Since when have we been able to discuss qabil on this site? The last time checked mentioning tribes were out of the question. " And when you guys try to dress up the names by saying "Mr. Y", "Mr. J", "D-Block" etc. you're not fooling anyone

Timur;895109 wrote: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/africa/090715/somalias-addict-economy Really Timur? So insecure about the positive developments in Somaliland and the commendation it's recieved that you have to dig up a 2 year old article just to defame it and make yourself feel at ease? I mean especially since the international coverage towards Somaliland is generally so positive that you have to dig up an irrelevant article that paints it in a bad light

Nin-Yaaban;894896 wrote: LooL. Anyone else see the irony in this? We got a guy named "Mahiga" (who is not even Somali) but is apologizing on behalf of Somalis to other Somalis. IMAGINE THAT. Yaab badanaa. No but I do see the irony of a supposed government claiming sovereignty over another nation even though it's military occupied by Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Burundi and the list goes on

Somaliland held municipal elections Wednesday. Seven political parties took part in the first poll for local councils since 2002. Although Somaliland has declared itself an independent state, it has not received full international recognition since breaking away from Somalia in 1991. The IEO -- International Election Observers -- has a team of more than 50 people in Somaliland. Dr. Steve Kibble, joint coordinator of the mission. From the capital Hargeisa, he said that Somaliland’s municipal elections are “important in several ways.” “Somaliland has proved that it’s on the road to some form of democracy of its own making. We saw pretty free and fair elections, which contrast with some of the neighbors, it must be said.” Kibble describes Somaliland as “an important player for some people even though it’s an unrecognized state.” He said Somaliland played a “key” role in international conferences on the Horn of Africa. Long queues of voters in Somaliland municipal elections, Nov. 28, 2012. Credit: Kate Stanworth ​​“I think there’s a kind of implicit recognition, not that I’m qualified to talk about recognition as an international observer. But recognition in the sense that people can see its value, and the fact that it’s on this road to a hybrid form of democratization, mixing sort of traditional and democratic forms,” he said. Kibble was in Somaliland for the first municipal elections in 2002. Since then, a parliamentary election was held in 2005 and a presidential vote in 2010. As for the election process, he said, “There have always been ups and downs. But in terms of the understanding of the Somaliland people for democracy, I think that has been a more and more sophisticated tactic. One always has to balance off sub-clan interests against individual interests and policy interests. That’s not very well formulated in many ways. But the actual mechanics of the electoral process are well understood, and people have been turning out in really big numbers today.” Over 50 IEO mission observers are deployed over six regions, but they were not placed in any areas where their safety could be in jeopardy. The observers come from 18 countries, including the U.S. and Canada, many European nations, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa. Kibble said, “Also, there are lots of volunteers that have paid their own way, paid their own expenses, flights, etcetera, to get here. So it kind of shows the interest.” He said that elections can be “quite volatile” in Somaliland, adding, “people get very enthusiastic and exuberant. And sometimes the police kind of whip them into line a bit more than you would expect…in rather quieter North American [and] European countries. That having been said, it’s very heartening to see so many people queuing-up to vote in the pretty hot sun. Mostly, things appear to be pretty stable, pretty peaceful.” There have been allegations of underage people attempting to vote and of the government driving its supporters to the polling stations. There are also reports of police firing in the air as part of crowd control. “These are just allegations at the moment,” he said, “We will obviously try and check those out as much as possible. But the overwhelming mood from our observers, at the moment, is that things are going along fine.” The IEO mission will issue an interim report on the municipal elections before it leaves. The findings will be presented to the National Electoral Commission. A final report may be issued in December. Kibble said, “This is a rather complicated process where people vote for a local councilor, but also are voting to streamline seven political parties into three registered parties under the constitution.” The election panel listed nearly 2400 candidates for about 350 council seats. http://www.voanews.com/content/somaliland-elections-28nov12/1554518.html

Today, citizens of Somaliland head to the polls to elect their local municipal council representatives. While the dysfunctional Somalia gets most of the attention in the Horn of Africa, its northern neighbor Somaliland has stood out as a success story. This election is the fifth direct vote in Somaliland since 2002, but is the first election of local councilors, a move that the International Republican Institute (IRI) says coincides with the central government’s initiative to decentralize government. The election will also determine the government’s three major political parties. According to law, only three political parties are allowed to govern, as this lessens the prospect of the population dividing itself according to clan and/or region affiliation. Somaliland’s three dominating political parties are the UDUB, UCID, and KULMIYE. However, they will have to compete with UMADDA, DALSAN, RAYS, WADANI, and XAQSOOR. While the UCID and the KULMIYE are favorites, the UDUB will not be participating. In September, the UDUB accused the National Election Commission of partisan bias and withdrew its candidacy. The election is not without its pitfalls. As IRI notes, there will be no voter roll, increasing the chances of voter fraud. Somalilanders will also vote for candidates on an open-list system rather than a political party. This raises practical challenges, as the ballots will list all of the candidates by name, number, and (as has traditionally been used) a symbol for Somaliland’s largely illiterate population. The U.K.-based charity Progressio notes that in Hargeisa District alone, there could be up to 225 candidates on the ballot. Furthermore, in the counting process, if a ballot is rendered void (e.g., two candidates are selected for the same position), the vote will still count—but for the candidate’s political party. The law stipulates that the victorious parties must garner at least 20 percent of the vote. As this is unlikely to happen (because there are seven parties competing), a ranking system will be used. The results of the percentages that the parties have gained in each region will be given ranking numbers, and the three winners will be selected through the ranking system of the votes cast in the six regions based on proportional results. Neither Somaliland’s election system nor the government as a whole is perfect. But 10 years after its first referendum, the government has proven itself effective, and more importantly, Somalilanders approve overwhelmingly of the democracy they helped put together. According to IRI’s June 2012 public opinion survey, 86 percent of people think Somaliland is headed in the right direction, and 80 percent of respondents stated that they considered Somaliland a “full democracy” or a “democracy, but with minor problems.” Somaliland’s access to the governing process via free and fair elections has unified its diverse communities in a way that numerous governments in Mogadishu have failed to achieve. Moving forward, Somalia’s new leaders have a lot to learn from their northern neighbor. http://blog.heritage.org/2012/11/28/somaliland-proof-that-democracy-in-the-horn-of-africa-is-possible/

Ballots not bullets. Truly the way forward. I know that a lot of these principles are put into practice in neighbouring areas but the people of LA can proudly say that they were able to have a say in the democratic process and choose their leaders and parties

I love how it pains the spin doctors to even acknowledge the fact that the polling was even taking part in Eastern Sanaag and Sool. Putting fingers in ears doesn't change the fact that people willfully voted in all but 2 districts. Meanwhile representatives from Puntland and the central government are diligently observing the elections so that they can replicate the governance accomplishments that Somaliland has made its own

General Duke;893860 wrote: You have been thwarted everywhere you turn. Sanaag is out of your control and the Khatumo groups are starting to find their feet. .. You honestly must either be the biggest deciever or the most delusional person I've ever seen. First people have been saying for over a year "just you wait until Khatumo finds it's feet" all the while Galaydh has essentially admitted his project failed. Also the last time I checked the capital of Sanaag is firmly under the control of Somaliland so lay off the Kool Aid

The locals will speak with their votes...but I guess Duke doesn't want that to happen

Once again Duke comes out of the woodwork to commence his favorite pastime of making a smear campaign against SL. His efforts to try to sensationalize every bit of news is so transparent that he wishes to discredit the national elections. I guess he deeply fears our brothers in eastern Sannag and Sool casting ballots and taking part in the democratic process.

Didn't know Somalia became a Dr.Osman styled cheerleader for SL lol. Anyway the movement of the Somaliland army into the area was only at the request of the elders in who recently reaffirmed their allegiance to SL. Don't think any hostilities will come of this

Couldn't help but notice a plane from Ethiopian Airlines behind the Prez in the 4th pic. Kind of fitting, doesn't matter what Hassan or Gelleh do, the spectre of the ethiopians will always loom over them

As expected Galayr's project fizzled out and lost momentum. Being sandwiched between SL and PL meant they were facing mounting pressures from each side. Not to mention their small population base, few large urban centers and position being landlocked made it very hard to generate revenue and govern. Fortunuately pragmatism has lead many in eastern Sool and Sanag to realign with Somaliland again with the remainder allying with PL.

NGONGE;886930 wrote: ^^ Everyone is there except the road, Xaaji. Where is the road? You just pointed one of my pet peeves with Somali news. If there is a story about the gov opening a new school, hospital, road, airport etc. They always focus on filming the leaders in attendance and their populist speeches and barely any footage/pics on the actual topic of interest. I mean the public is concerned with finding out more about the project not who the leader was rubbing shoulders with or what patriotic speech he said. They could really get some tips from Al Jazeera

Really tried to read the article with an open mind but the author glazed over many key facts and said misleading half truths. Anyway with an entire generation of young Somaliland citizens that know nothing of the former Somalia it will become progressively harder for Mogadishu to incite any allegiance amongst Somalilanders. Besides with an accountable, democratic government and stable growing economy in Somaliland there is less incentive to seek union among it's citizens.

Considering she hasn't really done anything in her capacity as FM to outright show her support for secession then I wouldn't sensationalize her appointment. She only said she wouldn't want to force union on any group of people, which I believe was something the President has said also. Besides I imagine she would want to keep her job for the time being....considering she is an opportunist and all

It's noteworthy news so I don't a problem with someone posting it. Timur's knee jerk insecurities are showing however...

With the diaspora returning in droves, expats from around the region setting up shop and refugees from Somalia it only makes sense to put more resources in the immigration ministry. Also didn't realize Oday had an architecture degree, he should really consider cashing in on the construction boom

Tallaabo;882918 wrote: Xaaju Xunjuf you are being hypocritical here. You would never entertain the idea of Somaliland joining the mess of Sounthern Somalia and Mogadisho, so why do you want the people of Puntland to invest their precious and scarce time, energy, and resources in what is still a very volatile and corrupt region? No one suggested Somaliland commit troops to stabilizing Somalia because unlike Puntland, Somaliland considers itself an independent nation and carries itself in the manner as one. Puntland on the other hand, maintains that it is part and parcel of Somalia and yet it's not willing to commit it's resources to stabilizing it's own country. I mean what's the point of fielding an army if it doesn't use it to liberate it's own country? It can't play a double game where it says it's committed to supporting the central government and yet distance itself enough so it can be considered a separate entity. Besides I've never heard of Texas or California having it's own armed forces separate from the federal government of the United States. Why doesn't it merge it's forces with the central government?

This disgusting and cowardly act only speaks to the nature of the perpetrators. It would seem that the "khatumo" insurgents would be the most likely to have committed it due to their motivations but I wouldn't be surprised if AS had their hand in this either. It's already a well known fact that they've begun to retreat and regroup in the borderlands in the north and their capability to use IED's is more advanced than any of the teenage militias of Galaydh.

Somalia;879883 wrote: He would man, and he'd try and act like an infiltrator, and then when he does the bidding of Somaliland and it wins recognition, he will come back as a hero and write a book. Loooool Xaaji the Manchurian candidate

I don't know how he could even be considered a traitor. During the negotiations one of his conditions was that the men under his command would be taken care of and now several hundred are being integrated into the Somaliland military. Anyway, like Sharif and many other political turncoats he saw that the interests of him and his people are best served under a functioning government and not a phantom administration

HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – The country is set for its first serious oil exploration since it reclaimed sovereignty 21 years ago. This development comes after the ministry of Energy, minerals & Water entered into a contract with Genel Energy an Anglo Turkish energy Private limited company. According to the Energy minister Eng. Hussein Abdi Duale, Genel energy will commence a ten weeks airborne high-resolution survey of the type Aeromag & Gravity within Togdheer region in December. The airborne surveys in Togdheer region will revolve around oil blocks SL-13 & SL-10E originally contracted to ASANTE that sold 75% of its holdings in the two blocks to Genel energy. "The airborne survey will be followed by an extensive 2D seismic survey covering approx. 3000 km within the target area," informed the energy minister The Genel energy work plan and the budget (approx. USD 38 million) for the airborne and seismic surveys were agreed upon during the 2nd October visit to the country by a high level delegation from the Anglo Turkish company led by its Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Africa, Mr. John Hurst The work plan and the budget that reflect activities and investments in the order of 6 fold of the original requirements as per the signed agreement between the company and the Ministry of Mining, Energy & Water Resources, contains stipulations for utilizing local personnel to the fullest. After conclusions of deliberations pertaining to the proposed exploration plans, the energy ministry conducted the Genel energy delegation to a one-hour long aerial tour over its blocks in Togdheer to assess the terrain. The Genel COO for Africa, Mr. John Hurst who later revealed his company's satisfaction with arrangements so far said that the terrain around his company's oil block is conducive for the operations that will commence in December 2012. Genel has already established its physical presence in the country where Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Hassan who has a worldwide oil & gas experience in excess of 30 years is holding court. The Anglo-Turkish corporation has extensive experience in the energy sector especially in Kurdistan where it has producing assets in Kurdistan as well as exploration blocks in Ivory Coast, Morocco, Malta (deals to be concluded shortly) in addition to Somaliland where it has two blocks. Somaliland has in the recent past seen an upsurge of interest in its known oil reserves as ascertained by the physical presence in Hargeisa ongoing exploration activities by a number of worldwide actors like South African based Ophir energy, Jacka Resources ltd of Australia & Petrosoma Ltd, which is headquartered in the United Kingdom. For further details on Genel energy visit http://www.genelenergy.com http://somalilandsun.com/index.php/economic/1634-somaliland-genel-energy-earmarks-37m-for-initial-investment

Ah another slow news day which means Duke must post a thread about Somaliland's impending doom. But really? AS was good for SL because they destabilized the south? The south was already in disarray for 16/17 years at before they took control. Besides AS's bombings in Hargeisa and their calls for destroying Somaliland signalled that they weren't controlled by them

^^^ Such eloquence. Kind overtures like that is just what is needed to convince the citizens of SL to rejoin the south Anyway, I think the mutual distrust was what is really the reason why this supposed plan never came to fruition.