It’s been quite a fortnight. At the end of January, I accompanied the UK Development Secretary, Andrew Mitchell, to the AU Summit in Addis Ababa and then to Somalia. In Dollow – the first time a British Minister has visited southern Somalia in recent years, Mr Mitchell saw for himself the huge difference that UKaid is making to the lives of thousands of Somali people in the south. Arriving in Garowe on Monday on the first-ever visit by a British Cabinet Minister to Puntland, the Minister received a warm welcome and was able to see for himself what’s possible with greater stability and security – in health care, rule of law, jobs and security. And in what was truly a ground-breaking visit, he was able to personally destroy over 45kg of unexploded ordnance – a further sign of the progress being made in helping to make Puntland safer, with the UK’s support.
36 hours in Nairobi and then it was back to Mogadishu on Thursday, this time accompanying the British Foreign Secretary, William Hague – the first visit by a British Foreign Secretary since Douglas Hurd in 1992. And it was of real significance for me personally, as I was able to present my credentials from Her Majesty the Queen as the first British Ambassador to Somalia since 1991, in front of both the Foreign Secretary, and the President of the TFG, Sheikh Sharif, as well as the assembled press corps.
I’m hugely proud to have been appointed as the UK’s first Ambassador to Somalia in twenty years. I’m also overwhelmed and hugely touched by the warm response from Somalis around the world. It’s more than a change of job title – to me, it’s about our commitment to Somalia; it’s about our unwavering desire to engage with the Somali people and help bring about change for the better. It’s about the long-term and, undoubtedly, the long-haul. Some of my predecessors saw Somalia at its very best; our job is to help Somalia recover that – focusing first on supporting greater stability in the country and ensuring we provide the best advice we can both to Somalia’s leaders and the UK Government and assure the UK tax-payer that we are delivering results on the ground, for Somalis and the UK. We’re in this together.
And so to last weekend. I wrote most of this on the flight back from Djibouti where I participated in the meeting of the International Contact Group (ICG) on Somalia. At the ICG, there was a real – and renewed – sense of urgency; unanimity that the Transition should end this summer; widespread agreement that we need to do more to support communities across Somalia and enhance security. Last year’s famine was catastrophic; last week the UN announced that while the famine may have passed, millions remain at risk. Progress in Mogadishu, Puntland and elsewhere – as we saw last week – mean we have to seize the moment. Cowardly and barbaric acts such as this week’s bombing in Mogadishu only strengthen our resolve.
And so attention now shifts to the London Conference. Two weeks from now, world leaders from some 50 countries and organisations will meet in London with the single aim of ensuring we can support Somalia and the Somali people better and more effectively. This high-level summit, unprecedented in recent years, will seek to galvanise a more effective joint approach that strengthens the crucial work of the Somali leadership and the UN, AU and IGAD.
Please do leave a comment. While we can’t respond to every comment, each is read. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter. So, whether it’s online or in person, please do let me know what you think. Two weeks to go before London. As I said, we’re in this together.
I read to good article on Hague’s visit in The Independent online. I was disappointed by the comments: overwhelmingly snide, and not at all what I expected of a quality broadsheet readership – along the lines of looking silly in a casque bleu, dressing up as a soldier etc. No comments about the issues. Depressing. On another note does HMG have a conflict with UK-Som trade policy? One department (DTI???) encouraging UK-brokered trade opportunities, another department (FCO?) refusing permits on security grounds? I can give you much more detail if you like. In Hargeisa.
it is a great moment that UK reasures somali poeple !!!young somalis are tired of clan division,warlords and even futile lobby movements.
I’m sure UK moved to the right way.
Jama, Rome
It is very sad that the world does not Recognize Somaliland. Im afraid that if this ignorence continue Somaliland could fall apart this will be the end of the Horn of Africa.
Is this what the International community wants? if so then you guys are on the right path, but if not let all politicians including those from the South THINK and i mean THINK.
The dream of great Somalia is gone
Djabuti is an indipendent regieon
The Somalis in Kenya and Ethiopia are leading there lives in this Countries
Why not British Somaliland?
Therefore Mr Brookman tell the Queen not to forget Somaliland
Mr. Pamba Jama maybe you are young to understand the meaning of
Somalia; I was born in Borame, my sister was born Kismayo, my other
sister was born in Sheikh, my brother was born in Galkacyo, another of
my sister was born Hargeysa, all my kids were born in Mogadishu, every
one of these people have their birth certificates, so where do you want to
put their citizenship. Mr. Pamba let me remind you that many of my cousins were born Ogadenia, NFD, and so on. Please stop splitting the
Somalis, we are only twenty(20) million, imagine those people who are
a billion still continue to live together?.
I hope the London conference on somalia , will bring back the hope to our desperate Somali ppl , who just now needs stability and peace . I wish the U.K government will work on this honestly .
Wish all the best in the upcoming LONDON conference. Who knows it may be the one conference that really will help in solving the Somali crises.
Just be careful, all Somalis these days are politicians
Hargeisa
There is the expectation, there is the hope, and there is the ambiguity. Somewhere sometime before the end of the of the two weeks it should clearly be defined that the London Conference is not coming around with the magic wand – but rather exploring the possibility of different initiative – that it would not revamp the current political process, but create a unison International effort in making sure that it occurs on schedule with appropriate achievements.Having seen the Chatham House conference ( 8/2/12) online got the impression as if the London Conference was a reconciliation one – my judgement is based on the contributions as opposed to the intentions of the host. Which I’m more than ever inclined to urge the host to clearly specify that you seek to improve the political process, security and entity that steps Somalia out of transition – rather than to arbitrate bickering baseless and irrelevant comments. That the London Conference is all about looking at how things can be improved towards the way forward.
It is better late than never and I applaud The British PM and of course the FCO in taking this initiative to explore new ideas – I am more than certain it will be remembered for where the change happened for the better in generations to come.
i absolutely agree harbi,analysis
Finding a viable framework for effective and peaceful transition from the status quo to first government for a new Federal State of Somalia comprising reprsentatives appointed by and accountable toindividual regions is the way forward.
It is nice to see your comments for this key principle
thanks,british government and i support london conference and i am very happy british government involved frist time somali affairs wish all the best and thnx and all the best.ali jira-london uk
Good luck in your new role.
Can I first congratulate Matt on his new posting and wish him the best. I am a UK citizen of Somali descent. I help manage a couple of voluntary/humanitarian organisations based in Wandsworth, London. Are there any roles for organisations like these to play in the forthcoming London conference? I appreciate the fact that it is logistically difficult to invite members of the public.
I hope Mr. Baugh and the organisers of the conference will answer the very important question you asked (on this public forum). That will ensure the participation of the Somali diaspora.
the ambassador will not read your comment Mohamed join us we will be watching on the tv
Mr Baugh I would like to know what measures the UK government is taking to ensure the inclusion of the youth at this gathering. We are often represented by 60+ yr old men who are the root cause of the conflict in Somalia.
Also how can we take part in this conference without physically being there, eg online streaming and so on.
Lastly I would like to congratulate you on your new position, and I hope that this will be a turning point for Somalia and Somalis
The upcoming conference is the talk amongst every Somali be it in Somalia, Kenya or around the doted cafe’s in the United Kingdom.
How optimistic are the masses? Very eager and at the same time less optimistic. Dozens of conferences were held in the past 2 decades but none of them was ready to step on the big toes of the instrumental cause to the demise of the great Somali State ‘Tribal factor’. To our amazement the Arte conference in Djibouti even went further endorsing the tribal machine as a force by using it as a formula to realise a bloated ill informed incompetent transitional representatives.
My expectation from this conference is a roadmap to democracy, with a plan to form elite transitional team to support the incumbent government to this road map.
The trouble in Somalia has undergone a lot of faces however what we experienced in the last few years under the monstrous Alshabaab is deeply depressing. The ongoing military onslaught by the Kenyan forces,
the Ethiopians and the African forces in Mogadishu MUST be supported and funded. A continuous onslaught of this scale is the only form of dialog this monstrous group Understand.
Let this conference be the beginning of the roadmap for a democratic Somalia.
murderous group understand.
As a Somali
May I take this opportunity Mr Ambassador to welcome you to Somalia, and congratualtions for your posting to Somalia.
I am pleased that British government has awoken from a deep sleep and is involved search for solution to Somalia problems. As one of former colonial masters, British government does carry some influence on Somali people, has closer understanding how Somalians picker and resolve their issues.
As you continue to dispense your diplomatic efforts, I would like to remind you that Somalians do not like to be meddled by foreigners especially the neighboring countries who harbor personal interests, who do not have Somalian interest at heart. We need only other African countries, or Arabian or Muslim countries to donate peacekeeping forces to get rid of Al-Shabab. Contrary to this will lead young minds to be radicalised, and the very same common enemy that all of us are fighting to be regarded as nationalists, and the heroes of the motherland. Also, Somalia’s territorial integrity need to be respected and clan fiefdoms to be discouraged from succeding from the rest of Somalia.
We welcome the renewed interest in Somalia. Conciliation Resources published an Accord focused on the peace process in Somalia and made several recommendations in 2010, which remain pertinent as we approach the London conference on 23 February. We hope that you reconsider our findings so that wise decisions about the future are informed by lessons from the past.
Key points are:
>> The international community needs to support a Somali-led process;
>> Accountability and legitimacy remain key challenges;
>> Security for all Somalis needs to build on successful local arrangements, and avoid fast tracking a state with a monopoly on force;
>> Somalis and the international community need to find ways to engage with al Shabaab – effective responses require a political strategy
Dear Matt Baugh
When I returned from my work in Somaliland 2006-8 , I visited you in London at DfID Office . We discussed the urgent need of the Re-recognition of The Republic of Somaliland ; so that Somaliland will be able to have international trade . This will result in employment for Somalilanders , and so less need of aid .
The Somali man with you at that meeting , who is a Somalian of Somalia, knew nothing of Somaliland . He and you dicussed with me the injustice of non-recognition of Somaliland . Today , the same problem stands , because a few influencial people such as CEO of DAHABSHIIL have selfish interests in both Somaliland and Somalia , thus those few people wish to prevent Sovereignty for Somaliland , and are influencing UK to avoid Somaliland de jure / political Re-recognition of 26 June 1960 Please will you support The Republic of Somaliland’s wish for independence at UN ?
We are discussing the future of Somalia here, don’t bring somaliland into this. Theirs no way your ever gone get recognition. It’s funny how you have been trying for 20 years and it seems not to be working. The only reason UK and the rest of the world are paying attenion to somalia now is because of oil that has just been discovered in Somalia. I wonder what somaliland will do when Somalia because a oil rich nation come back or still beg for recognisation looooooooooooool.
Congratulations Matt Bough for the new post and goo d luck with your assignments. Somaliland will back you up all the way in British Governments efforts in bringing peace and stability to the failed Somalia. It is interest of Somaliland to see peacefull Somalia .
Somaliland just like most of the free world is invited in the London Somalia conference. Somaliland will not negotiate its independence since its inception was not accidental. Hundreds of thousands died during the decade long war against its people by the last government of Somalia. Towns were distroyed billions were lost and without no external help, Somalia rebuilt itself and created one of the most admired world stable democracy. It is described by many academics as Africa’s Best Kept Secret, Decent Home Grown Democracy and Peacon of Stability. The failed union was broken by 31 years of deception and political corruption that ended after bloody war in 1991. The same political corruption and chaotic tendency has put Somalia through 21 years of civil war. In Somalia, anarchy continues despite the massive internation military and humanitarian assistance. Somaliland stable democracy and good governance is flourishing and its economy is growing vigorously day after day. Rationality should judge. It is time for Somaliland to contribute to the world effort.
Keep Somalialand out of this discussion theirs nothing called somaliland
It’s called The Republic Of Somalia. you will never be recognised. Isaaqs are wast of space wallahiii i wish our former President jalal Siad Barre massacred all of them. I feel like poking my eyes when i hear somaliland
We do not mind if Somaliland wants to be independent or part of Somalia, but what we need here is to use the London conference as a catalyst for lasting solution to the protracted Somali problems in the South and we have got high hopes at the moment.
Firstly all I would like 2 thank everyone who is involved hopefully this will the best conference so far. But I would like 2 ask why can’t somali public get involved they should have been invited am a young person who is been living in the uk since my childhood nd I really wana be there but I find out that public are not allowed why? Thankz. A lot
Thank you. I am afraid that there is very limited space at this conference, with attendance at government level by invitation only. But we have been trying to hold outreach events to discuss this conference at various venues, such as at the Finsbury Park Mosque as you will see above. This blog forum is another way to join in the debate, as are our Twitter (@UkinSomalia) and Facebook (UK in Somalia) pages. This is not the beginning or end of the process, so I encourage you to seek out other ways to get involved through your community.
THNX MR AMBASSADOR MATT BAGH AND TNX BRITISH GOVERNMENT,WE ARE WAITHING 20 YEARS,BRITISH GOVERNMENT INVOLVED SOMALI AFFAIRS AND IS A GOOD NEWS FOR ALL SOMALIAN PEOPLE,THX AND ALL THE BEST.ALI JAMAC JIRAC,HARROW,LONDON.
Mr. Ambassador, what I tried so seek clarification for a couple of days ago was whether the organisers would consider inviting community leaders (having ruled out participation by members of the public). I am confident that my views are shared by the vast majority of the Somali Diaspora, not only in the UK but around the world.
As we aware of the was many conferance , And they doesnot make any change and statuion of somali be dangarous after conferance .
Somalia need a help , We don’t need a weapon , We know at Uk and other western countries help to Amisom mor 1000 dollar every amisom , While somali Miliataries doesnot get any salary .
Uk leave Somalia because you don’need somalia to be a peace country and Amisom they need only also 1000 dollar and Somali need a peace .
Turkia is the best countries that give a help and We hear the radio and tv that Uk helped somali people but they doesn’t helped us like a turkian . <
Turkia
First t the British government deserves thanks for there involvement here in trying to help Somalia to save its save from other than itself.It’s going to be a hard task though i wish them all the best.
I would suggest the conference to widen the scope of the participants from each and every clan as this people suffer from a disease called clanism syndrome which cannot be cured by any Doctor except from someone from their own clan.
Secondly this conferences have all been jokes and resources wasted whereas this resources could have been used to help the suffering women children and elderly Somalis who are feeling the real pinch of all this nonsense clanistic wars.
Thirdly why should the world waste all this resources on a course which has no ends? To my opinion i would suggest that they the Somalis who would be attending this conference should be given one last ultimatum to come up with a solution otherwise they should be informed that after this conference if at all they they don’t reach solution to there countries problems they would be left on their own and the international communities should be serious about it, and then reward those who are ready to join civilization and prosperity with the rest of the world. They should not be had hostage for Anarchist.
The organizer should also put into perspective the need of accountability on the part of the war crimes perpetrated by the war lords and the previous regime’s generals who some of them are right now fomenting crimes and anarchy in the south of Somalia with impunity.
Why does the united nation and the west ignore crimes in Somalia? committed by the previous regime and the present war lords who some of them are residue from the previous dictatorship.
Lastly Somalis are a very cunning and greedy people therefore i would suggest to the conference oranizers to be very careful of some attendees who might try to manipulate the conference to the interest of their clans advantage. Thanks alot and good luck.
First of all we thank the UK government and its officials’ renewed interest in Somalia. However, we hope this interest is a selfless and compassionate one. I want the UK government to address Somalia’s issues from the perspective of that Somalis are not the problem but are the solution. I heard many times that Somalia was a “failed state.” But at the same time Somalia has regions that are relatively stable. In fact, all Somalia is functioning when it comes to customary law. Local small communities in every corner of the country are getting along except places where the international community and warring groups are predominant. Therefore, my advice to the UK government is to help Somalia from its strengths. Somalia has customary law that is the heart of Somalia’s traditional way of conflict resolution. This type of conflict resolution must be empowered. In this regard, all foreign military interventions and misadventures must be halted immediately. A cease fire must be encouraged. Somalia’s neighbours military interventions must be stopped because their actions is like adding fuel to fire.
So here are some steps:
1. UK government to take the lead and not rely on the neighbouring countries or Amisom for that matter.
2. Call a halt for all hostilities except self-defence
3. Pay attention to the third way solution-the solution from Somalia’s intellectuals and tradiona apolitical leaders.
4. Instead of talking about government and institution of a national government start with reconciliation. In this regard, help create a truth and reconciliation commission with teeth; resources and binding rulings. The members of this commission should be renowned African, Arab, Muslim UK and Muslim leaders who are known to act in fairness and independence e.g. Nelson Mandela.
5. Focus on assisting the regions, towns and localities in Somalia that are relatively stable. Provide development assistance to these places. One huge assistance that could pave the way for peace in Somalia is helping usher high way system to facilitate interaction and trade among Somalia’s regions.
6. Help rebuild Somalia’ security sector. I mean providing direct assistance to Somalis to rebuid its security forces. Please, don’t rely on other African states to deliver this as I heard from the speech of the UK FM. The AMISOM should be a short term solution. But in the long run Somalia’s security forces must be in place. That requires lots of resources and that is the kind of assistance Somalia needs.
7. Above all trust that the Somali people can do this. This is very important. It is only that the UK government to identify those Somalis that can do this. Again that is the kind of help and forsight Somalia needs.
Thank you.
we have always prayed for apeaceful somalia gorvernment and believe somalia will be peaceful one day ,thanks to our colonial master uk ambassordor initiative on somalia, we hope and pray for sustainable solutions be achieved.
kenyan somali.
Two main objective goals is needed to achieve in this conference 1.Is to reconciliate the people in the southern Somalia to form their own fuctioning government. 2 .Is to recognise the breakaway republic of Somaliland.Iam sure British government and other participant can simply achieve these two goals.
The problems facing Somali Jereerweyne Community (Somali Bantu people): .
Mogadishu 10 February 2012
Description of Ethnicity in Somalia:
The Somali Bantu (also called Jereer ) are aborigines of this country, they are the biggest minority Clans in Somalia though one man one vote have not been done yet in Somalia. In the reality Somalia lives only two ethnic groups the first, is Jereer people and are those who have African distinct (thick hairs and large nose), and they live mostly in the riveren areas, the fertile prosperous and fruitful lands of nine regions which are: Lowere shabelle Middle Shabelle, Hiran Region, lower Jubba, Midle Jubba, Bay region, bakool region, and Gedo region also they dispersed other regions in Somalia.
The second ethnic group is Jalle’ people (those with soft hairs and slim nose) of Arabian origin, they are pastoralists who invaded into Jereer Owned lands after they left their nomadic live, and since the Jereer people were not armed as they are peaceful, so that their properties are looted, ribbed their girls, and confiscated their Political, economical, Educational, and social rights in Somalia.
As we said Jereer were primarily resided in southern Somalia, near the Juba and Shabelle rivers, and they are descendants of people from various Bantu ethnic groups.
The Somali Jalle’ pastoralists call them (Addonta) a Somali term which means by “slaves” , not only to them but also for other African people by aiming to insult and undermine them.
More than that, they pretended us that we are minority people in Somalia, which is totally wrong estimation, because the areas that our people live are densely and heavily populated along two rivers of Jubba and Shabelle from Hiran region to lower jubba.
Any way the number of Jerer (Bantu) and other Negroid inhabitants in Somalia before the civil war is thought to have been about 1,900,000 persons , recent estimates (so they can be more then tribal of Djibouti population).
The term “Somali Bantu” is an ethnonym that was invented by SAMO Organization (Somali Africans Muki Organization) which was a political Organization belonged and established by Jareer People, and was led by Mohamed Ramadan Arbow and subsequently recognized by UNISOM (United Nations Intervention for Somalia) and that later was used by humanitarian aid-supplying agencies shortly after the outbreak of the civil war in Somalia in 1991.
Its purpose was to help the staff of these aid agencies better distinguish between, on the one hand, Bantu minority groups hailing from Somalia and thus in need of immediate humanitarian attention, and on the other hand, other Bantu groups from elsewhere in Africa that did not require immediate humanitarian assistance. The neologism further spread through the media, which repeated verbatim what the aid agencies’ increasingly, began indicating in their reports as the new name for Somalia’s ethnically Bantu minorities, by following what it was reported to them by the armed clans.
Problems we faced after civil war from 1990:
The Somali pastoralists (Jalle’) ethnic groups whose originally came from Arabian Peninsula were always trying to oppress and marginalize us in order to deny our rights of political power sharing, Education, Socially and also Economically, so that they have named us minority and classified us with other small clans who are appertaining from their Jalle’ clans with aiming of sharing with Our Quota of sites to other clans, by saying that the Somali clans are consist of four major clans which are: Hawiye clan, Darod clan, Dir clan , and Digil And Mirifle clan, and half clan, what is known as four point five (4.5) or minority clan which include (Jereer) and other small clans who originally appertain of those (4) main clans.
This false classification was made by those clans in “Sudere” meeting in Ethiopia and implemented in (Arta) conference in Djibouti in 2000, Where our sites in the Parliament unlawfully were given to other clans while we have been given only (4) sites, then this was followed the reconciliation conference held in Kenya in 2002-2003, and again we have been given (7) sites, then followed Djibouti Reconciliation conference between TFG and ARS which have been given us also (7) sites.
currently the total sites we have in the parliament are only (14) sites out of 62 sites given to the other small clans (0.5) which Bantu quota is estimated as (8%) among minority clan, while so called four major clans have been given to (122) sites each of the 4 major clans.
If you look at our sites in the minister’s council you will find it that was always be fixed to be only (1) minister out of (39) ministers for the Cabinet of Omar Abdirashid which calculates at (0.4%), and again only one minister out of 18 Ministers of the cabinet of Farmajo which also calculate as (0.2%) and the current cabinet as same. That was always injustice that was happening on us.
Our Bantu clans cannot be classified as minority as they believe, because there is no proof of reliable statistical figure concerning Somali clans, before one man one vote is done.
Our Apeal:
In light of what we have described above we would like to request from International Community, IGAD, AU, UN, EU, OIC in particular the Government of Great Britain which hosting the London Conference to assist us in the following areas.
1. Our Political rights in Somalia are recognized and realized with the intervention by the international community.
2. Enable us in taking parts in Political, and social reconciliation conferences for Somalia
3. be aware that none of other Clans in Somalia would represent us
4. Enable us Educational opportunities, as our people was given no opportunity and chances for education in Somalia
5. Protect our people from killing, ribbing and other brutal acts
6. Ensure our community for the relief supplies through their local NGOs.
7. Ensure our right presence in Somalia
Yours
Dr. Adan Hagi Ibrahim
Member of TFP
Former Minister of Health TFG
Tel: +252 615 447 508
Dr_adan@hotmail.com
On behalf of Somali British Congress and Somali community in Britain, I would like to convey our heartfelt greetings and satisfaction partiall due to the renewed Britains involvement in Somali politics.
I would also like to congratulate the brave action which British government has taken in appointing an ambassador to Somalia. We, Somalis of Britain, will work and support the government as required and this will build a bridge between Britain and Somalia in the long run.
The thousands of silent Somali community in this great country are looking forward to the historic conference in two weeks time. While we are very positve about the conference, we also feel that the conference should strengthen and build on the Turkish initiatives which has started recently. Somalia was in despair and the involvment of the international was seen as too little, too late and unproductive. I am in a view that we should build on these initiatives rather than derailing and eventually frustrating.
We are looking forward to the fruitful delibrations of the conference.
With regards
Dr M. G. Hassan
London
UK dived Somalia into 5 regions before. Now, UK should reunite them gain now, or the problem of Somalia will stay for ever. Ethiopia should bring back Ogadenya, Djabute should join thier brothers, Kenya should bring back NFD. This is the only way that the International community led by UK can solve the problem of Somalia. If UK, however, fail to do so, the international community efforts to tackle the current instability of Somalia will be addressed inadequate and worthless.
Thank you,
Thanks Matt Baugh for another wonderful article. My thoughts ahead of London Conference on political solution to current Somali political problems and would like to know your opinion and thoughts on the following.
A decisive decision needs to be made to turn things around as they are currently not heading in the right direction. Somalia needs to turn a new leaf to a political justice, reform and establish a new way of thinking. Overcome the tremendous challenges that Somali people face both in the country and at Diaspora level when it comes to having a solution to Somali political situation. Identifying the current symptoms require a degree of calmness and thought to the underling issues. Somali people are eager for a lasting, stable political, social, economical government. This means producing an able government that has full control of its legal territories, support of its people through election and able to deal with regional issues whether it is piracy, famine, security and so on. This government needs not to be bloated but with smaller national parliament that represent the people. In such scenario, some may argue it is impossible task to achieve with current turmoil of political, social division amongst many Somali communities including the ones living in Diaspora. However I am here to tell you people who think there is no solution to the problem have misconception ideas, lack imagination and solution thinking. I believe if we work together, rise above these paradigms us Somalis can achieve the impossible, achieve our dream of lasting hope and peaceful co-existence, rise above clan-politics and achieve a lasting full creditable peace.
However to achieve such goals we need new radical way of think, to think outside the box to solve the current problems. The International community peer headed by Great Britain need to support this ground up solution.
This ground up approach will need to look at all avenues and radically transform the Somali political sphere. Of course this can’t happen from tomorrow or next day but it is a ongoing process. However to start this process Somalis themselves need to be heart of the solution. We need heavy weight political thinkers. Our own born and bread Somalia think-tank. This so-called intellectual think-tank are based all over the world and are part of the Somali Diaspora living in US, Canada, United Kingdom, Western Europe, Australia and Asia.
This think-tank have published papers, written journals and wrote books on Somali history, politics, social, economical situation and solutions. Somalis today can’t agree on anything because they are broken society consisting off broken individuals. They need to be guided and they need to be reconciled. People are still grieving their hurt and sorrows from previous regime; others have scared memories of recent civil war. People are grieving and are in different stages through their grievance. However we can’t be miscomplacent, we can not wait for the masses to heal then resolve the Somali problem. Urgent steps must be taken and here is how a small political class which transcended clan-politics can help resolve the dilemma Somalis find themselves including International Community. The solution is use the expertise of people who have dedicated all their life to finding solutions to Somali problems. These individuals are University Professors, Dr, Generals, and Religious intellectuals. They represent all facet of Somali society and understand the Somali symptoms better than anyone because they are from that broken Society. They live among the grieving Somali people who constantly unmeaning, unpleasant infighting among themselves based on clan-politics. They see the current situation and have devised for practical solutions to not only healing the wounds that people keep talking about but a solution that would solve them forever with Allah’s help Insha’Allah.
So you may be wondering who these super Somali thinkers are. Who is this think-tank that can present a bottom up approach? They are of course like I mentioned above Somali Intellectual Class which formed Congress of Somali Intellectuals. This group often referred to as The Elite come from many sector of Somali society and current members are from military, economic, political, social and spiritual. One of their recent gatherings was A Conference of Somali Intellectuals in Djibouti, between 13 to 20 December of 2010 chaired by the President of Djibouti. In which they have devised a Somali Action-plan, if implemented with help of International Community not only will resolve Somali problems internally but also bring Somalia back to the map.
So who are they, we don’t need to go too far except look at the keynote speakers of that conference. Generally speaking that conference comprised between 50-100 Somali Congress of Intellectuals. Some are famous prominent members that majority of the Somali Community are aware off and some are not but to name just a few:
Samatar Brothers: Professor Abdi I. Samatar – Who wrote many papers and books but to just name one paper “Bottom up approach for Somalia”. Professor Ahmed I. Samatar – Also equally in his work on Somalia as Brother Abdi, Professor Ahmed wrote a paper for the above conference specifically on “State and leadership” from a Somali prospective “The Somali Interregnum: What is a State? What is a Leadership?”
Dr Farah Abdulkadir – Wrote a paper on “The Role of Islam in National Renewal and reconciliation”
General Ahmed Jama – Prominent Somali Military tactician who wrote a paper on “Re-making National Security and the Forces of Order”
Professor Hussein Ahmed Warsame – Another prominent Somali Intellectual who wrote a paper on “Role of International and Regional Actors in Rebuilding the Somali State”
And Summary of the conference can be found here:
http://wardheernews.com/Articles_11/Jan/SIC/Congress_2010.pdf
Somali Congress of Intellectuals can jumpstart a political reconciliation and process with new identity for Somalia. They can re-ignite the political process with Somali known trail and tested solution similar to Puntland and Somaliland tailored to Solve Somali problems. One that goes to the heart of the chronicle issues not just look for a short quick fix political answers that everyone is looking for today. With help of International Community these outstanding Somali citizens can setup a committee to look to replace the current Transitional Federal Parliament with a small Constituent Assembly of max 100 people, whose sole mandate would be to guide a constitution-making process that will lead the country towards a democratic election within two years.
Members of this assembly will be barred from standing for the first parliamentary election or becoming part of the post-election government.
The task of the assembly will be to act as a quasi-legislative (caretaker) authority that will select a small constitutional committee to draft a national charter, based on the 1961 democratic constitution. In addition, it will have the authority to protect Somali sovereignty and territorial integrity during its tenure; and will be responsible for overseeing the election of a national parliament at the end of two years – as well as watching over the shift from the government of national reconstruction to the Somali State one that is built on constitution with Islamic Sharia as the foundation of all laws. Using Islamic religion to rebuild the country and the society and to restore brotherhood/sisterhood and trust among the people in the peace building, conflict resolution, and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
This assembly along with newly formed parliament will construct technocrat government without the dogma of 4.5 political formula. This would be a short term administration to pave the way for political reconciliation and elections after their terms has finished. Their cabinet will consist of ten ministries, whose main assignment over the next two years would be to focus on rebuilding the capacity of each department and make them ready for takeoff, once a democratic government is elected through election process after their two year interim period has ended. These ministries should comprise the following:
•Security and defense
•Economic development and planning
•Education
•Health
•Public works and transport
•Foreign affairs and international relations;
•Interior
•Water resources and environment;
•Commerce, industry and mining;
•Agriculture, livestock and marine
It is important to note to make this process fair and simple; the individuals who will occupy these posts will be selected on the basis of a combination of merit and regional representation. Their CV’s must be open to the public; however, competence will trump representation whenever the two criteria collide. Moreover, those who are asked to serve in the time of reconstruction will not be eligible to compete for the post-reconstruction government. This will ensure the two year term consist of people who are not individualistic who are there to undermine the political process and solution sought after.
Dear Mattt,
I would like to congratulate you. I am proud of Britain. I feel you are good people for helping Somalis, I also thankyou for being there for us. I wish to highlight the importance our women and children play in our communities. Our women should be offfered better lives. As a muslim woman I feel women and children should register with remittance companies and this should form enough data to calculate the average needs of the collective Somalia basic needs. Women and children are very important in every calculative decision.
In a two hour meeting chaired by local MP Mr Jeremy Corbyn MP, the Minister and the representatives of the local Somali community discussed the purpose of London Conference on Somalia on 23 February, and how to make the most of the opportunities it represents. The debate was wide ranging, covering political issues around the transition, security and humanitarian issues, and domestic concerns.
Following the visit, Mr Bellingham said: “We value the huge contribution made by the Somali diaspora in supporting the development of the homeland. It is telling that diaspora communities from around the world remit more money back home than the international community gives in aid. Those who migrated often left families behind, and have continued to work tirelessly in a voluntary capacity to improve the lives of their relatives back home. We are keen to work with the them to help inform UK policy making and shape a better future for Somalia.”
The Somali diaspora in Finsbury Park are at the heart of the local community. Many are fairly recently arrived as refugees from conflict and drought, and have since built up small businesses that support the local economy. Following the closure of the Finsbury Park mosque in 2003 when Abu Hamza was the Imam, the Somali community played an integral role in transforming it into a thriving place of worship and community centre that plays a constructive and positive role. A new Board of Trustees was appointed, which included a Somali community leader and worked with the local authority, the police, community and MPs to reopen the mosque, with new imams and a new ethos.
somalia basic
Thank you. There is more on the visit of Mr Bellingham to Finsbury Park mosque here: http://ukinsomalia.fco.gov.uk/en/news/?view=News&id=727815382
Please don’t forget the people of Awdal.
Somalia need one government not a a divide state or clan.
Somalia: A Model to the Rest of Africa and the World
July 18, 2025
Abdighani Hirad, SOMAL Staff Correspondent
DABO CEERYAAN, Somalia (SOMAL) – A quarter of a century ago, Somalia was a country mired by clan feuds, death, destruction, and despair. However, after being without a government since the fall of the late Siad Bare in January 1991, Somalia has achieved and should be commended for what could be considered a model to the rest of the African nations, and for that matter, for all of the developing nations. Not only has it tapped into home grown ideas, but Somalis are all coming home, at last, and rejoicing in this success stories.
Politically, Somalia established a system that subscribes to both Somali Heer system and also Islamic principles. The days of powerful and unscrupulous clan warlords dominating the political scenes are long gone; thanks in large part to the Somali masses who, at last, realized that the only way to solve clan fiefdoms is outgrow it and rid themselves from the paralyzing grip of warlords.
“Some conflicts are unsolvable, you outgrow them,” says Somali’s young foreign minister Jama’ Joof who makes his home at Dabo Ceeryaan. “Our people, our country, and our culture has suffered and has been an object of ridicule in the last 25 years,” emotionally adds Min. Joof. The Min. is, understandably, correct because Somalia has for a quarter century been known as the land of warlords and senseless clan feuds that seemed incomprehensible to the rest of the world.
Economically, the country is in very enviable position. Not long ago, Somalia was living on the handouts from the rest of the world, but in the last ten years the country has been exporting cash crops and has one of the most productive industrial farming in this hemisphere. The long coastline which was subject to illegal fishing when Somalia was unable to defend its shorelines is now teeming with commercial ships all owned and operated by local Somalis. The modern fish processing factories that dot the shorelines of Somalia are all working in full capacities and its export surpluses are huge foreign exchange earner. The manufacturing and service industry are up to par with the Newly Industrialized Countries (NIC) in Asia. The oil exploration companies which a quarter of a century ago shunned away from this country, are now cutting deals with the Somali government. A train ride from Dabo Ceeryaan to Dabo Buur takes just few hours and shows the remarkable achievements of this country which the world has written off long time ago.
“Our model which is a marriage between our tradition, religion, and good-old common sense is one that all Somalis embraced,” says Sheik Salad Sheik Macow, Somali’s minister of justice. “It is testament that people with reason and prudence can and will overcome all that divide them, no matter how wide it is, and find a common thread that unites them, no matter how minute it is,” adds Sheik Macow.
Somalis, who reluctantly fled from the country and lived a life of exile in foreign lands, are now coming home in mass exodus. “They say, ‘you can never go home’ in the West, but, at last, I am home,” says Farah Baasto an owner of Baasto Enterprises.
How fitting, Somalis have, at last, come home and this country has, at
last, achieved it is potential.
—-
Written on 1997 by Hirad
USA
The solution for Somalia is to recognize Somaliland. Nothing else!
Dear Matt,
UK roadmap policy in Somalia is causing havoc and tension in peaceful areas in Somalia and Somaliland. Politicians suddenly emerging from all over the region assuming that they will get leverage in decision or negotiation process in Somalia and Somaliland. We need UK government to come forward, stand firm, and to send clear message through the media to those opportunists and convey to them their behaviour will not be tolerated.
The campaign to legitimize the secession of Northwest Somalia, which was one-sidedly named as “Somaliland” by few self-interest groups belonging to one single clan, who cleverly manipulated and disorientated some sectors of their people, particular those with the least education in a bid to further their ambitions of becoming “big fish in a small bond” had puzzled the minds of Somali people and many experts and observers on Somali issues. The illusion of this divisive force is to create a clan-based state in the 21st century, where countries of mutual or economic interests are uniting and world is becoming a global village. The pity reasons of wanting secession as they allege are that: (1) If Djibouti can stand alone as a state, why cannot we? (2) They disgracefully claim that they are not ethnic Somalis, but migrants from Arabia and therefore, have to break away from Somalia. And (3) they claim that they were marginalized by the southerns and Siyad Barre regime tried to destroyed their town and villages. These three simple reasons are all they have to back or justify of seceding from the union of the Somalia.
The claim if Djibouti can stand alone why cannot we, doesn’t fully justify secession. Their claim of been independent once and have brought the flag to Mogadishu alone is untrue and ignores the fact that there were two major political parties each belonging to one of the major clan alliances in the region. The SNL drew its support from the Isaq, while USP was an alliance of Darod clans of Dhulbahante and Warsengeli and Dir clans of Issa and Gadabursi. The consent and unity of these two parties along with the SYL in the south had created the union of the Somali Republic. Therefore, it was not only the SNL of the Isaq that had created the union between the south and north. On the other hand, the Djibouti case is different because of time, cold war effect and superpowers interests in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa area. The French and its Western allies forbid Djibouti to join with socialist Somalia, which was in the Communist block at the time. Djiboutians themselves cannot understand why the Isaq want to secede while they pursue to reunite with their motherland.
On the other hand, Somaliland consists of five regions of which three are populated by non-Isaq clans. For instance, Sool is purely a Dhulbahanta territory. The Dhulbahanta also occupy the district of Buhodle in the neighboring Togdher and southern plains of Sanag. Sanag itself is mainly a Warsengeli territory except the northern highlands were the Isaq sub-clans of Habar Yonis and Habar Jelo inhabit. Both Dulbahanta and Warsengeli belong to the Harti branch of the Darod clan family. Moreover, Sool and Sanag currently fall under the regional administration of Punland in the Northeast.
In the Awdal, the most western region, is occupied by the Gadabursi and Issa both belonging to the Dir clan family. In fact, there are forces in the Awdal who are campaigning for the break away of Awdal State if Somaliland is recognized as a clan state. The name “Awdalland Republic” is already in the circulation. The Isaq concentration is limited to Northwest and Togdher regions only. In other words, more than two third of the land area of Somaliland is inhabited by non-Isaq clans.
The question is, where to draw the line of secession? Is it the former British Protectorate of Somaliland as the Isaq claim? Since their intention is to secede the whole territories under the British Protectorate, what about the rights of non-Isaq clans whose territories fall in this region? Was it their choice to be part of this Protectorate or the powerful Great Britain seized their lands forcefully and united them under its flag? Do these people have the right to say NO to the Isaq illusion of declaring the region as one of their own?
Ethnically, Isaq belongs to the Dir clan family. Of the four main Dir branches, Isaq belongs to Mohamed Maha Dir. Other Maha Dir sub-clans include Biyomal, Bajimal and Quranyob. The other Dir clan families in the north are the Gadabursi and Issa, who belong to Madaxweyne and Madobe Dir, respectively. The Isaq is divided into three main sub-clans namely: Garhajis (Habar Yonis, Ida Gale and Arap), Habar Awal and Habar Jelo. Garhajis who are the largest and most powerful sub-clan are against secession. Many Habar Jelo intellectuals I spoke with told me that majority of their peoples are not secessionists.
Hence, the Isaq claim that they aren’t ethnic Somalis or have been discriminated against by the south are pity fabrications and unfound hysteria engineered to incite hatred between the peoples of the south and north. In fact, it is in the records that the Hawiye and southern Dir sub-clans had greatly contributed to the formation and financing of the SNM in its very early stages. In his “The Cost of Dictatorship” book, Jama Ghalib (an Isaq) witnesses the contributions paid by the Southern Dir clans and Hawiye to the SNM in early 1980s. If there were no blood ties, then why wouldn’t they pay the same contributions to the SSDF, which was Majerteen opposition faction?
The barbaric actions of the late dictator Siyad Barre against the Isaq people are regrettable and his living generals should hold liable to the heinous crimes committed against the civilian populations. However, Siyad Barre’s barbaric actions were not limited to the Isaq towns alone. He burned villages, destroyed water wells and massacred civilians in the Mudug, Lower Jubba, Hiran and Mogadishu. Moreover, what happened in Hargeisa and Burao may also be blamed on the SNM commanders, whose military blunders and miscalculations had caused the destruction of whole towns and massacre of innocent civilians. The SNM’s ferocious kamakazi style attack on Hargeisa and Burao gave the tyrant every excuse to hit back and hit hard. Should the SNM take a different military strategy, what happened to Hargeisa and Burao would have been averted. Therefore, the SNM commanders are equally liable and should be questions of what their intentions were. Were their intentions to overthrow Siyad Barre or give a ruthless tyrant a pretext to destroy their towns and people?
On the other hand, the reality of the so-called Somaliland administration is that it barely functions in Hargeisa and Berbera, the home turf of Mr. Egal’s Habal Awal sub-clan. In fact, Sool and Sanag are part of Northeast regional administration of Puntland. The administration is not popular in Awdal and Togdher either.
The currency, which Egal and his Habar Awal sub-clan introduced and used to rob the properties of the people, is not accepted outside Hargeisa and Berbera. The Somali Schilling is still used in Togdher, Sool, Sanag and Awdal. Moreover, the Habar Awal merchants who financed Egal’s administration practically control all trade and main port of Berbera. Non-Habar Awal merchants have difficulty exporting or importing anything at this major regional port. Many merchants from Togdher, Sool and Sanag are alternatively using the port of Bosaso, which offers them courteous services and far less duties. The Awdal merchants use the port of Djibouti.
The secessionists in Hargeisa have been very busy of buying or bribing the elders of the Isaq and non-Isaq sub-clan in the region to legitimize their claim. So far, they have been very unsuccessful. As mentioned before, Sool and Sanag joined the regional administration of Puntland. Awdal is planning to stand alone if Somaliland is granted recognition, which will trigger a bloody civil war. The secessionists have been also busy of destabilizing Mogadishu and the south believing that the longer Mogadishu stays in chaos and anarchy the better chance they have to get international recognition. Actually, Mr. Egal had been paying millions of dollars to sum warlords in Mogadishu to continue the chaos and tarnish the image of the country’s capital as one dangerous one.
The international community is warned of the dangers of accepting clan-based statehoods in this volatile region or continent. If these clan-based secessionists are granted statehood, it will set an unprecedented step towards the integration of the countries in the Horn and many others in Africa, Asia and even Europe. Multiethnic countries such as Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria may be immediately affected. It may lead to the declaration of independence by sub-clans and village states may be reintroduced, taking the world back into Aristotle’s time.
The consequences of springing clan states in today’s dangerous world also carry the danger of these poor clan states becoming safe havens to drug barons, international smugglers or even terrorists. A situation like this will be unable to be monitored or controlled as hundreds of clan based village states sell whatever they can cheaply in order to survive. Therefore, the international community has obligations to safeguard the interests of all the peoples and should not allow the birth of clan-state in Somalia or anywhere else in the world in order to prevent and unprecedented chaos and lost of world law and order.
By: Dr. Ali Ismael (Barud)
E-mail: ismaelkok@hotmail.com
Dear Mohamoud,
It’s unfortunate as you are one of the diaspora to think such low level of tribilism. SNM does not come over night but came to get rid of the dictator regime and make the countary into democratic system, we are very grateful what they done other wise you will live similar way as North Korea. You have to be proud of that, other point I would like to comment is that your point of they gave the old regime pretext to attack Hargeisa and Burao. Let me tell you whether you remember or not that when SNM enter Somalia they came out of Ethiopia, as former Somalia regime had mutual agreement to kick them out, the choice was very limited to them:
1)surrender and face dictatorship consequence.
2) Struggle upto last minute either victory or martyr.
The choice was 2nd option, which gave Somaliland today to move from clan system in to political democratic system.
I hope that will give you satisfactory answer in your comments and I am sure if you are not satisfied may be you are some one grieving for the lost of brutal dictatorship.
Bismilah,first I don’t want to be xaasid like most of somalis are, and I want to give you credit for your good writting, which shows that you have some sort of education unlike so many of our own people who were not as fortunate.Secondly,you are blinded by hate, and you don’t sound nothing like your writting.Last but not the least,all what I have to say is don’t hate the player, but hate the game.”Toobadlaan haku dhiman”
Sool,Sanaag and Cayn regions of Northern Somalia border regions, are inhabited mainly by the Harti clans (Dhulbahante and Warsengeli), who never signed the 1991 self-declaration of Somaliland’s independence and its reaffirmation at the 1993 Boorama conference.The Harti leadership remains opposed to Somaliland’s claim to separate statehood.Somaliland pejoratively calls these clans faqash which means that they were identified with the leadership of the Siyaad Barre regime .As a result,they suffer discrimination and marginalization in Somaliland.President Silanyo’s first cabinet which has since slightly changed ,but not in terms of tribal configuration was composed of the following:
1. Dr. Maxamed Cabdilaahi Cumar – Wasiirka Arimaha Dibedda & Xidhiidhka Caalamiga Ah. Habar awal (Sacad Muuse)
2. Dr. Maxamed Cabdi Gaboose – Waiirka Arimaha Gudaha. H.Y(Muuse Care)
3. Eng. Maxamed Xaashi Cilmi – Wasiirka Maaliyadda. Habar awal (Sacad Muuse)
4. Dr. Sacad Cali Shire – Wasiirka Qorshaynta & Horumarinta. Habar awal (Ciisa Muusa)
5. Xusseen Axmed Caydiid – Wasiirka Hawlaha Guud & Gaadiidka.( Arab )
6. Samsam Cabdi Aadan – Wasiirka Waxbarashada &. Tacliinta Sare. Habar awal (Sacad Muuse)
7. Dr. Xuseen Axmed Maxamed – Wasiirka Caafimaadka. Ciida Gale (Abor Muuse)
8. Axmed X. Cali Cadami – Wasiirka Gaashaandhiga.( Warsan Gali)
9. Cabdirisaaq Khaliif Axmed – Wasiirka Ganacsiga & Dalxiiska. ( Dhul bahante)
10. Dr. Axmed Xaaji Oday – Wasiirka Xanaanada Xoolaha, Deegaanka & Horumarinta Reer Miyiga. Habar awal (Sacad Muuse)
11. Cabdirisaaq Ibraahin maxamed – Wasiirka Boosaha & Isgaadhsiinta. (Dhulbahante)
12. Prof. Ismaaciil Muumin Aar – Wasiirka Caddaalada & Garsoorka. (Samaroon)
13. Sh. Khaliil C/Laahi Axmed – Wasiirka Diinta & Awqaafta. (Arab)
14. Ilhaan Maxamed Jaamac – Wasiirka Shaqada & Arimaha Bulshada. H.Jeclo (Muuse Abokor)
15. Dr. Maxamed Yaasiin Xasan – Wasiirka Kaluumaysiga, Khayraadka Badda & Maamulka Dekedaha. H.Yoonis(Muuse Cabdale)
16. Dr. Xusseen Cabdi Ducaale – Wasiirka Macdanta, Biyaha & Tamarta. H.Jeclo (yeesif)
17. Maxamed Xaashi Magan – Wasiirka Dhalinyarada, Ciyaaraha & Dhaqanka.( Ciise)
18. Prof. Faarax Cilmi Maxamed – Wasiirka Beeraha. (Samaroon)
19. Maxamuud Xaashi Cabdi – Wasiirka Duulista & Hawada. H.jeclo (muuse Abokor)
20. Cabdilaahi Jaamac Cismaan Geeljire – Wasiirka Warfaafinta. H.Yoonis (isaxaaq)
Out of a total of 20 ministers the tribal breakdown is as follows:
Isaaq- 14
Dhulbahante-2
Gadabuursi-2
Warsangeli-1
Issa-1
These representatives of the Dhulbahante and Warsangeli are not recognised by their people but have been handpicked by Silanyo to further silence the real aspirations of these communities.
70 percent of the ministers are from one clan family.The same percentages,if not more,apply to all the senior government positions,and indeed across the whole public service.The same percentages if not more apply also among the local heads of international NGO’s and representatives of international bodies.
The army is made up of Tribal Isaaq militia and the media is dominated by the same group.This is why there is little coverage of the current geneocide by the Somaliland army in the Cayn region and the killing,rapes and displacement of civilians in Buuhoodle Town.
The Dhulbahante of SSC have formed their own state called Khatumo State and these leadersare their democratically elected and genuine leaders,endorsed by the entire clan representatives at the recently concluded Taleh Conference:
Ahmed Elmi Osman Karash-President of Khatumo State
Col Mohamed Yusuf Jama Indhasheel-V/President
Col Abdinur Elmi Qaje Biindhe-V/President
Professor Hussein Suleiman Ahmed- Minister for Foreign Affairs
Col Mohamed Duale Ahmed- Minister for Defence
Osman Ahmed Jeh- Minister for Finance
Abdikarim farah Dhaye- Minister for Enviroment and development
Mohamed Diriye Joff-Minister for Social Affairs
Yasin Ahmed Sulub- Minister for Internal Affairs
The House of Elder is composed of all the 13 Traditional Heads of the various Dhulbahante clans under the chairmanship of the King of the Dhulbahante, HRH Garad Jama Garad Ali Garad Jama.
The 47 member parliament is being constituted and will include women youth and minority clan representatives.
The Advisory Council of Khatumo State or the G9 as popularly known is led by HE Professor Ali Khalif Galaydh, a former Somali Prime Minnister and includes among others:
Professor Abdikarim Jama-Former TFG Presidential Advisor and ex Minister of Communcations in the TFG Governement.
Dr Ali Issa Abdi- Distinguished African Economist,publisher of several scholarly books and Director of HESPI,the premier Addis Based thinktank on the Horn of Africa.
Matt if you want to get the real picture of the regions of Sool Sanaag and Cayn of Northern Somalia, minus the haze of Somaliland propaganda,talk to the real leaders of the people of SSC( Khatumo State) whom I have enumerated above.
The population of the north is composed of five groups: of equal partners (1) the Isaaq who inhabit the central areas; (2) the Gadabursi to whom the present incumbent president Riyale also belongs and (3) the Issa live in the west of that territory; while the two other groups: (4) the Dulbahante and (5) the Warsengeli live in the east. The secession has been the brainchild of the Isaaq (to whom I also belong) and was supported by the majority of the Gadabursi and the Issa. All these three groups are sub-sets of the Dir clan. To the contrary, the overwhelming majorities of the other two eastern non-Dir groups who belong to the Harti of the Darod clan are strongly opposed to the secession or for that matter any separate independence of the north. They, among other things, quite fairly fear perpetual domination by the Dir groups and their fear
Is not without justification, because for the last more than fifteen years the two top posts of president and vice-president have been alternating among the Dir groups. The clan factor is the Achilles heel of Somali nationhood. Wisdom would therefore dictate that all decisions of such importance should always and only be reached by consensus of all the stakeholders, In this case among the five common groups inhabiting that area. Consensus is the essence. Unilateralism vis-à-vis the secession is conflict prone and can only renew a civil war among the northern communities on the one hand and re-invite armed conflict between the authorities of Puntland and Somaliland on the other. Armed clashes already took place about a year ago or so between the two authorities concerned causing great lose of human lives and material damages.
One of the main towns, a regional capital, Las-Anod, and all its hinterland, which is claimed by
Somaliland has since been occupied and administered by the Puntland authorities.
Somaliland sympathizers mention internationally observed and democratically held elections, but omit the fact that at least more than one-fourth of the population did not participate in those elections because they opposed the secession. It is also claimed that a report compiled by an African Union fact-finding mission strongly recommended recognition of the secessionist entity. If this information is correct, it would only be one sided representing a partial view point and ignoring the opposite and to recommend the recognition of an entity that is not in control of more than one-fourth of the territory it claims is preposterous. And besides that, it will be a recognition that will only serve to invite another Somali civil war. The AU would be best advised to destine that report to a dust bin. The claim looks preposterous and only wishful thinking of individual cronies of the secessionists. In any case, the dismemberment of the country is not only a wrong diagnosis of the Somali national ills, but also a wrong surgery, because alternative solutions are not lacking.
D: THE LEGALITY
The pro-secessionist erroneous mantra claims that the union, which I call reunion, was
never ratified. What is a ratification and when does its need arise? It arises when an agency of a state enters into and signs a tentative agreement with a third party. That agency then seeks final approval from its higher institution(s). Such approval is ratification. In the case of the Somali reunion, it was an act of parliament, which was the highest institution in the land. Who else would be needed to ratify it? Furthermore, there is nothing more authentic than the historical events of the reunification and the Act(s) of Union recorded, among other things, by the United Nations chief legal adviser, Dr. Paolo Contini, seconded to the then new government of the Somali Republic at the latter’s request for during 1960-64, who was also the chairman of the legal integration committee. I extract the following relevant summary from his book: ‘THE SOMALI REPUBLIC: AN EXPERIMENT IN LEGAL INTEGRATION’ (as per italics) here below:
“The decision to form a union was reached at conference of Northern and Southern Somali leaders held in Mogadiscio between April 16 and 22, 1960.On June 27, the day after its independence, Somaliland’s Legislative Assembly passed ‘The Union of Somaliland and Somalia Law No, 1 of 1960’. On June 30, the Legislative Assembly of the Trust Territory met. After prolonged debate, in the evening of June 30, the Assembly approved the Atto di Unione (Act of Union). At midnight of June 30, the Trusteeship Agreement ceased to be in force, and the President of the Legislative Assembly, acting in his capacity as provisional President of the Republic proclaimed the independence of the State of Somalia. During the same night he promulgated the Constitution, which came into force immediately. In the morning of July 1, the members of the Legislative Assemblies of Somaliland and Somalia met in joint session as the first National Assembly. The President of the Assembly proclaimed the union and the members sealed it by standing ovation. As of that moment the Constitution was deemed to apply to both
parts of the Somali Republic.”
The former colonial boundary between the two Somali territories ceased to exist as from July 1, 1960, the date of the proclamation of the reunification. In spite of that, the secessionist entity still claims that former boundary as being consistent with the then OAU (now AU) resolution about the sanctity of boundaries inherited from the former colonial powers. This is wishful thinking nonsense. The then OAU resolution, which was adopted by its second Summit, held in Cairo in 1964, more than four years later since the Somali reunification and long after that boundary in question had ceased to exist, was neither retrospective nor was it designed to unravel already established institutions of its member states. Its only object was to be applied to future contingencies. That resolution would not even apply to the Union of Tanzanian by the merger of the two former states of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, which had just been proclaimed only few months or few weeks before that Cairo Summit.
Conclusion of Treaties of Protection that Britain had entered into with elders representing various Somali tribes or clans during 1884-86 were the basis of the north’s colonial history for the following seventy-six years. A lone, but important, non-signatory of those treaties of protection was the Dulbahante. The subsequent de facto association of this group and their homeland within the British Somaliland Protectorate administration was only by default and mutual expediency, but never a de jure. However, since the essence of the north’s independence in 1960 was only perceived as a transitory process to the reunification with the south, it was non-controversial. If otherwise, however, the then new State of Somaliland could not have inherited the Dolbahante homeland without the latter’s consent, and would not even now, had that issue not already been resolved by the reunification process. Because that independence would only be for the signatories of those treaties of protection, but the Dulbahante who were not party to those treaties
Jama Mohamed Ghalib
P.O.Box 13804
Nairobi
Dear Mohamoud,
If you isolated yourself and not been engaged you will be left out, Mr president Silanyo had made several pledges to take part and engage in multiparty system. Somaliland will never go back into tribal system. you have to be grateful the way they did reconcilition after they get rid of brutal regime.
By Mark Anderson
HARGEISA Feb 9 (Reuters) – The breakaway territory of Somaliland is battling its own secessionists in a dispute that has raised tensions with neighbouring Puntland, in an area of Somalia usually more peaceful than the rest of the country.
The fighting first erupted in January after the leaders of the northern regions of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn decided to band together into a new state called Khaatumo and declared they wanted to be an independent region within Somalia.
Somaliland’s troops have since clashed with militia fighters loyal to Khaatumo, with reports of dozens of casualties. Puntland’s President Abdirahman Mohamud Farole stepped into the row on Wednesday, accusing Somaliland of creating chaos.
“It is unfortunate that Somaliland is sowing seeds of insecurity in the peaceful towns of Puntland at a time the world is solving the entire country’s violence,” he told reporters, calling for Somaliland to pull its troops back.
The newly declared Khaatumo state is near the border with Ethiopia and is a disputed area that Somaliland seized from Puntland in 2007, though relations between the two territories have improved since.
The chairman of Khaatumo’s foreign relations forum, Osman Hassan, has said unless the dispute is resolved “it is bound to escalate into a wider regional conflagration as other clans related to one side or the other take sides”.
Both Somaliland and Puntland have enjoyed relative stability compared to the rest of the Horn of Africa country and international mining and oil exploration firms are prospecting in the region.
The fighting also comes ahead of a conference in London on Feb. 23 bringing together heads of government and international organisations to discuss ways to end the instability in Somalia.
Somaliland is an internationally unrecognised state that declared independence from Somalia in 1991.
Fighting between Somaliland forces and Khaatumo fighters flared up again on Wednesday near the border town of Buhoodle, after a week-long stalemate, forcing thousands to flee.
“Somaliland’s national army has repulsed the attack by the Khaatumo militia, which attacked them in the early hours of the morning (on Wednesday), after the arrival of reinforcements,” Somaliland’s Minister of Defence Ahmed Ali Adami told Reuters.
Adami said three government soldiers were killed and 12 wounded in Wednesday’s fighting.
Mohamed Yousouf, a member of Khaatumo’s new administration, told Reuters by phone from Buhoodle, they had lost six fighters and 11 were wounded. He said they had captured four Somaliland soldiers, while seven of their fighters had been seized.
“Somaliland and Puntland claim that the Khaatumo region is part of their territory, but we want to be an autonomous region that is part of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” he said.
“We have had no communication with the government in Puntland at all,” Yousouf said. (Additional reporting by Hussein Ali Noor in Hargeisa and Abdiqani Hassan in Bosasso; Editing by David Clarke)
A member of writers of Somaliland Press, Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi, has really confused the reality of Somaliland and Somali Region in Ethiopia ( Ogaden Region) by writing an article called; “Somalia’s” Terrorists are Invading Somaliland”, in reference to the naked aggression of Somaliland aginst the innocent civilians of Khaatumo State in Buuhoodle Town. First and foremost, the leaders of Somali Terrorists Al Shabab are from Somaliland Region in Somalia, they belong to Isaaq clan, ie the Emir or Leader Ahmed Abdi Godane and Ibrahim Jama Mead.Both these men were raised in Hargeisa and have a large following there and in the fundamentalist town of Burao.They are now headed to to Burao inSomaliland after Somali troops along side with Amisom rooted out them from the rest of Somalia (South Somalia), in order to join their financiers Dahabshiil Money transfer Company and Sheikh Ali Warsame,the chief Wahabbi ideologue of Somaliland and the protector of Al Shabab in Somaliland.
Mr –Al-Mutairi needs to read again and again, what has been said in past, how Somaliland members involve the terrorist he mentioned, according to Wiki-leaks, Dahabshiil Company members are accused of money transferring from Pakistan to Afghanistan and now they are main financer of Somaliland.
Somalia political analyst debated the role of Somaliland towards other Part of Somali and have figured out that the main intention of Somaliland policy was based on, “let us terrorize Somalia in order International Community recognize the Somaliland Administration of SNM, this drama has failed since the Somaliland main clan of Isaaq lacks the support of other clans in the region such as, Dhulbahante, Warsangali,Gudabirsi and Issa
The reason is, Somaliland Troops has massacred the Civilians in Awdal, Buhoodle and Laascaanood. The elders, politicians, and intellectuals from these regions asked the Silanyo Government to stop what its troops is doing, but no one listened and civilians have been again killed, looted and raped.More than 200 innocent civilians have been killed by the Somaliland Army since last year in the Buhodle area alone,including women and children.
Now Somaliland is facing political disintegration due to its politics based on hypocrisy and hateful clan system,, in its terriority there has been established, Awdaland State, and Khaatumo State, these administrations are from the Gudabirse and Harti Darood Clans,(Dhulbahante and Warsangali).
These clans did not want Isaaq Clan Administration in Hargasia because,besides the killing and humiliations they have faced for the last 20 years, their Ideology is clear and is based on their belief that Somalia is One Nation, One Flag and One People.
Mr Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi needs to realize facts on the ground before he blames others, in his article , he blamed, ONLF, and Ethiopia, let us face the facts, Ethiopia knows its interest and goal and will have relationship with any one that serves its interests. If Professor Ali Khalif Galaydh is in Adiss Ababa, you have been in Adis Ababa for the last 20 years and he never asked why did u go to Ethiopia? Professor Ali Khalif and Professor Abdi Samatar have right to go anywhere, they have are well-known to the Somali People, they are intellectuals, they are not murders, they are respected when it comes to Somali politics.
In last few days Somaliland Press has been accusing the Liyuu Police in Somali Region in Ethiopia (Ogaden Region) and insulting the President of the Somali Ethiopian Region ( Ogaden Region), Abdi Mohamed Omar, but these accusations were not listened by the Adis Ababa Government. So now you want to turn on the page of ONLF in order for Ethiopia to listen to your short vision, let me say, there is an Arabic saying that says, not every day is a festival, no more handing over Ogaden People to Ethiopia.
Finally, Somaliland is committed to participate in the London Conference. Khaatumo State, led by the Group 9 under Professor Ali Khalif Galaydh and Awdal Land will participate the next Somali Government and Amisom Troops will arrive in these regions in order to stabilise and build these regions that have been looted by the so called Somaliland Administration.
Gudabirse and Dhulbahte will need Somali assistance and if they go Ethiopia, they have right to find a friends as you have been screaming for the last 20 Years, Ethiopia, Ethiopia, Ethiopia.
Ogadentoday
Chief Editor.
I am Somali and I am originally from the so called Somaliland but I don’t beleive Somaliland can make separation or cessation from whole Somalia because Somali people is a “homogeneous” = same language, same religion and same colour. Somali people are all relatives and they are all nieces, nephews and cousins.
I have two or three concerns about London Conference which British Government firstly anounced that will hold a summit for looking or seeking a solution for the prolonged problem of the Somalia,
First, my first concern is is British government is really want solution for Somalia or just justification of making worse the condition and putting fire on bansin tank, that means if really British government want to help there are many ways you can help without holding conference for the people who aren’t in agreement of anything except hatred of each other because of their beleive of the tribalism and clanism.
Second, the second concern is British government if they really really want to help Somalia they have to help the Somali government’s institutions, like education, health, infrastracture of the places that are safe and secure and give Somali students scholarships and skill training, if not and you just want try without taking any advice from the Somali people, I don’t think is a good idea.
i can swear you are not and if then you are one of those who realy enjoyed when Siad Barre was terrorizing the north, thats over young man
NO WAY BACK TO HELL you get it
I am sure Somalis are ready for peace after long 20 years of suffering, they just need someone to show them the ropes. If the UK and international community can do this without asserting their own interest, things will work out fine, God willing.
If you create opportunities for local people, such as employment and education, no one will have interest for conflict.
Also empower the government so it can employ more people, such as soldiers. People just need an alternative.
Dear Matt, despite the initiative and goodwill shown by your her majesty Government of Great Britain help the Somali people setting up their own government once and for all, it seems that Somalis are not yet ready to rise above political football and clan hatred towards each other.
Look how our educated and intellectuals to be looked up to as role models spamming this blog trading cheap shots and disseminating venom as well as exporting hatred to their homeland.
Why Somalis can not compromise to each other and agree to disagree and have reasonable debate to shape up their future by setting up government for the people, by the people and of the people.
In my opinion, We are long way away to behave like human being. every clan wants to be king or the king maker and every one of us wants to be a president.
My people really concern me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Matt,
Congratulations for your new assignment as UK ambassador for Somalia. Thanks great UK for its initiative to save Somalia. The Somali conflict root causes are three:
1.Clan based political system including 4.5 formula, which is always subject to conflict and disagreement among different clans.
2. Lack of/low leadership quality of Somali leaders, who has no sound initiatives to save and develop the country.
3. lack of/low commitment or joint approach from the international community to support any political process built for Somalia in the past.
To solve these 3 root causes, LONDON CONFERENCE ON SOMALIA should come up at least three solutions:
1. Change clan based political system to more useful political system, which is inclusive and representative based on the 18 recognized Somali regions with strong central government.
2. Change the current leadership and bring capable Somalia politicians into the power through free and fair Somalis own process in the support of the international community. Almost all the Somalis in the country or the diaspora have lost confidence in the current Somalia political system and leadership specially from the date that Kampala Accord was signed between the president and the speaker, which stipulated the most effective Somalis government for 21 years led by PM Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed (Farmaajo) to resign and leave the power. This has disappointed all the Somalis. For evidence, please visit google, put these words ”Mohamed Abdullahi mohamed (Farmaajo) or ”Kampala Accord” or ”demonstrations against Kampala Accord” and you will realize my argument
3. Unite all the international efforts towards supporting Somalia under one approach and have real commitment to support Somalia to re-birth as a nation from london conference onwards.
Good Luck
I absolutely agree on Ahmed’s analysis
The UK will host the London conference on Somalia on 23 February. We expect around 40 governments to attend, along with the United Nations, African Union, European Union, World Bank, the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development, the Organisation of Islamic Conference, and the League of Arab States.
Many expect to send their most senior representatives. We are also inviting representatives of Somalia’s Transitional Federal Institutions, as well as the Presidents of Somaliand, Puntland, Galmudug, and representatives of Ahlu Sunnah wal Jamaah (ASWJ).
The international community hopes to agree a series of practical measures which will be published in the form of a communiqué at the end of the conference. Discussion will be arranged under seven headings:
• Security: sustainable funding for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and support for Somali security and justice sectors
• Political Process: agreement to what should succeed the transitional institutions in Mogadishu in August 2012 and the establishment of a Joint Financial Management Board
• Local Stability: a coordinated international package of support to Somalia’s regions
• Counter-terrorism: renewed commitment to tackle collectively the terrorist threat emanating from Somalia
• Piracy: breaking the piracy business model
• Humanitarian: renewed commitment to tackling Somalia’s humanitarian crisis
• International coordination: agreement on improved international handling of Somalia issues
Press enquiries
Media seeking accreditation, or those with questions about the conference, should visit the London Conference on Somalia website
Public enquiries
Sadly, given space and logistical constraints, it is not possible for us to open the Conference to members of the public. However, there are other ways to join the debate.
Mr Baugh .
First you (UK) came too late. But now you can catch from the deep hole. In May opinion the solution is very easy and you can get it inside Somalia not outside. So how can it reveal I am sure if you make hard working with patience you can solve it. Next the president should be from minority and the prime minster should be Isaq, others (Hawiye Darod, Rahanweyn) should get important ministers. This should be 4 yrs.
This for only opinion
One can evaluate the London conference or any other conference by its outcome and not by where and who held it. However, from analysing what has been said and written including the UK official statements, sofar, the indication is to empower AMISON forces in Somalia and that is not Somalis interest in the long term. Let readers of this website learn that AMISON forces are paid more than $1100 per month whereas Somali forces receive only $100 monthly.
I do not know what is wrong with us, Somalis. We have destroyed our country, displaced our people and so on and now when Ugandans and Brundies sent their kids to help us we talk about the salary they recieve from the donors. Don’t you know dear friends that this money is not from our taxpayers? Don’t you know also that these kids risk their lives and die to save us from ourselves? Shame on those envious who do not see what the others do for them but what they recieve from donors.
It is the responsiblity of our corrupt politicians to take care about our soldier and use the little they recieve from doners in best way possible. We have to be also thankful for those brave Ugandans and Brundis for what they do for us.
Congratulations on your new post, I hope the enjoyment outweighs the endless misery you will be subjected by my people. I hope you see the good in us rather than bad.
Now my main point which is I want to offer my services as I know you will be expanding your office, and you will need academics that can look at the Somali problem subjectively.
Can you send me your email so I can send you my CV.
I look forward to your reply.
First I would like to thank PM David Cameron and his government for the effort and time they are spending to help Somali people to but their house in order. Somalia is not a ‘failed State’ it is forgotten/neglected State and that is why this conference is a glimpse of hope to many Somalis because Somalia needs to be helped by the civilized world.
The Road Map is good step forward. However, the process should be included the well respected Somali intellectuals, academics, former political leaders, Civil Society members and youth political and Human Rights activists. It should not be exclusive club for power–mongers who created clan-based states to generate maney and power.
The selection of the upcoming members of parliament or constituency assembly should be based on merit and criminality check. It’s necessary to minimize the participation of the criminal warlords, islamists groups who hold non-Somali agenda and corrupt and opportunist politicians.
After the end of TFG mandate, Somalia needs stable political institutions led by technocrats not politicians that can prepare constitution, conduct census and facilitate free and fair election and referendum.
At this stage, time should not be wasted to have a debate on the type of the government Somalia should have (ordinary Somalis people do not care whether the government is federal or central). Therefore, to insure the stability of the upcoming government (after 8/12) the International Criminal Court should involve and the spoilers should be brought to justice swiftly.
Capacity building for Somali National Army is very crucial factor to maintain the security of the liberated areas from Alshabab. All the liberated areas should be under one command which is Somali National Army
Corruption is one of the main obstacles to success in Somalia; therefore, there should be measurements in place to penalize the corrupt people not only in the TFG but also in all administrations in Somalia and UN and humanitarian staff based in Nairobi
Thanks
A. State and leadership: Discussion Paper written by Professor Ahmed
I. Samatar, “ The Somali Interregnum: What State? What
Leadership?”
The Somali people are in desperate need of a strong and democratic state and legitimate, ethical, and competent leadership. The latter is where the effort should begin: It is the appearance of a determined cluster of individuals capable of demonstrating a range of imaginative ways to bring together enabling-cum-ennobling ideas, resources, and strategic actions that could finally mobilize the Somali people to redeem themselves, their country and their national state, and afford them opportunities to re-enter the international community with new dignity and sense of purposiveness. More specifically, the new cohort should:
1. Imagine and spread deep emotional bonding among the Somali people for the revival of their national unity. This means joining the Somali people to bring forth their best intelligence, energy, and solidarity, as well as a visionary prefiguration of the new politics of citizenship and effective governance.
2. Act on the conviction, and convey to their compatriots, that 4.5 as a formula for reshaping national institutional reconstruction is deleterious and, therefore, must be jettisoned.
3. Articulate a paradigm of peace that informs internal reconstruction and
external engagement.
4. Advise strongly all concerned to respect the agreed terms and timetable for political change.
5. Propose that the 1960 Constitution (with modification as seen fit) as the
starting point for the reconstructive national project.
6. Pay particular attention to the concerns of the people of “Somaliland.” This could take the form of:
•The creation of a genuine forum to hear their grievances and address those that are found to be legitimate.
•Facilitate the participation of “Somaliland” in the making of the top eadership of the reconstructive state.
•Remind the communities of “Somaliland” of their own obligation to the re-knitting and the strengthening of national unity.
7. Propose that the reconstructive state should have the following structural traits:
•An unambiguous separation of powers between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial organs of the state.
•An Executive President and a Vice-President.
•The following strategic ministerial portfolios, led by the most qualified and experienced:
a. Interior and National Security
b. Economy and Natural Resources
c. Justice and Religion
d. Education
e. Health
f. Foreign Affairs
g. Information and Culture
h. Public Works, Communication, and Transport
i. Defense
•An independent Constitutional Commission (seven members)
•An independent Supreme Court (seven members)
•An independent Electoral Commission (seven members)
•An independent Civic Service Commission
•An independent National Research Institute
•Strategic Embassies that will be justified by at least one of the following criteria:
a. Weighty and historic matters that link Somalia to that particular country
b. Significant Somali diaspora who are becoming stakeholders in that country
c. The potential to make significant material and intellectual contributions to the reconstructive project.
Criteria for diplomats
===============
i. Technically and educationally qualified
ii. Proven track record of distinction in relevant field and
commitment to national renewal
iii. Demonstrated ethics and moral values.
•A national reconstructive Parliament: 150 members, a minimum of 25% to be allocated to qualified (as will be expected also of their male compatriots) Somali women.
•Staffing of the reconstruction of the state and its apparatuses should set a quota of 25% of qualified women employed.
8. Criteria for Leadership:
==================
Three attributes critical to a leader (ship):
•A public record with NO evidence of committed crime against the nation
•Ethical conduct in which justice, fairness, trustworthiness, and absence of corruption are discernable
•Competence—qualifications and the experience to carry out the task. His/her CV should be made public.
9. Type of State
============
Decentralized Unitary State system:
This type of state has the potential to be an effective mechanism to speak on behalf of the Somali nation and immediately undertake the urgently needed projects of reconciliation, law and order, rehabilitation of the national infrastructure, and new developmental agenda in partnership with legitimate private enterprise. However, there are large questions to be confronted if this version of the unitary state is to be introduced. First, how far will the authority of the decentralized institutions go? Second, will the provinces have the constitutional mandate to rein in case of a dictatorial central leadership? Third, what liberties must be sought through the structure of governance? Fourth, what liberties must be promoted within? Fifth, what liberties must be protected from the reach of political authority?
I urge all Somalis to use this platform to advice the British government on possible solutions to Somalia. Brothers and Sister you must transcend CLAN-POLITICS. You must not look at your small corner of where you are from but look at the whole nation what is in the best interest for all but not be selfish and greed to only fight for your cause but fight for the cause of innocent women and children dying everyday of hunger. We need a government we need a solution and the time is NOW! You either join and solve the problems or stay away with you clan-political mindset because your cause is not serving the many.
Ps. I urge all Somali brothers and sister to think before they type, not waste their time, we need solutions not problems. If you have no constructive thing to say then just READ!
Thank you
Yes The British are getting all these advises from all the different Somalis LOL… And you really think that they will really listen to whatever you have to say seriously… Are you a Prime Minister or even a Minister .. no no you are either a Somali living in the Diaspora fed up with your current situation in your country and is full of uncontrollable emotions which if you had the opportunity to be a leader in Somalia could even do same atrocities your predecessor Siyad Barre did… so do you honestly think your advice will increase the knowledge of the British Crown on Somalia .. they already have their people on ground monitoring and analyzing the current situation in Somalia and they might have been doing this for a quite long time now..
Hargeisa, Somaliland
Also no more SomaliLAND nonsense this conference is not about SomaliLAND so save your energy and your time. You can recommend solutions to solving Somali and SomaliLAND problems but it is not useful calling for separation when that is falling to deaf ears both International Community and Somali Community at large. That is the truth of the matter. Let’s use this platform for possible solutions to Somalia Problems.
Nice one brother this people don’t understand that we are discussing the future of somalia and how we can improve the lives of our people back home and they come on here begging for recognistion, it just won’t happen, to all the somalialanders you will never be recognised. It’s like trying to win the lottery it won’t happen
To:
SHIRKA LONDON EE SOOMAALIDA & MATT BAUGH SAFIIRKA INGIRIISKA EE SOOMAALIAY
Waa ku salaamayaa marka hore, waxaan u rajereynayaa Shirka London inuu noqdo midkii lagu soo afjari lahaa dhibaatada Soomaaliya ee dabadheeraatay.
Si Dowlada Ingriisku u hesho. The right point of the Somali crisis waxaan soo jedinayaa in laga hadlo arimahaan shirka ka hor labada usbuuc ee dhiman.
Dadka ka hadlaya waa ineey noqdaan Soomaali, siiba Soomaalida guddaha.
Waxaa lagu hadlayaa Af-Soomaali dabadeed turjamato Dowlada Ingirisku.
Soomaalida inta Af-ingiriisi ku hadasha waa tiro yar, inta wax qorta oo wax aqrisana waa 5% sidaas daraateed Soomaalidu waa Bulsho Hadasha, waxaan ku talinayaa in idaacada BBC-da Qeeybteeda Afka-Soomaaligaa Maalmaha ka dhiman shirka eey shaqeeyso sided saacadood maalinkii lana fariisiyo shaqaale tira badan la soo dhigo Telfoono Free looga soo wacan karo aduunka oo dhan la duubo waxa dadkaasi sheegaan lana turjumo dabadeed laga soo saaro wax nuxur leh laguna dadaalo in lagu wacyi galiyo soomaalidu meel walba eey joogto ineey ka qeeyb qaataan oo soo hadlaan, in idaacada Live looga sii daayo muhiim maahan dhamaantood laakiin waa in la maqlaa dad tiradoodu gaarto ilaa nus-malyan qof oo tuulo walba, dagma walba iyo Gobol walba ka soo hadla ahmiyadana hala siiyo kuwa gudaha ka soo hadlay.
Arimaha la weeydiinayo.
• Dhibaatada Soomaaliya sidee looga bixi kiraa.
• Dowlad cadaalad ah oo bulshada soomaaliyeed u adeegta side loo helaa.
• Argagixisada sii badaneeysa sidee Soomaaliya looga dabar gooyaa.
• Burcad badeednimada sidee loo tiritiraa.
• Shirka London maxaad aduunka u sheegeeysaa.
Intaas markii la sameeyo waxaa u soo baxaya dowlada ingiriiska ineey hesho Statement Sax ah oo Soomaaliya eey wax kaga qaban karto.
Mahadsanidiin
Mr Osman.
Role of Islam: Discussion Paper written by Farah Abdulkadir,
“The Role of Islam in National Renewal”
Islam has been an integral part of the way of life of the Somali people since the early days of its emergence, from the first century of the Hijirya calendar. Historically, there is no indication of any armed campaigns and/or Jihad that took place in the Horn of Africa region for spreading and propagating Islam. Instead, Islam was willingly and widely accepted and embraced by the people in the region. Since the collapse, Islamic awakening (Sahwa Islamiya) in Somalia has played a big role in the social services sector, especially in the humanitarian, education, health, and business. While these services saved major portions of the Somali society, particularly those in need, Islam has also been used and abused as a cover up for the pursuit of naked power and other political interests—actions mainly linked to imported foreign views and cultures. These have thrust the country into the center of international political and ideological conflicts which Somalia has no interest in at all. In reclaiming the positive values of their religion, the reconstructive project should:
1. Establish Islamic Sharia as the foundation of the laws of Somalia.
2. Use of Islamic religion to rebuild the country and the society and to restore brotherhood/sisterhood and trust among the people in the peace building, conflict resolution, and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
3. Set up independent, competent, and highly qualified Islamic Council with a research/reference center NOT affiliated with any political or ideological group.
4. Explore the establishment of Islamic educational centers that produce well versed scholars, based on the doctrine that the society is already familiar with.
5. Open a free dialogue among the Somali public on the relationship between Islam and the society in order to resolve issues that lead to sectarianism. This could be spearheaded by a national conference for Islamic scholars in order to thoroughly discuss and transcend sectarian perspectives, as well as avoid propagating issues and programs that internationalize the Somali conflict and therefore, contaminate the genuine Somali cause.
7. Stress that extremism in Islam is a very grave threat to the faith, unity, and national security of Somalia. Thus, such a mindset or actions are unacceptable.
Excellency,
I hope you will be able to answer this, as we hear conflicting information via Somali media on who is invited as participants, observers, etc. of the London Conference. Which among the emerging/established regional states or adminstrations are invited to the conference? If by applications, how do the leaders of these emerging states go by to apply for an participation? If not, how will they be represented? Any details regarding above questions will highly be appreciated.
Looking forward to a response.
We expect more than 40 governments to respond to our invitation to attend, along with the United Nations, African Union, European Union, World Bank, the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development, the Organisation of Islamic Conference, the League of Arab States, and a number of Somali stakeholders. In general representatives will be at Heads of Government, Foreign Minister or other senior representative level.
Dear Matt,
Congratulations on this challenging role and well done UK in this brave endeavour. I, like many other diasporas are indifferent about UK’s initiative – based on past experiences on similar initiatives did not materialise and one can’t be very hopeful unless this time round things are approached in the right way in first learning from the past, not repeating on the same mistakes which seem to be predictable everytime.
Watching the Chattam house meeting online, I have to say I was disappointed to see that we have not moved from the 1991 thinking especially in the diaspora community which contraversial thought of them being the hope for Somalia!
I share the bottom up approach but why didn’t it work before? I share the danger in our sovereignity but can we continue to be like this? I am no politician but we have got to try and install an independent judicial system that can enforce the law with good prisons that come under the responsibility of international community. This coupled with the support of international community to extradite anyone with responsible position who commits crime from breaking the law of the land, abusing power to misappropriation of finances.
UNDP Consultant, in Puntland
thanks for uk govermaent for what they doing for our country and people.
The reality is America & France are in an election year, so don,t expect anything dramatic from them. Kenya & Ethiopia will use their “troops on the ground” status to enhance their claim that they should have a major imput into the political framework to be constructed at this conferance.
Regional players such as the Islamic Conferance, Arab League, etc, will have minor influence and only will be making up the numbers so that the conference looks “inclusive”.
Funding, who will be brave enough to dig deep into their resources, due to the vast amounts of money that has been spent in Afghanistan. There will have to be at least a commitment of 10-15 years
Security, although UK goverment has engaged with Puntland region on a number issues, including piracy, there has been a reluctance on the part Puntland to seriously tackle the issue on the level of eradacation.Issues such as aid that empowers pirate enclaves to reject and embrace economic alternatives, will only be successfull if there is a “stick with the carrot”
.AMISON,expansion of their role in the long term will be countor productive, as Somalis will tire of foreign troops, especially troops of surounding nations.
Restructuring the political framework, many somali’s have put forward credible alternatives that need to be considered at least, as western-centric solutions will only prolong the instability.
Somaliland, a working group should be set up to look at the issue of Somaliland desire to be independent,as this issue is not going away any time soon
Security: Discussion Paper written by General Ahmed Jama,
“Re-making National Security and the Forces of Order.”
On 21 October 1969, the Somali national army took over the country, and co-opted the police and custodial corps as junior partners in order to broaden its base. This was the first time the army leadership decided that the police and the custodial corps share with them the name of “armed forces.” Prior to that, the national army maintained vehemently that the name of the armed forces could only belong to their branches: army, air force, and navy. The Somali armed forces have experienced a devastating fall from grace; they took over a country with all institutions in tact and, after 22 years of rule, left country with no institutions and the society as most vulnerable.
The reconstructive Somali state would need a credible professional, highly disciplined security forces, trained in the maintenance of law and order, capable of combating insurgency and criminality, and adequately schooled in the strict observance of the law and respect for human rights. Such a force needs to be properly vetted and competently led, initially by former members of the armed forces, who are physically fit and have not been implicated in the death, destruction, displacement, and abuse of human rights in the last twenty years. This force should be properly housed, paid, equipped, and provided with adequate welfare. The Somali security forces at the initial stage will have to be paid by the international community. The reconstructive project should:
1. Establish the National Security Forces (NSFs) of the country, which should be unified
2. Have its NSFs under one command
3. Have the commanders of the different branches of the NSFs recruited, appointed, and promoted on the basis of professional merit
4. Make sure that the command of the NSFs come under the civilian authorities
5. Establish that the basic training of the new recruits be conducted domestically
6. Establish a highly qualified Commission of Inquiry to investigate human rights and environmental violations by Somalis and non-Somali actors
7. The international force in the country should inform the Somali people and the world about their mandate and exit strategy
8. Call on those warring groups who are spilling the blood of the Somali people to establish an unconditional ceasefire
9. Stress that any indiscriminate shelling of civilians must STOP immediately
10. Protect natural resources as part of the security of the country. Therefore, neither national nor regional authorities nor private individuals have the right to grant foreigners illegal access to Somali natural resources. Moreover, any current or ongoing negotiations of that kind should be aborted.
11. Terminate any presence of foreign security companies in Somalia. This is a severe threat to the reconciliation, rebuilding of the state, security, and general welfare.
first of all am somalilander and am saying the great britian thank you for saporting somalis , and saying one thing for the somalis guys this is not somaliland and somalia but this is how can we save southern somalia and make stable place peace and prospirity , you talking about clans but clanism is the part of the problem it is not the part of the solution try to solve your problem as we did and its great hounor to us to teach you the easist way the you can solve your problem in a good manner lastly am taling you guys don’t waste your time tring to interogating the somaliland peace and good governance
be a peace maker but don’t be nonsence ……..
Hi all, Rumours has it that some African Countries in the region are not willing to support the Somali conference in London and trying hard to convince the weak transitional Government to come up with excuses and conditions in participating the conference.
My question is that, what is the reason behind their motives if once and for all, the misery of Somalia and Somali people being resolved to come back the international arena and become credible partner with them.
I just can not fathom out? combination of conspiracy theories and multiple regional, national and international level heinous interests by denying the basic rights of Somali people.
A wide range of stakeholders will come to the London conference. Please do not listen to the conspiracy theorists – they are a distraction.
Dear Matt,
Please take these realities into considerations. They are
AU, IGAD and UNPOS have really failed in Somalia. Somalis lost confidence in these entities. The so-called Kampala Accord, Road Map and Garawe principles are not in the hands of Somalis. Somali people are under indirect trsutsheep and their desires are ideas are not really reflected in the current political process in Somalia from Kampala Accord to Garawe principles.
1. Decisions are always prepared for Somalis to sign by these entities.
2. Most of the participants in the so-called Kampala Accord, Road Map and Garawe principles were not true signatories of the entities they sign on behalf of them. They are invited in corrupt way.
3. There are close relations and financial transactions between some Somali leaders and these three offices especially UNPOS and IGAD that made them corrupt yes-men not honest Somali leaders.
4. The current Somalia leaders who are handling the road map are striving to put all the resources together to hold to their seats for years coming. Hence they are not honest for Somalia.
5. Some neighboring governments in IGAD do not want Somalia to re-birth as independent nation; hence they always hinder any political process built for Somalia either directly or indirectly on behalf of IGAD.
6. They humanitarian organizations in Somalia including UN agencies are really profit seeking. They put their interest first. I have an experience with UN & international NGOs for 10 years in Somalia and am fully informed of this.
Then, who is supporting Somalia?!! And which Somali leaders/stakeholders are we talking about?!Which political process is for Somalia today!
If you want to succeed in your conference, just build on Somalis own initiatives as well as your good ideas and never rely on IGAD, AU and UNPOS. We completely lost confidence in them.
Please come up with new positive political process, let us change the current corrupt system and leadership and build new transparent, accountable, representing, democratic approach for Somalia.
Dear Matt,
We need clear explanation about this conference. there are rumours that UK was inspired by Turkey efforts to support Somalia. we hear that Turkey was planning a big conference to held in March 2012 for Somalia and that UK wants undermine that conference.
On the other hand, we are aware that Ethiopia, under the cover of IGAD, is planning to oppose this conference in some way or another. We also hear that some Arab countries are very suspicious about this conference.
Somali people are frustrating about rumours that UK is planning to put Somalia under colony. Somali leaders are urging IGAD to hold meetings to set some basic conditions for the conference as a result of political uncertainties about the conference.
These days, The civil society in Mugadishu are talking about possible massive demonstrations against any negative resluts that might come from this conference.
We are really frustrated. Please explain
Turkey will play an important part in the London conference. The UK will take part in the conference in Turkey (Istanbul) that will be held soon after.
Ethiopia are taking part too, as are various Arab representatives.
We are together in this, we are not in competition, there is no conspiracy, because it is in all of our interests to see the development of a functioning, stable, representative, prosperous Somalia.
I ABSOLUTELY AGREE ON,AMBASSADOR MATT BAUGH,GOOD LUCK AMBASSADOR AND ALL THE BEST-ALI JAMAC JIRAC-HARROW-LONDON.
Congratulations Mr Ambassador,
Dear Mr Ambassador
I hope you’ll move to Mogadishu sooner rather than later. I would like to comment on the issue of security. There are three security threats among others in Somalia that needs immediate action if Britain and other International Communities are serious to bring about peace and stability in Somalia. Two of them are well documented and is obvious to every one i.e. Al-Shabab and Piracy. There is a third one which I believe is no less danger than the other two and that is Somaliland! One may wonder how? Let me explain how.
Somaliland is a threat to the Somali Unity which is the single most important factor that the Somali people share after their Religion. As soon as (God willingly) Southern Somalia settles, their first step is to sort out the Somaliland issue. If Somaliland did not accept to join the rest of Somalia then that is where the problem would be likely to start.
There is an immidiate and imminent threat that Somaliland poses to the Somali security and indeed to Britain’s effort (London Conference) to help Somalia get back to stability. Somaliland has been continuously lounging on military attacks against the Unionist tribes of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions. Somaliland forces have killed in January 2012 alone over 60 civilians in the Buhodle town. The last attack happened on 8th Jan 2012. In Oct 2007 Somaliland captured the capital of the Sool region which is Lasanod, and that town is still under Somaliland occupation. Its people are daily subject to human rights violations. 80% of its people were displaced, most of them ended up in the Kenyan Refugee Camps. What worries me is the latest indiscriminate shelling of the Buhodle town. If immediate action is not taken to stop this escalation, I am afraid this will turn into a major conflict, one that attracts many players (the Darood tribe VS. Isaq tribe/Somaliland). If this conflict continues I surmise many lives will be lost, many towns will be destroyed and many more people will be displaced. This is what Al-Shabab and other forces of destabilisation would have liked to see. Anarchy and lawlessness in the Northern Somalia is what Al-Shabab has long waited for. There are sleeping cells in all of the major towns in the Northern Somalia (that is where their top lieutenant is hailed from). The remnants of Galgala Mountains (Atom’s group) are there in the Puntland Mountains as well as in the Puntland’s major towns. All of these forces are there waiting for an opportunity to find a safe haven, and that is what Somaliland conflict will bring about. If turns out to be that way, Somalia will be an unthinkable place.
Here is my suggestion to the British Gov. As Britain is the largest donor to Somaliland administration. Don’t wait before it is too late to take immediate action against Somaliland to withdraw its troops from the SSC regions of Somalia. This is a test for the British government who have both the clout and leverage to prove to the Somali people that Britain cares about Somalia. If Britain succeeds in intervening this conflict in the North, this will surely boost the Somali people’s confidence that Britain is there to help stabilise Somalia. This intervention not least it saves many lives, but it will also help contribute to the London Conference to succeed.
I would be appreciated to hear your reply if you share with me this predicament.
TO: All Somalia’s
Without condemning any issues and any person, is better to say we need justice for Somali society and all of our political guidance to be honest what they are doing.
We need to be Justice Lobbyist and that not easy to do days and weeks it is needed to change one generation.
The way is too long!
The work is too hard!
The chance is too short!
The patient is too weak!
The enemy is too more!
And survival is yours.
Good luck I hope you the best
God bless you!
My honest humble opinion in any future conference for Somalia must have some elements of flexibility for ground-up approach. If the solutions on the table are solutions dictated by outside foreigners then Somalia will never be stable not now and not for years to come. We need to be realistic, who’s agenda is it serving when the International Community meet and discuss on the affairs of Somalia when there are only YES men invited. We need on the table a representation of Somali Diaspora think-tank, our political, respected heavy-weight thinkers, who have devoted a better half of their life looking for real, credible, honest, integral solutions to Somali problems. If element of these people are missing who will keep honest the Somali politician and International Community what Somali Community at large want both inside and outside the country then the who meeting is doomed to fail from the start because honest credible negotiators who represent the interest of Somali people are not on the table. We need bottom up approach. The TFG has done a great work in the past few months we can not ignore that, AMISOM have made a great strive in bringing security, stability to Mogadishu. Bringing hope to Somali people, businesses and window of opportunity to bring real change on the political front. This needs to be commended and saluted. However why has it taken until now this magnificent change, why there is a regional coalition just now against Al-Shabab who have indicated they are now a branch of Al-Qaeda (a known fact for many years). This is the question we need to ask ourselves, are the same actors looking for a new mandate for another 3-4 years? Maybe there is fundamental shift in how regional powers such as Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda want to fight against Al-Shabab. Maybe they have finally realised not getting rid of Al-Shabab is regional politics suicide. Keeping the status quo with Al-Shabab to enslave Somali people has back fired on many of the regional powers. Al-Shabab are not contained within Somali but they have interfered in the politics and security of other regional countries. Something could have been done about Al-Shabab many months ago even years but they waited until now. This will not bring fruit if realy honest change is made on the ground not only on military front to combat Al-Shabab once and for all but also to bring credible political process. We also need to look at the Somali-LAND and Puntland model. They have relative stability due to bottom up approach. They didn’t have AU, IGAD, UNPOS and certainly no Kampala Accord breathing down their necks to sign something which was not engineered by Somali people. They had a bottom up political change and therefore South of Somali now has the opportunity with relative Security we have to bring about that kind of change to the South. Now London Conference can take advantage of all the failed experiences, opinions of Somali Diaspora and invite Somali political think-tank. Also expand the current objectives laid out for this conference to look beyond 2012 and how we can bring a last political, security, social solutions to Somalia a region that has not seen political stability nor security for the last 2-3 decades. One possibility is to make the Conference a two round process. First round in London, Second round in Somalia either Mogadishu or Garrow and the second round process must be all inclusive bring together Somali Women, Young, Elders, Somali own political heavy weight think-tank(congress of Somali Intellectuals), Yes Men it will be inevitable as they are part of the TFG government but at least they not alone making political deals in back room some where and of course International Community not just AU, IGAD, UNPOS but also EU, UK, US and Arab League. This will be an all inclusive Somali initiative without outside interference. This process will include a session to develop ideas and refine them and brainstorming exercise for a bottom up political process. What future Somalia government will look like after the TFG mandate has ended in August 2012.
I would like to comment on the issue of security. There are three security threats among others in Somalia that needs immediate action if Britain and other International Communities are serious to bring about peace and stability in Somalia. Two of them are well documented and is obvious to every one i.e. Al-Shabab and Piracy. There is a third one which I believe is no less danger than the other two and that is Somaliland! One may wonder how? Let me explain how.
Let me begin with the medium and long-term threat. Somaliland is a threat to the Somali Unity which is the single most important factor that the Somali people share after their Religion. As soon as (God willingly) Southern Somalia settles, their first step is to sort out the Somaliland issue. If Somaliland did not accept to join the rest of Somalia then that is where the problem would be likely to start.
There is an immidiate and imminent threat that Somaliland poses to the Somali security and indeed to Britain’s effort (London Conference) to help Somalia get back to stability. Somaliland has been continuously lounging on military attacks against the Unionist tribes of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions. Somaliland forces have killed in January 2012 alone over 60 civilians in the Buhodle town. The last attack happened on 8th Jan 2012 (af.reuters.com/article). In Oct 2007 Somaliland captured the capital of the Sool region which is Lasanod, and that town is still under Somaliland occupation. Its people are daily subject to human rights violations. 80% of its people were displaced as aresult of Somaliland occupation, most of them ended up in the Kenyan Refugee Camps.What worries me is the latest indiscriminate shelling of the Buhodle town. If immediate action is not taken to stop this escalation, I am afraid this will turn into a major conflict, one that attracts many players (the Darood tribe VS. Isaq tribe/Somaliland). If this conflict continues I surmise many lives will be lost, many towns will be destroyed and many more people will be displaced. This is what Al-Shabab and other forces of destabilisation would have liked to see. Anarchy and lawlessness in the Northern Somalia is what Al-Shabab has long waited for. There are sleeping cells in all of the major towns in the Northern Somalia (that is where their top lieutenant is hailed from). The remnants of Galgala Mountains (Atom’s group) are there in the Puntland Mountains as well as in the Puntland’s major towns. All of these forces are there waiting for an opportunity to find a safe haven, and that is (in my opinion) what Somaliland’s conflict in the SSC regions will bring about. It also offers welcome opportunity for pirates in the Somaliland regions. Not to mention the possibility of Al-qaida in Yemen and remnants of ONLF in the Ethiopian Somali inhabitants. If turns out to be that way, Somalia will be an unthinkable place in very short space of time.
Here is my suggestion to the British Gov. As Britain is the largest donor to Somaliland administration. Don’t wait before it is too late to take immediate action against Somaliland to withdraw its troops from the SSC regions of Somalia. This is a test for the British government who have both the clout and leverage to prove to the Somali people that Britain cares about Somalia. If Britain succeeds in intervening this conflict in the North, this will surely boost the Somali people’s confidence that Britain is there to help stabilise Somalia. This intervention not least it saves many lives, but it will also help contribute to the London Conference to succeed. I would be appreciated to hear your reply if you share with me this predicament.
Regards.
Mohamoud Ibrahim.
Good luck with your work. Though I see the value of creating a sustainable local food environment, I do realise that without international trade it will not be possible to have equitable access to food and health care, especially through the rigours of severe weather and changing climate (which, even without greenhouse gas forcing, would happen).
London conference of somalia; 20yrz of bloodshed, more than 2million dead, half of the population migrated to abroad, 2.5million displaced and are homeless scattered in refugees in the capital & neighbouring countries. Hmmm….. 1day conference to solve all this, not even 1day it’s 5hrz, 7mins for Every president including; Sharif, Silanyo & Farole Oh! 50countries to attend the conference. Come on, UK has already decided Somalia fate decison has been reached all these dignitories are going for a signature only.
London will have a conference hosting over 40 nations with interest in Somalia’s resources, and invite a few crook puppets to represent the Somali people. It is naive or blatantly stupid to think that this meeting is in the best interest of the people. It would be naive and very dangerous for you to approach the organization of Somalia from an outside presence. It has not succeeded for the passed 20 years. Somalia = volatility these are a people unlike any other. Actual changes must be made organically with the PEOPLE, not the puppet crooks you invited to your conference. Otherwise this is the IC just spinning its wheels again.
The conference is a clear opportunity for all. Not just for Somalis but the whole world. People need to stop reading conspiracy theories and looking for solutions. Also no one can decide the fate of Somalia except Allah. We Somalis can work hard and strive to build a better future. We can not wait for UK, Turkey or International Community conferences to bring a stable Somalia on silver platter. We have work towards a political climate that is stable, secure and credible for all Somalis. One that has the backing, respect and full support of the Somali people and International Community can do business with.
first, The biritish goverment deserves thanks for their involvement in trying to help somalia from itsself. It is going to be a hard task for UK and will consume a large number of resources, I am 100% confident that we can do it. It is enough to say I am writing my message from Kiwiland and all my siblings live in NZ, Australia, UK, USA. The history is repeating itsself!
I suggest the confrece must ensure to invite all parts Somalia inorder to hear their say and problems. It is really difficulty for Somalis to unite on common grounds to make their country functioning again and well-respected. I firmly recommend The british goverment and its allies mobilize another existing thousands of soldiers to join with the brave 12000 of AMISOM soldiers whom are already stationed in Somalia, that gives me a sense of pre-strategy of eliminating radicalisation in Somalia and not to have Afghan-asia in Africa.
Please, I humbly request that all intersting parts emphasize the issue of security in Somalia because every other issue comes gradually after it.
Dear Matt,
Thank you for the immediate response. I am sorry for not being clear. My question referred to participation by Somali regional adminstrations invited or welcome to participate. e.g. Udubland, not regional nations reps.
Listening to house of commons debate of Somalia on 9th February i understood one of suggestions was 2 state solutions? which i am willing to accept.
Whether some one is unionist or separists the only way you can judge them is referendum not by gun, but is unfortunate to make case against referendum? at least give them opportunity to vote whether yes or no.
Congratulations to Somalis,
Dear Mr: Matt Baugh
I hope you and the other Somalis that you work whith take the best action and the other International Communities to bring peace and stability in Somalia. Amiin
Dear Matt,
We appreciate the British initiative and it is about time that a solution for Somalia is initiated by a nation of U.K. caliber. I am pleased to hear the echoes of, “Bottom Up” approach that has been overdue. Also, the necessity of more tools in the solution tool box has been mentioned for the first time, i.e., not just the military tool, like Kenya, Ethiopia, TFIs and AMISOM’s approach of military might to crush shabaab elements. The economic, political and IDPS & Refugees resettlement’s tools are essential to sustainable stability.
http://udubland.net/udubland-info/about-udubland-state-of-somalia/
http://udubland.net/udubland-info/about-udubland-state-of-somalia/our-belief-and-vision/
Udubland State is Somalia’s epicenter of conflicts and solutions. Yet it has always been shadowed by the nation’s other regions and communities of perpetual conflicts in all previous conferences, accords or principals for Somalia. The London Conference for Somalia is already headed towards that road and will have a wrong head-start despite its calls for subsequent events.
Like all previously attempted solutions for Somalia, the London Conference seems that it will neglect Udubland and its people that will be shadowed by communities of Nothern and Central regions of Somalia. Udubland’s community will be diluted in a repeated marginalization in representation in the names of ASWJ, Civil Society, Women’s participation, North-South issues, 4.5 (Blood representation instead of common fence), Shabab Defectors, TFIs, Armed regional Administrations, Pirates, NGO’s, and so on lead by those same ones funded their scholastic accomplishments from Udubland revenues of yesterday or today.
Yesterday’s clanist warlord cries today for Somali unity and the absence of clan based administration for a united Somalia. Yesterday’s Shabaab is today’s ASWJ. The list goes on….
Over 95% of the so-called Shabaab fighters are circumstantial Shabaabists due to the long absence of justice, economic opportunities, security and so on. Increase in piracy has been directly proportional to the replacement of Shabaab elements in the Udubland region by homegrown circumstantial Shabaabists. Certainly, a Shabaab ruled Udubland is the best in equality and justice its communities has ever experienced. If by any chance Shabaab defectors or denouncers are to be included into the national administration, suddenly many non-organic Shabaab leaders will pop up and the unjust cycle of marginalization will once again live through for future conflicts. There can never be a lasting stability without justice.
There must be a focal platform of impunity and/or accountability for the actions of the various forces, i.e. TFG, AMISOM, KDF, Ethiopian Troops, Drones, etc. that are engaged in the military aspect.
My understanding of, ‘Somalis in the front seat’ of this conference
In Udubland we have door to door and street intelligence as our youth is recruited into Shabab forces. Locally, we know whose kid is who. This intelligence cannot be best offered by a Somali from another region or by a foreign intelligence. Besides, we cannot simply watch the circumstantial Shababists from our youth that we were unable to protect or employ them in the past to be air raided. After all, we have the responsibility to safeguard, rehabilitate, guide and administer them, provided that they were not engaged in criminal atrocities. At the same time we do not want the bringing to the table, shabab elements that are not from our region to have a say over our region.
“It’s more than a change of job title – to me” – Great line and truly inspirational. If this feeling remains intact, it will surely bring in a great change.
Thanks!
I totally agree, good luck Matt and British Government with your whole hearted great endeavour in Somalia. Hope together we can make a lasting change that all Somali people can enjoy the fruits (taste of peace and security) of for years to come.
Please allow me some short reflections.
In the first place, congratulations to the UK to have appointed an ambassador. Congratulations to Mr Baugh to become the ambassador! The recognition of the need for official representation is important.
In the second place, the access to (digital) participation on the future of Somalia is essential for joint ownership on the road to walk together. Djibouti was successful beacuse of participatory measures, and Kenya failed because of the absence of participatory measures.
In the third place, I sincerely hope that the conference will lead to long term commitment on jobs, social security and public debate. Commitments from the international as well as the national cq local stakeholders. Somalis are extremely able people as we have noticed in countless occasions. That is why untransparent, hidden and/or contradictory international agendas will contribute to loss of all kinds of capital.
I wish you get agreement on one point in London, and are able to stick together to that one agreement for a long period of time.
Dorothé Appels
Sad and pathetic to have to scroll down all the nonsense:( Will the arm chair politicians and policy makers shut up and let the people on the ground speak. You are living cozy lives(many of you at the expense of European Tax payers) and you want to run the country from your proxy council flats! The best way you can contribute is by staying away, and keeping your wikipedea extracts to yourselves!
This whole thing is a farce and the fact you’re all beating war drums before it has even begun tells us all we need to know.
Stop looking at this raging conflict through the lense of clannism and start thinking, that’s what your brain cells are for!!!
Woow …. You said it all.. Somalis Diaspora are the ones that send YOUR TAX PAYERS money back to their clans so that they can beat the other clans that challenge them
… and things gets more worse they come back after 10 years and start lecturing their people the same clannish issues instead of encouraging peace and by the time war starts they are the first ones that flees the country 
….. i feel for the ignorant and poor people in Somalia…
Hargiesa, Somaliland
Well say. I’am a somali guy and most of my people speak without doing actions. Finger point all the time and not find a solution for the problem.
The problem is those people who lives in Europe, USA, Canada, Middle East, Australia…
They have access all they doing want the peace in Somalia.
Participate good actions for the country or be quiet.
Thank you UK for the support for the Somali Nation
GLOBAL TRADE NO TO LOCAL TRIBALISM
Federalism is going to be the solution for Tribalism and its limitations
Chicago boys economics (Milton Friedman) is the Medicine for Somalia and i think our people have proven again and again that they are ready to deliver anything wanted by any government in the last 20 years only limited by the Tribal CODE and our neighbours interest
Education is the solution for Somalia to fight alshababe or any other psycho how can we the teachers in the diaspora contribute to the Private education institutions in somalia now we have enough trained professionals in the west to implement the UK System (instead of Saudi System)
Somali women entrepeneurial spirit is the best in east africa but it needs to be nurtured and directed to the light in this tunnel they are the driving force therefore their voice needs to be heard lot louder than these greedy men (women platform is key)
Women (microfinance) and the youth (private education with licences which are accountable) should be invested after Security (AMISOM)
We are ready to support Somali Teachers Union (STU)
Dear Mr Baugh,
I would love to congratulate you for landing this new job, I truly would. But that would make me a bad man and I (hope) am not a bad man. What I’ll do instead is to wish you the best of luck in dealing with my fellow Somalis.
By the way, how is your overall relationship with ordinary Somalis? Is it like the stuff we see in TV dramas and do you appreciate the wisdom imparted by your Somali driver, or was it caretaker? (What’s his clan by the way?). Of course, if turns out that neither your driver, caretaker or teaboy is Somali, most of us will be very upset and will begin to question your suitability for the job.
Good luck in dealing with our smiling villians.
good article and nice job but i hope the Somali conference in London will not divide Somalia into different small states as we know that former British colony to Somali give big land of Somalia to Ethiopia and Somalian still didn’t forget that
First i wish to thank the u.k goverment’s initiatives to find a long term solution by organizing an international conference to be held at london, somalia’s anarchy was born out of inter clan power struggle that led to the ouster of siyad bare regime, since then whenever a conference to restore stability in somalia is held even the most educated elites resort to sing to clan/region based interest at the expense of the greater interest of a stable/ unified somalia, let me remind fellow somalis who’s comments is clan/self centred that they must be place the greater interest of somalia as a whole as these smaller interests on clan interest, minority rights representation etc will be addressed by the yet to be written constitution and yet to be formed constitutional institutions and systems to developed by the greater somalia goverment after it fully stands with its feet. Let those who post misguided comment understand this, However we must understand that stability in somalia will remain a dream as long as our unity of purpose/goal is for every clan to remain commited to agitating and prioritising its interests at the expense of the great nation of (somalia’s) interest, to my understanding this clan issue is a guise used as a cover up and impersonation by few warloads who made to richness at the expense of common people and the instability in the country by purporting to be the mouth piece and defacto representatives of clan interests but in reality it is not applying on the ground, this warloads use the same “clan” issue/ misrepresentation excuse to discourage any broad noble initiatives/platforms aimed at restoring normalcy in somalia, i urge the u.k govmt and the international community to use all inclusive and comprehensive diplomatic approaches/measures and also military measures as a last resort in the event situations demands as the only final option since force is a just means when used to remove an illegal evil authority. Thank you & God bless us all. Shaaban
Mudane Matt Baugh, I want to congratulate to you – for your appointment as United Kingdoms Ambassador to Somalia. Congratulations!
I’ve just read that that it has been invited London Conference: Somaliland, Puntland, Galmudug, Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jammah (ASWJ) and Somalia’s Transitional Representatives. I was expecting that you will invite as well Khaatumo State of Somalia. Has it been invited? If not why not? Khaatumo State of Somali should be invited as they are part of the existing local/regional governments in Somalia proper. Mr.Baugh, I am hopeful that they too, i.e., Khaatumo State of Somalia will be invited.
Below is an interesting article written by Osman Hassan
Chairman, Foreign Relations Forum
Khaatumo State of Somalia
http://wardheernews.com/Khaatumo/08_Open_letter_Henry_Bellingham.html
Foreign Relations Forum
Khaatumo State of Somalia
7 February 2012
An Open Letter to:
Hon Henry Bellingham
Minister for Africa
Foreign & Commonwealth Office,
King Charles Street,
London.
SW1A 2AH
Subject: The London conference on Somalia
(23 February 2012)
Hon Minister:
We the Forum for Foreign Relations of the recently established Khaatumo State of Somalia, based on the northern regions of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions (SSC) in NW Somalia (former British Somaliland) would like from the outset to thank you, and, through you, the British Government for organising this conference. We are already indebted to Great Britain for its unrivalled generosity to the Somali people since the collapse of the Somali State. Today, Britain hosts the largest Somali diaspora anywhere in the world whose remittances are the only source of income for tens of thousands of Somalis who would otherwise have perished. We hope that Britain’s initiative to hold this conference, even if belated, may all the same be the one that finally finds a solution for Somalia’s long-drawn out political and security problems.
Turning to the London conference, we consider the topics selected for the conference as ones that strike a deep chord with most Somalis who care about their country. While some issues are of particular importance for the outside world, such as those relating to security, terrorism and piracy, others, such as the political process and local stability, are of greater interest to us as Somalis (and no less to the international community) since they are the bedrock on which rests the emergence of a functioning national government or regional authorities that could shoulder their respective responsibilities for security, terrorism, piracy, etc.
As such, unless progress is made on these key areas- the political process and local stability- we believe that the international community is unlikely to find sustainable solutions to the problems of piracy, terrorism, religious extremism and recurring humanitarian crisis. Given the interdependence among these issues, we are pleased that the conference had adopted a holistic approach towards addressing them.
However, progress on the political process in Somalia at the national level would not be achieved unless the prevailing local instabilities at the regional levels involving clan conflicts are first resolved. The only such major clan-related conflict in Somalia at the moment is the one raging in NW Somalia (Somaliland) between the Isaaq clan dominating the secessionist government based in Hargeisa and the unionist Dhulbahante clan hailing from the SSC regions.
The fundamental problem between the secessionist clan and the others is not solely over their irreconcilable differences on Somalia’s unity per se. Rather, the all encompassing and paramount principle that divides them, and which the unionist Khaatumo State and others are defending, is their inalienable right to self-determination and specifically their God given right to decide for themselves their destiny. What the secessionist clan has done and continue to do is to flagrantly trample on these regions rights to self-determination, occupy their regions and force them to join their secession. This is unacceptable and it is the cause for the on-going conflict in NW Somalia (Somaliland). Unless resolved, it is bound to escalate into a wider regional conflagration as other clans related to one side or the other take sides. This could scupper any progress made on the other areas of concern to the London Conference.
A brief reminder of the background to the present crisis in the NW region of Somalia (Somaliland) is necessary in order to see the current situation in its right setting. It begins with the collapse of the Somali State in January 1991. All the clans in Somalia except one have remained unwavering all these years in their commitment to the territorial unity of Somalia. The exception is the Isaaq clan who unilaterally declared the secession of the NW region (former British Somaliland) from Somalia, which they named “Somaliland”, an act opposed by the other four unionist clans in the territory.
As part of implementing this secession, the mainly Isaaq militia of Somaliland, making full use of the massive arsenal left behind by the disintegrated Somali national army, initially captured the western Awdal region inhabited by the unionist Gadabuursi and Isse clans. Though left alone for a number years, the unionist Dhulbahante and Warsangeli clans in the SSC regions, fearing possible invasion from Somaliland, entered into a defensive alliance with their fellow Harti/Darood clans in the NE Somalia to form the Puntland State of Somalia in August 1998.
This alliance among the Puntland (Harti/Darood) clans has for some years deterred Somaliland but in the end it invaded and occupied Lascanod, the SSC capital, in October 2007, taking advantage of Puntland government’s indifference to the defence of this city or the rest of the SSC. Somaliland thereafter claimed it had control over the whole former British Somaliland, though in reality only partially.
Though uprisings in Lascanod against Somaliland’s occupation has been intermittent since the city was captured, little of this has filtered to the outside world given the area is landlocked and subject to communication blackouts imposed by the occupiers. Since then, much water has flowed under the bridge and the current situation in the Khaatumo State is one of open warfare between the Isaaq clan (Somaliland) and the SSC people now belonging to the newly established Khaatumo State of Somalia. This is where we are now.
Following in the footsteps of the Gadabuursi and Warsangeli clans, who earlier established their own regional States of Somalia, the Dhulbahante clan in the SSC regions in their turn created their Khaatumo State of Somalia at a clan conference held in the famous fort of Taleex on January 2012. This development more than anything else has sounded the death knell for the aspirations of Somaliland’s secession and for good reasons. The Khaatumo State is contiguous with the rest of Somalia and Ethiopia, and, more worryingly for Somaliland, can get moral and material support from the Darood clans in Puntland, the rest of Somalia and also in the Ogaden of Ethiopia. As such, a Khaatumo State that is free from Somaliland’s occupation is inevitable, ensuring the continuation of the unity between southern and northern Somalia and ushering the demise of the secession
The new State was welcomed not only by these Darood clans but also the TFG and the rest of the Somali people everywhere other than the Isaaq. Somaliland’s response to these unfavourable developments was to launch successive all-out attacks on Buuhoodle, the second largest town in the Khaatumo State, with a view to nipping this nascent regional State in the bud. These attacks were however crushed by the SSC civilian defenders. While there is a lull in the fighting now and then, these are used by Somaliland to regroup and re-supply their forces isolated in the heart of the SSC.
The longer Somaliland continues to use force to maintain its occupation of Lascanod and resorts to futile military operations to bring Buuhoodle under its control, the more likely that other Darood clans get sucked into the conflict. Al Shabaab, who will not hesitate to fish in troubled waters, may also join the fray. The best way to prevent a spiralling conflict and concomitant instability in this region is for Somaliland to accept to live in peace with its neighbours, to renounce the secession and the use of force as its main instrument of hegemony over other clans.
Somaliland (i.e.Isaaq clan) and its leaders have for long deluded themselves that an international community despairing of the endless turmoil in southern Somalia will eventually recognise them as the only viable and functioning area where peace and a modicum of governance prevail. Above all, there is a self-serving make-believe among the clan at every level that Great Britain, which they perceive, rightly or wrongly, as having closer relationship with them than any other clan, will eventually recognise them when the right moment arises. The London conference would be a fitting place where Great Britain should reaffirm to the people of Somalia its commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. That would dispel the delusions of the clan as well the lingering distrust of other Somalis about Britain’s good faith, a legacy of its historical role in the carve-up of the Somali homeland in the Horn.
Turning to the participation of the conference from the Somali side, we notice that only representatives form the TFG and several regional authorities have so far been invited to attend. However, if the participation at the conference is to seen as equitable and representative of Somalia, the minimum requirement is that all the established regional states from southern and northern Somalia are invited on equal footing. In this respect, we urge that the newly established Khaatumo State, representing the three regions of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn(SSC) of Somalia, be invited.
In the event that the Khaatumo State (and other States from NW Somalia) is not present at the conference, the British government and other participants from governments and international organisations should know that the representatives from Somaliland are only representing and speaking for their own clan and not for other regions and clans. Not only do the four unionist clans have nothing to do with the secession of this renegade entity but the wider international community, as represented at this conference, consider these unionist in NW regions as part and parcel of Somalia. It is incumbent upon the conference, and particularly the host country, to make that position clear to Somaliland.
Please accept, Hon Minister, the assurances of my highest consideration.
Osman Hassan
Chairman, Foreign Relations Forum
Khaatumo State of Somalia
Geneva
Email: osman.hassan2@gmail.com
CC: His Excellency Matt Baugh
British Ambassador to Somalia
Isaaq is not the only participant to the Indpendence of Somaliland. Nor are All Dhulbahantes participants to the Kahato State which comprises of Diaspora lead brief case entity. It is a mis informed idea which is meant to force the Isaaq tribe or in real terms Pro Somaliland Indpendents to adhere to the old historical feud that comprised of Mad Mullah days.
The Land in Somaliland is mostly shared and public to Somalis use. However, asking Somalis to leave whilst claiming you are pro unity i.e the land is in Somalia is an oxmoron. How can you expect anyone to believe you are Pro Somalia or even Somali if you claim you are occupied by them.
One major issue with weak states is that they bring insecurity to an otherwise peacefull regions that has its own army. Thus, by making the ridiculous request of the removal of Somalis just becuase they are Isaaq living in their land is an acceptable. It will only serve to weaken the security afforded to date by the Somalilanders.
Somaliland army and police has a mix of clans which includes Dhulbahante therefore it is inexplicable that you claim they are of the Isaaq clan. Diving Somalilanders by clan or tribes will only result in the miniorities becoming weaker and prone to attacks. I believe this happened in 2007 when the Dhulbahante clan felt Puntland and Somaliland was isolating them. Thus further proves minority clans are better off joining their neighbours for security and peace.
Isaaq has no interest in dominating other clans. Quite the opposit is true and this is why they voted for a Democratic Society? Which saw greater representations to different groups?
Somalilanders will not be coerced and threatened to chain their view just because their are Pro Somalia amongst them. Simply because in every tribe or clan both exist and one exceeds the other. It is this that is making the Pro Somalia group feel they are a miniority thus claim to be oppressed. Instead the fact is they have not been able to get their way. So they use historical fueds and single out tribes in order to sell their alleged ‘oppression’.
Moreover, they are using hate mongering against a major tribe such as the Isaaq which a tribe they are intermarried with and share a country with. This is just not acceptable no matter what you’re aspiration?
Osman Hassan himself has Isaaq within his family and the ideology he is beddling of historical old Mad Mullah is one that is alien and done dusted. Mad Mullah was not from Somaliland. He was a Somali Ethiopian who married into Dhulbahante amongst other clans to gain support for his cause which was meant to liberate Somalilanders from the British. Unfortunately, this resulted in the a war that caused much blood shed and ended up involving the British to stop the his tirrany over the clans that were from Somaliland.
My message to Osman is Taleex has nothing to do with Somalia. Nor does Mad Mullah. It was about a Somali Ethiopian attacking Somaliland on the guise of freeing them from the British Protectorate they agreed to. So please do not try and confuse issues. Isaaq were not the only victims but all Tribes in Somaliand were involved.
Some Dhulbahante in the Diaspora have Grandious delusions in regard to their status in Somali politics which promotes hatred and clan fighting due to ideological differences. This is not acceptable in this day and age.
Congratulations to UK leaders in your efforts to help Somali People. I would raise two important concerns for Somalis.
1 – UK should discourage and condemn any act that leads to the disintegration of Somali State
2 – There should be an international committee that oversees funds raised for the reconstruction of Somalia
just corious.. how will they help somalia? why now? and what’s in it for these countries invovled? what’s in it for you guys , i.e, the UK? well to me its very obvious.
However, you guys must be very aware that Somalis around the globe are very aware of whats happening. we are not very shortsighted like the many people that have been robbed of their resources, though we might for a while. You are taking a very big risk.
i just hope you guys are very genuine with this proposal.
We had several unsuccessful conferences for the last 20 yr s hosted in different countries. and that makes me little of an optimist but rather more of pessimist.British Government which is hosting the coming conference should be 100 percent honest about reconciliation and tell clearly the attending delegates that this is about saving the Somali republic and its people but not dividing them,.because Britain as colony has done enough damage as colonies and they should not want to revisit dark memories of colonial masters.Especially they should be able to tell one of the Somali-land tribes who want to cut off from the rest of the republic NO NO AND NOT IN BRITAIN NAME.I am just a loyal Somali peasant hoping for the best outcome and i keep my fingers closed AMEEEEEEEEEEEEEN.
Here we go again. No outsiders can bring peace to Somali except Somalian therefore start dialog with your fellow brothers and sisters in Somali.
Axmed Gurey
First and foremost I would like to welcome the astonishing news brought forth by the UK government. The world has seen enough blood shed, enough starvation and enough piracy. This is the right time in history to implement a minority leader to take the leadership responsibility of the country to bring peace, prosperity and justice to the people of Somalia. This is the moment we as a minority have been waiting for.
First i would like to say congratulations to your new post, even though im 15 and not that good in politics even i understand that this can turn out good if you everyone do it the right way.
and thank you Britain.
- A Somali.
Bravo ambassador Watt Baugh.History will mark as Britain is the only country that came out of the dark to save Somalia that lacked a true political friend in almost twenty-one years.The issue of Somalia needs to bee handled with great care and understanding.Somalia has been in a lawlessness over two decades and so its delicate.Mr ambassador i would like to urge you to mainly give the focus on how the result of the conference will not impact the security that was almost already bleak.The idea of the inclusion of the suggested parties are indeed relevant as long as some of them will avert past historical differences and respect the cause of the Somali people.Mr. ambassador this is not the high time to fragment Somalia into a tinny territories that can not at the end solve its problems.Moreover,The conference should avoid to invite individuals who committed past crimes in Somalia and those that will seem to be self-centered and would tend to suit their interests.Also it would be a best idea to strengthen the existing regional state as Somalia have been witnessing the formation of regional states.Thank you.
Thank you very much for offering us this forum to discuss our views on Somalia. We welcome you warmly as Britian Ambassador in Somalia.
I think what we need is grass-roots involvement to correct the political process. We also need some structure corrections before Somalia transitions into parmanent government. If for example the current Federal Unitary System them is taken. What is missing from the current charter is separation of powers. We need the executive to have defined powers. We also need to know who should be a ceremonial head of state the President or the Prime Minister. We want the parlaiment to be have direct representation from the people and a bichamberial system. With House of Dugeyda tradional elders, intellectuals, and retired politicians that is elected and not appointed that views legislation, that studies policies at the federal level and gets the bills and acts to be third-time back to parliament.The parlaiment should be supreme and the Prime Minister the head of state and should have most of the power invested in him. If he loses the confidence of the parlaiment he/she should step down. Elections should be held fixed times. The role of the parliament speaker should be limited to that of decorum and tie-breaking if necessary. We want the good governance and responsible government that can only govern so long as it has the confidence of the people. We want first-past-the-election post system with some proportional representationthe party with most candidate across electorial districts federally to rule. We also want a constitutional court that is independent of the the legislative, the judiciary, and the excutive. The suppreme court judges should be appointed but they cannot be fired niether by parliament or by the Prime Minister. It should have either 9 judges or 12 judges and work on the oppions of the majority in legal matter. Father arraingement and its legality and the its independece should be defined by law.
We also want the independence of parliament and its limited members of parliament no more than 120 and no more than 120 in the other house of representatives. Both chambres should be elected and should face the people and their electorial districts based on political platforms, idealogy, visions, it should be a hatre-crime for a candidate to run on the basis of tribal ground, and candidates that run on such bases should be investigated by the constitutional courts and the electorial commission and if found guilt of such offences should be put behind bars by an independent civilian court system.
We want also distinct federal, regional, and municipal governments responsibilities. I have used to following in mind:
If Somalia decides to go along the path Unitary Central Federalist State then I suggest that the Somali government, regional states, and administrations, and autonomous states within is Somalia should respect the juridiction of the Federal government. In studying countries around the world that have federal state systems. These should be the exclusive powers of the federal government and the regions should not be able to pass or enact legislation concerning these areas that are of exclusive jurisdiction and nature to the federal government of Somalia if the Federal System is finally chosen. I have came across these key areas and domains of exclusivity for the Federal government and is solely the jurisdictions of the federal government:
*Peace, Public Protection, Responsible Government, Transparency, Accountablity, Law and Order
*Any form of Federal Taxation
International/interprovincial trade and commerce, communications & transportation
*Banking and currency and the Central Bank of the Federal Government
*Foreign affairs (treaties and treaties signed with foreign nations)
*Military and the National Armed Forces including the Airforce and the Navy
*Criminal law and Federal Prisons (penitentiaries)
*Citizenship and Naturalization and Passaport Office
*National Standards such as weights, measures, copyrights, patents
*Minority and religious Groups Rights and their Language rights Protection in all States and Regional Governments
*Risidual powers, declaratory power, disallowance, and zoning for national parks and protected grass-lands and wild life and at risk species should be a federal responsibility.
*Pension and Employment Insurance.
*Intra-regional trade and businesses that want to operate Federally suck as domistic carriers
*National Registry of Births, Deaths, and Statistics of the nation
*Mobility rights and Somali Bill of Rights enforcement
*Federal Police Forces which is known for historical reason Somali Mounted Police (Daraawiish)
*Environmental Policy and Policy studies
*Foreign Policy and National Security and the National Secret Services
*National Aviation and the regulation that govern pirate and public carriers for domestic markets
*International Airports and Ports
*Posts and Post Office Services with some sort of nation wide distribution system deviced and house numbering and street marking maintained by year municipality and regional state with state ZIP code or Postal Code planned and implemented
These areas could be areas that regional states, the federal government share responsibility:Since some of the issues affect the regional state as well these in particular should be of joint-jurisdiction:
Immigration
Agriculture
Pensions
These are should be of regional or state level government juristiction and the federal government except help transfers and equation payments and national standards of justice, education, policing, and so on; the federal government shall have no jurisdiction and ablity to enact legislation concerning these areas of responsibility:
*Anything local or private in nature
*Direct taxation
*State or regional state lands and natural resources with federal loyalties and environmental policies respected and levied
*hospitals (health sector)
*Education
*The Well-being and the welfare of the citizens of that particular region and social programs whether delivered by religious organization or the state level
*municipalities of that region and electoral districts etheir based on the 18 regions district model or based on the colonial administrations 8 regions model but none of the new ramshackle system.
*Local Public Works: With Public Works of Somalia Concentrating Areas of Federal nature such as Trans-Somalia, any future national rail way links, the airports are Federal Responsibility even if the province runs it. *Local works
*Administration of justice
*Property and civil rights
*Cooperatives banks such as the Agricultural Cooperative banks, savings banks, I see overlap here and it could be negotiated but national standards should be followed.
*State only Roads and highways and so on.
*Local Ports administration with some federal oversight and responsiblity for security and controlled substances and weapons and firearmes and prohibited substances
These areas should should be areas that is solely government and in the perogative of the municipal authority with national wide accepted practices and legally defined juridiction for the municipal government responsiblity should include this:
*garbage
*local police
*fire and fire services
*licences and zoning of land, and land titles and land based taxes
*Local school boards that implement the region state educational policy with follows national standards requirement for higher education preparation.
*recycling and environmental stewardship programs
*libraries, street furniture, and local streets maintainance and building
local beautification,path ways, desert sandstorms cleaning and removal from local streets.
*other
Fixed election times both federally, state-level government, and municipal level government. With clarity and purpose federalism is not bad. But with trying to master power beyond one regional states capability and the ambition of its residents over the residents of the rest of nation it could be disasterous. Obiviously, the state is about recognizing the competing interests of all the parties involved.
Political stability way forward for Somalia:
1) I feel 2 state solution will be the best option after August 2012.
Somaliland and Somalia.
but before you do that need independence referendum at North of Somalia(British Somaliland) similar to South Sudan under United Nations for recognition if the majority vote we need indepedent state.
2) Let Hargeisa take care of Somalia after August 2012.
3) Making another TFG with support of AMISOM, can not be succesfull when you look history or similar conflicts either in Iraq or Afganistan.
I am sorry to say but you are part of the problem today, calling a two state solution this is not Palestine and Israel this is Somalia. Somalia has already a one state solution but nobody put it to the ground yet.
Greetings to all – and particularly to H.E. The Ambassodor.
I am a member of “SES – Somali Environ – Society” an MBA from “Sheffield Hallam University” currently manging “SCCS” in Sheff.
This my second suggestion and all I am calling for is the inclusion of ” Environmental degradation” in the conference agenda. To my opinion this is one of the core issues in my befallen country. Yes, one may say we are talking about ” the fate of Humans” but, I am saying that ” Environmental Issues” are the bases , they are part and parcel of the life. I have cried days when I saw a barren country totally different from the one I used to live two decades back and how the wild life has disappeared or vanished altogather.
I can imagine how it is frustrating to accomodate all, but, please let us prioritise issues based on their imporatnce.
On poilitical agenda – Let us consult as much “Somalis” as possible before taking definitive steps – consult community leaders and alike.
Good news the British have finally shown interest for Somalia, thanks to Allah that gave my land some oil.
Dear Matt,
Please do for Somalia what you would like Somalia to do for you. What you do for us today will be a successful investment for you tomorrow. GREAT Britain conference should produce great results for Somalis recovery and development.
to be highly successful, The most useful thing is to achieve a sound new political process, resulting qualified and capable leaders in the near future. We have every thing in our country, but we are missing ”Qualified Leaders”
Somalia needs a step-change in effort
thanks to Britain
but the most important thing is: not to repeat the old mistakes
to hold an acoference, seprate help to regions ,challenging parts
and to lose alot of time with NGOs which have no effective role in somali policy.
what we need is the establishment of a new non transitional institutions, which will make the base of A political system that satisfies the majority.
this transitional institutions needs to translate the new international approach to real steps:
* financial help
* political help
* military and administrative help
points to be avoided:
* Get rid of the interference of neighboring countries, especially Kenya and Ethiopia
* any of foreign troops presence will be part of dilemma
Can guarantee the security of the region and the world, only a strong government in Somalia with effective powers
On 23 February senior representatives from over 40 governments and multi-lateral organisations will come together in London with the aim of delivering a new international approach to Somalia. They will discuss how the international community can step-up its efforts to tackle both the root causes and effects of the problems in the country.
So to be succeeded this approach I would like to suggest these.
• Establishment new place for Somali capital for next three years to avoid Mogadishu unpredictable situation that could be central of Somalia like Gal-gadud region, to located AMISOM there, around three thousand is enough to cope a security and it is a good place to starting Somali new rebirth and peace processes.
• Terrorism: to ask our self who’s born AL-shabab? When we get answer simple we can destroyed them easily. Wahabisim is the creator of Al-shabab so replace Wahabisim to sufisim.
• Piracy: poverty is father of Piracy so create more jobs the youth will divert.
Many like me hope whole heartedly that London Conference will be a great success but my mind tells me it may not. I am not a skeptic but a optimistic thinker, when I look around the world and try to understand who is helping Somalia, I see several parallel operational that are running simultaneously, all of which are planning some sort of momentum shift to help solve the Somali problem. However because so many countries suddenly became “Mother Teresa” it is not clear whether International Community, for one are serious in their efforts for the sake of Somali people or have their own agenda to solve whether it is security, piracy or combat terrorism and two are united in a coordinated and structured support to reestablish a United Sovereign nation in Somalia.
Now as I was saying there are several parallel operations in fact there are seven parallel operational running simultaneously and to what end and to who’s benefit.
The first plan is Kenya/Ethiopia (IGAD) strategy for Lower and Middle Jubba, Gedo, Bay and Bakol. This strategy is beautiful summiries by Somali animation artist “Amin Amir” in picture he explains“President Kibaki is asking PM Meles to leave the areas liberated by Kenyan forces after massacring Al Shabab and civilians. But PM Meles Zenawi refused and responded by saying, “you don’t know anything. I have been manipulating this country in the past 20 years.” Therefore, PM Meles relaxes on the bleeding Somalia. This animated picture which you can search on google for many Somalis defines the strategy how these two countries are behaving on the ground and could share the control of those regions independently from the rest of Somalia. Ofcourse from International Community they don’t see this side of coin but it is important for International Community to know and understand what Somalis at large think and why they are concerned their country is now occupied by outside forces. At large majority of the Somalis are quiet about this but to what end and how long? What is the long term plan from the International Community at large to rejuvenate the area and give it under the full control of Somali National Army under the leadership of Somali National Federal Government.
The second plan is IGAD/AU/UN strategy developed in Addis Ababa by a Joint Task Force of bureaucrats. Majority of Somalis don’t feel anything good is coming out of this plan except continues of current status quo as long as possible so that Somalia ceases to exist as a nation in the long term. This plan has international attraction because it experiments new precedence for the cooperation between regional/continental and international organizations. The plan submitted by IGAD/AU to the UN Security Council deals chiefly with security matters and conditions the establishment of Government in Somalia to the success of security goals which at this rate to be honest could take more than 15 years if they seriously don’t get Super-power like (US, UK, NATO, Russia, China) Military ground support both logistic and strategically support. Currently we all know Al Shabab withdrew from Mogadishu on August 2011 and after six months AMISOM/TFG forces moved less than three miles with huge cost. Again this is what IGAD/AU/UN Military strategy continues to push at any International Conference including at the UN Security Council. IGAD/AU/UN tells donor countries they can do the job if they get more man power which means more MONEY! Is International Community really serious and planning to throw more money down the drain?
The third plan is the UK led London Conference on Somalia, which has started with the hope of state building in Somalia but now it recycles the roadmap themes. The plan introduces a new element which is called a Joint Financial Management Board. The High Level Political Committee and the Joint Security Committee established in Djibouti, and the Joint Financial Management Board expected to be established in London will constitute the instruments (institutions) of illegal International Trusteeship Administration on Somalia. In the context of London Conference, it has been circulated an Italian proposal which advocates a 16 months of UN/AU Trusteeship or what it is called Transitional Administration on Somalia. The Italian proposal has formally documented the total failure of the TFG and international efforts. Theoretically, the proposal is far better than the current situation of TFG’s vassal model or what Prof Afyare Elmi called “stealth trusteeship” on Somalia under disparate actors. These are just rumors but British Government can comment on this 3rd plan on the table for Somalia. Personally I give this plan a Go except not under the trustee of AU but either under a coalition of governments representatives are off UK, US, Turkey, EU, Arab League under a UN flag, here is why and my thoughts. Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) headed at the time by L. Paul Bremer who was U.S. Presidential Envoy and Administrator in Iraq. He was frequently called Ambassador by numerous media organizations even though he was not US ambassador to Iraq, and there was no U.S. diplomatic mission in Iraq at that time. However it is noted that under his leadership, it was one of the important phases that Iraq went through and his administration guided a country out of turmoil at time when it was greatly needed. Because Iraq after the 2nd Gulf War, Saddam fail, the country was in chaos, almost at bring of civil war, and the Americans put a Trustee Transitional Administration known as caretaker government CPA, one that built the nation from ground up and restored vital security and stability to the ground. This was an important phase of what we know Iraq today. If Iraq today didn’t have this level of support as they did get from a super-power US we wouldn’t have Iraq we have today a stable Iraq which has full control of its territory. However this plan can’t go into existence without the full support and consultation of the Somali people and clear Roadmap set out to explain the phases of this plan and when/how it will end.
The fourth plan is sponsored by Ethiopia for the disintegration and destabilization of Somaliland. This plan covers the creation of Khatumo State and Awdal State. In spite of the fact that the Ethiopian forces escorted the participants of Talex Conference, some believed that the efforts led by former Prime Minister Prof. Ali Khalif, Dr. Ali Isse Abdi and Abdikarim Jama for the creation of Khatumo State will help Somalia’s unity. But emerging information indicates that Khatumo State and Awdal State are more prone to join the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia rather than unite with Somaliland, Puntland or Somalia. These developments could ignite new political dynamics that could produce serious consequences in the future.
The fifth plan is the roadmap and the Garowe Principles owned and managed by UNPOS through the TFG and Puntland. The central aim of this plan is to produce a federal constitution before March 2012 and new parliament using a 4.5 formula a known failed political formula which majority of Somalis are completely against. The plan extends the TFG vassal model for another four years.
The sixth plan is the counter-terrorism operations executed by multiple security contractors under the US Government control. This plan works with the intelligence and other independent local contractors.
The seventh plan is sponsored by the Government of Turkey. It focuses on humanitarian, relief and social development needs. It leaves out the political and security matters or governance issues all together.
The TFG as a government has no input or role in all these plans because everyone knows its ineptitude. It is figuratively responsible for the acknowledgement of their ownership. All plans are disconnected from the Somali reality, interests and needs.
Another concern, please check this http://tinyurl.com/885gb75 it is a Somali map which looks at who is in control in Somalia. It considers Somalia as country with territory only exists below Galkaio. This is the operational map for the international community. Second it indicates the different areas of new Somalia controlled by foreign forces and local Militia supported by Ethiopia. Third, it shows Somaliland as self declared country assuming that Somaliland is not part of Somalia. This map exhibits worrying and concerns that there is agenda to breakup Somalia into smaller nations.
While the declared aims of London conference are inspiring, it is fair to say that, based on the conference’s details, the London Conference disregarded Somalia’s expectation for self-governance and it is far from addressing the real problem of Somalia which is the formation of the Somali State. The actions of the International Community, Al Shabab and the TFG leaders are precipitating Somalia’s complete demise. Somalia and Somalis whether they are aware of it or not face two situations of either to sink or swim collectively. Only Somali Citizen patriots can save Somalia. Ambassador David Shinn stated rightly that he doubts that it will be possible to end the conflict in Somalia unless the Somalis huddle to discuss their future at their expenses inside Somalia without foreign participation and the time is now before it is too late.
I would lıke to thank the Brıtısh government for ıt’s efforts helpıng the Somali people and I welcome the upcoming London conference, which I hope will be fruitful.
I also welcome the appointment of Amb. Matt Baugh as the UK’s new ambassador to Somalia.
The Telegraph wrote an interesting article today:
Heading: “Militants may be free to control Somalia’s south”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/somalia/9086599/Al-Shabaab-Militants-may-be-free-to-control-Somalias-south.html
This interesting article on Somalia mentions exactly what I thought the British are planning ahead of the London Conference see previous post “plan 3”
“leaked draft of the summit’s proposed communique, released yesterday, states that the country’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) must be dissolved as soon as August to help “turn the tide” of chaos.
It would be replaced with a constituent assembly that draws up a constitution and oversees a caretaker government in the run-up to democratic elections, according to the document.”
If this is the case, there is plan to have militants roaming freely in the South of Somalia and all efforts will be focused on liberated parts from Al-Shabab then already this plan is complete failure totally doomed if parts of the south will be left in the hands of Terrorist Al-Qaeda and Al-Shabab!!! What is the point of setting up a caretaker government and pouring money to AMISOM? If AU can’t do the job then don’t give me the money they asking for. AMISOM must be accountable, if they don’t achieve their military objectives in set time, donor countries need to put resources into building a professional Somali force for Somalia. A National Somali Army, this must have the backing of International Community, we must invest resources into building a serious Army that can take care of its territory and borders. This army must be well trained with backing of International Force. International Force must be considered to defeat Al-Shabab quickly and swiftly. No point setting up a caretaker government if Military objectives are not met.
The Telegraph wrote an interesting article today:
Heading: “Militants may be free to control Somalia’s south”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/somalia/9086599/Al-Shabaab-Militants-may-be-free-to-control-Somalias-south.html
This interesting article on Somalia mentions exactly what I thought the British are planning ahead of the London Conference see previous post “plan 3”
“leaked draft of the summit’s proposed communique, released yesterday, states that the country’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) must be dissolved as soon as August to help “turn the tide” of chaos.
It would be replaced with a constituent assembly that draws up a constitution and oversees a caretaker government in the run-up to democratic elections, according to the document.”
If this is the case, there is plan to have militants roaming freely in the South of Somalia and all efforts will be focused on liberated parts from Al-Shabab then already this plan is complete failure totally doomed if parts of the south will be left in the hands of Terrorist Al-Qaeda and Al-Shabab!!! What is the point of setting up a caretaker government and pouring money to AMISOM? If AU can’t do the job then don’t give “them” the money they asking for. AMISOM must be accountable, if they don’t achieve their military objectives in set time, donor countries need to put resources into building a professional Somali force for Somalia. A National Somali Army, this must have the backing of International Community, we must invest resources into building a serious Army that can take care of its territory and borders. This army must be well trained with backing of International Force. International Force must be considered to defeat Al-Shabab quickly and swiftly. No point setting up a caretaker government if Military objectives are not met.
If donor countries are honest they should build Somali Military they are the ones who can defeat Al- shabaab and Al_Qadia which is really originated from the west – I think it is another tactic re-salve the already suffering Somlis.
Greets, his excellency Matt, your members of staff and users of this blog. Earlier this week, I have posted rumours that Somali Government, regional actors and some lower ranking regional envoys including the UN are undermining the London Somali Conference to rush through so-called ” Road Map” to dictate the Agenda and have more claws into the meeting as well as prevent from any change in the status quo but instead guarantee more support from the international community to carry on their rampant corruption and back-door hand-picked selection among themselves in the support of regional actors.
This is another twenty or more years of hardship and suffering for the Somali people in the making. Could they get away with their self-engineering banana republic? I would leave the answer for the righteous Somali people and caring countries like Great Britain.
Moreover, let me quote exact words of the Somali prime minister Abdiwali Gas in Garowe: ” Please put aside all your differences and approve the topics on this agenda quickly to safe Somalia today, I know you could do that so London could not sleep tonight”. what can you read from this statement!!!!
Well, Personally, I would have supported their sentiments and approach if I knew they are wholeheartedly honest about helping Somalia and pulling Somali people from the abyss while compromising everything and raising over all principles but that is not the case.
Introduction
It is more than two decades since the Somali Republic is without an effective central government. In those twenty or more years the country – primarily the South and the centre – witnessed an immense human suffering which is sadly still on-going. Thankfully, the international community had shown time and again relentless efforts to come to the aid of the suffering Somali people. On the political side, however, the international community had not – to say the least – always synchronized its efforts in order to achieve a lasting solution in Somalia. In other words, what is lacking in the international players’ efforts is a common and constructive approach towards Somalia. The London conference called upon by the UK government is in my view arguably the first in its kind and hence the best effort thus far to achieve a coherent strategy towards Somalia. I applaud the leadership the UK government showed in this regard. Bearing in mind the importance of coherence in external players’ efforts towards Somalia, I kindly write to you a number of suggestions in achieving that vital goal.
International solidarity towards Somali government
The international and especially regional meddling in Somali political arena during the last two decades resulted in no less than a dozen so-called reconciliation conferences. The common denominators for those conferences are the venue – all of them taking place outside the country – and the imposition of ‘solutions’ by external players. The last one of these externally managed conferences resulted in forming the current so-called Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG). The tasks facing the TFG were immense and daunting especially when one keeps in mind that the Somali republic witnessed devastating two decades, where none of the pillars of the state has been spared.
TFG turned out to be an entity unable to exert its authority in Mogadishu – let alone the entire country – even with the help of 9000+ AMISOM troops. TFG’s inability to deliver is mainly due its lack of mandate, ineptness, internal feuding and lack of any tangible leadership. However, TFG’s failure can partly be attributed to the lack of solidarity from the very international community that conceived it. It goes without saying that no future Somali government can be successful without the generous hand of the international community. International solidarity can be in the form of security, humanitarian aid, good governance and economic development.
Coherent and constructive strategy towards Somalia
As far as Somalia’s political process is concerned, what is lacking is not the international community’s presence, but rather a coherent strategy aimed at achieving and streamlining a constructive contribution from all involved external players. In the past, the West primarily turned a blind eye and to some extent gave the neighbouring countries carte blanche in their ill-fated interference in Somali political arena. The absence of coherent strategy was negatively amplified by interference(s) from weary neighbours with arguably sinister objectives.
As the political fragmentation increased – exacerbated by the inept Somali players and amplified by a proxy-war-driven meddling – piracy and terrorism were added to the mayhem Somali people faced. It was a matter of time before the eyes of the world and the West in particular would turn to these new threats from the Somali republic. To this end, one would expect that these two threats with potential international ramifications would require a well thought out approach. But to no avail, the solution path chosen by the international players deteriorated the situation. The deployment of NATO and EU armada in the Somali waters did not achieve their original goals – namely tackling the piracy. On the side of combating terrorism, the world entrusted Ethiopia – a country Somalia shares an unfriendly history – to invade Somalia. What that ill-fated invasion achieved was all but combat terrorism. Arguably the Ethiopian invasion encouraged and gave the terrorist forces in Somalia a platform to thrive.
The culmination of the afore-mentioned sadly led the ordinary Somalis to see external players’ efforts with disdain. More than ever, there is a need for an international coherent strategy towards Somalia. I profoundly believe that the Somali people are eager to see genuine, constructive and concerted efforts from the international community aimed at realizing an affective future government for the Somali republic. For these concerted efforts I would like to suggest:
• Any future international effort towards the Somali republic should be based on the territorial integrity and unity of the Somali republic.
• The virus I call the Balkanization of Somalia should seize. I absolutely applaud the achievements in the Northern parts of the Republic and they deserve . However the on-going defragmentation will have detrimental effects on any region – and even the so-called peaceful regions. One reason is because the complex Somali clans see the newly invented ‘regional governments’ as a way of accommodating their tribal grievances. An endless process of secession and secession-from-a-secession will follow and cause an unforeseeable future.
• Although neighbouring countries and for that matter any government may have grounded reasons to weary about the likes of Al-shabaab, one must not turn a blind eye to the sensitiveness of invading Somalia. Any invasion from Ethiopia and Kenya will result in antagonizing the international community’s efforts and give radical forces a voice.
• To this date Somalis were not given the opportunity to choose their own leaders freely. Therefore, in order to get a viable government that can solve problems and have mandate from its subjects, the Somali people must get the opportunity to select their representatives and leaders freely.
• International actions against Somali piracy can only be fruitful when coordinated with an effective Somali government. Otherwise the international actions against piracy will only fight symptoms and hence be futile and fruitless.
• Combating terrorism is vital for a secure and stable Somalia. We believe that invasions by neighbouring countries will only give terrorists a platform to thrive. The only way to negate the negative and devastating imported terror ideology is to give the forces of reason in Somalia more space.
• The future Somali government cannot do without an economic package like the Marshal plan. This package should go hand in hand with a corruption-free and small government consisting of Somalis with irreproachable conduct.
Leaked Document on London Somalia Conference:
http://www.somalilandsun.com/index.php/news-feeds/somalia/258-leaked-document-on-london-somalia-conference
Now that we have clear idea what Britain and International Community at large plan for Somalia, we need to be realistic as the plan purposed will genuinely help and resolve the Somali problem or if it will take us back to pre-independence days and set Somalia back between 80-100 years in time. I am sure International Community doesn’t want that nor does it wish for this as well as the Somali Community, Diaspora and Somali intellectuals all over the world don’t wish for this.
Let’s put our heads together and serious consider the plan on the table and how we can modify it so it is a genuine plan which ALL Somali as stakeholders can firmly accept and believe in.
The root cause of most of the Somali problems is the lack of understanding the Somali issues. International Community cant solve Somali problem with quick fix approach, the Somali issue must be clearly understood before a plan is drawn up to tackle the key issues. Even the piracy and terrorism issue has been approached completely the wrong way in terms of how the International Community view the issue and how they plan to solve them.
The following is initiatives that can be taken to avert the serious crises looming in Somalia. If the current plan on the table for Somalia is not seriously reconsidered and modified then serious consequence will be followed. Humanitarian crises in Somalia will continue for many years and the Somali suffering will get worse. Also all hope from international Community will seriously be lost by the Somali Community at large whether they are in Diaspora or within Somalia.
The Plan:
Stabilize the Situation & Let Somali People Decide Through Free & Fair Election
I completely understand the dilemma of the International Community, either:
1. Repeat failed political projects of the past two decades, such as political tribalism, warlords seeking political seat, sectarian Islamism and clientialist with the support of regional government such as Ethiopia and Kenya. A complete fabricated Somali regime engineered from outside to impose specific set of rules on Somali people without fully understanding the bigger picture will certainly meet the same fate as previous conferences.
2. Equally will be to allow the current transition government or establish another one just like it to continue business as usual for Somalia or to re-invent bankrupt scenarios that are a grotesque parody of what can and ought to be.
3. Finally the international community rescue plan which involves a caretaker government one that is similar to the Paul Bremen-led authority imposed by the United States in Iraq after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein.
Assuming Britain and International Community want to avoid at all cost to not repeat failed process and instead opt for 3rd alternative. Assuming also this alternative is purely selected due to it success in Iraq therefore it can also work in Somalia mentality either short-sighted or utter foolishness and therefore without considering the consequence can lead a total failures.
If the assumption is Somali leaders have failed for the last 2 decades therefore we need to bring a radical approach to the table, that assumption is partial true and majority of Somalis would also agree. However the Somali leadership has always lacked the real qualities such as credibility, honesty, trustworthiness and capabilities to lead a broken nation. Only few have really shown these qualities for me such as current Mayor of Somalia Tarzan and the last Prime Minister Mr Farmargo. His government really made a big difference and we all know what happened to him and his government they were pushed out by clientialistic’s with the support of regional government such as Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya. These clientialistic’s are at the heart of the current TFG government and their real motives of pushing out PM Faramgo was baffling and complete nonsense to majority of Somalis. It was really pathetic political ploy to push out real credible leaders out of office so the situation continuous business as usual for Somalia. I don’t want to name names here but for the sake of this paper I wanted to bring the issue of leadership to the table so International Community are not miss-informed as to say ALL TFG government failed therefore Somali people can’t govern themselves and don’t have credible leaders.
Now lets just continue with the assumption a caretaker government is the option on the table that needs to be tried and tested. Perhaps it will work as it has worked for Iraq. First before we adopt an alienating approach for the Somali people let us first remind ourselves with Somali history. If the caretaker government is seen by Somali people as foreigners dictating the Somali affairs then this will be a complete chaos on the ground. Somali people need Somali leaders’ not foreign leaders. They have a history of mistrust of foreigners and they are completely independent people. If foreigners are in charge of the so-called “caretaker government”, Somalis will seem them with suspicion light and may even consider them as political colonization of Somalia in the 21 century. Which of course is not the intention by the international Community and don’t really want to lose the real stakeholder of any Somali peace initiative because if you lose the people then you pretty much lost before you even started your initiative to solve the Somali problem. Therefore International Community must tread carefully before making the Somali situation worse then it currently is. Also the Italian proposal which basically says establishment of a caretaker government comprising of “joint United Nations/African Union, international administration comprising a core group of key members, such as the United States, the European Union, and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development” is not only ludicrous but is hypocrisy. How can the same agents that undermine the Somali affairs such as AU/IGAD be part of high level a caretaker government. This will be a complete failure and everyone knows it even if you ask a little kid in Mogadishu will say so of this fact! Therefore to actually consider such a wild, nonsense plan is dumbfounded and worrying really. What is the really agenda here to solve Somali problem or to give extremist all the political scores they need to recruit for another Jihad war, involving innocent young men to fight the so-called foreign intervention because that is the road we are heading too. Another Ethiopian like invasion scenario which lead to increased extremism and the rise of Al-Shabab the Al-Qaeda branch group in Somalia! We are almost seeing the back of them now please don’t repeat another serious mistake in Somalia. Half of the Somali problems are created by the International Community by trying to solve a complex problem which they don’t fully understand and sometime by trying too hard then causing explosive results that takes us back few more hundred years than where we should ought to be.
Now if we are considering this 3rd plan which involves a caretaker government let us consider the following possibilities that can work for Somalia because Somali people as I said before are different much different than Iraqi people.
We need a win-win approach, outcome for all concerned (International Community and Somali people).
Political Solution:
How will a caretaker government work and who will govern the Somali people?
1. The International Community must realize only Somalis can lead Somalia. For that reason they must help the Somali people establish good governance. One alternative is to setup a Committee that establishes a caretaker government for Somalia. This International Committee “must not include” any regional powers such as IGAD, AU and in particular Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya. These regional powers should not be part of any future political process in Somalia. They should be only limited to Security for the short-term only ie AMISOM not even long-term Security.
2. The International Committee can comprise of representatives from EU, South Africa, Turkey, UK and Islamic world. The Committee can be of 5-10 individuals. Their whole base is to select candidates that are capable to lead Somali people through caretaker government.
3. Following are clauses for the International Committee:
a. The Committee must base itself in any safe haven region in Somalia, either in Puntland or Somaliland.
b. Start a vetting process through application process to select Somali capable leaders. They must also be men and women of outstanding civic credentials who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to justice, competence, and the collective wellbeing of the Somali people. Real genuine, honest and non Clan-Politic mindset are the criteria’s of selection.
c. Once the committee has carefully vetted the candidates that are suitable to lead the Somali people. They will produce a regionally balanced short list of 150 individuals, plus a reserve list of 50 and this will form a Somali Constituent Assembly totaling 150 members.
d. The task of the assembly will be to act as a quasi-legislative (caretaker) authority that will select a small constitutional committee purely dedicated to draft a Somali National Charter, based on Sharia Islamic law. As Professor Leonard Former Dean of International and Area Studies at the University of California, Berkeley mentioned in one of his articles, International Community ought to better understand of the role Islam plays in Somali societies. It is essential to developing a more successful approach to state building in Somalia. Islam provides a strong unifying force in Somalia, and previous attempts to unite Somalis around other forces such as nationalism, culture and language have failed. Commercial contracts in Somalia also tend to be enforced through Sharia courts. Islam and Islamic law are central to the way in which Somali societies are organized and have provided a degree of stability and security over the last twenty years. Recognition of this factor will be crucial to ensuring the success of future approaches to state reconstruction in the country.
http://www.ids.ac.uk/events/making-peace-in-countries-with-weak-states-the-dilemma-of-the-somali-polities
4. The mandate of the technocrat Caretaker Administration Somali led government should Construct a well organized technocrat government, whose main assignment over the next three years would be to focus on rebuilding the capacity of all facet of Somalia Political sphere so they are ready for takeoff, once a democratic government is elected after its 3 year term has ended. These should include:
a. Establishing a civic political agenda that can subvert the sectarian tribal dispensation, encouraging Somali political parties whether it is Islamic or others as long as it doesn’t violate the Somali Charter and Constitution.
b. Building a three-year government of national reconstruction:
i. Separation of powers between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial organs of the state.
ii. An Executive President and a Vice-President. Will be selected from the constituent assembly acting as interim parliament
iii. The following strategic ministerial portfolios of 25-30, led by the most qualified and experienced:
• Interior and National Security
• Economy and Natural Resources
• Justice and Religion
• Education
• Health
• Foreign Affairs
• Information and Culture
• Public Works, Communication, and Transport
• Defense
iv. An independent Constitutional Commission (seven members)
v. An independent Supreme Court (seven members)
vi. An independent Electoral Commission (seven members)
vii. An independent Civic Service Commission
viii. An independent National Research Institute
ix. Strategic Embassies that will be justified by at least one of the following criteria:
• Weighty and historic matters that link Somalia to that particular country
• Significant Somali Diaspora who are becoming stakeholders in that country
• The potential to make significant material and intellectual
• contributions to the reconstructive project
x. Instituting a constituent assembly as interim parliament consisting of 100-120 eminent Somalis from all regions and walks of life, depending how many will be selected for Ministerial cabinet
xi. In tandem with other reforms, the individuals who will occupy these posts will be selected on the basis of a combination of merit and regional representation. However, competence will trump representation whenever the two criteria collide. Moreover, those who are asked to serve in the time of reconstruction will not be eligible to compete for the post-reconstruction government.
c. Pay particular attention to the concerns of the people of “Somaliland.” This could take the form of:
i. The creation of a genuine forum to hear their grievances and address those that are found to be legitimate ie formal apology to the suffering caused by the previous dictator.
ii. Facilitate the participation of “Somaliland” in the making of the top leadership of the reconstructive state.
iii. Remind the communities of “Somaliland” of their own obligation to the re-knitting and the strengthening of national unity.
d. Training and deploying a coherent and professional security and police force that can replace the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) within two years. Discussed more detail on the Security section of this article.
e. Guaranteeing a substantial carefully accountability of finances for and sustained commitment from the international community. Discussed in details shortly.
f. This caretaker Somali led government will have the full authority and backing off International Community and doesn’t not answer to any regional powers such as Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia as the current TFG does. Also nullifying any accord or agreements made by the TFG government. The caretaker government will also have the power to protect Somali sovereignty and territorial integrity during its tenure; and will be responsible for overseeing the election of a national parliament at the end of 3 years term in office – as well as watching over the shift from the government of national reconstruction to the Somali Republic Federal Government.
g. The caretaker government will make a genuine road-map for Somalia.
h. The caretaker government will draw both short-term political objectives and long-term political objective and it will discuss these objectives with their political partners such the International Committee.
i. The caretaker government along with Joint Financial Management Board setup and based in London will work together to root out corruption.
j. The Joint Financial Management Board will work with caretaker government and allow the caretaker government to manage their budget independently; however Joint Financial Management Board will have the power to demand how the money is spent to avoid mis-management.
A professional security force
The caretaker government must have an effective Somali National Force consisting of Army, Security Service, Police and Justice. This force must have a deadline and fixed date, ideally within two years to be established. This deadline must be monitored carefully with the help of International Committee. Once the deadline is over the force will be ready to take over from AMISOM.
Prior to this period:
a. Turkey could take a lead role in training Somali National Army and National Security Services. It is vital that the training of the Somali forces be done in one of the safe regions within Somalia ideally Puntland or Somaliland under Turkish Command Unit. Small lead commanders from Somali Army and Security Services maybe selected to be trained in Turkey in order for them to graduate from Turkish Military academies and get a crush course on the art of warfare. This will be discussed in detail shortly. Turkey is ideal candidate since they have established close working relations with Somali people. We have history between Somalia and Turkey since the Ottoman Empire. There is close culture between the two nation and both nations are combating terrorism at home. Turks are combating some terrorist elements within Kurdish people and we are fighting Al-Qaeda affiliated group known as Al-Shabab. So there is room for both nations to learn from each other and combat terrorism together. There are enough young Somalis from all regions who have a secondary school level education that can be recruited to the forces to populate lower and mid-level cadets and officer cadres. Similarly, there are sufficient number of university educated Somalis both at home and abroad who will be attracted to join the national army and be trained for senior level posts.
b. EU/AU/AMISOM could take the lead to train the police service and Justice.
If both programs get serious attention and get really ownership by donor countries, this will not only resolve the terrorism problem but also combat piracy at home. Both of these programs must go into action from the time caretaker government is appointed. The caretaker government must appoint security committee coupled with experienced Somali Ex Generals, Kernels, and Police Commissioners to oversea both of these projects and work closely with countries involved in trainings.
During the caretaker government The Somali security forces at the initial stage will have to be paid by the international community. Their budget will be derived from the budget set a side for Somalia through Joint Financial Management Board based in London. After this transitional period is over the budget will be paid by the elected Somalia Federal Government.
The objective of the National Army and National Security would be to:
1. Have National Security Forces (NSFs) under one command
2. Make sure that the command of the NSFs come under the civilian authorities
3. Establish a highly qualified Commission of Inquiry to investigate human rights and environmental violations by Somalis and non-Somali actors
4. Protect natural resources as part of the security of the country. Therefore, neither national nor regional authorities nor private individuals have the right to grant foreigners illegal access to Somali natural resources.
5. Take over AMISOM after 2 years caretaker government is established; therefore terminate any presence of foreign army, security companies in Somalia unless authorized by the caretaker government.
6. No more illegal come as you like approach from regional countries without full authorization of Somali National Forces and caretaker/Somali Government.
Comments are welcomed…
Please comment on the leaked copy of a draft communique to be issued after the London conference on Somalia.
To brother Adan Geesi,
First of all this document poses more questions than actually solving any Somali issues and here is why?
I find it hard to believe if this is a real British document leaked via media outlets or if this is a distraction so the Somalis can have infighting, opening the door for TFG or other affiliates to be persuaded to boycott the London Conference because people assume this document is the blueprint of International Community and British Government for Somalia.
From my point of view what would have been great from the British Government to do is to crash any suspicions from Somali Community with regards to London Conference. When “The Telegraph” a well known and respected British Newspaper had asked the high levels of British Government to comment on the matter specially this document they refused to comment on it, it is well documented in their latest article “Militants may be free to control Somalia’s south”. Therefore this poses even more questions and concerns, whether no response constitutes a leak or whether no response means it is insignificant for the British Government to comment on such document is currently unknown.
I would have liked the British Government to come out and tell whole world if this is a genuine document and was leaked or say it is complete fabrication and total nonsense so we can be done with it and focus on the upcoming London Conference. Therefore this would have clearly outlined their position and their intentions. Either this document is a hoax headline grabbing distraction; intended to causes division, confusion or suspicion or another possibility of course is to start a debate on what kind of government Somali people want? Here ofcourse is an opportunity to release/leak communique showing the skeleton plan and see how the overall public perceive it and whether recommendation are forthcoming from the Somali Community or whether the plan is perfect and everyone is happy therefore no recommendation is forthcoming. I have raised my concerns with the plan and see it a disastrous consequence if the plan constitutes a foreign caretaker government or left as it is without modification.
Now my specific concerns with alleged leaked London Conference document are as follows:
1. Political Process:
a. In my eyes this document is incomplete and has many gaps and here is why, look at this sentence “We considered how the international community could support Somalis to accelerate decision-making on their future political structures. In this context, we noted the conclusions of the African Union Summit that:….” Dot dot dot…:)
i. What is this support? What accelerated decision-making? What context is it referring too? What AU conclusion is this document talking about? Personally to me this is nonsense and incomplete junk. Making me wonder the origins of such document; surely could not be produced by the British Government that is one point.
b. Another point in the document “We were interested in process not individuals. We called on the Transitional Federal Institutions to make as much progress on the Roadmap as possible before August.” Are we talking about the road-map that constitutes 4.5 clan-political formula, the old divide and conquer approaches that failed time and time again? Or a new Road-Map that no one knows about? If International Community wants to repeat the same failed political formula than we failed before we even started for a political solution.
c. Another point which is dubious to me and I covered in my previous post, “We agreed that in August the functions of government should pass to a caretaker authority until the constitutional discussions concluded.” What caretaker government, how will it be elected, who is in charge, what are the criteria’s? Again another bunch of nonsense!
d. This also concerns me, “The constitution itself must be endorsed by the people of Somalia in a referendum” How can we have a referendum when half of the country is controlled by Al-Shabab? What is the time-line to endorse this Somali Constitution? Also it doesn’t take into account that we don’t have the infrastructure to organise and plan such referendum? Also this is not the best way to tackle this issue with Somali Constitution. Most Somalis accept the base or the skeleton of the Constitution to be based on 1960’s with full Islamic Sharia embedded so what is the purpose of referendum?
i. My opinion lets not waste time with process of Constitution but have an interim Constitution in place to get political processes started.
2. Security, Piracy and Counter Terrorism:
a. This document doesn’t really look at the heart of these issues and the solutions that it present doesn’t really solve these problems. To me is waste of time and money if the heart of the problem is not address and properly tackled. Also no timeline for AMISOM to withdraw from Somalia. No plan to setup Somali National Force as I discussed in my previous post. It is very vague and no substance!
b. For Piracy, it doesn’t address the toxic dumping in Somali coastlines, hence the root cause of Piracy from start. It doesn’t offer credible solutions like job creation as piracy is known symptoms of lack of jobs in the area. It doesn’t look out how the Somali waters can be protected from illegal fishing and toxic waste dumping.
c. No clear plan how Al-Shabab will be defeated, if AMISOM and regional countries would be left alone to defeat Al-Shabab or whether international force be considered to swiftly blow Al-Shabab so the war can be quickened and Somali civilian and humanitarian suffering can be averted. It looks like the International Community handed over the Al-Shabab problem in the hands of Africans. Africa should solve Somali security problems but hold on a sec, this is not African security problem. Al-Qaeda is not an African problem. It is a world wide problem. If the world doesn’t come together and help Somali at this great important juncture than Somalis suffering will continue. Pleas don’t leave Somalia in the hands of Africans. We love our African brothers but they alone can’t help us defeat Al-Shabab. They don’t have logistics or money or the Military might. They talk tough but when the going get tough the weak TFG Armies are left to do the job and they don’t have the skills or training to fight guerrilla warfare.
d. Again I don’t think this is the work of British government. However would have been nice if they commented on this document to clarify their point of view on the matter! Because this is not what the Somali Community expected as outcome from such important Conference. There has been exuberating and high hopes a head of the conference if the possible outcome is just more questions, anxiety and continuation of Somali suffering than what is the point of hosting a Conference on Somali if not enough time and energy was spent looking at the Somali problem. There is no point doing half-hearted conference which doesn’t look at real issues and solving the real problems Somali people have.
e. Somali people and the whole world expects a lot more from a British hosted London Conference.. Only time will tell what the outcome will be lets wait and see. All eyes are on London 23rd of Feb 2012
IS SOMALILAND AN EXISTING NATION??
well acourding to Shaw, Malcolm Nathan (2003). International law. Cambridge University Press. p. 178. “Article 1 of the Montevideo Convention on Rights and Duties of States, 1933 lays down the most widely accepted formulation of the criteria of statehood in international law. It note that the state as an international person should possess the following qualifications:
‘(a) a permanent population;
(b) a defined territory;
(c) government; and
(d) capacity to enter into relations with other states’”
Does Somaliland met all the above requirements?
a) Somaliland has a permanent population of 3.5 million.
b) Somaliland has a defined territory, based on the colonial borders of Britain and Italy.
c) Somalliland has fully functioning Democratic government has come out through one man one vote, which the international community and observers considered it free and fair election.
d) Somaliland has (legislative) parliament, and House of Lords known as (Aqalka Guurtida) and indeed has entered and number of peace treaties with its neighbors such as Ethiopia, D. Jabuti. Furthermore, Somaliland’s capacity to enter into relations with other powerful states like the UK, EU and USA has never been questioned, in the area, fight against Piracy, war on terrorism, and human rights.
So is Somaliland is an existing Nation that can not be neglected or ignored?
the answer is yours and its apparent!!! Please support our Nation.
REFERENCES See the following:
Wheaton, Henry (1836). Elements of international law: with a sketch of the history of the science. Carey, Lea & Blanchard. p. 51. “A sovereign state is generally defined to be any nation or people, whatever may be the form of its internal constitution, which governs itself independently of foreign powers.”
“sovereign”, The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (Houghton Mifflin Company), 2004, retrieved 21 February 2010, “adj. 1. Self-governing; independent: a sovereign state.”
“sovereign”, The New Oxford American Dictionary (Oxford: Oxford University Press), ISBN 0195170776, “adjective … [ attrib. ] (of a nation or state) fully independent and determining its own affairs.”
^ See “Sovereignty: organized hypocrisy, Stephen D. Krasner, Princeton University Press, 1999, ISBN 069100711X
^ Ralph Wilde, ‘From trusteeship to self-determination and back again: the role of the Hague Regulations in the evolution of international trusteeship, and the framework of rights and duties of occupying powers,’ Fall, 2009, 31 Loy. L.A. Int’l & Comp. L. Rev. 85, page 94, [1]
^ 1 Lassa Oppenheim, International Law 66 (Sir Arnold D. McNair ed., 4th ed. 1928)
^ See Sovereignty in cases of Mandated Territories, in “International law and the protection of Namibia’s territorial integrity”, By S. Akweenda, Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, 1997, ISBN 9041104127, page 40
^ “Chapter IV Fundamental Rights and Duties of States”. Charter of the Organization of American States. Secretariat of The Organization of American States. Retrieved 21 November 2010.
^ “Draft Declaration on Rights and Duties of States”. UN Treaty Organization. 1949. Retrieved 21 November 2010.
^ “General Assembly resolution 1803 (XVII) of 14 December 1962, “Permanent sovereignty over natural resources”". United Nations. Retrieved 21 November 2010.
^ Schwebel, Stephen M., The Story of the U.N.’s Declaration on Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources, 49 A.B.A. J. 463 (1963)
^ “International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights”. United Nations. Retrieved 21 November 2010.
^ Grinin L. E. Globalization and Sovereignty: Why do States Abandon their Sovereign Prerogatives? Age of Globalization. Number 1 / 2008 [2]
^ “Recognition”, Encyclopedia of American Foreign Policy.
^ See B. Broms, “IV Recognition of States”, pp 47-48 in International law: achievements and prospects, UNESCO Series, Mohammed Bedjaoui(ed), Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, 1991, ISBN 9231027166 [3]
^ See Israel Yearbook on Human Rights, 1989, Yoram Dinstein, Mala Tabory eds., Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, 1990, ISBN 0-7923-0450-0, page 135-136 [4]
^ Thomas D. Grant, The recognition of states: law and practice in debate and evolution (Westport, Connecticut: Praeger, 1999), chapter 1.
^ a b Hillier, Tim (1998). Sourcebook on Public International Law. Routledge. pp. 201–2. ISBN 1859410502.
^ Kalevi Jaakko Holsti Taming the Sovereigns p. 128
^ Lassa Oppenheim, Ronald Roxburgh (2005). International Law: A Treatise. The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd.. pp. 135.
One of the biggest obstacles of Somaliland’s recognition from the African Union is the African Union member’s luck of knowledge of the Somaliland’s historical colonial borders between, the Italian Somalia and Britain protectorate of Somaliland as required by AU charter. Hence the less-affair policy of British government to reassure African leaders that Somaliland’s borders are based on colonial borders made the case of Somaliland further complicated.
The second biggest problem of Somaliland’s International recognition is the fact, that its, neighbours like Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, and Uganda as well as many African presidents do not wish to see any good example of democracy in the region, since their biggest fear is that it might influence the European and USA demand not less than the democracy of Somaliland. Example, the last election in Kenya, has let wide spread violence and political unrest in the country, Djibouti president has changed the constitution in a way that suites the president re-election, in Uganda, President Museveni has remained in power since 1980s, hence sending more soldiers to the Southern Somalia has made him further strong position in the eyes of the western politicians, since his war against Alshabab has been well received.
The Ethiopia’s policies towards All Somali people communities including its Ogden region of ((Divide and Rule)) has never liked the Somaliland peace and reconciliation, and encourages Puntland to go constant conflict with Somaliland, hence Somaliland remains unrecognised.
some of the biggest questions that one cant ignore are;
1) For how long can the people of the free world can maintain ignoring the rights of self determination and self governing of Somaliland people, who are the product of peace, reconciliation and free and fair democracy in the region?
2) What are the possible consequences in the region if Somaliland current government fails as result of failure to secure international recognition, and islamist political party come to power as alternative hope?
3) if Somaliland’s peace and democracy is threatened by selfish politicians who are in search of political gains and supported directly or indirectly by the enemies of Somaliland’s of peace and democracy. Indeed, Somaliland will be left with no other choice but to fight back hard, but at what price will this fight cost in terms human life, peace and reconciliation?
4) The death of ((Somaliland Dream ))will mean, increase instability in the region, sophistication and widening of piracy in the read sea, thousands of new refuges heading Europe, increase influence and recruits as well as save haven for Alshabab who might re-locate from Southern Somalia to the mountain regions of Sanaag in Somaliland next door the Red Sea and Yemen as well as Saudi Arabia.
Therefore it is time That Somaliland should be rewarded for their hard work, and good example in the region. Somaliland has many natural resources including Oil, and there for could contribute the reduction of an ever increasing price of oil in the international market.
Somaliland is the only Home grown Demogracy that is fully functioning in the region. ((Somaliland will not be a secret anymore)) it’s time that International community to reward Somaliland it’s progress in peace, reconstruction, transparicy, and reconciliation. Somaliland needs the support and recognition of those who advocate Demogracy around the world like USA and UK.
Somaliland is role model in the region in peace making, Demogracy and international community should use their skills as well experience in conflict resolution in Somalia .
Netheless, it’s important to mension that ((the only factor that unites Southern Somalies is their hate and bad wish of Somaliland)) but nothing else.
Somaliland haters urge that Somaliland is dominated by a majority tibe called Isaaq, hence they forget that Mogadishu was destroyed by one tribe called Hawiye! And that the continuation of violence terrorism and biracy was the products of (one tribe conflict). Furthermore they look that they do not understand the democratic principle of ((majority rules and minority has rights))
What matters is that peace perefails and distruction is deknownced, Somaliland Government stands the best interest of its citizens
Somaliland government as fully functioning Demogracy is willing to improve if any complains that arises its citizens peacefully.
Thanks for reading
Mr H N Ahmed
Graduate of Socail Policy and criminology in uk university
DO YOU KNOW THAT SOMALILAND IS RECOGNIZED NATION??!! State recognition signifies the decision of a sovereign state to treat another entity as also being a sovereign state. Recognition can be either express or implied and is usually retroactive in its effects. It doesn’t necessarily signify a desire to establish or maintain diplomatic relations. therefore based on the recent diplomatic relations between, Somaliland and the international community, ie, Ethiopia, D.Jabuti, UK, USA and EU means that Somaliland is recognized nation.
There is no definition that is binding on all the members of the community of nations on the criteria for statehood. In actual practice, the criteria are mainly political, not legal. L.C. Green cited the recognition of the unborn Polish and Czech states in World War I and explained that “since recognition of statehood is a matter of discretion, it is open to any existing State to accept as a state any entity it wishes, regardless of the existence of territory or of an established government.”
In international law, however, there are several theories of when a state should be recognized as sovereign, ie’ (a) a permanent population; (somaliland has 3.5million population)
(b) a defined territory; (Somaliland borders are the Colonial borders of Italy, and Great Britain as required by the AU charter)
(c) government; (Somaliland has fully functioning Demogradic government)
(d) capacity to enter into relations (indeed, Somaliland goverment entered a number of relations with other states ie, Etopia, D.Jabuti, UK, EU, and USA. Please see ((America’s Dual-Track Approach Policy towards Somalia and Somaliland)) this alone tells you that Somaliland is recognized nation
Mr Hussein Nuur Ahmed
Graduate of Socail Policy and criminology
In order the 23 February London conference to succeed the British Government needs to understand the Somali Culture, and the importance of ((having a good role model))
Historically, the Somali speaking people have used their ancestor’s foot prints as role models, in the area of religion, nationalism, clan warfare. The most of the Somali poetry uses the ancestor’s history as reference of what one should do.
Indeed, the most recent example can be the creation of Somaliland in 1991; indeed, it was a period when Somali tribal warfare was its highest. Somaliland has succeeded to create peace, rule of law, and at latter stage managed to be a fully functioning democracy with political parties representing people of different interest and different back grounds.
The intellectuals and politicians of Puntland has realised the progress that Somaliland has achieved, and decided to use Somaliland as role model, hence they created Puntland State of Somali, since then they have enjoyed a relative peace and rule of law while comparing to the Mogadishu.
Nevertheless, when the southern, Somalias have realised that United States of America and its allies, such as Uk and EU countries has adopted new policy called (Dual-Track Policy in Somalia) they have decided to create copy cut so called (states) ie. Hiiraan land, Galmudug land, Juba Land, khaatumo State of Somalia, Maakhir land, Mogadishu land, Alsuna Waljamai, and many others.
The British Government has to create a policy to reward Somaliland as been a good role model for the rest of the Somalis, but at the same time, they need to contain the creation of so-called states within the Somalia, because selfish politicians will see this a new opportunity to seek power and create a new cycle of violence.
Somaliland should receive substantial financial support, in order to remain a good role model for the years to come in area and region in terms of democracy, reconstruction, reconciliation and good governing.
Mr Hussein Nuur Ahmed
Graduate of Socail Policy and criminology in UK University
Somaliland known what’s wrong with Somalia hence can contribute the creation of sustainable peace and rule of law.
We need to understand how Somaliland has solved its tribal war fare, and how can that policy can be applied to Southern Somalians.
1) Somaliland tribal leaders get paid from the Somaliland Government and in return they work side by side with the government to solve any domestic or political problems, while the Southern (Italian) tribal leaders are killed arrested, accused, Disrespected and have no say in their society. Therefore the British Government should recruite and empower the Southern Somaulia’s tribal leaders by registering them and pay them for return of conflict resolution and peace building. Indeed, such payment will win the hearts and minds of tribal leaders.
2) the tribal leaders role should be limited to problem solving and peace making only.
3) the traditional leaders should be given status like Somaliland (goal Guurtida) house of lords.
4) the creation of endless so called states should be discouraged as further defragmentation of Somalia will create another circle of selfish politicians joining the existing corrupt socalled leaders.
5) Britain should have a lead in the best interest of reginal leaders. (one main aprouch) should be developed, which is well defined and limited in peace making, reconstruction and reconciliation.
6) Britain should make clear that their is no save heaven for those who (politicians/ individuals) who violate Somali peace process and that the ICC should take actions against them. This will discourage selfish politicians from creating a new circle of violence in Somalia and Somaliland.
7) Britian should make sure that and conflict resolution should be peaceful and that deffereces should be solved through diologe like Somaliland
9) British government should employ young educated somali work force in order to create circle of Somaliland and Somalian dreams.
10) the British government should not accept the distbilisation of peaceful parts of former Somalia like Somaliland and puntland. Instead direct diolog and investment should be given. Poverty is the driving force of tribal warfare , biracy and political unrest.
11) Somaliland should be given a say in the conflict resolution of southern Somalia, most of the Southern Somalians have allot of respect Somaliland leaders in peace making and identifying the problem.
12) finally the British government should discourage any body that stands up on the name of tribe and and attempts to create a new circle of tribal warfare, hate or conflict. All deferences should be solved politically.
13) Alshabaab is coming to end but we need to make sure that they do not re locate in the Sool, Sanaag regions of Somaliland. It’s important to mention that terrorism is attracted by lawlessness and poverty. Alshabaab can come in different names or shapes wether tribal of unioniest, as happened in Mogadishu but will take over and recruite international criminals one they create an inviroment that allows them to operate freely.
Mr Hussein Nuur Ahmed
Gratuate of Socail Policy and Criminology
UK London
UN aims to boost forces in Somalia
February 15 2012 at 11:44pm
By Patrick Worsnip
“The increase in the AU force will include transferring the Kenyan troops to its command – a process known as “rehatting” – and bringing in others from Djibouti and Sierra Leone, said the diplomat, speaking on condition he was not identified.
The move is expected to more than double the UN cost of supporting AMISOM to around $500-million a year, not counting salaries for the soldiers, which are covered by the European Union, he said. The United States and France have expressed concerns about the cost but are expected to agree, he added.
Another diplomat said one aim of passing the resolution on Wednesday was to keep the force increase issue off the London agenda. “We don’t want leaders arguing about 17 000 or 15 000 or 20 000 troops,” he said.
Somalia collapsed into feuding between rival warlords, clans and factions after dictator Siad Barre was overthrown in 1991. Its Western-backed interim government controls only limited areas. – Reuters”
“$500-million a year, not counting salaries for the soldiers, which are covered by the European Union” would be nice for a Somali National Force! Not even that because to build a strategic force for Somalia would cost must less than that and salaries would not be as high as AMISOM and it will be a lasting effective way to resolve the Security issues in Somalia.
SOMALIA: A Failed UN Policy .
Time to recognize SOMALILAND,the only democracy in this wartorn region.
Here we go again!
Another attempt to hijack the debate on Somalia and turn it into Somaliland recognition rather than discussing the real collective issues of Somalia such as the humanitarian crises, political crises, extremism and piracy.
All these issues are the root cause of being divided and thinking with CLAN mentality which got us where we are today. All secessionists are concerned about their own part of the world and selfishly ask for breakup of union that cannot be broken up and if breakup is necessary there is time and place for that and today is not the time nor the place to request for such thing.
Today SomaliLAND CLANS are all divided except with ISAAQ CLAN on the issue of secessionism. Also what secessionist don’t fully understand is “divided we fall united we stand” concept and the sooner they understand that the better for so-called SomaliLAND and Somalia to have peace and prosperity. We are one people, we speak the same language, we share the same culture, we believe in the same religion there is nothing that divides us except CLAN mindset and CLAN politics. Please rise above this mentality and stop focusing on your CLAN, your little corner of Somalia. Somalia is one NATION. The sooner you get that the better. The ill of Somalis has always been division. If our for-fathers when they got independence from the colonial powers were at this mindset we would never have a United Somalia. Thank god they were more mature, wise and at least understood the meaning of “United we can stand and divide we fall” concept. We need to start to adopt of the same mentality for the sake if not ourselves but for our children and our future generation otherwise if we keep this foolish mindset nothing will be fix and we would never have a strong united Somalia.
Also let us consider history for a second, the fact that:
• The British Somaliland ceased on the 26th June, 1960 and joined their fellow Italian Somaliland on the first of July, 1960 to form a state called Republic of Somalia.
• On July 20, 1961 and through a popular referendum, the people of Somalia ratified a new constitution which was first drafted in 1960. Any future alteration on the territorial integrity of Somalia can only be changed through a popular referendum by all Somalis and not by the people in northern Somalia alone. This has not happened to my knowledge. Therefore calling for a recognition is violation of Somali Constitution and no right mind government will violate another country constitution hence the lack of recognition to thus far. Please guy respect the Somali integrity, territorial and Constitution.
• The former British Somaliland is home to five major clans and other numerically smaller ones: Dhubahante and Warsengeli on the east, Gadaboursi and Issa on the west and Isaaq in the middle. Of all these clans, only hardliners among the Isaaq Clan are pushing for a complete separation from motherland Somalia at the expense of other clans. This has not gone unnoticed by the International Community and therefore the cause for secessionist is at all time low and the wave is now blowing towards a United Somalia as rightly so.
• As I mentioned before Somalis are the most homogenous people in Africa i.e. have same culture, language, religion and even same look that any attempt for their division into clan-based administrations will never work.
Even at the house of Commons when this issue was brought up by Alun Michael’s on his long speech in support of the secession project, this is what the right honorable secretary of state, William Hague, had to say about Somaliland: “We give it [Somaliland] a lot of assistance in many ways and welcome the fact that it has become a more stable area within Somalia, and we will welcome its participation at the London conference. The emphasis here is “we give it a lot of assistance ………….within Somalia”. This should have been a forewarning and smack on the face of Alun Michael and those who call for secessionism that the UK government is not going to buy this nonsensical thing called “Somaliland”. Alun Michael is elected from Wales, a country that is part and parcel of the United Kingdom despite its distinctive language and culture, and yet he is calling for the dismemberment of a country and people that has no such distinction. How ironic is this!
If that was not enough, this is what MP Richard Ottaway had to say about Alun Michael’s relentless push for “Somaliland” secession in the debate: “I have to confess that I have an open mind on that question [separation of Somaliland], but I find it slightly ironic that a Welsh MP who believes in the United Kingdom should be calling for such a separation in Somalia”. This statement was an ultimate blow to the separatists and their ilk and music to the ears of those who want to see Somalia back where it belongs – in the international community.
In conclusion, every sane person in northern Somalia knows that the secession project is dead in the water and that it is high time to give it a decent burial. Furthermore, the international community which abandoned Somalia many years ago is now returning back to give Somalia another bite of the cherry. With the formation of Khaatumo state of Somalia and the earlier declaration of Awdal State, Somaliland’s faintest chance of international recognition is now coming to a grinding halt – naught. With war raging in eastern parts of the enclave between Khaatumo state of Somalia and the secessionists in Hargeisa, the much-vaunted peace that was once the hallmark of “Somaliland” is now a distant memory. The fact that Somalia, the mother country, is on the mend and its people in and outside the country are sensing for the first time that their country is back on track has also dealt a mortal blow to the secessionists in Hargeisa and elsewhere in the enclave.
Ahmed Silanyo’s phantom government can no longer ignore the will of the people in Las Anod, Buholdle, Erigavo, Borama, Dila, Lughaya and elsewhere in northern Somalia. No amount of bribery or intimidation in the form of massing armed clan militia in the cities and towns will bring back people of Awdal and SSC to the secession camp. In the past few weeks, Borama city was teeming with SNM clan militia marauding in the streets and dispersing crowds. No amount of press gagging and arbitrary incarceration of journalists will conceal the culpability of Silanyo’s reign of terror and the atrocities committed by his clan militia against innocent civilians in SSC and Awdal. Borama News Network office in Borama was raided two days ago by separatists’ militia and two journalists were taken away. Cabdicasiis Cabdillaahi is still in jail for the second day running.
Without any shadow of a doubt the tide is turning against the head of the secessionist camp and, no matter how hard he and his entourage try to convince people that “Somaliland” is for all, there will be no change of heart and no turning back the clock for the people of aforementioned cities and towns. They have had enough of secession; of alienation and separatism; of misrule and intimidation; of lies and innuendo, and more importantly, they have had enough of living under the whim and brutality of one-clan state, particularly a clan state that has no name and place in the international community. Somaliland’s main claim for being a separate and legal state hinges entirely and exclusively on the concocted so-called Burco convention in 1991, where a number of hand-picked elders from several parts of northern regions of Somalia were asked to toe the line and accept the SNM dictate or face the consequences of their actions by a well-armed clan militia. Such gun-ho policies, intimidation and arm-twisting tactics have no place in the international community. You cannot create a whole new country on this simplistic and flimsy basis. Ahmed Silanyo’s clan militia has taken a significant part of the destruction of the last Somali government on the false pretense that their clan members were deliberately singled out and murdered en masses, a claim many historians dispute. Unfortunately people die in civil wars and that was the case in northern Somalia. More people have perished in south and central Somalia. The crying shame, however, is that the separatists want to hang up to a doomed state whose time is over; a state that the international community has shunned ages ago and large part of its perceived territory is slipping away from its fingers. The nightmare scenario dreaded by separatists has begun with the declaration of Awdalstate and the ultimate creation of Khaatumo state of Somalia. More importantly, Somalia is on the mend while the secessionists are on the wane. It is all over for separatists. However, it is not too late to change policy. Somalis are prepared to welcome back their long lost child. Somalia and Somaliland will always be one whether you or others like you like it or not.
One way to separate the two is through constitution change and full referendum of all Somali people. Once that happens we can say two state solution. At this moment Somalia is one state solution.
You can never suppress the wishes of people and the people of Khaatumo State of Somalia have already decided their own destiny. Throughout history from ancient Egypt through fascism, communism and any other ism, the wishes of the people have always prevailed. Khaatumo State of Somalia was the first independent “Somali” state on the 26th June, 1960. Before there was a “Somali Republic”, there was an independent and sovereign British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland. The British Somaliland was largely composed of the Darwiish people who are today strongly advocating for the unity and peace of all parts of “Somalia”.
2. All conference participants must understand that peace can only came from within. Grass-root initiatives such as that implemented in the Sool Sanaag Cayn regions was a formula of dialogue, discussion and consensus. As shown, in the town of Taleex all respected elders, knowledgeable members and the regions activists gathered to announce an independent state called KHAATUMO STATE OF SOMALIA. The lack of support of the Sool Sanaag Cayn regions of Somalia will no longer be acceptable as the voices of the people of Khaatumo will no longer be silent.
3. Khaatumo State of Somalia does not expect Britain to solve the problems in Somalia but hopes Britain will support grass-root initiatives and will work closely with the local government of Khaatumo State of Somalia in order to ensure prosperity and peace for all the regions of Sool Sanaag and Cayn (SSC). We welcome the hard work of the British officials towards Somalia over the years. The British Somali people and Somali people across the world welcome the concern of David Cameron and his government towards Somalia and hope within time the government of Britain will support the needs of the people Khaatumo.
4. Remember, Khaatumo State of Somalia has a legitimate and democratically elected interim government, which has already opened dialogue with the Government of Djibouti, Central government of Somalia and Ethiopia, including the independent Somali regions of the Ethiopia government. Khaatumo State of Somalia is also supported by all key States of Somalia including the Awdal State of Somalia.
5. In the past 21 years the regions of Sool Sanaag Cayn had very little attention and support from the international community due to the deliberate misrepresentation and suppression of the Somaliland single Clan affiliated administration, which sadly over the years has used the funds from the international community to build own clan villages and towns and have bought weapons to suppress all non-Isaaq towns and villages. Hence the occupation of the capital of Lascaanood (Lasanod) which to this day many of its residents have fled the town in 2007 and remain in the safety of Khaatumo State of Somalia villages and towns. This conference needs to ensure that the Somaliland Clan government answers for its crimes against humanity and the misuse of the international funds.
6. Khaatumo State of Somalia welcomes all initiatives from the international community to unite and open constructive dialogue among all fractions of the Somali people and is pleased to see that the Somaliland single clan administration is coming to the table of the ‘Somalia Conference’ as their role within Northerns Somalia is an integral part of Somalia as a whole. The people in the Khaatumo State of Somalia have the same needs as those in all other regions of Somalia; they need peace, progress and democracy and are all hoping to play an important role within the Somali Central Government. This is exactly what the international community and all neighbouring countries Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya need in the Horn of Africa.
7. We should welcome the support of Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti, whether it is helping the Somali people in the Refugee camps or getting involved in the peace transition of Somalia. However, the Somali central government needs to be supported in order to take action against those in Hargeisa who are funding the Al-Shabab movement, only recently Sheikh Shariif stated that “Al-shabaab was initiated with funds from Hargeisa”. It is a known fact within the Somali community that funds for the Al-shabaab are transmitted from the Somali money transfer company called “Dahabshiil”, this is due to the clan-links of the head of the Al-shabaab and the owner of Dahabshiil. This close relationship between Al-shabaab and Dahabshiil is one that has been ignored by the international community over the years, however, it is hoped that all the countries concerned with the peace and stability of Somalia will pay more attention to this highlighted issue.
8. Al-Shabab can only be engaged in talks when they refute terrorism and lay down their arms. With this regard, we believe that the international community need to strengthen capability and capacity of the Somali central government and support the AMISOM peace keepers to ensure the Somali people are able to help themselves to eradicate all radical extremism from Somalia.
9. Khaatumo is a Somali word that translates “Good Ending”, the current interim administration of Khaatumo State of Somalia is a good example of a tolerant and inclusive state, which is fully supportive of the central government of Somalia and the efforts of the international community towards a better more stable region. Khaatumo State of Somalia welcomes the international community to support all efforts on the ground to renounce terrorism and piracy and hopes to work closely with both the central Somali government and the international community to realize such positive efforts.
10. Finally, Somalis will always have social, cultural and economic ties, and grass-root initiatives which will have close political ties to the central government of Somalia. Khaatumo State of Somalia is one of those grass-root political initiatives which both the central government of Somalia and the international community needs to nurture and support fully in order to realize the pan-Somalia peace movement that the people of Somalia crave and need in this crucial time of change.
Khaatumo is an important peace building bridge within Somalia, hence why people of all regions of Somalia are in full support of the decisions reached by the people of Khaatumo and their desire to involve in the central Somali government is one welcomed by the current interim administration. It is time for the international community to equally welcome the birth and progress of the Khaatumo State of Somalia.
By: Idil Khaatumo
Your excellency,
We understand that the London conference will propose a two state solution, in effect recognizing Somaliland.As citizens of Khatumo State which covers the regions of Sool,Sanaag and Eastern Togdheer(Cayn), I hope you will do your homework well and advise your government that any action in that direction will result in escalated conflict in the region,as the people of Khatumo state will never accept their land to be ceded from Somalia.We are concerned that you your Government only listens to one side ,ie the Isaaq dominated regime of Somaliland,to the exclusion of the people of Khatumo.I have pointed out to you severally that the people of Khatumo state have already decided their fate in an all inclusive conference in the historic city of Taleh,and have built their own administration with their own leaders.If you are as democratic as you claim,surely you will give a hearing to these leaders,among whom are the distinguished former Harvard fellow,and former Somali Prime Minister,Professor Ali Khalif Galaydh ,Dr Ali Issa the distinguished African Economist and Professor Abdikarim Jama,the TFG Presidential Advisor and Chief of Staff.If you don’t want the politicians,the Dhulbahante of khatumo State are represented by the following 13 traditional leader,who represent ever subclan of the Dhulbahante,and who have unanimously endorsed the new Khatumo state:
Garad Jama Garad Ali- the traditional King of the Dhulbahante
Garad Suleiman Garad Mohamed
Garad Jama Garad Ismaail
Sultan Said Osman Ali
Garad Abshir Salah Mohamed
Ugas Abdullahi Issa Nur
Garad Abdi Burale Hassan
Boqor Abdulahi Ahmed Ali
Garad Abdisalan Hassan
Garad Mohamud Warsame
Garad Suleiman Burale
Ugas Farah Ali
Garad means king,and this is one of the oldest established kingships in Somalia.people of Khatumo state are traditionally led by these rulers,in addition to the current administrative set up of Khatumo state.They are well known among the Somalis and can be easily contacted.In particular Garad Jama Garad Ali,the young king,is well known and respected by all Somalis,and his coronation was attended by all Somalis a few years ago in Las Anod.
If your initiative is sincere,talk to the genuine leaders of the Somalis,the people who control the grassroots,ie the traditional leadership which excercises a heavy influence especially in the Sol,Sanag and Ayn regions of Khatumo state.
If Garad means king so how many kings you have there ….. and also what is with the three presidents also i have heard …
Salaams
Reuters
By Abdi Sheikh and Richard Lough
MOGADISHU/NAIROBI | Mon Feb 20, 2012 10:45am GMT
“One reason for the lack of political progress is that war and instability are lucrative. Somalia’s power brokers, pirate kingpins and business tycoons are reluctant to give up the status quo.
Diplomats say many players in Somalia’s turmoil find that by spoiling reform they can continue to reap the spoils of war.
Talk of peace and reform unsettles bribe-seeking politicians, traders smuggling arms and contraband, militants making deals with pirates and aid contractors taking cuts.
Life got easier for trader Siad Hussein when Somali Islamist militants pulled out the capital. He no longer pays a Jihad tax nor does he have to watch mortars kill his customers.
Hussein’s frustration is now vented at Somalia’s rotten political system, where corruption is rampant and the selfish interests of power brokers too often trump national interests.
“Cash that ends up with the leaders is not cash for Somalia,” said Hussein who sells sweets and soap in Bakara’s labyrinth of crowded alleyways. “I don’t know why the world is blind to what is going on.” [Hussien says.]
How much money is stolen, or handed directly to politicians is hard to pin down. Some Arab countries are known to carry suitcases stuffed with cash into Somalia, diplomatic sources say, so it is difficult to track the money.
The Somali government points to the establishment of a new anti-corruption commission as evidence it is fighting the endemic graft that has left it ranked world’s most corrupt country for the last five years by Transparency International.
“The (government) is known by ordinary Somalis as being so corrupt that it has no legitimacy,” said J. Peter Pham of U.S. think-tank the Atlantic Council.
“But these will be the people that the international community will ‘engage’ – the same ministers and parliamentarians whom donor states know to have stolen most of the bilateral assistance given them in recent years.”
Reuters today:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/02/20/uk-somalia-conference-idUKTRE81J0JS20120220
If Britain and International community are serious and genuine in solving the Somali issue:
1.They must come up with genuine political process one that gets rid of the current corrupt, clan-political mindset, unaccountable and holds no legitimacy by the Somali people must end for good and forever by the end of August 2012.
2.The upcoming conference must make it clear; any political spoilers for the upcoming political changes for Somalia will be pursuited and convicted by the ICC like the Former Liberian leader who was on trial in The Hague.
3.Currently political system based on 4.5 formula must end as the TFG will end in August 2012. This political process will only divide the people and continue the political mindset of CLAN-POLITICS. For the last 2 decades it has failed rightly so and will continue to fail miserably if adapted as political formula after August 2012. We will be on never moving train trying to get to a destination if this is adapted as base for Somali politics or power sharing etc etc.
4.AU/IGAD/Arab League must support this new initiative and work with Britain and International Community to resolve the Somali problem. We need a collective will and power that is united from International Community to solve the Somali problem once and for all.
If only these four points are agreed upon by all parties then for the first time in Somali history we will be heading in the right direction and for once a conference on Somali will achieve eagerly awaited measure that Somali Community/People have been waiting for the last 2 decades.
Please make this a new momentum that propel us in the right direction one that Somali people will always remember what Great Britain and International Community has done for Somalia at great important juncture in Somali history. The time is now “Together we are United” and “United we Stand, Divided We Fall”
thanks,british government and i support london conference and i am very happy british government involved frist time somali affairs wish all the best i sopport 2 my new songs out now
@ahashi98
Thanks UK , now Pls get it right, don’t rush something that has a defect design blueprint in it and try and rebuild Somalia with these problems in it ( this is a past bad habit of old colonial Britian….)
U can’t deny that the TFG is corrupt to the core, it was never designed to serve the somali national Interest, its purpose during GeogreBush’s war on Terror was to be “an instrument of Convenience”, to rubber stamp US activity inside somali against the Terror groups.
NOW , moving forward the future prospect of a untied secure Somalia MUST be based on collective approval across the regions. That is why the Garowe2 agreement has flaws in it, it promotes the reactionary concept of 4.5 allocation of power along tribal lines, this works for the small minded TFG but not the Majority of Somali’s who want to true Nationalism and Justice. it is like Tribal Apartied. the tribal belief system is the root cause of our failures, it is a divider.
the countryside, tribes compete for grazing land and water resulting sometimes in tribal conflicts, Now if u make the same belief system as a way of governing, it will be terrible (only those who benefit from conflict will want this)
No member of the TFG or the Parliament speaker(Sk Hassan+his crooks) can be allowed to take part in any future Somali Gov’t.
In closing, I would lie to suggest that until August 2012, that a Special Supreme Council made up of all the leades of the regional Governemnts to be formed and made responsble for doing the REAL transition gove’t for 24mths until a free & fair election is carried out in 2014 , Based on the Original Somalia National constitution of 1960′s.
with regard to Somaliland, even though I am a strong Nationalist, they should play a leading role in this new supreme council due to their experience & relevent transparency. BUT no seperation or any hidden clauses for messy with the unity of the Republic. thanks again, lets get it Right, it will be a great example of how the world will work together moving forward into the new world..
see link for reference regarding above
http://818860688613225822.weebly.com/
Dear Matt
The Motto of London Conference on Somalia
Commitment, Common sense and Compromise
London conference presents rare and unique opportunity for the Somali leaders attending. Somalia is facing the world and the world has come to listen and support. The global arena is Lancaster House; the agenda is helping Somali people to have a functioning state again. The global leaders are attending and prepared to assist. What Somali leaders are expected to bring is viable solution they all agree. This requires people with two important competences; common sense and ability to compromise for the common good. A huge burden of responsibility is resting on the shoulders of every Somali representative invited to this conference. Because each and every one of them is carrying a light of hope for peace and better future for present and future Somali generations. This is, frankly, the moment of truth for the Somali nation and failure is not an option. There is too much at stake.
My view is that the Somali population in UK must be proud of British government initiative for organising and hosting this historic conference and surely appreciate the support of British people. Somali communities are equally grateful to PM David Cameron’s vision and courage to stand up for the Somali people at this critical time.
Somalia is nation of clans. Every clan has a right to protect its members, protect its way of life and how it governs its people and its territories. Equally, it deserves respect and recognition especially from those who are closest to them. For these and other reasons, understanding the limited diversity within the Somali clans and regions and valuing differences are essential to address and resolve individual concerns and support collective wellbeing. Regional and local level consents set the foundation of stable and accountable federal state. A flexible framework for federal administration must therefore accommodate and offer assurance to sceptic clans who lost trust of their state for valid reasons in the past.
The majority of stable regions in Somalia and TFG have been making a genuine attempt of state building with the support of the UN, AU, AMISON neighbouring and partner states in recent times. As a result, there is a growing mood of positive optimism amongst Somali communities around the globe.
The great mission of saving Somali nation and putting Somali state back on its feet is underway. It is a challenging process of requiring common effort of Somali people all regardless of their political view or clan interest to restore the human dignity in our land and make it a decent place to live free from guns and ruthless gangs. Well, that is how I see it personally. I am sure there are others who see it differently. But diversity is strength when recognised and valued. The bottom line is “if Somalis are not ready and willing to put their own home in order no one else can”. Hence, it is our responsibility to sort out our differences make sensible compromise and agree to workable solution for us all.
Weather you live in Somalia or in the diaspora you must do your bit for Somali people. It is what we must all do obviously for moral and humanitarian reasons. It is what everyone should do for the sake of the children, mothers, fathers and elders living in appalling conditions and are in constant danger.
A Duale – UK
all these comments are totally disguise talking such tribalism and each one wants to get something . Ridiculous people how dare these diaspora uneducated like living in the herders camel. Shame all of you, and each one against other one.
when was the last time we hadnt had a fight. the last two decades all we could deal with is killing or owns and destroying. as a somalis we need to think about what we have and use our commom senses in onder to have a peaceful solutions.
while were in the suject of peace we must stand for our rights and stop unncessesary taking action policies. so far since the war started we had changes in leaders amd not solved any good deeds.
why not change the future instead of searching for power everyday.
Realy the somalis are not smart enough uk is the one created our problems and devide us and we expect to solve what they start .ahahah