikh. This marked the first head-on confrontation between the public and the regime. Barre who had never experienced open public unrest was caught by surprise. Consequently, he started a Hitler-like repression comprising of detentions, tortures, and execution.</p> <p>Almost a year after the formation of SNM in London the internal wing of the SNM took a historic and daring move. A decision was made to establish the movement in Ethiopia. In February 1982 prominent high-ranking military officers and other government officials started deserting the regime. A week after the execution of Colonel Abdillahi Haji Saeed in Howad Near Burao by the regime's man (Gani " one day he will pay the price on the hard way), the first such officers crossed the border. Among them were Colonel Adan Sheikh Mohamed ( shiine ) "PBOH", Colonel Ahmed Dahir ( Dhagax ) " PBOH", and Colonel Mohamed Kahin Ahmed.</p> <p>With the acceptance of the Ethiopia government the SNM Executive Committee, therefore moved from London to the Somali populated areas in Ethiopia in order to keep the movement close to home. They started setting up offices and training camps. within very short period of time groups of military officers, soldiers, intellectuals, businessmen, and students crossed the border and joined the movement. Area nomads and villagers also joined and signed up for their training programs. Surprisingly the SNM started attacks against the regime almost immediately. In those attacks the SNM has inflicted great damages on Faqashi's troops. They also confiscated combat as well as transport vehicles, arms ammunition and communication equipments.</p> <p>Following those successful attacks the SNM established more then 10 bases in the North, Central and southern border areas within a year. The SNM, therefore, got engaged in highly sophisticated operations of national and international significance. In January 1983 the SNM forces fulfilled a major operation at Mandhera Maximum Security Prison. In the operation the SNM liberated hundreds of political prisoners. They also killed more than 130 soldiers from the Mandhera and Adadley garrisons. In a retaliatory move the regime executed 55 civilians in Adadley, Mandhera, and Go'a area. More then one thousand were detained by the regime's military and NSS.</p> <p>On April 12, 1983, in a spectacular rescue mission, the SNM forces freed Colonel Abdillahi Askar from the highly fortified prison of the 26th sector of the Somali army. He was caught in Hargeisa by the security forces while fulfilling a secret mission with the SNM internal wing. Colonel Abdillahi Askar who was savagely tortured with candles and cigarettes was to be executed the day following the evening he was rescued. When Siad Barre realized the threat that the SNM poses to his dictatorial regime and the popular support it enjoys both in and outside the country, he " Afweyne" started to fight with the SNM and its supporters ferociously. Those who lived under his jurisdiction were those who were hit hard. They have suffered:</p> <p>Indiscriminate detentions, imprisonment, and massacres. Looting and constant confiscations of private properties. Total blockade of food and fuel supplies. Denial of access to water supplies during the dry seasons. Destruction or poisoning of water reservoirs and watering wells Burning down of entire villages and communities Children killed and women raped.</p> <p>Other communities who live in the areas where the SNM activities are prevalent have experienced a similar but a different kind of warfare. Afweyne Barre disguised some of his regular troops as marauding bandits licensed to plunder and exterminate both human lives and their livestock. The concerned communities with the assistance of the SNM responded to Afweyne's barbarous raids by not only defending themselves but by also making counter attacks against the combined Afweyne forces. In these counter attacks Afweyne's Troops suffered a severe damage. The following is an estimated damage that was inflicted on the Afweyne Troops:</p> <p>In Mahollin area, south of Gashamo, the regime lost more than 450 soldiers in 1982 and 1984. The area residents captured military documents, communication equipments, small arms and ammunition. In Xaye and Qararo area it lost more than 350 including 3 officers. The area residents seized two jeeps, and armored personnel carrier ( APC ) and three army trucks. IN Aware area Afweyne troops suffered 250 casualties in 1984 they also left behind various military equipments.</p> <p>It is extremely important to mention here that the SNM has prevented a genocide that was in the making. If the regime and its organization bandits were not checked by the forces of the area communities supported by the SNM, It is a historical fact that large portions of the Somali people would have been eliminated from the face of the earth. The capability of the Barre troops was greatly severed in the above-mentioned operations. The SNM on its part continued to wage constant attacks on Afweyne's troops inside the country and forced them to opt for a defensive strategy. A Foreign correspondent describing the situation of the Afweyne armed forces in March 1984 wrote, " The Somali army did not perform to any standard. The inefficiency of the Somali armed forces is legendary among foreign military experts. Last month Somalia shot down one of its own nine functioning aircrafts. Military officials in Somalia have grown disgusted with the performance of the Somali army and its inability to keep anything working".</p> <p>On the other hand SNM has been growing a gaining momentum day after day. At this stage in the struggle of the SNM to liberate the country, Afweyne Barre has desperately pulled some embarrassing tricks in an attempt to weekend the position of the SNM. The following will be the different political games played by Afweyne Barre to strengthen his position against the MUJAAHIDIIN SNM.</p> <p>More will be updated soon Insha'Allah......</p> <p>ANIIS ABDILLAHI ESSA<br /> WASHINGTON DC USA<br /> ANIIS@YAHOO.COM</p><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-22854256699790309302010-06-15T02:24:00.000-07:002010-06-15T02:26:24.207-07:00THE COLONEL’S BLUFF By Jamal Madar,EnglandTHE COLONEL’S BLUFF<br />February 17, 2004 - 23:48<br /><br />A hard-line approach without sound military hardware is a dangerous bluff. Thus, Colonel Abdillahi Youssef’s shrill cry of joy (mashxarad) over the occupation of Las Anod may soon turn into rivers of tears that could be irrigated in the drought stricken areas of Sool.<br /><br />In December 2003, a group of armed militiamen acting under the command of Colonel Abdillahi Yousef- the absolute ruler of the autonomous provincial administration of Majertenia (now calls itself Puntland)- crossed the border into Somaliland Republic and occupied Las Anod- the regional capital of Sool region. Since Puntland was formed in 1998, the Colonel had always claimed Sool and eastern Sanaag regions that are largely but not exclusively populated by Dhulbahante and Warsangali clans, as his own territories. It is not clear how the Colonel would manage to redraw the century-old colonial boundaries or rewrite the history of these people but what is clear is that the basis of his claims are at best ludicrous and at worst infantile. The basis of the Colonel’s argument is that these people are, by blood or descent, related to the people of Puntland and are together known as Harti. Thus, in his figment of imagination, the Colonel believes that this gives him the automatic right to claim these territories as part and parcel of his own little fiefdom- Puntland. However, the unpalatable truth is that, geographically the people in these territories had, for nearly a century, belonged to Somaliland (the former British Protectorate), which broke away from Somalia in 1991.<br /><br />In the past, it was not uncommon to see the Colonel’s militia sneaking across the border into Somaliland under the cover of darkness and returning back to their bases in Puntland after a short spell of stay without causing any mischief in the disputed territories. Successive Somaliland governments had a policy of turning a blind eye to these flagrant violations of its territorial integrity ostensibly to avoid an unnecessary military show down with its troublemaker neighbour- Puntland- even though Somaliland had always maintained the military capability to decapitate the Colonel’s ruling apparatus. The idea behind this was that, so long as the local people did not mind the surprise visits paid to their towns by their cousins from Putland and so long as these sneaky visitors were not upsetting the local sensibilities, the Somaliland government didn’t mind to forget about these border violations. However, this approach apparently sent a wrong signal to the Colonel, for he saw this as a weakness on the part of successive Somaliland administrations.<br /><br />Unopposed and undeterred, the Colonel got emboldened to the extent that he hatched a plot to assassinate the president of Somaliland, Dahir Rayale, who paid a visit to Las Anod at the end of 2002. Escaped by a narrow margin, president Rayale was whisked to Aynabo where a division of combat ready troops waited by, in case something went wrong. But something went terribly wrong yet president Rayale chose, much to the anger and dismay of many Somalilanders, not to order the army to take swift retaliatory measures against his assailants for fear that a lot of innocent people might die in the cross fire between the government troops and its opponents. Friends and foes alike were astonished by the compassion and sense of responsibility displayed by Rayale in restraining his troops not to fire the big guns in anger.<br /><br />On his return to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, the parliament gave the president the green light to deal a mortal blow to the shaky regime of the strongman of Majertenia. However, Rayale opted instead to impose a state of emergency on the entire region and continued to maintain a policy of non-engagement with the Sool people although critics on both sides of the broader political divide were somewhat divided over the wisdom of that policy. Apart from the state of emergency, both local and presidential elections were also barred from taking place in Sool, thus adding to the woes and isolation of these people.<br /><br />This latest incursion into Somaliland by Puntland however completely changed the rule of the game. The Colonel’s militias came in from the wilderness with all guns blazing, killing at least three people and kicking all Somaliland government personnel out of their residences and offices. Such callous disregard of Somaliland’s eastern border, which is porous and often unguarded, coupled with the Colonel’s bravado, angered the Hargeisa administration.<br /><br />This was further compounded by the Colonel’s spur-of-the-moment proclamation in the international media that his militia captured the city of Las Anod by force. Up until now, the Colonel who is famous for his beastliness and intransigence, dismissed calls from friends and lately his benefactor, Ethiopia, to show respect for Somaliland’s boundaries drawn up by British Colonial administration- boundaries considered by the AU as sacrosanct.<br /><br />Whilst it is true that the people of Sool and eastern Sanaag and the people of Puntland are of the same lineage, it is also true that twice the same number of Issaq and Gadabursi people are living in Ethiopian territories. But, that is not to say, this will give Somaliland the right to claim these territories as its own.<br /><br />The Colonel’s burning ambition to become the leader of a future government in Somalia is totally incompatible with his ardent but parochial and myopic tribalist posture of promoting the doctrine of Darodism. Neither his ludicrously lineage-based territorial claims is acceptable to any African country where people of the same blood or tribe are divided by artificial boundaries.<br /><br />Since the inception of Somaliland, the people of Sool were torn between their brethren in Puntland who have nothing to offer to them other than empty avowals of fraternity and a Somaliland government that cannot give them of what they describe as ‘ironclad guarantee of our rights and privileges’ before committing themselves fully to the Somaliland ship of state.<br /><br />At the moment, Dhulbahante and Warsangali have more than their fair share of representatives in both houses (35 members in total) on top of the administrative and ministerial portfolios.<br /><br />Many believe that Somaliland can still guarantee to provide Sool people for their fair share of the national cake in terms of financial resources and development projects if they are equally prepared to show their allegiance to Somaliland. It is an open secret that the Garads, religious men and their politicians had participated in all major Somaliland Conferences held in Balligubadleh, Berbera, Burao and Borama and put their signatures to all these agreements. But they dishonoured each and every covenant they have undertaken and callously disregarded all the agreements they have entered into with the rest of clans in Somaliland.<br /><br />Disintegrated, divided and disorientated, Dhulbahante cannot decide for thirteen years where their interest truly lays. They do not seem to agree on anything other than one thing: that they shouldn’t subscribe to, no matter what, the Issaq dominated state of Somaliland. But that line of argument does not hold water any longer since it became evident that Harti and Gadabursi head all the three major powers of the government namely the Executive, the Supreme Court and the Parliament. The Issaq are no longer in the driving seat of the Somaliland state.<br /><br />The Colonel’s occupation of Las Anod was facilitated by anti-Somaliland segment of Dhulbahante who are loyal to Puntland. This encouraged the bloodthirsty Colonel to adopt an increasingly belligerent and war-mongering attitude, which is viewed by many throughout Somaliland and the Diaspora as provocative designs calculated to further disrupt and create chaos and confusion in Somaliland at a time the country’s security situation remains precariously on a knife’s edge following the recent spate of gruesome murders committed against western humanitarian relief workers. Others see the Colonel’s outrageous and ludicrous claims to Sool and Sanaag as nothing more than a cynical ploy to effect disturbances in Somaliland, hoping to trigger a heavy handed government response thus spoiling Somaliland’s chances of recognition from the international community. The latter view was reinforced when a cross-party delegation from Britain paid a two-day visit to Somaliland and a subsequent Commons debate regarding Somaliland’s recognition was held in Westminster Hall on 4th February.<br /><br />Colonel Abdillahi Yusuf had always been a ‘pain in the neck’ in this cross-border issue between Puntland and Somaliland. His militia visited Las Anod before under the pretext of mediating warring sub-clans amongst Dhulbahante. But on each occasion they returned to their bases on their own accord.<br /><br />Strangely enough, the Colonel began a propaganda campaign by activating all the media resources at his disposal and has blown the issue out of proportions even though he is the aggressor in the eyes of all those who are familiar with the politics of that region. He began to engage in Intifada on the airwaves, emblazoned headlines on the local papers, gave regular interviews to international news agencies, issued press releases and plastered articles staring out of every page and screen on the Net.<br /><br />If the Colonel’s tactics were to scare off Somaliland government not to come to the aid of Sool people, it certainly produced the opposite results of what he desired. Massive troops have already been deployed in the vicinity of Las Anod and others are being mobilised throughout much of Somaliland for a potential show down with the Colonel’s motley collection of rag tag militia holed up in Las Anod. The Colonel is beginning to see that his megaphone diplomacy is proving counterproductive and self-defeating. As a military man whose tactics was simply confined to shooting from the hip to anyone who stands in his way, he knows this time round that the odds are heavily stacked against him, for he is not militarily up to scratch vis-à-vis Somaliland. His ragtag militia hasn’t got the slightest chance to stand up to the overwhelming military superiority of Somaliland unless of course they are prepared to commit mass suicide.<br /><br />In a country where its people are more often divided than united, the arrival of the Colonel’s militia in Las Anod was a godsend that miraculously united the Somaliland people- friends and foes alike – firmly behind the President in defending the motherland from the external enemy.<br /><br />Rayale whose recent controversial visit to Djibouti created furore in Somaliland took advantage of the situation and swiftly tabled a motion before the two Houses in a bid to evict the Colonel’s rag-tag militia out of Sool and teach him as UCID opposition leader, Faisal Ali Warabe put it ‘an unforgettable lesson’ that would serve as an example for those who try in future to infringe the country’s territorial integrity.<br /><br />The fact that the motion was overwhelmingly passed by both the Parliament and House of Elders sent an unmistakable signal to Puntland and gave President Rayale a free hand to aim for the Colonel’s jugular, if need be, and decapitate his ruling apparatus in Garowe, if deemed necessary.<br /><br />Apart from the troops that have already been deployed on the eastern front, most of Somaliland’s heavy weaponry including an array of artillery pieces, tanks and multiple rocket launchers have been kept out of sight but are ready to be deployed if the Colonel refuses to budge. Major government buildings in surrounding towns and villages have been evacuated and are being readied for casualties in case of break up of hostilities. Huge consignments of food and medicine are being poured into the eastern front. Columns of commercial tankers carrying fuel are heading for Sool.<br /><br />These war preparations robbed the Colonel of many nights’ good sleep. It is believed that he sent emissaries to Wardheer and Goday and propagated the message that Majertenia is about to face a devastating attack from her powerful neighbour- Somaliland. According to Somaliland Times, the Ogaden sent some ONLF fighters to Las Anod to reinforce Puntland’s poorly armed ragtag militia holed up in Las Anod as they brace for a hugely devastating attack that might seal the fate of their little fiefdom.<br /><br />For so long, Somalilander’s intimate knowledge of war and its painful consequences have always been to avert the break up of any hostilities between Puntland and Somaliland but the die seem to be cast now, for the Colonel had crossed a Rubicon.<br /><br />With the assassination attempt on his life weighing heavily on his mind and enjoying the unstinting support of the whole nation, Rayale is unlikely to flinch from his hard-line approach. His muscle flexing tactics seems to be having an effect on the Colonel as the local people whom the Colonel considered to be their saviour scramble for the Puntland militia to pull out of their territories. Las Anod is in the grip of fear as the Somaliland army dug in its heels within a striking distance, getting ready to flush out the Colonel’s militia.<br /><br />In a recent BBC interview, the Colonel spoke undiplomatically and hurled toxic rhetorical salvos at Rayale by describing him as a “tool”. The Colonel claimed himself to be a battle hardened man while accusing Rayaale of being a man with NSS background who did not understand much about politics. But the Colonel seems to forget that he is a megalomaniac who ruled his clan-based fiefdom of Majertenia by the barrel of the gun since 1977- a rule punctuated by cold-blooded murders and mysterious disappearances of his own kin and kith. Unlike Rayale, who is a democratically elected president, the Colonel is no more than a chieftain of Harti.<br /><br />The Colonel who initially appeared to have taken leave of his senses when he undertook this dangerous adventure is slowly but steadily beginning to tone down the frequency of his rhetoric and sabre-rattling that characterised his occupation of Las Anod in the early days. Panic and fear permeated in the file and rank of his militia. Some of them have already fled for fear of their lives and others are pondering their next move as the black cloud of war began looming menacingly on the horizon. Whatever, the situation of those who remain in the town, they are left with no option but to cut and run. At least a senior Puntland militiaman defected to Somaliland recently with several along with ‘technicals’.<br /><br />The Colonel is beginning to get a sense that a hard-line approach without military sound military hardware is a dangerous bluff that could be called. His shrill cry of joy (mashxarad) might soon turn into rivers of tears that could be irrigated in the drought stricken areas of Sool.<br /><br />Somaliland will win back what was rightfully its territory, without in the meantime, depriving others from their rights. The Colonel’s reluctance to withdraw all his militia is merely an attempt to avoid ordering his militia back to Garowe- the capital of Puntland- with their heads down in shame as well as saving himself from becoming at the butt of a joke in his fiefdom. But Rayale must take the moral high ground and give the Colonel a face saving exit even though the tyrant of Majertenia had just got ‘too big for his boot’ as Sudi Yalaxow put it and had to be taught an unforgettable lesson.<br /><br />Jamal Madar<br /><br />England<br /><br />adammadar@yahoo.com<br /><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-13764648032082489792010-06-15T02:22:00.000-07:002010-06-15T02:23:24.858-07:00“The Butchers of Majertenia, Hargeisa Politically isolated” By O .M. Nur<p align="center"><b>“The Butchers of Majertenia, Hargeisa Politically isolated” </b><br /> By O .M. Nur {OJ}, Toronto, Canada</p> <hr color="#000000" size="1" width="60%"> <p align="justify">On January 29 the Somalian leaders reached what is described as the best agreement on Somalia’s reconciliation so far, in Nairobi, Kenya, but The Butchers of Majertenia and Hargeisa, Abdullahi Yusuf and Morgan, are isolated in the process. They have a common enemy to teach a lesson to. Both disregarded the agreement after they have agreed to it. The reason is not based on Somalian interest. It is the personal ambition of Abdullahi Yusuf and of Morgan to seek revenge through the top offices of Somalia.<br /> .<br /> According to article 30 of the already signed Charter, the faction leaders are to nominate the transitional members of Parliament from their clans. The traditional leaders are to ratify the selected to make sure that each sub clan gets its fair representation.<br /> <br /> However, Abdullahi is looking forward to his position in the new government. He doesn’t intend to allow any one other than him to nominate the” Darod” parliamentarians. His aim is to make sure that he gets the position of a president or a Prime minister before any vote for the positions for these take place. He is a hardheaded dictator who doesn’t believe in democracy, so he doesn’t trust voting. His law is the law of jungle where the mighty rules.<br /> <br /> Bihi of Gedo, Barre Hirale and Jees of the Lower Juppa, Jama Ali Jama of the North Eastern Region, Hassan Abshir of Garowe Region, Mohamed Yusuf and Abdullahi Yusuf of Mudug Region are all in the new leaders committee and all belong to the same Darod clan of Somalia who will nominate their portion of parliamentarians. Normally, every one should be able to nominate his share from his sub-sub-clan and seek ratification from his sub-sub clan’s traditional leaders. Abdullahi doesn’t want things to happen that way that and lose his bid for the eagerly awaited positions. He believes to have politically barred the above-mentioned Darod leaders from the leader’s committee and defeated them in the battlefiel. “There must not be a comeback through the TNG and The National Salvation Group and must not share power with him.” He believes.<br /> <br /> Both Abdullahi and Morgan are seeking revenge for what Siyad Barre and later Barre Hiiraale have done to them. Abdullahi says, “The real war in Somalia is not between Hawiye and Darod, but between Marehan and Majertens. It is true and Marehan leaders are well aware of his position. It is why Barre Hirale allied himself with USC and why there is no Marehan member in the SRRC, which is dominated by Abdullahi Yusuf and Morgan. They chose to be in alliance with the Arta Group (The TNG) and with the National Salvation Group. The Marehan, through their allieis are trying hard to deter any attempt by Abdullahi Yusuf or Morgan to get a position of leadership in Somalia. On the other hand Abdullahi and Morgan are trying to whisk away the other Darod members in the leaders committee by all means. The Marehan now believe that tribal extermination is not for them and would prefer a more logical moderate Majertens leader instead, if they should get one of the top two leadership positions. They maintain that Marehan is not at war with the Majertens and are working hard for the protection of their lives from Abdullahi and Morgan. Hawiye are striving to get Somalia’s leadership. When they get it, they will forget whatever Siyad has done to anyone. Marehans called the Isaqs “ Gob jabtay” in return they will be called “Gob ay la rogmatey.” When Isaqs get away with the assertion of the annexed independence of Somaliland, they will forgive Somalia and extend a brotherly hand to the Marehans. In return Marehan, of all Somalis, will distinguish themselves as the staunchest supporters of Somaliland, of course after an inclusive government is formed in Somalia and the dust settles. That is safe and a small price to pay! The Hawiye can rule Somalia without the Isaqs and in cooperation with other moderate clans. They must not let their faithful friends, the Marehans, down!</p> <p><b>Reported By:</b> <i>Omar Japan Toronto,Canada</i><br /> <b>Email:</b> <a href="mailto:omarn692@sympatico.ca">omarn692@sympatico.ca</a></p><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-70078781044002802062010-06-15T02:19:00.000-07:002010-06-15T02:21:00.455-07:00It’s Our Curriculum by Somaliland Times<span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">It’s Our Curriculum</span><br />EDITORIAL by Somaliland Times<br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><b>Issue 107 Feb.9-15, 2004</b></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"> <br /> Though Mr. Winston Tubman was appointed more than 2 years ago as the UN Secretary-General’s representative and head of the UN Political Office for Somalia, we will be surprised if the number of Somalilanders who could recognize his name or know about his job exceeded a dozen individuals. It is not only that Somalilanders don't know him, he too does not know Somalilanders or their country for he has never set foot here. That is why it is amazing that someone so removed from our reality would have a say on what our children study.<br /> <br /> Somalilanders who are used to unreasonable demands and claims by overpaid and underachieving UN bureaucrats, were shocked by the extent of mean-spiritedness and hostility shown by Mr. Tubman toward them, as evidenced by his letter of Oct 21, 2003 which called for the removal from the Somaliland curriculum of:<br /> <br /> - All topics related to the historical background of how Somaliland regained its independence on May 1991<br /> <br /> - All the maps showing international boundaries between Somaliland and its neighboring countries as well as such purely physical features as hills and mountains.<br /> <br /> One can also detect in Mr. Tubman's letter an implied threat that unless all the unwanted materials are omitted, funds earmarked for printing the school textbooks would be blocked. To justifiy his move, Mr. Tubman claimed that the syllabus of social studies textbook for grade 5 students “advocates for Somaliland’s secessionist policy”, as if he were responsible for the preservation of the unity of Somalia, a state that ceased to exist more than 13 years ago. But even if we assume that Mr. Tubman acted out of genuine concern for Somalia’s unity, it is not a good excuse for depriving Somaliland's children from essential learning tools such as textbooks.<br /> <br /> The school kids that Mr. Tubman ostensibly wants to protect from “secessionist infection” could hardly grasp what he means by the term "secession". For these children who were born during the post-liberation and independence era, the once unified Somali republic only existed in history books or in the minds of irrational people like Winston Tubman.<br /> <br /> UN bureaucrats could go on deceiving themselves with the fiction that the state of Somalia still exists and Somaliland doesn’t. But they shouldn’t penalize Somalilanders for refusing to accept such fiction. In a country where every new year, thousands of school age children are forced to remain without basic education, mainly due to severe shortages in the number of classrooms and teachers available, it will be an unforgivable crime to deny textbooks to those already enrolled. Perhaps a better policy would be for Mr. Kofi Annan to disband the useless and costly UNPOS. The UN will doubtless save a lot of money if it got rid of Mr Tubman and the UNPOs. It could then spend that money on education in places where it is desperately needed. The salary of Mr Tubman alone could pay for the schooling of hundreds of kids.</span><br /><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-17603089255557433282010-06-15T02:17:00.000-07:002010-06-15T02:18:55.273-07:00Nairobi UN Political Office Censors Somaliland Textbooks By SOMALILAND FORUM<span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >SOMALILAND FORUM<br /><br />PRESS RELEASE: Immediate Date: 10 February 2004 (Ref: SLF/EC/32/2003/4)<br /><br />Nairobi UN Political Office Censors Somaliland Textbooks<br /><br />The constructive re-engagement in Somaliland by some United Nations agencies detected over the last few years is being undermined by the Nairobi based United Nations Political Office (UNPOS), whose occasional forays into Somaliland affairs have always been counterproductive, in contrast to the work of other operational UN agencies such as UNCHR, UNICEF, WHO etc.<br /><br />The latest reported edict from this office (UNPOS) was a written instruction (dated 21/10/03) to UNESCO to .desist from printing. a Grade Five Social Studies Schools textbook for Somaliland because it .advocates for Somaliland.s secessionist policy.. How it does that is listed in a page to page examination which points out the following items in the textbook that are considered by UNPOS to be .sensitive. and unacceptable:<br /><br />The map of Somaliland and its international boundaries.<br />The map of Somaliland showing its regions and cities, which are of course different from the ones set in the dictatorship era of the .Somali Democratic Republic. before 1991 when Somaliland reasserted its independence.<br />Maps of Somaliland showing main roads, airports, ports, mountains, hills, vegetation, winds, rainfall, agricultural areas etc.<br />References to any issues relating to the re-assertion of Somaliland independence in 1991.<br />Picture of the Somaliland flag, national emblem, and reference to the national anthem.<br />The textbooks, which UNESCO has agreed previously to publish and ought to have been in use in Somaliland schools from 2002, are still beeing withheld.<br /><br />The Nairobi based UNPOS, which was set up in 1995 after UNOSOM II says, in its website, that .Somalis often call on UNPOS requesting assistance in pleading their respective cases with other UN Agencies. UNPOS provides such assistance based on the merit of each request.. The Somaliland Forum and the Somaliland people are making this request to UNPOS:<br /><br />. You can continue denying the existence of the Republic of Somaliland, if you so wish, but please do not interfere with the other United Nations agencies which are delivering much needed assistance and help on the ground. Textbooks are essential for rebuilding the education system of Somaliland and no one can tell the Somaliland people not to teach their children about their own national history, geography and political and social development..<br /><br />We would remind the Nairobi based UN officials that education should be directed at developing the child's personality and talents and is .to prepare the child for responsible life in a free society, develop respect for the child's parents, basic human rights, the natural environment and the child's own cultural and national values and those of others." (Article 29 of the Convention on the Rights of Children - our emphasis). We are left wondering how the censorship of Somaliland school textbooks by UN officials squares with these lofty aims.<br /><br />Last week (on 4th February), in a far-reaching debate on Somaliland at the United Kingdom Parliament, the UK Secretary of State for International Development, Mr Hilary Benn, confirmed his view that .the issue of recognition (which was raised by the honourable members of UK Parliament) should not get in the way of development and assistance.. This is a lesson that the United Nations Political Office (UNPOS) needs to learn, particularly more so, at this juncture when, it will, as it has done after the Djibouti Conference a few years ago, be pulling out all the stops to support whatever new .government. the Somalia warlords and factions produce at their meeting in Nairobi. Somaliland has never been a party to these talks and, for that matter to the 14 or so others that preceded it, and no amount of schools textbook censoring or other UNPOS machinations will change the reality that Somaliland has been and will continue to be a separate, sovereign, independent country.<br /><br /><br /><br />BACKGROUND:<br /><br />1. For the background of UNPOS, see (http://www.unsomalia.net/UNPOS/index.htm). UNPOS was created in 1995 as a small political office in Somalia in the post UNOSOM II period. UNPOS came into existence on 15 April 1995 and is supposed to .try and maximize the efforts of the international community with respect to peace initiatives on Somalia.. The terms of reference of UNPOS (Agreed upon by the Security Council - S/1997/756) are said to be monitoring developments in Somalia as a whole; assisting the people of Somalia in their efforts to achieve national reconciliation; liaising with the neighbouring countries and concerned organisations on political developments relating to Somalia.<br /><br />2. UNPOS and its predecessors UNOSM I & II have consistently denied the existence of Somaliland since 1991 and, at times, have been suspected by Somalilanders of working towards undermining their independence.<br /><br />3. UNPOS is currently headed by Mr Winston A Tubman who, according to the Somaliland newspaper, Haatuf, is the author of the instruction to UNESCO to desist from printing the Somaliland schools textbook.<br /><br />4. UNESCO runs a world-wide Programme for Education for Emergencies & Reconstruction (PEER), which started in 1993. PEER is aimed at meeting .the educational needs of vulnerable groups such as children traumatised by crisis situations.. and identifies as its basic principle the rapid establishment of basic education in line with Article 28 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child which stipulates .universal, free and compulsory primary education.. The textbooks project was a PEER project, and the UNPOS instruction referred to above was directed at the Head of the project in Nairobi. For more information about PEER, see <a href="http://www.ginie.org/ginie-crises-links/Peer/pdf/per_exp.pdf" target="_blank">www.ginie.org/ginie-crises-links/Peer/pdf/per_exp.pdf</a> (an article written by, among others, the Head of PEER).<br /><br />5. The Somaliland Ministry of Education completed the preparation of appropriate textbooks for elementary schools in 1997/98 and after UNICEF completed their publication, the new syllabus was adopted, as planned, from 2001. In contrast, the textbooks for intermediate school grades were prepared by the Ministry in 1999/2000 and passed on to UNESCO PEER for publication, and are still awaited. The planned date for their use in the schools was early 2002.<br /><br />6. The United Nations General Assembly declared 2003 to 2012 .the Literacy Decade., and UNESCO was asked to prepare an international Plan of Action to be co-ordinated with governments, NGOs and the civil society. In Somaliland, primary school enrolment is only 17% and enrolment at intermediate/secondary school level is lower. The government and the people are working hard to increase enrolment, but require considerable assistance. For more statistical information about Somaliland, see .Somaliland in Figures. at <a linkindex="16" href="http://www.somalilandforum.com/" target="_blank">www.somalilandforum.com</a><br /><br />7. For details of the UK Parliamentary debate on Somaliland, see (http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmhansrd/cm040204 ).<br /><br />8. Somaliland was a UK protectorate from 1884 to June 1960, when it became the independent .State of Somaliland.. This state had internationally delineated boundaries, including the ones it shared with French Somaliland (now the Republic of Djibouti) and Somalia (Italian colony and later Trusteeship territory). In an effort to form a .Greater Somalia., The State of Somaliland formed a union with Somalia, which became independent on 1 July 1960. After the end of the .Greater Somalia. dream and years of neglect, long term suppression and near genocide of the Somaliland people, Somaliland re-asserted its independence in May 1991 . a decision which was since also endorsed through a national Referendum. Somaliland has since built up a democratic state with a bi-cameral parliament, a functioning judiciary and an executive headed by an elected President. Local government elections were held last year and parliamentary elections will be held later this year.<br /><br />.The Somaliland Forum is an independent organisation that brings together the Somaliland Diaspora. We believe in a sovereign, prosperous and independent Somaliland. Working together with Somaliland Communities and Somaliland friends around the globe, we believe that we can contribute to the betterment and development of the Republic of Somaliland. It is said that a nation's greatest asset is its human resources - hence, the importance of the contributions of the Somaliland Diaspora..<br /><br />If you have any comments, questions or suggestions to make, the SL Forum Executive Committee will be eager to hear them. </span><br /><br />Somaliland Forum<br /><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-63681656076643430222010-06-15T02:03:00.000-07:002010-06-15T02:04:27.995-07:00Abdillahi Yusuf Allies Himself With Abdiqasim Salad Hasan<p align="center"><b>Abdillahi Yusuf Allies Himself With Abdiqasim Salad Hasan</b></p> <hr color="#000000" size="1" width="60%"> Somaliland Times, Issue 106 Feb.2-8, 2004 <p>NAIROBI--(SL Times) In the ever shifting alliances between the various southern warlords, Puntlands Abdillahi Yusuf has now allied himself with Abdiqasim Salad Hasan, former president of the transitional government, better known as the Arta Faction, sources close to the Nairobi peace talks on Somalia said.</p> <p>The new alliance between the two faction leaders was reportedly forged earlier this month following Abdiqasim Salad Hasan's return to the peace talks. Since the peace negotiations began in Oct 2002, each of the two faction leaders has tried hard to steer the course of the talks in a way that would be favorable to his own political agenda. The two men competed against each other to wield as much support as possible from the delegates, with each wanting to boost his chances for winning Somalia's presidency. However, neither of the two men succeeded in emerging as a winner.</p> <p>The sign of rapprochement between Abdillahi Yusuf and Abdiqasim Salad Hasan first emerged after the two held a series of extensive face-to-face talks at Nairobi in the last 2 weeks, it was reported. According to sources close to the meetings, Abdillahi Yusuf surprised Abdiqasim Salad by showering him with highly conciliatory gestures and offering support for the Arta Faction leaders re-election as Somalia's president.</p> <p>Abdiqasim Salad Hasan has reportedly pledged to appoint Abdillahi Yusuf as his premier provided the latter distances himself from Ethiopia. The anti-Ethiopian propaganda emanating from Puntland controlled media, particularly the Las-Anod FM radio station, since last week, has been cited by observers as an indication of Abdillahi Yusuf's compliance with Salad's demand. In addition to Abdiilahi Yusuf's lust for power in a future government for Italian Somalia, he is also displeased by Ethiopia's opposition to his invasion of Somaliland's Sool region. Abdillahi Yusuf's associates in Bosaso have recently castigated the Ethiopians for not being cognizant of the real situation in the region. These comments were issued on the heels of an Ethiopian delegation's visit to Majerteenya (Puntland).</p> <p>The Ethiopian delegation was headed by the commander of Harargey, Gen. Gabre Makanan. Warlord Abdillahi Yusuf's spokesman, Mr. Ismaaciil X. Xasan said in an interview that they were upset with the stand that the Ethiopians took with regard to the conflict between Puntland and Somaliland. The spokesman said the Ethiopians insisted that colonial boundaries should be respected.</p> <p>To return the favor, Abdiqasim Salad Hasan has accepted to support Abdillahi Yusuf's claims on Sool and Sanag. In a BBC interview broadcast yesterday, Abdiqasim Salad Hasan suggested that the number one priority of the future government of Somalia will be the disarmament and demobilization of armed militia men all over Somalia. Abdiqasim Salad Hasan made it clear that Somaliland should be included in any disarmament effort to be initiated by the government to emerge from the Nairobi talks.</p><p>SIRAG ARCHIVE<br /></p>Sirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-8223403846274715122010-06-15T01:57:00.000-07:002010-06-15T02:02:15.451-07:00Update from SIRAG on the success of the final phase of Somaliland's Ministerial Visits to the UK-PR(SIRAG)<p align="left"><b>Somaliland International Recognition Group(SIRAG)<br /> </b>London<br /> UK<b><br /> </b>04/Feb/2004<b><br /> <br /> Press Release</b> </p> <p align="left"><b>Update from SIRAG on the success of the final phase of Somaliland's Ministerial Visits to the UK in relation to seeking recognition and development assistance from the International Community</b> </p> <hr align="center" color="#000000" size="1" width="60%"> <p>SIRAG would like to update Somalilanders both in Somaliland and the Diaspora that outcome of the ministers from Somaliland in their last visit to the UK has concluded with the great success where a high level of UK MP delegates visited Somaliland.</p> <p>It is important that we present our case to the International community so that they can see it for themselves the results of our hard earned efforts of establishing the rule of law and a young democracy in Africa that needs total nurturing. Without recognition and development this young democracy will not survive. The illegal union of Somaliland with Ex-Somalia have costed our young and bright generation to lose 40 years of their history and identity a tragedy that would never be repeated again.</p> <p>SIRAG has facilitated tirelessly with the support of individual members from both Houses of Parliamen(House of Commons, House of Lords) to form a friendly group that would support the case of Somaliland especially the Recognition and developmental needs of Somaliland which is desperately needed for Somaliland. SIRAG also liases with EMPs(European MPs), UK MPs and Democracy Institutions on promoting the success of Somaliland's emerging democracy and Somaliland's case in general with special emphasis on recognition including our cultural identity.</p> <p>Some of the issues that SIRAG has achieved in facilitating are:</p> <p>-Lack of Recognition and its implications on our nation both mentally, physically and culturally</p> <p>- General Security issues of Somaliland such as the recent and tragic killings of the Foreign Aid workers</p> <p>- Developmental Needs of Somaliland and how this is hampered by lack of recognition</p> <p><b>Note</b><i>:The above issues can be checked in the debates published on the UK Parliament Publications website.</i></p> <p>Somaliland has achieved democracy and as we all know Democracy is expensive and challenging to maintain both mentally, physically and intellectually. The nation of Somaliland have put on their shoulders a heavy responsibility that will take centuries to maintain. Democracy and the rule of Law are the pillars of a democratic nation. The International community is sensitive to the needs of poor countries that achieve democracy and the rule of Law. The Case of Somaliland is certainly unique and the people of Somaliland have worked tirelessly to convince the International community that they have earned their efforts with minimum assistance from the International community in terms of aid and so on. It is only fair that the International community should lend us their ears and eyes to see for themselves the reality of Somaliland and the poverty that exists in Somaliland with no infrastructure and no basic facilities be it health, education and social services the list is long. Surely, anyone who listened to the case of Somaliland through their hearts would be compelled to see the reality and extend their help to a nation that desperately needs help.</p> <p>SIRAG acknowledges the assistance and the tireless support extended by friends of Somalilanders who believe in humanity and the rule of law. Those Honorary friends with hearts of Gold have only done their job and surely would not expect any thanks from anyone. But we must honour their support. Though we can not name all the individual names at this turning point in Somaliland's quest for recognition but one day once the cycle of Somaliland's quest for recognition is complete we would extend our full gratitude in writing as well as letting the nation of Somaliland extend their full thanks in the best way they can. However, in saying that there is one person we can mention at this stage who is forever a supporter of humanity, intellectual honour and champion of Africa's emerging democracy and that is Professor Iqbal Jhazbhay for his continuous support.</p> <p>Long Live Democracy, Long Live Somaliland</p> <p>Marwo Lulu Farah<br /> Chairwoman SIRAG<br /> www.sirag.org.uk</p><br />SIRAGARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-70728107319798009142010-06-15T01:54:00.000-07:002010-06-15T01:57:35.666-07:00Kenyan Foreign Minister’s Reference To Somaliland As A Faction CriticizedKenyan Foreign Minister’s Reference To Somaliland As A Faction Criticized<br /><br />Nairobi – The following a press release by the Kenyan-Somaliland Friendship Forum:<br /><br />It is with great displeasure that we, members of Kenya Somaliland Forum, take this decision to comment on the un-diplomatic statement attributed to our Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kalonzo Mosyoka, regarding the increasing tension between Somaliland and Puntland as reported in sections of the media.<br /><br />Though we are in agreement in the crux of his call for the de-escalation of tension between the two neighbours, what we find demeaning in the statement is the minister’s reference to Somaliland as a faction on equal bar with Somalia’s regional state of Puntland. The description is not only wrong but deliberately offensive in the light of the fact that Somaliland is a separate entity whose successful achievements in peace-making and nation-building are well-documented and respected world-wide. Somaliland may be lacking political recognition but this does not negate her existence in reality and even in international law as has been ably demonstrated by Anthony J. Carroll and B. Rajagopal in their article entitled “The Case for the Independent Statehood of Somaliland” published in the Journal of International Law & Politics.<br /><br />We appreciate the fact that our government has always taken the side of the status quo in all major regional issues, and that her position regarding Somalia, irrespective of the government in power and their effects on our basic national interests, has always been dictated by a certain individual from the North-eastern region who happens to have deep clan interest on developments in that chaotic neighbor. But what we cannot understand is the apparent haphazard nature with which some of our foreign policies are handled. Though it may be hard to change a person despite newfound political identity, Mr. Kalonzo should take a keen interest in his portfolio and embark on a process that will bring his department in line with the new realities of the government of the day. It is time that the Minister takes the president’s promise to Kenyans that the days policies were made on the roadside are over seriously.<br /><br />We recommend that he consult with his colleague, Hon. Raila who has a first hand experience with Somaliland and take the time to read both academic and other commentaries on Somaliland to understand that such dismissive gestures toward Somaliland may not be fruitful, both in terms of our efforts to resolve the conflict and avoiding future conflicts that will further exacerbate the already unbearable refugee crisis.<br /><br />Be that as it may, we would like to draw the attention of all Kenyans that the said conflict between Somaliland and Puntland is caused by Puntland seeking to re-draw her provincial maps against a sovereign state on the basis of ethnicity. Puntland tried several times to bring about a war with Somaliland, but so far, the administration of Somaliland has exercised restraint. Puntland’s militias even tried to assassinate the elected president of Somaliland; they have now occupied big chunks of Somaliland and kidnapped members of the Somaliland's administration.<br /><br />Somaliland has tried all avenues for a peaceful resolution of the problems despite being the aggrieved party. However, its lack of political recognition limits the diplomatic avenues available to her to highlight the aggression of Puntland. Puntland, on her part, has managed to cloud the affair through proxies, and is trying to reduce the crisis to the level of militia rivalry in a chaotic Somalia, and thus, deflect adverse international condemnation. It seems from Mr. Kalonzo’s statement, Puntland is achieving the desired political ends. Never the less, it should be noted with due care that such political posturing will not resolve the problem, and Somaliland, like any other state, has the inalienable right to self defence.<br /><br />On Behalf of the Forum,<br />Ali Mohamed.<br />Press Liaison Person,<br />Kenya Somaliland Friendship Forum<br /><br />http://somalilandtimes.net/2003/105/10526.shtml<br /><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-4152096446388608852010-06-14T04:42:00.000-07:002010-06-14T04:44:34.776-07:00Interview With Prof. Iqbal D. Jhazbhay<span style="font-family:Arial;"><b>Issue 105 Jan.26-Feb.1, 2004</b></span><br />Interview With Prof. Iqbal D. Jhazbhay<br /><br />The following are excerpts from an interview conducted by the Addis<br />Ababa-based the Sub-Saharan Informer with the South African Scholar<br />Prof. Iqbal D. Jhazbhay as published in the newspaper’s issue of Jan<br />16, 2004<br /><br />SSI: What are the major implications of recent development in the<br />political contours of Somaliland?<br /><br />Prof. Jhazbhay: In analyzing many of the international developments<br />and notably on the continent of Africa, we can see that within the<br />Horn of Africa, the future of the African continent is being played<br />out. It is here in the Horn of Africa that many of the key scenarios<br />would determine the future of the continent. Let me give you specific<br />examples; there is now a consensus amongst intellectuals and amongst<br />policy makers, that the key requisite for development is peace and<br />stability and what we are looking at is reasonable peace and<br />stability. So, in the case of Somaliland, we see reasonable peace and<br />stability has emerged. The question then becomes for the international<br />community, for intellectuals and policy makers, is that when you have<br />an area of the world, which is reasonably peaceful and stable that,<br />then requires that the international community, the intellectuals and<br />policy makers rise up to that challenge. People have toiled with their<br />sweat, with their blood, we cannot let down the children of<br />Somaliland, and neither can we let down the women of Somaliland.<br />Because our humanity is linked to the humanity of others. By<br />recognizing their humanity and their efforts, we are genuinely<br />recognizing the humanity in ourselves. So, I get a firm sense when I<br />look at South African foreign policy, we see no a creative move to<br />recognize peace and stability, we see refreshing move to say that one<br />of the goals of NEPAD is to encourage peace and good governance. If<br />that is so, it means that principle has to be applied concretely, and<br />fortunately South Africa has taken that type of approach when you<br />analyze South African foreign policy, you find president Mbeki’s<br />Director General for conflict resolution visited Somaliland in January<br />2003 to listen and to recognize the efforts of the people, the women<br />and the men who have toiled to bring about peace and stability.<br />Through their own indigenous conflict resolution methods, this is one<br />concrete case where the future of humanity is being played out in the<br />Horn of Africa and by recognizing the efforts of the women, children<br />and men of Somaliland, we are recognizing our own humanity and we are<br />giving concrete from to the NEPAD objective of supporting good<br />governance, peace and stability.<br /><br />SSI: Why is it taking long for some countries to recognize Somaliland?<br />Prof. Jhazbhay: In the past, when we turn to the case of Somaliland,<br />you find that when the British arrived there, they needed Somalis to<br />guide them through. Now the fact that Somaliland has attained<br />stability, the irony is that there is a need of foreign interlocutors<br />to interpret the peace and stability and make it known to the world.<br />So, you see many well-known scholars, such as Professor Ali Mazrui,<br />doing so. So, this is the first irony I would have to outline in<br />unpacking the case of Somaliland. I think the real reason is the fact<br />that information on Somaliland has not been forthcoming, the flow of<br />information has been pretty restricted to certain Internet websites<br />and it has a lot to do with the unenlightened approach at time on<br />behalf of multilateral institutions. You find initially the UN, the<br />OAU at the time, had taken a particular type of approach but now there<br />are some encouraging sights. The AU is showing some positive signs. So<br />I think, one is the flow of information. Those who have been informed<br />are coming through very positively now. A good case in point is the<br />South African media now. There is balanced reporting on Somaliland. A<br />lot of institutions are reporting on Somaliland, institutions like the<br />Africa Institute, South African Institute of International Affairs,<br />the Electoral Institute of Southern Africa… and that has now brought<br />about a more informed awareness. That has also made the local<br />constituencies play a much stronger role. The same could be said about<br />the United States. There has been a steady stream of reporting on<br />Somaliland. The Washington Post ran a very enhanced article. In the<br />UK, there have been regular delegations to Somaliland. So I think it<br />is very much a fifty, fifty situation. More countries now have a more<br />informed sense and there are also many countries that do not have an<br />informed sense. Those who do have an informed sense, have taken<br />positive steps in analyzing the situation in Somaliland. It makes the<br />point that once again, newspapers like the Sub Saharan Informer, and<br />other world wide newspapers have a big role of informing world opinion<br />about the reality in the horn of Africa. The type of balance here is a<br />non-partisan approach. There is also another reason. There are<br />powerful blocks, whom I believe don’t have an interest in peace and<br />stability. Their main concern may not be the waters of the Nile River.<br />The main concern is democracy. You are familiar; in the Horn of<br />Africa, there have been some successful experiences in democracy. I<br />have described Somaliland’s emerging democracy in an article earlier<br />on. I described it: “as a success story, Somaliland is Africa’s best<br />kept secret”. And sometimes you find a deliberate attempt to suppress<br />information because of the emerging democracy. It has had successful<br />local and presidential elections. Ethiopia is now going to have<br />democratic elections emerging. The others will have it too. So there<br />are key blocks in the Horn of Africa, who are afraid of democracy. The<br />waters of the Nile River is one issue but the “huge threat” is<br />democracy. So it is in the interest of those who do not have an<br />interest in democracy to block the emerging democratic movements. I<br />think there is a consensus amongst key international pro-democracy<br />movements like the International Crisis Group, which described the<br />experience of Somaliland as one of the most successful experiments of<br />democracy in the Horn of Africa. So, to my mind, those are the key<br />reasons why you see this block of information, a deliberate attempt to<br />suppress information and democracy.<br /><br />SSI: In this regard, according to a discussion with Mohamed Hussein<br />Idid, who clearly told me that it is encouraging, Somaliland is a<br />stable government but it would be to the whole advantage of Somaliland<br />and the horn of Africa, if they remain united to Somalia. Do you think<br />there will be a danger if the international community goes ahead and<br />recognizes Somaliland?<br /><br />Prof. Jhazbhay: I subscribe to the view held by Professor Ali Mazrui.<br />This is a view held by many well-known specialists of the Horn of<br />Africa. The view is that, when you have a peaceful and reasonably<br />stable part of the horn of Africa, it should be allowed to grow and<br />should not be pulled off. The view of Professor Ali Mazrui is that<br />Somaliland has the resources alone to develop its institutions. One<br />day when the rest of what was empirically known as Somalia comes back<br />to shape Somaliland can possibly re-join Somalia. My related remark to<br />this issue is that the international community has to find a balance<br />between idealism and realism. The reality on the ground is what was<br />empirically known as Somalia, does not exist anymore. The related<br />reality is that 14 peace conferences and a huge amount of effort have<br />gone into trying to bring the South of Somalia together. In the<br />efforts of last year, some 9-12 million has been spent in the<br />reconciliation talks in Nairobi. There does not seem to be much light<br />at the end of the tunnel. Which suggests that a creative approach has<br />to come through, which says that half a loaf of bread. That was the<br />conclusion also of the well-known Professor Ian Louis, doyen of Somali<br />Studies. That is, to encourage half a loaf. In the future we may have<br />full one loaf. I think the big question, which I raised earlier, is<br />what signal are we sending when we do not want to recognize the<br />efforts of the people towards peace and stability. What message are we<br />sending when we do not want to recognize the efforts of people towards<br />good governance? They would say they have done everything possible to<br />meet the requirements of peace, stability and governance. What more do<br />they need to do? That’s an answer we have to give them, because it is<br />the future of the African child. The children in Somaliland, who are<br />under 20, have no memory of unity with Somalia. I think at the end of<br />the day Somalis are very keen to maintain contacts and co-operation<br />but given the fact that Somaliland went through what is known by human<br />rights organization as a genocidal experience in 1988, where the city<br />was flattened into rubble. The fact of the matter remains sound. Many<br />of those leaders who are now on the ground in the south have not come<br />up with any mechanism to show remorse for what they have done in 1988.<br />And the feeling on the ground in Hargeisa, you ask the elders in<br />Somaliland, their view is that they will not and never join the South.<br />They are willing to cooperate, share experiences and trade. But in<br />terms of the political experience the wounds are very fresh. It was<br />captured beautifully by one of the political leaders of Somaliland. He<br />said, you can see the walls here and you can see the bullet wounds. In<br />Somaliland, the bullet wounds are not only fresh in their minds but<br />they are still fresh on the walls. So there are some powerful<br />arguments, which emerge from the ground. So I can foresee the future<br />emerging where you would see a lot of NGO cooperation, you would see a<br />lot of trade cooperation, a lot of sharing of experiences. But clearly<br />when political unity is raised, the pains of 1988 are too fresh in<br />peoples’ minds.<br /><br />Prof. Iqbal D. Jhazbhay is a senior lecturer at the University of<br />South Africa and a well-published researcher. He is a Director of the<br />Board of Johannesburg-based Institute for Global Dialogue and is also<br />convener of the Middle East study group at the South African Institute<br />of International Affairs. He also serves on the African National<br />Congress’s (ANC) Commission for Religious Affairs.<br /><br />http://somalilandtimes.net/2003/105/10506.shtml<br /><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-74833238522388555242010-06-14T04:29:00.000-07:002010-06-14T04:32:39.278-07:00African and Asian nations are most at risk for genocide, international forum is told By Amiram BarkatAfrican and Asian nations are most at risk for genocide, international forum is told<br />By Amiram Barkat<br />29.01.04<br /><br />STOCKHOLM - The danger of genocide exists in five countries in Africa and Asia, according to an American expert who yesterday addressed the Stockholm International Convention on the Prevention of Genocide.<br /><br />Barbara Harp, of the U.S. Center for Conflict Management, said there was a high risk of genocide in Sudan, Myanmar, Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.<br /><br />She told the forum that eight other countries - Somalia, Uganda, Algeria, China, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Ethiopia - were also at risk.<br /><br />Asked by Haaretz about the dangers in Israel, Harp said that experts at the center did not believe there was a strong likelihood that Israel would carry out genocide against the Palestinians. Some of the central indications for genocide and, in particular, the ideological basis, did not exist in Israel, Harp said.<br /><br />"Israel behaves badly at times, and even very badly," she said, "but it is a normal country."<br /><br />Zimbabwe is the most likely candidate<br /><br />The question of where genocide was likely to take place in the world today was the main concern of the experts at the Stockholm meet. Samantha Powers of Harvard University and the U.S. Center for Conflict Management said that in her opinion, the most likely candidate was Zimbabwe. Most of the experts agreed that at present, the African continent was the most likely breeding ground for genocide.<br /><br />The international forum concluded its deliberations yesterday with a resolution taken by the 55 participating countries.<br /><br />At Israel's request, incitement to genocide was added to the phenomena mentioned in the resolution on the prevention of genocide. Israel did not object to the Swedes' request to include Islamophobia alongside anti-Semitism and xenophobia in the resolution.<br /><br />The Swedish media reported yesterday that the United States and Israel had prevented an initiative to have the resolution include a mention of the International Criminal Court at The Hague as the main body designed to prevent genocide. Israeli delegation sources denied this.<br /><br />The court was currently studying complaints of genocide in five countries, its chief prosecutor, Luis Moreno Ocampo, told the gathering. He said one of the countries was Congo, but refused to reveal the other names.<br /><br />Israeli delegates expressed satisfaction with the international forum's outcome. The fact that there was no criticism of Israel at such a large international gathering was unusual, Foreign Ministry official Nimrod Barkan said.<br /><br />Ministry officials also praised the Swedes for not inviting prominent pro-Palestinian speakers such as Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa.<br /><br />Israel was especially pleased that Prof. Yehuda Bauer, the academic adviser to the forum, and Dr. Yigael Carmon had been invited as genocide experts.<br /><br />A call by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to set up a special UN supervisory mechanism to prevent genocide was not included in the final resolution, which spoke in general terms of examining the various options to prevent genocide, including the one raised by Annan.<br /><br />http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/african-and-asian-nations-are-most-at-risk-for-genocide-international-forum-is-told-1.112370<br /><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-90203383069948378612010-06-14T04:24:00.000-07:002010-06-14T04:27:03.541-07:00The Samatars’ alternative to the ICG Report on Somaliland: Examined, by Hibaq Abdikadir KosarThe Samatars’ alternative to the ICG Report on Somaliland: Examined, by Hibaq Abdikadir Kosar<br /><br />First I would like to congratulate the International Crises Group (ICG) for a report well written, to the point and easy to follow. This report was indeed focused and free from any biases. It was very informative for those who didn’t know much about Somaliland, its history and inhabitants and for the informed who do not claim they “know it all” it shed light on the recent developments.<br /><br />Its the objective of the ICG ‘to prevent and resolve deadly conflict’, so to accuse their reports containing ‘political history replete with errors, misinterpretation, omissions, and bedeviled by an untenable characterization of entire communities’ is like accusing the Amnesty International of human rights violations. Let us now examine who made these accusations and why.<br /><br />Abdi Ismail Samatar and Ahmed I Samatar, made the accusations in an essay (in progress) entitled “INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP REPORT ON SOMALILAND: AN ALTERNATIVE SOMALI RESPONSE”. Here I will demonstrate their motive and make brief examination using the<br /><br />following categories: 1<br /><br />• Language<br />• Patriotism<br />• Focus<br />• Swelling Numbers<br />• Clanism<br />• Conclusion<br />• Recommendation<br />• Personal Note<br /><br />1. Language<br /><br />At first glance one can observe an improvement of the language used in criticizing the authors of the ICG Report. Fortunately they did not suffer the same fate as Prof. I.M. Lewis, who Prof Abdi I Samatar 2, blurted abusive words at, which won him the nickname “Street Fighter Professor”.<br /><br />• “Samatar's response gives one the impression that he is street fighter intent to badmouth and give Lewis a bloody nose.” 3<br /><br />Among the many abusive statements directed at Prof Lewis was that he was self-congratulating himself when he praised the EU and Prof A. I Samatar commented how the EU funded conference was a failure, and used the Somali proverb " Nin is amaaney waa ri is nuugtay" (a man who praises himself is like a goat that suckles itself), which is used to show disgust at a person who praises oneself. In this light let’s examine the names of the authors that the Samatars referred to as the authentic sources to argue their case. In no less then 7 times was the name Samatar referred to, 4 and describing themselves “as scholars, we have collectively dedicated 35 years to sympathetically understand the inner workings of Somali society” and “Our thinking, distilled from our extensive scholarly research and reading of Somali social history and political economy”<br /><br />It’s typical of the Samatars to accuse others, who hold apposing views of not able to comprehend the Somalis.5 “Only an arrogant and unreconstructed old fashioned anthropologist would be blind enough to assume that he could speak for the native in 2001.” 6 also “the Ambassador’s (Kiplagat) lack of knowledge about Somali culture….”7, and presenting themselves as the only authoritarians on Somali politics, social, history, economics, judicial etc.<br /><br />2. Patriotism<br /><br />• ‘As the conference commenced, non-Somalis started to make the agenda. In one instance, when one of the authors (Abdi) was present, an American doctoral student presented the points….’8<br /><br />Had Abdi been asked to present the points, would we have read such resentment towards the young American doctoral student? One would almost believe that they are so patriotic they would want only Somalis to conduct the peace processes for themselves and solve their own problems. However, when the people of Somaliland did just that, Abdi called their land “Balayo-land”9 (evil-land). One can only reach the conclusion that they would only be happy if they were in the lime light in any Somali conference and would not settle for otherwise. This is demonstrated in the brothers’ praise and glorifications of the Arta conference proceedings and outcome (Arta: Betrayal of a Gift), 10 since Prof. Abdi was one of the key craftsmen of the proceedings yet it was the one that lacked representations of most regions and used local Somalis from Djibouti to boost the number of attendants. .<br /><br />The ICG report documented the betrayal felt by the Somaliland people after the unification noting that Hargeisa became ‘a mere provincial headquarters’ and Mogadishu became the national capital. The Samatars identified Hargeisa as ‘the headquarters of the northwest’. Provincial headquarters or northwest headquarters, what’s the difference and the point they’re making? Furthermore the Samatars want the Somaliland people to applaud PM Adbirashid and be consoled for this honourable role (consultants), ‘One of the North's most senior civil servants noted that, "Prime Minister Abdirashid and leading ministers consulted senior northern public servants on key matters, particularly on those that dealt with integration.”<br /><br /><br />3. Focus<br /><br />As an engineer when I’m faced with a mathematical problem to solve (e.g. 1/2+1/3) I take the lowest common denominator (No. 6) and not the second (No. 12) or the third (No. 18) lowest common denominators (LCD). If I use the second or third LCDs, my calculations will only get longer and I would waste much of a good time that could have been utilized better, not to mention the possibility of making an error half way resulting the wrong answer. In my college days I would have been penalized for doing that.<br /><br />The Samatars used the argument that Isaaq were not the only community that suffered under the dictatorship of Said Bare and mentioned Baidoa and Puntland regions.11 The brothers seemed to have totally lost focus by bringing the argument under Somalia. The ICG report was tackling the suffering of clans living in Somaliland (LCD), its history and relationship with Somalia. If the brothers are using the denomination of Somalia (second LCD) in order to make their point, they only prolonged their argument and caused the reader to wonder off and ask, “what did that got to do with Somaliland”. Using the same analogy one can argue that the Somali people were not the only ones who suffered in the Horn of Africa (third LCD) and we can even take the fourth LCD, Africa etc.<br /><br />I recall conversations I use to have with students of history & politics in my old college (QMW, University of London) where they would tell me that Professors would warn them time and again not to waffle their way out when asked to write an essay about specific topic, as that would cause them to loose marks. I am not familiar with US universities, but if Professors can waffle their way out of the topic of discussion when writing essays, then what’s the chance of a student getting away with it and what does that say about those particular universities? In a court of law when a lawyer attempts to divert attention from the point of focus in a line of questioning, the opposition lawyer would immediately jump and shout “objection”!<br /><br />Throughout their essay the Samatars drifted off the point of discussion particularly in Part IV. I will address the claims made in this Part for the sake of examining them, though its far off the ICG report. A picture of justice, democracy and fair for all was painted, “There is no doubt today that the Somali Republic’s first President, Aden Abdulle Osman, and his second Prime Minister, Abdirazak H. Hussein, were genuine leaders by any democratic measure”. Yet this is what General Mohammed Farah Aidid recorded about the same period that was glorified by the Samatars’, “the unfortunate experience with the type of Parliamentary Democracy that Somalia had during 1960-69; which bred exploitation, tribal disunity, nepotism, lowering of morals and public integrity and ultimately paved path for a shameless military coup in 1969; warns us not to go in for that very model of democracy. We cannot afford again to be cheated by such so-called representatives of the people, who once the people have elected them to the Parliament are least bothered for the welfare of the masses but are solely guided by their self-seeking motives of making money, favouring their relatives and supporters and black-mailing and exploiting the masses in innumerable ways.”12 I know of someone personally who was thrown out of school in Mogadishu during that period. The then Minister of Education gave a speech in of the schools, where he stated that the schools are filled with street kids when the children of the government (ministers/employees) are not attending school because there are no seats.<br /><br />Somali history seems to be ‘in the eye of the beholder’; it’s rather like the writer’s story (his-story). It depends on what class or clan they belonged to during the period that they are writing about. The elite would write about the good old days and the luxury they enjoyed since they turned blind eye to the suffering of the lower class or clan. The oppressed would have only experienced the suffering and humiliation and would write his-story through his experiences. Someone from the outside looking in would only be objective historian to record the experiences of both classes. Often when that happens the former elite clan or class who do not want anyone to know what they inflicted on the other clans shower abuses at these historians/anthropologists or accuse them of being on the payroll of “Hargeisa Administration”. That’s why you have many people denying till now the atrocities committed against Somaliland people. Only now more 15 years later you have some people who served the military regime apologizing to the people of Somaliland.13 So when the brothers write, “We argue that this history could be told differently.” you do not need to be a rocket scientist to know what version of his-story will be told.<br /><br />4. Swelling Numbers<br /><br />One of the most deceiving claims the Samatars made to undermine the accuracy of the ICG report was the claim that large number of “Northerners” held high positions in contrast to the ICG report. At first the reader would see positions identified (yet no names mentioned), 14 therefore one would think this claim must be authentic and that it cannot be fabricated, as this is a historical fact. Lets study how they introduced this grave deception.<br /><br />The reader was introduced to Somaliland (former British colony) and Somalia (former Italian colony) and after the unification these two entities came to be known as North and South of Somalia. Somalis referred to each other as Southerners and Northerners respectively. In order to boost the figures of the Northerners (Somalilanders) in high positions the brothers conveniently included positions held by people from the region presently known as Puntland (northeast Somalia). These individuals represented the South, since this region was part of Somalia and not Somaliland before unification. Therefore the ICG document was accurate in its reporting.<br /><br /><br />5. Clanism<br /><br />The ICG report made mention of the tribes in Somaliland that collaborated with the military regime against the Isaaq. The Samatars’ wrote:<br /><br />• “A discernment of who collaborated with the military dictatorship and to what degree…The ICG document enters that fray by identifying two northern communities as willing allies of the regime: the Samaroon and the Harti (pp. 11, 28). Simultaneously, the Isaaq kin-group is presented as innocent sufferers. This is problematic.”15<br /><br />Here it’s important to note that the brothers are of Samaroon clan, hence the anger expressed in the above quote. Naming Isaaq men16 that served in the military dictatorship and attempting to level them with characters like Morgan and Ghani, who were responsible for the genocide of Somaliland, is totally irresponsible and one that would invite questioning as to their motive and integrity as academics. One can only sense the sentiments of clanism expressed here. I wonder how many historical claims stated by the Samatars were created on their keyboards? Gentlemen, you claim to be learned men, present your evidence for the statements you made, or did you conveniently fabricate this piece of history to tarnish the men’s names and discredit the ICG report for your gains?<br /><br />Let it be known that I consider all those Isaaq individuals mentioned who remained in Barre’s regime till its dying days “TRAITORS”, since they held those positions at the expense of the suffering of their own people. However the brothers’ choice of excluding General Jama Mohamed Qalib, when he held high positions in Barre’s regime sometime in those dark days and presented him as a victim 17 only exposed their prejudice (a friend perhaps?). He was another craftsman of the Arta conference and benefited from it by being rewarded handsomely, also known to hold the same views as the Samatars’. Why did they fail to mention how he was responsible for the deaths of thousands of young men in the Somaliland civil war (1994-1996)? Now this would have been relevant to the topic of discussion (Somaliland-LCD?), since he was a warlord for that short period of time. At least the warlords in Somalia stay with their soldiers while General Qalib ran away two days before the fighting started, after beating the drums of war for the young men. What’s the word that describes a General abandoning his army, just before full scale fighting starts?<br /><br />With regards to the office of Presidency the Samatars made the claim that ‘When Egal, the leading northern politician, was asked to seek the office he declined.’ This is a laughable claim. Both opponents and friends of Egal would agree on one thing, that he desired and sought the position of the President of Somalia all his life, until the 2001 Somaliland referendum when all hopes of that ever happening was dashed away from him. In fact someone commented once that if the position of the “President of Africa” existed he would run for it.<br /><br /><br />6. Conclusion<br /><br />In Somaliland, people of all tribes are living side by side in harmony and do not need the so called scholars living thousands of miles away to create hate and animosity between them. These people have shaken off the great might of the military regime and will not hesitate to shake off inflammatory essays that’s only intended to derail them from the path to peace they’ve embarked on. Most of these writers are living in the United States enjoying the freedom and liberty that its forefathers created by fist declaring that, “When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”18 Therefore if the Samatars are serious as to their claim of feeling obliged to promote the well being of their community, then instead of calling their land ‘evil-land’ they ought to take part in promoting the freedom and liberty that their people have taken its first steps to establish. They ought to make their guiding principal to be what is in the interest of their people, and listen to what they want.<br /><br />History has its place and the people of Somaliland chose to forgive each other for past crimes in order to move on and build a brighter future for themselves and their children. Digging old wounds will not achieve what its intended, which is to destabilise the peace they worked so hard for.<br /><br />I for one am proud of the achievements of my people and wish that we all applaud them for their strength and determination to take the first steps of entering into the democratic world.<br /><br />7. Recommendation<br /><br />a) Before embarking on responding to a report make sure you read the content of the report to establish the topic of discussion and read the report carefully (if necessary read it few times).<br />b) When writing an essay, stay focused and don’t waffle just to boost the number words.<br />c) To prove the authenticity of your claim, use reliable historians and not your own essays “in progress”.<br /><br /><br /><br />8. Personal Note<br /><br />Somali people need to express their views through the ballot box and not be swayed by the selfish politicians who wear ‘Somaliweyn hat’ one minute, ‘Islam hat’ the next, ‘tribal hat’, the next and so on. The people of Somaliland have spoken as to what they want. They want to choose who leads their country and not be chosen for them in some conference held in far away land that’s organized by foreigners. The days that they were forced to accept anyone to rule them by force are gone. No clan has the right of leadership over others; hence no formula should be acceptable by any clan, whether they are in the majority or minority. No clan is superior to others:<br /><br />• “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”19<br /><br />Many of the Somaliweyn politicians and writers who claim they don’t want the dismemberment of Somalia, put fear in the Somali people’s mind painting the picture that recognition of Somaliland will result closure of its borders to other Somalis. The people who feel this fear the most are the people of Harti, and this is understandable because they feel torn between their tribal kinsmen who live on the other side of the border (Puntland, Somalia), and their cousins (Isaaq) through intermarriages who live in Somaliland. Let’s take the current status of the relationship between the people of Somaliland and other Somalis. They will always be welcomed to come and live peacefully in Somaliland if/when they chose to, and I’m confident that they would be welcomed in their respective homelands. People from Somaliland are also related to Somalis in Djibouti, so do they stop them from crossing the border? The two countries share trade ties, common culture, and blood ties, yet no political ties and that’s acceptable to both communities, as it doesn’t affect their personal or business relationships.<br /><br />These politicians have one thing to gain from Somaliland not being recognised that is to rule a bigger portion of the land and as for the writers they want to cash on the misery of the Somali people through their writings and attending the reconciliation conferences to be paid for drafting charters that will be impractical and unworkable, so they’ll be called back for the next conference, and the next and the next and the next…. If there’s no conflict what’s there to write about? The Somali people need to reach peaceful settlement to stop their bloodshed being cashed on.<br /><br />Somalis are nomadic by nature and this will never change, Somaliland people continue to intermarry Ogaden, though their land is within Ethiopian border. Hargeisa is now multi-ethnic city were Somalis of all clans are living peacefully along side each other and I hope the same can be achieved for the cities in Somalia. All Somalis own businesses in Somaliland, Somalis from Djibouti, Ogden, and Somalia. In fact the Telecommunication sector is dominated with companies owned by people from Somalia, and everyone welcomes them from government to the public.<br /><br />Family members can have different political views as demonstrated in the Somaliland elections were members of the same family voted for different parties. If Somaliland people chose a different political path, then the rest of Somalia, to achieve peace and harmony; their brethren Somalia should agree to disagree for the sake of keeping the love between them and work towards a brighter future together for their respective countries. Somalis living everywhere should be happy for what their brethren in Somaliland have achieved and pray for their brethren in Somalia to achieve peace and stability, this will be truly Somali brotherhood.<br /><br /><br />Notes<br /><br />1. Detailed examination still “in progress”, if such a term “in progress” exists to justify posting half-cooked essays on the web.<br /><br />2. Prof Abdi I Samatar, “I.M. Lewis's Retired Ideas and Somalia” http://www.somaliawatch.org/archivefeb01/010203202.htm<br /><br />3. “In Response to Prof Abdi I. Samatar's, I.M. Lewis's Retired Ideas and Somalia” by Ali A. Jama – Director of Somalia Watch – Feb 3, 2001. http://www.somaliawatch.org/archivefeb01/010203201.htm<br /><br />4. Ahmed I Samatar and Abdi I. Samatar, Notes, “INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP REPORT ON SOMALILAND: AN ALTERNATIVE SOMALI RESPONSE” http://www.hiiraan.com/htdocs/2003/aug03/op/icg_respond.htm<br /><br />5. It seems that it’s not just the Samatars’ who make these accusations, but others who hold the same view do it too. Ahmed Dowlo wrote this about Jean-Jacques Cornish, “Mr. Cornish has got him self into a political disarray in which he has very limited knowledge.” The article is entitled ‘Recognise "Somaliland" and a can of worm opens’. http://www.hiiraan.ca/2003/aug03/op/dowlo.htm. Ahmed Dowlo is a member of Somali Association of South Africa, an organisation I’m sure that just come into being after the positive reports on Somaliland from SA, the most amusing thing they’ve come up with so far is the petition online where they’re trying to black mail the SA government. The article was written by Abbas Yusuf madela60@hotmail.com (interesting email id).<br /><br />6. “I.M. Lewis's Retired Ideas and Somalia”, by Prof Abdi I Samatar.<br /><br />7. Ahmed I Samatar and Abdi I. Samatar, Part II C (1),“Somali Reconciliation: Editorial Note” posted on http://www.goobjoog.com/books/editorial/note/<br /><br />8. Ahmed I Samatar and Abdi I. Samatar, Part II B, “Somali Reconciliation: Editorial Note”.<br /><br />9. Prof Abdi I Samatar, “I.M. Lewis's Retired Ideas and Somalia”.<br /><br />10. Ahmed I Samatar and Abdi I. Samatar, Part II A “Somali Reconciliation: Editorial Note”.<br /><br />11. Part VI-A&B, “INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP REPORT ON SOMALILAND: AN ALTERNATIVE SOMALI RESPONSE”<br /><br />12. General Mohammed Farah Aidid, The Preferred Future Development in Somalia, www.civicwebs.com<br /><br />13. Abdi Warsame Isaq, the leader of SSNM, who was a members of Supreme Council of the Somali Revelation 21st of October 1969.<br /><br />14. Part VI-A, “INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP REPORT ON SOMALILAND: AN ALTERNATIVE SOMALI RESPONSE”.<br /><br />15. Part VI-A, “INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP REPORT ON SOMALILAND: AN ALTERNATIVE SOMALI RESPONSE”.<br /><br />16. Part V-B, “INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP REPORT ON SOMALILAND: AN ALTERNATIVE SOMALI RESPONSE”.<br /><br />17. Part VI-B “INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP REPORT ON SOMALILAND: AN ALTERNATIVE SOMALI RESPONSE”.<br /><br />18. The first paragraph of the United States Declaration of Independence (In Congress July 4, 1774)<br /><br />19. The Quran, Chapter: 49, Verse: 13<br /><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-48914449729681652892010-06-14T04:20:00.000-07:002010-06-14T04:23:18.709-07:00A brilliant work co-ordinated through many continents by Rhoda A. Rageh<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRW2R0-sl047dO7w2dslMS3wJyxYcfa09NeNgzd5rZ3xudX7udmCHgu8PueFWHNkwxsiwyCuUh-4I7T8e6jhwG8gMBIW2crNwBPDiWxvSCOPP-PGIO0CrknaHTLb0OYAuWzoq3rGKkM-iX/s1600/jamapic.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 315px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRW2R0-sl047dO7w2dslMS3wJyxYcfa09NeNgzd5rZ3xudX7udmCHgu8PueFWHNkwxsiwyCuUh-4I7T8e6jhwG8gMBIW2crNwBPDiWxvSCOPP-PGIO0CrknaHTLb0OYAuWzoq3rGKkM-iX/s320/jamapic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482588057636826882" border="0" /></a><br />A brilliant work co-ordinated through many continents”<br /><br />by Rhoda A. Rageh<br /><br /><br /><br />A Note On My Teachers Group is about a historical epic that has changed the lives of the people of Somaliland forever. The drama was a mammoth, which became prelude to a systematic genocide, annihilation of cities by an incumbent government, the end of a deceitful republic and a diaspora that has severed the core of nuclear families.<br /><br />The author’s flashback is often surreal and daunting to revisit, sometimes distressing to read and occasionally comical to believe. In an attempt to place the suffering of his teachers with the destruction of his role models and the fictitious allegations that put them in cruel prisons, he resurrects the proceedings of spurious courtrooms, bewildered witnesses, ineffectual lawyers, fearless youth and a society betrayed by its government. Among many personal testimonies of the victims, the book includes vivid images of the group’s enthusiasm, torture, and survival instincts. In spite of a nerve of steel needed to get through the severity encountered, one must read to learn from it.<br /><br />The defendants are 28 vibrant young men who have come back to a derelict home city. They took the idyllic path rarely followed by other Africans. Instead of insurgence, they focused on rebuilding vital institutions by tapping into their own academic backgrounds and work experiences. At a time when economic, educational, social and cultural institutions of the entire northern regions were depressed by Siad Barre’s restrictions, the only resource available to them in their dilapidated city was their mental energy. They pioneered a vision of self-help for people too tired and afraid to create one. Their vital energy, which had awakened Siad Barre’s worst fears of mutiny, was the beginning of a long nightmare for some of Somaliland’s brightest young men. The culmination of which was total destruction of the Somali Democratic Republic.<br /><br />Dr. Jama Musa Jama, an intellectual living in the disapora was an impressionable young adult when all of these happened in his hometown of Hargeisa. The treachery of a ruthless government and the insecurity he felt through this incident mold him into a serious a researcher of truth. The book remembers those who suffer in the hands of cruel tyrants. It is a tribute to history, a psychological healing for Somalilanders, who have been terrorized by these events and a treasure for posterity. Above all this book is an honour to the strong will of serious intellectuals still active in their vision of self-help. Dr. Jama’s relentless research preserves us an experience, which could not have been possible without his patience, dedication and seriousness of purpose. A brilliant work co-ordinated through many continents.<br /><br />For more information, visit: http://www.redsea-online.com<br /><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-41593355064028503242010-06-14T04:18:00.000-07:002010-06-14T04:40:20.663-07:00Somaliland Genocide - Humanrights DefendersNote From SIRAG:<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>For the last 44 years, Somaliland history have been lost, erased from the world map, manipulated by the so called intellectuals of Ex-Somalia and all the books taken from International libraries and burnt so that no one can trace them. However, knowledge can not be erased from mankind's natural book the brain. The Intellectuals of Somaliland will defend the history of Somaliland by the Pen. No more would we allow our history to be manipulated and distorted right in front of our eyes. We must preserve our history so that our future generations know their history and culture. Thanks to the pioneers of the Internet that helped us build our nation in a unique way.</b></span></li></ul></div><h3 class="post-title entry-title">See also:</h3><ul><li><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a linkindex="1" href="http://siragarchive.blogspot.com/2010/06/african-and-asian-nations-are-most-at.html">African and Asian nations are most at risk for genocide, international forum is told By Amiram Barkat</a></h3></li></ul><ul><li><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a linkindex="1" href="http://siragarchive.blogspot.com/2010/06/response-by-ibrahim-hassan-gagale-to.html">Response by Ibrahim Hassan Gagale to Aden-Adde - The Initiator of North-South Polarization</a></h3></li></ul><ul><li><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a linkindex="1" href="http://siragarchive.blogspot.com/2010/06/brilliant-work-co-ordinated-through.html">A brilli</a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxOeDb6w7d-ywT1Q2Edlgf7qnYgGylc3CKXbKY0qlvk20ekVrRDGF4rRo91tEMIlZrXJAXJoYH1opOBdKpYm7zBnbCqsf2RZ93sEpwfdKBg8ARv2ON63rlJn08-5iBlBZkrrWCRBFilH-/s1600/teacherjamapic.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 102px; height: 122px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxOeDb6w7d-ywT1Q2Edlgf7qnYgGylc3CKXbKY0qlvk20ekVrRDGF4rRo91tEMIlZrXJAXJoYH1opOBdKpYm7zBnbCqsf2RZ93sEpwfdKBg8ARv2ON63rlJn08-5iBlBZkrrWCRBFilH-/s320/teacherjamapic.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482592667076339186" border="0" /></a><a linkindex="1" href="http://siragarchive.blogspot.com/2010/06/brilliant-work-co-ordinated-through.html">ant work co-ordinated through many continents by Rhoda A. Rageh</a></h3></li></ul><br /><br /><br /><br /><ul><li><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a linkindex="1" href="http://siragarchive.blogspot.com/2010/06/samatars-alternative-to-icg-report-on.html">The Samatars’ alternative to the ICG Report on Somaliland: Examined, by Hibaq Abdikadir Kosar</a></h3></li></ul>See also:<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">"<b>During the recent civil war, the former socialist dictatorship deliberately destroyed all written documents that it could in the territory that is now the Republic of Somaliland. In particular, this includes all local copies of the many reports and proposals prepared by international organizations on the technical situation and opportunities in this new Republic. The new Government is currently working with practically no written documentation about its own Country, as well as without the technical information that it requires for its normal functions</b>.".( ref: </span><b><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" >Project Proposal, for creating a National Library in the Republic of Somaliland Davies Consulting GmbH</span></b>)Sirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-58125359004252841272010-06-14T04:14:00.000-07:002010-06-14T04:18:27.940-07:00Response by Ibrahim Hassan Gagale to Aden-Adde - The Initiator of North-South PolarizationResponse by Ibrahim Hassan Gagale to Aden-Add. A Gentleman of Somalia Aden-Adde: The Initiator of North-South Polarization <br /><br />This article, Aden-Adde: A Gentleman of Somalia, was recently posted on Hiiraan Online and written by Omar Mohamed. There is a Somali proverb which says, “An old woman sheltering from rain thinks that everybody else is having the same rain.” Mr. Omar failed to shy away from misinterpreting the political and social realities in former Republic of Somalia during Aden-Adde`s eight year-old presidency (1960-1967). He is either hypocrite who purposefully covers up Aden-Adde`s serious, political blunders in his era, or he is naive who does not have any idea of the history of his polarizing presidency in the 1960s thinking that he was a great president for all. Distorting historical facts is unconscionable as any irrational bias approach on fateful moments of history of a society of an era ignores the oppressed and promotes the oppressor- Here the North and the South in 1960s.<br /><br />When Mr. Aden Abdulle Osman (A Southborn, Mudulood) assumed the presidency of former Republic of Somalia in 1960, which was created from a union of two newly independent, equal states emerging from former British Somaliland Protectorate and Italian Somalia, every one expected that the premiership belonged to the North without challenge, and that the top cabinet and armed forces posts would be shared fairly. Unfortunately, Aden-Adde immediately treated the North as an ordinary region of the South like Mudug or Benadir, denying its people of their legitimate share of the union government by awarding premiership and other top civilian and armed forces positions to the South. He failed to understand that the North became independent state before the South (North: June 26, 1960, South: July 1st, 1960), that late president of Somaliland, Mr. Mohammed Haji Ibrahim Egal, was its first prime minister, that the North initiated the union of the two new countries, and, for these reasons, the North deserved legitimate, fair share from the union government.<br /><br />Majerteen was the Mareehan during Aden-Adde`s administration and, likewise, hijacked and abused the government of the people. Because it was the most arrogant and power-minded tribe in those days in the South, and because it had affinal relationship with the president, Majerteen pressured Aden-Adde to appoint Majerteen prime minister. He bowed to their demand and pressure and appointed Mr. Abdirasheed Ali Sharma`arke ( A Southborn, Majerteen) as the first prime minister of former Republic of Somalia from 1960-1964. He granted other top cabinet ministers and national forces commanders to the South too. He appointed Mr. Abdirizaq Haji Hussein (A Southborn, Majerteen) for minister of interior, Mr. Abdullahi Issa Mohamoud (A Southborn famous politician, Habar-Gidir) for minister of foreign affairs, Mr. Osman Ahmed Roble (A Southborn, Abgaal) for minister of Finance, General Da`ud Hirsi ( A Southborn, Abgaal) for commander of the armed forces, General Mohammed Abshir (A Southborn, Majerteen) for commander of national police force, and so on. The parliament was sham too with the South taking unfair number of seats.<br /><br />The betrayal and the humiliating denial, the injustices and the dereliction by the South angered furiously the Northern people, particularly politicians, traditional leaders, intellectuals, business people, and military officers . This deep resentment of the North against the South, influenced young military officers of the North, at the command of Hassan Kayd, to lead the unsuccessful coup d`etat in Hargeisa on December 10, 1961. The main objective of this coup d`etat was to withdraw from the misused union and reclaim Northern sovereignty and independence.<br /><br />Instead of probing the root causes of the coup d`etat and starting national dialogue for reconciliation, president Aden Abdulle Osman made the second political blunder by transferring Southborn military and teachers to the North (Known as Wallawein in those days) and bringing Northborn military and teachers to the South after the failure of Hassan Kayd`s noble attempt in order to suppress Northern people politically, socially, and educationally for the coup d`etat, thus turning North into a semi-colony occupied by the South, and forcing its people to travel to Mogadisho for all necessities of life that they were supposed to have at home until the proclamation of Somaliland Republic in May 1991 after the victorious liberation of Somaliland by SNM in January 1991.<br /><br />President Aden Abdulle Osman repeated the same polarizing mistakes for the third time when he appointed Mr. Abdirizaq Haji Hussein (A Southborn, Majerteen) as the second prime minister from 1964-1967. For this extreme southernist vision, Aden-Adde turned his back to the North, stranding it on ground zero and treating Northern People as second class citizens with duties but no rights. He,unfortunately, pioneered the first hostility between North and South, and inflicted the first irreversible political damage on the newly born union. Late President Abdirasheed Ali Sharma`arke (A Southborn, Majerteen, 1967-1969) , who had wider vision than Aden-Adde, saw that the country was heading in the wrong direction and appointed Mr. Mohammed Haji Ibrahim Egal (The Northborn famous politician, Habar-Awal) as the third prime minister of former Republic of Somalia though Siyad`s military take over in October 1969 shortcut his tenure and prevented him from addressing the grievances of the North.<br /><br />Somalis say, “In a caravan, the last camel follows the foot steps of the first.” Late Somali dictator, General Siyad Barre (A Southborn, Mareehan), being upset with Aden-Adde`s Majerteen-dominated administration and their continued corrupt involvement in Abdirasheed`s government, and benefitting from the unexpected assassination of president Abdirasheed Ali Sharma`arke on October 15, 1969 in las Anod, took over the country grudgingly and kept it under vicious, bloody dictatorship for 21 years (1969-1990). One could contend that the twenty one year-old brutal dictatorship of Mareehan (Oct. 27, 1969 - Jan. 27, 1991), the South-waged devastating wars against the North (1982-1990), and the break-up of the union into Somaliland and Somalia in 1991 were probably consequential chain reaction of Aden-Adde`s political blunders in the beginning of the union because the policy of his successors had continued the dominance of the North by the South. For the thirty years of the union`s age (1960-1990), the South had solely both presidency and premiership (Siyad Barre held both positions together) except the two years that Mr. Egal was prime minister (1967-1969). The North was entertained with symbolic positions, sometimes under surveillance.<br /><br />The people of former Republic of Somalia had the credit of the democracy in those days despite Aden-Adde`s shortcomings to rule the country fairly. It was a fact that president Aden Abdulle Osman was not a dictator and respected the term of the presidency but, being overwhelmed by Majerteen`s greed for power and money and putting this subclan`s interest before the interest of the nation, he committed divisive, political blunders against the North that made him a divider, not a unifier. He was neither strong nor courageous because he was unable to stand up to the tribalistic, corrupt demands of Majerteen that turned the whole country into a club of their own like Mareehan did in their heydays of Siyad`s regime. Aden-Adde was politically gentleman for the South, not for the North. He might seem democratic, moral president to the outside world but that was not the case in the North whose people were politically, socially, and economically victimized by his administration`s imbalance of power. Based on these historical facts, the legacy of president Aden Abdulle Osman is and will be: THE INITIATION OF NORTH-SOUTH POLARIZATION.<br /><br />Somalia never admitted that it committed injustices and atrocities against Somaliland and its people (22 years of injustices, 1960-1982, and 8 years of atrocities, 1982-1990), and that is the kind of union Somalia is really crying for today too. Somaliland people deserve no another nominal union of injustices and atrocities. That is the painful history of the disastrous union and the root causes of Somaliland`s withdrawal from it.<br /><br />Written: Ibrahim Hassan Gagale, USA.<br />e-mail: Ibrahim_hg@yahoo.com<br />Date: January 24, 2004.<br /><br /><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-67575860850106986522010-06-14T04:12:00.000-07:002010-06-14T04:14:19.150-07:00Masquerading successful Somaliland as failed Somalia by Bashir GothMasquerading successful Somaliland as failed Somalia, Bashir Goth<br /><br />Reading the opinion piece “Somalia’s warlords: Feeding on a failed state” published by the International Herald Tribune on 20 Jan 2004, one doesn’t have to go any further to understand why a place like Somaliland, a peaceful, democratic and by the testimony of many foreign diplomats, writers and academics a model for homegrown African reconciliation and building of state institutions, has been ignored for so long by the world community.<br /><br />It is such selective half-truths touted by people like Abdulqawi A. Yusuf, the writer of the article, taking advantage of his position as editor of the African Year Book of International Law and assumed knowledgeable background, that places blinders on the eyes of the international community, narrowing their vision to the darkness and ugliness that prevail in Mogadishu and most of the regions in the Former Italian Somalia. This kind of sweeping generalizations and regurgitating of clichés favored by foreign media such as anarchy, violence, and chaos, is what dampens and trivializes the great achievements accomplished by the people of Somaliland, former British Somaliland Protectorate, against the apocalyptic situation in the Italian South.<br /><br />One would have expected from the writer, a man of law and an academic who shoulders the awesome task of editing a document, considered to be a genuine reference for African legal affairs, to have exercised some degree of fairness and objectivity in his analysis. Though right in his condemnation and exposure of the Southern-based warlords as a pack of blood suckers who thrive on the misery of the ordinary people, he utterly failed to see the light in the case of Somaliland which has managed to escape the mayhem and the anarchy of the South due to their traditional wisdom and time-worn African methods of resolving conflicts and making peace under the neem tree without any help from the international community. It is here where I would like to pick up and piece together the success story of Somaliland that Abdulqawi tried to weave it into the apocalyptic kaleidoscope of failure, thievery, violence and mayhem that prevail in Italian Somalia.<br /><br />Emerging from a devastating war that killed tens of thousands, maimed other tens of thousands, grazed whole towns and villages to rubble and drove the whole population into forced exile, the people of Somaliland convened a national reconciliation conference in Buroa in 1991 immediately after the collapse of the military regime. In a traditional conflict resolving and crisis management atmosphere, representatives of all clans and all sectors of the society including elders, religious men, western educated intellectuals, militia commanders, women and youth laid down their arms, decided to put the misery of the past behind them and build a future and a state for themselves. The people of Somaliland, a former British Protectorate, which gained its independence on 26th June 1960, five days before it formed a union with the Italian colonized South, which received its independence on 1st July 1960, made a unanimous decision on that fateful morning of 18 May 1991 to restore their sovereignty and vowed to build a state on the basis of democracy, traditional wisdom and the rule of law.<br /><br />Rising to the urgency of returning to normalcy and allowing the people to start the arduous task of rebuilding, the conference elected a President, a Vice President and a National Consultative Council for two years on an agreed quota basis. Soon after a cabinet was formed and the government started setting up all local government institutions and infrastructure from scratch, while traditional elders, intellectuals, religious men, businessmen and prominent personalities embarked on the painstaking and Herculean task of confidence building between the various clans, explaining the fruits of peace and consolidating stability and harmony.<br /><br />Once government institutions were partly revived and returning refugees began to feel the dividends of peace and stability, the people of Somaliland convened their second conference in the town of Borama in 1993. After three months of lengthy and sometimes difficult discussions, a new president, vice president and two-tier national parliament were elected. Mohammed Ibrahim Egal, the first Prime Minister of Somaliland at the time of Independence and a veteran African statesman, had defeated the then incumbent President Abdirahman Ahmed Ali, the former head of the Somali National Movement (SNM) that fought against Siyad Barre’s regime. Contrary to the behaviour of traditional African militia commanders who believe that the chair belongs to them by default, Abdirahman, a veteran civil servant and former Ambassador, congratulated his successor and transferred the rule democratically and peacefully. Comparatively this was when the civil war and tribal mayhem was at its height in the Italian south with Baidoa symbolizing the epicenter of death and misery that moved the international community and prompted former U.S. President Bush to launch Operation Restore Hope which eventually ended up in the disastrous Black Hawk Down and the shameful flight of Americans and later UN forces from Mogadishu.<br /><br />A charismatic leader, a shrewd strategist and an expert on Somali tribal politics, Egal has within a short time managed to put all government institutions in place. At the time of his next election in 1997, barely four years after, the country had functioning executive and judicial bodies namely Cabinet of Ministers, a bicameral parliament, a police force, a military force, courts and local councils. The health and school sectors were back on track, and thousands of refugees had returned home. In 1997 Egal defeated his opponents for the parliament-voted presidential elections and won a second term of office. With all government institutions firm on the ground and the infrastructure partly restored, Egal and his government turned their attention to establish the constitutional base for the existence of Somaliland. Relying mainly on customary laws, traditional wisdom and with the assistance of international legal experts, the first Somaliland Constitution was drafted and tabled for debate by the parliament. After long, vigorous and arduous debates checkered by numerous rejections and revisions, like any vibrant democracy; the Somaliland parliament endorsed the constitution and slated it for national referendum. When finally put on referendum in free and fair elections on 15 December 2002, 98% of the voters gave a resounding yes to the new constitution that laid the legal foundation for Somaliland’s proclamation of independence.<br /><br />In another manifestation of its maturity and seriousness in adhering to the rule of law, Somaliland parliament showed the world one of the rare episodes of African civility and respect for democratic norms, when it made possible a smooth and peaceful transfer of power when President Egal died in a hospital in South Africa, where he was taken for treatment for a prolonged illness. With astonishing speed, the Parliament resorted to the constitution and sworn in the Vice President, Dahir Riyale Kahin, as the country’s President, thus proving wrong both African political pundits and skeptics who predicted that Egal’s death would usher in a period of chaos and tribal civil war, particularly as Riyale who was to succeed Egal was not from the majority clan, a text book recipe for tribal genocides in many parts of Africa including Italian Somalia.<br /><br />Since then, the country has conducted two successfully monitored elections, local council elections in December 2002 and free and fair presidential elections on 14th April 2003 in which the Udub ruling party led by then incumbent President Riyale won by only 217 votes. However, in unprecedented democratic action that recalled the U.S. presidential contention in 2000, the opposition party Kulmiye challenged the tally but has, as Jeffry Herts wrote in the Washington Post, “in a moment of extraordinary responsibility given Somalia’s history of having weapons resolve almost every conflict, eventually accepted the results,” after the country’s Higher Court supported the Election Commission’s tally. Somaliland is also planning parliamentary elections by the end of 2004. “At that point,” writes Herts, “Somaliland will have a more impressive democracy than most African countries. One would think the natural responses of the outside world to the extra-ordinary accomplishments of the Somalilanders would be respect and recognition. The Somalilanders, almost unanimously ask what more they can do when the international community continues to recognize Liberia, Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic of Congo and anarchic, violent places as sovereign units. It is time to give them an answer.”<br /><br />And the answer comes from our next of kin who is green with envy for Somaliland’s achievements. It comes in Abdulqawi’s fleeting dismissal and counting of Somaliland’s democratically elected President among other warlords or as wannabe or anointed president among Puntland and Mogadisho warmongers.<br /><br />However, refuting Abdulqawi’s deliberate attempt to conceal the truth in a malicious smoke screen comes not from me or any other Somalilander for that matter but from world renowned scholars and neutral foreign observers of the Somali political landscape. I feel obliged to quote some of them, at least for the benefit of IHT readers and the international media, whom Abdulqawi tried to lead, blindfolded into the abyss.<br /><br />The contrast between chaotic Somalia and the stable Somaliland, explains Greg Mills, national director of the South African Institute of International Affairs, writing in the South African Sunday Independent ( 2nd Nov. 2003) is that donor countries frequently help sustain conflict and political strife by providing assistance.<br /><br />He said that 14 peace conferences were held since 1991. The number of warlord factions increased from three in 1993, at the withdrawal of UN troops from Mogadishu, to about 50 a decade later. Based on a communications training facility outside Nairobi, the latest peace conference at Mbaghati had, by the end of 2003, drifted on for more than a year, at an estimated cost of $8 million, funded principally by the European Union.<br /><br />Somaliland, by comparison, Mills wrote was left to its own devices and yet has successfully managed to emerge from decades of devastation on its own.<br /><br />According to Kornegay, a programme co-ordinator, center for Africa’s International Relations, University of Witwatersrand, Kenyan scholar Prof. Ali Mazrui summed up the Somaliland/Mogadishu riddle by noting that “the situation in Somalia now is a culture of rules without rulers, and stateless society” while, on Somaliland :”there is order there, they have the potential to survive.”<br /><br />Writing in the, Business Day 9 Jan 2004, Kornegay said Mazrui thus holds Somliland should be allowed to go its way as a prelude to eventual pan-Somali reintegration. The question is, though, is whether the AU will resist imposing unity and allowing such a process to unfold without continuing to penalise Somaliland?<br /><br />The clearest testimony by an African official came from South African Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma by admitting publicly “It is undeniable that Somaliland does indeed qualify for statehood, and it is incumbent upon the international community to recognize it,” ( a report commissioned by SA Foreign Ministry).<br /><br />In her article, Painful push for recognition, published in South African Business Day, Dianna Games, Director or Africa@Work, a company focusing on African issues, said “So is the fact it has held two successful elections a record many recognized governments in Africa cannot claim. Its nationhood is a grassroots initiative kept on track by a determination to succeed.<br /><br />“Somaliland’s lack of international recognition leaves it bound to Somalia, the lawless country to its south of which it is officially still a part despite Somaliland’s 12 years of self-declared independence.”<br /><br />The list of testimonies for Somaliland’s legitimacy for statehood is endless, while titles of such stories speak volumes of the political observers’ admiration for Somaliland’s achievements. “Federalism not a kiss of death for Africa” by Kornegay, World Ignores Somaliland’s Campaign for Independence, Raymond Thibodeaux, “In Africa What It Takes to Be a Country”, Jeffry Herts, “Somaliland has a case for Independence”, Mail and Guardian South Africa, “Somaliland- the little country that Could”, Shannon Field, “Somaliland Success, Africa’s Big Secret” by Iqbal Jhazbhay and others.<br /><br />Thus the final cry from Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Edna Adan Ismail “We have shown that we can be democratic and that we can respect human rights. We are setting an example for the rest of Africa. Where is our peace dividend?” she said talking to Raymond Thibodeaux of the journal-Constitution 02Oct 2003.<br /><br />Somaliland today has two universities, a vibrant and maturing free press and a thriving business despite the Arab ban on its livestock exports, the country’s economic backbone.<br /><br />This is the stark truth of Somaliland, a country that has built all constitutional institutions, has fulfilled all democratic legalities to the letter and instilled the culture of peace and stability. It is such achievements of Somaliland that Southerner intellectuals like Abdulqawi try to hide by lumping it with Italian Somalia with its culture of chaos and warlordism. As a Somalilander who is proud of his people’s achievements, I advise Abdulqawi that when writing next time about Somalia he should not try to insult the intelligence of the international community by masquerading successful Somaliland as failed Somalia.<br /><br />Bashir Goth<br />e-mail: bsogoth@yahoo.com<br /><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-34239260356194476652010-06-14T04:04:00.001-07:002010-06-14T04:11:10.399-07:00Strategic Council Set Up:VP to Head New CommitteeStrategic Council Set Up:VP to Head New Committee<br />Jan 18 2004<br /><br /> <br />Jan 18 2004 Hargiesa,Somaliland(Somaliland Net) - The President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E. Dahir Rayaale Kahin has set up a new committee charged with the task of dealing with issues of utmost national priority with the obligations of concessional solidarity across all divides. The committee, which is to be chaired by his deputy, the V.P H.E. Ahmed Yusuf Yasin is to consist of the top echelons of all three official political parties and the parliament.<br /><br /><br />This was revealed in a press statement circulated yesterday afternoon signed by presidential spokesman, Mr. Abdi Idiris Duale. H. E. Rayaale established the committee in a meeting he held with both speakers of the national Assembly (Houses of Elders and representatives), the chairman of KULMIYE political party and both secretaries General of UDUB and UCID parties.<br /><br />Also present were top government officials and other political heavyweights. This meeting which come hot on the heels of another held between the president and KULMIYE chairman Mr. Ahmed Mohamud Mohammed (Silanyo), had it's top agenda as the present insecurity status of Sool region.<br /><br />This is a result of a unified solidarity catalyzed by the national integrity, which is being challenged, hence is seen as a new strategic policy that has emerged out of the integrated consultations.<br /><br />The statement reports that's the opposition leaders hailed profusely the inception of the nature of meeting and pleaded for its continuity. The President lastly responded by accepting the routine follow-up meetings. It is expected that in such conferences, issues pertaining to national needs, aspirations and integrity would be high on their menu.<br /><br />This would range from political, social and economical development factors. Main on their agreement was that petty issues would always be set aside and serious things that demand a consensus from all sides of the political divide for the good of all (nation-hood) would be on course.<br /><br />This is a big step forward for the country's political landscape and would definitely be embraced by the public. The mainstream Somalilanders have always yearned for (and maintained) peace, unity, brotherhood and harmoniously good co-existence, with the new policy being charted, patriotism is expected to be dug deeper within leaders and their subjects, a good omen for the county at large. Discussions in the meeting were reported to have been in a hilariously candid environment and one of unity.<br /><br />By Siciid Xuseen, (Sa'eed Yare).<br />Somalilandnet<br /><br />http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_news/somaliland/2002/12292.shtml<br /><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-29702683752058466372010-06-14T04:04:00.000-07:002010-06-14T04:06:52.786-07:00Somaliland's Integrity not for Compromise by M Ghalib, Somaliland NetS.L Integrity not for Compromise<br />Jan 18 2004<br /><br /> <br />Jan 18 2004 Hargeisa,Somaliland(Somaliland Net) - A cloud of tension is hovering over Sool region. the nucleus of the matter is based in Las-Anod.. The invasion and occupation of the town is the latest plunder the notorious blood thirsty Majertienia dictator, who has been interfering with Somaliland's territorial integrity for the past seven years.<br /><br />The government of Somaliland is a democratically elected administration which believes in peace, stability and development. The main reason that Somaliland is dragging its feet in engaging into war with Majertenia is that Somaliland respects human life and is not like Abdilahi Yusuf of whom killing of innocent people is his daily routine.<br /><br />The killings in Bosaso recently, highlights the fact that Abdilahi Yusuf is already facing an opposition uprising in Majertenia. The Majertenia war lord, who is holding power through the point of a gun, is quite aware of the consequences of war with. Somaliland, but his aim is just to put Somaliland into war so as to wound the hard won reputation of this country in the international arena. The Somaliland government, though peace loving, would not allow any foreign elements to invade its territorial boundaries.<br /><br />The government was elected to steer the country to prosperity and preserve the dignity and integrity of its people. The government and the populace are ready to defend the sovereignty of their motherland hence secure their borders.<br /><br />President Rayaale and leading opposition leader Ahmed Mohammed Silanyo's closed door meeting at the Presidency recently and yesterday's meeting by the three national parties, members of the two houses of parliament and top ranking officials of the central government, including the President, clearly indicates Somalilanders solidarity in issues pertaining to their motherland's cohesiveness.<br /><br />It is childish for the self-declared President of the imaginary Majertenia, which does not exist in any non map in the world, to poke his nose in the affairs of a well established a nation which is sailing towards international recognition. The ill motivated expansion mission depicted by the envy of Majertenia dictator has taken the wrong direction, since Somalilanders would not give away an inch of the land they liberated from the stronger dictatorial regime of the late Siad Barre, the hard way.<br /><br />Somaliland is willing to secure its borders in peace and is ready for war if it is the only option left. The fact is that Somaliland forces cannot fight in the center of Lasanod and kill their own citizens which is the aim of the Majertenia region and its coward militia who cannot come in the open but stay in the town with aim of using the residents as human shields.<br /><br />Whether he, Abdilahi Yusuf hides behind the curtain of HARTISM or not, Sool and east Sanaag belong to Somaliland, and will never belong to a non existent country, or come under the rule of a chaotic human butcher who does not value human lives<br /><br />The three sided meeting held at the Presidency yesterday, emphasizes how Somalilanders, regardless of their political stand, tribe or clan, belong to one nation and motherland's cause comes first. It also shows President Rayaale's willingness to bring on board all parties concern in the country's politics, in issues of paramount national importance. The request by the opposition parties to have regular meetings with the government, and President Rayaale's prompt acceptance, is also a sign of brotherly and cohesive teamwork.<br /><br />Somaliland is a land of true democracy which is moving forward with the modern world which is contrary to Abdilahi Yusuf's ancient tribal system which no longer exists in any part of this modern technological universe. The Majertenia war lord is moving three steps backwards instead of striving to at least to move a single step forward.<br /><br />To his populace, Abdilahi Yusuf is not a leader, but a political reject whose time expired in the year 2001 and who is holding grip to the imaginary throne at gunpoint.<br /><br />The Somaliland government would not let the notorious warlord who is holding the Majertenia people, as hostages of terror, destroying his people in the name of HARTISM Somaliland would strike hard on any intruder. Enough is enough and no mercy would be practiced in kicking the invaders out of our dear motherland.<br /><br /><br /><br />Posted by M Ghalib, Somaliland Net.<br />Email: news@somalilandnet.com<br />Reporter: Siciid Xussen (Sa'eed Yare)<br /><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-53069700861307746342010-06-14T04:01:00.000-07:002010-06-14T04:04:05.924-07:00Puntland`s Suicidal Miscalculations by Ibrahim Hassan Gagale<span style="font-weight: bold;">Puntland`s Suicidal Miscalculations</span><br /><br />Since the proclamation of what is least known as Puntland in 1998, the claim of Sool and Sanaag regions of Somaliland remained at lip service before December 2003. The timing of Las Anod`s invasion at the end of December was sucidal political miscalculasions based<br />on misinformation fed to Col. Abdullahi Youssuf by his secret informants from the beginning of Somaliland`s presidential election results of April 2003. These secret informants have been falsely telling Col. Abdullahi Youssuf that the results of the presidential elections have bitterly divided Somaliland people between west and east, and as a result of that, the government has become weak and the armed forces have disintegrated. Basing his decision on this unfounded information in Somaliland and taking advantage of current Somali Peace Talks in Kenya for convenience, the hawkish dictator, Colonel Abdullahi Youssuf, saw no better time than now to invade Las Anod. The tyrant of Garowe made a devastating mistake by failing to understand that the national unity and territorial integrity of any nation is far above democratic political differences and views, and Somaliland`s government and people are entirely united and committed to defend the sanctity of national unity and territorial integrity of Somaliland Republic.<br /><br />The current border between Somaliland and Somalia was drawn during colonial times between British Somaliland Protectorate and Somali Italian colony. Likewise, all African borders had been drawn by colonial powers and today, the sovereignty and diplomatic recognition of any African state or country depend on its colonial borders. These borders are also recognized by African Union, United Nations as well as the international community. There are no tribal borders but there are internationally recognized national and territorial borders in this world. The border between Somaliland and Somalia is not different from that passing between Kenya and Tanzania. Through out Africa, same clans<br />inhabit at least in two or more different countries.<br /><br />Good examples of these clans are:<br /><br />-Fulani: inhabits Sudan, Senegal, and Cameron.<br />-Hausa: inhabits in Nigeria and Niger.<br />-Yoruba: inhabits in Nigeria and Benin.<br />-Bobo: inhabits in Burkino Faso and Mali.<br />-Maasai: inhabits in Kenya and Tanzania.<br />-Berbers: inhabits Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria etc.<br />-Issak: inhabit in Somaliland, Ethiopia, Djibouti,<br />and Kenya.<br />-Hawiye: inhabits Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya.<br />-Darod: inhabits in Somaliland, Somalia, Ethiopia, and<br />kenya.<br />-Samaroon: inhabits Somaliland, Ethiopia, and<br />Djibouti.<br />-Issa: inhabits in Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Somaliland.<br /><br />Each part of these clans share legitimacy of sovereignty, country, border, and government with their respective states. It is internationally unlawful and unjustifiable, too, that Somaliland Republic invades Djibouti and seizes the lands inhabited by Issaks and Samaroons claiming that they are associated with it by lineage. Thereof, Puntland`s Administration has no right at all to claim Sool on the mere basis of lineage and non-existing tribal border. Thus, its cross-border attacks against Somaliland Republic are open aggression.<br /><br />With the temporary fall of Las Anod, Col. Abdulllahi Youssuf is now bragging to the delegates of Somali Peace talks in Kenya that he captured important region from Somaliland, Sool, and promising to seize the rest of Somaliland and bring it back to Somalia in order to score political points for bargaining Somalia`s presidency.<br /><br />When foreign forces invade a country and defy international calls to withdraw from it immediatley, war is the only option, surrender is not an option. President Riyale must prepare himself for a war president and prepare the nation for a war. Somaliland Republic must direct all its resources toward the defense of the motherland and make Col.<br />Abdullahi Youssuf and his ficious militia taste the lethal weapons of Somaliland Armed Forces as soon as possible to liberate Las Anod and rescue its residents from the killings, illegal imprisonments, torture, and curfew by Puntland`s brutal militia. Somaliland must<br />take the war to Bosaso to cut off the life line from Col. Abdullahi Youssuf and his militia, and to Garowe to destroy his headquarters. This will also help the people of Majeerteenia to liberate themselves from the cannibal, Col. Abdullahi Youssuf.<br /><br />If the current government of Somaliland fails, hope won`t, to expel Puntland`s militia from Somaliland immediately, then the people of Somaliland must replace it with better government that is adamantly committed to defend the sanctity of national unity and<br />territorial integrity of Somaliland. It is well known that war causes death and destruction, but it must be welcome when one`s existence is threatened.<br /><br />Written by: Ibrahim Hassan Gagale<br />e-mail: Ibrahim_hg@yahoo.com<br />January 14, 2004.<br /><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-82733537325269652572010-06-14T03:59:00.000-07:002010-06-14T04:01:20.160-07:00Somaliland's Sovereignty is Right<p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><b>Somaliland's Sovereignty is Right</b></p> <hr color="#000000" noshade="noshade" size="1" width="70%"> Republic of Somaliland declared its sovereignty from Somalia in (1991 ) and have became separate country since. From the time of proclamation till now although Somaliland was not recognized internationally but its un-deniable that some countries had indirectly recognized Somaliland for its longstanding efforts of being separate nation from the so-called failed state of Somalia. <p>Some people always use wrong and invalid words when they are posting Somaliland's news, they comment Somaliland's position negatively with the help of un suitable words such as ( secession, breaking away and etc). Somaliland is not breaking away or seceding from it's mother country but its withdrawing an illegal tragic partnership union shared with the neighbouring country Somalia, Somaliland's separate administration is legitimate and has aright to plan its future as it was said that every nation has aright to think it's future ( Ummad waliba aayeheeda inay garato iyadaa leh).</p> <p>Another invalid claim is that some people wrongly believe that the Somali regions Somaliland, Somalia, Djibouti, N/East Kenya, Ogadenia, Hawd and Reserve Area had unity before the European entry in Somali soil, but that is wrong consensus and belief, before European colonies Somaliland had its own traditional leaders while Somalia and other Somalia parts had their own sultanates and chiefs, The different five Somali regions did not share any form of administration whether it is Sultanates, chief-leaderships, regional<br /> administrations or governments before European invaders (1886 ) so it is normal and aright step if Somali people form two governments Somaliland and Somalia as before to achieve peaceful solutions and any sayings oppose this is going to be meaningless at this current time.</p> <p>The first invalid and incoherent share of administration took place in 1960 after when Somaliland and Somalia illegally united, that union took place with no legal formalities, and also there was no written agreement signed by the two sides, so that Somalia's claim of opposing Somaliland's developments and sovereignty displays their betraying double standard delusions, on one side they are saying unification, co-operation and respecting the rights of Somali people is considered and on the other side they were reviling and violating the solidarity between the two countries when they intentionally took all the top posts of government institutions, the worst cases happened in the period of the Darod government which started execution, massacre ,land expansion, destructing Somaliland cities, settling illegally the people from Ogadenia in Somaliland's regions (1978-1991),from that time Siad's regime did every thing to promote Daaroodism administration, he decided to decided to settle the Ogaden who live in Ethiopia in Somaliland's cities and rural areas to repress and displace Somaliland people and after when the holy struggle started in 1988 that regime continued it's displacement towards Somaliland citizens and the mentioned people have been encouraged to take over the remains of Somalilander shops and houses thus those who were received as foreign refugee or guests have supplanted their Somaliland hosts in 1979-91.</p> <p>Somaliland people wholeheartedly united with Somalia, but that union and solidarity was not based on written agreement and endorsement, Somalilanders with their definite land ,historical facts, and twelve years of stability with a remarkable democratic institutions and government should favour an international recognition. </p> <p>If Its tried like some African and Arab governments to force Somaliland once more into a union with Somalia ,a course of action almost certain to open anew chapter in the Somalia conflicts. Somaliland completed all the important conditions for an existing nation, the referendum on constitution and independence ,technically well arranged elections at both municipal and national level and the establishment of the current government through popular vote puts the facts existing in the country un ignorable. How ever, Somaliland government should expand the government administration towards the eastern districts of Sool and Sanaag and take careful purpose or step to put an end the Majeerteenia's interference against Somaliland. Cornel Abdullahi Yusuf's self declared regional administration called Puntland controls only two regions inhabited by his clan, i.e., Bari (Bossaso) and Nugaal (Garowe),he established in these two regions dictatorial based administration, there is no freedom of speech and press in these cities Bosaso and Garawe, the people is being suffocated and the power is taken by gun point from Jama Ali Jama (an elected reg. administration).Majeerteenia's claim of being administering the eastern districts of Sool and Sanaag (Somaliland ) and the Mudug region of Somalia is not based on legal facts.</p> <p>Eastern Sool and Eastern Sanaag districts are constituted by Somaliland while Mudug region of Somalia is inhabited by other clans (Dir & Hawiye).and considering separate administration for their Mudug region in the forthcoming times .Somaliland government should argue world leaders to recognise Somaliland and consider the hard work and the efforts the people of Somaliland have shown in rebuilding their devastated cities, towns, and rural areas from the ashes devoid of any outside support.</p> <p>Writer, Ahmed Iid Aadan<br /> ahmediid@hotmail.com<br /> August 22,2003</p>SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-51385014197195745992010-06-14T03:55:00.000-07:002010-06-14T03:59:14.387-07:00War Crimes committed against the people of Somaliland<p align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Presentation of <b>Somaliland Research Society</b> & <b>SomalilandNet.Com</b> at the Somaliland International Meeting, London UK</span></p> <h2 style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: Verdana;">War Crimes committed against the people of Somaliland</span></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;" lang="EN-GB">By Somaliland Research Society & SomalilandNet.Com</span></p> <hr color="#000000" size="1" width="60%"> <b><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Contents</span></u></b> <ol start="1" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><a linkindex="0" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_news/somaliland/8968.shtml#1"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Introduct</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;" lang="EN-GB">…………………………………………………………..</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><a linkindex="1" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_news/somaliland/8968.shtml#2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">When is “a war Crime” Being Committed?</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;" lang="EN-GB">………………………....</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><a linkindex="2" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_news/somaliland/8968.shtml#3"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Foundation of War Criminals Committee</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;" lang="EN-GB">…………………………...</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><a linkindex="3" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_news/somaliland/8968.shtml#4"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Unique Question to Abdiqaasim Salaad Hassan</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;" lang="EN-GB">………………….....</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><a linkindex="4" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_news/somaliland/8968.shtml#5"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Special Note to British Somalilanders</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;" lang="EN-GB">……………………………...</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><a linkindex="5" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_news/somaliland/8968.shtml#6"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Recommendations</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;" lang="EN-GB">………………………………………………...</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><a linkindex="6" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_news/somaliland/8968.shtml#7"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Conclusion</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;" lang="EN-GB">………………………………………………………..</span></li></ol> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><br /> <b>Introduction</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;" lang="EN-GB">“No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment.”<br /> Article 5 Universal Declaration Of Human Rights</span></b></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">In 1960, with a great expectation, Somaliland had voluntarily formed union with Somalia. The aim of this Union was to bring together the Somali speaking peoples of the Horn of Africa.<br /> <br /> It was a courageous move that brought together two nations, who had no political and social contact before. This was also a moment that Somali speaking people of this region felt that they are about to be given the likelihood of having what they longed - creation of Greater Somalia, when the other three regions join.<br /> <br /> However imperfect and hurriedly this union was done, this two nations have hopped together for 9 years, where many cultural and political difference surfaced. When NFD was passed to Kenya, Somaliland urged the union to leave the Common Wealth countries, a privilege that Somalilanders have given away, in order to show sympathy to their fellow Somali speaking people of NFD.<br /> <br /> On 21st October 1969, a military coup detat replaced the civilian government with a junta, led by police general, who worked with the Italians, during the colony epoch. This has brought dark clouds upon the hope of the Somali Speaking people.<br /> <br /> Instead of encouraging the integration of the two nations and working about the best logical way in which to help those who had the hope of joining the union, the military dictator embarked upon a campaign that made possible the torture and killings of tens of thousands of Somalilanders.<br /> <br /> Maybe he thought this was the best reward for Somaliland. For some unknown reason, maybe he saw them as his enemy. May be this was due to his horrendous wild imagination, or maybe this was due to his inhumane believes. Whatever the motivation of his act was, the destruction that he inflicted upon the people of Somaliland, in terms of life and wealth, was so tremendous that it drive them to come to the conclusion that “we cannot share a flag, country and government, either federal or central, with the people who assisted his campaign of ethnic cleansing and mass destruction.”<br /> <br /> The crimes he and his staunch men committed, during the 21 years that he held the reign of his Socialist dictatorship, were not only a crimes that had been committed against Somalilanders, but it was also a crime committed against the entire mankind. And if we allow the men and women who committed these inhumane crimes to get away with this, then we [Somalilanders] are going to let down not only the victims of this atrocity, but also the entire mankind.<br /> <br /> If the NAZIs were allowed to get away with the carnage that they had committed and run their corners of Germany, then today the Europe that we know would never have existed.<br /> <br /> 1-This presentation will be highlighting the War Crimes committed against Somaliland, while appealing to the international communities to assist us to get what they have done for Rwandans, citizens of the Ex-Yugoslavia and many other people of this world.<br /> <br /> 2- It would be calling upon the leaders of the Arab world to abandon that idea of speaking for the people of Somaliland and saying, “the war crimes should be forgotten”. This is a privilege that belongs to the people of Somaliland, but not the leaders, who either assisted, or, indeed, did not care when this crime was being carried out.<br /> <br /> 3- It will be asking Somalilanders in the Diaspora to set-up the most possible organisation that could bring about the method with which the decadent men and women, who thrived on the looting, killing and torturing of our people, could be brought into justice.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;" lang="EN-GB">This presentation will be using the following names for Somali speaking people of the Horn of Africa:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></p> <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;" lang="EN-GB">a) Somalilanders: citizens of Somaliland.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;" lang="EN-GB">b) Somalians - citizens of Somalia proper.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;" lang="EN-GB">c) Somalis - all Somali speaking.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;" lang="EN-GB">d) Djibutians - people of Djibouti</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;" lang="EN-GB">e) Kenyan Somalis - NFD Residents</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;" lang="EN-GB">f) Ethiopian Somalis - Somalis in the Fifth region of Ethiopia</span></li></ul> <p style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Please note that the above naming is open to debate, but there is a need to distinguish the groups that I will be talking about.<br /> <br /> Although this presentation will be highlighting the human rights abuses that took place, it would not go into details, as this is a job being carried out by the War Criminals Committee. It is very imperative to note that the integrity of this information is very important and so it should be left with this committee.</span></p> <h2 style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: Verdana;">When is “a war Crime” Being Committed?</span></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;" lang="EN-GB">“Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person”<br /> Article 3 Universal Declaration Of Human Rights</span></b></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">During the Barre era, Somalilanders were subjected to campaign of looting, arresting, and extra judicial executions. This was intensified when the Ethiopian-Somali war failed.<br /> <br /> Western Somali Liberation Front (WSLF), predominated by the dictator’s clan and in-laws, had operated in the Reserve Area with a ruthless campaign that brought about the revolt of Afraad wing of this front (not the recent Afraad). Thousands of people were forced to give up their properties and then killed. The front that was meant to liberate Somali Ethiopian ended being the terror machine that ended the lives of thousands of Somalis in a very violent fashion.<br /> <br /> Looting was norm, not only in the Reserve Area, but this was extended to the villages and towns along side the Somaliland-Ethiopia border. As the ranks of tortures, looters and killers swollen, the entire 26th Sector of the Somali National Army moved to implement the opposite of what they were originally set-up: instead of defending the nation from foreign enemy, they begun to become their real enemy.<br /> <br /> Military officers and personnel were being recruited and transferred from Somalia proper, with the doctrine “we should replace the people of Somaliland”. Also, the WSLF, which later turn out to be an Ogaden front, was convinced that they should move their people from Ethiopia and should be used for the replacement of the Somalilanders.<br /> <br /> This shocking decision needed a callous and inhumane act in order to ensure that an empty land has been created for the encouraged immigrants from the fifth region of Ethiopia. The best answer to this turn out to be ruthless ethnic cleansing that brought about the killings of tens thousands of Somalilanders.<br /> <br /> Forlornly, WSLF failed to comprehend the fact that the only way that Somalis could get valued and achieve what they inspired was to promote peace among Somali speaking people and do not side with the aggressors. Instead, they saw this as panacea to their problem. No surprise that the higher ranks of the 26th Sector was filled with Ogadens and also their fellow tribesmen.<br /> <br /> As the number of university graduates in Somaliland increased, this was seen as threat to the dictator’s legitimacy, thus, in 1981 the culling operation begun. An operation that put hundreds of Somalilanders into the Torture chambers of what was Known as the Military Intelligence Unit (Hangash) and the National Security Service (NSS).<br /> <br /> Somalians (Somalis from Somalia proper) were given the right to behave as they liked in Somaliland, so as to frighten Somalilanders and facilitate the ethnic cleansing operation. This included shooting innocent citizens on the streets and roads of Somaliland’s cities, towns, villages and countryside.<br /> <br /> While the educated and wealthy Somalilanders were being apprehended for no reason, tortured, sentenced to long imprisonments, and, sadly, some of them were being executed with 30 AK-47 bullets per person, the majority of Somalilanders, who lived in the countryside, were treated a way that our nation had never seen before. Their wives and daughters were subjected to random rape, looting of their livestock, extortionate tactics were employed, in order to extract as much wealth as possible, before they were forced to face their fate. Surely, no one of us should forget and steal the privilege of the victims of Mohamed Hashi Gani, Aamusane, Jehaad and so many others whom we cannot name now, as we are working on their cases.<br /> <br /> As the Somalilanders were visited by a fear and destruction they had never foreseen, their students and pupils took to the streets, in order to get other Somalis understand their plight and help them to salvage the reason why Somaliland volunteered to form the voluntary Union with Somalia (Please see above).<br /> <br /> Despondently, our Fellow Somali speaking people failed to comprehend this and responded with indifference. Thus, Somalilanders came to the conclusion that forming an organisation that salvages whatever is left of Somalia turned out to be the only way out left. This resulted the creation of Somali National Movement (SNM), which successfully made possible the toppling of a man and his cronies, who shed so many citizens’ blood and looted their properties.<br /> <br /> During the period of the struggle, tens of thousands of Somalilanders were killed, while they were, in their homes, shopping, or on their way to work. During this period, every article enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was violated.<br /> <br /> From my experience, the destruction and abuse that I witnessed, as young volunteer, was something that drove me to the conclusion that ‘maybe Somalis are better off to stay as separately governed people.’ This was a conclusion that reached by massive majority of Somalilanders, when, in 1991, the Somalians chose to exact revenge against each other.<br /> <br /> If the raping of our people, destruction of our property, killing of our people and violations of all the articles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human rates are not a Crime committed against humanity, then what shall we call it? I leave the answer of this question to you, dear audience and readers.<br /> <br /> But think about the young pregnant mother, who had 2 children and being shelled out of her wonderful house. She was chased by jet fighter, flown by Somali Air force. Bombed from one tree to next, till she broke her water and contraction begun. Without any assistance, she endeavoured to deliver the baby, while attempting to keep an eye on her other two children. As the bombs fall and 50 millimetre guns spread bullets around the vicinity where she was hiding, the child emerged and she felt into coma, as she did not even have a glass of water to drink. And then past away. While this was happening, Abdiqaasim Salaad Hassan was the Interior Minister of Somalia.<br /> <br /> <br /> Think about the mother, who was living in the countryside, with her livestock, four children and husband. One morning, on 17th November 1984, a platoon of soldiers, from the 26th Sector of Somali National Army, paid a visit to their dwelling. Her husband was tied on thorn-Tree, her livestock slaughtered for no purpose, she was stripped off her cloth, thrown to the ground and raped by the men, who were wearing the Uniform of the Somali National Army, while her children were running around and crying for help.<br /> <br /> When the rapists were asked why they have done this shameful act? With their strong accent, they said, “We were ordered to do this!!” Shall we allow the men who ordered them to live like any other ordinary human being in the western world, with the opportunity of decrying the existence of Somaliland?<br /> <br /> Think about the 16 year old boy, who was taken from his bed 3 o’clock in the morning; tortured for three months; while lying in a dark cell visited by a man, who said “I am going to help you, boy. Just tell me whether you have done this crime or not.” As a teenager, who had not seen someone who talked to him with this tone for the last three months, busted with tears and responded “Uncle, I swear, I even do not understand what they are asking me…”<br /> <br /> And then punched in the face by the very man, who said, “I would help you.”<br /> <br /> The next morning, he was taken to the National Criminal Court. As he was chained to the dock, he saw in the Judges seat the man he met last night .<br /> <br /> Imagine what went through the teenager’s head; think about the shiver and the shock. And sense what he felt, when the so-called judge passed a death sentence with the reason that the boy defied his government. The so-called judge, or may be torturer was Gelle, who is now residing in France, but uses Geneva as his address, when he is writing to the Somali Newspapers.<br /> <br /> Ponder about the 50 years old man, who worked hard in the Arabian countries, as he was denied the opportunity of living in his homeland; who had not seen his family for very long time; spent his savings on a house, he thought he will retire to; and was suddenly told, his house was shelled into peaces, five of his children are dead; his brothers are missing and his wife was taken by the army. Unfortunately, he is not only denied the opportunity of retiring peacefully into his beloved quarters, but he was also been force to live in a lonely live, filled with the agony of thinking about what happen to the family, he looked forward to living with.<br /> <br /> Think about the teenagers, who were led into gallows and tied on the pillars, fired at by the Somali National Army, while their parents were forced to watch this, and their bodies were left to decompose in the open, so others will see, in order to accelerate the ethnic cleansing. Mohamed Hashi Gani and Mohamed Hirsi Morgan, Adden Gabyow, Mohamed Ali Sammatter, and others were in charge when this act of terror was under way.<br /> <br /> Think about the fathers and mothers, who were denied the opportunity of seeing their children grow and succeed. Think about the young men and women, who are now leaving with disability, because they either lost their limbs in the torture chambers or while facing the firing squads, either it be from an artillery, AK-47, BKM or from a jet fighters.<br /> <br /> Think about the nation, whose Airports were used for the place were jetfighters fuel, reload their guns and bombs, then take off and bombarded them.<br /> <br /> Think about the sad six refugees, who fled to Djibouti, in order to escape a persecution and seek the help of their brethren Somali speaking Djiboutian; apprehended by the Djiboutian Security officers, tortured for 5 months, in order to extract as much information as possible; then taken out from their dilapidated cells and placed in front of the firing squad that terminate their lives in a miserable manner. Their blood was left on the beach, where they were executed, and their bodies were hastily buried, just by the edge of the Red See. No notification was given to their relatives.<br /> <br /> The man who was in charge with this Security force was Ismail Omer Guelleh, the current president of Djibouti. Many of us may rememeber him for the number of refugees he handed back to the Somali Junta, who violently shot them to death.<br /> <br /> If we allow the men who done this to enjoy their lives in this world, as representatives of Somali speaking people, then we must all concur with the undeniable fact that our complacency will amount to crime.<br /> <br /> If Kofi Annan, the general secretary of the United Nations, finds okay to shake the hands of the men, who ordered and supervised the above atrocities, then let us remind him that ‘that is not the best way to set an example for the Horn of Africans.’ We must make him understand that he has demeaned the African values, as he encourages the idea that those who committed war crimes in Africa are okay, as Africans do not have any values.<br /> <br /> We urge the General Secretary to talk to the victims rather than their perpetrators.<br /> <br /> We must find out why the above victims and co-victims were treated the way they were treated. And that we should ensure this act shall never visit our people again. And to achieve this, we must pursue those men who did it. That is what we owe to our people and all the nations of this planet earth.</span></p> <h2 style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: Verdana;">Foundation of War Criminals Committee</span></h2> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">While Somalilanders were very busy in rebuilding their shattered land, bringing together the scattered families and building the institutions that would facilitate the development of Somaliland, the bones of the victims of the above massacre emerged from ground.<br /> <br /> As the nation find very hard to comprehend why this had happened, the Government of Somaliland set up the War Criminals Committee, with the assistance of international bodies. Day after day skeletons with their hands tied at the back are being discovered from the eastern to the western regions of Somaliland.<br /> <br /> So far, they have received $20,000.00 from the USAID, which they used for the computers and other equipments that made possible the functioning of this Committee. In the meantime, the government of Somaliland pays their salary, assists them in every way that they could. As a result of this they have gathered lots of evidence that horrified most of the people, who are working in this case.<br /> <br /> However, they need an international help, which includes advocates of the Human Rights and those who specialist in War Criminals Investigations and prosecutions (please see below)<br /> <br /> As this processes was under way, the decadent men, who committed the above atrocities met in Arta, Djibouti, in order to form what they called national government. This quadrupled investigations carried out by the War Criminals Committee.<br /> <br /> Fortuitously, Somaliland Net started setting up a website, designed for the collection of as much information as possible about the where abouts of the men who did wreak havoc upon the dreams and aspirations of the Somali speaking nations; the men who committed untold atrocities during the Barre’s era.<br /> <br /> This website is due to be launched very soon and that it will be in full operation. However, Somaliland Net seeks the help and assistance of Somalilanders, wherever they are. Also, this website is going to co-operate with Somaliland’s War Criminals Committee, so that the campaign to chase the War Criminals will run smoothly.<br /> <br /> Therefore, volunteers are needed. I call upon every Somalilander, or humane person, who reads this presentation, to help us get these men punished for what they did. And to achieve this, please do contact www.Somalilandnet.com .</span></p> <h2 style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: Verdana;">Unique Question to Abdiqaasim Salaad Hassan</span></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;" lang="EN-GB">“All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal against any discrimination in the violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination”<br /> Article 7 Universal Declaration Of Human Rights</span></b></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><br /> In July 1989, one night about 55 Somalilanders were forcefully removed from their houses, shuttled into Jazira, fired upon by the men whom you were supposed to utilise for the safety of the public. Read the names of the victims your men denied the right to exist as human beings. Ask yourself why you have allowed this to happened? Ponder about the pain they suffered, while their flash was being torn apart by the bullets bought with the money, collected from the Somali taxpayers.<br /> <br /> <b><i>As a believer of one god, do you sleep in sane, when you think about how they suffered? Here are the names:</i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;" lang="EN-GB">1.Ibrahim Hasan Gelle( H.Y) US-OMC-somalia<br /> 2.Ibrahim H. Abdillahi Dirie(H.Y)Besinessman<br /> 3.Mohamed Ismail Ahmed(H.Y)Businessman<br /> 4.Yusuf Mohame Handulle( H.Y)USAID<br /> 5.Saeed mohamed Mumin( C.G) Ass.pro.Lafole S.N.U<br /> 6.Musa Abdi Gaas( C.G) Businessman<br /> 7.Hussein Ali Aden(H.J)Businessman<br /> 8.Saeed Nur Musa( H.J)businesman<br /> 9.Abdirahman Mohamed Bihi( H.J)Businessman<br /> 10.Abiwahab Farah Ahmed(H.Y) Student<br /> 11.Abdifatah Ahmed Jiir( H.J) Student<br /> 12.Matan Abdi Habashi( Arab)Student<br /> 13.Mohamed mohamud Abdi(H.Y) Businessman<br /> 14.Ali Mohamed Abdi(H.A) Student<br /> 15.Hassan Aw Nur Barud(H.Y) Businessman<br /> 16.Abdi Mohamed Abdi (H.A)Technician<br /> 17.Ahmed Yassin Omar Jama( H.A) Businessman<br /> 18.Mohamed Abdi Hassan( H.A)Businessman<br /> 19.Ibrahim Hassan Ege(H.A) Technician<br /> 20.Abdi Muhumed Daud (H.A) Businessman<br /> 21.hassan Abdi Muhumed (Arab) Businessman<br /> 22.Ali Mohamed Dirie(H.J) C.Serv<br /> 23.Jama Mohamed Abdi(H.A) Trader<br /> 24.Abdi Osman Dubad(H.Y)Trader<br /> 25.Husein Omar Husein(C.G) Trader<br /> 26.Mohamed Musa Mohamed(H.Y) Trader<br /> 27.Ahmed Hassan Elmi(Dheereeye) (H.A)Sportsman<br /> 28.Mohamed-Bashe Abdillahi Hebaan(H.A)Trader<br /> 29.Abdirahman Ahmed Dhimbil (H.A) Civil servent<br /> 30.Hussein Muhumed Farah (H.A)Civil servent<br /> 31.Mohamoud Bacadle (H.Y) Civil servent<br /> 32.Jama Aden (barosin)(H.J) Civil servent<br /> 33.Abdirahman Mohamed Osman(beledi)(H.A)Trader<br /> 34.Barre Osman Abdi (C.G) Trader<br /> 35.Abdirizaq Aydiid Mohamed (H.A) Student<br /> 36.Hussein Osman Jama (H.A)student<br /> 37.Khadar Mohamed Ahmed (H.A) Student<br /> 38.Bihi Ibrahim Ahmed (H.A) Student<br /> 39.Hassan Nur Hersi (H.A) Student<br /> 40.Abokor Mohamed Yousuf (H.A)Trader<br /> 41.Hassan Guure Abdi (H.A) Trader<br /> 42.Khadar nuur Jama (H.A) Trader<br /> 43.Ahmed Yusuf Ibrahim (H.A) Trader<br /> 44.Mohamed Osman Jama (H.A)Trader<br /> 46.Farah Ismail Awale (H.Y) student<br /> 47.Yusuf Abdillahi Roble (C.G) graduate Dr.<br /> 48.Dayib Abdi Burale (H.Y) Trader<br /> 49.Dahir Mohamed Jama Warfaa (H.Y) Trader<br /> 50.Ali Aw-Muhumed Mohamed (burale)(C.G) Trader<br /> 51.Fuad Abdillahi Ibrahim (Arab)<br /> 52.Daud SH. Ibrahim (H.Y).<br /> 53.Hussein Kheyre Abdi (H.J)<br /> 54.Rashid Mohamed Osman (H.A)<br /> 55.Abdi Barre Osman (C.G) graduate</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">After reading the names of the victims, who will be awaiting you and your cronies at the gates of the judgement day, ask yourself why would you like to repeat this once gain? Is it because enough was not done? Is it because Kofi Annan is poorly informed about Horn of Africa, or is it Because David Stephens is so greedy that he will let you have whatever exacerbates the sufferings of the Somali speaking people, as long as it legitimises the continuation of the vast sums of money that he receives from the UN?</span></p> <h2 style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: Verdana;">Special Note to British Somalilanders</span></h2> <p style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Many of us do remember very well, when 55 Somalilanders, in July 1989, were handpicked from their house in Mogadishu. They were simply brought into a meeting point near the Jazira beach. As the waiting party of the red berets noted that enough are there, they were ordered to fire at them and the massacre that ensued was something many of us may never forget.<br /> <br /> The man who was in charge of this interior army was, as we all know, the Somali Interior Minster, Abdiqaasim Salaad Hassan, and who is know the so-called interim President, who claims to rule the country from isolated and ramshackle hotel in Mogadishu, where he is surrounded by those who are seeking his blood.<br /> <br /> The man who supervised many untold inhumane killings of our people, a man who once said "it is right to bomb Somaliland from everywhere," has now a website, provided by the BBC World Service.<br /> <br /> There is no doubt that this has come about by the help of his nephew, he is the head of the BBC Somali Section. But we should, for example, accept the fact that IRIN supports his views, because IRIN is not only run by his other Nephew, but it belongs to the UN, which is susceptible to many abuses.<br /> <br /> But, and this a big but, why we should allow the British Broadcasting Corporation to support a man, who had so much blood on his hand, without it being made known to the British Government?<br /> <br /> We should be reminding the Right Honourable Chris Smith that if UK is determine to seek the prosecution of those who committed atrocities in the Balkans, then the labour government should at least respect the feelings of the victims of Abdiqaasim Sallaad.</span></p> <h2 style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: Verdana;">Recommendations</span></h2> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><br /> In order to ensure that War Criminals are pursued wherever they are hiding, there is a need to overhaul our activities, study as to where we are doing bad and how we could improve this and co-operate our efforts. Thus, the following recommendations are the points that we would like to recommend to this summit.<br /> <br /> 1- Since most of the War Criminals are now residing or hiding in the western world, as refugees, we should set up a Somaliland War Crimes Organisation that ensures that the above men are found and exposed, wherever they are.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><br /> 2- In order to ensure the efficiency of this organisation and the existing War Criminals Committee in Somaliland, we should discuss, research and work out the best way that the two bodies could co-operate and work in tune of each other.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">3- Since the majority of Somalilanders who are leaving in the west are now citizens of the countries in which they reside, this organisation should help them to seek legal assistance as to how they could get charged and prosecuted the War criminals that they saw in the Streets of cities and Towns that they live.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">4- Everyone who has any information should pass this to both bodies.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">5- This organisation should have branches in everywhere, where there is a Somaliland society. Thus, the structure of each Somaliland society should include a branch that is dedicated to assist and work with this organisation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">6- UK Somaliland Society should set up the best possible way in which they could advise the British government about the where abouts of this men, who are now residing in UK.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">7- The purpose of this organisation should never be a machine of witch-hunt and blacklisting, but it should work in a manner that ensures no one gets away with what he/she had done to the people of Somaliland.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">8- This organisation should work out the most possible way in which we could approach the members of the Arab League and explain to them its raison d'être. Most of the members of this league have appalling human rights record, but this should not be used as an excuse. Where there is a will, there is a hope. Let us earn their sympathy.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">9- Although the contact between us and Somalians is very bad one, we should carry out a research as to how we could contact other Somali groups, who want to see the War Criminals Prosecuted.</span></p> <h2 style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: Verdana;">Conclusion</span></h2> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">As Somaliland has started a one year long campaign of presidential, legislative house and local elections, we call upon the citizens and residents of Somaliland to ensure that while everyone of us is exercising his right of campaigning for/or electing the men that they share with political opinion, we should not overlook the task of ensuring that the War Criminals shall not be allowed to repaint themselves as the savours of Somalia.<br /> <br /> We call upon the Arab leaders, UN general Secretary and international community to respect the will of the People of Somaliland. We urge then to understand the fact that the legitimate persons that can forgive the War Criminals are their victims, but no the Yemeni Foreign Minister or any other person. This is a privilege of those who suffered under 21 years of brutal dictatorship, which endeavoured to implement unprecedented ethnic cleansing.<br /> <br /> We seek the assistance of the international organisations to help us help those who suffered a lot in the hands of men, whose actions brought about the failure of a state, first created for the fulfilment of the aspirations of a nations that share one language.<br /> <br /> Imagine how we will be terrified if we see the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, shaking the hands of the man who supervised the Jazira Beach Massacre of 1989, as Somali Interior Minister (Abdiqaasim Sallaad).<br /> <br /> And that we shall never miss the opportunity of congratulating the Canadian Somalilanders, who exposed and then made possible the deportation of the men, who committed War Crimes in Gebilley. We should follow their example and learn from them as to how they achieved this. I believe they should be the ones who should be giving this lecture.<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>Mohamed-Aar Abdillahi Mohamed<br /> Somaliland Research Society<br /> SomalilandNet.com</b></span></p> http://www.somalilandnet.com/news/wnews/headline/13372719.shtml<br /><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-74158249700508983332010-06-14T03:52:00.000-07:002010-06-14T03:55:22.304-07:00This is the sort of crime that does not have a statute of limitations<span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:-1;color:#0000ff;"><b>This is the sort of crime that does not have a statute of limitations</b></span> <p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:-1;">Floods at the Malka Durduro site in Hargeisa's dry river bed unearthed a series of mounds containing the bodies, half a kilometre (mile) from the main gate of the headquarters of the 26th division of the late President Siad Barre's army. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:-1;">The finding is the first of its kind and confirms rumours that mass graves existed in the Somaliland capital, but the identities of the bodies and their manner of death remain unclear</span></p> <br /> <center> <table width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="12" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g1.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g1.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g1.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g1.jpg</span></a></p> </td> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="13" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g10.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g10.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g10.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g10.jpg</span></a></p> </td> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="14" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g11.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g11.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g11.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g11.jpg</span></a></p> </td> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="15" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g12.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g12.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g12.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g12.jpg</span></a></p> </td> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="16" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g13.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g13.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g13.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g13.jpg</span></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="17" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g17.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g17.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g17.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g17.jpg</span></a></p> </td> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="18" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g18.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g18.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g18.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g18.jpg</span></a></p> </td> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="19" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g19.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g19.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g19.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g19.jpg</span></a></p> </td> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="20" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g2.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g2.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g2.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g2.jpg</span></a></p> </td> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="21" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g20.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g20.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g20.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g20.jpg</span></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="22" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g24.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g24.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g24.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g24.jpg</span></a></p> </td> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="23" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g25.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g25.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g25.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g25.jpg</span></a></p> </td> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="24" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g26.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g26.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g26.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g26.jpg</span></a></p> </td> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="25" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/s/omaliland_voice/graves/g27.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g27.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g27.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g27.jpg</span></a></p> </td> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="26" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g28.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g28.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g28.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g28.jpg</span></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="27" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g4.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g4.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g4.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g4.jpg</span></a></p> </td> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="28" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g5.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g5.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g5.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g5.jpg</span></a></p> </td> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="29" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g6.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g6.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g6.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g6.jpg</span></a></p> </td> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="30" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g29.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g29.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g29.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g29.jpg</span></a></p> </td> <td align="center" valign="bottom"> <p><a linkindex="31" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g3.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g3.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g3.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g3.jpg</span></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <center> <a linkindex="32" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g9.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g9.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g9.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g9.jpg</span></a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a linkindex="33" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g8.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g8.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g8.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g8.jpg</span></a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a linkindex="34" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g7.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g7.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g7.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g7.jpg</span></a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a linkindex="35" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g30.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g30.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g30.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g30.jpg</span></a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a linkindex="36" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g21.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g21.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g21.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g21.jpg</span></a> </center> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <center> <a linkindex="37" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g22.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g22.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g22.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g22.jpg</span></a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a linkindex="38" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g14.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g14.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g14.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g14.jpg</span></a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a linkindex="39" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g15.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g15.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g15.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g15.jpg</span></a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a linkindex="40" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g16.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g16.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g16.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g16.jpg</span></a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a linkindex="41" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g23.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans-Serif;font-size:-2;"><img src="http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/g23.jpg_t.jpg" alt="g23.jpg" align="bottom" border="0" height="80" width="80" /><br /> g23.jpg</span></a> </center> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><a linkindex="42" href="http://www.somalilandnet.com/links/cgi-bin/jump.cgi?ID=582"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:-1;"><b>Read More about the Mass graves</b></span></a></p> </center><br />http://www.somalilandnet.com/somaliland_voice/graves/mass_graves.shtml<br /><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4905343815320384817.post-91746746603604397752010-06-14T03:49:00.000-07:002010-06-14T03:52:04.790-07:00A Short Note To The Ministers Of Defence And Internal Affairs<span style="font-weight: bold;">A Short Note To The Ministers Of Defence And Internal Affairs</span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:85%;">A. Mohamed Ali Hashi (Dhimbil), Ottawa</span><br /> <br /> Forces loyal to the tyrant Abdullahi Yusuf, and under his direct instructions, attacked the symbol of this Republic's national sovereignty, the person of the President. This attack represents the failure of the tyrant Abdullahi Yusuf to convince the people of Sool to live in tyranny. This is the fundamental reason why the tyrant Abdullahi Yusuf attacked the constitutionally elected President of this Republic and the Commander in Chief of the Armed forces of this country whose mission was one of dialogue and discussion with the great people of Sool and their leaders. While the President Of this Republic represents the forces of dialogue and discussion towards a democratic dispensation for this country, the tyrant Abdillahi Yusuf presides over a recurrent and never ending civil war in Puntland. Indeed, Somaliland and its people have welcomed refugees from Puntland and its capital Garowe several times, showing their brethren that they hold no grudges and indeed have a responsibility to help their neighbours. The decent people of Puntland know that the people and Government of Somaliland are their eternal friends and are ready to help in confronting tyranny in Puntland, which is indeed a clear and present danger for this Republic.<br /> <br /> The tyrant Abdillahi Yusuf wishes war and the unacceptable and horrid cycle of death and destruction, which has marked the life and times this self-styled Idi Amin of the Horn. The people of Puntland have repeatedly chased him away from their towns and hamlets only for the tyrant to return with his tidings from the dark side. Like an evil and dark warlord the tyrant Abdullahi Yusuf now has designs on the destroying the march of progress and democracy in this Republic.<br /> <br /> The Government of Somaliland must not fall into this evil trap set by an evil tyrant who represents the forces of darkness and regression. The Government of this Republic must not fall into the trap of those who advocate a battle with the forces of the tyrant Abdillahi Yusuf. The tyrant wants us to suspend the constitution, call for ruling by decree, and the cancellation of the coming elections in this republic. In a word, the tyrant wishes to destroy democracy and the republic as a clearing path for the rise of a new dictator. These are the intentions of this dictator and we must not fall into this trap. By besmirching our hard-won peace, by creating suspicion, by whispering gossip and innuendo, the hypocrisy of the tyrant Abdullahi Yusuf will never win. We in Somaliland stand for the opposite of these evil intentions of the tyrant Abdullahi Yusuf. We stand for Republicanism, Democracy, Decency, and the Rule of Law.<br /> <br /> The people of the Republic of Somaliland, The government of this Republic, will defend democracy in Somaliland by securing the rights of the border of the Republic. The former constitutional and home Affairs Minister of The Republic of Kenya was once asked about the great people of the Somali Frontier District and their rights as Somali-speaking people whose choice was to join the former Somali Republic. Charles Njonjo replied, "They should pack their camels and go!" This must never be the position of the government, for the means never justify the ends. However, we must recognize that there has been a fundamental attack on the sovereignty of this country. When Sadaam Hussein and Muamar Ghadafi thought of harming Presidents Bush and Reagan, bombs fell into their bedrooms. This shows the gravity of the Situation. I therefore call on these policy changes given the designs of the tyrant Abdullahi Yusuf. <ol><li>The creation of a security zone between our Somaliland and Somalia, to keep out attacks of any kind. Preferably a 5-10 kilometre buffer zone with critical checks.</li><li>Creation of a special security force in charge of the border under the Ministers of Defence and Internal Affairs, including the Chief of Intelligence. The chief of Intelligence must create an early warning system group so that intelligence flows are current and ready so that the President can make informed decisions.</li><li>A re-assessment of the security procedures and responsibilities of those in charge of the security of this country;</li><li>The officers in charge of the Armed Forces must provide detailed policy ideas on how to deploy actively this new border response force;</li><li>A re-assessment of the entire security system of the country and how best to use our meagre resources and finally;</li><li>A national security committee comprised of those responsible cabinet Ministers who can call the shots and respond to these kinds of issues chaired by the President.</li></ol>http://www.somalilandtimes.net/Archive/47/4708.htm<br /><br />SIRAG ARCHIVESirag Archivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12702453007513840678noreply@blogger.com0