Minitid, that is so true. While northerners were trying to get rid of the British in early 1960, the southerners had already a functioning system of government , and have mastred the political game. Halka ay ragani calanka la nordayeen nimankii reer koonfurku is riix riix iyo Political manuevenring ayey ku jireen. I remember in late eithies , tried to get a passport. It took me two months to get all the nessessarry ducuments, from " nabad sugid, Warqada Sugnaanta", and all. Finally, I went to the court to get clearance from non exisstant criminal recor office. Arjigaan soo qoraa, waraaqihii Ayaan soo raaciyaa, nin reer benadir haa oo meesha jooga Ayaan u dhiibaa. maalin walba, sidaan u sugayo ayuu igu soo ceshaa kowda duhurnimo. Markaan ku wareeray, Ayaan u tagay nin saaxiibkay ah oo rer wardhiigley ah. Markaan arrintii u sheegay , ayuu waxuu yidhi " waxaad yeeshaa afartan shilin ku soo dar arjiga una dhiib". Sidii baan yeelnay, warqadii oo shaabadaysan ayaa la ii soo dhiibay. Markaasaan idhi , oo Miyuu I dhaho afartan keen , boqol baan uga dhigi lahaaye, inta uu isoo celelinayo. They know how to work the system.

Oodweyne, your comments are welcome. You seem to be well informed both in history and revolutions. As you stated , revolutions always destroy their own creators. There was a play, composed by Hadraawi, I do not remember the exact name, Could have ( Qalwadii mas baa galay), but it was about a deadly snake that was chased by the people. He suddenly showed up at the door of a pride and groom who were just married and their honeymoon. He asked them to save them from crowd that was about to kill them. The groom took him and helped him cross many rivers. Finally when the snake felt safe, he killed the groom and made the pride a widow. That was part of it , but also, these northerners also miscalculated their strength by challenging Siyad Barre. Stay tuned....

Why this Xabad guy keep insulting us for no reason. Why not use common sense. We do not go out of our way and insult our Christian neighbors when they celebrate Chrismas. This guy is really an extremist. Che, ciid mubaarak. It is Somali proper, all the way to Diredhabe and Djibouti.

Ciid Mubaarak, wakuli caam antum Bikhayr. WE just preformed the Ciid Prayer, came back home for Cambaabur. It is a special Canjeero made from ( Khamuun Soomaali, onion , Garlic, and black seed). with some clouring to made it yellowish. Them you it with ( Caano Gadhoodh ah), yogurt. This breakfast is only done during the two Ciid. It is a GALBEEDI dish. Does anyone knows other than reer Galbeed.

TRIBAL NATIONALISM, THE NEW NORMAL. Tribal hegemony is going to be the new normal. The best way to confront these tribal homelands is to setup your own , and let the chips fell where they may. Tribal based institutions will not last that much. they may project the image of progress and useless might when they compare o to theirs, but empty hubris , injustice, corruption and , their own incompetence will eventually destroy them from within. Last spring, I started a topic exploring Somali leaders of our time, from 1956 to Present day Qoslaaye. I divided them in three categories. Democrats and nation builders; military dictators and oppartunists. Among the oppartunists , I did mention, C/qaasim, Gaalyr, Siilaanyo and Qoslaate. I did cover C/qaasim on the last segment, and now, the time has come for the Twin politicians from (Bari), Togdhgeer and Sool. While this topic is specifically to analyse the 45 years political maneuvering of two opportunists, at the same time I will cover the historical backgrounds and the gathering of the new storm which will effect greatly, the people of Somaliland if proper actions are not taken. Most systems are not destroyed by armies or earth quakes, but , the internal decay of the system which doesn't respond to the challenges of the day. This is my take on the events of these two men, especially, covering the events that led Galydh to leave the country in 1982 , and the bath Siilaanyo followed to join SNM. This is history according to Galbeedi, so, If anyone want to challenge or refute my conclusions, you must provide concrete arguments. Generation X, youngsters who learned history through their uncles or tribes are not allowed to debate this article. Few months ago, I said Cali Khaliif is not interested about Khaatumo. I was wrong . The Title Of Regional President is a batch to seek a higher office and a base to play for the tribal games of the day. Why would a well known former Prime Minister decide to cronate himself in a tiny dusty village in the hinterland, while big cities like Laascaanood and historical towns like Taleex which are the traditional homes of the "Garaad community". The reason is , Laascaanood is controlled by a group of militia connected to Somaliland. They decided to share their lot with Somaliland. THey are called J. Siyaad, and they don't like Cali Khaliif and his agenda. Taleex ins the home of interior minister of Puntland Mr. Ahmed Cilmi Osman ( Ahmed Garaash), who last year with help of Puntland, Attacked Cali Khaliif and his conference in Taleex, killing a dozen people. After that clash, he was rewarded as the interior minister of Puntland , in the C/weli Government. He vehemently opposes Cali Khaliif. Before Galayr finally settled in the village of Saxadheer, he went to Buuhoodle town at the border with Ethiopia. Buuhoodle is the home of Hawdians people who have nothing in common with Nugaal Valley Garaad community. They are not only proud , but they are hard headed Hawdians who made the largest fighters for the Darwiish movement in early twentieth century. If you are a follower of Somali Literature and historical poems of the last century, you will not miss this punch. They are called Ali's the Giraffe. This famous poem by Ismaaciil Mirre dipictes their arrogance: Lixda koos ee Reer Cali GEri Kow iskaga Siiyey Kasi Waayey, wuxu waa qabaal waanad kabataaye Ragow Kibirka waa lagu Kufaaye kaa ha la Ogaado. In Buuhoodle, the Blue Somali flag is flying in the piazza's and could be found every where. Galaydh , met in Buuhoodle, another native son of the town , and Somaliland minister XaglaToosiye. After two days of negotiations, Ali Khaliif was told " Shirkaaga Meel kale la aad". Here you see three different groups , residing different parts of the land , who all rejected Galaydh. All these rejections didn't prevent Galaydh to build a base to launch his political ambitions. This division of Garaad Community is not something unusual among Somalis. There are deep divisions among all tribes. Even the SNM Habroos have bigger division than most think, but they all agree in the concept of Somaliland for now. When Rayaale was President , Burco was very close to Somali issdues. The Somali shilling were not only used their, but a lot of Pro Somalia movements were based their. If Siilaanyo had lost the election, only Allah knows what could have happened. Any way, Cali Khaliif, is spread heading these conference without first minimizing the huge gabs that exist in his community. It is a lazy way of doing business. Finally, he settled to the village where his immediate sub clans hail. I got a lot of crissum last time when I said Galaydh is destabilizing the region. What I meant was, he didn't do his home work before being chased from village to village. I thought that he didn't gain the trust of his community before forming his Khaatumo. Having said that , the fact is Cali Khaliif is exactly following the same formula Somalis are using these days to set up tribal home lands, which is, instigate your own kin, control your own tribal land, ask help from the United Nations and other development agencies, have a base for your Political ambitions , and eventually declare yourself a president. The so called Somali constitution, which will not last that much, says, " Federal states must must consist two or more states". Regardless of what Somaliland says or does, no one can control another tribe, or prevent them from deciding their own destiny. It is futile for Somaliland to spend the meagre resourses which is badly needed to force people to Somaliland. Even former SNM fighters in Hargeisa are saying that no one can gain confidence of the people with barrel of the gun. Before we indulge to the future of Khaatumo and Galaydh , let us look back these two characters, and the trails, Galaydh and Siilaanyo left behind. In order to understand these complicated characters, let us go back forty years and the root of this new development. By exploring Galaydh, the constant shadow of his twin sidekick Ahmed Siilaanyo , could be seen on every step. Both of them stratrd the journey long time ago. They are also life long friends. They may play the game in different way, but they are aware of each others maneuverers. Waa Rag Iska War Haya, Wada Socda, kalana Socda. Galaydh and Siilaanyo joined the Somali civil service in late nineteen sixties, after earning masteres degrees from America and Britain respectively. Galaydh joined the Somali institute of development and management ( SIDAM) , while Siilaanyo became director at planing ministry. After the coup of 1969, by the Somali military, both of them imediately became important members of the Kacaan. They were among the few of the educated class who became leaders in a government dominated by miliatery officers. In 1974, Galaydh was the manager of Snai piasa", Jowahar Sugar Factory. It was the largest Somali owned factory, employing ten thousand people . In mid seventies, the Jawhar based factory, not only produced sugar, but also : clothes, garments, Cigarettes, Alcohol, matches on one side, and rice, cotton, and other dry foods in other departments. It was the most successful Somali industrial project of anytime. It was estimated the factory produced almost 10% of Somalia's GDP. Later he managed the Jubba Sugar project with multi million dollar project. In 1980, he was appointed as the Industry Minister. Ahmed Siilaanyo had a long instinct as planning minister, and other important portfolios in the military government. In that same year , in 1980, Ahmed Siilaanyo was the Minister of Commerce and the chairman of National Economic Board. Both of them were more educated and sophisticated than the average member of the " kacaanka' counsel. Unlike the military or revolutionary men who dominated the power in Somalia in early and late seventies, they were civilian technocrats who joined the the "Kacaan". Also , both of them had family and friends in the higher echelons of the military government. Galaydh's cousin and friend Ahmed Suleyman Cabadalle, was not only among the top five leaders of the "Kacaan", but also married to the daughter of Siyaad Barre. He was also the Intelligence chief and the interior minister in that government. Saleebaan Dafle proved himself early as the a secret agent of Siyaad Barre, when in October/23/1969, two days after the revolution, he and his men apprehended the second group of the civilian politicains and leaders. . Among those he arrested were Addan Cabulle Osman, Sheekh Mukhtaar, Muuse Boqor and Mohamed abshir. Two days earlier October/21/1969, Prime minister Cigaal and his cabinet were already arrested. Ahmed Siilaanyo, just like Galaydh, had access to some of the powerful men of the "Kacaanka":. A fellow Burcaawi Ismaaciil Cali Abokor , was known as the most hard working among the "Kacaan". He was the Minister of Propaganda and member of the five ruling Politburo member. Ismacil, was the chairman of almost all the Committees appointed by the Kacaan to implement its agenda. Among them : Ololihii qorista af-Soomaaliga ( the campaign to write the Somali alphapet) Ololihii la dagaalanka qabyaalada( The campaign to eliminate vtriblism) Ololihii gudiga hirgelinta hantiwadaaga (he committee for the imlimentation of Socialism) Ololihii Horumarinta Shaqaalaha ( labour development and joib creation) Ololihii Hanuunta dadweynaha ( The nationalawarness propagandh of the governemt). In the early years, The Kacaan had trusted insiders who plotted the agenda of the government. They were, Siyaad Barre, Cali Samatar, Saleebaan Dafle, Cumar Xaaji Massale and Ismaaciil A abokor. Saleebaan Dafle and Ismaciil A. Abokor , both were classmates who grew up in the Sheekh town of Togdheer , and then joined the military togather. Another Cousin Ahmed Hassan Muuse was also among the leaders of the "Kacaan". In the seventies , it was normal to see four or five Eastern boys from Togdheer in the cabinet. There was times, that Siilaanyo, Ahmed Hassan Muuse, Saleebaan mohamed ( Saleebaan Gaal), and Ismaaciil A. Abokor, were all ministers in the Government. All of them cousins from Togdheer. . On the other hand, their maternal cousins from Sool and Togdheer were also among the top leaders of the Kacaan. Ahmed Saleebaan Cabdalle ( Saleebaan dafle), became not only the son ilaw of Siyaad barre, but the most powerfull intelligence chief of Somalia. Another one from Sool, C/rahman Caydiid -- who was latter assassinated by C/lahi Yusuf in Diredawa Ethiopia, after joining the opposition--- was one of the handful of Somalis who opposed Siyaad barre for ideological reasons. After Somalia abandoned the Soviet Block , A/rahman Aydeed crossed to Ethiopia to join the socialist block. He was the architect of the Scientific Socialism in Somalia. He was a die hard socialist who , Even in the early year of the revolution, didn't believed that the government socialist enough. Waa Dadkii Lagu Eedeeyey in ay Kacaanka Ka Dheereeyeen. Some documents released after the colapse of the Soviet Union and East Germany, indicate that there were power strugle among the top leaders of the Kacaan. It noted that Saleebaan Dafle was among those favoring the Saudi-American alliance to replace theGodless Soviet order in east Africa, while Cali Samtar and others favored Soviet block communism. Eventually the Son in law and his friends won the argument and the Soviet was expelled from Somalia. Infact, more than forty percent of the Military officers of the revolution that overthrew the civilian government were northern officers. i could go further to say that the most influential of the early "Kacaan" were " reer woqooyi". The Number two man of the Kacaan in 1969, was General Ahmed Cali Qorshell , the chief of Somali national police, was from Sanaag. Almost 40% of the officers who overthrew the civilian government were Reer Woqooyi. Here is the list. 1- General Ahmed Ali Qorsheel, From Sanaag. 2- General Mohamed Caynaashe, from Sanaag. 3-Colonel Ismacil A. Abokor, Sheekh, Togdheer. 4-Colonel Ahmed Suleyman cabadalle, sheekh, Togdheer 5-colonel Mohamed Cali Shire, from Laascanood. 6-Colonel Faarax Wacays duule, from Awdal 7-Colonel Ahmed Mohamuud farah, from Hargeisa. 8-Colonel Ahmed Hassan Muuse, from Burco. 9-Colonel Muuse Rabiile Good, from Boorama 10- Colonel Mohamed Cumar Jees, from Hargeisa. Then , add this group to the other civilians who took a lions share for the "Kacaan" agenda. Cumar Carte Qalib, Ibrahim Maygaag Smatar, Jaamac Rabiile Good ( he was the first government minister to abandon Siyaad Barre and become oppositionin 1975), and Mohamed Hawdaadle Madar, one of last Prime Minister of the SIyaad government in late eighties. The Northern leaders were the ones that took the agenda of the Kacaan to the forefront. Without the Propaganda , hard work and expertise of the Northerners, the Kacaan could not have succeeded in the Seventies. IN terms of culture, art and national propaganda, the Reed Woqoyi composers, poets and playwright makers were among the top of SOMALI culture during the Kacaan. Yes there were some southern composers like Yamyam and others, but they were all junions compared to the heavyweights of the north. Men like Hassan Shrek Miu min , Ali SUgulle, Mohamuud C/laahi Sangub , Said Saalax, Hadraawi, Cismaan Askari, Mohamed ALI Kariye, , Huseen Aw Faarah and many more. Among the unforgettable lyrics of the northern composers were Ali Sugule's songs to promote the writing of the Somali language and the spread heading of freedom and African nationalism. Af qalaad Aqoontu miyaa? Maya maya, mahee, Afqaalaad Aqoontu Miyaa? Maya ee Waa ninmbe EEbe intuu Gashaa Ayey Nala Tahay Anagee , ma Ogtahay dib looma abuura dadkee. And, Hobay Afikay Hurudooy , Cadow ku Heerye Huruudooy Halyeyadaadi Hurudooy , Haad baa Cunaaye Hurudooy Hama La Saraa Hurudooy, Hayaan Sidiise Hurooday La Hogaaminaaye., Duli Lamaa Hilaabtee, Away Hanaa Dadaadii. How about Huseen Aw Farah, the dean of Somali Playwright. Waaba Baryey, bilicsan, Arooryo Baxsan, Maalin Boqoran, manta nmanta manta waa malin weyne manta. I would to take this opportunity to mention Huseen Aw Faarah, was the first Somali to compose and act on " Somali Riwaayd" in 1956. long time ago, I heard him narrate how he composed the lyrics of one of his famous romantic songs called " Webiyo Isku OOman" . While in Sudan on one of his tours, he vistited the Nile river basin, where the white Nile river meets the blue Nile. Standing beside the water fall , he observed at the momemt when the waves of the two rivers meet. He said " I thought the rivers were pausing ( Hakanayaan), for few seconds before the water flows ahead, so I said " Tolow miyey Is waraysanayaan, Miyey Isdhunkanayaan", then I said " Way isku oomanaayeen oo way kala cabayaan. Webiyo isku oomani , Inay wacatameenoo Wayo badan is dooneen. These are giants of the Somali culture no one remembers today. Any way.... If you remove the talented Benadiris, the likes of Ahmed Naji, Qaasim Hilowle family, Daauud Cali Maxaf, Awcoombe, Aw Kuuke, and our own talented star Aamin Caamir and others, there is few culture or "Suugaan" left in the south. They can't create culture and tradition that lasts centuries. in other words the revolution was carried by the northern artists, technocrats and officers. There were no internet or even a television to carry out the national propaganda. National Radio ruled the day. So, What you need is group of talented men and women of Somali art and culture to lead the Kacaan awakening of the seventies. You may not believe , but even the great poet, Cabdilaahi Suldaan Timacade, lamented the slow pace of the Kacaan , by not eliminating those who were among the old order. After Siyaad Barre Arrested and killed the most influential among his comrades of the revolution in the purge of 1970, ,which shot to death three of the most prominent coup leaders, Generals Caynaanshe , General Dheel, and Colonell Salaad Gabyre, Timacade demanded that more to be done He said: Inkastoo wasiir dhib laha Jeelka lagu Dheelay OO Dhooreyaashi Sar sare Dhabarka loo jiiday Dadku Tawraduu Dhawrayaa oo wuu Dhursugayaaye Dhoobadu Halkii Ay Fadhiday Looma Dhaadhicine Dhexda Nimankii Noo Joogsaday ee Dhaxanta noo Saaray Dhiig Yacabadii lama Qaqaban Dhiiranaan Jiraye Jeero Waxay Naga Dhaceen Laga Dheemaalsho Daarahan La Dhiibsaday Ilaa laga Dhawateeyo Dhacadiidka Jeero Rag Badan Dhawda laga Saaro Jeero rag lagu Dhoogtamow Dhaaftay La Arkaayo ( Unless many are targeted for shooting) Dhunkaal shilinku jeeruu Noqdoo Dhuunta Mari Waayo Dhabaqsiga La dayn Maayo, iyo Dhiilkii la is Baraye. In this poem , Timacade is calling for more purges and elimination of the enemies of the revolution. Some school of thoughts think that Marxuum Mohamed Haji I. Cigaal was disliked by the northern elite during his reign. Some didn't like his tactics of maneuvering the corrupt southern political system, while others were political rivals whom he defeated in Somaliland before and after independence. THat is why the Northerners were the early intusiasts of the Kacaan, especially the Reer Bari. In late fifties Cigaal defeated Oomaar, C/raxman Tuur and others, to become the leader of the Somaliland. The civilian government of the sixties faced high expectations from the public in terms of jobs and unearned material gains. With less than nine years , they achieved a lot of slow but, steady progress. Poems and folklore lyrics were created to magnify their weaknesses, while the word corruption (Musuqmaasuq ), became the favorite sport. Also the rise of communism exasperated any gradual change. Among the worst things that undermined the credibility of the civilian government was, it's own foreign minister was convicted of espionage in a national court. Regardless, the Reer woqooyi carried the Kacaan. Another factor is Siyaad Barre did not trust the old order of the Southern establishment, mainly the HAG and Puntladers. When these two formed a civic organization called " manifesto", that challenged Siyaad Barre in his last days in 1990, Siyaad barre went to the airwaves and denounced them in the national Radio and said , " Kuwani ( Maanifesto), qaybna(HAG) waa Gofaneyaashii Kacaanka Ku Naaxay, Kuwa Kalena Waa Canaasiirtii ( Puntlanders) Kacaanku Dartood u Dhashay. He didn't blame SNM or any other alphabetical movements, but put the blame squarely on these two. In order to keep away these two old guards, the Reer woqoyi and other D block members were the right choice for Siyaad Barre to achieve his goals. To be continued......

Cadale. it is good new, but unless Indhacade and company complies with this agreement, all is talk. Here you are saying the Unaka are guarantors of this agreement, so make sure HG listens your Sheekh.

I think that statement is " Falaadh ku socota ragayaygan is mahadiyey. Safrez, you point is well taken.

I forget our correspondent Cawil/Deeq, who is watching for us the globe.

My Favorite Dr.kenendy, always present, logical. He is well grounded. Mooge, Talaabo, and Holac, Always present and making sOL intereting. Coofle, Dhagaxtuur, Barqaaqo, Safrez, and Gooni, measured and grounded. Nalister/Tilamook iyo Ciidan Suladdan. And the rest. By the way Nin Yaaban iyo Apophis were are you guys.

Dr.K, you are correct. It all depends facts on the ground.

Like newspapers, some Sheekhs are manufacturing news to get more audience. The problem is no one will confront the Sheikh about ant thing they say. We all afraid " in ay xerada Islaamka Inaga Saaraan, Ilayn Awood ayey u Leeyihiine"

Mooge, Waan ku Salaamay, I am also humbled by your praise. I do not deserve it. Ciidan suldaan, I never said there was freedom or democracy. We all know power rests with Tigray and others, but that is not an excuse not to develop. The Chinese are building the whole country, so the Somalis should take advantage of that development.. under the current circumstances, Somalis are doing better than before.

Soomaali Galbeed (Ogaden region), as it should be called have been one of the most back ward lands inhabited by Somalis for a long time. Before 1991, there were no universities, any the only available high schools were int Jigjiga and Diredawa.; medical clinics and hospitals were few and far between the communities. Police, civil servant and government operations were run by ethnic Amara's. Most people live in rural and small villages. They were literally occupied by the Amara dominated army. There were no running waters or electricity. Since the collapse of the Derghi government of Mengistu , Ethiopia was transformed in many different ways. Although the Tigre ruled with iron fist in terms of power , the newly adopted constitution allowed ethnic regions to govern themselves internally. The dominant Ahmara's who were running the country for 500 years were forced to rule their own region. It was a difficult arrangement for a group of people who were the governors, mayors, police chiefs, public finance administrators and all of the civil servants. The Ethiopia of yester years is gone. The Oromo's, Somalis, Danakil's (canfar) , Tigray, and others are running their own affairs. Although supreme power rests with the Addis government, there are reasonable autonomies that exist in this regions to build their communities and provide services. Jigjiga: a city rising from the west. Those who knew Jigjiga, will be pleasantly surprised the modern transformation taking place in the Capital of the Somali Region. The Kaaramardha entrance whisk was more than 15 kilometers out in the countryside is a suburb of Jijiga. The city streets are wide open, with regulated urban planning. High rise buildings are encouraged by the administration. I will discuss later the cultural aspects of the residents and people , but let me share with you what I have observed of the leader and the Zone 5 administration. Abdi Mohamed Umar ( Iley), is the undisputed President of the Somali region. He has dictatorial powers to achieve his goals. One of the first impressions of the city and the zone is that the law and order is paramount, and no one can threaten regardless of who they are. The city is one of the most peaceful and secure among the Somali speaking world. As you may have observed in the SOL pages , I was one of those who used to bad mouth or criticize Abdi Cumar for being a stooge of the ruling Tigre government of Addis. Although there are always weaknesses in the system, heavy handiness and other shortcomings in the Zone, I would like to share the major surprises that I found in Jigjiga . 1- The man , President Abdi Iley, is on a mission. He reminds me of the early years of the Kacaankii October, from 1970 to 1977, when the leadership and the military were achieving great results in terms of education, public infrastructure and enforcement. He seems to have a vision of what he wants to achieve, and he doesn't deviate from his goals. It is a Chinese cstyle of rule and developments, with great results on the ground. Like him, most of the government directors and office administrators are all young people in their twenties and early thirties. The old guard is out from the Zone 5. 2- He doesn't do useless pronouncements , he doesn't promise things that he can't deliver. When he orders for the government agencies to build a project , they must finish as they promised or heads will roll. The same goes with private contractors who are awarded to a project. almost 90% of the projects are finished within the timeframe promised by the contractor .The WiillWaal Airport of Jigjiga project was finished with less than 18 months. Most of the government buildings have all modern amenities. 3- The Somali race has became famous of constant quarrel and what we call " yooyootan", an unproductive dispute and argument than will neither conclude nor produce any result This man has no appetite for that. Few months ago he called three of the Jigjiga districts judges, who were sitting in huge backlog of cases in the court that needed to be finalised. These judges kept dragging their feet while people were waiting a verdict one way or another. He gave them warning and ordered them to speed up the cases in front of the court. Being judges, and having certain powers, they thought these warnings are the usual Somali chatter. They dragged their feet with no urgency. Then, one morning , the three judges were arrested and put in jail for negligence and incompetence. There were cries and hues from some people. " waar reerka ha u tago oo ha laga soo daayo", were heard from tribal corners and others. He ignored the cries and kept them their for a month. Then he released the three judges and instructed to heed the warning and do their job. Now every case is heard within reasonable time. 4- there were small sedan buses that take people to major cities like Addis , Diredawa and other towns , who could take about a dozen or more people. Owners of these buses overload them with both people and goods, which resulted few horrible accidents. It was always been like that. Accidents and constant delays. Next morning , he convened his transportation minister , banned the use of minivans and small sedans for human transportation. . He told private companies to bid for the contract of moving people. Those who were awarded the transport contract were told to provide huge buses with double axle and time table. These buses are exactly like the buses that transport people in north America. Now, if you want to ride a bus , everyone knows what time the bus leaves. If you miss the morning one, you must wait the afternoon. Tickets are purchased through tickets offices. Small bus owners made noise, but the travelling public is happy both for the service and safety of the new buses. When I went to Borama, in 2011, the landcruisers that depart to Djibouti will come to the bus stand around 9am , in the morning. They will stay there all day. they may even tell you to go home and come back late afternoon. After sitting there all day , they will depart at 5pm. No scheduale or organized time table. 5- Downtown Jigjiga is thriving. The local government is encouraging the diaspora members and others to take up land in downtown for modern buildings and new developments. The shanty town or the slams in the downtown were burned few years ago. Some people say the government itself burned these rundown zones in order to make way for a new Jigjiga. The government is investigating for the cause. Regardless of who is responsible for the fire, wide four lane streets are passing through downtown Jigjiga, another five lane street connects the town to the main high way going to Harar and beyond. Unlike most Somali cities, everything is being built follows modern urban planning. The national budjet of the Zone five rose from $80 million dollars from 2007 to $245 million in 2013. Among these almost $50 million was the portions of the Zone from the direct foreign aid Addis Ethiopia received from the international donors. The government started copying from the way the Tigray and other developed region invest and finance theoir regions. National banks have opened branches in Jigjiga. Credible organized companies could get loans from these banks. Threre are exlusive ecomomic zones that are encouraged for development and loans. Diaspora members are attracted and cheap land could be given for those who have plans and assets. Some of the legacies of former dictator Meles Zanawi is the whole country is surrounded by a huge ring road built by the Chinese. This huge, Twenty thousand kilometres asphalt high way circling the country like a ring road, starts from the Djibouti border to Addis, to the Tigray capital of Mekele and beyond; then passes Tana river and the great dam being built by Ethiopia , all the way from the western borders of Sudan. It passes the Sidamo farmland of southern Ethiopia , and ends to JIgjiga and beyond to Wajaalle. . Electricity is also reaching far flanks of the country. Almost all small Somali inhabited villages of the Zone five have cheap electricity. 6- Jigjiga was always famous about local crooks and spies who made money from travelrs and others who passes the city for either business or just visiting. There was a saying " Jigjiga Ayuu ka Yimid Iyo Wuu Fiican Yahay Kala Daa". People were arrested for being accused of pro independent, or just an outsider who doesn't have relative. So, in order to be save your self from these " Dilaaliin", you must pay the local " mukhals " his " Khat", before he goes to the Ahmara or Tigre authority. That character , didn't disappear from yet. Anyone can accuse you to be Al-shabab sympathizer , ONLF or just somebody who isn't chewing khat and not comforting their way. That is probably the biggest threat that discourages people for visiting here. 7- President Abdi Iley, got fifty thousand strong paramilitary police called " Liyuu police". These are well trained police who are both effective and ruthless.. They are controlled by the President himself, and people fear them. They are every where in terms of policing and confronting insurgencies. In terms of counter insurgency, they are mostly active in hinterlands of oogo, the Long foot countryside. In conversations that I had with people, the ONLF threat is disappearing. Many of it's former members are incorporated within the system, while development and government services are reducing the sympathy of the locals have for ONLF. I do not think The ONLF, will be effective in this environment to achieve the goals of the people, which is progress and development, instead they should concentrate in advocacy and lobbying rather than take the gun and hinder development. 8- The 5 Zone is huge in terms of land mass , it has both agriculture, grazing land and rich natural recourses. Every Somali clan community could be found in this huge land. Jigjiga is a Somali town of different people.. There is a larger Awdal community who live in the zone 5, than the one living in Djibouti or Somaliland. DireDawa, once the largest Somali inhabited city is now a federal town. A large Oromo population settled while Somalis disappeared to Djibouti and other places. 9- The Long Foot Community effect: as I said the Zone 5 is multi clan region where Somalis from every clan can be found. There are also Somalis who became Oromo by culture, but hail from different clans. It is really hard to exactly say which one is the largest. The D...R community is probably the largest if you combine them. Any way, the Long Foot community seem to be the most active, both politically and regionally. Also, the huge effect of the ONLF could not be discounted. Among the large Somali tribes who reside the region, they are the ones who took up arms against the Meles government. Having said that, if you barely know how huge and diverse this region is, there are no Somali clan or clan family that can dominate both the political life and future of these region. Look , in this vast land of Somali Galbeed , " Kaadi Baan U soo Cabnay" will not work. In order to prosper, everyone must cooperate with one another. Although the Long Foot community dominate the government, they are also by far, the largest members of the people who are jailed, charged and persecuted for suppressive and other crimes. Most of the people targeted and mistreated by the Liyu Police are them. This month , the President pardoned large number of prisoners from the Jigjiga jail. They were about 2000 people both men and women, 80% of them were long Foot community. President Cabdi Cumar doesn't tolerate " Odayaal iyo Suldaano", in terms of running the government. They have Zero influence. They do not have big roles determining projects or law enforcement. Yet just like Mogadishu in the eighties and Hargeisa today, there are large unemployed " Oday Dhaqameed" sipping tea in Jigjiga hotels doing nothing other than gossip and useless chatter. The Long Foot community dominate government operations, and if you want things done , you must pass through them. Also there are other Somali clan members who are also well connected. In terms of projects he chooses those who are capable and credible. He gives contract's those who have proven to be hard working and operating like a company. I spent about a week and was unable to visit outside Jigjiga because of time constrains , but I conclude by saying that the main reason people tolerate tribal imbalance and other misdeeds of the government in the Zone is, service is delivered to the villages and towns. The system is responding to peoples demand of service, security and development. If this man Abdi Cumar rules another five years in the Zone 5 , he could definitely transform the region from poor undeveloped rural land to a thriving Somali state with a great potential to surpass many of the so called Somali regional governments. This benevolent dictator, with no non sense style of doing business , is what Somalis of this region need at this moment of history. Guys, I am not exaggerating , Somali Galbeed is rising.

I agree with you on one thing. Somaliland will not gain any thing on chasing Galaydh. He would probably leave the little village and do speeches in the diaspora. This man was the former Prime minister of Somalia. he challenged Ethiopia to respect the Somali territorial sovereignty. In 2012, He was aspiring to be the parliament speaker. fast forward 2014. He was fighting with Hassan Sheekh, he was fighting with Puntland under Faroole, and now he is fighting SomaliLAND CROWNING HIMSELF in a small village. I think he fallen on a trap, orchestrated by people who want to reduce him as tribal leader lost in Sool. It is okay to lead your clan, but first gain their support. Hassan Sheekh and the government must stop the HAG militia attaching the people of Shabeelaha Hoose, before they can fix the Saxahewer issue. Mr Nicolas Kay must save the people of Marka before creating new instabilities. If he is the leader, where are his people. I could go to a village and proclaim my self a president. His Garads are sitting in Garoowe and Hargeisa.

He is destabilization the region . since when one single province(Sool), can form a federal state. it must be two or more provinces to qualify. I do not think Somalioland is intended to occupy or force people without their consent. Look at Buuhoodle town, the Garaad community marches with their armored vehicles and their militia without interference. If people of Buuhoodle do not want SOMALILAND , THEY ARE LEFT ALONE. If the Somaliland aRMY want to take over Buuhoodle, it won't take half a day to defeat the militia and control it. So, the issue is not about occupation or forcing people. If militia,and guns are introduced in a divided province, that will destabilize Somalland. If Galaydh have the support of his community , he should go to Laascaanood. The so called international community can't set up a region in a dusty village while so many actors are rooming the land. Rather than crown himself, he should reconcile with his community.

I think it is Cali Galaydh who is becoming rogue. He is destroying the credibility of the Sool community. This is the second time he has been chased from this little dusty village at the Ethiopian border. If he has the Support of Reer Sool, why not go to Taleex or Laascaanood. The big players of his Community are either in Hargeisa or Garoowe. This is the work of one man who is unable to understand the political realities on the ground. The man cannot even grasp the political reality. if he cant set foot the historical town of Taleex or his Communities biggest city, Laascaanood, That means he couldn't build any meaningful reconciliation or coalition among the his clan. If you look the pictures of Saxadheer, there wasnt even a hall to hold a meeting. By the way his cousin Xaglatoosiye and friends are the ones chasing Galaydh. This is a sham. with all of Sool he chose a dusty village in order to sneak in to Ethiopia. before he crowns himself a king, he must do the painstaking leg work of reconciling his clan.A usual , for him it is a short cut for power. By the way Punt land is applauding this move by Somalland. They refused the idea of Galaydh holding his Shir in Taleex.

Malister, The government should be on the offensives instead of reacting to the al-shabaab actions. This will disrupt their plans, and they will be spending their time hiding. This the first time for two years that Al shabaab is feeling the heat. Please keep the pressure

Oday, it was 2011. I thought you were travelling right now. It is okay though. keep righting. It is always interesting that you notice little things the avarage Qurbajoog Isagu Tamashlaynaya ee aan u fiirsanayn noloshooda.

Oday, thanks for sharing. How come I just saw this thread today?. , I saw your Dubai stopover but nothing else until now. I just saw your recent posts Diy Especially the last posts of your Travel from Hargeysa to Burco. The life of the villages are exactly as you described. These people in the villages and the rural dwellers have the most valuable commodity in Somaliland, but , they are reduced to poor and beggars. There is no mechanism to transform their commodities, like livestock. Their meat is wasted after a day or two in the village market. We may all hate to compare to advanced countries, but it could be improved. I used to buy goat, sheep and cow meat from the countryside in small Canadian rural communities. This were small size family owned rural breeders. In order to maximize their selling power, the surrounding communities held an auction every two weeks. Auction sales are final and they could take their money within days. Rather than take the few cows or goats to market and spend time. Back home a single goat sells $75 dollars. That is a lot of money for poor villager. A camel she sells about $1200 dollars. That is a series money. They need a government who can understand their potential. A government that develops plans to change their ways of life. This is the same life pattern for last hundred years. In the early eighties I saw some Burcaw carry knifes, but , Ilaah baan kugu dhariye ma waaax leedahay reer burco 2014 ayey Toori masaajid la galayaan. I think you must joking, right?. The Sparo That I saw in 2011, were mostly when entering a town. From Hargeisa to Borama, I saw one in Gabiley, Kalabaydh, Dilla and Borama. WE were riding in a landcruiser, and the police at check point, just glanced inside the car and waved to us without asking any money, but in some instances, they may ask the "duco: as you stated. Also, inside Hargeisa, at night I saw some random checkpoints in "shacabka", were top leaders live, the police, will stop you , greet you , glance the contents and you go. Infact , it reassured us that someone is minding the streets in the constant threat of Al-shabaab. On the Villages between Bernera and Burco, you are correct. As you leave Berbera, there is one under the c" buurta sheekh", as soon as you leave the summit of Sheekh mountain , you come to Sheekh town. Except the mountain the distance is small. Also travelling from Hargeysa to Burco on the unpaved road, there was a village called " Go'a, not much villages. It is true , as soon as you leave Burco to Garoowe, there is plenty of villages from Beer to Caynabo town, Oog, Yagoori and many others. Is it me or I rarely see Puntlanders going home. They may go to Nairobi or Dubai. Oday Garoowe iyo Gaalkacayo miyaad gaadhaysaa.

MMA, that means if the threat of Al-shabaab goes down Yalaxow and company will speak again. Dr. K, there more than 60 private warlords with militia. If XASAn Sheekh eliminates these groups within the next two years, that ould e a success to build on for the next President. Hubka halaga dhigo

The Al-shabaab threat will be eliminated or reduced in due course, but will not disappear totally from Somali inhabited regions. Many of us believe that there were a national security threat within the borders of Somalia caused by both neighboring countries and non state actors inside Somalia. Even before the appearance of al-shabaab in Somalia 2007, there were assassinations and targeted killing of the Somali intelligentsia. High profile people many of them former high ranking members of the Somali military were murdered in Mogadishu. Many of them after performing their daily salah in local mosques. That thread and the targeted killings still continue. For the past 12 month, among those targeted were some of the most able outspoken and genuine Somalis who were inside the Parliament. People who visit Mogadishu will tell you that there are many non state actors who are involved in these killings. Also the business activity of these non state actors are connected to arms dealings . People are getting rich because of the insecurity, while the larger public and the innocents are suffering. Among the players are : 1- There are hitmen in Mogadishu who could be rented with little money just like the mafia to assassinate people. 2- there are common criminals who could also used to kill, transport weapons, hide or spy on targets with few dollars. 3-Al-shabaab is the only non state actors who open about their business. 4- Tribally motivated killing to silence political rivals or property disputes. Most of these kind of killings are committed by the Warlords or militia connected to them. 5- Arm dealers. THese military industrial complex group are both in the security apparatus and business community. An AK47 or American M16 machine gun sells about $1000 dollars in the market. Criminals penly shoot soldiers to steal their guns and sell in the open market abut $700 dollars. 6-Privately controlled militia owned either by former warlords, politicians and businessmen. Directly or indirectly , they provide almost all the private security guards that protect the foreign NGO in Mogadishu and south central Somalia. For them a lasting peace is a constant threat of their survival. THey claim that they are keeping these private militia and arms for their protection. That is bold faced lie. No Al-shabaab military cell will be storming the house of a warlord. They can have one or two security details. For the interest of the people Mogadishu who have suffered more than anyone else on the hands of these warlords, they deserve better. I can't imagine people some of them SOL residents condoning warlordism and clan militia in 2014. All those involved selling arms must be watched , arrested and their business closed. Movements of small arms should be restricted. If the voice of the warlords and their sympathizers grows larger, remember Mr President, that means you are doing something right. Furthermore, I have nothing to say those who in their twisted minds or in sinister ways believe that the government is disarming those who are fighting Al-shabaab. That is a non starter debate. What we know is Terrorism , warlordism and violence comes from the inability of the state to control non state actors. Al-shabaab always takes advantage in anarchy. That is why it is hard for them to operate in Hargeisa. " ma jiraan cid ay ku soo dhex dhuumanayaan ama maremarsiiyo iyo ntuhun la leeyahay hebel oo mucaarad ah ayaa malaha ka dambeeya". Targeting private militia is the best news since 2006, when the Islamic courts eliminated the threat of warlordism. I would like to suggest to the government spokesman for the government in SOL Mr. Malister to set up a website and spread the word. So far it seems large segment of them are following warlords like Waagacusub and others who would like the insecurity to continue.

Mr. Malister, War wanaagsan baad sheegaysaa. They must be disarmed. Whether they are warlords, former strongmen or politicians. Anyone can use these illegal weapons for so many different reasons. Te threat against peace is not coming only from.Al-shabaab No excuse. Reel hebel baa hub laga dhigayaa iyo waxaas. Kan isku sheegaya gudoomiyaha xisbiga nabada ee hadana difaacaya warlordhada, Mr. Célaahi sheekh Hassan is done as a politician. Qaylada ha badato. keep cleaning the .

That is smart. let them deposit in the bank. Che, the sin tax will come. I am not talking about alcohol, but Khat and cigarette. Here in Canada, 65% of value of the cigarette is tax. So he may bring that too.

Baarwaaqo, ina addeer waad mahadsan tahay. Aniga iyo adigu waxaynu nahay Somalilanders raba in ay Soomaali hagaajiyaan. waan kugu soo dari doonaa xisbigaygee sidaa ula soco.

I apologize for the errors. I think if implemented it could bring millions to Puntland treasury. C/weli knows taxation is the key. Mooge, I agree. these Ngo must pay. Every million they spend will be taxed. Their salaries must be taxed.. That is where the money is. I think this C/weli guy is proactiv. introducing new ideas is essential. That is why Somaliland must get rid of the old guard and get new modern leaders.