They have been fighting more then a year to clear Gedo from Al Shabaab. Now the rest of the Jubba's is cleared from Al Shabaab in a matter of weeks. I would expect they use the opportunity and start a march on Kismayo, to become a stakeholder which cant be ingnored by the Kenyans and Azanians. That would be the most strategical option at the moment.

Smart move by the SSC folks. I expect they will change the name and gather support outside the SSC region. This party could become the new USP.

Puntlanders here in SOL that is.

Wonder why so many Puntlanders are opposing the Kenyan invasion? Isn't Puntland far away from the Kenyan front? Havent many in here supported the Ethiopian invasion and war against the ICU? Doesnt Faroole support the Kenyan invasion? And above all, Isnt Faroole bringing Ugandese AMISOM troops to Galkacyo to fight Al Shabaab? And wouldnt the invasion of Puntland by foreign troops be more ideal cause to oppose so louldly then the Kenyan one?

Jb, Do you a link to this vision document?

Knight of Wisdom;753895 wrote: It is probably impossible to quantify a permanent population as it pertains to Somaliland. Somaliland does not have a permanent population confined solely to its borders. The colonial legacy left members of the five clans residing in Somalia scattered among Ethiopia, Djibouti and Southern Somalia. A majority of the population continues to straddle these areas, resulting in ever-changing and fluid populations not clearly confined to any particular border or borders. The British colonial authorities in preparing to leave Somalia attempted to save face by carving out an area west of Somaliland known as the “Reserve Area.” The area was established so that the local nomads could have a place for their livestock to graze. When the Reserve Area was given to the Ethiopians by the British in 1954, massive demonstrations took place in Hargeisa. Demonstrators carried signs reading, “If our land is taken our lives are taken.” In regard to the criterion for effective government, Somaliland’s government as currently constituted has been neither effective nor inclusive. All the most important portfolio and decision-making powers are within the hands President Siilanyo’s clan. These include the office of president, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Defense and several other important posts. All three existing political parties are from Mr. Siilanyo’s extended clan, effectively guaranteeing that all power remains within the frame work of that clan. Government revenue has been used for bribes and questionable deals. Multitudes of clan headmen run traditional parallel states within Somaliland, and are more effective in settling disputes than any government body. The most dangerous and divisive trend has been replacing greater Somali’s history with the civil war history featuring the Somali National Movement (SNM) within Somaliland’s educational system. The treatment of SNM heroes as martyrs has been included in the regular school curriculum. It is not acceptable to focus so much attention on recognition for statehood while failing to address and solve the myriad internal problems plaguing Somaliland identified in this paper. There is serious clan domination, and exclusive rather than inclusive representation at all levels of Somaliland’s current government framework. The best possible course of action is to reconstruct the Somali state from a center in Hargeisa. This central authority must be inclusive and representative of all citizens of greater Somalia. It should be the authority that settles disputes in accordance with effective, traditional means of problem-solving and conflict resolution. Such an authority could be much more effective and culturally sensitive than UN courts or the African Union. There is no good reason to return to the colonial boundaries that have been so divisive, such a barrier to meaningful development of greater Somalia, and so universally unpopular and ignored by those they were originally intended to benefit. There are effective, longstanding, and widely accepted economic and social systems already in place among the residents of greater Somalia. Rekindling the administration of the much broader and more inclusive Somali ethnic kinship is a just and worthy cause. References: 1. Sanford J. Ungar, Africa: The People and Politics of an Emerging Continent. Simon & Schuster. New York1989. 2. Michela Wrong, “I didn’t Do It for You” How the World Betrayed a Small African Nation. Harper Collin Publishers. New York. 2005. 3. James P. Hubbard, The United States And The End OF British Colonial Rule In Africa, 1941-1968. Mcfarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. North Carolina. 2011. By Jaafar M. Sh. Jama Email: jaafarjama@hotmail.co The author comes up with the strangest conclusion after stating that a 'minority' clan forms the Somaliland Goverment. A goverment which the author finds neither effective nor inclusive. Why does he expect from a minority clan that they would/could reconstruct an inclusive and representative central state for all citizens of greater Somalia in Hargeisa?

So your preiction is the reconstruction of the Somali state from a centeral authority in Hargeisa.

NGONGE;697864 wrote: Today, they are calling for Somali unity, which, I assume, is to say that they plan to wait for Somalia to sort itself out and then join it. However, what do they mean to do in the meantime? Sit about between SL and PL without any sign of improvement or progress? Declare their own “Mamul Goboleeyd” yet depend on those two entities (or Ethiopia) for their essential supplies? And how does the Somali unity idea work out when the clowns to the left of them and the jokers to the right both don’t recognise the TFG? The other day, sixteen ambassadors from different countries of the world visited Somaliland. A few weeks ago, the British Minister for International Development was strolling about in the streets of Hargeisa. Late last year, the president of SL was received with full state honours in both Djibouti and Addis. In spite of all of that, recognition may not be gained any time soon (but gained it will). However, the practical recognition that exists and the avalanche of economic, political and administrative support that SL is receiving right now is bound to have a positive effect on the lives of its residents. The declaration of independence at the start of this thread spoke about the pursuit of happiness. In my case and yours, this might involve a promotion, a new job, the purchase of a house, car or even the latest iPhone. It may involve us worrying about our children’s future and trying to enroll them in the best schools, colleges or universities. In short, it may mean that we are content with life and suffer from no great need. But what would the pursuit of happiness entail when looking at it through the eyes of a resident of Burco or Buuhoodle? And what is the difference between the two (other than the obvious clan angle)? Now let us be clear that the progress in SL will still continue with or without the SSC, it is after all the nature of the beast and the fact that the capital receiving all these dignitaries is Hargeisa and not LA. However, the progress and development will be even better with the inclusion of the SSC group. It means that the state will be free of unrest or conflict and can concentrate on making the lives of all its citizens better than what they are now. The SSC, of course, has many choices. It could wage all out war on SL and speed up the conclusion of this conflict (by winning or losing). It could rejoin PL and trust its fate to the unpredictable whims of the lovable Imam or it could keep things as they are today with lots of songs and hit-and-run attacks. The first choice will get them out of their predicament one way or another. The second choice is feasible but requires stronger stomachs and resolute minds (the Imam has that effect on people). The third choice (the one we are in now) is the worst of the lot for it is a pointless distraction that will keep the SSC people singing, fighting and seething with anger without any final results. Furthermore, the longer it goes on the less the early fervour will become and brighter minds will start to question the entire point, aim and goals of the struggle (worse still, internal cracks may start to appear). At the same time, SL (for that should be the main policy of Siilanyo) is likely to plough on and pour whatever international aid it receives into improving infrastructure, creating jobs and enriching the lives of people (especially those that are already in favour of SL or any that fallout with the SSC leadership). This is pure and simple politics and, because of the pursuit of happiness argument, it is also a tried and tested method; people the world over, want direction and a way to make their lives better. Yes, like the Egyptians, Libyans, Tunisians and even the SNM, they will demonstrate, revolt and come out to the streets in wild demonstrations but, at the end of it all, they will still want to see tangible results that add to the quality of their lives and improve their lot. The SSC leadership has to have a plan that goes beyond “SL ma rabno” or “Farole’s fara galin”. Having read the NSUM communiqués and followed the SSC’s declarations (not to mention the Garad’s various statements) I fail to see the actual existence of such a plan. Southern Somali has been cursed with leaders that cannot see beyond the ends of their own noses and an Islamic movement hell bent on war. The leaders have eternally been getting caught on pointless arguments and distractions or chasing short term goals and the Islamic movement insanely believes that everything could be achieved through the barrel of the gun. There are no signs that either side will see the light soon or even change their ways. PL too has been cursed with a mad mullah who insists on ruling with an iron fist and, as his actions through this wretched presidency of his have shown, is bound to bring the state to its knees with his endless and volatile fumbling. Once the dust settles on the SSC uprising and the calmer, forward looking minds begin to view the wreckage that is Somalia, whilst also noticing the progress that is taking place in SL and the increasing number of international states (and bodies) that are falling over themselves to aid it, I am sure sanity will prevail and our brethren from the SSC regions will happily rejoin the republic (unless Mudane Madaxweyne adeero Siilaanyo xafidahuallah goes and does something totally foolish , and with him being Somali, I would not discount that too). Anigu wan hadlay. Bal wax sheega. Looks like Ngonge's predicment is becoming more of an option for the SSC folks. I am hearing from SSC folks close to the G6 That the idea for the Maamul to be declared at the coming Khaatumo Conference is to hold Merger talks with Somaliland. But that some folks dont even want to wait and are even ready for a early Somaliland Acquisition before holding merger talks. So the question is not about joining Somaliland, but how to join Somaliland. Through a merger of two parties, friendly take over, hostile take over, management buy out or an public offering giving Puntland and others a chance to come with a bid.

TFG has opossed Azania from the beginning. While by law, the TFG is required to support the creation of regional governments. It failed doing so. And now TFG is running out of time and has little power to influence anything outside Xamar. If the people of the Jubba's have any chance to particiipate in the forming of a Somali goverment next year, then now is the time to create a platform. And Azania is the only option at the moment.

GaroweGal;753772 wrote: Knight of Wisdom , I recently found out my abti is one of the head guys in the SSC , so do I get a shout out or what? *LOL* I am glad there is a bit of fresh air for a change I am so sick of the so-called SLanders on this forum and their constant isfaanis . isfaanis is actuallt a treat all waqooyi's are known for.

Zack, indeed the locals decide. But outside support is needed as well. Somali's from diffrent segments in diaspora form an destructive force who can mobolize opposition.

Gacuur, Azania is so far the most inclusive and divers platform for the region. Do you have a better option?

It's about time Kenya becomes xenophobic towards Somali's. Any country with such an influx of foreigners would try to oust them. Somali's have been so comfortable in Kenya they forgat their own country.

-Somali warlords may return after the power vacuum left by al Shabaab. -By law, the TFG is required to support the creation of regional governments. It failed doing so and didnt create other options or any regional dialogue or roadmap. -Azania is so far the most inclusive and divers platform for the region established after months of dialogue between traditional elders. -Ethiopia's opposition and Kenya's support for Azania means regional power balance eachother in Somalia. Without one getting the upper hand in Somalia. -Azania's leader Ghandi is skilled leader who is not from the region but managed to gather support from Kenya, many Somali's in Kenya, numerous Somali clans living in Jubba areas, etc. -Ghandi is an anthropologist and geneologist (an exception to the many military men in region) which could become usefull in one the most ethnicly and culturaly divers regions of Somalia. There are not many other options on the table. So lets be constructive and give Azania a chance.

AYOUB;753374 wrote: Well Naxar is one of those folks that are so educated that they prefer pet dogs to children. As for Che, he has issues with the Imaam's popularity. The negativity has nothing to do with me.

Its still ridicolous that someone has to be 25 years, to run for local council elections. If an 18 year old is smart enough to vote,why not run for elections.

Yeey and Xabashi's were responsible for more death, destruction and refugee's then all those years of Amisom presence. Just ask all those refugee's.

What the Ethiopians and Yeey did to Moqdishu in 2006/2007 can only be described as a mass slaughter and crimes against humanity. This will not be forgetten. And those people responsible and chearleading for bringing Xabashi to Somali soil, better keep silent and pray for forgiveness.

Indeed all credits go to Sheick Shariif en Amisom. Atleast they did not destroy the city and butcher the population, like Yeey and the Xabashi's did.

Carafaat;753295 wrote: Remember how Abdullahi Yusuf cousin claimed he was the new Ambassador for Somalia . lool@ reer Xil-doon. http://www.seattleweekly.com/2007-02-28/news/dubious-diplomacy.php/ http://www.benadir-watch.com/2007%20News/0103_Yusuf_names_ambassador_to_US.pdf Duke, when will you become Ambassador for Somalia?

Remember how Abdullahi Yusuf cousin claimed he was the new Ambassador for Somalia . lool@ reer Xil-doon. http://www.seattleweekly.com/2007-02-28/news/dubious-diplomacy.php/ http://www.benadir-watch.com/2007%20News/0103_Yusuf_names_ambassador_to_US.pdf

lool@ Xaaji Would he be allowed to return if he was mentioned on their website?

Odinga visited Somaliland two times before, when he was an MP. nothing special about this.

Carafaat;738684 wrote: Founded by non others then Ismail en Abdi Ismail Samater, Cabdirizaaq Xaaji Xuseen, Jama Maxamed Qalib , Cismaan Kaluun and Maxamed Aden Jengali. Somali's need Grassroots movements build from the ground up with with deep involvement in the local communities. Not elitist diaspora caravan's headed by expired and ancient politicians living in self imposed excile in foreign lands, who still cant let go the idea of the (failed) centrist style goverment, which most Somali's detested. Even the structure of their party is comparable with the failed Socialist Party of Somalia, calling the Revolutainary council, the Core. However I think this iniatieve will be very popular amongst members of the diaspora and entertain folks abroad, but it wont make any diffrence on the ground. As long as these kind of folks are not ready to move to the country they desperately want to lead and leave their comfortable western life. Therefore as a serieuz political moment it is doomed to fail. Kaluun earlier visited Hargeysa, now Jaamac arrived yesterday. And I am hearing Prof. Ahmed Ismail Samater is on his way.

Todo sobre mi madre (1999)