Saturday, April 18, 2009

Somalia: Finding a Solution

Somalia: Finding a Solution

' Ahmed ' Said '
We spend so much of our time debating about the politics of Somalia, and sometimes it can seem like mere drudgery. We rarely think of coming up with something new that can help us learn anything about our past mistakes as Somalis in order to solve the crisis of our country. For this in mind, coming up with a fresh start is the activity that changes our minds into exciting resources and activities that help us grow and do things better. The aim of this article is just that, to help us do things better, particularly in how we approach to the problem of our country. This isn't just about keeping anyone or any clan happy – we'll address the issue of whether ´clan´ is all about working for the country or against the country. What we're interested in is any action and any activities which can make a difference to our lives: anything that opens up opportunities for peace, helps us feel pride as Somalis or makes our daily lives a place of solidarity and unity for the general interests of the public. I hope that you find this article helpful in learning to change your day-to-day political ideas and opinions into an experience of realized opportunity. 

The primary purpose of this article is to allow you to use your current and past experiences of the crisis of Somalia as a basis for further understanding of what the problem of Somalia is really all about. 

The aims of this article, therefore, are: 

to enable you to reflect upon your past experiences of the issue, as a Somali citizen, in order to learn something in your experiences, something that can contribute to restoring peace to Somalia ; 

to support you in improving your avoidance to clan-related menaces, and exploring how this impacts on particular aspects of your personality as a member of the Somali people; 

to enable you to critically evaluate clan-based bias in relation to your own good judgement, and other, topic contexts, and to review your own personal and professional knowledge of the topic. 

Practically, the objectives of this article are: 

to develop and enhance your knowledge about clan-based ignorance and your learning skills to combat such ignorance; 

to prepare you to engage with honesty inquiry in relation to your topic-related practice. 

An essential resource for this article is you, and the knowledge, understanding and skills that you already have. This article is designed to utilize your existing experience as a platform from which you will move off on a new and different personal development track. When we talk of experience, we don't want to limit this to past experience. Rather, we include the experience, stories and images that all of us, Somalis, witness all of the time as far as the situation of Somalia is concerned. Such experience can include a very broad range of areas in the political landscape of Somalia. 



Finding the stem of the problem of Somalia can be useful in a variety of ways, and finding the stem of the problem is important to start quite simply, which is why it is essential for every Somali to be given the opportunity to identify the source of the problem rather than a few politicians trying to solve the puzzle by themselves. However, finding the stem of the problem is not meant to be a piece of artwork, just a way of every Somali citizen to clarify his or her thinking about this complicated subject. Did you learn anything new about the problem of Somalia? About the skills you bring to solving it? About how you organize yourself for the task? About how it might be done better next time? About any common problems you encounter? 

Don't fret if you cannot think of anything yet. We will come back to this later in the article and see if it is useful in helping your thinking about a variety of alternatives to sorting out the crisis of Somalia 

So, one crucial outcome of every Somali citizen thinking about the solution is the opportunities it presents for problem-solving power, including recognizing the previous experience we have gained as Somalis to reach the current level of skill with which we do the job. Whether we realize it or not, we can learn something from whatever we do. We on the course team see it as our role to help each other identify new ways to kill the problem. 

It is indisputable that every Somali has gained enough experience that war is very destructive, that the more the war goes on, the more the country falls into a dark hole of anarchy. On the other hand, the more the Somali people avoid clan affiliations, the better because without clan groups and identities, there will be no fuel to keep the war lamp burning. 

If every Somali citizen uses his or her good judgement, there will be no bias in favor of or against any clan, because clan-based ignorance is a disease that keeps us from seeing the big picture, which is the fact that we're one people with one language, one religion, one culture and one country. The clan thing is really an obstacle to peace. 

If you have experience of how to solve the problem, never hesitate to share it because experience matters, and if you find yourself in the process of solving the problem, the more experience you get from your peace searching is also a good thing that matters. Finally, evolving every Somali citizen in solving the problem is honorable, because when many brains are thinking about finding a solution, the solution itself comes around unexpectedly... 

Ahmed Said

shactiro@hotmail.com
Somalia: Sheikh Sharif´s Failure is a Matter of Erroneous Perceptions
Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis
Many readers reacted in diverse ways to my recent article – criticism of Sheikh Sharif´s policies. Some argued that the new TFG president has not had until now enough time to act.
Somalia in Perilous Impasse, as Sheikh Sharif Embodies Ignorance, Impotency, and Indecision
Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis
Few can accuse me for unfriendly attitude toward the former ARS leader who is the current TFG president. I was among the first to report his election in Asmara, and to support him as Somalia´s best chance for pacification, reunification and rehabilitation.

Somaliland opposition wants Riyale out....



Somaliland opposition 'ready for election' but wants Riyale out

HARGEISA, Somalia Mar 17 (Gargaar) - The leading opposition party in Somaliland has again demanded a caretaker government to rule the region during a two-month transitional period.

Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo, the presidential candidate for the Kulmiye opposition party, addressed a crowd Monday at the opening of a youth office in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland.

Ahmed Silanyo, Somaliland opposition leader
"Some people are saying that Kulmiye  party is against the election. But Kulmiye is ready for the election this hour, Kulmiye is ready on May 31, but April 6 is the deadline for [Dahir] Riyale's government," Mr. Silanyo declared, adding: "The dispute is who will rule the country [Somaliland] until the election date."

The chairman of the ruling UDUB party, Mr. Jama Yasin Farah, told a party gathering in the city of Burao that the Kulmiye party's demands are "unfortunate."

"The people will only accept the constitutional process and I urge Kulmiye [party] to accept the decision reached by the Somaliland election commission," Mr Farah said, while referring to the commission's controversial move to delay the presidential election from March 29 to May 31.

Meanwhile, Somaliland's upper house of parliament, the House of Guurti, voted today to extend its ordinary session by an additional month to help mediate among the political parties.

The political crisis in Somaliland started in April 2008, when President Riyale's constitutional five-year mandate ended. The House of Guurti voted to give the Riyale administration an additional year in office, in a move condemned by the opposition as illegal.

The dispute was later resolved and a new election date was set for March 29, 2009, when Mr. Riyale and Mr. Silanyo were expected to face-off in a presidential race similar to 2003, when Silanyo lost by less than 90 votes.

But the election commission's unilateral decision to delay the election until May 31 has deepened the political dispute, with the Kulmiye party demanding that the two houses of parliament appoint a caretaker government that can lead Somaliland until the election. Possibilty of agreeing this date was close, when with Riyale's instruction and with all his unlimited means and pressure, including alleged vote-buying, the Upper House suddenly extended Riyale's term to 29 October 2009, while election date was set on 29 September 2009. The logic of this deliberate agitation of the opposition amounts to lack of respect of the public will and low sense of responsibility.

With that unwarranted delay, the Western governments lead by Britain and Norway expressed their utter rejection of this undemocratic unilateral delay by the administration and called upon the President to come back to negotiation table and seek consensus. They expressed that they will suspend all cooperation unless this political crisis are solved by negotiated agreement between all concerned.   
 

Friday, April 17, 2009

Somaliland clan elder arrested after attending opposition rally



Somaliland clan elder arrested after attending opposition rally
15 Apr 15, 2009 - 10:04:09 AM 

HARGEISA, Somalia Apr 15 (Garowe Online) - A clan elder was arrested Tuesday in Somalia's breakaway republic of Somaliland after he attended an opposition rally the day earlier, Radio Garowe reports.

Saleban Boqor Saleban Hassan was detained by Somaliland police in Hargeisa, with witnesses saying he demanded the police to show him a warrant.

He was standing in front of Hotel Imperial in Hargeisa when police units arrested him without a warrant, witnesses said.

Crowds gathered around as the traditional elder was ushered into a police vehicle and transported to police headquarters in Hargeisa.

On Monday, Mr. Saleban addressed hundreds of people who came out in support of Kulmiye opposition party leader Ahmed Silanyo's refusal to recognize the term extension of Somaliland President Dahir Riyale.

He loudly criticized two government officials – Finance Minister Awil Ali Du'ale and Public Works Minister Said Sulub – whom he accused of "inciting old clan hostilities."

Mr. Silanyo, Somaliland's opposition leader, has demanded that President Riyale leave office after failing to hold presidential elections on time.

Somaliland's upper house of parliament, the House of Guurti, voted to give Mr. Riyale's administration a six-month extension in addition to a one-year extension Riyale received in 2008, angering opposition parties Kulmiye and UCID.

"I thank you for coming out to express your opposition to Riyale's term extension," Mr. Silanyo told supporters, as police units blocked off roads near the Kulmiye party headquarters in Hargeisa.

He openly accused the Riyale government of "robbing the public" and "destroying the democracy" in Somaliland.

"We have the constitutional right to stage peaceful protests. We do not fire bullets, we do not throw stones, but they [police] fired bullets at us," Silanyo said, while referring to Kulmiye's first public demonstration in Hargeisa last week that ended abruptly after Somaliland security forces fired into the crowd.

Somaliland unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized internationally. The separatist republic is currently locked in its most testing political crisis.

Source: Garowe Online



Somalia: Somaliland 'bans' opposition demonstrations


Somalia: Somaliland 'bans' opposition demonstrations
15 Apr 15, 2009 - 6:33:18 PM 

HARGEISA, Somalia Apr 15 (Garowe Online) - Authorities in Somalia's separatist republic of Somaliland have declared that they have banned public demonstrations until election time, Radio Garowe reports.

Mr. Abdullahi Ismail "Irro," the Somaliland minister for internal affairs, told local press that opposition parties Kulmiye and UCID have violated the constitution and other applicable laws.

He specifically accused Kulmiye, the leading opposition party, of holding public demonstrations that are a "threat to security." He warned the opposition to wait until election time to hold public demonstrations.

Somaliland's interior minister said the government "will no longer accept" Kulmiye to hold demonstrations outside party headquarters.

Kulmiye party officials have accused the Somaliland government of "sending agents" to raise trouble at the opposition's public rallies to reject Somaliland President Dahir Riyale's six-month term extension.

At the most recent rally, held on Monday in Hargeisa, an unknown man fired a bullet but no one was hurt. Kulmiye party officials claim he sent by the Riyale administration to incite insecurity.

Meanwhile, a clan elder arrested by Somaliland police yesterday is still in jail.

Somaliland is a self-declared republic located in northwestern Somalia but has not been recognized internationally.

RELATED:
READSomaliland clan elder arrested after attending opposition rally

Source: Garowe Online



SRSG condemns continuing piracy scourge


United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS)

For Immediate Release

PRESS RELEASE 013/2009

SRSG condemns continuing piracy scourge

Nairobi, 14 April 2009: The UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, has called piracy an "international scourge" which is damaging to ordinary Somalis, the region and the world.

"I strongly believe that concrete efforts, such as the international maritime presence off the Somali coast, should be increased to help marginalize and suppress piracy," said Mr Ould-Abdallah.

"Without the maritime presence, the pandemic would have been far worse. Those contributing to the international presence are doing an excellent job, but they have a huge area to cover. The recent self defensive actions by the Governments of the US and France are sending a strong message to the pirates and, more importantly, to their backers who are exploiting the poverty and desperation of their young, unemployed compatriots."

The SRSG said that today some 300 hostages and 17 vessels are being held by a small group who are only interested in maximizing their illegal profits. Therefore a military solution, while essential, should be complemented by credible development activity.

"To ensure stability in Somalia and the region, as well as the freedom of navigation, the financial backers of the pirates should be identified quickly and held accountable," said Mr Ould-Abdallah.

————————————————————————————————————For more information please contact: Susannah Price or Donna Cusumano,

Public Information Officers, UN Political Office for Somalia (Nairobi, Kenya)Tel: +254 20 762 1192/1625 or +254 733902020/737400133 Please visit: www.UN-Somalia.org


View article...


Official: Britain Furious Over Election Delay in Somaliland

Somaliland Canadian Congress blogspot.com

Somaliland Canadian Congress
Official: Britain Furious Over Election Delay in Somaliland

London, 16 April 2009 (Somaliland Today)- The British government has expressed strong disappointment over delay of presidential elections in Somaliland following the approval by the House of Elders for a further six-month extension to Rayale's term of office.


The strongman of Somaliland, Dahir Rayale Kahin, met Britain's Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, on 6 March during which the Foreign Secretary was "firm in his desire to see trouble free elections in Somaliland". That was before Rayale's presidential term expired on 6 April, 2009.

In addition to this high level engagement, Britain's ambassador to Ethiopia, Norman Ling, was also shuttling back and forth between Addis Ababa and Hargeisa "to raise our [Britain's] concerns" relating to the postponement of presidential elections.

In reply to a letter by Jamal Madar and other signatories, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said the signatories' concerns had been duly noted and added that, "delays to the elections can only have a negative impact on the perceived credentials of Somaliland by the international community and Somalilanders alike". A similar petition-letter by Jamal Madar and his colleagues has been circulated to members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons and "will be accepted as a written evidence to the Committee".

During his visit to the UK, Rayale told Miliband "he would willingly step down if he were to lose in the elections and that he and his party would seek to work constructively with the new president for the great interests of Somaliland".

The Foreign Secretary urged Rayale that "it is essential that the election process is carried out effectively and democratically and that all parties work together to make the election a success".

However, unbeknownst to Miliband is that soon after his arrival at Hargeisa Airport on return from the UK visit, Rayale ruled out any concessions to work with the opposition parties and refused to apologise to the Somaliland people for the government's repeated failure to hold the presidential elections at least three times for the past year alone.

"A government can only be replaced by a government," said Rayale

"Rayale seems to be suffering from a severe case of historical amnesia. His five-year term mandate had expired in April 2008. Neither he nor his government has a mandate to govern the country," said Mohammed Yonis Awale, former chairman of KULMIYE-UK. "The presidential term extensions in which he indulges are an affront to the democratic system and should be utterly and completely rejected".

KULMIYE categorically rejected the House of Elders approval for a further six-month extension to the presidential term, which it says has no constitutional basis.

Rayale saw the rejection as a kick in the teeth. He miscalculated that KULMIYE will initially reject the term extension but will not dare to use mass protests as a political tool– something that Rayale and his government hate so much.

On 6 April, KULMIYE supporters staged peaceful march in Hargeisa but police fired live bullets to disperse them. In the ensuing confusion, several policemen unleashed a hail of bullets against the leader of KULMIYE, Ahmed Mohamoud Silanyo, but supporters shielded him from the bullets. Fortunately, only two people were slightly hurt and Silanyo escaped shaken but unscathed.

"This is an attempt on the life of the chairman of the party [KULMIYE] and will not be taken lightly", said Keise Hassan Egeh, General Secretary of KULMIYE.

Britain continues to invest a lot of time and effort in convincing Rayale and his henchmen to hold the presidential election but the prospect of Somaliland's strongman working constructively with the opposition parties does not appear to be on the cards until now.

Somaliland Today

Newsdesk


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Somaliland: Ismail H Nuur, the most corrupt mayor in Somaliland


Ismail H Nuur, the most corrupt mayor in Somaliland

via Medeshi 

Medeshi April 17, 2009
Ismail .H .Nuur, the most corrupt mayor in Somaliland
Ismail H. Nuur has been reported to be the most corrupt mayor n Somaliland as written in Qaran news
http://www.qarannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4359&Itemid=62

The mayor who has very little educational background has attained his post as a result of clan lobbying and nepotism and has since then been very close to president Riyale to maintain his position. He has been the yes man of the president for Sanaag and was even seen in a photo with with Riyaale in Berbera during the recent protest against the minister of education of Somaliland Hassan Gadhweyne by the students of H.Afqalooc secondary school in Erigavo.
(Photo: the latest two storey bulding of the mayor)
This man has accumulated much money through corruption, nepotism and money laundering by using his post as the mayor of Erigavo. The photo shown above is among his latest buildings in this poverty ridden capital of Sannag region. I wonder how long the people of Somaliland will tolerate this corrupt and illiterate mayor
Read more about the corruption allegations (in Somali): http://www.qarannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4307&Itemid=62
Eventually click on this link to read the allegations in a new window:
Written by medeshi
via Medeshi


Somaliliand: Demonstrations Held In Hargeysa and Berbera

Hargeysa/Berbera (SomalilandGlobe) The main opposition party in Somaliland, Kulmiye, has held large scare demonstrations in the capital city of Somaliland, Hargeysa, and the seaport of Berbera yesterday, 13th April. 

According to the opposition leader, the aim of the demonstrations was to announce and protest the government's extension of term and to restate their position that they do not recognise President Rayale as the President of Somaliland after 06th April 2009. 

The house of Guurti of Somaliland has extended the term of office of President Rayale two weeks ago, which was coming to an end on the 06th April 2009.  The opposition parties rejected the extension and vowed not to recognize the government.  The Rayale government insists that the extension was legitimate, since elections could not take place in time. 

According to Police officials the demonstrations ended peacefully except for an incident in Hargeysa where a young man with a pistol was arrested.



Government Action Affront to Somaliland’s Democratic Ideals

 Government Action Affront to Somaliland's Democratic Ideals

On April 6th, 2009, Government Security Forces opened fire on the Chairman and some members of KULMIYE party who were peacefully marching towards the Chairman's home. Although Ahmed Silaanyo's statements addressed to the president Riyaale during Silaanyo's speech to supporters at SNM celebrations, can be interpreted as challenging the Government (Riyaale, Car soo bax meaning: Riyaale, I dare you to come out), there is nothing to indicate that any interference of the situation by the Security Forces was needed, let alone opening fire on KULMIYE chairman and supporters.

In most any Democratic society, the Government would have been forced immediately to take full responsibility and order an independent investigation/inquiry into the incident.

This incident was followed by the closing of  two KULMIYE party offices in next few days. On April 11 Security Forces stormed the Kulmiye Headquarters in Burco, the second capital of  Somaliland and the native town of Ahmed Siilaanyo's and his party's stronghold.

On Sunday April 12th, the Deputy Minister of Defence Ahmed Mohamed Filanwaa, as reported by Hadhwanaagnews, stated in press conference that the Government has prepared the Army prosecutor to prepare a case for legal action against The Chairman of unregistered Qaran Party, Dr. Mohamed Abdi Gaboose.

The KULMIYE and UCID parties have been, lately, loudly voicing concerns that the Government is instigating them and creating pretext to using the State Security Apparatus against the opposition parties.

It appears that the Government is proving them RIGHT.

As a truly patriotic Somalilander and political junky living abroad who has decided so far not to take sides in Somaliland's internal political conflicts, I strongly protest the deplorable action taken by a Government whose legality is questioned by a large segment of the people of Somaliland.

For the record, I supported the extension of the Government term by the GUURTI for the sake of  having a government in place rather "Power Vacuum". I have authored several articles and poetry in support of the Government when the opposition appeared wrong and came with unreasonable unfair attempts to unseat the Government.

I believe that the "power vaccuum" the opposition parties have been calling for is not in the interest of the People and the Country at this crucial time in hour history. By the some token I wrote poetry and articles opposing "Power Sharing Agreement" for it would, in my opinion,  create more problems than it would solve in Somaliland's unique situation.

The GUURTI, the Parliament, the intellectuals and the people of  Somaliland must stand up and put pressure on the Government to restrain itself from using the State Power against the most important pillars of Democracy, the opposition parties.

Democracy is an artificial and very delicate system. It is the bright side of  Democracy-Dictator continuum based on very potent power dynamic. It is not a system to be taken for granted. So it needs a careful watch not only by the system of the check and balances but by the society as a whole.

Even in the Western world where were are told that democracy stands on stronger foundations with many institutions and traditions developed over many centuries to safeguard it, the battle to keep democracy in place is the daily chore of the media, independent judiciary,  opposition parties, community organizations, trade unions and religious groups and the general populace as well.

The following poem by a German Pastor (Martin Niemoller) which you find, these days,  hanging on the walls of every Trade Union or Social Democratic party office in the Western world,  illustrates what is likely to happen when a country's institutions, its elite and general public fail to stand for Justice and defend Democracy.

When the Nazis came for the communists ………………………..
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
Then they locked up the social democrats
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.
Then they came for the trade unionists
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews
I did not speak out;
I was not a Jew.
When they came for me,
There was no one left to speak out for me

The above poem may be paraphrased to suit the events that plunged Somali Republic in Absolute dictatorship in 1970 and after, as fellows:

When Siyaad's henchmen men came to arrest the parliamentarians
I remained silent,
I was not a parliamentarian

Then they locked up the honest officers (Caynaanshe, Gabayare and Dheel)
I remained silent,
I was not an honest officer

Then they came for the teachers and poets,
I remained silent,
I was neither a teacher nor a poet

When they killed Caynaanshe, Gabayre and Dheel (men from other clans)
I did not flinch,
I was not their clans or sub-clans

When they blasphemed the Quran and executed the Wadaadis
I remained silent
I was not a Wadaad nor a Muumin

I knew I was next (somehow)

But something called SNM came out of no where and saved me!

Let's, all stand up, to save  Somaliland's Democratic Ideals

Ahmed M. Adam (Doob-baje)

qotonshe@yahoo.com


Source:  Somalilandpress




Somaliland: Police Storms Offices of Opposition Party In Burao


Somaliland: Police Storms Offices of Opposition Party In Burao

11 April 2009 | News

BURAO (Somaliland Globe) — The Somaliland police have stormed the offices of KULMIYE, the main opposition party in Somaliland today.  As the police raided the office a number of journalists from the independent media have been gathered there for a press conference organized the by the party.

As the Police commandos stormed the office, the supporters and leaders of KULMIYE ordered them to leave the building.  The police refused and fired shots into the air.  The KULMIYE  supporters and leaders responded by hitting and stoning the police.  A lengthy and nasty fist fight between the police and the supporters ensued where base ball bats were used.  At the end the Police left the building.  It is not known how many people were injured in the fight.

The Rayale administration has been cracking down on the opposition supporters and leaders lately, since the opposition has withdrawn its recognition of the current administration.  On April 6, the leader of the opposition party, Mr Silanyo, who was the longest serving chairman of SNM the guerrilla organization that liberated Somaliland from Siyad Barre's rule, was shot at by the Police after peaceful demonstrations and march in the capital city.

The police and military spokesmen refused to speak about the incident when we asked for information about the police raid today.  KULMIYE party on its side confirmed that their office was attacked today, adding that the government was trying to start a war and destabilize Somaliland.

At the press conference, the party reaffirmed its position rejecting the Guurti's extension for Rayale tenure in office by six months. Party officials said they are always supportive of the peace, but said they are within their rights to organize peaceful demonstrations.

The party also reported similar harassment from the police few days ago by their staff at Hargeisa and Berbera district offices.




Somaliland: Police Chiefs of Togdher and Gabiley Sacked


Somaliland: Police Chiefs of Togdher and Gabiley Sacked

11 April 2009 | News

BURAO (Somaliland Globe) — The Police Chiefs of Togdher and Gabiley states have been sacked by the Minister of Interior of Somaliland. It is not confirmed yet why these officials have been sacked but it is believed that the government is worried about demonstrations the opposition parties are planning throughout the country and thus reorganizing the Police and military.

The Police chief of Togdheer is accused of not having stopped a high profile demonstration that took place in Burao, the capital of Togdher state, on the 6th of April the day Mr Rayale's term of office expired.  On that same day, opposition supporters have held another peaceful demonstration in Hargeisa, the capital, where the Police fired live ammunition at the peaceful demonstrations. 

The opposition parties of Somaliland do not recognize the present administration in Somaliland and have called for continuous and ongoing demonstrations country wide.  The government has responded sacking Police and military officials and intimidating opposition supporters and leaders.


Thursday, April 9, 2009

KULMIYE STATEMENT

KULMIYE STATEMENT ON THE CURRENT POLITICAL SITUATION IN SOMALILAND
Dr. Mohamed A. Omar
We, KULMIYE, the main opposition party in Somaliland, are concerned about the current political situation in Somaliland and make the following statement. We condemn the government´s crack down on hundreds of our supporters who marched peacefully in Hargeisa yesterday to protest Mr

The Dissolution of Somaliland–Part V

The Dissolution of Somaliland–Part V Why Secede, if North Somalis Can Lead the Entire Somali Nation?
Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis
In four earlier articles entitled "The Dissolution of Somaliland – Part I North Somalis to Convert Rage to Acts Against Tyrant Riyaale" (http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/97313), "The Dissolution of Somaliland–Part II.

The Dissolution of Somaliland – Part IV

The Dissolution of Somaliland – Part IV. Revolt: the Only Way to Survive for North Somalis
Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis
In three earlier articles entitled "The Dissolution of Somaliland – Part I North Somalis to Convert Rage to Acts Against Tyrant Riyaale" (http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/97313), "The Dissolution of Somaliland–Part II.

The Dissolution of Somaliland – Part III.

The Dissolution of Somaliland – Part III. The Time for Revolt Against Riyaale Has Come
Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis
In two earlier articles entitled "The Dissolution of Somaliland – Part I North Somalis to Convert Rage to Acts Against Tyrant Riyaale" (http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/97313) and "The Dissolution of Somaliland–Part II.

The Dissolution of Somaliland–Part II.

The Dissolution of Somaliland–Part II. Can NSUM and Patriotic Forces Lead the People to Insurgence?
Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis
In an earlier article under the title "The Dissolution of Somaliland – Part I North Somalis to Convert Rage to Acts Against Tyrant Riyaale" (http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/97313), I focused on the rejection of the Riyaale tyranny by the outright majority of the North Somalis, and republishing two devastating criticisms against the present administration of the breakaway pseudo-state, I stressed the need for drastic and violent reaction to overthrow the tyranny of the Riyaale gang.

The Dissolution of Somaliland – Part I

The Dissolution of Somaliland – Part I North Somalis to Convert Rage to Acts Against Tyrant Riyaale
Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis
The disparate elements that aligned their interests to form the Hargeisa regime will not manage to stay in power any longer; with the outright majority of all the North Somalis against them, with foreign involvement increased and diversified, and with the asphyxiating antagonism of Yemen, Eritrea and Abyssinia in the wider area, the diverse elements of the Hargeisa regime will soon fall apart, leaving at least three or four tiny "states" on the North Somali territory.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Hadaladii geesinimada lahaa ee cabdulqaadir Jirde

Hadaladii geesinimada lahaa ee cabdulqaadir Jirde ee Xaflada SNM ee ka socota xarunta KULMIYE
waana laga yaabaa in aanan fikradaha qaar ku raacsanayn, laakiin arrintan hadda taagan ee kordhinta iyo diidisteeda waan ku raacsanahay, inay ka mudaharaadaana xaq bay u leeyihiin,Cabdilqaadir jirde

saraarnews - Hargeysa, April 6, 2009 


Cabdulqaadir jirde ayaa si lama filaan ah u yimid xarunta Kulmiye iyo xafladii socotay, waxaana la siiyey mikarafoonkii, waxaana hadaladiisii ka mid ahaa:
Kulmiye waa Xisbi Qaran minka is yidhaa daah saarna gudcur ayuu gudayaa, waana laga yaabaa in aanan fikradaha qaar ku raacsanayn, laakiin arrintan hadda taagan ee kordhinta iyo diidisteeda waan ku raacsanahay. inay ka mudaharaadaana xaq bay u leeyihiin, inay xukuumadu arrintaas si kale u aragtana way ku khaldan tahay, nabadgelyaduna waa inaga wada dhaxaysaa.
Gudoomiyaha Xisbiga kulmiye waxa uu leeyahay maamuuskiisa, iyo qadarintiisa, waana madaxweynihii keydka ahaa ee Qaranka, inay Xukuumadu caydana ama lagu yidhaahdo erayo deelqaaf ahna waxaan u arkaa inay tahay khalad.
In diimoraadiyada la xoojiyana kulmiyaan ku raacsanahay.
iyo erayo kale oo guubaabo iyo taageero u badan. Xataa dadkii meesha tubnaa waxay is weydiinayeen Cabdilqaadir jire ma KULMIYE ayuu ku biiray

Xaflad Balaadhan Oo lagu Xusayay Asaaskii Ururkii SNM Oo Lagu Qabtay Xarunta KULMIYE Ee Hargeysa

Monday, 06 April 2009
ImageHargeysa(Hormoodnews)-Ciidanka Booliska Somaliland ayaa maanta duhurkii rasaas ay cirka u ridayeen ku kala kaxeeyay Taageereyaasha Xisbiga KULMIYE, oo galbinayay Guddoomiyaha Xisbigaasi Md. Axmed Maxamed Maxamuud [Siilaanyo], oo socod ku marayay jidka u dhaxeeya Xarunta xisbiga KULMIYE iyo Gurigiisa.

Ka dib markii ay ka soo dareereen xaflad lagu xusayey sanad guuradii 26-aad ee ka soo wareegtay aasaaski ururkii SNM.


Ciidanka Booliska oo ku sugnaa dulleedka  xarunta KULMIYE ayaa taageereyaasha sii galbinayey Guddoomiyahooda kor ugu riday rasaas socotay qadar daqiiqado ah, oo sababtay in taageereyaashaasi ay dib u cararaan, ka dibna Md. Axmed Siilaanyo iyo Taageereyaal xoogaa ah ayay u suurto gashay inay socod ku maraan  wadada laamida ah illaa ay ka gaadhayeen gurigiisa oo ku yaala duleedka Aqalkii  hore ee martida magaalada Hargeysa.

Rasaastaasi ciidanka Boolisku ku fureen taageereyaasha KULMIYE ayaan geysan inta la og-yahay wax khasaare ah, in kasta oo dad ku dakhrameen markii ay is jiidheen.


Xuskaa loo sameeyay aasaaskii SNM, ee lagu qabtay xarunta KULMIYE Hargeysa  oo ay ka soo qeyb galeen Hoggaanka xisbiga, Xildhibaanada KULMIYE kaga jira Golaha Wakiilada, Md. C/Qaadir Xaaji Ismaaciil Jirde, oo ka mid ah Mudaneyaasha Golaha Wakiilada isla markaana ka tirsan xisbiga UDUB iyo Boqolaal qof oo ka mid ah Taageereyaasha KULMIYE.


Guddoomiyaha Xisbiga KULMIYE Md. Axmed Maxamed Maxamuud [Siilaanyo] oo xafladaasi ka hadlay ayaa u mahad naqay taageerayaasha xisbigaasi ee ka soo qeyb galay munaasibada 26 sano guurada ka soo wareegtay aasaaskii ururkii SNM ee lagaga dhawaaqay magaalada London. waxaanu yidhi "Waxaan maanta isugu nimi in aan xusno maalintii aaskaaskii SNM oo magaceedii u horreeyay lagaga dhawaaqay magaalada London SNM waa ururkii xorreeyay dalkan iyo dadkan, dawladnimada aynu haysano maanta waa ururkii inoo horseeday halgankeeda, waxa ayaan darro ah oo halkan in aan xafiiskeenan ku qabano xuskaas, waayo beertii Xoriyada ee xafladan lagu qaban jiray ee la isugu iman jiray oo loo diiday. Waxay ahayd Qaran ahaan maalin la xuso aasaaskii SNM sanad walba maxaa maanta Beerta Xoriyada loogu xusi waayay? Waxay yidhaahdeen Hudheel la gala waxa ku xigta inay yidhaahdaan dib dambe loo xusi maayo, in Aqal madow lala galo waa Talaabadii u horreeyay ee lagu dafirayay waliba ayaan darradu waxa weeye waxa loo adeegsanayaa dad Halgankii ka mid ahaa oo si xun loo adeegsaday waxaanan leeyahay waa ayaan darro inay taasi timaado."


"Waxaanu go'aansanay inaynu xafladan ku qabano meeshaasi sida dharaarta u cad ee cid waliba arkayso, maantana aan marka aan halkan ka tagno illaa Gurigaygii u lugayno, waanu soconaynaa anagoo shacbigayaga taageeradiisa haysana, waxaynu u halgamaynay xoriyad, dimuqraadiyad iyo ummad walaalo ah oo nabad ku nool in la helo kii ayaanu doonaynaa in lagaga dhabeeyo,"Ayuu yidhi Md Axmed Siilaanyo.


Guddoomiyaha KULMIYE wuxuu sheegay inay yihiin  kuwo xisbi ahaan illaalinaya nabad gelyada iyo xasiloonida dalka, waxaanu yidhi "Nabad-gelyo darro ma wadno, taas macnaheedu ma aha in aanu xadhig iyo xabis ka baqayno xoriyadayada waanu ku adkaysanaynaa oo waanu mudaharaadaynaa waanu u soo baxaynaa maanta, barrito iyo maalinta ku xigtaba. Waxaanu leenahay Daahir Rayaale sharcigii baa ka dhacay, dimuqraadiyadii ayuu ku tuntay  qiimaheedii ayuu dilay shacbigiina wuu boobay. Dhalinyadaradii buu laayay dumarkii buu dhacay waanu ka soo dhicinaynaa"


Md Axmed Siilaanyo wuxuu  cambaareeyay xadhiga xubno ka tirsan masuuliyiinta xisbigiisa ee Gobolka Saaxil, oo maanta magaalada Berbera lagu xidhay mar ay abaabulayeen xafladii aasaaskii ururkii SNM.


Waxa kale oo uu dawlada ku eedeeyay inay bilowday inay xabsiga u taxaabto culimada dalka ee ka hadla arrimaha wadanka ka taagan.


"Halkaasi Wadada Xarunta KULMIYE agtiisa waxa jooga ciidankii Booliska ee nabadgelyada dalka, waxaan leenahay shaqadooda ayay qabsanayaan waynu ixtiraamaynaa waxaanu leenahay walaalayaal xaqa ku ekaada oo na wada illaaliya, yaan la idiin adeegsanin  dulmi,"Ayuu yidhi Md Siilaanyo.


Xildhibaan C/Qaadir X. Ismaaciil Jirde, oo ka tirsan Mudaneyaasha xisbiga UDUB kaga jira Golaha Wakiilada Somaliland lagana soo doortay Gobolka Hargeysa, ayaa hadal uu ka jeediyay xafladaasi wuxuu ku naqdiyay ciidamo la keenay duleedka xarunta dhexe ee  xisbiga KULMIYE, waxaanu yidhi "Wallaalayaal waxaan markii aan halkan soo galayay aan arkayay Ciidamo tiro badan oo Boolis ah, waxaan leeyahay waa ayaan darro in KULMIYE oo ah xisbi qaran oo sharci ah in la dulkeeno ciidamo aanay dalban. Xisbigu isagaa is nidaaminaya markaa uu u baahdo ciidan isagaa soo dalbanaya.".


Md C/Qaadir Jirde, wuxuu sheegay in Guddoomiyeyaasha xisbiyada mucaaridka ee KULMIYE iyo UCID ay yihiin Madaxweyneyaal kayd ah, waxaanu tilmaamay inay qasab ku tahay Madaxweyne Daahir Rayaale Kaahin inuu la fadhiisto oo ay ka wada heshiiyaan xaalada dalka xilligan ka jirta.


Sidoo kale, waxa xafladaasi ka hadlay oo si balaadhan tafaasiil uga bixiyay halgankii ururkii SNM ee dib u xoreynta Somaliland Guddoomiye ku xigeenka labaad ee Xisbiga KULMIYE, C/Raxmaan C/Qaadir Faarax, Jamaal Caydiid Ibraahim iyo Oday Maxamuud Dhoole-Dahable.


Sidoo kale  waxa xafladaasi ka hadlay Md. Ibraahim Axmed Haybe[Ibraahim Kacaan] iyo Md. Fu'aad Aadan Cadde, oo cambaareeyay go'aanka muddo kordhinta Guurtidu dhawaan u samaysay Madaxweynaha Somaliland iyo ku xigeenkiisa.


Dhinaca kale, xaflad noocan oo kale ah oo ay  wada jir u soo qaban qaabiyeen jimciyada mujaahidiinta Sooyaal iyo xukuumada Somaliland ayaa maanta lagu qabtay Huteelka Ammbassador ee Magaalada Hargeysa, waxaana ka soo qeyb galay Guddoomiyaha Xisbiga UCID, Eng Faysal Cali Waraabe, Wasiiro ka tirsan Xukuumada oo qaarkood ay ka mid ahaayeen saaraakiishii ururkii SNM iyo dadweyne kale.

 

Hormoodnews.

 

Somaliland Election Delayed—So Did Its Recognition

Somaliland Election Delayed—So Did Its Recognition 

Although Somaliland election faces many external challenges: lack of trainings, logistics, inadequate funding, and incomplete voter registrations, among others, even more serious are the internal obstacles.

Delaying the election sounded reasonable for the first time. However, extending President Dahir Riyale Kahin's term for one year raised suspension. Worse yet, postponing the election and increasing Mr. Kahin's term for the second time paints a bleak future for Somaliland. He secures yet another six month in office. Droughts and terrorists, just to name few ludicrous excuses from the current regime, are the reasons behind the election delays.

But just as the doubts of holding a fair, free and transparent election grow, so too the uncertainties of gaining recognition. In January 2008, I wrote a piece entitled, "Somaliland: A Democratic State In East Africa Or A Tinderbox Waiting To Explode?" In this article I predicted that a failed election will lead to a failed state. See this link:http://www.somalilandtimes.net/sl/2008/312/78.shtml It is now evident that both Somaliland presidential election as well as its recognition hit roadblocks. But who is responsible for the impeding disaster looming on the horizon?

The ruling party UDUB's dirty election delay tactics, and its painstaking efforts to find reasons to stay in power, as well as the opposition party KULMIYE's machete-wielding supporters' chest-pounding, huffing and puffing with fury not only undercuts Somaliland's quest for sovereignty but also compromises its survival.

To top it up, the second opposition party UCID's failure to firmly stand as an opposition party and form a common front with KULMIYE against election scandals, grants UDUB yet another chance to hog power. On one hand UCIDscreams in loud shrill voices just like any other opposition party. On the other hand, in most of political crises, it agrees more with UDUB's stance than KULMIYE's. One wonders why UCID—the sister party of UDUB—doesn't join the ruling party.

Worse than UCID's flip-flop stance is while Southern Somalia inches closer to stability, Somaliland's political hurricane gains momentum. Nothing satisfies more the Somali quarrelling leaders than witnessing Somaliland vanish. Al-Qaeda, Al-shabaab, and Al-Somali regime agree on only one thing: Somaliland must not gain independence at any cost.

Meanwhile, as if they were in deep comma, Somaliland leaders remain oblivious of the dark clouds hovering over the nation. The prolonged isolation of Somaliland, its bickering and self-enriching leaders, its political showdown combined with Somalia's upcoming ruse to woo many Somalilanders to salvage their properties in the South while granting them jobs, citizenships and more land at a low cost, could lure northerners to immigrate to the South in droves—leaving once bustling Somaliland cities deserted, a ghetto.

Though the average Somalilander has no compelling evidence to join Somalia, economics dictate people. And as I have pointed out in my article, entitled, "Somaliland: Why Somali Unity Case Won't Fly?" Somali unity lost steam. But Somalilanders have very little choice once they cross the border as economic immigrants. Here is the article:http://tinyurl.com/cdbcpl

In short, no one doubts that the election faces challenges that need more time to sort them out; equally, no one in his/her right mind believes that extending Mr. Kahin's term in offices has anything to do with election.

Both KULMIYE and UCID must form a unified front against UDUB. This unity includes speaking out against violence, promoting peace, and giving Mr. Kahin another chance to run out of excuses—let him finish his six month term. Somalilanders waited for almost two decades to reach where they are today; six more months won't make any difference.

What is at stake—the fate of Somaliland and its people—is far more important than Mr. Kahin's six month term. Surely, the election delay is a setback for the long-waited recognition, but we'll press ahead as usual.

And just like the story: "The Boy Who Cried Wolf", Somaliland election may now be empty calls. But unlike the villagers who ignored the shepherd boy's screams when the wolf came, we'll remain patient and ready for the "election".

dalmar_k@yahoo.com

Dalmar Kaahin is based in Edmonton. He is a regular contributor to Awdal News Network.


Somaliland Democratic Process at the Crossroads: What is next?

Somaliland Democratic Process at the Crossroads: What is next?

Somaliland Democratic Process at the Crossroads: What is next? thumbnail

Hargeisa, 4 April 2oo9 (Somalilandpress) - Democratic process in Somaliland is going through difficult time, after the Guurti extended again the mandate of the current government for another six months. This did not please the opposition political parties who mobilised their supporters for an earlier election than the date set by the Guurti. The opposition parties based their logic whether the constitution of the country gives the Guurti the right of such extension. This is not the first time that the Guurti did such an action. And this frustrates many Somalilanders. Already the commission set a date for the election, 31st May, 2009 and this is their mandate. If they can not do this work within this time framework, the commission has to negotiate with the three political parties on this new development. This is the only right way.

Somaliland democratic process has been achieved by the combination of various forces in the society mainly the political parties. How these political parties cooperate at every stage of the process has been the cornerstone of this achievement. Without the cooperation of the three political parties, definitely there will not be any genuine election and the democratic process will be derailed. The so far successive democratic elections held during the last eight years were only possible through tough negotiations and give-and-take compromises. UCID party was the main contributor to the success of every stage of these negotiations.

In connection to this, we have reached where we are now. Though our democratic culture is still fragile, but nevertheless, it works and maintains the structure of the fragile state as well as the cohesion among the society. It also attracted some respect and appreciation from the international community.

Despite of these, it is unfortunate that the diverse components of society: the intellectuals, civil society, religious leaders, and young people seem to be indifferent to the politics of the country and they rarely participate in the political parties and the political debate. The role of all these forces is now missing in the political spectrum of the country. Thus, this has created a vacuum where the unelected body like the Guurti determines the whole political future of the nation. The Guurti, except few elder respected people, has been diluted recently by being more political as well as that every elder man who dies is inherited by a young person with less experience and the present Guurti only now bears the name. This needs an urgent critical debate.

What has happened on the 28th of April, 2009, when the Guurti extended another six months for the incumbent government, can not be regarded as a good example and can not be seen as a positive contribution to the democratic process of the nation. On the contrary, it complicates and exacerbates the political situation and disappoints many Somalilanders everywhere.

Now the country has entered a new phase of political crisis. This needs politicians with magnanimity and vision, particularly from the three political parties. The coming election is so more important for Somaliland than any other election before, mainly because if we pass this peacefully, it could hasten more support first from our people both at home and abroad and from the international community. It could also be a catalyst for transformation and change which the country so badly needs.



By: Dr. Mohamed-Rashid Sheikh Hassan

Source: Somalilandpress


Cry Mother Somaliland Cry


Cry Mother Somaliland Cry

http://www.somalilandglobe.com/388/cry-mother-somaliland-cry/


There are very few stories that are as compelling to be told as the one that I am about to narrate. A few days ago I came home from work tired and longing for a short nap to help refresh for the busy evening hours of helping the kids with homework. — by: Mohamed A. Suleiman

I lay down on my back and before I knew it, I was in a deep slumber. Suddenly, I heard a light tap on my shoulder and a faint noise asking me to wake up. Thinking that the kids were a little too impatient with my snooze, I reluctantly opened my eyes to check out who was tapping me on the shoulder. What I saw was an image that will haunt me for a very long time.

After I absorbed the initial shock of this surreal situation that I found myself in, I gained enough composure to dare ask my visitor who it was. In a very faint, whispering voice it said, "I am your mother". "My mother, I exclaimed". "Yes, your mother", it contended with such an affirmation. I shook my head in disbelief and decided to take a closer look to see if it was really my mother. "No you are not my mother and I don't know who you are. Will you tell who you really are?" I asked my visitor. "You dummy! You didn't get it. I am mother Somaliland", she stated.

Before I got out of the bed to entertain my unusual visitor, I decided to take a closer look to checkout how "mother Somaliland" was holding.

I saw this ghostly, towering, haggardly looking image draped in dark colored cloaks hanging over my head. She looked tired, exhausted, withdrawn, worn-out, destitute, broke, hungry, abandoned, anxious, angry, dispirited, nervous, disoriented, sick, lost, used, abused, dying, delusional, and distraught. I was shocked and disturbed, and all kinds of strange thoughts and emotions ran through my mind.

In an attempt to make sense of what was going on, I asked "mother Somaliland" why she decided to pay me a visit. "Son", she said, "I am looking for a shoulder to cry on." "But why me, why me", I protested. "Son", she answered, "I was not looking for you in particular. I was searching for any one of my sons or daughters who can lend me an ear so that I could clear my just. As I was flying by on top of your residence in search of that son or daughter, I realized that I was too weak to carry on and I decided to drop in." "Can you just fly a bit further down because this is going to be too much of a burden on me", I protested. "It is a burden worth bearing son; plus I am too weak to carry on my search any way", she declared.

The following is what transpired out of my encounter with my unexpected visitor, "Mother Somaliland". Here is her narrative that she entrusted me sharing with anyone who cares to listen.

"You all heard the news and the news is not good. Son, if you or anyone else cares to hear, I am on the brink of vanishing away from the face of the earth. On the surface what happened to me may appear spontaneous and uncalculated, but on the contrary, I could tell you emphatically that everything I suffered was engineered and done so by design.

My troubles started when my liberators, the Somali National Movement (SNM), out of goodwill and gesture of reconciliation, relinquished their right to govern me to a bunch of unscrupulous thugs that did not have my best interest at heart. This window of opportunity that was opened for these individuals gave these mafia-type gangsters a chance to capitalize on the misfortunes of my people. And in order to accomplish their goals, they manipulated the fears of the masses by convincing them that they could lose their newly gained sovereignty if they do not go for the ride. In essence, my deliverance was entrusted with an unscrupulous gang, past and present, which only cared about their get-rich-quick schemes.

Son, what else would you expect when the people that are at the helm today are the same kind of group that were killing my sons and enslaving my daughters; the same kind of people who were conspiring with Siyad Barre to keep my people under subjugation. These same gangsters are willfully precipitating the devastation that had befallen on me and the disintegration that I face today.

My son, I don't know what happened to my people. They are either suffering from a collective dementia or they became so destitute that they don't care any more. How could they have forgotten the brutality with which my citizens were dealt with when in fact that experience is vividly engraved in my psyche? How did they forget the mass murder, the looting, the rape of girls and women, the killing of innocent children when these are all crystal clear in my head? How did they forget the bombing raids carried out by mercenaries on Hargeisa and vicinity,

Burao and Eil Afweine, including refugees who were fleeing the onslaught, when these images are forever going to be difficult to shake? How could they forget the roundup, the incarceration, the summary executions of scores of intellectuals and leaders, simply because they belonged to a distinct social group, when the horrors that I felt then are still haunting me today?

My dear son, it is one thing to forgive, but it is another thing to forget. My people have not learned a thing from their recent past and as the old saying goes: "Those who do not learn from their mistakes are doomed to repeat it."

My son, how else did Dahir Rayale Kahin, the so-called president of Somaliland, ended up at the helm of what appeared to be a fledgling democracy? It is a well-known fact that this man was a senior ranking officer of the notorious National Security Service (NSS), an organization that the Gestapo, the KGB, and the German SS would have envied because of its brutality. He was strategically placed at the Red Sea port of Berbera during the height of the genocidal campaign against my people.  It is a common knowledge that such high profile postings were created for rewarding members in the NSS force who carried out their brutal duties with distinction.

My son, As Raqiya Omar of Human Rights Watch documented in her much-celebrated book, "A Government at War With Its Own People", there were witnesses who lived in Berbera and elsewhere in Somaliland who directly linked Rayale Kahin to the atrocities that were committed there. Is it not ironic then that a man who served as a senior officer in the dreaded NSS during Siyad Barre's genocidal campaign could find himself sitting at the helm of a fledgling democracy that was born out of resistance to that brutal experience?

My son, the scenario that is currently playing out in Somaliland needs some real scrutiny. Imagine a world were the perpetrators rule the victims; where the villains preside over the heroes; where justice succumbs to the injustice; where truth is folded under covers and falsehood is given a legitimate footing; and where the perpetrators become the voices of victims which are rendered voiceless. To take the argument up a nudge, imagine if Sharon was to become the president of the Palestinian Authority, or Hitler was to preside over the Knesset.

My son, as much as a lot of people will be uncomfortable with the parallels that I am drawing here, the truth of the matter is: people who abuse their powers and commit heinous crimes against innocent civilians should be held responsible and should be forced to face the charges against them in a court of law, be it local or international in jurisdiction.

My son, Mr. Rayale Kahin is yet to face and respond to the documented charges that clearly indicate that he perpetrated gross violations while presiding over the NSS forces in Berbera. He remains tight-lipped about these charges and has never publicly spoken about his past activities with the NSS force. One wonders whether his silence is an admission of guilt or whether he is demonstrating the same kind of arrogance that brought down his former master, which he served so brilliantly.

My son, I hope you do not misunderstand me. I am not implying for one bit that my citizens did not willing or unwilling participate in their demise. I cannot put the blame squarely on Rayale and his criminal gang. I am wise enough to realize that my people committed grave mistakes when they were convinced to shelf the glorious struggle of the SNM that liberated me from Siyad Barre and his cronies.

My son, it breaks my heart to witness the heroes and the heroines of the SNM taunted, insulted, ostracized, despised, reviled, and detested by a bunch of hooligans who hijacked the aspirations of my people. It breaks my heart to see the widows and orphans of the SNM martyrs languishing in the streets scavenging for food when their husbands and fathers paid the ultimate prize for my liberation. Didn't my people see how people in other corners of the world emancipated themselves from dictators and tyrants; the likes of Rayale and his cronies? Didn't they witness the orange revolution that swept the Ukraine a few years ago? What about the popular uprising that brought Nicolai Cessescou of Romania down?

My son, Rayale and the like-minded crooks that he is surrounded by have broken every letter of the law. They trampled the constitution and disrespected and discredited the national institutions. They emptied the treasury to satisfy their greed and rendered the government covers bankrupt. What else do they have to do in order for my people to wake up and take notice of what is going on?

Son, what happened had happened. What scares me the most is the fact that there is no light at the end of the tunnel. My people had high hopes for the men and women who were elected to the House of Representatives during the last election. Unlike the un-elected, mostly corrupt and mostly uneducated  "GUURTI", most of the members had excellent credentials and it was deemed that they would be free from the corruption that plagues politicians in the developing world. As luck would have it, they fell into the same kind of trap and succumbed to the self-aggrandizement temptations that are so typical of African politicians. They dashed my people's hopes and failed to uphold a system of checks and balances that would discourage the likes of Rayale with dictatorial tendencies to be given a chance to legitimize the kind of one-man rule that is so prevalent in Africa.

My son, we have a dictator in the making in Somaliland. My sons and daughters in the diaspora should know that silence or indifference is tantamount to collusion. Rayale and his cronies are committing the same kind of human rights violations that my people resisted under Siyad Barre. The universal individual freedoms of expression, of association, of assembly, and of mobility are all being denied to my people. Extra judicial detentions and unlawful incarcerations are a common place. Dissenters are intimidated and my people live in fear."

At this point in my conversation with Mother Somaliland, she became very emotional and started to sing Bob Marley's famous lyrics: "Getup standup, standup for your right; getup standup, don't give up the fight." She repeated these lyrics over and over again.

I noticed that she was in distress. She started to sweat profusely and she mumbled something that I could not understand. I became so nervous and worried. All of a sudden, mother Somaliland fainted and collapsed right in front of my eyes. I was horrified. Instinctively, I thought of a course in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation that I took a few years ago. The first aid skills that I learned in that course helped me resuscitate Mother Somaliland. I then called an ambulance and she was taken to a nearby hospital. Mother Somaliland is currently on life support and clinging to life just by a thread. It will take Men of faith, wisdom, principle, action, and goodwill to revive our dear old Mother. The cowards, the fear mongers, the demagogues, and the hypocrites that reduced Somaliland to this regrettable situation should go.

For a moment of reflection, please read the following excerpt from the famous poem by the renowned Somali poet, Qaman Bulhan, may Allah have mercy on him, which typically exemplifies the kind of people that that are at the helm of Somaliland's government today:

" Baadida nin baa kula day daye  daalna kaa badani

Aan doonahayn inaad heshana  daayin abidkaaye

Dadkuna moodayaa duul wada dhashoon wax u dahsoonayne

Dilla ma laha aahkiro haddii   loo kitaab dayoe… "

If you want to find out about her condition, please visit http://www.crymothersomalilandcry.org. If you click on this link and you get a message that says the page could not be displayed or a similar message that denies you access, please pray for Mother Somaliland; she may have passed away.