The End of Secessionism in Somalia. Part IX–Freedom of Press Inexistent in Pseudo-state Somaliland
Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis
March 19, 2009
In the forthcoming presidential elections, the quasi-totality of the local Somalis are determined to put an end to the tyranny that survived due to Abyssinian support and Riyaale´s servility to the bestial Anti-Somali racist Abyssinian dictator Zenawi. That´s why the Riyaale regime shows its worst face these last days that represent the spasms of the dead body "Somaliland". The persecution of an independent journalist in Hargeisa reflects all the despair of the disintegrating tyranny.
I herewith republish a report on the unfair procedures and lawless practices pursued in the secessionist tyranny against a brave journalist, Mr. Mohamed Abdi "Urad," editor of the Yool weekly newspaper, and a devastating criticism of the 2009 budget of Somaliland, elaborated by Mr. Yassin Abdillahi Ahmed, an shrewd Somali analyst.
Somaliland YOOL Editor Sentenced Illegally
http://xaqsoor.blogspot.com/2009/03/somaliland-no-more-free-press-editor.html
Hargeisa, Somalia Mar 18 (xaqsoor) - The editor of an independent newspaper YOOL in Somaliland has been sentenced to five months in jail.
Mr. Mohamed Abdi "Urad," editor of the Yool weekly newspaper, was arrested by police on Feb. 27 in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland.
In court, Mr. Urad was charged with operating an "illegal newspaper" and "publishing false reports" by the attorney-general, our correspondent reported.
Further, the Yool newspaper has been ordered to shut down.
Relatives of Mr. Urad called the sentence unfair and demanded an appeal.
Mr. Urad is well-known in Somaliland journalism circles, as he once served as the editor of the independently-owned Jamhuuriya daily newspaper.
Somaliland's government has tough restrictions against the free press, including a complete ban on independent radio stations.
However, newspapers and Websites operate freely in the breakaway region as source of independent reporting.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized internationally. The political crisis is becoming hot, as the presidential election earmarked for 29 March has been unilaterally postponed by the Electoral Commission whose 5 of the 7 men Committee blindly support the President. Opposition parties call for a caretaking government when the extended term of the President end on 6Th April 2009. That threat was rejected by the President upon his arrival of Hargeysa yesterday, back from undeclared trip to London, Addis and Jabouti.
Most Somalilanders believe the President is acting like a dictator and many believe he is holding on his authority to fail the state and even boastfully stated as reported by tribal elders, "Either give me another term or I will let the cat out of the cage. The corner clans with Isaq collaborators can turn this nation upside down." " You need me whatever wrong I did", he added. It is that fantasy that drives him to the Never-never-land.
Xaqsoor Reportes
Hargeysa
The Pitfalls of 2009 Somaliland Budget
By Yassin Abdillahi Ahmed
http://somalilandpress.com/3447/the-pitfalls-off-2009-somaliland-budget
Before I look at the budget in detail, I must say a word or two about the definition of budget. Budget is a financial plan that articulates the objectives and goals of a government for a certain period of time usually a year; in other words, it is the government´s economic strategy for that period. But there are occasions when planning, instead of helpful, becomes harmful or sinful.
Going forward, the picture is rosy. A government which close to half of its budget is devoted to security is a bad image. It is a government, which wants never to turn out to be a working nation. Somali Lander´s on March, 1 found a reason to disappoint after the finance minister delivered his budget speech in front of the House of Representatives.
They supposed the budget will focus on the usual eminent priorities –accelerating economic growth. Creating employment opportunities for the youth and alleviate poverty. An iota of infrastructure development was not allocated at this budget. As expected, Awil showed no mercy for the planning ministry by decreasing one third of its previous budget. Spending on social services was one of the lowest components of Sunday´s budget education and Health amounted to about 6.90% of the budget which is little more than three million 3042583.32 or 0.869 per individual which is significantly less than the previous year.
The ministry of presidency has a $2,466,788.52 which is more than 14 combined ministries including: planning & national co-ordination, water and minerals, agriculture, animal husbandry, posts and telecommunication, public works and transportation, parliamentary co-ordination, family & social development, youth and Sports, rehabilitation and reconstruction, pastoral development and attorney general which was allocated 2,247,744.68.The Ministry of presidency has only 73 staff which are 13A Grade, 19B, 27C and 14D but ironically it was allocated more than the ministry of education which has 2679 workforce. To shed more light, the later ministry has 644A Grade, 1634B, 36C and 385D that is the shoddy budget allocation which current finance minister calculated.
The Kenyan whistle-blower has rightfully written a new book which he named "it is our turn to eat" but truly in Somaliland we need thousand whistle-blowers.
To date, Somali Landers are not aware the economic policy of this Government.
We have huge stakes both regionally and internationally. We need to build production capacity infrastructure and to develop human resources through massive public investments in education and health. Although budget is government vision and as usual vision articulates a realistic, credible, attractive future of the country but without fear of contradiction this budget is day dream of the current government.
Draughts have hit hard our entire Country. The government itself affirmed that one third of its populations are in severe living conditions. The budget didn´t address the plight of the pastoral population. Put simply government of today is out of touch! Nepotism, favoritism and loyalty became the underpinning of appointment to the public service.
The only Ministry which its budget increased considerably is the foreign ministry: but our foreign policy is cynical, our relations with the regional countries are questionable and high level corruption is out of control. Instead of tinkering at the limits, this might be the time to move boldly on cutting waste and creating a lean government. We could set a good example by slashing without mercy to a more lucid size, the bloated, wasteful branch called the cabinet. Bearing in mind, that Well-focused, self-confident leadership is what turns a vision into reality.
The House of Representatives must walk the talk and tell loudly and daringly the incompetent, unqualified and arrogant finance minister that the time for ´business as usual" has gone long time ago. They should rebuff this budget otherwise or else their reputation will be on the line.
Based in Hargeisa, Northern Somalia, Yassin Abdillahi Ahmed can be reached here: yassin_abdillahi@hotmail.com
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