Somalia: IRIN interview with Hussein Aideed, 5/4/99 U N I T E D N A T I O N S Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Integrated Regional Information Network for Central and Eastern Africa Tel: +254 2 622147 Fax: +254 2 622129 e-mail: irin@ocha.unon.org IRIN interview: Somali National Alliance leader Hussein Aideed Hussein Aideed took over the leadership of the Somali National Alliance (SNA) on 2 August 1996 after the death of his father, General Mohamed Aideed. He controls South Mogadishu, and is co-chairman - along with Ali Mahdi Mohamed in North Mogadishu - of the Benadir Administration. The following is an interview with Hussein Aideed at the former presidential palace, Villa Somalia, in Mogadishu - April 1999. QUESTION: You have just sent a joint letter to the UN Security Council about Ethiopian incursions on the border. Is there any other action you plan to take? ANSWER: I will call the chief of intelligence and foreign minister in Ethiopia and pressure them not to interfere in Somalia's affairs. Ethiopian troops went into Bula How and Dolo because Ali Noor, the vice chairman of the Somali National Front [a Mujerteen faction, led by General Omar Haji Masale, currently in South Mogadishu and part of the Benadir Administration] was killed. Ethiopia was working with Ali Noor and thought it was a political assassination - but they can't solve it. For two years I refused to go to Ethiopia because I wanted them to get out of Somalia. SNA is trying to strengthen the regions, and we don't violate borders. We have a problem in Dolo because the bridge there is half Somalia's and half Ethiopia's, but we want to remove Ethiopia from inside our territory. Q: Ethiopia has justified incursions on the basis that Islamic fundamentalists operate from the border, and a general lack of border security. A: Yes, we should have a joint force against Al-Ittihad. But Ethiopia has had a military training school in Bula How for almost a year, and they occupy the town as if it were their own. When I visited Ethiopia in August-September 1998 I met with [Ethiopian Prime Minister] Meles Zenawi and others, and we established a nine point agreement on security, politics and cooperation. Yet they seem to oppose the interim government that was first established with my father, General Aideed, in 1995. My father was in charge of that government for one year, then I took over after his death. I don't know why Ethiopia will not recognise it - we have managed to establish some unity and bring together society, control some of the airports and set up an administration. One of the problems is that Ethiopia is suspicious of Cairo, because there is a Nile problem between Egypt and Ethiopia. Ethiopia also has a strong suspicion of Arab countries - they have said it too me - whereas Somalis are both African and Arab and I have to join the conflicting sides. Q: Eritrea is said to be supporting and supplying you, and through you, Ethiopian opposition groups in Somalia. A: I think this is a problem of misinterpretation by Ethiopia. There are over 50,000 Oromos, Tigrayans and Eritreans here - we have an open border. And there are some four million Somalis in Ethiopia. They talk about the Oromos here, the political refugees. In fact, they have been here since 1977 [the ****** war]. The SNA has provided a safe haven for Oromos and allows them to express their political views. Only about 700 are organised politically. This is very small - and we do not allow a weapons supply. Now we have a problem of Ethiopia trying to hire local Somalis and Ethiopians to capture the Oromo leaders in Mogadishu, and we had to kill three hired Somalis this month. We have a good relationship with Eritrea and Kenya. I also talk often to Ethiopia - Ethiopia called me recently to talk about Eritrea. They expect me to mediate, because this war [Ethiopia-Eritrea] is a family war, it is egos between leaders, and should be discussed inside as personal differences. Both leaders trained in Somalia [under the previous regime] and we have a special relationship with both of them. Q: And what about speculation that Somalia is being used by international terrorists? There have been rumours that Osama bin Laden may be in Somalia. A: There is a rumour that he is in Gedo region, but we have sent our own intelligence out and to this point we are treating it as a rumour. Bin Laden has never been in Mogadishu but we believe he passed through El Wak region and the border area in 1992-93. The absence of border controls means it is possible he could pass through, but we need intelligence from the international community to help us investigate. Bin Laden has a huge construction company in Saudia Arabia. He is very rich, and funds Al-Ittihad: he can fund them in Sudan, here, and in Ethiopia. We have to share intelligence on this matter. It is something the US State Department has called me about. Al-Ittihad was a problem during UNOSOM, and still operates in Kismayo, along the Indian Ocean coastline, on the Kenyan border area, and in Bosasso. There are also pockets in Mogadishu, but they are not active. We need a unified government to tackle this, and it is difficult when there are no international representatives here - we need US, EU and UN representatives. Al-Ittihad uses religion to control society, which we, as Somalis, do not allow; it is against Somali beliefs, because we are Sunna. Q: The Benadir Administration seems to have been compromised by renewed fighting in Mogadishu. What damage has Musa Sude Yallahow inflicted on this new agreement? A: The Cairo mediated agreement was the culmination of the last nine years of talks. We talked on how to make a unified government with an executive and how to have laws to safeguard the system. We will eventually have elections. But first, we had to unite Mogadishu, then we need to get international recognition of the Mogadishu administration. We need to control and open the airport and ports. So far, we have done more than anything before, and we hope to continue this progress by having a meeting in Baidoa, including representatives from other parts of Somalia. There are details of power sharing on paper - each area will have delegates in view of having a council and a prime minister. Q: And what about Musa Sude, who is technically part of the Benadir Administration, but is now opposed to it? A: Musa Sude was the former vice chairman to Ali Mahdi Mohamed, and he controls maybe 70 to 80 gangs in Mogadishu. He was able to take advantage of the openness of the city since the administration was set up in August. Elders are talking to him, and he is obliged to rebuild the governor's house [destroyed by Musa Sude] and rectify his mistakes. If not, we will take military and police action. Musa Sude and Osman Ato [former vice chairman to General Aideed, now working with Musa Sude in opposition] actions make it difficult to control weapons. Q: Is the police force able to take any action? A: We have funding problems with the police. We keep them as professionals and they run much of the districts. Courts are being established. I also have a contingent of about 10,000 militia ready to strike at any special problem. The key now is to reinforce the police and open the ports. We need the equipment back that the UN took - the cranes, the computers - and we need funding for the port. Diplomats and international representatives, including the UN, have seen and approved the administration here, and seen how we are reconstructing the hospital and opening roads. We need social services. But we also need the shipping lines to open, we need administration of ports, and expert skills to help run and train personnel. Q: With your training as an American marine, do you find the chaos of the Somali militia frustrating? A: Yes, sometimes it is very frustrating to see the chaos of the militia here, that's why I brought in uniforms. I bought 20,000 uniforms from China, where they are very cheap, and I was also given some from African countries, like Eritrea and Uganda. I also invested US $4 million in renovating the presidential offices in Villa Somalia. The militia have to learn. One of the most difficult things is re-training the militia and a large part of my efforts go on this. Many things are frustrating - like the fact we can't use national troops to protect our borders. It is difficult for me to use force and achieve reconciliation. If there is fighting in Mogadishu, I can't use force, because it would look bad. What we need is a constitutional government. I am democratically oriented because of living in the US and because of my father's ideals. I am trying to close the gap now between the international community and Somalia. After the failure of UNOSOM, the US and the West became shy about coming here, but there is a moral obligation to Somalia. For example 800 million dollars of EU aid, which is our share, is blocked because we have no government. We need to engage the international community in a more positive way now that things have improved. [ENDS] Date: Tue, 4 May 1999 13:57:22 +0300 (EAT) From: IRIN - Central and Eastern Africa Subject: SOMALIA: IRIN interview with Hussein Aideed [19990504]

Yusuf Wins Somali Presidential Election Reuters News NAIROBI, 11 October 2004 — Ethiopian-backed warlord Abdullahi Yusuf was elected Somali president by lawmakers yesterday, according to an unofficial tally, in the 14th attempt in a decade to restore government to the lawless African country. Yusuf won 185 votes cast by parliamentarians meeting as an electoral college in neighboring Kenya, against 76 for opponent Abdullahi Addou, in a third and final round of voting, according to a Reuters tally of results that were read out one by one by officials. If the result is confirmed Yusuf will head a transitional federal government (TFG) that will attempt to shepherd the broken country of up to 10 million to elections under a new constitution in five years’ time. Somali lawmakers voted for the new president for their anarchic Horn of Africa state in an election held in Nairobi. Three of six Somali presidential candidates who qualified for the second round in yesterday’s election pulled out of the race moments before the start of the ballot. “I am pulling out of the race and I will support anyone who is elected. That is democracy,†Salat, who won just 15 votes in the first round, told the packed stadium. Salat’s administration never managed to exert authority beyond a few pockets of the Somali capital, Mogadishu. “All my life I have worked for a united Somalia and it is for that reason that I am withdrawing,†Barre, half brother to Somalia’s last president, the late Mohammed Siad Barre, toppled in 1991, said on announcing his withdrawal. “For the sake of the Somali nation I give up my desire to be president,†was Hussein Ado’s valediction.

SOMALIA: IRIN Interview with Hasan Muhammad Nur "Shatigudud", military leader of the Rahanwein Resistance Army ARTA, Djibouti, 31 August (IRIN) - Hasan Muhammad Nur "Shatigudud" (Red Shirt), the military leader of the Rahanwein Resistance Army (RRA), joined the Djibouti-hosted peace talks as one of Somalia's main "warlords". "Shatigudud" - a former colonel who served in the National Security Service in northwestern Somalia - was one of the few military leaders who attended the talks, despite the fact there was no special invitation or status given to "warlords". He managed to persuade Digil-Mirifle clan elders to accept his favoured list of candidates for parliament, thereby creating rivalry with his fellow RRA Secretary-General, Abdullah Derow Isaak. The rivalry of the two became an underlying theme at the conference, with "Shatigudud" seen as representing "warlord" demands and Derow as taking on more the role of a peace-maker. Derow was eventually elected Speaker of Parliament in the first successful cross-clan election held by the conference on 21 August, despite last-minute manoeuvring by "Shatigudud" to sabotage the vote. "Shatigudud" then stood for president, but unexpectedly withdrew from the race and reconciled with Derow. Both men come from Baidoa. QUESTION: Why did you decide to withdraw from the presidential elections? ANSWER: Because the Digil-Mirifle were lucky enough to get the Speaker of Parliament. This is one of the main posts in the new government, so I decided I should withdraw my bid for the presidency. Q: Do you really support the process? A: I fully support it. Q: But previously you had some reservations, and walked out. What was the problem? A: My major concern was the number of parliamentary seats [given to the sub-clans and the military groups], but that has now been resolved. Q: What role do you hope to play in the new government? A: I would like to play a very important role. I would like to play a crucial part and would like to be considered for an important position in the formation of the new government. Q: You've been seen as a potential spoiler of the process all the way through. A: No, it's not true. I am a grown man and would not have come here if I had wanted to spoil anthing. I would have said no to what I don't want and yes to what I do. But I would not have been here at all if I had not supported the process. Q: And what do you think should be the next step for an elected president? Should he set up in Baidoa, or Mogadishu? A: The next step should be to form a government. Once that government is formed - well, everyone is talking about Baidoa, but it is also possible to take the government somewhere else, if that is what the government wishes. Q: Do you think some of the regional governments have reservations about this process? A: I believe there are no reservations. I believe that up to now they have supported the process. They have said as much, and have said they are ready to help us. I don't know what will happen later, but as of now I believe they will give that support. Q: You have a very close relationship with Ethiopia. Through that relationship, do you have any insight into the position of Puntland leader Abdullahi Yusuf [who refused to take part, despite attempts by Ethiopia to bring him on board]. A: Yes, I do have a good relationship with Ethiopia - like many Somalis - and I do have a good relationship with Abdullahi Yusuf. And hopefully I will be able to convince him to come into the process. I urge the new government to make contact with Puntland and Somaliland, and to succeed - without any war or fighting - in winning them over. Q: And as a military leader, what future do you see for your forces? Are they to be co-opted, or disarmed? A: My men are Somalis, and I don't think they will oppose anything that is in the interests of Somalia. We will do what we think is in the best interests of Somalia. I think they will support the Somali government, and - unless something new develops - I don't think they will stand in the way. There are many militias in Somalia. I don't think any new government will be able to absorb all of them into a new security force. What will have to happen is, of course, that we will have to disarm them. Once we do that we will have to find a way of finding them something to do. We have to find them alternative work to do. I think that to do this, it is very important for the international community to fully support the government that comes out of here, to give it moral and material support so it can stand on its own feet as quickly as possible so as to be able to participate in international forums and to restore the sovereign integrity of the Somali nation. SOURCE: IRIN

Interview with the President of Somaliland The following is the full text of an exclusive interview conducted by Walta Information Center with Mr. Dahir Rayaleh Kahin, the President of Somaliland on Tuesday 30th March 2004. Question: Somaliland is not an internationally recognized country. Yet you have recently traveled to Belgium and England. How were you received there? Whom did you meet? What were the outcomes of your encounter? Answer: Well, I met several ministers in the United Kingdom, and I have addressed the House of Commons in Britain. I was mainly talking about our case, because we have taken independence from Great Britain in 1960. And we were mainly asking for the renewal of their trust on us. That was the main theme of our visit in England. And they were very assertive. Although we didn't take the full answer at that time, we hope things will change in the future. Question: Are you asking for recognition or any other thing? Answer: Recognition and how to establish bilateral agreement. Because everybody who wants to come to our country says that we are not recognized. So we have asked the support of the British Government in this respect. Question: What about in Belgium? Answer: We met the officials of Inter-parliamentary Union, EU Commission, the House of Senate and Parliament of Belgium. We were talking the same issue. Question: What was the response of the European Union? Answer: They were very receptive. We will be waiting for the answer. They have listened to us cautiously and understandably. Question: Were you satisfied? Answer: Yes. I was satisfied; because this was the first time the international community heard our voice. Question: Was this your first travel to Europe? Answer: Yes. Question: We have also gathered that you have met Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. What issues did you raise and was the discussion fruitful? Answer: This is not the first time that I met Meles. We are always received warmly when we come to Ethiopia, because this is a brotherly country. This time we shared issues that concern our area. Although we are not recognized by Ethiopia we share security, border and many other things. So we talk about these and new developments in our area. We just correspond on that and we have good understanding when we come here. Question: Did you discuss anything particular this time? Answer: We always discuss about our destiny as one of our major issues. Question: So you're still looking for recognition? Answer: Yes, we still hope that it will come to a conclusion with time. Question: When? Answer: In the near future. Question: How do you rate your relationship with Ethiopia? Answer: It's good. We have no better friend than Ethiopia. Question: Is your friendship mutual? Answer: Yes. Question: In what ways? Answer: Security, trade.... And now we want to strengthen the trade relations between the two countries. We are building the corridor between Berbera and Ethiopia. So we have a lot of business that we can do together. Question: What benefits do you get from Ethiopia? Answer: They always treat us as brothers, as young brothers. They help us better than any other country in the area. Question: What is the picture of your trade relationship? Can you elaborate on that? Answer: It is growing. Ethiopians come to Berbera and send their goods through Berbera and bring their goods from Berbera. It is open for them. Question: What is your role in the fight against terrorism? Answer: You have heard that we have captured a lot of people that tried to infiltrate Ethiopia. They are now in our custody. They are members of the ONLF. Question: How many are they? Answer: About thirty. They have been trained in Eritrea. Luckily we have captured them. And they are now in court; because we don't accept anyone to attack our neighbours. Question: What about other terrorists? Answer: Terrorism is a global issue and every nation has the right to fight against terrorists; because they are against the interest of all people, every community and all nations. So we are committed to fight terrorists. Question: Are you trying to control Islamic terrorists as well? Answer: Whether Islamic or not, we will fight them. They are all the same. Terrorism has no religion. A terrorist is a terrorist. Question: Do you have any form of cooperation to stop terrorism? Answer: Yes. I think we can work with Djibouti and Ethiopia. We will jointly work with Djibouti and Ethiopia, because these are the two neighbors we have now. On the other side there is no country, no government that functions. Although they are members of the UN and EU, there is no government there. Question: So do you intend to assist the political evolution in Somalia? Answer: It is their problem. We were united in 1960 but we have with drawn from that union. We will not go back to the union. This is their problem. They have to solve their problem, as we have solved our problem. Question: Do you consider any form of integration if peace prevails in Somalia? Answer: No, it is the will of the people. I cannot judge the will of the people. In 1960, the Somaliland people decided to form the union. And now the people have rejected the union. Question: How did you gauge the interest of the people? Answer: It was the will of the people. They held referendum in May 2001, and 97% of the population of Somaliland voted not to go with the union. Somaliland is not the first African country to withdraw from union. We are not the first Africans. There are many African countries that withdrew from union. Gambia and Senegal, Egypt and Syria, and there are many examples. So what we are doing is not new to Africa. Question: Is that the reason why you don't help in the peace process of Somalia? Answer: If we were recognized, we will invite them and solve their problem. That is the hope we have. Question: In what way can you solve their problem? Answer: We will call them. We know each other. We will tell them the truth. They cannot cheat us as they cheat the other people. Question: Are you in any way trying to help them? Answer: How can we help them? There are about 50 warlords. Everyone has his area. Who do we reconcile? To whom do we talk? We don't know. Question: Why does your country still remain unrecognized? Answer: Africans should answer this question. We have made a success story in our country, because under the rules, we have built a country, a free country, and a democratic country, which is governed by a rule of law. Africans should give credit to this success story made by their own people; because in Africa, there are conflicts everywhere. We believe that we are the only people who solved their problem in an African way, by their own tradition. So our brothers Africans should give us credit for that. Question: How long do you think this will last? Answer: I think our brothers will come to the right conclusion and accept the reality on the ground. Question: Do you mean the African Union? Answer: Our African brothers, the African countries. Question: Have you appealed to the African Union? Answer: Yes. We will appeal to each country, and we have met with the AU Chairman. We have stated our case and everything. We hope they will answer. Question: Did they give you any promise? Answer: Some countries have promised, but we will see this in the future. Question: So you're still in the dark. Answer: We are still in the dark for any reason that we don't know. We are only hostage for a country that doesn't exist. We, however exist, we exist. Question: So you think, Somali is a hindrance? Answer: It doesn't exist. But I exist as a country. I am a hostage for a country that does not exist. Question: Is your country faring well despite the prevailing condition? Answer: Yes. Question: How are you faring economically? Answer: We are trying our best. We have held two elections without any help from the international community. So you can imagine how we are trying our best, although we have meager resources. We try our best to do whatever business we can in our country, as regards security, running the offices, making elections for our people, taking referendum for our country. We have achieved this. We have demobilized our forces. It's a greater achievement that is never practiced by many African countries. Question: Is your country contributing to the efforts being exerted to stop the movement of the smugglers to and out of Ethiopia? Answer: Smugglers, travel everywhere. They come from Ethiopia; they come from our country. We are trying our best. But to fight smugglers, we have to make entry points for the two countries, so that we can take custom fees from the people. We will close all the walls and they cannot penetrate through the walls. So we are preparing to overcome this problem with Ethiopia, with the Ministries of Finance of Somaliland and Ethiopia. We are making arrangements so that the people can trade freely on both sides; they can go through the customs and custom free. Some technicians have come to Ethiopia from Somaliland to make arrangements with their counterparts here. Question: There have been reports of UN Agencies operating in your country. What have they been doing there? Answer: These are NGOs. Question: What do they do? Answer: Small projects, rehabilitation of schools and just some small things. Question: Which UN agencies are operating in Somaliland? Answer: Many international organizations; UNDP, UNHCR, EU, UNICEF, WHO. Question: Can they move freely? Answer: They can. They even travel during the night. Question: According to media reports, there have been reports of insurgency in your country. Answer: Yes. Those people killed the expatriates. Luckily, we have captured them. Question: What was it all about? Answer: We don't know. They are terrorists. They want to destabilize our country, because we are practicing the rule of law in our country. They want to make our country the same as those in Mogadishu. They have been sent from Mogadishu. Question: Who supported them? Answer: Al-Quaeda and all that. Question: Are they now fully controlled? Answer: To certain extent, yes . We have captured the main organs operating in our country. Question: When was that? Answer: While I was away from the country. Another four were captured while I was in the country. Question: Do you have anything to tell me? Answer: No, thank you for the interview. I would like to thank the Ethiopian people, the Ethiopian government. That's what I want say. ; Source: Walta Information Center

At this regrettable era in Somali history is very disgraceful to all Somalis; we all know that Ethiopia is Somalia’s historic and notorious enemy, all Somalis both in the republic and Western Somalia suffering Ethiopia’s conspiracies for more than century. About 30 years ago if ordinary Somali citizen show bit support to Ethiopia, let alone going to Ethiopia. Shockingly, currently we finding all Somali politicians without exception (from newly elected president Abdulaahi Yusuf, the self-declared Somaliland president Daahir Riyaale, the new president of Puntland Haashi, Somalia’s former president- Arta- Abduqaasim, to countless warlords based in southern Somalia such as Aideed, Muuse Suudi, Qan yare Afrax, Ato, Mohamed Dheera, Mowlid Ma'ani, Hassan Mohamed Nur Shatigudud, Mohammed Said Hirsi Morgan, etc) going to Ethiopia periodically meeting with Ethiopian officials without a bit of embarrassment, more amazingly all these self-appointed politician (I mean warlords) have great animosity and hostility between themselves, at the same time they have friendly relationships with Ethiopia and in fierce competition to become Ethiopia’s favorite ally, Ethiopia gladly sends generous shipments of ammunition to ignite more bloody wars in Somalia. It became reality in Somalia, that no man can win Somali leadership without Ethiopia’s support (forget Egypt, or any regional country), we know the Ethiopia opposed vigorously Somali transitional government I (Arta) led by President Abduqaasim Salad Hassan, despite Abduqaasim sought Ethiopia support but rejected by Ethiopian officials. Even the secessionists in the north tried very hard to get the sympathy of Ethiopia, so may Ethiopia recognize them. Also, after Puntland elders elected Jama abdi Jama as president of Puntland, Ethiapia re-instilled Abdulaahi Yusuf by force. It is reality that countless Mogadishu warlords all receive daily arms from Ethiopia; until Somalia’s national capital became ghost towns. As well, Hassan Mohamed Nur Shatigudud, the leader of RRA, and a longtime Ethiapian backed warlord said “Ethiopia only willing to provide bombs and wheat for militia†when Ethiopia supported his deputies against him. Can we blame Abdulaahi Yusuf for being Ethiopian backed (Of course no), when all Somali politicians are Ethiopian backed including Members of parliament- the national assembly, Somali regional administrations (Somaliland, Puntland, Hiiraanland, Jubaland – all are Ethiopian inventions). We can say most so-called Somali politicians (Somali power brokers) are suffering from illness called “Ethiopian worship†it a national curse and problem. Following are Ethiopian backed so-called Somali politicians: The newly elected president of Somalia (Former Somali Clonel in Siyaad Regime) Self-declered Somaliland President Daahir Riyaale (Former senior spy NSS of Siyaad regime in northwest Somalia) Current Somali MP and warlord Hussein Aideed (The son of Fomer somali colonel and warlors Faarax Aideed) Current Somali MP and warlord Muuse Suudi Current Somali MP and Warlord Cusmaan Ato Somali MP and Warlord Shaatiguduud Somali Warlord Maxamed Siciid Xirsi Morgan

I support my uncle for being pro pan Somalia and supporting unity among all Somalis, but I want to point out to my uncle that Somaliland is not a one clan region, but a multi-ethnic, multi-clan, who all share a common history, dialect, and future destiny. Unlike, Puntland that is only one clan despite it is somehow peaceful, but not stable and yet to build government institutions, they only knew a dictator Yusuf who recently became elected president of Somalia (elected by punch of warlords and elders). As well, I share with my unle his pessimism of somalia fot the next 5 years headed by Yusuf (since he is not the best person to lead somalia due to his record, anyway it is fact that yusuf is the president of Somalia and all us have to accept - Kerry accepted Bush's victory gracefully). However, I hope Yusuf goverment all the best for the sake of Somalia, to eliminate anarchy and put back Somalia it is rightful position in the international community. After the next 5 years of transitional period, I expect Yusuf to retire, and hope a democratic and legitimate process will occur to replace the transitional government. It is very crucial to Somalis, to understant to solve matters through peaceful means and not through violence, At last, I want to advice my people in northwest of Somalia, to run for somali general presidential elaction in 2009, they have a good chance to win, since all other regions and clans had their turn.

What is the difference between Riyaale's Visit and Haashi's Visit, As Somaliland, we want to know why did Laascaanood people welcomed Mr. Haashi 1) Is it because he supports unity and against Somaliland’s separation from Somalia (and nothing to do with qabiil) 2) Is it because of qabiil 3) Is it because Haashi is from Laascaanood, and laascaanood people will be happy if someone from Laascaanood like Qaybe became the President of Somaliland

Sabti, December 25, 2004 (HOL) @20:30GMT: Warar aynu ka helnay ilo muhiim ah oo ku dhow dhow mas’uuliyiinta dowladda cusub ee Soomaaliya ayaa sheegaya in labo mudane oo ka tirsan Aqalka Odayaasha Mareykanka ay ku wargeliyeen in ay Mareykanku haatan ka baxeen moqwifkoodii ahaa sug oo arag ee ay horay uga taagnaayeen xaaladda Soomaaliya, isla markaana ay doonayaan in ay si dhab ah wax uga qabtaan dhibaatada Soomaaliya oo ay gacan weyn ku siin doonaan dowladda cusub ee lagu dhisay dalka Kenya. Mudanayaasha ka socday Aqalka Odayaasha Mareykanka oo magaalada Nairobi todobaadkii hore kulamo kula yeeshay mas’uuliyiinta dowladda cusub ayay sidoo kale wararku sheegayaan in ay kula dardaarmeen in ay noqdaan kuwo si dhab ah uga howlgala in Soomaaliya laga saaro dhibaatada. Kadib markii uu hadalkan soo baxay todobaadkii hore ayaa hawada Soomaaliya lagu arkay diyaarad nooceeda lagu tilmaamay AC130, iyadoo sidoo kalena ay dadka ka ag-dhow xeebaha Soomaaliya ay sheegayaan in ay habeenkii arkaan Maraakiib aad ugu soo dhawaata oo aan weli la xaqiijin nooca ay yihiin iyo weliba cidda iska leh. Arrintan ayaa sidoo kale soo if-baxday kadib wareysi dhiillo xambaarsan oo uu bixiyay ku xigeenka Xogahayaha guud ee Qaramada Midoobay ee dhinaca Bani’aadannimada Mr. Jan Egeland, kaasi oo sheegay in xaaladda Soomaaliya uu heerkeeda ka hooseeyo sidii ay ahayd sanadkii 1992-kii, taasoo keentay in Soomaaliya loo soo diro ciidamo wax ka qabta xaaladdii bani’aadannimo ee taagneyd xiligaas, inkastoo aaney weli mas’uuliyiinta dowladda cusub ka hadlin dhaqdhaqaaqyada diyaaraddaas lagu tilmaamay AC130 iyo maraakiibta kale ee laga sheegayo xeebaha Soomaaliya. Salaad Iidow Xasan (Xiis) Hiiraan Online sxiis@hiiraan.com Mogadishu, Somalia

"Arrinkan tiiraanyada leh ee maanta dhacay waxaanu u haysanaa aniga iyo inta la ila aragtida ahiba in uu yahay goldalooladii cadowgeenu sugayay, taas oo aad ka garanyso hadal hayntiisa iyo buun buuntiisa. Aniga oo ah hooyada Somaliland waxaan jecelahay in aan waxyar ka idhaahdo arrinta muranka weyn ka dhalisay Somaliland iyo suuqyada Caalamka ee Soomaalidu ku kulantaba, noqotayna arin lafjab ku ah qaranka Somaliland guud ahaan." Kaltuun X. Daahir Halganews Human rights in Somaliland: Source: Halganews

Sophist, you misunderstand me I just cannot comprehend why some people look things in negative side. Honestly, I meant only that there is no minority clan oppressed in Somalia, by Riyaale leading Somaliland, and Haashi leading Puntland is just a sign of improvement in Somali politics.

Unbelievable, International community already recognizes Mr. Abdulaahi Yusuf! However we in Somaliland, After 15 years are in uncertainty times, and do know where we heading, but we will keep the hope.

He will only hold that post untill the election...after that it will belong to 'rightfully' General Cadee or Abshir Gheyre.. Jumatatu your hypothesis could be wrong, that’s the way most Somalis including somalilanders thought before Somaliland elections in 2001, that Riyaale will only hold that Somaliland presidency until the election...after that it will belong to 'rightfully' to Siilanyo and Waraabe (that proved wrong) If Puntlanders fellow the Somaliland lead by electing Riyaale (from minority clan) which was very strategic in terms of Somaliland reputation. If Puntlanders elect Mr Haashi that would be a very wise decision, because it would imply that the dominant clan would not always hold the top post, and a sign of emerging democracies in Somalia, but we in Somaliland will not be happy Mr Haashi presidency of Puntland [/QB]

Jumaatu your hypothesis could be wrong, that’s the way most Somalis including somalilanders thought before Somaliland elections in 2001, that Riyaale will only hold that Somaliland presidency until the election...after that it will belong to 'rightfully' to Siilanyo and Waraabe (that proved wrong) If Puntlanders fellow the Somaliland lead by electing Riyaale (from minority clan) which was very strategic in terms of Somaliland reputation. If Puntlanders elect Mr Haashi that would be a very wise decision, because it would imply that the dominant clan would not always hold the top post, and a sign of emerging democracies in Somalia, but we in Somaliland will not be happy Mr Haashi presidency of Puntland

Wind talker believe it or not, President Abdulaahi Yusuf is democratically elected by all Somalis, whether Mohamad Abdi Hashi is Abdulaahi Yusuf's shadow or not, Abdulaahi Yusuf is the president of all Somalia including puntland, and still has so much influence on puntland. Mohamed Abdi Hashi is like Daahir Riyaale Kaahin, they both the shadow of their predecessors. As Somalilanders elected Riyaale, Puntlanders might elect Haashi. Wind talker, we in Somaliland, we have to sit back and watch, and do not worry Puntland affairs.

Compare and contrast the following two opinnions - they both dealing with Somaliland-Ethiopian relations- and then post your responses. Will always support Ethiopia YAAN LAYSKU HABSAAMIN

Waa nin wareersan, change in overnight.

You can say Somalia, Somalia is in her way to democracy and legitimate leadership after 21 years of military rule and 15 years of civil wars, Puntland and Somaliland are emerging democracies, and rest of Somalia regions need to follow their example, in terms of stability and governance.

Mudane Maxamad Cabdi Xaashi is the right president at right the time, this man is the best choice for puntland at this critical juncture. I do not understand why Jumaatu is against Mudane Maxamad Cabdi Xaashi's Presidency in puntland, but if Jumatatu is from northwest Somalia – like me, it is understandable his opposition to this matter. Jumaatu we do not have to care Puntland affairs.

Well King_450, the current president of Somaliland Mr. Riyaale Kaahin was senior spy in NSS- National Somali Services working for Siyaad Barre regime to last day January 27, 1991, and Gen Jaamac Maxamed Qaalib was just a police officer.

Jen. Jaamac Maxamed Qaalib"Somaliland hadii la sheego waa Isaaqa oo hadii xubnahooda la qanciyo ay imankarto midnimo ay meesha ka dhalato ... anigu filimaayo muddada shanta sano ah ee ay shaqeyneyso dowlada uu hogaaminayo Col. C/laahi Yuusuf in ay soo celin karto midnimada goballada Waqooyi ay lahaayeen kuwa Koonfureed"Wareysi. To read the complete interview click on the following link: http://www.dayniile.com/Decnber/4Decenber23.htm After you read, the interview, post your response.

It is impossible to all 275 members of parliament ministers! I would advise Somali members of parliament to put national interests before their personal interests.

Og Girl thank you for your ample explanation of qabiil, the concept of qabiil in essence depends on how people use it, people can use it in positive side like silah al rahm as all ah said in Surah Al-Hujaraat Ayaah 13 ( mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). But in Somali Peninsula, Somali people used qabiil in the wrong ways like helping the murderer(denying the justice for the victim), Politicizing the qabiil, which is extremely dangerous phenomena, Somali history is great witness, all periods of Somali history, Before Colonial era (Somali tribes use to fight over grazing areas), colonial era ( all British, Italian, and French colonial powers that occupied Somali peninsula used Somali tribes against each other to crush defeat freedom movements, as divide and rule - proven equation). Post colonial era (Somalis failed to rule them selves, also Somali politicians failed to come up with political platform and ideology for Somalia, because their ignorance the only thing they campaigning for became the qabiil they belong, these led to destructive Civil wars that caused so much pain for Somali people. The problem is that All Somali political factions are based on qabiil from SNM, SSDF,USC, AND RRA. We very informed the qabiil damaged south Somalia and turned Mogadishu into ghost city. Even two peaceful Somali regions in the north Somaliland and puntland are both based on qabiil snm and ssdf, and their recent conflict is based on qabiil. Somali politician need to grow up from for qabiil politics, it only proved pain and division for Somali people (the fact that any Somali politicians to camping for his affiliation for certain qabiil is not political platform). Somali politicians need to find other political ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, Islamism, communism, and for get about qabiil ideology. Somali politicians should show leadership and come up with a vision for Somalia.

Mr. Aato is a longtime warlord, like most other warlords he participated the peace conference in Mgabathi because of pressure from international community and Somali people. Mr. Aato is average Somali warlord unless he is one of the worst Somali warlords, because Mr. Aato is most of times accused of greediness, excessive love for wealth and money, that caused his lack of principal and care only for money. Mr Aato is a man with two faces, he was part of SRRC, ARTA, G8, prosomaliland, and propuntland at the same time. Also Auto is accused for being spy for Somaliland Administration to dismantle Somali peace process ( Somaliland authorities continually work hard to fail every Somali peace conference, to keep the south in chaos and turmoil, to put Somaliland’s quest for recognition in stronger position). Mr. Aato' reborn nationalism is unfounded, Somali people will thank Aato, Riyaale, Yusuf, Aideed, and uncountable somali warlords, if they end the somali people's misery and suffring for the last decade and half.

Amin Amir is a gifted Somali artist, in the above picture, he is revealing the horrific injustice and mistreat of Zamzam in a Hargaysa court. It is very regrettable story

It is unacceptable human rights violation The truth that the poor zamzam is unfairly mistreated and raped is an undisputable fact, what happen is terrible and dark page in Somali women human rights in Somalia, this is a heinous crime against all humanity. Punlanders - there is no need to exploit zamzam, retaliation or propaganda will only increase injustice against Somali women and will only bread more violence, Puntland Government should see this crime as a isolated crime against all humanity specially Somali women. Somalilanders, please do show some sympathy to poor zamzam and stop ignorance and denying the fact that a heinous crime against little zamzam took place. If there was a perfect time to apologize to mistreatment of human being this is the time, Somaliland government needs to take the responsibility and apologize to zamzam and her family for her for mistreatment and the gross crimes such as rape, Somaliland leadership both government and opposition need to recognize that zamzam's case is dangerous precedence and it is crucial to make all necessary steps to avoid from happening again. It is unbelievable and unclear the reasons that led to Somaliland Government to be silent throughout the longtime time that the unfair trial lasted. Hence, Somaliland government should explain and make public inquiry about zamzam’s case, or else Zamzam’s case is clear evidence how immature is somaliland leadership!